Home is where you make it-Part III

Alright! More Raley home updates-with pictures this time!!

Now let me go ahead and forewarn you: these pictures are taken from my cell phone so they're not of good quality AND I didn't "tidy up" before taking them...so no judging that it's a bit unkempt.  =P

This is the main entrance to the Raley household. The closet on the left is HUGE and has a ton of storage space (currently where the holiday decor and my guitar are being stored) and also holds our AC unit...the bad part about that is that it's SO LOUD in the living room since it's in the wall instead of the ceiling...but we still love it here.  The pictures on the wall need to be updated and added to but for right now-it works!  I hope to kind of smother that wall with pictures of everything-to chronicle our relationship, friendships, and family if able.

The picture below is 1 of 2 of our living room. Our living room and hallway(s) are painted a good celery green and I LOVE it!  The couch is old and HIDEOUS but for the time being it serves its purpose for date nights, napping, and guests. We need 1 more shelf above it and that wall will be complete! Our bookshelf is overflowing, so maybe if we get another one, we will rearrange.

The next picture is the other side of our living room-note: we have a set of french doors that leads to a little private brick patio!  It's very sweet and if we can get some patio furniture or even a chaise lounge it will be p.e.r.f.e.c.t. These doors we use for our common entrance into the house-the main door sticks a little bit.  You'll have to ignore the blinds in all of these pictures-silly us: we taught Tucker how to look out the window and he has done so excessively...and at such an excited pace that they are ruined (and we've only lived here 1 month!) So naturally, wooden blinds are on the "Still Need" list, lol.

We're also getting (tomorrow I think?) 3 wooden picture frames to hang on this naked wall-filled with wedding pics probably and that should do it! We need a chair of something but it's just fine for us right now-a chair isn't a huge priority. It seems silly but just a little paint can make it feel SO much more homey and comfortable, ya know?  We want a few little knick knacks around but outside of that, the only room that really needs more stuff is the bedroom-and even then, not too much.  I mean let's be honest: if we added NOTHING else to this place, I still feel comfortable and happy calling it "home".  If we can add the little finishing touches though-great!

Alright, now this is a dim picture of the bedroom taken from my crappy cell phone, lol.  It will probably change within the next 2 weeks (layout) but I'm showing you what it looks like right now.  Here we've got the dresser, hampers, hair stuff and jewelry box.  You can't see it-but our big closet (that has both of our clothes) is on the right (and it also has a TON of storage space!)  It is painted blue (see this blog in regards to the paint choosing for the bedroom between Der and I) but it goes very well with the iron/pewteresque lighting we've got in there.

This is the other side of the bedroom (forgive the unmade bed) with my home made art work above! I've got to make the sister painting to go next to it but I am quite proud of it  =]  We've got the cute iron side lamp and the DisneyWorld picture frame (also in blue and silver, surprisingly) that we'll be putting our kiss at Disney in!  I think it's precious.  We need updated bedding to match (I'd prefer something in navy and grays but NOT too masculine) and then a little rearranging and pictures and it's set!  We'll probably change the layout since this is kind of inconvenient but it's working eight now and it still cute.

It's a small place-but it's perfect for us 3 and we love it.

Well: what do you think?  Would you come visit and adore the Raley household? Because you're invited-no matter what  =]

Xoxo

You've done it again, Dan Brown!

Alright, let's get a little real: I love me some Dan Brown.  For those who haven't heard the name, he is the author of: The Da Vinci Code, Angels and Demons, Lost Symbol, and Digital Fortress.  Not just because I'm a fan, but I really think everyone should read at least 1 of his books-they're very thought provoking and intense.  It really makes you think because it's a thriller about conspiracy theories that you may or may not have heard of, art and architecture that is very popular throughout the world, and it leaves you with questions and curiosity about man kind and society.

If you plan on reading one, I'd suggest The Da Vinci Code first.  It's a great "grabber" and deals with art and conspiracy-both of which I adore (art more than the later) and takes place in the glorious city Paris, France. AND since I've been there and absolutely love the city-it made the most sense.  But even still-it gets you used to the pace and characters of the others.

I DO NOT suggest seeing this film-poorly done and completely thrown story from the book.  The film Angels and Demons was a lot better and much closer to the book.

