January 15th

The Rock @ UTK

Yo. 

I’m so glad tomorrow is Friday. 

I’d prefer it to be Saturday, but Friday is close enough. 

I’m almost done. One more class. 

First full week of classes has seriously kicked my butt. 

Actually, my head probably took most of the beating. 

A class every single day. 

One in the middle of the day, Monday, Wednesday, Friday… which means I don’t an uninterrupted lunch. 

One in the evenings on Tuesday and Thursday’s … to which I then have to come home and watch lectures on… 

And one online. 

I didn’t complete nine-hours last semester, and I”m wondering if I can *really* do it this semester as well. 

Already we’ve had three quizzes in the last week of classes. 

THREE. Two of them caught me unawares ... 

Why, I ask you!!?  Is this really necessary teachers? Because I'm not feeling it. 

The time is currently 8:39PM and I want to go to bed so badly right now. 

But I have a paper that I need to finish… a letter rather.. 

Oh, what am I taking? 

Math - College Algebra .. again … (I dropped it last semestor .. I was too far behind) 

Business and Technical Writing  … (This is a "flipped course" meaning we listen to lectures at home and do homework in class. I haven't decided how I feel about this arrangement just yet... ) 

Introduction to Nutrition … (Completely online... what more needs to be said here?) 

Honestly, I feel once I can get back on a good sleeping track, and can get everything and everyone in my life organized into their little compartments (ha!) I can handle whatever this semester throws at me. 

Until then, 

I’ll be over on the other screen… staring at my letter. 

Peace. 

Things

This week was a pretty good week.  Not because I aced all two of my exams this week.  I probably only "aced" one of them, and utterly failed the other. I keep obsessively checking blackboard for updates, but there is none at the moment.  It wasn't because I only had homework for one section of math this week.  (Which I can't deny, was pretty amazing) 
It wasn't also that awesomely productive, feeling I got this week, when I finally made a breakthrough in my study sessions. 
It's not because work was amazingly, awesome, and I was on top of things. I'll be honest, I wasn't. I jokingly told my co-worker that one of these days they are going to make me choose either work or school apparently doing both just shuts me down.  It wasn't because I didn't have a lab pup to contend with..  But that was pretty awesome too.. *S/O to Mrs. C and her family!* 

It wasn't because my house was amazingly clean all week.  There is nothing quite like laying down in bed, and looking over to see a piece of raw chicken wrapped in your pajama shorts. 

I cannot make this stuff up guys. #lifewithanimals 

No, the awesomeness lies in the fact that I felt like I was awake through most of this week.  I didn't feel like I was slowly dying from exhaustion and I could focus on other things besides the deep, bone aching misery that is lack of sleep. 
That was last week. 
This week I remember Monday (sort of) and Tuesday (too well) and Wednesday (so long) and Thursday (that was yesterday right?) And now we're here at today.  The other part has to do with the fact that I drove through at least three speed traps this week WITHOUT GETTING STOPPED!  Can I get an amen? Because it's needed.  So that was my week.
How was yours? 
Also these videos needed to be shared. You're welcome. 
" Why can't periods last for like an hour? I'm not pregnant so you've made your point. Please leave." 

August Recap

August in One Word: Stressful 

Just when I decided school wasn't an option, they came through for me. Spent a lot of money, stressed a lot about getting into classes, but in the end it all came together.

 My life in August 

1. Made my annual trip to Dollywood with Friends from Alabama, North Carolina and of course Tennessee. 
2. Accepted into the University of Tennessee at Knoxville as a student 
3. Classes Started -  With the start of classes means the arrival of students back onto campus, with the arrival of students, my workload picked up significantly. This semester I'm taking Math 119 College Algebra, ENG 102 Travel Writing and MUSC 100 Introduction to Western Culture. I'm a bit overwhelmed. I will admit. 

