Tissue Pom Pom...gone bad!

So I saw this site on etsy that has tissue pom poms for sale.  I originally liked the idea of having tissue pom poms and paper lanterns hanging.  I thought it made a pretty sceen.  It could easily turn an ugly ceiling into a pretty sight.

So i figured they cant be that hard to make.  And well they arent...but mine didnt turn out very pretty.  I think I didnt use enough tissue paper in the first one....or the tissue paper I used was to long/wide something.

After doing some research you are only suppose to use certain size tissue paper.  For the bigger poms you are suppose to use 20x30 and I used 20x26.  I have a feeling that might be the reason mine didnt look so hot.

However they did look good from the bottom just not from the side or top.

Nevertheless....(depending on what site I choose for our reception) I might be ordering these from etsy :)

Major life changes !!!

May:  I finished my first year of law school!  That goodness that is over! 
June:  My brother graduated from high school..

Lee & I went to Playa del Carmen for a week.  We had a blast.  We met two amazing couples from Texas.  The trip was an absolute blast! 

July 2: I GOT ENGAGED !!!  Lee & I went to Adams Winery in the morning.  Then we went to the flea market at the state fair grounds.  But before we parked, Lee pulled into Carter Finley.  It was there that he popped the question.   As most of you know, Cater Finley means alot to both of us!  It truly was a day that neither one of us will forget & we can visit every fall !!

Later in the month a good friend we had a baby shower for another friend.  The shower was so much fun!

Then came August....which brings me to where we are now.  I left NC the beginning of the month to begin another year of law school.  I'm in my 3rd week of classes and already counting down.  I dont know if that is a good thing or a bad thing. 

This week has been flying by...today I calculated how many days I have left of school.  24 !!!  Well that is until my exams start.  My last exam is on Saturday, May 14th!  I am so ready to be done!!!!

Lee comes this weekend for the Barrister's ball!  I am super excited for him to come visit and he will finally get to meet everyone that I've been talking about this past year.

Today actually marks 22 months for us...its so close we have been together for almost 2 years.  We have had our ups and downs but moving away has been the best thing for us.  We just didnt realize how much we loved each other until I moved.  We truly have feel in love....and he keeps having these serious talks with me.  He is thinking about "us" and just not him.  Its so crazy to see the transition but I see him realizing and trying to figure out how to provide for me.  It is really cute.

Now, I know a few of you are wondering what type of ring I have fell in love with.  I like a band with lots of detail and design.  I like a princess cut with a halo.  Here a few pictures of some rings that we saw that I liked.  Honestly, they all were BEAUTIFUL!!!  And I would be happy for anyone....or anything for that matter.  Lee knows my taste in rings :)

SPRING BREAK

Well spring break came & went....but I enjoyed it.  It was much needed break.

I left Knoxville on Friday morning after class and arrived in Garner just in time for dinner.  I had a wonderful dinner with Lee and his parents at McCall's.  Nothing beats a nice home style mean after all day in the car.  Saturday morning Lee took me to look at engagement rings.  He wanted to know what style of ring I liked so he could start saving for it.  I know it will be awhile before we actually get engaged much less hitched, its still super exciting to think about.  We went to Diamonds Direct at Crabtree and we met this really nice lady.  It was alot of fun and very exciting! There were so MANY different types of rings, it was very overwhelming.  I tried on some many, they all started to run together.  But we left there educated about diamonds!  

The rest of the weekend & week was very nice - minus a minor set back on Tuesday night.  I decided to dye my hair...and if you havent seen me lately I was really blonde.  Well that was mistake, I ended up calling around trying to find someone who could correct the color of my hair.  I finally found a lady last minute who agreed to fix it.  So now i'm back dirty brown.  


I was also able to babysit a little and then I worked one shift at the hotel.  And I also did a little school work.  And then just hung out with the boy.  The next weekend we went to dinner at Kick Back Jacks and had a few beers.  Then Saturday we went to two other jewelry stores to look at other rings.  Which was good for Lee to see the other options he had available to him.  And we also learned alot more that we didnt know before.  It was good for me because it gave me a better idea of what i liked and didnt like.  We saw some beautiful diamonds and it was crazy to actually hold one!  


