We've got to keep going...

A couple things.

So, I got a job/internship working at the Fine Arts Center on campus. I start Thursday. I'll be taking reservations for shows, writing press releases and working on a campaign to get the word out about our shows, as well as helping out on show nights and setting up/tearing down for shows.

I found an amazing video on Youtube. Well, I didn't find it, but it was on the front page. It's cute though, so I recommend you watch it. You can find it here.

I'm also working on my own script. I've started writing it, so if anyone is interested in helping or reading parts of it as I get it done, let me know.

So... that's all for now, but I'll be back with a real update soon. Oh, and by the way... I need to keep a journal of my internship, so I'll be posting a link to that soon, since it'll be easier for me to keep it online. Alright!

Gabby

1 left. No doubt my hardest exam of the year. Speech and drama. A Gary test, for those of you who know him and for those of you who don't...

Let's just say, it's going to be a long afternoon.

On the plus side, Gary just offered me the Arts Center public relations internship for this summer. Can you say "psyched?" It pays, it's my internship, it's working at the arts center in the box office, I get to go to all of the shows (um, Jeff Daniels is coming? I'll SO be there!) This is just... exciting! And to think I'll be learning and applying what I've learned. Finally I feel like my major means something, lol!

Anywho... studying is usually a good thing. And since his exam will probably be the hardest... I better go study. Wish me luck!

Gabby

Day three brings one of those hard tests that you dread, but you know that you HAVE to take it. I mean, it goes beyond the grade on this one, it's needed to keep your psychological and emotional balance for the rest of the summer.

Interpersonal communication has been my favorite class this year, but the last few weeks I've been slipping a bit. I am determined, though, to prove that my missing some classes will not effect my grade or the knowledge I have gained from the course. Damn it, I will pass!!

Tomorrow is the big day. 2 exams. Small group communication and Speech and drama productions. Both will be long and hard. Both... I shall get an A on.

See, if you think you can... you can!

Adios!

Gabby

PS: I apparently got one of the highest grades in my mass media exam! Go me!

Today I delivered my final presentation for Small Group and presented my final performance order for Speech and drama. I have to say... I'm pretty proud of both. Small group final was pretty awesome. I did a game that I basically improv'd (most of it had been done, but I added something last minute and it ROCKED!) My Speech and drama thing also surprised me with it's awesomeness. It was pretty cool, sitting there, actually talking about our orders like we knew what we were doing... I might just admit that this is the first semester I actually feel like I've learned something and *GASP* feel like a communication major!

The parentals are meeting this weekend. Which is FREAKING me out because... well... their meeting for the first time ever. We're gonna take them around the Soo... show them some of the places we're thinking about holding the wedding... go out to dinner. Show them the apartment. The usual. My mom is going to have a long day ahead of her... she has to go to Lansing first to get her birth certificate and then she's coming up to Da Soo to rest/eat/stop driving.

Then, on Sunday... the big day... our 1 year anniversary. Holy. Mother. Of. God. Has it really already been a year? Like... really? We don't really have anything planned, what with the parents coming up and all, but I do have a gift idea for the boy. If you wanna know, you can e-mail or call or something, but he reads my LJ so posting that is outta the question. I'm still in awe right now. I mean... a year ago on THIS day I was single, moppy, saying that Steve could never like me that way... and then I let it slip to a friend and she let it slip and three days later Steve asked me out.

There, now you know the legend of Gabby and Steve.

In the mean time, my adviser today told me that he wants me to do a performance for my senior thesis. So... I need your help with something.

Poll #1176513 What should Gabby do for her senior thesis?!
Open to: All, results viewable to: All

What SHOULD Gabby do for her senior thesis?!

Okay... I'm done. But really, F-list, help me out with this one!!

Gabby

When you believe in something, you stand up for it.

When you really believe that someone is being put down, stepped on, beaten up, you help them.

I'm in this situation right now where I have this wonderful professor and most of the students in the class are too lazy to do the work. Because of this... they're exaggerating, telling lies, to try and get her into trouble. Is it because she is different then them? Because they don't understand her teaching? Because they are bored? I don't know...

I stood up for her the other day. Told some of the students that if they just put their minds to it and did the work they'd be getting better grades, having a better time in the class, you know, the usual.

Today, though... I'm going to be an outcast. No one will talk to me. It's going to be a rough day.

