I think I can, I think I can!

Starting fresh...

2011-10-11T20:19:00.000-06:00

Well, I'm starting to do this blog thing again. Not that I did a great job at it the first time. But - I believe that this will help me become more accountable for my goals here!

As my close friends know, I had a big health scare last year around my birthday (those of you on my birthday vacation... thanks for playing along with my games!) BUT - I was diagnosed with SEVERE hypothyroidism... my level was a 243, and at the highest its supposed to be a 3! The poor nurse that had to call and give me that news.... she said "and that's a little elevated" I just laughed at her - and wanted to tell her, its okay- you can say it! THAT'S BANANAS!

So, here I am after a pretty good year later, and my thyroid levels have been pretty regulated and with that happening it finally gave me a metabolism - which was basically negative at the time of diagnosis. SO - I have lost about 30 pounds in that year, just based on thyroid being "normal"... but now its time to do something more and in my brain putting this on "paper" makes me feel more committed.

SO - there it is, I'm going to let you know how this ever sucking struggle with weight loss is going to go. And, for the record - I have a pants size goal, not a weight goal. And, on top of it all... I just want to feel good. Which, has happened over the last year. I finally don't have to wear sweatshirts outside when its 80 degrees, and I don't feel like taking 9 naps in a day.

To kick off this goal - I met with the HyVee dietician tonight. The one on South Minnesota - Kristin. She was dynamite. Basically took me on a shopping trip and let me know alternatives to some of favorite meals. Also gave me quick ideas to make something good and good for me. Part of the biggest problem is that I HATE COOKING FOR ONE! So, this is one of the bigger hurdles I'm going to overcome.

So, I brought home some handouts that Kristin gave to me, and I'm going to start doing some meal planning. I'm going to limp through the rest of this week, and go grocery shopping this weekend with a list of the "good stuff".

I've had all of these people tell me, do the protein diets, do the no carb diets and I just decided that it's not an option for me as I LOVE fruits and vegetables and I know that in moderation and incorporating the correct foods will make the difference.

So here it goes - I hope to write more of my ramblings to hold myself accountable in this "get healthy" process.

WISH ME LUCK, and I appreciate all of the encouragement I can get!

Spring Break 07!

2007-03-13T09:06:00.000-06:00

Well, I just got back from my spring break trip and it was absolutely amazing. I am the biggest fan of music, and infact Iw as going to go to school for music before I decided to attend DSU for my business degree. So, my best friend and I traveled to Memphis, Tennessee for a week and we took a couple of days to go to Nashville.

Memphis is an amazing city- it is full of culture! And the music scene is absolutely amazing. First you should know my enormous love for Elvis, so we spent four hours at Graceland and I took 150 pictures, but it was awesome! We also spent some time on Beale Street- and listenening to the music coming out of every store and restaraunt was the best. While in Memphis we also toured Sun Studios, the Rock N Soul Museum, The Stax Soul Museum, we took a Duck Tour of the city and ate at some great places.

Our trip to Nashville was awesome too... We had so much fun! We stayed at the downtown Sheraton Hotel which was three blocks from the Strip or Broadway- which is where all of the entertainment is. We also went to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville and got to see a lot of great acts including Bucky Covington from American Idol last year.

Well, if you read Noah's post you heard a little about his spring break trip and he recommends taking a trip at least once during your college career. I totally agree, its so worth it to go on a trip with a group of your friends and learn some things on your own.

My first spring break I flew to London and Paris for 10 days and it was an awesome trip, very educational, very fun. Last year my best friends and I packed into a truck and drove from Madison to Baton Rouge, LA and Houston, TX and back home and my friend Ryan raced his sprint car while we were gone on the trip- it was an absolute blast. We were in the truck for over 48 hours together and we had fun the whole time.

This was my last spring break, and I am happy that we did something fun and exciting and educational for me- I took in all of the music and culture that was down there. Plus, I also realized that Nashville may be a place that I want to live and work someday because I am still pursuing my interest in Music and I want to work in Marketing or Public Relations in the industry.