Sunday was a sad day, for I had to return to Knoxville.  Of course I cried, I always do.  But once I got back I got caught up in unpacking, cleaning and school work that I was fine.  Monday and Tuesday of this week went by so SLOW but the rest of the week has went by really fast.  I have been super busy with some last minute end of the year projects and doing reading.  I probably should have done more over break - but my brain needed the break :)  

The other night I was talking to Lee and we were discussing our summer trip and he was trying to figure out his finances....I could tell he was stressing and crunching numbers, he would never give me details or tell me why.  But I have a feeling I know why....not to mention him mom emailed me and told me that her and his dad met him at the jewelry store to look at the rings :) So girls, Im pretty sure it is happening!  I do know that most places require a 20% down payment and then you can just make payments until you want to pick it up.  Im pretty sure that is what he would do....I have no clue when it is going to happen.  If I could guess I would suspect next year, just because I still have two more years of school in Knoxville and he has a stable job in Raleigh.  But gosh....part of me wishes I never knew he was considering it because IT IS ALL I CAN THINK ABOUT!!!


This weekend I will be hanging out in Knoxville by myself.  Which is totally fine with me...I have alot of school work to do and I need to start thinking about how I am going to move in the next few weeks.  And I also have a few errands to run.  Lee is coming next weekend for our annual barristers ball, I will be sure to take pictures for once :)


I miss you all so much.....if only we all could just move back to Raleigh once and for all!!!

3 days = Spring Break !!

Time certainly is flying !!  Which you will not fine me complaining !!  This week has been super busy for some odd reason.  I am so ready for Friday and a whole week off !!!  I will be leaving for Raleigh and I can NOT wait !!  I do not have any major plans, other than an interview on Tuesday for a summer internship.  Keep your fingers crossed!  Im just ready to be lazy, sleep in and of course I have to do some work.  Which stinks...but hey I am in law school.  Haha

I'll be sure to keep everyone posted and maybe I'll take some pictures over the next week or two and post them as well. 

Is it 2013 yet???

I made the decision to come to TN and now I must live with it.  I could always pack up and give up but I've already put in 7 months.  I will be done with classes in 11 weeks and have 3 months off.  But that still leaves with me with 2 more years here in TN.  I've already invested several thousand in this one year so I feel I have to see it through the finish.

But I'm lonely and as more and more things happen - i get more and more depressed.  I feel its just little old me against this big bad world.  It honestly is just me and Knoxville.  I do not feel at home here, I do not have close friends or family members here.  My life as I know it has changed a complete 380.  I'm a hermit !!  And for those of you who know me, that isn't me !!

As more and more events unfold I call my parents to talk.  For I have so much to learn about life and how the world operates.  But my mother is not available.  She is caught up within my brother.  My boyfriend does his best but he cannot always be there for me 24/7.

I know this is like a race and I have to finish strong....I know that 2013 will be here before I know it and I will be graduating.....I know these things...but yet they are so hard to grasp. 

For now, I must keep on walking......I'm going to go take my torts mid-term, go home, study for contracts, go to bed, and get up early in the morning for my contracts mid-term.  I'm going to get on.....for that's all there is to do.

Mid-Terms

Things have finally got squared away with the trip!  We have changed our dates to later in June at my expense. 

Last week we had reading days on Thursday and Friday so i took a road trip to Raleigh.  I just actually got back into Knoxville.  It was so good to get back.  Thursday I made dinner for Lee and made a homemade red velvet cheesecake - it was amazing !!  Friday we grilled out with some friends, Trey and Alex.  Saturday we went shopping and grilled out with his parents.  It was nice to see friends and just be with him.  But at the same time I had work to do and did alot of studying. 

This week is mid-term week.  I do not have classes but rather four mid-terms.  I do not feel completely comfortable with all the material for it is so much to take in.  However, I realize that the sooner I get them over with the closer I am to summer. 

WORST MISTAKE EVER

So Lee and I are going to Mexico this summer on vacation.  He's spent tons of hours looking into resorts and such.  Well he finally booked one yesterday at 4:15pm for June4th-11th.  This morning I told my mom about the trip, this afternoon she informed me my brothers graduation is June 11th !!  Possibly the 4th, we are hearing conflicting things. 

