2008 in Reflection

I know I haven't written in a while, but here it goes...

Wow! Can anyone else believe this year is over? This has been a big year of change for me so I decided to let you into a little insight on my year.

First of all, I have been on MySpace for a year. I can't decide whether or not MySpace is the root of all evil or not. I do enjoy comments and socializing. I am sure you all can agree I do too many bulletins, but I get bored at work. Thanks to MySpace I reconnected with my good buddy, James Samuel McDonald IV. I hadn't heard from him in 6 years and he found me. I am going to visit him in Seattle in less than two weeks. We picked up as friends right where we left off.

In this year, I have lept into the technology age. I got a new laptop, a new digital camera, and an iPod. My life was incomplete before I got my iPod. I can download pictures, calibrate my printer (but not very well), and all sorts of other things that I was inept at before. I have discovered youtube and all the funny videos on there. Not so crazy about Facebook, but I have found a couple of people from high school that I hadn't talked to in forever.

I am not trying to be vain during this paragraph, but I am really proud of myself for going back to school and finishing all my pre-requisites for nursing school. I apply in January and will hopefully start in September. I have had to sacrifice a lot of my time to study but it has all paid off. This has definitely helped me get my priorities in check.

My mom and I spent a whole week in New York City. It was the best trip I have ever been on. We got to see the St. Patrick's Day Parade. We spent a whole day at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. We spent a morning in Central Park. We walked around Greenwich Village on a drizzly, Sunday morning and ate breakfast in a park. We stayed in Times Square and got to be in the hustle and bustle of every day NYC living. I know the subway system like I know the back of my hand. We saw Tina Fey in Rockefellar Plaza. We had tea at Alice's Tea Room in the Upper East Side and talked to Uma Thurman's next door neighbor for thirty minutes. We ate at Serendipity where they filmed the movie. Sorry that I am rambling about NYC...it is just my favorite place ever.

My friends...

My BFFs are alive and well. I have had the pleasure of seeing Jodi become engaged to the best guy. I have fallen in love with Matt myself (not in that way). I am so happy that they are getting married. Deanna is doing great and Darcy is a year and a half! My goddaughter is growing up. She has her mother's smile and that makes me happy.

Dorsey moved to California this year. She is now 1717 miles away from me. I regret that when she moved to San Antonio a few years ago that I didn't see her very much because she is so far away now. I love you so much, Doodle. I am so glad to have you in my life. Never be to busy for the ones you love. They may move 1717 miles away!

Cassell and Liz...the two newest additions to my life. If I hadn't heard Cassell say the word "pharmacology" at work, we might not be friends. Cassell, Liz, and I are going to be awesome nurses in just a few years. It is amazing to me that I love both of them so much. Both of them are my rock. Liz and I were separated at birth...7 years apart.

Carole, thanks for being there for me through the year! It has been interesting!

All of my friends have been such a great source of support for me this year. I love each and everyone of you. If I went into details about all of you, we would be here until 2010.

Top Movie of the Year: The Dark Knight
Second Top Movie of the Year: Valkyrie
Third Top Movie of the Year: Sex & The City

Top Book of the Year: Mr. Darcy Takes a Wife
I haven't had time to really read anything else.

Top Song of the Year: Whatever You Like...by T.I.
Second Song of the Year: Lay it Down...by Al Green
Third Top Song of the Year: Womanizer...by Britney Spears (got me through some difficult times)
I also love the new Kanye!

Top 10 Moments of 2008:

10. Roadtrip to San Antonio
9. Watching a ton of great movies at Alamo
8. Dorsey's farewell party
7. Catching snowflakes on my tongue with Liz
6. Wurstfest
5. South Padre Island
4. I know!
3. Honey, I shrunk Christmas.
2. Playing a 2 hour game of Clue without the Clue cards in the envelope
1. New York City

Saving the deep stuff for last...