And a rough end of the semester.

But I'd do it again. Because no one should have their name dragged through the mud like this professor has. No one should be left to fight this kind of a battle alone.

Gabby

So, I got through my classes today feeling a little better.

Interpersonal really taught me a thing or two about how we communicate in relationships. How... we have a need to stay connected with the person we are with but at the same time we need to keep a face - a place - in the world that is completely our own. Relationships cannot be all about staying connected at the hip with your partner, but rather finding uniqueness and individuality in being part of a couple. *shrugs*

Mass media taught me that I can write a paper in 45 minutes and still get an A on it. Boo ya suckers!

Oh, oh! I had a costume fitting today! Jennie Mae is going to be purdy. It's so funny... because I've never had a lead role until this show and there I was holding this costume in my hands going, "Wow, only leads would get a costume this nice." And then I remembered that I was a lead and a big grin spread out over my face. Eeeeee!!! But we'll come back to that in a moment.

Gail is taking me to dinner; and by dinner I mean the QD (ah, cafeteria food at its finest). I love her to death right now. I also love Ashlie to death right now... she really made me feel better about things. I really appreciated that.

I have rehearsal tonight. I have to admit, I'm a little nervous. You know, the show opens in just over two weeks. God, I can't believe this is really happening. I'm still trying to get over being in the "spotlight." I'm not used to having so much depend on me knowing my stuff but rather am used to having one line and being done with it all. Seeing my costume today, seeing the set onstage, hearing my lines come out of my mouth without a script in my hands... this is all so very real now.

Last night at rehearsal I had this "epiphany." I was waiting for my cue and I got distracted by the lights. And my eyes were staring and they felt so warm on my face and this giggle escaped. And I realized just how much I want to do this "theatre" thing for the rest of my life. How I love this thrill. And then my cue was called and I really didn't have much more time to reflect but... I would be happy with that. Spending my time on the stage. That would be nice.

Anywho... it's almost time for dinner. I should probably try to get some real work done. Adios!

Gabby

Of course he said it wouldn't hurt. All you'll feel is a slight jolt of electricity RUNNING THROUGH YOUR MUSCLES!!

So of course I let the professor put the metal on my skin and the student jab the other metal into my skin and then I took the button that controlled the electricity that would be running through my skin.

And then sat by as the professor said, "I don't know how this thing works, but let's turn it up to get it to work."

Needless to say, it's very hard to type right now. And those dots of bruises on my arm? I don't think that's normal.

Sure is painful though.

Just thought I'd share. That is all for now.

Gabby

In about 40 minutes I have to go to this English and Communication majors meeting. Basically, it's all the eng. and comm. professors getting the students into a room, bribing us with pizza and silently saying to themselves, "We've had too many complaints. We must calm the masses!" I look forward to it.

In the meantime, something to share with you all:

www.theholders.org

I just thought this was creepy... in a, you know, sadistic and fictional sort of way. I was thinking of submiting a story. Because, after all, I am a writer. Sort of. Anyway.

I have too many papers that are due. And with spring break a week away I don't know if I can find the sanity to do them. Plus I have a huge exam in Mass Communication on Monday and I don't think that's going to go over well. But I'm going to hold out for hope here, because I have all A's right now and I really don't want to lose that!

Anywho... I'm gonna go read the news. Maybe call a few people. Maybe find a quiet corner to take a nap. Mmm... nap...

Gabby

It snowed all day yesterday. It was so bad that they closed the Mackinaw Bridge and parts of I-75. Mostly, I just stayed inside. Until, you know, we ran out of toilet paper.

Other than that, this weekend was pretty uneventful. Which was nice, considering how busy this week is going to be. For the most part I just worked on homework, watched the snow fall, took Dixie for walks, watched movies. Enjoyed one of those rare weekends where you have nowhere to go and nothing to do. It was nice.

This week is going to be horrible, though. I have 2 tests, a quiz, three papers due, a presentation, another presentation for finance committee, rehearsals, 2 performances on campus, a 5 hour drive to Detroit, another performance and a 5 hour drive back. Yikes! Out of this whole semester, both weeks past and weeks to come, this is the busy week I will have. Even finals won't be this bad!

