downside of responsibilities

Zulu + Beer = Love, originally uploaded by Shelby Nycole.

At least someone's enjoying their night...
Back to my presentation.
I can't wait until this chaos is over!!


Gems:
starting observations
time for a quick nap
balancing my life
feeling on track
making dates

enticing trinkets and baubles

Trapped (365/63), originally uploaded by Jordan Kiley.

All I really had to do today was get to work on the presentation I'm giving wednesday... and yet again, I have allowed myself to be distracted instead of productive. I wish I had done it all... then I wouldn't feel so guilty for wanting a nap. Lame. There are some AWESOME things online for Cyber Monday... Christmas present worthy. :)


Gems:
9 more days
surfing
found trinkets
accessories
surprises

worker trampled to death by black friday shoppers

Jingle belt..., originally uploaded by ArTeTeTrA [ArTe e TeTrA SoLo a TrAtTi].

Wal-Mart Worker Trampled to Death by Frenzied Black Friday Shoppers, by Stephanie Rosenbloom
In a sign of consumer desperation amid a bleak economy, the annual rite of retailing known as Black Friday turned chaotic and deadly, as shoppers scrambled for holiday bargains.
A Wal-Mart worker on Long Island, N.Y., died after being trampled by customers who broke through the doors early Friday, and other workers were trampled as they tried to rescue the man. At least four other people, including a woman who was eight months pregnant, were taken to hospitals.
Fights and injuries occurred elsewhere at other stores operated by Wal-Mart, the nation's leading discount chain, which is one of the few retailers thriving in the current economy.
Meanwhile, two men at a crowded Toys "R" Us in Palm Desert, Calif., pulled guns and shot each other to death after women with them brawled, witnesses said. The company released a statement late Friday saying the deaths were related to a personal dispute and not Black Friday shopping.
Many other retailers appeared to have fewer customers than usual the day after Thanksgiving, typically one of the busiest shopping days of the year. Merchants call it Black Friday because in the past, it was when many retailers went into the black, or turned profitable, for the year.
While tussles and even broken bones are common when the doors open on Black Friday, this is apparently the first time someone was killed in the stampede. For some consumer psychologists, the mad scramble was a sign of the times.

[more of this article at The Seattle Times]
[News Clip about the trampled employee]

This all makes me very sad... Is it THAT important to buy gifts?! Greg and I have decided to simply make our Christmas gifts this year. I don't know if it will save too much money because we need materials to create, but we're determined to make it happen. I guess it's my way of mourning for the people lost. :(




Gems:
sleeping in
leftover foods
finishing the series
dinner with the family
making plans with Greg

my heart is just about to burst

day two nineteen. i almost gave up., originally uploaded by ::reflecting truth::.

Just when I thought that the weekend couldn't get any better, I was proven wrong again. I had an amazing night of sleep, got up early, had breakfast, read the book for several hours, met up with Veronica, saw Twilight, stopped by Charlotte Russe (new jacket and new shoes), ate at Seau's, drove to Greg's, completed our Christmas song, and watched Newsies. What more could a girl ask for?! :D


Gems:
sweet dreams
friends
teen drama
oldies
making music

i want to hold his hand forever

To have and to hold, originally uploaded by Tracie Taylor Photography.

Seeing Lauren and getting spend so much time with her today has really been wonderful! We first went out with the boys to dinner and now we are watching Enchanted (after the hours of girl talk!). It as always nice to catch up and share advice about the different things ahead of us. I love having Lauren in my life... we don't have to worry about our embarrassing questions or awkward moments. It's wonderful and I'm so blessed to have her in my life! Thank you, God!


Gems:
late nights
time to read
lunch with Greg
double dating
girl talk

to Him, I give so many thanks

weeping wheat, originally uploaded by cybele malinowski.

It was a wonderful day today. I was even able to eat, so I'm happy. Heh. Greg felt right at home with my family... again... more so. It was a truly wonderful day, with wonderful people, and I loved every second of it! My dad even voiced his appreciation for the Thanksgiving decorations and how artistic I have been lately. It warmed my heart to hear it. God has blessed me with SO much and I am so eager to experience all that is still to come! :D


Gems:
productive mornings
creative decorations
receiving the final book
seeing Lauren & Chris
time with loved ones

again

Out Sick Today, originally uploaded by pixieclipx.

I can barely breathe.
That's what I get for thinking I can eat normal food again.


Gems:
skipping class
reading
time for a shower
dancing
finishing Eclipse! :D

i'm just going to give up now

Eclipse, originally uploaded by mkvanderlofske.

I've been trying to get schoolwork done and hoping that I might start to feel better... No luck. So, I'm giving up and going back to my book. I have only one more day to get better before Thanksgiving. I don't want it to screw that day up too!!


Gems:
great sleep
eating
skipped classes
submitted homework
another day to heal

sick

[294/366] Sick, originally uploaded by perkyNbLue.

sick


Gems:
still alive
helpful roommate
getting sleep
finishing another book
loving boyfriend

the addiction grows deeper still

[293/366] The New Moon, originally uploaded by perkyNbLue.

