Oh yeah...

Just in case you are stopping by here and don't know... I have a new journal over here:

http://www.professional-daydreamer.blogspot.com

Stop by, and leave a comment!
. . .

For Your Consideration

I can't wait.

Randoms.

The Graduation.

Get Your Own! | View Slideshow

I'm number ONE!!!!

So, in case you haven't read this via MySpace or the Orchard....

I took the Program Final and PASSED it... so I'm graduating!!! Can't believe it. It was rather difficult, and I totally didn't feel confident after taking it. But, you can bet my eyes lit up when my professor told me 'congratulations'. :)

So, now it's more studying for the State Medical Board in December.

Thank you, God.

:)

...

My only fear is this thing now...

With an abysmal sigh, all I can think of is how nervous I am. God, please let me do well on this Anatomy and Physiology exam. I'm actually willing to sell my soul for it. Any takers?

And yet, there's still ... I bet he doesn't think I'm pretty anymore. Heh. I guess it's gone now that I expressed it.
Beauty is only epidermis deep. (lil' a&p humor)

Well, that's all.
. . .

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

So, it's October and I wanted to remind you of a little link I have on the right-hand column. You can click on it there or from this entry. Just go to the site and click on the "free mammogram" button. Do it whenever you can... just takes a minute!

Their corporate sponsors/advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate mammogram in exchange for advertising.
Here's the web site! Pass it along to people you know.

http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/

Tall Stacks - Day 4

Over the Rhine
Old Crow Medicine Show
Wilco

Well, by the time my favourites played... I was Tall Stacked-out.
Over the Rhine put on a pretty amazing show. They invited a nice fella from the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. He added the mandolin, violin, and banjo. They also had a 3 piece horn section, a new drummer, and a familiar bass player. I'm guessing they're gonna use these extras on the new album, and I'm sure it will sound even more fantastic. I was very pleased how they took the opportunity to do something a little different with their set. There were quite a few folks there... probably a couple thousand.
It was great to see some folks I haven't seen in a while... Dan/Marg, Luke and Nichole(!), etc... even Casie came along for the show. Go her. As well as Tish, Zayne, Kimberly, Bill, Stiv and Amanda... I feel like I'm leaving someone out.
After their set I got some saratoga chips from the Montgomery Inn. Mmm Mmm Mmm. Their sauce is like heaven's barbeque. Anyhoo ...

Old Crow was just like usual. Very good. Although, with them and all those little instruments(fiddle/banjo/upright bass) I think it sounds better in a smaller venue. They had quite a turn-out. We were all the way in the back of the grassy knoll, so that could have made it not sound so great. As well as the guy standing beside us who kept saying "this sound sucks ass". No, really? It's a festival. The sound isn't supposed to good, jerk. *smile*
So, I was happy with the show... Bill, Zayne, and I skipped out at the very end to catch a coupla tunes from Medeski, Martin, and Wood. They're a jazz/funk/techno(?) kinda band. I can't listen to that sorta stuff for very long, it all starts to run together. So, then we ran back down to the other stage to catch...

Wilco. Now, that's a rock band. I've never seen them live. And apparently the lead singer's mother passed away previously in the week, but he said he had to play otherwise it would make her mad. Sad and crazy. He sure put on a good show.
By the time this show came around, I was exhausted. But alas, my dear friend Bruce showed up. And everything is always better with Bruce. He's so funny, he has so much energy! So, he sang along with most of the songs and we moved our hips a little and took some photos. It was a great show. I wish I knew the setlist. Great stuff. I love his voice.

Afterwards, Bill and I went to Arthur's(muh fav place) and got some warm food. Good times.

Tall Stacks was really great. I felt so blessed and enriched catching all that music. I'm pretty sure I heard some of the greatest music ever. I missed a coupla bands that I really wanted to see... Kim Taylor, Tift Merritt, and Rhett Miller. I'm sure they'll come around again.
There's talk of them doing the music portion of the event on a yearly basis. Woohoo!

Till next time...

p.s. this post is about 4 days too late. :) thanks for reading!

Tall Stacks - Day 3

Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder
John Hiatt

So, this was my first time seeing both. What a great nite for music. There was a little chill in the air, the stars were out, and the river was calm. I found myself thanking God more often than normal. I truly needed it.
John Hiatt's music makes my heart beat a little differently. There's such a realness about his writing, and even the way he plays guitar and piano. Im having trouble describing the way I feel. I'm just thankful I got to see that tonite. It was beautiful.

