How did we end up in November?

To start, I love Anderson Cooper 360's Ridiculist. Just my personal opinion.

Anyhow, I've been trying my best to enjoy my days off, but between the arrival of 25 baby chicks and a really bad recurring case of insomnia, it's been a tad difficult. However, there have been some good points, such as spending time with Robby and playing Modern Warfare 3 on a 30 foot movie theater screen.

Yes, I played Modern Warfare 3 on a movie theater screen. Be envious. Man, could you imagine Skyrim on that? but I digress.

So to start, my mom received her order of baby chicks yesterday. Don't get me wrong, they're incredibly adorable, but they're somewhat high maintenance. It also doesn't help that they're sharing the room with very angry jealous adult chickens. For those that don't know, if the chicks aren't with their mom, it's not like another chicken will adopt them. They'll eat them. There's a reason that chickens are reminiscent of velociraptors.

The odd colored one on the far left has been dubbed Hernando Cortez. Hey, at least the chickens have original names here.

Anyhow, to the second point, I saw the boyfriend for the first extended period of time since September the other day. That's pretty demented, I'll even say that. However, it wasn't from a lack of trying, our schedules just did not mesh. but it was nice to see him, I will say that.

And sidenote, how in God's name did we get to the end of November? The idea of Thanksgiving on Thursday is blowing my mind, so in a way, I'm happy that I'm working that day. Time is just flying by too fast. My seasonal clock is back in April, even with it snowing outside right now. Before you know it, the 2012 end-of-the-world parties will be around the corner.

I really hope I'm not the only one who feels this way. Maybe the whole not sleeping thing is affecting my brain negatively. However, I have been mildly productive during my sleepless nights:

I've been reading "The World Is Flat" by Thomas Friedman. And it's making me want to take as much Chinese as possible, since America is not making good life choices. Sorry, pizza is NOT a vegetable.

I've used gift cards that I've been hoarding. So I got a perfume sampler pack from Sephora, since living in the boonies limits your scent options...you know there will be a blog post on that, c'mon.

And, I've been looking at internships. If I could get one at MSNBC or CNN, that would be amazing. I just have to be back at Plymouth...so that's in the pipeline for the summer potentially. Of course, that would probably mean that I'd have to watch what I write, which would kind of be sad. But still, the opportunity would be amazing.

Anyhow, I am going to attempt to sleep tonight and I need to get pellets for the stove. But, I leave you with a cute animal picture to ponder.

Pinot Grigio and Sleep Deprivation...Great combination for Blogging!

Howdy everyone, happy weekend!

Hope everyone had a great Friday. I spent it waiting on fundamental christians. They were nice and tipped well...but they were dissing me every 5 seconds with their whole "Catholics don't believe in Christ" crap. Oh well, if you smile and bear it, they love you and tip well...Hell yeah, cheers to milking the system.

But anyhow, I made money, and that's something good, considering I need to bank moola...for things..and stuff...and coffee...god, I need coffee in my life. But for the most part, I need money for school...and it won't be UMass.

That's right folks, I told UMass Amherst no thanks. I mean, when the cost of attendance it close to $40,000 a year, that's a hefty risk to potentially not have a job when I graduate...and owe over $100,000 in loans.

Yeah, screw that shit.

So, that being said, it looks like I'll be going back to Plymouth in the spring, albeit not living in Plymouth. I'll be commuting from Lancaster, at least for one semester(don't be hating, I like making money, free rent and good food). After that, Plymouth will be getting my presence on a pretty permanent basis.

Anyhow, I can see that the quality of my writing is hitting the shitter, so with that, I bid you all a goodnight...and remember, if you smile and act overbearingly happy, people will love you and pay you...Damn, that almost sounds like the racket prostitutes have...

All Hallow's Eve...or, Dentists' Christmas

Hey everyone,

Happy Halloween, I hope you're having an enjoyable one so far. At the moment, I am dodging little kids by dropping on my living room floor. It's kinda like Sarajevo in the 1990s in this joint. Okay I know, we should have candy. Things got a bit crazy between work schedules and what not. Besides, I'm not giving them crappy candy, good candy is hard to find in rural NH. But in any case, it should be over soon enough, and there's enough candy in town to speed up childhood obesity without our help.

Besides, I have enough people who want me to go out tonight...and I don't even have a damn costume. Yeah, that's right, I did not plan on having on because I thought I would be working. Such is life. And don't even think I'd do "sexy nurse" or "sexy cop." First off, they're cheapo costumes and are overdone. Second, I like classy costumes, not slutty costumes. If I want to look slutty, I'll go to a street corner and make some money. Otherwise, give me an original or well done classic costume.