Anyway, I think it's safe for me to say that The Lost Symbol was my favorite.  I finished reading it in approximately 3 days and it's a 509 pager. INTENSE. I'd definitely suggest it to any who enjoy Dan Brown and especially the character Robert Langdon.

 I love a good book that you can't stop thinking about and want to spend all day reading-which is exactly what I did yesterday and a good bit of this morning.  It reminds me of my Harry Potter obsession-and I'm totally okay with that.

I've been reading a lot lately and I notice-weirdly-that I am always in a much lighter mood when I've got a book to read at the end of the day.  Not saying my life is dull or dreary, but it's nice to come home to a husband, pup, dinner and relax with a good book when a date isn't happening, ya know??  I finished The Catcher in the Rye a few days ago and I'll say it...not too impressed.  Trust me, I get the story and the character but...I was just left wanting more climax and more story telling and more...substance.  Criticize me if you will but those are my thoughts on it.  I won't put it in my top 20, that's for sure.

Just thought I'd spread my little book knowledge and favs to those who may be interested.

I will next be starting "Treasure Island" come tomorrow.

For the rest of my evening I will clean, cook dinner, and soak up what Dan Brown has left for me after The Lost Symbol.  To those interested, read it.

Ta-ta for now, loves.

(Insert sigh of relief here)

We've now got a monitor thanks to a GREAT friend Zack Pierce-it works fine and will work stupendously until we can save for a new desktop all together...maybe for Christmas??

In other news: I have been working like a dog for the past 2 weeks-I mean I'll go ahead and say I work pretty hard Monday-Friday 8-5 anyway but these past 2 weeks have been draining me with the travel and training and then coming back to my office to see everything days behind on my desk *sigh* Luckily, I was able to stay late (I know, it seems weird to say lucky to that!) yesterday and catch up on a lot of work so when Monday comes and I'll be training 2 girls all week, they won't have to suffer because I'm days behind where I need to be.  Also, since I've got a supporting boss, she was willing to give me that extra hour and also let me know we'll get the rest caught up next week once it's calmed down around the office-she's been in training off and on for the past 3 weeks.  So this weekend I plan on reading A LOT, maybe laying by the pool, working out, and doing a bit of small cleaning (read in to this as meaning=I plan on doing a whole lot of nothing).


Sunday I may catch some coffee with Lauren Ashlee (which would be nice, I won't lie). I'm trying to convince Tonya, as we speak, to drive all the way from Mt. Juliet to hang out and drink coffee with me-a doubtful feat but still trying damn it! I just want to hang out with some friends!  Since Derrick's been having insomnia lately, our schedules are almost complete opposite with a rare hour or 2 that we can eat dinner and watch movies or Netflix together-and I hate it! And don't get me wrong, I go to sleep so early because I'm exhausted from work, and he's up late because he's stressed out about getting a job, so no one is to blame. Well, not hate, because I know it's no one's fault but I get clingy sometimes and enjoy company of people I like.  (Hence the coffee with Lauren and Tonya).


I've realized a lot lately that I only have a small few friends that I can hang out with on technically a regular basis but even still-not really. I have a best friend who lives in Cleveland, TN who is getting ready to ship off to the Navy and the other lives in Lebanon, TN with 2 kids and assistant Cheer leading coach position both eating up her time. I'm not mad at either of them (duh!!) but I miss hangoutage.  Tonya has been THE BOMB and thankfully we've been able to hang out with her at least once a week but since she's going to be starting "Grapes of Wrath" soon, that time will be missed until it's over in August. I am glad though, that we've been getting closer in our friendship and I do hope it continues! And then my closest actual friend in Murfreesboro is busy getting ready for Grad school in August and working (Lauren) so...well point blank: I just miss my FRANDS! No, I am not trying to throw a pity party-I'm simply stating that I have good friends and in good places, just not close enough to hang out regularly...and I hate that, lol.  Maybe I need to pick up a class or something so I can be around more people?  It'd probably be good for me especially when Der goes back to school since I'll be alone a lot and I don't want to be.

I want this again-

My favorite girls: From L-Tonya, Kelly, Me, my sister Jen, Destiny, and Shelley

Maybe I'm just spoiled because I got SO much time with them all around the wedding, haha!

One thing I DO have that is nice is I DO have a husband and pup-both of whom are super loving and silly so when we DO get to have time together it's bliss.  I am thankful.  That's for sure.

                                                                   Ain't they cute?!