Only 65 days of class left!

2007-01-28T14:16:00.000-06:00

Again my apologies for not blogging. I decided that I was going to refuse to do anything that pertained to school over semester break. I wasn't going to think about new classes, I wasn't going to worry about the fact that in 5 months I will be done with my school career, and the fact that it is starting to scare me! I don't know what I'm going to be doing, or where I am going to be doing it.
I always thought that I would be very excited for this time to come, and now I have honestly found myself looking at other college programs as an option to not "grow up." I have wanted to be a grown up my entire life, or so I thought but now its been coming down to actually doing the act and I think I would rather chicken out and stay in school forever.
This if the first time in my life that I have not known what I am doing, I am a planner and I enjoy having a little bit of a detailed map going of what I'll be doing. But, not this time, and I don't enjoy the feeling at all.

Well, on another note then. Classes have resumed and I am basically back in the full swing of the college thing. Its alright. I am enjoying most of the classes that I am in, a couple of them are hard to pay attention to, but I will survive through them. I keep making plans for the big spring break trip- my best friend and I are going to Memphis Tennessee. I absolutely adore Elvis and I am very excited for this trip because I am going to Graceland, and the Heartbreak Hotel and we're going to the Stax Soul Museum, Beale Street, Sun Records and a bunch of other stops will be made. I am excited to have a break from school at that point. I think I counted and we have like 35 days until we leave on that trip. And, I have 65 days... and counting of class left. But, I won't get back on the subject of how that scares the crap out of me.

That is all I have for now. I am going to get to doing some homework and then decide what I should make for supper. I am leaning towards Ramen noodles! Thanks all... talk to you soon.

Its getting to me...

2006-12-11T17:12:00.000-06:00

I know its the end of the semester and I should be expecting craziness but I'm getting sock of it! I don't like being stressed out, and finals week does that to a person. Even though this is my second to last set of finals I will have to take- I'm not used to it by now! I only wish.

I guess what I'm saying is be prepared when you get to college, any college that finals are not easy, and they are not intended to be. But, that many tests at one time is just stressful.

I have other exciting news in my life, but more on that later...

-Peace

About me, etc.

2006-11-18T23:28:00.000-06:00

My apologies for not posting too much information. But, below is some information about me, its my ABCs, if you will.

I am going to try to be a regular "blogger" now for Dakota State. To give students a small taste of what life is like here at DSU. I am a senior this year, and let me tell you, life gets a little bit more hectic at this point. But, I'm loving every minute of it!

A - Age: the big 21!
B - BAND LISTENED TO MOST RECENTLY: Right Now I'm listening to Rascal Flatts, Bless the Broken Road
C- CRUSH: currenlty don't have one, honestly.
D - DOG's NAME: Riley John Bessman
E - EASIEST PERSON TO TALK TO: duh- Laura- because I've had a lot of practice talking to her over the past decade.
F - FAVORITE MUSICIAN: this is tough!!! I'm going to narrow it down to Jeremy Hegg- and you may not know who he is since he's from Sioux Falls, but he arranges/composes/performs music that is incredible. He has such a talent for making fabulous music that's fun to play and listen to.
G -GRANDPARENTS: My mom's parents are still alive- Bob and Shirley Hare and my dad's mom is still alive, although she now lives in a nursing home in Madison- Irene Bessman
H - HOMETOWN: Madison, South Dakota
I - INSTRUMENT: I have played the saxophone for 13 years, I play the piano, and am learning guitar, I've played the violin, trombone, trumpet, and kind of drums.
J - JUICE: Nature's Valley Orange Juice! Its great stuff!
K - KIDS: not in the plans right now
L - LONGEST CAR RIDE: Last spring break my best friends Ryan, Laura, and I drove from Madison, SD to Baton Rouge, LA to Houston, TX back to Madison, SD. Ryan races sprint cars and he went to race a couple of shows down there. It was so much fun! I would do it again in a second! We logged over 40 hours in the vehicle!
M - MOM'S NAME: Renee
N - NUMBER OF SIBLINGS: 1- Bob, 24
O - ONE WISH: That I could get the exact job that I want when I'm done with college
P - PHOBIA(S): The idea of ghosts scares the CRAP out of me, and I'm not a particular fan of snakes, or cellophane (that one is a joke)
Q - QUOTE: Don't Worry, It'll Buff Out!
R - REASON TO SMILE: My life is pretty good right now. I'm still stressing about what I'm going to do in May, but I keep reassuring myself that it will all buff out!
S - SEXIEST FEATURE: I have to admit, I have nice eyes...
T - TIME YOU WAKE UP?: Today it was at 8:15am... after 3 hours of sleep, not good.
U - UNKNOWN FACT ABOUT ME: Umm.. there really aren't any... you may or may not have known that I ran over my brother with my three wheeler when I was younger... oops- he's alive and fine today, don't worry!
V - VEGETABLE YOU HATE: brussel sprouts- I can't do them... and beets smell like dirt to me
W - WORST HABIT(S): I am a fantastic procrastinator, I don't see it as a bad thing, but some do...
X - X-RAYS YOU'VE HAD: Teeth, Finger, Toes, Left Knee, Right Knee, Left ankle, Right Ankle.
Y - YUCKY FOOD: I can't eat foods that the texture freaks me out! Its weird, I know, and I get made fun of quite a bit for it... but I don't care
Z - ZODIAC SIGN: Virgo