Ricky Skaggs is always great to listen to. Those are some really talented musicians. Their stories are always so interesting to me. Makes me wish I would have grown up in West Virginia somewhere(s). It was a toe-tappin' good time.
Bluegrass always takes me back. My grandpa was the only person I knew who listened to bluegrass when I was growing up. I remember standing next to him in our little small-town park on the 4th of July, listening to his favourite music. Bluegrass. I probably didn't like it then, but it put down some deep roots in me. And now, I have my brother and sister to thank for keeping me up-to-date.

I feel blessed tonite.

"God bless whatever god you got goin' on..." - John Hiatt

...

Tall Stacks - Day 2

The Del McCoury Band
Rosanne Cash

Kim and I rode down to the river to meet up with Casie and Beth and listen to Del McCoury... I didn't pay as much attention to them b/c we were all drinky and chatty. They were very good, tho. Kim absolutely loves them. It was so cold! Near the end of the show, we made it up to the front of the stage for Rosanne Cash. I have to say I was a little disappointed with her. Her latest album is really great, but her live show is just not as impressive. She needed some drums or something. I do love her voice, tho. I did get to meet her after the show. Bill had sent me some posters to get signed... so I gave some away and got 2 signed, one for Bill/one for me. She wasn't the most friendly person, but then again, it was like 40 degrees outside. I tried to get a pic with her, and that didn't work out. But I did get a close-up. Ha.


So... it was a decent nite. Now I wish I would have gone to see Rodney Crowell... I heard per Mariesa that he was very good.

More music comin' up....

Tall Stacks - Day 1

The Reverend Al Green

Wow. I honestly never thought I'd be able to see him perform. He has so much joy... after he hits a high note, he smiles ear to ear... like it's the first time it's ever happened. It was such a great show. I wish it could have been longer. It rained off and on... pretty hard. But we kept dancing!
I'm so thankful I had the opportunity to see him. My friend Roger touched his hand! Haha.
What a great nite!

Music is the drug.

...More like the girl I seem

Tonight, I went to the theater and saw the Illusionist. I really liked it. I don't really have much to say other than... you should see it.

I love going to the show. I realized how inspired I become while watching a movie on the big screen. Or even at home if it's really good.
Like slipping thru a little tear in reality... Looking at life thru someone else's eyes. What an amazing feeling. It's the same feeling I get when I take a picture or write or try to paint. Pretty much as good as being in love. Or, those times you're praying to God and you feel like he's on the other side of the table sipping coffee with you.
Whatever gives you that feeling... I hope you find it often.

In other news, I think I'm getting to the better side of dealing with the anger I mentioned earlier. When I do feel it, I think of how good letting go feels. Every feeling aside, I know I'm better off. I hate having regrets. I also hate the decision I made. Yes, I learned from it. But, I don't think I needed to go thru that again. Maybe I did, I don't know. I just feel used by it all. I'm sure you're tired of hearing about it... I write about it now b/c soon, I won't have a thing to say about it.
I have express this - I know why I never liked his writing... b/c it didn't come from the place it's suppposed to come from. It was farce. It doesn't bother me now that those words were just that, words. It bothers me more that he took writing and music and creativity for granted. Respect it, don't betray it. Be real. That may sound a little strange if you don't understand what I mean... I apologize if it's not coming out right.

It does feel good to finally let it go.

So, we're saying good-bye to Summer. Sweet, sweet Summer.
There's nothing like Summer. Warm air, the way the sun shines thru the windows in the morning, fresh-cut grass. Mmm.
But Autumn. The Fall. I love it. The wine-colored leaves, the fresh cool air, walks in the evenings, hot chocolate, wearing sweaters and fleeces, etc.
Welcome, Fall.
Anyhoo - thanks for letting me talk. My throat hurts, so I'm gonna go now.

P.s. I just got the coolest shirt. It's navy blue with little orange-ish musical intruments on it. And when I got home, I realized it says 'music happens' on the back! Sweet.

Cubs game.