* Change is not bad.
* The best thing you can do for yourself is to have great friends.
* You shouldn't ever settle for anyone.
* Everybody knows it ain't trickin' if you got it.
* I have learned to just not care.
* BS from someone is not a form of flattery.
* Girls are fabulous.
* There is nothing better than a sexy pair of arms.
* Singing in the car is cathartic.
* I have learned not underestimate myself.
* Drama is for the birds.
* Just laugh it off.
* Sometimes you just have to walk away.
* All right...stop! Collaborate and listen.
* You definitely cannot read tone in text messages, instant messages, and emails.

Well, that is all I really want to say. I could probably go on and on. 2008 has been interesting. I now know all the muscles and bones of the body. I have seen several of my friends find really nice boyfriends/girlfriends. I have had minimal drama. I got to spend a whole week in New York City. I got to spend four days on the beach with my friends. I have made some new friends. I have fallen in love with Alamo Drafthouse, Whole Foods, Central Market, Chuy's, and Town Lake.

In 2009, I am going to Seattle, Canada, and the Dominican Republic. I can't wait for Wurstfest 2009! I start nursing school (hopefully) in September. I might have to quit my job because of school or atleast go part time. Lots of big things coming. I am thankful to have all of you along for the ride. So long, 2008! Hello, 2009!

Happy New Year!!!

Hilary out and about to get the party started!

Things I am thankful for...

I just want to give a big shout out to the man upstairs! I have been really stressed out with school, work, and boys. I am over half way done with summer school and my head is above water. He has taken care of me.

Things I am thankful for:
1. I passed my physiology assessment test, which had been plaguing my mind. Never again will I wait until the last minute to do something that important. If I hadn't passed, I would have delayed starting R.N. school by 9 months. But...the good Lord took care of me and I passed with flying colors.

2. My brother is at Officer Candidate School and doing well.

3. I love my friends and family more than anything. I got to hang out with Jims this last weekend and I have not seen him since 2002. We had a great time! I also get to see my grand-parental units this weekend.

4. Not a priority, but I am thankful that I am seeing The Dark Knight tomorrow. It has had excellent reviews. I am seeing it at midnight with a bunch of people. I am going to marry Christian Bale as soon as he leaves his wife.

Haha...

I also cannot spell "unbelievably."

Funny News

I have been unbelievable busy with school. I cannot believe I am taking two extremely hard classes during summer school. I am an idiot. Here is an interesting article I found...
My question is...what was her head doing so close to her womanly parts?

A Los Angeles woman claims she was injured by her Victoria's Secret thong, prompting her to sue the underwear manufacturer.
The plaintiff in the case, Macrida Patterson, 52, attributed the May 2007 injury to a Victoria's Secret "low-rise v-string," according to a court document posted on The Smoking Gun.
Patterson's lawyer told The Smoking Gun that a "design problem" caused a decorative metallic piece on the underwear to fly up and hit Patterson in the eye while she was putting the underwear on.
Patterson's product liability lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court last week.
The Smoking Gun reported that, prior to the lawsuit, officials from Victoria's Secret had asked to see the offending underwear but were refused by Patterson's lawyer.

I was informed...

by Emily that she expected my blog to be wonderful, funny, packed with movie reviews, etc. So...I figured that, while I am not in school right now, I would do a huge tribute to Indiana Jones 4. But...as it turns out, the movie was not very good and I do not want to spend a lot of time writing about it. Emily, Brad...this is all you are getting. If you want humor, check me out on MySpace. BTW, make sure you check MySpace to see my new Mr. Potato Head.

TGIF!

Thank Goodness I am done with Finals!!!

This is the happiest I have felt in a while. Life is wonderful. My tests are over. I made an A in my Psyc class. Still waiting to hear back about A&P, but I think everything is ok. I am going to thoroughly enjoy the next 2.5 weeks off. I am going to read a book that I have been meaning to read. I am going to clean my house to perfection. I am going to Maroon 5 on Sunday. I am going to see Emily and Dee in 1 week. I am going to Seaworld next weekend. I get to see Indiana Jones at midnight the next week. There are many things to be joyful about.