good tunes...

2004-12-08T02:48:00.000-06:00

I've realized even more lately how much I truly enjoy music. Most of the time it doesn't matter what kind. I absolutlely cannot sit in silence. There's no way. I have to have noise. I noticed doing homework earlier this week (first be proud that I did my homework) but, I had to have my radio on.
But, here comes the tough part- I really love music, but I can't hardly afford all of the CDs that I want- but HOORAY! because, its Christmas season. That is what is on the vast majority of my Christmas list. I want CDs up the whazzoo (what's a whazzoo?). I already know what I'm getting from Laura- its Joss Stone's new CD which I am absolutely in love with. She is great, if you have time check her out.
I also discovered that my mother has been hiding some fantastic CDs from me all of these years. I love oldies, and you can blame my mom for that too. She has some great oldies CDs that I have been keeping with me in my car and just play eenie, meenie, miney, moe to pick which one to listen to next. Its great.
I have also been playing a game that I found online (see http://www.musicmini.com) Its a music game where you hear clips and deterimine the artist and song. I dominate- seriously- in the 60s I can clean house, as well as from about 1996-now. There are some shaky periods, for example, the expert level of the 80s I'm not so great at, but I am improving after playing the game for so long.
My addiction to music is wearing off onto my friends, which isn't horrible. For example- my friend Jeremy Hegg is in a band called Spooncat! perhaps you've heard of them, but if you haven't I highly recommend them. They're fantastic, and they just released a new CD. So, I drug Lisa along with me and now she is in love with Spooncat! herself. Good stuff, she bought two of their 4 CDs. I have all four, and she has borrowed a couple of them. Now, she wants them too : )
Last night Lisa, Stef, and I were sitting around watching TV and Maroon 5 was on Leno- GREAT STUFF!! My friend Jordan got me addicted to Maroon 5- I love them. I have thier first Album- Songs About Jane- and I have their live Album- that is great too. Oh, and the night before I was watching TV and Gavin DeGraw was on Carson Daily- whoo!! Even though it was a rerun I watched it, I love Gavin. I have loved him forever and finally radio stations are starting to play him around here.
I'm not sure what you want to call this- it is a "post" but of what sort I have no idea. Its just ramblings, but you read them, and you enjoy it! I know you did! So... now I am going to go. You'll miss me... but I shall be back!!

Wanna Wrestle!?!