Alright-I need to quit bitching and be patient.  Next time I come in the Nooga-IT'S ON LIKE DONKEY KONG with hangoutage! Get ready.

XOXO

Another war wages on

Well...the time has come.  Derrick's laptop has officially broken-and mine has been for over a year.

So: not only will I not be on here for some time, but I also will be desperately trying to come up with a way for us to get a new PC...and we'll see how that goes.

*Sigh* Tucker knocked it over and now it's in pieces.  I'm upset but Derrick is devastated. Poor husband!

Maybe we can check out Best Buy??  I don't know.  It may not seem like a huge deal to some people but considering it's important in our lives then yes-it's a big deal.

We'll see what we can come up with...Once I know, you'll know.

Hugs and Misses,

JeR

Home is where you make it: Part 2

Alright ladies and gents-as promised, below you'll see some pictures of the new Raley household!!  Get ready for spectacle, lol.  **NOTE: all of my pictures were taken from my crappy cell phone camera so be gentle in
your viewing.

I think we've lived here for almost 2 weeks! It's all coming along quite well I must say-granted I think it's wonderful but I live here so...duh! We talked about every paycheck getting a little something to make it more homey than it already is.  This coming paycheck=lamp shade, lamp stand (both for bedroom) and basket for Tucker's toys.  Anyway...

First, let's start with the bathroom.  It is almost complete-we need a small wastebasket and a few pictures to hang and then that's that! The wall color is a kind of off white/muted yellow and it works very well for both the bathroom and the decor.  We are doing decor of light blue to match the curtain (which you can't really see here) but we've got beautiful monogrammed towels in the perfect shade that match and look stunning in here!  Thanks SO SO MUCH to Connie and Gary Blackwood!  I promise, your "Thank You" card should arrive soon!  It's a small bathroom but for 2 people and a pup, it doesn't really need to be much bigger. It has thus far worked for us so no complaints!

Next, here we have the "Man Cave" as it has been dubbed.  Yes, it is messy but I will surprisingly take the blame for a bit because I've been throwing stuff in here to help tidy the living room.  Still: note the organization of the games and knick-knacks MAN has in said room.  It is quite nice and a great place for man escape and tomfoolery while I read or sleep-so not to disturb the Queen  =]  All it needs is a big dude chair or couch for loungin' and then it's done!

This is our dining room!  Alright, I'll say it: I LOVE THIS ROOM! I think it's precious and very comfortable.  The only things missing here is art for the blank wall and a centerpiece for the table (but since the centerpieces change with the season, we're not too worried).  I've found the art (I think!?) I want to put on the blank wall and centerpieces are going to change frequently...so right now we've got the napkin holder (from the wedding shower!) in the center and it does just fine, even without napkins, lol.  I love our circle mirrors. LOVE!  They need a bit of windexing with the move and smudgy fingers all over them but still-they look PRECIOUS!  This room compliments both the living room and kitchen well, we both think.



I am very thankful that Derrick has kind of let me take the reigns in all of the decoration of the Raley household.  He definitely gets his say (he wanted blue for the bedroom where I wanted yellow) but we've been able to reach compromises very well and it's all turning out wonderfully!  So he got the blue walls but I get the decor and accessories to tag along  =D  Works good for me!


Okay-so the next few pictures I'll be showing back-to-back so you can get the whole "feel" of it all without my ramblings in between.


May I present: The Kitchen

The kitchen matches the living room in colors of red and tan.  Notice the tea kettle and canisters in red above?!  I LOVE them.  It is a small kitchen with not a lot of counter space...which has its pros and cons, but thus far, in our 2 weeks, it has worked fabulously and done everything a kitchen "needs" to do.  We're still needing some random utensils and small art of some kind (probably home made by yours truly) to hang above the dog bowls but then it is complete!  Comes with dishwasher, WHITE STOVE AND STOVE TOP (nice when trying to coordinate decor), fridge/freezer, 2 tub sink, and lots of cabinets!  It's nice.  And I plan on cooking and being cooked for a lot from it!


That is it thus far.  The living room and bed room are very messy right now or I'd show you those places too...next time darling, next time.  There are still little things we'd like to get to make it "complete" but if we never get another thing, I still feel like I'm home...and it's like a deep breath of fresh mountain air.


More updates soon, I cross my heart.