The weeks go by...

In 1 week, I have Supper Club at my friend Misty's house.
In 2 weeks, I have to have a 10 page paper due.
In 3 weeks, I will be done with this semester.
In 4 weeks, I will see Emily and Deanna and go to Seaworld.
In 5 weeks, I get to see Indiana Jones 4 and it is Memorial Day weekend.
In 6 weeks, I start summer school and Sex and the City comes out.
In 7 weeks, it is Burton's birthday.
In 8 weeks, the Incredible Hulk comes out.
In 9 weeks, it is my mom's and Darcy's birthday, Get Smart comes out, and I have Widow's Workday at church.
In 10 weeks, Wanted comes out.
In 11 weeks, it will be the Fourth of July.
In 12 weeks, Jimmy is coming to visit.
In 13 weeks, the Dark Knight comes out.
In 14 weeks, there is nothing on the calendar.
In 15 weeks, it is Jodi's birthday.
***That is all for now. I am busy!

I'm It!

I'm it!
I was tagged by Emily, so I thought I would oblige. If you see yourself in the last list, feel free to join the fun!

4 Jobs I have had in my life:
1. exotic dancer j/k...worked as a law clerk
2. worked in the finance department at Dell
3. worked as a day care worker
4. work as a resolution specialist for an insurance company

4 Movies I’ve Watched More Than Once:
1. Pride &Prejudice
2. Indiana Jones Trilogy
3. Star Wars
4. Lord of the Rings Trilogy

4 Places I’ve Lived:
1. Corsicana, Texas
2. College Station, Texas
3. Dallas, Texas
4. Austin, Texas

4 TV Shows I Watch/Watched:
1. The Office
2. Curb Your Enthusiasm
3. Sex & the City
4. Coupling

4 Places I have Been:
1. New York City
2. Washington, DC
3. Las Vegas
4. Los Angeles

4 People who email me regularly:
1. Jodi
2. Dani
3. Erin
4. my mom

4 of my favorite foods:
1. chicken cordon bleu
2. chimichangas
3. cheese
4. Kashi bars

4 Places I Would Like to Visit:
1. London
2. Ireland
3. Hawaii
4. Heaven (actually not visit, permanently reside one day)

Things I am Looking Forward to in the Coming Year:
1. Indiana Jones coming out
2. being done with my school pre-reqs
3. going to Las Vegas
4. Harry Potter and Valkyrie coming out in the fall

4 Friends who I’m Tagging:
1. Erin
2. Dani
3. Melissa Bailey
4. Maryann

Irony

Well, I haven't had a lot of time to blog lately. I have found a new addiction in MySpace where you will find the up-to-date information on me.

Here is something to make you chuckle...

So, I decided to pay my car off early. As soon as I wrote the check to pay it off and put it in the mail, I hopped in my car. My car immediately started making a clapping noise. I took it to the dealership this morning and it was an easy fix because this little metal flap was loose above the passenger side front tire. I was relieved, but I needed new tires. They told me "the tread could come off at anytime." I decided that I better get new tires then. If it is not one thing, it is another. Lesson learned: don't pay off anything early.

On a sad note...in NYC gallery, there is a crappy artist who is starving a dog to death in the name of art. Where is PETA and the humane society? I am going to go home and give Lu 5 treats. I am so distraught. :(

Hello

I am back and busier than ever. I will post pics soon on MySpace.

I have been studying my tail off for my Anatomy test that was today. When we got to class, the prof announced we could do it as a take home test. But...it is going to be HARD. I actually wish it was over and done with.

That is all for now.

Beautiful Christian Sister

By: Maya Angelou


*'A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ*
*that a man should have to seek Him first to find her.'*
*When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not shouting 'I'm clean livin''*
*I'm whispering 'I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven.'*
*When I say... 'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride.*
*I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.*
*When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not trying to be strong.*
*I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.*
*When I say.. 'I am a Christian' I'm not bragging of success.*
*I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.*
*When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not claiming to be perfect,*
*My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I am worth it.*
*When I say... 'I am a Christian' I still feel the sting of pain..*
*I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.*
*When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than thou,*
*I'm just a simple sinner Who received God's good grace, somehow!'*

Apparently...