2004-11-22T18:59:00.000-06:00

Well, let's see. It was a fairly eventful weekend. On Friday (the 19th) Laura and I attended the Keith Urban concert at the Sioux Falls Arena. I must say, and I think Laura will agree, that it was a fantastic concert. The opening act was Katrina Elam and she did a great job, but Keith was fantastic! I admit, I started liking him because he looks really good in jeans! : ) But, he is a good singer, and a great entertainer. It was a good concert, and I'd like his most recent CD for Christmas (hint, hint!).
We stayed in Sioux Falls on Friday night, and Saturday was a very easy going day. We tried to ride the motorcycle, but did you know that when its only about 40 degrees outside it is incredibly cold on a motorcycle!!! Well, we found out on Saturday. Saturday we went to the Royal River Casino in Flandreau to listen to our friend's oldies band play. They were great, as usual. I have seen them play since before I was born, so I know all of the songs, but its still great to hear them. Plus, we got to do a little dancin' which is good stuff! If you want to check out the band go to http://www.somethingnewband.com -
Now for Sunday, I slept and it was good. I like sleep and considering the lack of it that I have been getting lately. I also came home early and did some house cleaning and I studied for my algebra test. I had to work Sunday night from 6:30-9:30 and when I came home I went to bed fairly early. Early for me I guess.
Now, just wish me luck on the Algebra test. I feel good about it, but I never really know about these things. I'm not a huge fan of algebra, but I feel like I know what's going on, so hopefully that is to my benefit.

Yeah, it's been a long time comin'!!

2004-11-11T22:43:00.000-06:00

Okay, I know it has been a really long time since I have blogged anything, and for that I am sorry. But, I must add that with three jobs and school, and family, and friends, it has been a uphill battle just to get sleep. So, where do I start?
SCHOOL
School is good, keeping me very busy!! VERY BUSY! I am in a couple of classes that I enjoy, but you'll always have those that you don't enjoy. My favorite class is an audio editing class, I really like it. However, sometimes it is a struggle to get my projects figured out. I am in Algebra- man I love algebra. I admit, I don't attend class as much as I should. But, with DSU going to a "wireless campus" I don't have too, everything is available online. My quizzes, my tests, etc. I am in Visual Basic programming, which I also like, well, no I don't. Because I don't understand. Everyone tells me that at some point it will just "click" and I'll understand. I haven't had a click yet, and it is starting to show. Other classes are good, we'll end that topic there.
WORK
Wow, work is great! I actually do enjoy my jobs, which is beneficial. I work for the athletic office still, which is going well. I have a few more responsibilities this year, but I certainly don't mind. I also took an internship with the Lake Area Improvement Corporation in Madison, doing the marketing for their new Technology Center that is being built. That's good, my boss is fun, and I'm at the job 2 hours a day. So, its never too much, but not too little either. I also work for the telephone outreach program on campus doing their data entry work. I like that job too, its sitting for 3 hours two nights a week. I manage the database and look up bad numbers. I don't do the calling, which is fine with me, because sometimes doing that starts to irritate me.
SOCIAL LIFE!
Wow!! I guess I really don't know where to begin here. Things have been quite a bit different this year, as compared to last year at this time. But, it is good for the better. Last year at this time living in my house was a blast because my friends were around and we were always having a good time. Well, things have changed since then, and we'll leave it at that. But, things with Laura and I are FANTASTIC. I love her so much, she really is my best friend and that has proven true more so in the past year then ever. We've helped each other through a lot! And, that proves our strong friendship. She has spent quite a bit of time at my house this semester, which is great. Because, she has kept me company that way too. I have also been spending a lot of time with Lisa. She's so fun, whenever you feel down Lisa does a fantastic dance and makes everything all better. We have roadtripped a couple of times this year, and its GREAT! We have made some new friends also, well not really new to me, but we've spent more time around them lately.
My mom is great, she's working away still in Sioux Falls, liking it. She has also been injured with her back, so she hasn't been able to ride her motorcycle as much as she would like to, but I have ridden it for her- which is a-ok with me. Dale is good, he's working at the Sheraton still...doing good. Bob is still at Southeast Tech- he should be done next spring and will be in the real world. Becky J is good, as far as I know. With both of us being extremely busy- I definitely haven't seen her as much as I would like to. Maybe that will change during Christmas break, and I will get the chance to see her more. Dad is good, he's had quite a few sales lately, and is still making sure I get some good eatin' during the week. Dawn is good, working still- enjoying a new Mustang that I helped convice her to buy! :)
hmmm... that's all for now- if I think of more I'll post. I am hoping to post at least once a week. *HOPING*

Peace and Love

don't get mad!