However, everything was booked - he put a $300 deposit down everything.  Now we need to get everything changed in order for me to attend my brothers graduation.  I called to check on what  needed to be done this afternoon at 3:30pm less than 24 hours later and there was nothing they could do !!!!!!!  In order to switch our flights or reschedule our week we have to pay a $300 fee to change the flights or loose our $300 fee and start over with the planning.  In which case the price will probably increase.

In other words im SOL.  I told Lee I would pay the $300 out of my own pocket because it is my own fault.  Im so conflicted my heart is broken in two.  I know its not the end of the world but im disappointed in myself.  Lee is pissed.  Im stressing.  I just dont know what to do....and the bad thing is it honestly to God slipped my mind that my brother had a gradution or was going to graduate.   And to be honest he has missed some much school because of snow that  they could possibly push his graduation back. 

So if we rebook or cancel the trips I have to come up with $300 and then some for the trip.  I know in the long run this will be nothing and i'll laugh but now in the moment its AWFUL.  I feel obligated to go to my brothers graduation and I know if I dont that I will be letting my family down and they will always resent me for it.  I just wish I had answers.....

Long time coming

Whenever I started this blog, I knew it would be a challenge for me.  And I have failed.  As all of you know I have not posted anything since September !! 

However, the year ended on a great note.  I completed my first semester of law school & passed everything.  It honestly was the most challenging semester of classes I have ever experienced.  Everything about law school is different than undergrad and grad school.  The teaching, the learning style and the exams.  But I did it...and Im one more semester closer to be done with school FOREVER !!!

Upon completing exams I went home for a few days. While there we got lots of snow.   I got to spend a few days with my family.

I then left and went to Raleigh to spend some time with Lee.  We traveled to New Bern, NC to celebrate Christmas with his moms family.  We had a wonderful time with family.  And I am excited to annouce I got my first real DIAMOND from a boy.  Lee had this idea for a necklace in his head but could not find a necklace that he liked that had a good size diamond in it.  He went to a family owned jewerly store in Garner and had it specially made.  I absolutely love it !!!

After a few days with Lee I returned back to my parents where I spent Christmas.  I had a wonderful time with my family and friends. 

Lee's birthday was the 28th of December.  So I went back to Raleigh to celebrate his birthday.  We went out to dinner that evening and watched NCSU win their bowl game.  It was a perfect birthday gift !!

For New Years, Lee and I went to dinner with his parents.  It was a very  nice treat and we enjoyed ringing in the New Year with them.  Lee had surprised me that day with champange, purchasing my favorite of course ;)  I hated that we were unable to go visit some of my friends that were in town for the New Years.  I truly miss getting to talk and see them whenever I want.  However, I would not change the night for anything. 

I threw Lee a surprise birthday party on the weekend after New Years.  We had a really good turn out.  We went to a nice restaurant downtown and got together with old friends.  It truly was a great night.  It started off with valet parking and even ended with dessert. 

They all say good things must end. I had a wonderful month traveling from TN to the coast of NC. However, it was time for me to return to Knoxville. I dreaded leaving, as I always do. But I just have to remind myself that every day I spend here is one less day I have to spend here. Classes were scheduled to start back on the 10th of January. However, we got about 4-6 inches of snow. It was wonderful !! Even though I was prepared for classes for the week, I did not want to go back at that point.

Now I am in week 4 of 14 !!  Everyday is a countdown for me....In March I have an interview for an internship in Raleigh.  I really am banking of getting it.  I cant tell you how badly I want to get back to Raleigh for multiple reasons. 

On a more personal level.....this weekend I spent with Lee in Charlotte.  We had such a wonderful time together.  I cherish every time I get to see him for they arent as often as I would like.  It has been a personal challenge for me dealing with the distance.  But I truly believe this distance is making our relationship stronger. 

This weekend I might make a short trip to my parents house to visit.  I know I am doing alot of traveling but I enjoy the company.  And I will be making a lot of trips to Raleigh within the next two months; so my time to visit home will be limited. 

So much has happened since I last wrote 4 months ago - its just so hard to go back and pull out the important parts.  However, I will try and write more often so I do not have that problem.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and this new year is treating you well !!!

Miss you all !!! 

xoxo

Im so ready for this weekend !!!!