I just can't get enough of these books. Finished the first book at 4am, went to sleep, woke up at 11am, and started reading the second book. I am now half-way through and SO glad that it's not so late that I HAVE to go to bed. I am already bummed that it will end in another two and a half books. Oh well. Some things must end... Not everything can last forever.


Gems:
accomplishment
addictions
confessions
prayer
unconditional love

i didn't ask for this hot body!!

toilet cue, originally uploaded by cybele malinowski.

Watched a bunch of HORRIBLE actresses on tv with Greg tonight. It's really hilarious to hear the things that some of them say about the "reality" of their lives. I couldn't believe it really. On the New BFF show, a girl told Paris that she had been cursed with the beauty she possessed and now suffers because of it. Too classic... and yet... so sad. :(


Gems:
late night reading
finally getting sleep
lunch with Candace
dancing by the bay
bad tv with Greg

we're just like this: cuddle-ish

cuddle-ish, originally uploaded by ya7obeelk.

After an awkward week of weird moods and meaningless quarrels, Greg and I were able to rekindle our affection for each other on the dance floor. It has been an amazing two night of dancing and I wouldn't have it any other way! I love this boy and I love that he love me! Thanksgiving next week. I'm pumped! Lots to be thankful... Even Lauren is coming down with Chris! YEAH!!


Gems:
children
Twilight
surprises
diligence
DANCING!

i just caught the twilight fever

[289/366] The Twilight Consumes, originally uploaded by perkyNbLue.

I listened to the first chapter for free last week on itunes and started reading it the other night. It's really pretty interesting, but I don't want to see the movie until I finish it... Too bad the premiere starts NOW!!

I'm late for everything.


Gems:
slow morning
technology distance
soothing showers
the Best coffee specials
reconnecting

just how many gifts have you?

Hey darling!, originally uploaded by { B a r c a <3.

As it gets closer and closer to the Christmas season, I still remain adamant against my Christmas decorating before Thanksgiving. Even though I love seeing the tree, all the reds and greens, and other trinkets I have collected over the years, it just wouldn't seem right to start the fever before I have spent the day focused on thanking those that have done so much for me. However, I am trying to get ahead with Christmas gifts as best I can!

I might be busting out my Christmas cards and start filling those out so I can send it when it becomes time. I have some gifts for family, plans for other homemade gifts, but I'm stuck with one major problem. Greg. What the heck are you supposed to get a boy (who's not your dad) for Christmas. I've never had to do this before. I have thought about several different things, but everything seems either too much or not enough or just weird (which he might actually appreciate). I guess I better get thinking... He made a poop joke today... I need to top it. :)


Gems:
holidays
dresses
technology
NAPS!!
God's unending love

you feel God's many blessings?

Pursuit, originally uploaded by Diana Pinto.

He may be cranky today, but I am so blessed to have him!
Love you, Gregory.


Gems:
staying up late
sleeping in
library hunting
winter season
feeling blessed

family sharing meals together

BBQ Chicken Pizza, originally uploaded by Sutanto.

Had a wonderful day with my sister today. After our classes, we met up and had a lovely meal at Sammy's. Water and soda for drinks, pita bread and hummus for an appetizer, and BBQ chicken pizza as our shared entree. If you haven't tried Sammy's pizza yet, get on it!

Love you, sis.


Gems:
sister
boyfriend
wedding dresses
auntie texting
music

can we call today a sick day?

Sick Day, originally uploaded by ex.libris.

I just want to stay inside, watch videos, eat spaghetti-o's, and rest. It's either my medication or the lack of activity that's got me feeling so tired. I really can't stand it. I feel quite useless. Greg and I recorded and sent in our Christmas song last night. It was an exciting endeavor and I'm just hoping my sister and I have the chance to put a song together as well. Now, back to my meaningless existence.


Gems:
Lil feeling better
invisibility
pringles for breakfast
showers
more homemade goodness

are ya ready for the jiggity jig?

Charlieheadphones2, originally uploaded by your_cherry_bomb.

Greg's artistic juices are flowin' and he's getting tons done.
I'm so proud and excited to be a part of it!!

p.s. Ninja Warrior is an interesting show.


Gems:
my day of rest!
healing ankle
homemade food
making music
cuddly boyfriend

i can be good.. but don't wanna

the end, originally uploaded by nurseynicole.

The internet is my friend and my worst enemy.
Got nothing worthwhile done today.


Gems:
rest
Nemo
getting lost
Panera wi-fi
internet

gimme a day of rest.. pa-please

late night caffeine, originally uploaded by i.anton.

It was a tiring day. I just didn't have it in me to find my computer in order to blog. It stayed in my car. Finished with my special education class though. I think I did alright on the final too.


Gems:
talking with Carole
chatting with Doodle
finishing To Become One
dancing with my Lil Bro
talk about sex.