Love comes in many forms,
 JeR

**WARNING: This shall be a blog about useless and many a random thing-know that now.

Random point #1: I can't help but feeling still a little a lot sad about that fact that a pair of our friends did not come to our wedding-only to find out 1 month later that they were ready and willing to go to another and that they used the excuse of "gas money woes" as the reason not to attend ours.  Not saying any names, but it still hurts my feelings to think about...and I'd just rather not.  But upon reading facebook status' of "So and So's wedding was so gorgeous! It's so nice to see friends getting married"-yes, that stings.  And I don't appreciate it.  Nor do I appreciate the fact that they both have chosen to let our friendship with them fall by the waist side.  I'm just pouting really.  I am an emotional bird so naturally almost everything effects me in some way, lol, but still-I think my reasoning has merit.

Random point #2:  I am loving our new life.  I am working on a painting for our bedroom and it seems to be coming out nicely!  I am letting the paint dry for probably another hour and then repainting and touching it up before mounting it above the bed to "Ooooh!" and "Aaaaah!" at.  When going to the store last night with my fav. pal Tonya, we looked at new housewares that I honestly CAN'T WAIT to utilized in the new Raley home.  Baskets and frames and lampshades-oh my!  Once everything is bought/finished and in its proper place (which will probably be a few months, to tell the truth) pictures will be posted so I can gloat a bit.  Not only that but my husband and I are faring quiet well and carrying on like normal but with the tag "Mr. and Mrs." firmly and gratefully attached.

Random point #3: I never think about how much I L.O.V.E. my friends and the friendship we carry (NOW: let me point out that I mean I don't usually consciously think about it-I don't need it since it's in my subconscious and always there) until a night like last night occurs and I wake up hung over, tired, and my stomach still aching from laughing.  I woke up at like 11:30-which is LATE for someone who usually wakes up around 7:30 even on the weekends! Last night was a good one-to say the very least.  Not even too much went on but sitting around a table drinking well made margaritas, eating ice cream and chips with dip, and laughing and talking was my idea of a great night with great people.  I have bouts of depression flair up every now and again, usually accompanied or swiftly followed by anxiety, and I think this past week was a flair up.  Luckily, getting my ass in gear (i.e. doing stuff-not being a lazy lump on a log) and hanging out with friends quickly pulled me out and made me feel normal again.  So to you, my friends (Tonya and Mark specific), my hat is off to you.

Random point #4: I think the husband and I are going to watch "The Time Traveler's Wife" tonight-not a movie of his choosing but mine!  On our Netflix cue I have alternated movies he'd like, I'd like, and stuff we'd both like so every few days we get a new surprise in the mail of something we get to watch and *hopefully* enjoy with one another.  Thus far this experiment has proved well. We shall see tonight.  But this random point was to chit chat a bit about compromise and the thoughts of someone else. Thankfully, I was brought up to think for others so this wasn't too hard of a feat for me to face and conquer once married-though I'll admit I've got my little pouty 5 year old in me and thriving-but for Derrick I don't think he was ever used to it; even still he's doing well and makes me feel quite proud and happy to be his wife-even if that means he has to suck it up and muster through "The Time Traveler's Wife" tonight  =D

Random point #5: We will be working on our "Thank You" cards today and tomorrow-I'm excited! There's not too many to send out but I'm going to also print some photos out next week and send some of them along with the cards for good measure and spunk.  We really do appreciate everything we received in regards to our wedding stuff so at least they will be sincere.


Alright lotus blossoms, enjoy this weekend, rain or shine!


Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang.


JeR

Another week another dollar? No, that's not right...

It's been a week already since my last blog? For shame.  I am a bit surprised it's been that long, really.  Maybe because it seems like this week has GONE ON FOREVER!  Seriously-for.ev.er. (say in "Sandlot" tone).

Not too much has been going on besides the fact that this week has been utter madness at the workplace.  My boss has just been promoted to Executive Director of our office so she's been in training all week for that-which means I've been in the office like 91% of this week alone...which isn't too bad but really quiet and busy!  I am proud of her though.  It seems kind of silly but my boss isn't just my boss, but my friend.  And luckily, there is a line in between when we know where our relationship as colleagues can and cannot cross.  I like that.


