Going, going, GONE!

I haven’t felt like blogging in a long time. I guess with everyone starting to blog and use twitter again, I’ve gotten in the mood. I’ve been so incredibly busy since the beginning of the year. I went to Chicago and finally met Kelley Farrell, one of the most inspirational people I’ve met. She has been through hell and back yet still is pushing to be who she wants to be. She helps the homeless in Chicago, and takes care of children! I know she’ll think I’m crazy but if I could have two moms, I’d 100% choose Kelley as my second! She confided in me through getting into MSU and helped me understand more about myself. I love this woman to death!

I did mention Michigan State University, yes? No, okay. Well ever since I was a wee little girl I knew MSU (GO GREEN) was where I was going to go. I just couldn’t believe the years went by so quickly. I received my admissions letter and just about gave the cats heart attacks from cheering so loudly. Mike and I went to look at apartments a few weeks ago, and I’ve found the one! I’ve got the urge to go to Ikea and shop till I drop.

Life also has been UBER stressful. Mike has been in and out of the hospital with bladder problems. We finally have decided on surgery, so hopefully that will happen in May. It’s called Indiana Pouch, and is way too complex for me to explain. He’ll be in the hospital for a week and then at home for another a few months. I just hope everything goes quickly and smoothly.

Only two more weeks until classes are officially done! I can not wait!

Baby it’s cold outside!

It’s been way to long since I’ve posted an update. I have finally finished Fall semester at WCC and am so glad to be on break. I signed up for Winter classes and was told I need to take a bunch of general ed classes to transfer. That put me up to 16 credits of classes I hoped I’d never have to take again. I finally ended up calling MSU admissions and they told me I didn’t need any of the general ed classes to actually transfer! Well whoopdy-do! So I dropped one class to make it 14 credits. It’s a pain in the butt!

It’s official the house is going up for sale! I have a realtor Nick Lacy who came out and looked at the house. I was so nervous I spent the morning cleaning. I’ve also been searching non stop for apartments near MSU. I believe I’ve found the “one”, but who knows. It’s got great prices, two minutes away from campus, and accepts pets! I plan on going up and visiting Alex and Katie then checking out apartments in January or February.

Mike and I went up to Lewiston, MI the second weekend in December for the Annual Thoms’ family Christmas party. It was a blast seeing everyone! I was so proud of myself for driving back down during the awful weather storm. Overall it was an amazing time but I don’t think I want to drive up north in the winter again.

Today Mike and I got back from Indiana. We spent Christmas with his family and had a fun time. I was able to meet his sisters, parents, friends, relatives,and nephews. I went to the house he grew up in and the cafeteria he used to work at. All I remember on Christmas morning were the boys going a mile a minute opening gifts. Christmas here used to be an hour of opening gifts and eating cinnamon rolls, then spending the day watching movies. It was definitely a new experience. Once we were five minutes from home Mike asked if I had his keys *facepalm* hopefully Amie will mail them back.

Lastly I want to mention Kelley. I have her blog posted in the links portion and I’ve talked about her before. She has started a new blog called Magnanimous Beauty. It’s a wonderful blog about people we should be paying more attention to. I was lucky enough to send her a package with coats, blankets, pants, and more. It’s for an amazing cause!

http://magnanimousbeauty.blogspot.com/

Saturday I am headed out to Chicago to see Kelley, Caroline, and Kate! Happy New Year!

Bricks, hearts, and a whole new you.

What a busy week! It always seems like the week before a holiday I’m running around like crazy. On tuesday the Ann Arbor RFL committee had our first meeting for the 2011 relay for life. I can’t believe how quickly a year has gone by. I’m extremely excited for another year of RFL and I hope to get a lot of help and donations *winks*! Wednesday I was lucky enough to have a makeover with Elizabeth Colburn. I look so much older now! I know my family is saying “NO!” But hey, I’m turning 20 this month! People may laugh but I feel like 20 years old is ancient, at least for me. My new desk chair also came! It’s beautiful and comfy. Now I can finally sit and type and surf the web without my back killing me.

Friday I got my hair colored “Amy Adams” red and it looks stunning! I waited  until just before Halloween since I went as Giselle from enchanted. I spent the rest of the day making Mom’s Chili. As always it tasted fantastic. I made sure to make a triple batch this year so I could have leftovers.