Popular Songs on my iPhone this month

1. Black & Blue - Ingrid Michealson 
2. Parachute - Ingrid Michealson
3. Classic - MKTO 
4. Shake it Off - Taylor Swift 
5. Legally Blonde: The Musical Soundtrack 

Top 3 Books Read

I actually read a couple of things this month; and by "read" I mean listened to an Audiobook. Reading and I still am having a hard time coming to grips with each other.

September Goals 

• Get Tally access to my job.
• Survive

September is a full month, while I strive to get access granted for my service dog in training, I have to deal with her at home, on top of that we have our annual camp meeting, along with school and work, not to mention ... my birthday! It's going to be an exhausting.

I Can't Afford That: College

Would it be alright with you guys if I changed my blog title again? I stumbled across an article on Facebook listing 100 Eighteen Century novel titles, and came across on that fit my life to a T. (Tee? not sure. Whatever) 

“I can’t afford that, and other tales” 

This week I was officially accepted into the university of Tennessee as a transfer student, with a major in business exploratory track.

"We can't accept you to a perment degree seeking program just yet..."

 I feel as if they are being totally judgmental on my multiple past majors. 

With that acceptance came a $250 price tag on ‘securing my spot’ then another $50 to sign up for orientation. $300 right there and I don’t even have a class schedule. I’m beginning to recall why I never wanted to attend a University, not too mention I STILL NEED TO PURCHASE WHATEVER BOOKS I NEED AS WELL. 

But you don’t have to pay tuition Erin! Look on the bright side. 

Yaaas. But I still can’t afford these…"extras!"  

Speaking of employee perks, orientation for my division starts bright and early on Tuesday morning and is touted to last until at least 3 pm. As an employee this doesn't really work real well for me, as my department will  be extremely busy with the influx of students that a new semester brings.

So I emailed the orientation supervisor asking if there was really a need for me to get a tour of the campus since I’m an employee.

“Oh, orientation doesn't last *all* day, just until your advising appointment, which may be as late as 3PM.”

My reaction to that email

Not *all* day. Right, because that’s totally going to go over real well with my supervisor. 

I emailed her back, asking if I can just get an advising time, and come on my lunch break. 

I haven’t heard back just yet. 

Which brings me to another point, while there is a policy in regards to employees taking classes, which details out PART of the process of signing up for classes, there doesn't seem to be a real step-by-step procedure for things such as orientation and work. Never mind. I don't know why I'm surprised by this.

I spoke with no less than four different departments to answer the above questions, and two of the places I was directed to have yet to get back with me. [Update 8/18/14 - One department did get back with me, but just sent me back to the first place I talked too..] 

Why doesn't one person know all the answers? 

So… Fall 2014 could still not happen. 

Update: 8-18-14 So I used my lunch break to walk to the JRB Building, a 10 minute walk at best, but in heels it felt like forever. Once there, I stumbled into a waiting room loaded with students. 

The conversation is as follows:

Hi, I'm an employee here, and a new student, and I was wondering what your walk-in hours were for
today. (I asked it like that to see if I would have time to sit after work ..)

Oh we're not doing walk-ins past 10:00AM tomorrow. 

Hmm ... well, I'm an employee here, so I have to be at work during those hours (I work at the SH building...) and typically have to be there at 8:00AM, what time do you think I should come? 

"Well they start seeing students around 8:30AM, so if you want to get here early, there will probably be await..." 

OK. Time for another approach. So they told me I needed to attend orientation, but as an employee I can't really do that... what should I do? 

"Why don't you come early tomorrow and we'll talk to the director about that."

Great. Yeah. So I'll just stick with my original plan (Come in super early tomorrow for orientation, and try to talk my way out of staying.) 

Once I got back to the office, I made a last ditch attempt to talk to someone in the New Student Orientation office. 

"So I'm a staff member and a new employee, and am wondering if I need to attended orientation" 

Well most people don't sign up for orientation if they are a staff member... 

"I was told that the only time the business undergrad program did advising was during the orientation."

Oh, that's true.. 

Well that runs right through the middle of the work day for me, and I'm not sure my supervisor will allow me to leave ... 