You all must think I hate Halloween. I really don't, I just didn't have time to plan for it this year. It also doesn't help that the nearest places for parties are over 20 miles away, and those are at bars, so...bad combination right there. In any case, we'll see what happens, maybe things will pan out and be freakin' awesome.

However, I am planning an adventure to Plymouth tomorrow, so I can't be out til 3:30 am. Yeah, that's right Plymouth, you've got me for a few hours tomorrow. Let's see what happens, shall we?

Snow in the North Country

Happy Thursday Night, Everyone.

It's a snowy night tonight, and I don't even have to look out the window. All I have to do is look at my dogs going nuts and that's my sign. Considering it's October, it's a bit demented, in my personal opinion.

So, if you can't tell, it's my day off today. If you were looking for something entertaining to read, you may not get it. My life is boring. I mean, hell, the most exciting thing that happened at work this week is that I spilled a beer on a guy. And it was a brown ale. Yet, I still got a 25% tip. Yep, that's the size of it.

Except I did finally get my driver's license today, which took damn long enough. Yes, for those of you that didn't know, I didn't have a license before the age of 23. Why? Because I had issues people. I don't think it helped that I failed the written test the first time around and I felt incompetent for the longest time. Besides, who likes paying for gas? And to whoever lives in Germany who reads this blog: Don't think this is normal. It's not. And yeah, I know you read this...I see you... In a way. Not really. But you get the gist. I'm watching you...

However, I am so grateful to have that freedom now. I can go pick up stuff by myself. I can go visit friends. I can go on road trips...I can run away...I can plot political initiatives...I can rule the world... I can do ANYTHING. Muhahahahahaha!

But, anyhow, I digress and sadly need to go to bed as I work early tomorrow. However, next time on "Daily Travels Through Life" : Hear about how I almost failed the road test! And how my mom is still freaked out about me driving! You won't want to miss it!

Watching The CNN GOP Debate...Yep, Sums Up My Night

Evening everyone,

I'm watching the debate right now, and I've come to this conclusion: We're screwed if any of these people get into office. Could you imagine diplomatic talks with them? Or even family chats...oh geez. I mean, if there were more moderate republicans on that stage, maybe I'd have more tolerance. But if this is the best we have, none of them are getting my vote.

Anyhow, not much is new in my life, outside of the fact that I had waited on an amazing couple tonight. They were an older couple from Maine, and they were celebrating her birthday. And they were academics too, which was AMAZING. Compare that to my previous table, who happened to be occupied by angry Texans.

If you can't tell that I miss college environments, well, here's your sign. However, I'll freely admit I don't miss the GPA stuff...kinda took the fun out of learning. But, I am about to start a writing class online via UNH, so at least then I'll be entertained. You know what that means? This blog becomes my guinea pig. Be prepared everyone for what will ensue.

And I just heard Rick Perry say Nuke-u-lar...Dear God. With that, I'm gonna whip up an alcoholic beverage and call it a night. Besides, I'm just ranting here like a Zulu Shaman, or an insanely tired person...or something...yeah, we'll go with that.

Waka Waka, I'm Alive!

Hello Folks,

Sorry for the lack of communication over the past month. Life has been a bit off-kilter, as was indicated by my last post. However, life is starting to become routine, which in a way is a good and bad thing. And be warned, I'm running on adrenaline, so this post will most likely have no structure at all.

First off, instead of studying my life away, I have gotten a job as a server at the Mount Washington Hotel (Yay, I'm not a statistic!). Some of you may say "But Anastasia, waitresses don't make a lot of money! How will that work?"

Easy, I work in a restaurant that serves Filet Mignon, $35 T-Bone steak, and very expensive alcohol. Gratuities are an awesome thing at times. Follow the rich people, and you will get the money they throw away on stuff that the rest of us would not even consider. Is it easy? At times no, I will admit (think of 12 hour days and angry rich people who expect everything on a platter. Like the guy yesterday who ordered me to make a Mocha Chai Latte...You get my point).
However, I do like my co-workers, and the job does have benefits. Aw yeah, guess who's getting a 401k soon?

In regards to my personal life, it's still really screwed up. I think it would make Charlie Sheen seem normal. Except he's definitely no "Vatican Assassin". If he's one of those, then I'm a Kardashian. But I digress. Mom is still sick, however, she did get a camera implanted in her esophagus so it could take pictures. That's pretty sweet. But otherwise, she's doing alright. And as for a social life? Hahahahaa....ha. That's going to be an interesting proposition. At least I have time to watch the Republican debates. And you know what I've discovered? Herman Cain's catchphrase is 'I believe...' That's great you believe. I believe in the Easter Bunny.What do you know as fact? I know some people believe in God, but that's not why they should run for president. Just saying. Watch next time you see him on the TV. You'll see what I mean.