I also like the fact that I will be in Dickson next week for training and then the following week a person from Clarksville is being trained by me all week!  I won't lie: I feel a little important in that  =]  I like training people but I'm not good at it, haha!  Okay-that's a fib too.  I am fairly good but I get all goofy about it because I don't know how to present the information, I just kind of...give it, lol.  Well we'll see how it goes.  I should also, within the month, be training another employee in our office so maybe the cumbersome work load won't be so bad split between 2. We shall see, my friends.


In other news:  Our house is coming along so well! There's some random crap in the middle of the floor that I'm not sure of where to put so...it just sits.  I'll figure something out, I'm sure of it.  I've been feeling a bit off lately and that's upsetting.  I think it's my underlying depression but I have nothing to be depressed about nor do I actually feel it.  But there it is-the beast in the background.  Today was a little better though, with Wednesday being the worst of the week.


Oh! And last night Derrick and I celebrated being married for 1 full month!!  I've received my social security card in the mail so now it's LEGAL-ER(?) lol.  I mean the license was legal but now I can be tracked by my new last name and number!  Well bring it on big brother!  There's no turning back now  ;]  It was a quiet but nice night.  Derrick made lasagna and we watched "UP" on the Netflix cue-OH DEAR JESUS-it was amazing to say the least.  I had never really had a "hankering" for watching it but Der convinced me last night and I told him: "If I cry during this, because I am NOT in the mood to cry, I will punch you in the throat, lol".  Well if you've seen the movie then you know I wept like a 5 year old being refused late night ice cream-through the WHOLE MOVIE.  I think why it got to me so much was because I can see me and Derrick growing old like Ellie and Carl and it made me so happy/sad to actually see it kind of play out before me.  

See here we've got: Young Carl and Ellie (upon meeting)-top, Newlyweds Carl & Ellie cloud gazing-middle, and a bit older (though not much) Carl & Ellie working on their first home-bottom. *le sigh* Precious.


Very sweet-a nice night.  When then cuddled.  No lovey-dovey business or raunchy stuff-just cuddled and fell asleep as 2 spoons in the drawer.  And it was perfect.  I woke up today feeling a lot better and much more refreshed-maybe I just needed some more TLC or a good cry to make this old train feel better...Hmmmmmm...


Well fat cats, I'm going to go do some chores and bathe before Tonya comes over to hang out.  I'm loving this girl-I swear!


Needed hugs are a-comin' your way.

XOXOXOXO

*Wags finger* Shame on Me!

I was reviewing some old blogs of mine-and I am ashamed that I did not even mention the birth of beautiful baby Dylan!  I mention in January that he was going to be born...but he was/is and I feel horrible!  So, to make up for my appalling behavior (unintentional, of course) towards my nephew-by-non-blood #2, I am posting some pics to make me feel better, lol. (see below)

<---- This was the day he was born *insert teary sigh here*  I was there-I mean there.  I watched him being born!  I was there when she found out, through the whole pregnancy, and at his actual delivery!  It was mind blowing-to say the very least-but incredible.  May I introduce you to Charles Dylan Blackwood?!  The boy has the biggest blues you'll ever lay eyes on (with MAYBE Lauren Street as an exception)  Note the happy parents (Kelly & Wes).  I was boo-hooing in the background.  I am one proud aunt (again!)  He was born February 15th, 2010 around 10:30 in the am; I think 7 lbs and 6 oz? A little fuzzy on that detail (see why next) but I think something like that...Kelly went in to labor around 2 am so we drove in the ICE STORM to get there!  Naturally, he didn't come right along then (and Der and I both had about 2 hours of sleep) but when he came MAN did he!  She didn't even have to push-he was so determined to get into this world, haha!  When was all said and done though, I wouldn't have traded that experience for $1,000,001. WORTH EVERY SECOND.

Now this picture is precious baby on May 12th, 2010-the day before our wedding!  Notice -----> those big beautiful eyes?!  He was great, the entire time! Almost 3 months old and he's doing so well-holds his head up, laughs, feeds regularly (probably more than normal, haha!)  And his older brother, Andrew, seems proud.  (see pic below of the first kiss from big brother to little brother-it'll melt your heart).  It's nice to know that I've been involved in BOTH boys lives since pretty much conception (now granted, I wasn't in the ROOM when they were being conceived, but pretty much from there on out I was, lol) and it's been an amazing journey for me to go on with one of my BEST FRIENDS.  I am so proud of her, as a mother, friend, and wife.  She always has a lot on her plate but handles it well with grace and laughter.