I am working out the kinks associated with using photobucket.
I seem to have no problems with it on MySpace.
Anyways, picture the Manhattan skyline at night in black and white.
I will be there in 4 days nonetheless.

I will be there in 4 days!

Thoughts for a Friday

It is unbelievably cold outside. I have seen several people wearing shorts! Why? Why would you do that?

I watched Beowulf last night. I thought it was ok. Much better than I anticipated.

My mom is working on our itineray for NYC. I already worked on it, but she is flagging pages in books, making copies, making notecards, etc. Y'all wonder where I get my OCD from!

I am done with school for 2 weeks. When I get back I have 3 tests. I am not pleased.

I am trying to let the past stay in the past. Focus on the future, Hilary!

Good times!

I have had a lovely week. My mom has been here and we have had fun. We did some shopping...lots of shopping. I got a fabulous bag at Dillard's that I have been eyeing for 6 months! It finally went on sale! 50% off, not 75%...but it was still a savings. I also got an exciting muted, silver trench coat for NYC! It will look wonderful on 5th Avenue. I also had 2 A&P tests this week. I made a 94 on my lecture test and a 97 on my lab practical. I studied a whole bunch of cat muscles and they WERE NOT on the the test. I am a little ticked, but it is ok. I have a fun Sunday planned. Sunday I am going to go to church, then I am going to the Zilker Park Kite Festival, then I am going to night church, and then I am going to see The Other Boleyn Girl with Erin. I also got into some smaller pants which is awesome!

Well, I am off to go eat at Shady Grove with Jodi and Dani. We are going to enjoy the splendid weather outside.

The weekend...

I have been too busy to write anything down.

Emily - that is hilarious you went to Barry Manilow. I love me some Weekend in New England and I Can't Smile Without You. Dorsey and I have dance moves to the latter.

My mom is coming into town this weekend and some of next week. I am going to shop and chill with Ames. I am so glad my mom has to go to conferences in Austin.

We leave for NYC in 3 weeks!

I have 2 A&P tests next week. I have been trying to study diligently this week so I can hang out with my mom more. I have learned bones, bone specifics, human skeletal muscles, and bone tissue. I only have cat muscles and lecture material to go.

Et Cetera

I have fallen in love with MySpace. I am on all the time. I should have been on years ago.

I made a 104 on my PSYC test Wednesday! I am glad that is over. I have another round of A&P lecture and lab test in a week and a half so I am getting on the ball this weekend. To make matters worse, my mom will be here the week of my next tests. I am thrilled she will be in Austin, but it is bad timing. I am going to try and study all week so I can just review the week of the tests. This Sunday will be bone day. I have to learn most of the bones of the body PLUS there features. That will be an exciting afternoon after church.

I leave for New York in 4 weeks! Of course, I have a PSYC test and a A&P lecture test while I will be in the Big Apple, so I have to make that up when I get back. Ugghh.

Well, that about wraps it up for today. Have a great weekend!

Start spreading the news...

I leave for New York City in 5 weeks!
I am so excited.

On the road to the Dean's List...

Shock. Disbelief. Taken back. These words describe how I felt when I saw my A&P grades this week posted online. I made a 92 on my lab practical that was extremely hard and I made a 100 on my lecture test. I am sure there was a slight curve on the lecture test because I know I missed 2 questions. Apparently there are 20 amino acids in the human body, not 30. I thought there were 25 so I rounded up. But...I had the highest grade in the class!!! I studied a bunch. 5 nights in a row as a matter of fact. Giving up 2 Superbowl parties paid off! Yeah Hils!