We had a lot of fun. It was rained out in the 5 , therefore we couldn't use our tix for another game in the series. Thanks a lot Mother-nature! We had planned on going down to the Midpoint Music Fest to see Kim Taylor. And then Ric Hordinski... but the rain put a stop to that as we were trapped in the stadium watching the torrential down-pour. So, we set out for some food and cheap beer at Friday's. I can't believe we didn't go to Arthurs. What was I thinking?! Anyhoo... fun nite, just didn't go as planned.

Shots and giggles.

So, I haven't posted any photos in a while... here are a bunch of random pictures I've taken lately. I hope you like them, if not... that's your problem. I joke.
Enjoy. :)










. . .

Let's write a story...

So... it's been a long time. How are you?

I'm in a poor mood, and probably shouldn't be writing. Much less journaling.
I'm gonna tell you what's really bothering me. It's important, and I really need to open the flood gates.
Here's the thing... I'm living with quite a bit of hatred. I mean... when I think of this one person, and every tiny little memory or moment we had, and everything to do with that spot in my life is just painful. Just pain. Now, it's not the kind of pain that is wearing on me or making we weak. It's more like... everytime I see something or hear a song or glance at a picture... it's just this twinge in my heart. Not a knife b/c he's obviously not that sharp. Just... pain. And a lot of disappointment in someone I held with high regard. It's sad really... how someone can be so ingeniune. What an awful feeling(read: person).
I don't like it, and I certainly can't help it. I'm sure a lot of you know by now that Joe and I got back together... and then, once again, he took another path. Sure... I know there are things I should have done differently. Small things. Honestly, I know it wasn't me. That guy... well, we won't get into it. I'm not writing to bash. I'm writing to help myself. It just makes me so angry that I let him back in... with hardly any questions asked, after one of the worst break-up stories anyone has ever heard... and then he just... took it all way. Again. That sorta thing has the tendency to mess a girl up pretty bad. Heart-broken. Twice. By the same fickle guy.
And, in the process... I hurt someone else who means a lot to me b/c I felt like I was doing what I had to do. I could have handled it a little better than I did, but that's another topic.
So it was a bad situation all around. I certainly didn't need all of those new memories, words, and promises. Nite and day.
Anyhoo, after I certain point I realized I can't let it get me down like it did the first time. But, I think most of that thought came from anger. Which isn't so healthy. I'd rather work past it, not just be mad and hate him. But, man it's hard not to just wish terrible things for him. (i'm totally not that kind of person)
I mean, he didn't really consider my feelings when he told me he "wants better". That kinda makes me laugh now. Wanna know why? B/c he isn't good enuf for better. It doesn't get better than me. *grin* I digress.
So... how do I work past this w/o anger? I just want to be over it. Honestly. I've always been bad about investing too much energy into people who don't deserve it.
I'll be a better person for it. I know it.

I've been trying to mend a relationship. I'm ashamed of the way I acted, and I completely regret the way it all happened. I'm just hoping, at this point, to gain back some trust. It's killing me now... I just want to get it all on the table, be completely honest... but I guess I'm waiting for the rite time. It's really important to me.
I hope it works out.

In other news... I feel like I've gotten out a lot more this summer than I did last year. Which is cool. I've had a coupla dates. Which is great... I'm having a good time doing that. I've spent a fair amount of time on the river. Which I love. I've seen some good shows... and there are more to come. Yay for listening to new music. I feel like I'm doing my part. Patty Griffin, Tres Chicas, Donavon Frankenreiter... to name a few.

I got transferred to another crew with the park board. I love it. And they like me. It's a really good thing!
...

I just want to be real. I want to do better. I want to be connected to the important people in my life. And I'm not going to let anyone ruin that. Life is about relationships, and living rather than existing. I don't want it any other way.

Thanks for reading and looking thru my photos. There will be more posted soon... I hope.

G'day.

So, I feel like I need to add a big p.s.

P.S. The major topic in this journal entry isn't really on my mind that much. It was. There are so many more important issues in my life. [/me]

A new family...

My brother and his wife(Amie) asked me to take some photos of them just 2 weeks before the birth of their first child. Ella Katherynn blessed the world with her presence on August 31. Here are a few pictures from "the shoot" (heh)... I'll add some more of her later. She is just all-together-lovely.





. . .

So....

I'll be updating soon. I hate getting behind with this thing. I hope you're all well, b/c I sure am!

Here's a quick snap taken from the Pendleton Arts Center, downtown Cinci.


. . .

See you soon.

It runs deep...