<----- Andrew kissing Dylan-SO CUTE!  He seemed a little curious once Dylan was there and he noticed that Kelly's belly wasn't "big" again-but he connected the dots quickly and promptly gave brother a kiss and smiled.  Man oh man, I almost lost my self all over again just seeing that.  I literally wept for like an hour after Dylan was born-it was just so sweet and magical-placenta and all!  


To be a little fair-I'll go on a mini trip about Andrew because well...that's just fair and I love that boy just the same <3

Andrew Ryan Blackwood-born January 9, 2009 around 2:10 pm-I think 7lbs and 4 oz? Again, fuzzy details but somewhere close to that.  And he came out with a head of red hair!  We were all so surprised yet tickled pink because we hadn't even considered red when guessing what he'd look like-yet there he was!  I was in Chattanooga when I got the call she was in labor-and I BOOKED IT to Nashville in 1 hour and 1/2!  I'm surprised I didn't get pulled over but I was so excited for this moment that I didn't care and couldn't miss it! I met Tonya, Jennifer, Chris, Jordan D., and Vance at the hospital and we played the waiting game for a few hours.  When he came it was SUCH an emotional day for everyone because it was a hard and a bit of a dramatic pregnancy when they first found out.  Outside of my wedding day, I think this is the proudest I've ever felt-this beats college and high school graduation hands down. I am so honored to be a part of both of these boys lives.

<--- This picture is probably over a year old-Andrew is now 2 and 1/2 but still-a little updated picture from birth.  The boys look completely opposite from one another (Andrew looks like Wes, Dylan looks like Kelly) but they're both beautiful and full of life and spunk.

I am one proud Aunt JoJo.  And I miss them every day.  I know that my friends are taking the best care of them so luckily, I don't have to worry about them-I am comforted by this.






Now, when the next one comes along-hopefully she'll be a little girl and I'll be posting pics of little Lillian Belle Blackwood (or hell, maybe my sister will be having one?!)


Love and kisses, like always.

Home is where you make it: part I

Well-we are OFFICIALLY in the new place!  I'd say about 1/2 of it is done-and by done I mean: things put in their rightful place.  We will both be working like mad this weekend because I set a goal (little, but a goodie) to have THE ENTIRE PLACE finished (decor put where it needs to be, pictures hung, towels folded, etc.) by Sunday evening.  Not an easy feat but by no means a hard one.  It will just be time consuming!  I'll be meeting Ramona tomorrow to borrow her power drill so we can put the bed together and hang some stuff.

I LOVE IT.  Our place officially feels like home and we're not even finished with it yet!  It's a nice, settling feeling to unlock the door to your home and smile every time you walk in, ya know?  Even precious Tucker loves it-though I think no matter where we moved, he'd be happy as a clam as long as Der and I were both there, lol.

Pictures will be coming, I assure you, once everything is set up and we're rockin' and rollin'.  With the furniture all being where it "needs" to be, we've just got a few screws to tighten here, a few pictures to hang there, and then the knick-knacks of 2 peoples lives that need to be put up or cleverly hidden in storage.

3 weeks of married life and we've got a new home for the Raley's.  And that, my friends, equals success and happiness if I could ever describe it.

On another note: I'll admit, I've slacked off a bit on my dictionary.com word of the day and my wikipedia BUT not as much as you may think!  I really am learning a lot just with this simple daily goal.  Granted, I need to "get back on my game" and DO IT every day but like 4 days a week ain't bad for this college grad  =]
I am also looking into books for the GRE-study guides, placement tips, etc., etc. because I am starting to get super pumped about it (even though I hate standardized tests).  I can't wait to go back to school-and for Sociological Grad work!? Um, YES PLEASE!  And it may seem absurd, but I've got my little heart set on UC Berkeley...like so bad. Not only is is the #1 school for Sociological Graduate School, it also has the fields I'm most interested to offer (family, sex, gender)!  *le sigh* A dream come true, I may add.  I have looked at a few others, but not many...yet.  I hope to apply to around 10 (depending on the funds for applications) and hope I can get accepted into at least 2 (with Berkeley being first choice of course).  Well kids, here's to dreamers and lovers and life!  Wish me luck on the next few months as I work on this goal.  I'd like to be accepted for next fall-if possible. We shall see but I'm ubber pumped regardless.

I love your faces and hope to see more of you.