For those who don’t know my neighborhood always has Halloween on the Saturday nearest it. My guess is so kids can stay out later and we can all spend the day at the Halloween party. The event is held at the neighborhood park with kid’s activities, and a chili cook off. I had fun curling my hair before hand but I must have used five days worth of hairspray.

Today in the mail I received a monthly letter from Arbor Hospice. Usually I take a glance and toss it but this one caught my eye. It’s called the Hearts Of Remembrance Program.

“Making a donation through the Hearts of Remembrance program is the perfect way to remember the people who have touched your life. Whether you hang your heart in a doorway, on a tree, in a window, or give it to a friend, your gift ensures that Arbor Hospice will be there for thousands of terminally ill patients and their families. More info.

Remember a loved one this holiday season by visiting the Hearts of Remembrance Tree. More info.”

The other great thing they have added is a Commemorative Brick program. I would love to get one or two for my parents. I have also added a Donate button on the top right if you feel inclined, it would be very appreciated!

“When you designate a brick in the gardens of the Residence of Arbor Hospice, you create a timeless tribute and make a lasting contribution. Our Memorial Walkway is a source of inspiration and quiet meditation for our patients and their families and is open to the community. Bricks placed in our Veterans Garden are reserved for Veterans. We encourage you to visit the walkway and lovely gardens. More info.“

When will it be over? UGH

Have you ever felt like you’re failing in college?

My failure is chemistry, it’s confusing and I just feel like an idiot in this class. I know I should’ve taken 090 chemistry and it was my mistake. I’m taking 111 and am completely lost, I feel so dumb to be getting horrible grades on my tests and labs. I’ve even asked the lecture instructor for help. My lab instructor is clueless and strict. It’s her first time teaching and she doesn’t know what she’s doing. There is rarely an explanation so I’m feeling completely lost and left out because everyone else in a class seems to understand what’s going on.

I received my test back today and was upset with the score because I thought I did really well. When she handed it to me I got the “can I please see you after class”. She didn’t understand why did so poorly and told me to go to tutoring, which I’ve been doing! I just don’t understand word problems and that’s all that’s on a test. No fill in the blanks. Just giving me an equation I can solve it, give me a word problem and heck I’m lost. It doesn’t make sense to me. Now I’m thinking I won’t pass this class. That would mean paying to take it all over again next semester. I wish it were easy, I study before every test. We are now covering models and I understand it because there is no equation/conversion involved! Why can’t I just get it? When will I ever use chemistry? I needed to rant big time!!

Thanks for listening!

Cassie

Memories in The Closet

Those of you who have been reading my blog know I lost both my parents to cancer. While I am cleaning the house to move to Michigan State, I’ve been coming across my parent’s things. In my mom’s movie and reading room there is an old, wooden, cigar box a titled little Dan O’Brien I thought it was amusing the price sticker “six cents” and it’s a fairly large.

There is a little book entitled Junior Senior prom and two tassels from 1977 and 1972. I also found a Girl Scout stash with different badges. I knew my mom was in girl scouts but I’ve never seen this before. Also I found a memory book that has a few signatures and autographs from friends including her brothers Randy and Chris and sister Pat. Inside a folder is her fourth grade report card, and I’m surprised to see she wasn’t as smart as I thought, kidding. I can’t figure this one out but there is a little blue and white cap labeled JDC. For some reason she also kept two silver dollars in there as well.

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I’ve come across many things that were there and I find it so interesting. I know I’m going to come across more, as the house gets emptier.

A few months ago I also came across a Dear Abby letter. It looks like it’s from the 70s. I found it in a mushroom wallet that was squished back in the sandwich bag drawer. When I first read the article it brought me to tears. I now keep it in my wallet so I can look at it and remember.