2004-07-22T12:25:00.000-06:00

I know- it has been FOREVER since I have posted. And, its not like I have been that busy- but I kind of have been. I guess you could say I've been doing things other sitting at a computer- that's not really true either. So- I will highlight on so me things since I posted last- WAY BACK WHEN!
The month of June was pretty good- it basically flew by! My mom, Dale, Dale's sister and I went to a car show in Minneapolis that was AWESOME! There were 10,000 cars to look at. Plus, the band played there- so it was all good. That was a fun and much needed trip. In June Laura, Beckala, and I also took a road trip to a street dance in Minnesota that PowerPlay played at too. Again, and fun and much needed trip!
July has also gone way too fast! The fourth was good- actually that is when we went to the street dance, my bad. The World of Outlaws raced at Huset's on the 6th of July and I was excited about that- but the track wasn't in very good condition and my guy didn't win- so.... what can ya do!
I have started getting things together again for school to start- I can't believe I go back in a month! CRAZY!! I'm kind of ready, actually no... I'm not ready- I like summer. I just wish that at work I had more things to keep me busy. I like being around the office and I like the people I work witih but unfortunately we aren't BUSY AT ALL! And, that gets annoying after awhile.
I have rented some great movies lately- I'm a sucker for independent movies and I have found a gem. Just ask Lisa, I'm in love with this movie. It's called CAMP and its a little "teeny bopper" but its good. An up and coming actor- Daniel Letterle has a key role in the film and I think he does a fantastic job- and the rest of the cast is awesome. If you like "Fame" and other musical numbers seriously check this movie out. I want the CD and movie! BAD!! I think I may invest in them tonight. Its well worth it.
Other movies that I have watched recently are "Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen" which is good, but I don't know how many more times I could watch it. Another is "Dirty Dancing Havana Nights" which is another one that I would like to own. Its a great movie- even though it didn't get very good ratings. I really liked it- but I think I'm also a sucker for music movies... which I guess isn't all that surprising.
Within the last month I got 2 more tattoos. I got a very small star on the top of my foot- that one kind of hurt. But, I got it because when I was younger my grandma Imogene told me that my Grandpa was a star in the sky watching me... and my grandma has passed since then but she was very special to me, and she was my star. The star on my foot represents her- she's always with me. I also got a saxophone on my ankle- no suprise there either. I've onlyp layed the saxophone since I was 9 years old.
Tonight Lisa, Laura, and I are going to Jonny Lang at the Washington Pavillion in Sioux Falls, we have 4th row seats and I'm pretty excited about that. The first time I saw Jonny Lang was on a concert special on the Disney Channel- and I've been hooked ever since. He's only 23 and an amazing artist.
Josh can say he's been successful too, because I am now HOOKED on Jason Mraz. I want his CD very bad!! (That's a hint for you Josh!) I found out one piece of dissappointing news about Jason though- he smokes. The majority of you know how I feel about smokers... don't really approve.

Well, its finally time for lunch! YAY! That means I only have 4 more hours to sit here and do nothing. I'll try to keep up on this posting now. I'll try- I make no garauntees. (sp?)
Peace and Love