I have one test next week so I will be studying this weekend too. It is for my developmental psyc class so it should not be as hard as A&P. I have no life,...but I know how many amino acids there are in the human body and what hyaline cartilage looks like. :)

Groundhogs Day

Punxsutawney Phil emerged from his home on Gobbler's Knob and predicted six more weeks of winter after seeing his shadow!

I hope everyone has a marvelous Groundhogs Day!

Busy! Busy! Busy!

I haven't had a chance to write since last week! I have been so busy. I have my first round of tests next week so I am staying constantly on the move.

My friend, Erin, and I are joing Hyde Park BC this Sunday. They have 200 active singles. That is 50x as many active singles as in my current church. They are on fire for God and they have events planned all the time. I haven't been this excited about church since the beginning of high school.

I am currently working on a myspace page. By working, I mean I have created a page. It is still blank.

I leave for New York City in 6 weeks!!! Yeah! I bought tickets to go see Mary Poppins. My mom and I are also going to see The Celtic Women at Radio City Music Hall and a string quartet at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. My mom and I are spending a whole day at the Met. We can't wait. I think it our favorite part of New York...but we also love Times Square and Rockefeller Plaza, and well, ok, we love all of New York.

Goodbye, Heath!

Today the movie-lovers world came to a halt. Heath Ledger, 28, died due to an apparent drug overdose. We will miss you, Heath. It will also be somber watching The Dark Knight this summer. Lets take a moment to highlight your accomplishments:

* The Patriot
* A Knight's Tale
* The Four Feathers
* Ned Kelly
* The Dark Knight

Someone in my department pointed out how life is unfair.
Pauly Shore is still alive; Heath Ledger is dead.

Farewell, Heath, we will miss you.

P.S. I have attached a picture. I don't know if it came out right.

Re-joining the 21st century...

I am getting a new laptop this weekend! I am so excited. I will post some pics when I get it!

I am also excited because I am going to a concert tomorrow at my new church!

Thank you, Coach Papas!

Today in A&P we talked about acids and bases. I already knew Acid + Base yields Salt + Water. That is one less thing I have to learn for this class. I appreciate the fact (now) that you made us say it 100 times, Coach Papas! Well, I have to go study monosaccharides.

School Days

I started school yesterday. I have already started reading and making notecards for my A&P lab. I wish I had been this dedicated to school work when I was at A&M. All is well.

Happy Birthday to Hilary!

Happy Birthday to me!
Happy Birthday to me!
Happy Birthday dear wonderful me!
Happy Birthday to me!

I have a feeling that this year will be jam packed with excitement and frivolity.

Great News!

Well, I have been in such a tizzy trying to figure out this whole nursing school thing. UT? Tech online? Blinn? ACC? Well, just when I thought I was going to have to quit my job and move just to go to school, I figured out exactly what is going on. It has been a challenging day. I can get my Associate Degree in Nursing from ACC, keep my job, stay in my apartment, have Progressive pay for my education and still have to take the exam to get my RN just as I would if I went to UT, Texas Tech, or Blinn. So...am I ok with an ASN instead of BSN? The answer would be yes! And...it costs less money! I think I am done spazzing for the day. Although I now have to sign up for Pharmacology and Microbiology! :(

To Nurse or Not to Nurse...that is the question.

Well...yes...you read the title correctly. I have been thinking for a long time that I should have gone into the medical profession. I am almost done making my mind up, but I have decided to go back to school and pursue a BSN so I can be a RN. So...student loans, burning the midnight oil, stress...here I come. I am reviewing my options as far as schooling is concerened, but I am thinking about applying to UT (dear God I never thought it would come to this) or the Texas Tech online, accelerated RN program (dear God it gets worse). Just to note...I am a LOYAL FIGHTIN' TEXAS AGGIE, but there are no nursing programs for me through that fine institution. I have prayed, talked, and researched a lot about this; we will see what happens!

Other news...Ken is doing fine. He gets to leave the hospital and go home probably today.

There is a first time for everything.

Hello,
This is my first blog. No one will probably read it, so it won't be long. OK...that about wraps it up!