This week has been a bit strange.  On Monday i was super motivated and caught myself up with work through the week.  Today, I didnt have my first class.  Therefore, I've got to sleep in 2 days this week.  When I say sleep in, I mean 9AM.  Haha.  The rest of the week will be very busy though.  I've got to try and get ahead with work since this weekend I will not have time to do anything.  And I need to try and clean up my apartment a little.  I've got 3 weeks till mid-terms....and that means like 2 weeks till RALEIGH.  I just wanted to let everyone know that I'm doing alright....but I have to get to class now. 

Anything EVERYTHING....little or big becomes an adventure when the right person SHARES IT.

Hello guys !!!  It has been way too long since I have wrote anything.  I am so sorry, but life was been buzzing by at record speed.  Literally by the time I complete a to-do list, I have another one waiting.  Haha.  But Im sure thats everyone's life right now.

So let me update you a little.  Lee did make it to town for labor day.  We had such a great time together.  I showed him market square (downtown), my school & the world fair park.  We went and saw "Going the distance", which is  a great movie by the way !!  And rented a few movies.  I really enjoyed just having company.  It was nice to not be alone all the time.  Of course all good things must come to an end and on Monday when I took him to the airport I cried.  I tried to contain it, so he wouldnt see.  But I dont know of how good a job I did.  He has been gone now almost two weeks & honestly it just seems like yesterday.  Which is a great thing !!!

Since then, I've just been doing work, going to school and other small things.  But nothing too exciting.  I've been trying to keep myself focused because the next few weekends are going to be filled with fun. 

And I get to see Lee again next weekend, so of course I need to use this weekend to get ahead.  I would hate to have to be doing work while spending time with him, NOT FUN. 

I'll try and post some more pictures later, my connection is being slow and will not allow me to post. 

I miss everyone & by the way GO PACK (3-0), of course that couldnt happen during my 4 years there...haha.

Love ya !!!

This weekend...

I have been waiting way too long for this weekend !!!!  LEE IS COMING !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I pick him up from the airport tonight & I totally can not wait...time is going so slow.  Haha :)

Just as an update, my uncle has passed away.  Everyone seems to be handling it very well.  But please continue to keep my family in your thoughts. 

Please pray....

Last Thursday my uncle was put in the hospital, they were worried about getting him stable so they could not run any test.  He was unconscious for about 40 minutes, while they worked on him.  Unfortunately, the decision was made yesterday to take him off of life support.  It had been over 72 hours and there was no sign of any brain activity.  He pasted away this morning.  Please pray for that side of my family.  My dad was very close to my Uncle, it was his brother in law but they worked closely together for the past few years.

Two weeks ago I started on Chlyamydocin an antibiotic for my tooth.  I had an allergic reaction to Penicillin a few months back for the first time, hence why the dentist gave me Chlyamydocin.  Well last week, I broke out in hives and swelled up.  The funny thing about all of this is, I've never been to allergic to ANYTHING before.  I went back to the doctor this past Monday and they gave me a z-pack to start once I got rid of the hives.  So, I'm finally on the zpack & hopefully this works.  I did have to have a root canal on Monday.  They found out that my tooth was not cracked and I opted to try and save it.  I got back on the 6th of September for a follow up.  Besides having to pay out the butt for all this, I get to keep my tooth !!

Other than this whole tooth/medicine ordeal I'm doing well.  I finished my second week of law school classes and surviving, barely.  Literally, things are moving so fast I'm hoping that I retain at least enough to help me pass finals.  This semester is 16 weeks long (including all my breaks) and I've already completed 2.  I like how fast things are moving, because I'm ready to get over the hump of finals.  Once, I actually experience a law school final I think all my worries will go away.  Until then, I'm going to be a ball of nerves. 

This weekend I decided not to do any traveling and just in.  Next weekend is Labor Day and Lee is coming to see me.  In order for me to spend quality time with him I need to get as far ahead in my readings as possible.  Literally, I have to be 2 days ahead at all times and in order to that I have to read on the weekends for Monday & Tuesday.  So, my goal is to have all my reading, outline, briefing done for this week and Tuesday/Wednesday  of next week by FRIDAY when Lee arrives.  In order to complete this task I've had to devote all day today and probably tomorrow to this.  Today, I got a good start but I stopped and went out for lunch and went on a run with Bogue.   I'll probably read a little more later tonight & then it's movie time !!  I need something fun in my life or else Im going to go insane.  So i rented a movie, "the last song".  Probably not a good choice, because its a love story & i'm probably to going to cry.  But I'm a firm believer that a few tears every now and then is okay.  You feel much better after, haha. 

