Smile

Smiles are contagious! So smile at someone today!

"It's All A Learning Experience"

As I sit here eating my Cheez-its, I find myself having time to blog! Never thought this would happen after first stepping into my apartment. I walked into a very hot apartment smelling a little bit like sewage. Low and behold, I found moldy cabinets and bathrooms. Crusty sink and shower faucets. Dirty socks found behind my bed, and a whole lot of dust. All of our feet turned black after walking on the tile floors and carpets in our bedrooms. I have to wash my feet before I go to bed. I'm not the one to complain, but my stress level shot through the roof. In fact, I'm cringing a little while I'm writing this.

 I don't feel the need to post pictures, but let's just say that I cleaning crew has been hired to come in tomorrow and our manager has agreed to have the carpets shampooed. Thank goodness! A big thanks goes to my lovely mother who I called maybe 100 times in the past 48 hours.

Accomplishments so far...
Vacuumed my room, bought a shower curtain, organized all of my belongings, cleaned the laundry room, scrubbed part of the crust of the sinks, created our "Junk" pile (I think we should name it), bought food to last a few days until they clean, and went to bed at 9 last night.

Things to be done...
cleaning crew tomorrow, buy my books, buy more groceries, put all kitchen stuff away, go to class! (that would be important), talk to Mark (our manager) about all our questions....all of this includes a lot but that's about it. After that apartment 301 should be running a little more smoothly and I won't have a giant head ache. :)

I'm optimistic about this week! Could it get any worse? I don't even want to know. Like my mom said...

"It's all a learning experience."

Fall TV

Let the Fall seasons of TV begin! I will admit--I have a fair amount of series I watch during the school year. Don't worry I get my homework done first! Anywho, the first of many is about to begin today. Top Chef: Just Desserts on Bravo! I love dessert. It's my weakness. A show that's all about desserts...now that's my kind of show!

Ps. Last day at home tomorrow! Pack, pack, pack!!

Highlights

With only 5 days before I leave for Utah I decide to write my 5 highlights of my summer. I didn't go skydiving or travel to a foreign land; however, I still had a blast and the time has gone by way to quickly!

Not it any particular order:

1. I got to see friends that I hadn't seen in months even years. Corinne and Andrew were my closest friends my age during high school. We kept in touch surprisingly well while we were at opposite corners of the country. It's tough saying good-bye to them again, but since it was accomplished once-I know we will keep in touch. Ben Snow came home from his mission (as you know if you read the post before). After not seeing him for 2 years, I am very excited that he'll be out in Utah this year and we have more time to catch up. 

2. I got to see family that I hadn't seen in months even years! Tootsie Family Reunion. All of my cousins and second cousins from my grandma's side traveled to good old Bethany Beach for a week of fun. Everyone has grown up! It blows my mind. I love my family, but it's hard when we all live so far apart and we all have conflicting schedules. I'm so happy we all managed to make time this summer to see everyone!

3. I got to finally go to Emerald Isle, North Carolina. My best friend has a beach house down there and I never made my way down there until this year. I loved it so much I went twice! Since she's one of 8 with two marriages...you can say it was a little tight, but it was so fun with a big crowd. There beach is very different from Bethany, but I loved it just as much! I cannot wait to go again! Thank you best friend for continually inviting me. You are the greatest and I will miss you terribly when I leave!

4. I've lost 20 pounds! That was a pretty big goal of mine this summer and I did it!! 

5. I had a great job. Not only did it cover hours I needed to apply for Dietetics, I met some of the greatest people. I had such a positive experience and I'm so grateful I was able to work there. Although there were tough times along the way, I learned a lot myself and working with others. It's nice knowing I can wait tables if I need a night/weekend job. I will miss my friends I've made there!!

Again, I didn't climb Mount Everest, but I feel very accomplished after this summer. I worked hard, but I also had time to relax. Summer 2011, you've been very good to me. 

Welcome Home, Elder Snow!

After a good-bye in the church parking lot and a long two years Elder Ben Snow has returned! I'm excited to see him, catch up, and hang out like old times. I'm very proud to know missionaries who are willing to serve the church for 2 years. Instead of being around friends and family or getting through college, they decided to take the time and serve the church-- helping bring joy to the lives of others. From what I can tell from his letters Ben has had a great and successful mission. Can't wait to see him and hear all about it in person...and now I have a Vegas tour guide! :) Congrats, Ben! I'm very proud to call you my friend.

10 Days

10 days until departure!! Get ready Utah. Round 2 is about to begin. :)

Cherish Every Moment

On August 9th a co-worker and friend of mine took his life. I remember my first day of work. I was being introduced to everyone but all the servers kept giving me different names (confusing I know). However, one server came up to me and said, "Hi, I'm John". I replied jokingly, "Is that really your name?!" He looked at me with confusion and I realized I had just made a big fool of myself. That was how I met John. John was the one other server who worked all the same shifts as I did. He always had a smile on his face and he always made me feel comfortable. With his 6'3"(?) stature, he took on the roll of my "body guard" whenever creepy Luis came around. (Luis would always try to grab my hand...just made things awkward). John would fold my napkins at the end of our shifts if I gave him a back rub. We would always laugh at the summer-hire-who-musn't-be-named who had no clue what he was doing. John made my job so fun. 

Less than a week before John passed away he was promoted to be a manager. I knew that was a goal of his and everything just seemed to be going right for him. No one expected what was about to come next. I received a text from Marcelo with the news and I was in shock. We all still can't believe it. On my last day at work I remember as I was saying good-bye to everyone I watched John walk out the door. I remember thinking..."I'll go run and say bye...but I'll be back next week to visit." Just wish I had followed my first instincts. 

What has this taught me? To cherish every moment I have on this earth. To appreciate every person I meet. To say I love you more. To say thank you more. To see the great attributes that others hold. To be grateful for my Heavenly Father who embraces the ones we have lost. To love the gospel with every ounce of my being.

John, the O'Donnell's family misses you a ton! We are all not sure what to do with ourselves. You have impacted so many people including customers and your co-workers. I know you are at peace and I know I will all see you again someday. We love you and miss you.

4/15/1984--8/9/2011