Oh well just email our office, and we'll try to work something out for you.

O.M.G THANK YOU!!! 

So that happened, and I have yet to hear back. 

I am slightly stressed, but not much. 

I’m highly annoyed at the amount of money I (and my family loaned to me) spent. 

Its out of my hands now. 

Que sera sera

Update 8/19/14 - Got up at the .... really early, drove to campus, got checked in, found the supervisor, reminded her she'd talked to me, and boom... Oh just come back by 12:00.

SERIOUSLY. YOU COULDN'T HAVE EMAILED THAT TOO ME FOUR DAYS AGO?

I'm done. 

The dilemma

What do I want to do with my life.
I feel as if I field this question on an all too regular basis.

"So what are your plans for the future Erin? Where do you see this "thing" going?"

I realize that 24.8 years of age, I should have an idea of what I want to do with my life.
I should have at least a bachelors degree.

You don't know how embarrassing it is to realize that this a milestone people younger than me have reached two.years.ago.

MY YOUNGER SISTER HAS ALREADY GRADUATED COLLEGE. 

I shouldn't be embarrassed. I know this.
It's not like I've slacked off.

But people don't know that, and I don't have time to explain the ridiculous situations surrounding my college career each and every time I'm asked.

As I stated in a previous post, one of the perks of my job is nine credit hours free per semester. Something that will be a huge blessing, but I'm conflicted.

When I graduated high school, I really didn't think much about which school I was going to attend. There was a community college in town, and I was more than happy to attend classes there.

I was a shy kid, so the thought of moving away from my parents, family and friends completely terrified me. So the idea of going to a university never really occurred to me.

When I moved to Kn.oxville the options were endless.

There were so many colleges at my disposal, but PSTCC called my name with its offering of a Photography program, so I applied and was accepted there.

Despite financial aid problems, I have absolutely loved my time there.
I love their class selection.
I love their course schedules.
I love their openness when it comes to my guide dog puppies.

Now I'm faced with the affore mentioned dilemma.

During my time at PSTCC I have looked dismissively into classes at UTK, and have never been impressed with the offerings. So much fluff, not enough stuff. In. my. humble opinion. Too much money. Good-bye!

But now... it looks as if they are my only option. Sure, they offer a fee waiver to at least one class at another Board of Regions school ... but I really NEED To take as many classes as possible.

Don't get me wrong, the prestige of going to a university has its draw. A very STRONG draw. But its just that to me, a status symbol.

Argh!

Perhaps I'm just scared of the unknown.
I am prone to doing that.

Oh who am I kidding.
I'm absolultely terrified of the unknown.

What if I don't finish this degree either? Am I destined to be stuck as a recpetionist forever?

12:16AM - First Day of Class

Ah the convenience of modern technology. The clock struck twelve, and just like that I'm a college student. After a quick glance at my college courses, a couple of things come to mind.

1.) I was hoping to get back into the blogging-on-a-regular-basis-thing, but if this schedule is accurate, then that's not going to happen.
2.) YOU CAN RENT KINDLE BOOKS!? HALLELUJAH
3.) THEY OFFER 7 DAY FREE TRIALS? THANK YOU JESUS! (This is amazing since financial aid suspended my account due to attempting over 90 credit hours. The last thing I want to do is spend a whole bunch of money on books, just to find out they aren't going to give me more money. If that's the case, we'll have to take a harder look at school.)
4.) I HAVE AN ASSIGNMENT DUE ON SUNDAY? DOES SHE LACK A HEART?!
5.) "SHE" DOESN'T ACCEPT LATE WORK? Can I just shoot myself now?
6.) ....WHAT IN THE WORLD AM I GETTING MYSELF INTO?
7.) Man this is going to cost a lot of money.

I know you are wondering if the capital letters are necessary, and the answer is absolutely. I'm freaking out in my mind. There goes my life. Love you guys. See you in May.

Cheers!

Erin 

frustrated.