 

At a certain moment a doctor will determine that my brain has ceased to function and that, for all intents and purposes, my life has stopped. When that happens, do not attempt to instill artificial life into my body by the use of a machine. And don’t call this my deathbed. Let it be called the bed of life, and let my body be taken from it to help others lead fuller lives. Give my sight to the man who has never seen a sunrise, a baby’s face, or love in the eyes of a woman. Give my heart to a person whose own heart has caused nothing but endless days of pain. Give my blood to the teenager who was pulled from the wreckage of his car, so that he might live to see his grandchildren play. Give my kidneys to one who depends on a machine to exist from week to week. Take my bones, every muscle, every fiber and nerve in my body and find a way to make a crippled child walk. If you must bury something, let it be my faults, my weaknesses, and all prejudice against my fellow man. Give my sins to the devil. Give my soul to God. If, by chance, you wish to remember me, do it with a kind deed or word to someone who needs you. If you do all I have asked, I will live forever.

 

I’m Back!

Hello everyone I am back and ready to do some more blogging! It’s been a while but I’m really excited to be back and to start up again. I’ve been super busy this summer getting ready for college. I’ll hopefully blog each week, but this time it’s going to be a little different. Instead of post about my week,  now I’ll be blogging and updating you on just the good stuff. I have a lot of plans this years be sure to subscribe! In November Alex and I are going to Faeriecon in Maryland; in December the Christmas party up North with my family; and then in January I am visiting one of my really good friends from Chicago, Kelley. Kelley also has a wonderful blog that I’ve attached in the links portion so definitely check it out. Lastly in February Michael and I are going on our first cruise together on the Disney Magic to the Eastern Caribbean!

You might wonder what exactly brought me back to blogging. The answer is actually a person, Kelly Farrell. Kelly is an amazing person and I met her on Second Life. Kelly’s blog is a project for herself and her explanation is  “I, Kelly. A project involving me transforming from someone who made a complete shambles of the first half of her life to a successful, phenomenal woman.” Her blog inspires people do get back up and take control of their lives. She had me getting back to curves and working out. She’s actually getting married in June to Marc who is also from second life (I hope you don’t mind me sharing! 😉 ). I’m heading down to help plan for the wedding and hang out with her in January. I’m really happy for the two of them! http://thekelleyproject.blogspot.com/

Boy have I been busy! I went back  in August for my last year at Washtenaw community college where I’m majoring in zoology. In June I’m transferring to Michigan State University. I’ve started a search for an apartment and I’m excited to move. I’ll also be the assistant director for the Saline musical again this year. For 2010 they  are putting on “West side story”. I’m excited to be involved for the last year before I move up to Michigan State!

Long post, but way over due!!

Cassie

Holidays

It has been quite the holiday. I have been so exhausted, but I got up the effort to write another blog post 😛

This week has been busy! Mike and I went to the Thoms’ Christmas party and had a blast. The food was plentiful and the company was well..unique. I came out of it with a HUGE bucket of candy leftover from someones Halloween stash. Mike also came out with candy haha. It was really a lot of fun, and it was great to see everyone again.

Sunday Mike and I joined my cousins Ja and Dan and their kids and my aunt and uncle to a beautiful Christmas show. We went last year but I have to say they did a splendid job again this year. The music was amazing and the acts were fabulous. Ja is probably already getting next years tickets 😛

Monday I went out shopping at the mall for presents. It was incredibly busy, I couldn’t believe it. Even Teavana which is usually empty had TONS of people crowded in the little store.

Tuesday was a VERY relaxing day. I woke up to the wonderful smell of Mike cooking breakfast. He made sausage and eggs. It was great, and he even did the dishes afterward. Then we sat and watched a few movies and just rested. Later we drove to Franco’s Spa and got the best 70 minute hot stone messages ever!! We stopped and went to Panera for dinner and enjoyed the rest of our relaxing day. That night in Second Life we put on a Christmas show and I sang The Holly and The Ivy which was truly scary.

Wednesday I paid a visit to the kitties at the humane society. The building is finally finished and it looks amazing! It’s huge and it’s welcoming and feels very comfortable. There were tons of people at the door at noon wanting to get in. I was looking at the list and as you’d think a lot of animals were adopted out. Who knows how many will be coming back in a few weeks 😦

Thursday night I slept over at my aunt Dar’s house and we made cookies and pies for the next day. It was a bit icy getting there though. Christmas was so much fun. I was woken up bright and early to head over to breakfast at Dawn’s house. When we got there the kids had already opened all their gifts and were wide awake. We all ate a huge breakfast and opened the rest of the presents we brought over. Mike and I got a new Toy Story Mania game for the Wii. I got some really nice necklaces, tea, and gift cards. Once we got back from breakfast Mike and I were put to work setting up for dinner that evening. It was exhausting but we had so much fun visiting with everyone.