I hate I do not have any funny stories or adventures to tell you guys.  I literally wake up, go to the gym, go to class, go home, do school work, eat, do school work and go to bed.  No one was lying when they said law school was a full time job.  However, I did finally hang some pictures up and I got some nice curtain rods (finally).  Once I get them hung, I'll take some pictures.  And I'm sure next week I'll have pictures of mine and Lee's adventures. 

Hope everyone is doing well....I miss you all !!!

1 week down.....only 15 more till Christmas break !!!

This week has been filled with stories, I don't know where to begin. 

I have now experienced every class I will have this semester.  The verdict for the WORST CLASS is CONTRACTS !!!!!!  This is for several reasons....1)my professor talks SUPER fast & hard to follow. I'm talking by the time I can say Mississippi he has spoken a complete sentence.   2)He has like 50 different ways to phrase the same question, each way using vocab words that you have to stop and think about what the meaning is.  Oh and my list could go on....

 

But my other classes I'm enjoying so far.  In property we are going over personal jurisdiction.  I am familiar with the term, which has been helpful.  But there is so much more than I ever thought.  I really like the professor as well.  Civil Procedure is boring and dry to read, but I have a good professor so he makes it entertaining.  This was the class I got called in this past week.  Torts, I was really worried about but my professor is more modern in his teaching style.  We watch you tube videos during class.   And just yesterday he brought a bat to class for entertainment.   

 

I have two other classes, Academic Success and Lawyering Skills.  Academic Success is a non-credit class that is like extra practice.  We are assigned to study groups and meet twice a week.  At each meeting we practice briefing, exams, reading cases, etc.  Each week is a different topic.  Lawyering Skills is mainly legal writing.  The first half of the semester will be learning how to cite and research using the different sources. 

 

The school has an open door policy, so all the professors are always available.  Everyone is super nice & willing to help.  They also have alot of sources available to use, mainly electronic.  This past weekend I tried to get ahead and I've stayed two days ahead all week.  I think this has helped me keep my head on straight, honestly.  I haven't felt that pressure to have to read hundreds of pages a night. 

 

Briefing is coming.  I know what I'm doing, or so I think I do until we start to discuss it and I find out I totally missed an issue.  But they keep telling us that it can take anywhere from a semester to a year to really get the grist of what you are doing.  I think my main issue has been synthesized cases/rules.  We were told that after each section we complete we should go back and synthesize the cases and come up with one final rule, and to memorize that rule for the final.  We haven't completed a full section so I haven't tried to accomplish this.  It just sounds challenging at this point.  

 

I've really kept busy all week.  I leave my apartment around 8/8:30 and do not get home till 6 at night.  I get home eat, walk bogue, read/review class material & go to bed.  However, last night I went out to dinner and to get drinks with some girls.  Again, we went to market square; which is alot of fun.  

This morning, I had planned on taking Bogue to the gardens (a local park) but it has been raining.  Instead, I opted to start my reading for next week.  It literally takes me an hour to read, outline and brief like 10 pages.  Its so time consuming.   Hopefully in time, I get faster.  

All in all, I didn't have that bad of a week.  It went by pretty fast.  I have yet to put any pictures of my apartment up because its not complete.  I still need a few more wall hangings (i just haven't had time nor found anything I like).  I did finish putting together my new tv stand last night though.  That was a task!  It had a zillion screws and bolts.  But I will be sure to put some pictures up very soon.

And so it happened....

I got called on in class today.  And drilled.  Im glad it finally happened, but I was nervous the whole time.  I answered the questions in my facts statement but when he requested me I stumbled a little.  But its done, thankfully.

Im so ready for the weekend.  I have so much to do, my to do list just keeps getting longer.  And by now Im so burnt out that I have no motivation to keep going.  Which I cant afford a lazy weekend, or else I'll be super behind.  So hopefully I find some motivation this weekend. 

 I got to Skype Lee for the first time last night !!  It had been so long since we had got a chance to see each other and talk more than 5 minutes.  It was just nice to see him.  Now to my weekend...
 