Bittersweet Symphony

2004-06-01T21:43:00.000-06:00

RAIN SUCKS!! It has been raining forever, and yes, I know its good for the crops, etc. But, its not good for me. I'm sick of the rain, and raining out the races! But, continuing.... Friday night I went to Sioux Falls in hopes of going to the races in Rock Rapids- but guess what! We get all the way to Rocky to find out that the races were called off!! GRRR!! So- back to Sioux Falls where I stayed the night and came back on Saturday morning. I hung out with the new football recruit for a little bit- but Saturday was again another crappy day for weather and we wound up getting some bad storms that night with a lot of rain- so again! NO RACES!!
Sunday night Laura and I took off for Sioux Falls, again, but never considered going to the races, because of how wet it was. But- YAY! Because the races were on. But, before that Laura and I went to HuHot- and it was good! I love HU HOT!
The races were ok- they didn't get to the sprints because it started to rain... again! But, Monday night was good! I went in the pits and had a perfect view of a certain "someone". But, the real story comes because Ryan won the second A-main. I was SO excited, but my stomach hurt really bad because I was so nervous! When he did win though, look out- it would a good time!
Tuesday was work, and I went to a baseball game for a little while. I changed the oil in my car, and now I'm watching a movie. I know, exciting. But- I'm out........

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BECKY JENSEN AND JB!

2004-05-25T12:47:00.000-06:00

Well hello! I've had a pretty easy start to the week. I guess I could start with a recap of the weekend. Friday night Laura and I drove to Sioux Falls to find out that the races in Rock Rapids were cancelled. GRR! But, we did manage to get a nice motorcycle ride in. I did just fine- I was a little worried a couple of times... but turned out alright. We rented a movie too, and it was good. It's called Chasing Liberty and if you like "girlie/funny" movies then I'd suggest it.
Saturday during the day I worked a sale for my dad, which I enjoy doing. I was kind of worried because they went to an all computer system- but no reason to worry- it works REALLY well and is pretty easy to use! I'd be more than willing to help out whenever they need me. Saturday night Laura and I went to the races, as usual. Laura's sister Ashley came along too, so that was kind of fun. I hadn't seen her for awhile- she's a funny girl! Matt Walters and Craig Falor was at the races too, they are always good for a laugh. Speaking of laughs Shawn said the word "screw" instead of "crew" and that made Becky Jensen and I chuckle too. GOOD JOB Cody Hansen on your win on Saturday night- we were cheering for you the whole time and were REALLY excited to see you get your first win. Many more to come!
Okay- Sunday I slept in... and it was good! I haven't slept in since I got out of school. I finally rolled out of bed at 3pm and decided I'd better get ready to go to my cousin's graduation party. So, I went there and ate some dinner and then I went to my friend Lia's graduation party. Sadly the races were cancelled, again. But- that gave me the chance to go see Shrek 2 with my aunt and uncle and little cousins. It's funny- I recommend it!
Monday it was back at work, my boss is gone all week- so I don't have very much to do! Gets kind of boring. Monday night I rented "Love Don't Cost a Thing". It's a funny movie too, you might enjoy it. Some parts were kind of slow- but for the most part it was enjoyable. Tuesday it was up and off to work again. With not a lot to do. Tuesday I left early for lunch to go get my motorcycle classification put on my license. That was successful so now I can legally ride the motorcylce! WOO HOO
Tonight (Tuesday) I'm going to Sioux Falls to listen to Raine and the guys for a little bit. I have to run to the bank and stop at Wal-Mart too to get oil. My car, officially named Maia James, needs an oil change. That's kind of weird that my last car was named Jim and this car's middle name is James- hmmm... Oh well!
I'm sitting in the office now SHIVERING because it is incredibly cold in here! Thank goodness there was a racing blanket in the car because its wrapped around my legs and Nick was even nice enough to go get a little heater and plug it in by my feet. I know, I know I shouldn't be wearing flip-flops but its summer DANG IT! I shouldn't have to have the burden of putting on shoes and socks. Or socks and shoes, whichever order you prefer.
I'm off- I'll type another story tomorrow, maybe, if time allows. Haha- if time allows at this job I have an ample amount of time!

It's been a while...