You wanna know something frustrating? You don't? Tough. I'm going to tell you anyways.

Frustrating is .... finding out a  week before classes start that your financial aid has been cut off.
Frustrating is ... finding out you have 97 attempted credit hours, and OH YEAH that automatically disqualifies you from receiving more financial aid; and no we don't warn students when they are getting close to that mark, or surpass it, until they attempt MORE.

Oh! You didn't know I was going back to school?
Well maybe not after all..

Paid in Full

Its official. I'm 90% debt free. 
If that sentence seemed anti-climatic, its because that's exactly how it felt upon hitting the "submit" button. My dad had been at my house that evening, getting my washing machine up in running (for the first time in almost two years!)

I was sharing with him, how close I was to finish paying of my tuition, and how I was just waiting for the "right" moment to pay it. (aka making sure all my bills for that month were taken care of)
Within moments the expected fussing began.

"Erin I know its seems like a good thing to do, but you really just need to go ahead and pay if off, I've been where you .... "

I'll admit there are times when I feel like a kid again, wanting to roll my eyes, and feel as if I know best. But this time I knew he was right. I had the money. If I didn't go ahead and use it for its dedicated purpose, I would find myself spending it on more scarves.

So as he talked on, I sucked it up, navigated to the appropriate site and made my final payment.
There was no applause, no "Hallelujah chorus", no confetti falling from the ceiling.
In fact my dad was still lecturing me on the merits of just going ahead and doing "the right thing."

"Its done"

"... were, but have learned the best thing is just ... what?"

"I paid it off. Its all done."

Aw Honey! Here let me give you a sympathy hug.

That's the moment I realized that yes my dad DID really feel my pain.

So now I've been debt free for almost two weeks. (Debts not including my car)
Though anti-climatic, the good news is I finally got to see my grades from almost a year and a half ago. I pretty much knew what I'd received, but seeing it in black and white makes it more "official."

No F's this semester!

*phew*

Two B's and a A.

So... what does this mean for the future you ask? Don't worry, I'm asking the same question. And to be honest ... I don't know. There are a lot of variables in this situation, and its far to early to be able to say without a doubt that Yes school is in my foreseeable future.

I hope and pray it is.

I miss it. As odd as that sounds, I do.

VLOG: Is There Life after college?

Taken with my iPhone. If I look like I'm about to fall over its because I was squatting in front of a chair. 

College 2012

I'll admit I was sort of bummed, when I saw this pop up on my Facebook Timeline the other day. If life was going according to *my* plan, my graduation from PSTCC indeed be an event I'd be looking forward too this year. 


When I first arrived in Knoxville, I was thrilled to find out that there was a college that offered a degree in photography, something I'd loved for a long time. As soon as I was able too, I signed up for classes intent on finally getting to go to school for something I loved. 


Most Every.single. semesters has been fraught with problems. 


Semester #1: Starts of with a "bang" to the tune of $4,000+. I wound up paying over $700 that time (which thankfully I had) and waiting about six months for Financial Aid to "semi" pay me back. I got maybe $400 back from that. 
Semester #2: Was better. 
Semester #3: You have _____ holds on your account. I wasn't planning on going to school, life was stressful, I didn't know if I was doing the right thing, and kind of wanted to "wait and see". My parents however, had other thoughts and talked me into, and somehow God worked it out, and I started classes a week late. It.was.STRESSFUL. Stressful enough to land me with an F in one class, and withdrawing from another. 
Semester #4: Once again the money monster rears its head. 


As I've heard down through the years, "If God is in something, it will work". I think even the most pagan person can see.. this ain't working. So now what?

Insta-Friday #2

Another Insta-Friday ... with finals right around the corner, I have spent the majority of my week in front of a computer, slaving away over last minute homework. By Wednesday my brain was fried. HOWEVER getting an 85 on my exam...? TOTALLY WORTH IT. Looks like I'll make a "B" in Math. For the first time in my college history. Yes I'm a little excited about that fact. 