But, I just wanted to check in, and say hi to the world. And don't you worry...we're going from stories of helicopter parents to crazy tourists. Things will get entertaining, I promise.

Well...This Sucks

Hey Everyone, hope you're all doing well. However, I hope the title has given you some warning, though.

So, I'm writing late at night. Which could be a good or bad thing. We'll find out soon enough.

Anyhow, it's been a while since I've written. I keep saying that I'll get better at it, but let's face it, I'm more attention deficit than a goldfish. I'm distracted by food and shiny things. As of late though, I've been missing my ADD. But it's not because I'm on Ritalin or anything like that. More important things have occupied my time.

Since my Mom has been sick, I've needed to leave my job at the HUB, much earlier than I had expected. While her surgery went well, a lot of underlying medical conditions have flared up. This has somewhat put her out of commission. However, this could not have happened at a worse time. The reason I say that is because she is a small business owner, who happened to have taken a hard hit with the economic downturn. When she can't work, the household cannot make money, and the bills fall on my Dad. He is already working two jobs, and considering he's 57, he can't do it all anymore. So...I'll be honest, my parents are kinda struggling, and they definitely need help. And I really can't allow that to happen in my mind.

Another thing that has plagued my mind is the ineptitude of the UMass Amherst Financial Aid Department to get it together. First, I'm promised most of my money for school. Then, they hold up my aid package for 6 weeks so they could "verify" me. I finally got an idea for my aid package at the end of July. And the Bursar bill was due two weeks later. So, my Dad applies for the Direct Plus loan, since UMass tells me I'm short $18,000. Yeah, That was a kick to the rhetorical nuts. But, it gets better.
When my Dad applied for the Direct Plus, the University accepted it, and I thought I was all set, since it covered the cost of attendance. Well...the federal government told us that it was not approved, and that I only got $5,000 out of the deal.

Well, then I was told to apply for private loans. I did. But, I needed a co-signer (or two) to apply for the loans, as a 690 credit score was not good enough to apply for one on my own. For most people this is not a problem, but when everyone in your family has crappier credit than you, it's a big ass problem.

My Dad at this point is dealing with financial aid, as I'm nearly having veins explode out of my forehead (think Klingon). After dealing with a (insert politically incorrect slur here) student worker who refused to transfer the call, my parents call the Bursar's Office today (I never thought I would ever say this, but they've been the nicer people to work with in this whole debacle. And they're the money collectors). While they definitely tried to help, they were quite honest: since the funding had been cut and alumni donations had not met expectations, students were not getting the money they deserved, and the University couldn't provide for it. They could only offer two options: Find a co-signer, or do a payment plan of $1,200 a month.

Considering that my parents already have it really tight, I couldn't let them to do a payment plan of $1,200. I think Wells Fargo and the power company would like to get paid. And there are a select few people I would even consider asking to co-sign. Hell, my sister co-signed for a loan last year for me. The only reason I was able to deal with it was because it had an option to start paying it off while in school. And as of next month, she'll be released from the responsibility of being a co-signer. Let's put it this way: I don't like borrowing things from people. Then I feel like I owe them something. Don't ask, it's a pet peeve of mine.

So, as of today, I put my college career on hold. I can't afford to go to school right now, it's evident. Besides, I'd like to help the people who raised me. I can't allow my mom to go out to a chicken coop when she should be resting and healing (even though I think she'll do what she wants).

So...I think the title of this post is self-explanatory. I mean, I only figure out  two weeks out from move-in that I'm not going to school. I think other people would be pissed too.  Then again, it's better I found out now. All I have to say is God Bless the people who have to leave for medical reasons halfway through the semester. I don't know how they deal with it.

However, I'm trying to look on the bright side of things. Here's a list:

1. I get a bit of a break.
2. I can help Mom with the business (I always helped her with design development and sales...Half of that involves playing with fire)
3. Since the business is reliant on travel, I'll be traveling a lot more, which is actually something I've been dying to do.
 
Yet in any case, this was not planned. I wouldn't be talking about the whole transferring thing otherwise. But, it happened, and all I can do is roll with it.

You know what? I'm ending this entry with a quote from a hobbit. It's a bit happier than the post itself and it's somewhat fitting about how crazy life can get. Besides, it fits my fancy right about now.


"It's a dangerous business, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no telling where you might be swept off to." - Bilbo Baggins