2004-05-20T09:45:00.000-06:00

Wow- it has been a really long time since I've posted anything. I have been "busy" in a sense that I have always had something to do- but not anything pressing. Let's see... lately I have been taking it pretty easy. Last week was a full week of work, it's gone well but sometimes I get kind of bored. Those are times when I should post I guess.
Friday night we went to the races in Rock Rapids, it was quite chilly! Saturday during the day I rode for my motorcycle safety course and was doing great. It rained most of the day- so it kind of put a damper on things (lol, no pun intended). Saturday night I really debated going to the races, but decided it would be a good idea to go. Ryan wrecked!! Wow, Laura and I were a little worried, but he got out of the car and was alright. The car on the other hand, well- let's just say he has a new one now. Sunday during the day it was back to motorcycling which went well again. I passed my driving and written test with flying colors. Sunday night I went to the "Temptations" concert with my dad and step-mom and it was AWESOME. Even though they weren't the original members (except Otis) it was great, I love the Temptations!
Monday it was back to work- and I pulled a genious move of leaving my keys in Sioux Falls- so I walked! :) We made it work. Wednesday my senior pictures were done- so I drove to Rutland to pick them up- they turned out well! I'll get them posted on my website in the near future.
Well- that's about it.... I'd bettr get some work done. I'll try to keep better posting in the future!

HE WON!!!

2004-05-09T10:11:00.000-06:00

Hey- just thought I'd get you an update fromt he races this weekend, well so far. Friday night Ryan finished 8th, which was a solid finish considering he was in 13th and the people in front of him were tough to get around.
But, Saturday starts the real story! HE WON!!! We started on the inside of the third row and took the lead. It was an awesome race! Sorry to Shawn cause we didn't wear our shirts... we were rushed. You can be that next Saturday we're all about our We heart Shawn shirts!
-Becky

I STUDIED!!!

2004-05-06T23:21:00.000-06:00

I actually woke up early this morning and went to work. Well, early was 8:30am... but hey that's early for me these days! I guess I'm going to have to get used to it because I start working on Monday morning full-time and tentatively I work from 7:30-4:30. 7:30 in the morning is not my friend.... especially on Monday mornings! But, I went to work and helped Jenn get things finished up for the track meet tomorrow. A good job done, now hopefully Buzz relaxes a little bit! I worked till noon, then went to Pizza Hut with uncle Dave- that was good, I was craving pizza. Plus, he paid- I love when they pay! I went back to work at 1 and stayed till 5- and I stayed busy until 5 which was nice. I had a lot of work to get done.
After work I was in a cleaning mood- but not a cleaning house mood, so instead I cleaned my car. It smells so good, and I finally got all of the sunflower seeds that Raine spilled like a month ago out of the back seat. Another good job done! I then moved on to attempting to do homework- but was distracted by hunger. So- I made some chicken (by the way thanks mom for the cooker, it works wonders!). After chicken though, I was all about studying! I finished my literature story- only to find that the due time was changed and I have to now re-submit the assignments grr!! Then I watched the "Friends" final episode and I will openly admit that I am VERY SAD that its over. I've been addicted to that show ever since it started- when I was only 8. I was pumped that Ross and Rachel finally got together- they needed that... and I needed closure before it was all over.
Then I was all about biology- and everyone be proud- I went through and answered EVERY question on the study guide and right now I'm feeling confident about taking the final tomorrow. I have to take my books back in the morning too- that's a good thing because then I get money!! But, I'd better get going because I have to pack- I forgot that I have to work on Saturday... that means Riley and I get to sleep over in Sioux Falls tomorrow night.
BY THE WAY- GOOD LUCK NIKKI DUFFY AT THE TRACK MEET TOMORROW!!!!
*Beck*

We went on an African Safari!!!

2004-05-05T10:44:00.000-06:00

Monday night I was talking to my mom on-line and she had a brilliant idea- go to the zoo! Then I remembered that Laura didn't have a final to take on Tuesday either. So... Becky J, Ma, Laura, and I went to the zoo!! And wow, we had some fun! We saw a cool monkey- it had an interesting way of getting rid of its snot- he wiped it on a pole and then licked it off of the pole- and there were people watching. He had no problem with it- maybe that's how humans should be! We saw penguins, and so much more. A good time was had by all. After the zoo we went to Falls Park- it was so nice outside that no one wanted to be indoors. I took some pictures too at the park and you can view those by going to my website- http://www.students.dsu.edu/bessmanr/pictures.html
I went hot tubbing last night when I got home- it was nice out and dad's hot tub sounded really good! I didn't accomplish anything major yesterday- except have fun. Oh, and I washed a load of towels because I was OUT of towels.... and they come in handy when you need to take a shower!
That's all though- Becky

Takin' it easy!