And because Finals we're going "so" well, I decided to take puppy sit for a day. You can read about that BIG mistake on my other blog. :) 

But he's oh-so-cute

How was your week?

Seriously..?

Sometimes I forget I have this blog. Other times I forget on purpose.
I try to write on this blog, as if I were talking to my friends, posting things that I do tell my friends. Documenting memories with photos. But sometimes At the moment, its just another thing to do.
And can I tell you? I'm TIRED.

Tired of going to be, knowing I'll only get five hours of sleep.
Tired of waking up knowing that I have a boat load of stuff to do.
Tired of going home, wanting to chill out and not being able too.
Tired of wondering how I'm going to get the money to pay for school, and other stuff.
Tired of missing out on trips and such like, because of a great lack of money.
Tired of having a house that is constantly in need of cleaning.
Tired of needing to drink caffiene to keep me going.
Tired of fast food.
Tired of the VOLS loosing games. (heehee)
Tired of not being able to hang with my friends like we used to.

BLAH.

But on the flip side. I'm extremely proud of my sister and brother, for making it into the Knoxville Youth Orchestra. They preformed for the first time on Monday evening. Yeah I'll admit to being a little jealous of them, but since they didn't have a pianist anyway, that jealousy would be a bit unfounded.

Part 2 of a Four Part Orchestra 

Weston, Kristen and Kristen's Conductor 

I'm also super excited to have gotten a B on a written test. People, I do HORRIBLY on written tests. This is a known fact for me, even if I think I know the stuff, I do badly. But this time, I don't know, GOD blessed me majorly and I  passed. I was sooooooo happy walking back to my seat with this in hand. Are you kidding me? Totally made my day.

The End.

Seriously..?

Sometimes I forget I have this blog. Other times I forget on purpose.
I try to write on this blog, as if I were talking to my friends, posting things that I do tell my friends. Documenting memories with photos. But sometimes At the moment, its just another thing to do.
And can I tell you? I'm TIRED.

Tired of going to be, knowing I'll only get five hours of sleep.
Tired of waking up knowing that I have a boat load of stuff to do.
Tired of going home, wanting to chill out and not being able too.
Tired of wondering how I'm going to get the money to pay for school, and other stuff.
Tired of missing out on trips and such like, because of a great lack of money.
Tired of having a house that is constantly in need of cleaning.
Tired of needing to drink caffiene to keep me going.
Tired of fast food.
Tired of the VOLS loosing games. (heehee)
Tired of not being able to hang with my friends like we used to.

BLAH.

But on the flip side. I'm extremely proud of my sister and brother, for making it into the Knoxville Youth Orchestra. They preformed for the first time on Monday evening. Yeah I'll admit to being a little jealous of them, but since they didn't have a pianist anyway, that jealousy would be a bit unfounded.

Part 2 of a Four Part Orchestra 

Weston, Kristen and Kristen's Conductor 

I'm also super excited to have gotten a B on a written test. People, I do HORRIBLY on written tests. This is a known fact for me, even if I think I know the stuff, I do badly. But this time, I don't know, GOD blessed me majorly and I  passed. I was sooooooo happy walking back to my seat with this in hand. Are you kidding me? Totally made my day.

The End.

College + Three Dogs

Me @ 16 w/ Puppy #1 

The great thing about going to college while living at home is, I don't have to leave my animals behind him. I've always had a puppy accompany to my college classes, and one at home as my pet. 

Can I tell you something? I love my dogs, I really do, but ...and I know you moms out their are cringing however as the oldest of six, I think I'm qualified to have some idea of this statement...

"Having Three dogs is like having kids." 
With the exception that they can't talk. Much.

I don't travel much.
I don't spend more than 8 hours away from my home,without checking or sending someone to check.
I can't just leave the house on a whim.
I feel guilty if I have leave again if I've just come home.
My life pretty much revolves around making sure they have proper amounts of exercise.
My paycheck revolves around food and care for them.

While I love all of my puppies, I do wonder sometimes, how I wound up with three of them, and day dream how easy life would be with only one.