In the meantime, though, I'm starting to think about spring break, seeing as how that will be my next break. I'm thinking about just coming home for the week, hitting up a bar or two with my at home friends, relaxing on the couch, visiting my mom. I may just take a trip for myself, though. I'm thinking about taking a weekend just for me, holing up in a hotel in Mackinaw or something and just taking some me time, ya know? I just feel like I'm constantly surrounded by people and it would be nice to get away and clear my head. I don't know yet though; I don't know if I could stay in a hotel room by myself, so I may have to find someone to keep me company? More than likely Shari! But maybe Amy? I don't know yet! *sigh*

Anyway, I think I'm off to scavenge for food. I haven't eaten a full meal since 4 o'clock yesterday and I'm thinking that may be a good idea. I'll chat at ya'll later!

Gabby

I have lab in about... oh, let's say... 1 hour and 11 minutes. I'm excited about it. Mostly 'cause we get to play with microscopes today and that makes me happy. :D See, now, this is the side of me that misses being a criminalistics major, playing with microscopes and other sciency equipment.

But because I'm pretty sure I just made up a word, I'm happy to be a communication major again.

And now that it took me about 20 tries to write that last sentence, I am not. :(

Anywho, school is uber-busy right now. I feel like I have no time whatsoever (despite the fact that I am currently sitting on the computer, writing on LJ while my Mass Comm. book sits unopened and gathering dust before me). I mean, today is my busy day. I have lab at ten, interpersonal communication at 1, Mass Communication at 3, Functions of the Human Body at 5 and rehearsal from 7-9ish... Add to that studying (if I can pry myself away from internet goodness to do that) and figuring out my presentation for Finance committee on Monday AND making a timeline for the Dinner Theatre drama club said they wanted to do... I'm gonna be pooped by the end of the day!!

Speaking of drama... The Diviner's is going awesome. Last night was the first REAL night of blocking and running through everything, and while there were awkward moments for me, it felt so comfortable. Usually, when I have to play parts like this, I just feel so weird about it all. I really do feel like I'm acting. But yesterday I just had this little kid glee about it... like I was playing pretend and I could throw myself into this world and actually be Jennie Mae and actually care for Buddy and actually be falling for C.C., but then you get off stage, you take your exit, and suddenly I'm Gabby again, I care for Tim and Ryan and I love Steve. That was just such an amazing feeling; like I can feel the progress and how I've grown as a performer over the past little bit. That... that was nice.

Also, on that note, Proud Monster leaves for Detroit on Thursday. I'm getting so nervous and yet... I'm so excited. I told Gary yesterday that the thing I am most looking forward to is hearing what other people - people who do this all the time like me - think of this performance. I want to get advice, criticism, compliments, whatever. I'm just so excited to share these pieces with a larger more attentive audience. Thinking about it puts a smile on my face! :D

Anywho, I figured I've spent enough time on here... I guess I'm off to study... or something...

Adios!

Gabby

... actors, that is. Busy with multiple shows, having to learn lines from different scripts, being busy all around. No wonder they go off and do crazy shiza! I'm going insane!!

So yes, if you haven't already gathered from the previous entry that I am incredibly busy... I am incredibly busy. Tonight I start rehearsals for the Diviners... which is immediately followed by rehearsals for Proud Monster... in which I have 4 different scripts that need to be memorized. Well, are already memorized, but need to be fine-tuned. On top of that I have 2 class that I need to catch up on because I was only just able to buy the books on Friday. Oh, and lets not forget Drama club and pep band... both of which have meetings this week... Standards board tonight at the same time Proud Monster is and... 2 hockey games this weekend.

Also, I have a dog that needs a good walk, a fiancee that needs love and a body that decided, yes Gabby, today is the PERFECT day to shut down and get sick. You know what's funny though?

I wouldn't trade this life for anything. I have amazing friends who are standing by me and putting up with my horrendous schedule, I have a man that loves me and I'm doing things that I love. It may be busy, time consuming, heartbreaking at times and tiring but damn... this is the life.

I only say all of this because I still find it hard to believe that I am in this place. I never thought I'd be this happy. The last year has been kind of rough. I mean, I lost one of my best friends, I moved away from home... again, my dad moved to Texas... it's been a little hard. But now I'm keeping busy, getting into shape and just loving life in general. I just... I'm very happy right now. :D

Anywho... I miss all of you who know I miss you and I can't wait to see some of you soon!