2004-05-03T21:21:00.000-06:00

Well, it hasn't been a very grueling day.... it's ok with me. First we can catch up on the weekend. Saturday night I was unable to attend the races because I had to work. Work turned out to not be that bad- we weren't busy and I was in the volunteer stand. I got a call from Ryan after the races to find out how he did- and it was a pretty good night for him, he got third in the feature.
Sunday I had my band concert- and it went well, I didn't even mess up my 3 note solo! :D After concert band was jazz band, and we were all in a panic becuase our bass player "kitten" was no where around! Lorri to the rescue and she filled in playing the bass part on the keyboard. After the concert we made a flying trip to Brandon for the races at Husets. Don won his feature that night and Ryan got 2nd in the B and 13th *I think* in the A. Not too bad, at least he stayed in one piece.
Monday has been REALLY easy going. I woke up around 10ish and decided to see if Tory wanted to go eat Chinese- she did YAY! I love China Moon! Then I went to work for a few hours- and got a couple things accomplished. My boss, Tim Schuring, and his wife had their baby this morning. They had a baby girl named Maggie Lynn- how cute!! Congratulations to them! When I was on my way home from work I saw Becky Jesen and I decided to go with her to see my Grandma Irene and Bob. After Grandma B's we decided to go visit G'rents the Hares. They took us out for supper- I love free food!!! After that I came home and Megan and I ran to Family Dollar and got some cleaning supplies. After that it was time to clean the bathroom- for the first time since like the beginning of April- gross I know... it was time. But its done now!!! The rest of the night I took it pretty easy- and I got Justin Lebahn's website started- finally! you can check that out at http://www.students.dsu.edu/bessmanr/f2.html
That's it though- I'm off! :D ~B

RACES-WOO HOO

2004-05-01T11:04:00.000-06:00

Friday was a good day. I managed to go to biology and came home feeling fairly confident about taking my final test, which I don't have to take until next Friday- so I think I have an ample amount of time to study. Friday afternoon was spent on doing some homework, trying to take an online quiz that absolutely would not work, and taking a quick nap. I met Laura at the junction and we took off for Sioux Falls, and I must say we were traveling at an incredible rate because we made dang good time getting there. We got to Rock Rapids in time to show off our "We Love Shawn" shirts to our friend and announcer for the track Shawn. He even signed them for us- and we got a picture!! I'll get the picture up on my website here one of these days.
The races went well for Ryan. He did an awesome job in his heat race, even though he scared the crap out of Laura and I- on the start he passed on the high side- IMMEDIATELY- and it got our hearts pumping a little faster than I enjoy... but he did win! And in his feature he came from 10th to get 3rd- which was KICK A$$!! We did get scared a couple times there too- but all went well. On side note Jody Rosenboom got 2nd in the feature- so props to him too for a good run! When we got back down in the pits my little cousin Tyler (who's 7) wanted to go around and see all of the cars and get driver's autographs, Laura and I were unanimously (sp?) volunteered for that job- but it was ok, we got to see the drivers too!
I'm a little bummed because I have to go to Sioux Falls and work tonight instead of going to the races- but we'll see how fast I am to see if I can get back to Madison in time to catch the 360 feature- I think its going to be pushing my luck... but I'm going to try. Sunday is my band concert in Madtown- then Sunday afternoon we're taking off for Sioux Falls again to make it *hopefully* into the pits so we can help out Ryan at Husets.
Other than that- I'm going to start working a lot more next week- so that will be alright too. I like money! That's all for now- I'll let you know how the rest of the weekend goes for races- but giver heck Ryno!!!

2004-04-30T15:16:00.000-06:00

Well, I decided to give this "blogger" thing a try- please bear with me because I don't always have a lot of time to update this sort of stuff. But, I will try my best!!! : )