Friday night, I experienced Market Square.  It's very similar to Glenwood South.  After class Friday night, I went out for a drink with two of my friends (Tiffany & Catherine).  We went to soccertaco.  Pretty niffy Mexican restaurant. 

Saturday, I drove home.  I enjoyed my time at home but it probably wasn't a smart idea.  I didn't accomplish any of the reading I needed to.  So, I'm up early this morning trying to finish everything up before my first class of the semester.  CONTRACTS.

I'll be sure to let everyone know how class goes this week....Love ya all.

TGIF

Im not very good at this blogging thing....I'm a litle behind Im sure.  I'll begin by saying that I went to the endodontist yesterday.  I'm going to have to have a root canal or have the tooth pulled.  Personally, I do not want to loose my tooth so I am leaning more towards the root canal.  The only downfall is they are very expensive and will not necessarily fix the problem. 

Later that day, I had an appointment for a physical.  I thought it would be a good idea to go ahead and find a doctor just in case something came up later on.  I really liked the doctor I saw.  The office had 4 doctors and 7 nurse practiconers.  Besides the size, everyone was very friendly and helpful.  The appointment went well, minus a lump that was found under my right armpit.  I have to get an ultrasound done to determine the cause.

This week has been filled with appointments, class, play time with Bogue and reading/briefing cases.  I have came to the realization that my life as I knew it is over for the next 3 years.  I have so much reading to do before classes offical begin next week.  But not only do I have to read text, but brief every case I read.  A brief is pretty much a summary of the case but broke down into difference secions.  It pretty much takes me an hour to read about 10 pages of text and brief the cases.  Luckily I've been reading little by little all week.  I'm still not close to being done.  I was going to go home this weekend & probably still will, so hopefully I can get a bulk of the reading done today. 

Honestly, nothing really exciting has happened since I've been here.  I've met two ladies in class, who are probably going to turn into my life saver.  One is really grounded and is in a long distance relationship as well.  I can relate to her in alot of ways.  I think she will keep me inline and on top of things.  The other is the complete opposite.  Dont get me wrong, she is serious about her studies but she also likes to let loose and have fun.  She also has a boyfriend, he is local but involved in his studies at UT.  She will be the one to keep me focused but also the one to make me relax and enjoy life.  Everyone else is extreming nice.  You can tell we all are going through the same emotions, we all are a little overwhelmed.  I on the other hand am just waiting on the day that I get called on in class.  I dread it, Im sure you will read a post about it at some point. 

Well, its time for Bogues afternoon play time.  (Literally, I wake up walk bogue, eat, shower, homework, break, lunch, walk bogue, read, dinner, go to class). 

Enjoy your weekend !!

Whirl wind of emotions

First, I went to have my prescription transferred and they informed me I would need a new prescription.  I was unable to meet with my doctor before I left because they were in the process of switching offices.  Therefore, that left me with the option of finding a new doctor once I got to Knoxville.  I had planned on doing such, just not this soon.  Finally after calling around to see who not only was accepting new patients but was in network - I found a doctor.  I have an appointment on Thursday.  Which hopefully, all goes well.  There always is that apprehensiveness of meeting and seeing a new doctor.

Secondly, a few months ago I had a toothache & was able with medication to fix things.  Well, that same tooth has had another flare up.  My dentist, who is 3 hours away, is referring me to an in network dentist here in Knoxville.  However, he does not personally know this dentist and his ability.  That appointment is also scheduled for Thursday. 

So not only do I have all these medical expenses to add onto my stress of school but I'm home sick.  I'm starting to miss my friends, my family and my boyfriend.  I miss having someone to text or call for coffee, lunch, dinner, movie dates, shopping trips, etc. I really really really miss Lee.  He is at the beach this week and his cell phone service is not very good.  This has not allowed us to communicate very well.  Hopefully, he will be visiting soon.  Kasi has mentioned coming for a visit as well - which will be great !! But right now its just me.  I have met a few people during bridge week.  But it's still in that early stage.  Hopefully once classes start next week, I'll meet more people and those type of social activities will follow.  Currently it's just me and Bogue.  Which is fine, because I've kept busy getting all my school stuff organized for next week.

Today, I printed all my syllabi's and wrote in my planner important dates I need to remember.  I even noted all the NCSU football games ;)  But I need to finish briefing this case before tonight & ran some more errands....

:)