I don't wanna waste your time
With music you don't need
Why should I autograph the book
That you won't even read
I've got a different scar for every song
And blood left still to bleed
I don't wanna waste your time
With music you don't need


I don't wanna waste good wine
If you won't stick around
I love to laugh but I'm more than just
Your alcoholic clown
I won't pray this prayer with you
Unless we both kneel down
I don't wanna waste good wine
If you won't stick around


So come on, lighten up
Let me fill your cup
I'm just tryin' to imagine a situation
Where we might have a real conversation


I don't wanna waste the words
That you don't seem to need
When it comes to what is real
There is no such thing as greed
I hope this night puts down deep roots
I hope we plant a seed
I don't wanna waste your time
With music you don't need
. . .

-Over the Rhine

My First Cubs Game...

Oh, it was good. :) Cubs won 6-5. Sweet.

I can't wait to go to Wrigley!
Once again, we started the wave and got our section going... so much fun.








. . .

Stormy nite...(all around)...

I specialize in....

I figured I should update. Now probably isn't the best time, but I'll just leave some things out.
Life has been quite mundane, lately. I'm back in the swing of the ol' full-time job working for the city at Mt. Airy. I wish I were a rock-star.
School hasn't started back up, yet. Not until June. I don't have to take both courses this time around... just A&P... with a different professor. I'm a little worried... hopefully, I'll get started on the rite track and finish out with a bang instead of a boom. Heh. Lil' failure humor. Err.
I've been trying to exercise more. I like to walk in the evening. I got a new pair of running shoes, so I'm pretty excited about that. (Thanks to Kimberly)
So, the lesser thing on my mind rite now is... Do you ever notice how hard it is to keep up with housework? Sheesh. I feel like I have to do it everyday. Of course, I'm OCD(un-diagnosed). :)
Moving on, I wish I could take a roadtrip. I wouldn't mind going home just to chill out. I was home for Mother's Day.
-picturebreak-

It was fun. We(joe and i) didn't get to make all the stops we'd hoped too...
I like all the colors in that picture.
A picture really does say a 1000 words especially when the words aren't being said in real-time.
Anyhoo, I love my Josephine.
I'm feeling rather out of touch with my online world. So, what's new with you? :) Feel free to comment.
I should go before I ramble myself into trouble.

Have a good day, folks. Hopefully, I'll be posting some new photos soon.
. . .

We will write because we are born drunk on the wine of God. -linford detweiler

Strawberries and flowers...

I just keep hopin' for some good shots. . .

He's grown up so fast...

Disappointment.

Well, a lot of you know I had a big exam today. I didn't pass. Therefore, I do not get to graduate with my fellow classmates. I wanted it so bad. I studied so hard. So hard.
And any of the folks I study with would tell you that I know the information. I just get really nervous. Anxious to the point of no return.
I'm so disappointed with myself.

So, I'll probably be taking the 4th quarter over and taking the State Medical Board in December instead of June.

Everyone believed I could do it. I guess I didn't.

Thanks for the prayers, tho. Everything happens for a reason...

Random Photographs.

So, how 'bout this weather?

I feel like I'm always adding "life is crazy" in my entries. But it is. Always.

I've had a lot on my mind lately. School is insane. And hopefully, coming to an end. I'm really scared about passing and taking the state medical board. (holy cow!)
I feel behind on the muscles, mostly. Ya'll have no idea how many we have to know. It feels impossible.

I've found a job. Unfortunately, it's a slow start. I went in today for orientation, and will be on the schedule soon. Oh,... Buffalo Wild Wings is the employer. B-dubs. BW3's. Sheesh. I'm not that excited about it. But that's alrite. I'm not trying to act spoiled or anything, I'm very grateful I found a job. And so are my parents. (Keith is pretty happy, too) ;)
I just have to get used to working weekends and never knowing how much money I'm gonna have, again.

Maybe the park board will re-hire me in the spring time. :) (I know everyone misses my huge guns)

Something(read: someone) else has been on my mind too.
It's a Boy™.
And he lives far away. Some of you know about this, some of you don't... that's the beauty of it. :) For now, I'll just say he's really great and I'm happy to have the opportunity to get to know him. Stay tuned for posssible updates.

Aww, a picture...

...

So, I'm off to study... b/c that's how I roll.

Good day, folks.

. . .

I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of stars makes me dream.

- Vincent Van Gogh

A few more...