Today Mike and I are finishing up watching holiday movies and trudging around. Tonight we are going to see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra at the Palace of Auburn Hills. I’m so excited to see them! I’ll be sure to post picture of that up next week!

Only two more weeks of no school. Ugh!!

Update on my cell

In the next post please disrgard the text message info.

The new info is:

if you want to text me please put the number 60611 into the phone number place (put it under the contact name you already have for me “Cassie” and set it as a home phone or whatever). Then in the body of the text put cthoms then text me whatever it is you wanted to text me. Then all the next times you just have to reply. You should only have to do that once if I’m saved in your inbox. Got it? Good!

A very busy holiday

I have been extremely busy, I swear I put my shirt on backwards a few times. School finals are finally over and I’m on my first break day!!

What I have been up too:

– Just got back from Disney

We had a fabulous time! It did rain one day we were there, but other than that we had great weather. We rode just about everything we wanted too. Our birthdays were awesome. Mike got his iphone and I got some wonderful flowers with a great big Tink on top, and a wonderful Better Homes cookbook all going to Breast cancer awareness. His mom Patricia bought me the most beautiful purple bracelet with little charms hanging around it. She also sent me a little breast cancer pin with an angel on it. It was an amazing day full of snow! I know! We went to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and they made it snow in Disney!! We took a ton of pictures that can be seen on Mike’s facebook. For some reason my facebook doesn’t like uploading pictures.

– Just finished A Christmas Carol

It was a blast!! I had so much fun working on another play with Mrs. Groeb. She is an amazing director and everyone was so wonderful to work with. Thanks to everyone that came to see it. We will be selling dvds for $10 soon. *winks* But I will be getting one so if you want to borrow it, just ask. Don’t be alarmed if you see my hair has grown about a foot.

– Finished Fall semester

It was a heck of a semester. I’m glad to have finished and done well. My classes were a lot of work but I really learned quite a bit from them. I’ll be back to school on Jan 11th. So I get a nice big break for a while!

– Involved in another play

I’m assistant directing the High School’s musical. They are preforming Once Upon A Mattress which is a comedy based on The Princess and The Pea. I went to auditions and callbacks. They are some amazing people in the play this year. We have total of 30 girls and 20 BOYS! Can you believe 20 boys! It’s wonderful. I can’t wait to start working on it.

I’ve got a lot of upcoming events. I’ll be spending Christmas with Mike,  my aunt Dar, and my cousins Dawn and Gary and their kids. I think it will be a blast. I put up Christmas decorations with Mike this week. Everything looks really pretty. I’ll be having a HUGE  sleepover with all of my friends in January for a belated Christmas party.

I just got an Iphone and my number is 734-998-1068. It’s the same as my landline number was. I’m canceling both my other cell phone (734-678-5851) and my landlines. It’s just so much money when I barely use the landline and I have unlimited on my cell phone when I only use it a fraction of the time. So I just went to 700 minutes with unlimited nights and weekends. I don’t have a plan for text messages so DO NOT send me a text to that number. I really don’t want to get charged 30 cents per each text. If you want to text me on my cell please send it to 606-110-08. I’m using textplus which is a app on my cellphone which will send me texts messages from you guys to me for free. I can also send you texts from that number to you guys for free (well free for me at least). So please if you want to send me a text send it to 606-110-08 , it’s free for me!!!! Thanks guys!!

Bye Bye!!!

Alright, well it’s time Mike and I head off to Disney World! We are going for our birthdays and thanksgiving! We’ll be back with tons and tons of pictures on Monday December 1st. I know I can’t believe it’s almost December! We’ll also be another year older. Our flight is very early tomorrow, but we get to spend the whole day there for Mike’s birthday!

 

Also my home phone is broken. I’ll worry about it when I get back, for now just call my cell phone. I’m bring it with me to Disney, but it’s vacation, so who knows if I’ll pick up 😛

Have a happy thanksgiving! Gobble Gobble