I don't think I'd know what to do with myself.

Oh wait, I remember now, when I had two, I worked a dog daycare, so they just went to work with me, and I had no real how care for them, life was good.

And when I had 3-4, I also worked a dog friendly job.

Me @ Dog Daze Doggy Daycare

Enter job that they can't come too and then life gets a lot harder.

Today for instance, I had to get homework done, so I forced myself to put the dogs on the back burner, make sure they got outside to potty? Yes, made sure they were fed, watered, and had toys? Yes. But no long play/walk/training sessions UNTIL HOMEWORK IS DONE.

It wasn't easy since they don't deal with down time very well, (especially after just being crated for the last five hours)

So here I am, attempt to figure out Truth Tables, and I have a lab running in and out of the room because he's bored, a dachshund hopping on and off the bed, scuffling with the lab over various toys, another dachshund, whining at your elbow because you didn't give her the granola you were eating..

Yes there were moments where I just screamed in frustration, which only gave me a moments peace, as the dogs stopped what they were doing to peer at me curiously, before returning to their antics..

But I did it, and still had some daylight left to let them run around for a good 30 minutes or so.

I really wish I could resolve not to get another puppy until Summer of next year, but God knows I'm weak when it comes to puppy faces.

Sanity vs. Puppy Breath 

9 wk old Pompei in the snow

Sanity vs. Puppy Breath 

9 wk old Midnight on my lap

Sanity vs. Puppy Breath 

7wk old Rob (and Midnight's baby) in the grass

Aww who needs sanity. I've lasted without it this long!

College + Three Dogs

Me @ 16 w/ Puppy #1 

The great thing about going to college while living at home is, I don't have to leave my animals behind him. I've always had a puppy accompany to my college classes, and one at home as my pet. 

Can I tell you something? I love my dogs, I really do, but ...and I know you moms out their are cringing however as the oldest of six, I think I'm qualified to have some idea of this statement...

"Having Three dogs is like having kids." 
With the exception that they can't talk. Much.

I don't travel much.
I don't spend more than 8 hours away from my home,without checking or sending someone to check.
I can't just leave the house on a whim.
I feel guilty if I have leave again if I've just come home.
My life pretty much revolves around making sure they have proper amounts of exercise.
My paycheck revolves around food and care for them.

While I love all of my puppies, I do wonder sometimes, how I wound up with three of them, and day dream how easy life would be with only one.

I don't think I'd know what to do with myself.

Oh wait, I remember now, when I had two, I worked a dog daycare, so they just went to work with me, and I had no real how care for them, life was good.

And when I had 3-4, I also worked a dog friendly job.

Me @ Dog Daze Doggy Daycare

Enter job that they can't come too and then life gets a lot harder.

Today for instance, I had to get homework done, so I forced myself to put the dogs on the back burner, make sure they got outside to potty? Yes, made sure they were fed, watered, and had toys? Yes. But no long play/walk/training sessions UNTIL HOMEWORK IS DONE.

It wasn't easy since they don't deal with down time very well, (especially after just being crated for the last five hours)

So here I am, attempt to figure out Truth Tables, and I have a lab running in and out of the room because he's bored, a dachshund hopping on and off the bed, scuffling with the lab over various toys, another dachshund, whining at your elbow because you didn't give her the granola you were eating..

Yes there were moments where I just screamed in frustration, which only gave me a moments peace, as the dogs stopped what they were doing to peer at me curiously, before returning to their antics..

But I did it, and still had some daylight left to let them run around for a good 30 minutes or so.

I really wish I could resolve not to get another puppy until Summer of next year, but God knows I'm weak when it comes to puppy faces.

Sanity vs. Puppy Breath 

9 wk old Pompei in the snow

Sanity vs. Puppy Breath 

9 wk old Midnight on my lap

Sanity vs. Puppy Breath 

7wk old Rob (and Midnight's baby) in the grass

Aww who needs sanity. I've lasted without it this long!