Gabby

...have gone amazing! I have to say that there is not one class so far that doesn't interest me. Interpersonal has got me thinking about all the ways I communicate with my friends and loved ones. Mass Comm. has got me looking at the media and they way they inform us in a whole new way. Functions of the human body has already made me more aware of myself and the signals that my body gives me. Small group is forcing me to take a look at the groups that I run and make me wonder how to make them more effective. And speech and drama is forcing me to be more creative. I love it!

This semester does feel a little off though. For one, my best friend isn't here to keep me sane. Stacy ran off to France for 3 months of studying fun. Lucky girl. So it's just not the same without her. Although I did just find out from her mother that she left me a package... I wonder what is in it... hmmm...

Well, I guess I need to go to class. We're going to be sharing articles in class today about what popular media has to say about communicating. I have an article from Cosmo called "How to Sweep Him Off HIs Feet - Nonmushy Moves guys like." It's silly and totally weird. Anywho... I'm off!

Gabby

It's not often that you find someone reading their books before classes begin, but that's what I've been doing for most of the afternoon. I am the ultimate geek. And proud of it.

When I first became a communications major I was scared that I would end up hating it. The classes sounded both boring and hard and I was so frightened that I had made the wrong decision. But now, as I read my books for this coming semester, I'm not so scared. I'm reading topics that interest me, that pique my curiosity, that make me THINK. I'm reading because I'm having fun doing it, not because I have to.

Honestly, I'm really excited for classes to start back up again. This semester is looking to be exciting and fun and educational. Busy, yes, but a new challenge that I really think I'm up to. I think this will be the semester that really puts me on the course to what I want to do with my life. Who wouldn't think that's exciting? Mass media is really pulling strong on that cord. I'm reading about the 7 truths of media and how mass communication works and... it's reading like an exciting novel or something. I just can't put it down! God, I'm such a geek!!

I don't know. It just seems so rare to find something that you can get passionate about these days. It really feels good to be into something again... something that I can see me spending the rest of my life on.

Gabby

And they are...

Business & Prof Speaking = B+
Organizational Communication = A
Honors First-Yr Sem: Storytelling = A
Descriptive Astronomy = A
History of Drama and Theatre I = B+

GPA = 3.7

I MADE THE DEAN'S LIST!!!

That is all...

Gabby

I've offically completed 3/4 classes and have only 1/2 hour left until I start the final drive in the last one. How exciting!

I got 103/100 today on my Astronomy Star Lab! Highest grade in the class baby! Now lets see what I got on the other two exams in that class! Then I took a test for History of Drama and Theatre... I'm pretty sure I got at least a 90% if not 100%. It was just... really easy! Now just to get org. comm. outta the way and we'll see what happens. Dean's list, here I come...?

In other news... I LEAVE FOR TEXAS TOMORROW!!!

Beat that suckers. No trip anywhere else, not to Vegas, not to NYC, not on some stupid little cruise can beat the joy of going home. Spending time with family. Yeah.

:D

Gabby

Not that I'm too nervous, but still. If I do well on all of my exams, I finally can cross off my number two college goal (right after graduate)... make the Dean's list. That's as long as I don't mess up by failing these exams. But they are fairly easy so I have confidence that I can do this! :D

Oh my god. I MUST go see Sweeney Todd! Johnny Depp is in it... and he can sing... and it looks AMAZING!!! Looks like I have a new movie to see. ACK! Alan Rickman is in it too! Oh, that's it, I'm SO going to see this movie!!

Anyway...

We leave for Texas in 5ish days. I'm so excited. Road trip, adventure, Mexican Christmas, family, NO SNOW! Yeah, good times! I just hope the bad weather the midsection has been getting lets up a little long enough to get us there safely.

Anywho... I'm off to study/take the dog for a walk/ laze around. Talk at ya later! :D

Gabby

My puppy just got home from the vet. Awww, it's so sad to see her so weak! She's all laying around and attempting to lick her incision (naughty dog!) and not chasing Noah (that's a first). She's so cute, but it's so sad to see her like that. :( She could barely walk up the stairs. I felt so bad that she had too!!

So, no excesive exercise for about five days. She gets to sit around and be a lazy dog. I suppose this means she also can't have her bi-monthly bath. So I guess that makes her a lazy, stinky dog.

Awww, she sounds like a Mexican already! ;)

Anywho, I'm off to pamper my child with hugs and kisses and then it's time to commence the studying!

Gabby

Yes, my friends, it is that time of year again. can you believe it. Finals week is knocking at our door, the stress is building up and the time to do all your catching up just isn't there. Oh the happy happy joy joy!

So, what has been up in the life of Gabby? Not much, really. Steve and I are semi-moved into the new place. We have a couple of weird neighbors. The ones right above us are constantly running the water. Like... not even just the sink or the toilet, but you can tell it's the bath. What the fuck, eh? And the downstairs neighbor stares at us from her window everytime we pull in and walk up to the building. Like creepy, leaning out her window, her scary old lady eyes following us all the way around the corner staring. Anyone watch Scrubs? Know the episode with the old lady who kicked JD's butt so he stole her dentures? Yeah, like that...

We bought a couch today that has a pull out bed and is really nice. So hopefully some of you guys will wanna visit and take advantage of this wonderous event! ;)

What else... oh! Texas in two weeks! I can't wait! I'm getting really excited about seeing my dad and my grandparents and the massive amount of family that is sure to be waiting for us at the door. I'm also getting really excited about the drive (yes, we're driving). I've missed the open road so much, and this chance for adventure... of seeing the mountains... of feeling the warm air again. Well... all of that makes me really happy. I can't wait.

Can I just tell you all how much I love my friends? I love you guys. A lot.

Oh, and Dixie went in to get cut open today. *tear* No puppies for my puppy! I was so worried for her, though. I can't even imagine what it would be like to have kids and be this worried! Eek!

In other news, I've been in a really writy mood lately. I haven't actually written anything, but the urge is there. The desire. Keep an eye out... there may be something coming within the next few days.

There are really weird noises coming from outside the apartment. I know part of it is the 27 mph gusts we're getting off the river... but what is that strangely mechanical sound??

Hmmm...

Gabby

School. Blah blah blah.
Life. Blah blah blah.
COLD AS HELL. Blah blah blah.
SICK AS HELL. Blah blah blah.

In other words, life is very bland right now. Not bad or anything, just... blah! :D

It's also very sad because tonight is Jorja Fox's last night on CSI. As a fangirl with a major girl!crush on her... this makes me sad. Life without Sara Sidle? Not cool man. :(

My new favorite show onces she's gone: Pushing Daisies. Dear God, if you have not seen this show, you MUST go see it. NOW! Ned/Chuck... cutest 'ship EVER! This show is seriously like... the world inside my head. Bright and funny and fun... I love it!

Funniest line all week:
Astronomy Prof: And this is Virgo the Virgin.
Ditzy girl: THAT'S ME!
Prof: I'm... not even going to touch that one.
Girl: No, I mean... the Virgo part. Not virgin!

Or another conversation:
Prof: And as you can see, Gemini is here, in the eastern sky. Here's Procyon... none of you are going to remember that for the quiz, though I don't know why.
Ditzy Girl (same one): Sir, can you show that one again?
Prof: Oh God... I love it when you call me that.
Girl (seductively): Sir... can you please show it again... sir?

I love lab nights! *blush* I can't even make this stuff up! Hey, if my prof was like... 30 years younger, I'd totally have a crush on him! ;)

Anywho... I'm off! Adios!

Gabby

The first night with the dog went very well. After some fighting with her to get her to NOT sleep on the bed, she slept on the chair at at the foot of the bed. Dixie slept all night without making a noise. And this morning, when the alarm went off, we got the best wake up call ever when the dog jumped into bed and smothered us with wet dog kisses and the cat was meowing like crazy! It was all so cute!

When I took her out this morning to pee, I made a wonderful discovery. SNOW. About an inch all over the ground. Dixie, being only 5 months old, LOVES it. She dove into it and rolled around until the bath we gave her last night became pretty pointless. But she is a cutie. And her and Noah (Steve's cat) are getting along okay. At first we had to stop the dog from jumping on the cat, but now the cat just baits the dog into dark corners and attacks and Dixie takes it! It's so funny to watch the two of them play.

We're supposed to get more snow today and it's my busy school day. Back and forth on campus all day and all I have on is my jacket. Plus, I have rehearsal and pep band tonight.

All I want to do is go home and snuggle down with my family.

Gabby