Lady Rhoanne

So I got my flu shot today at the student health center. All in all, it wasn't so bad. I have this thing about needles, where I get really nervous and tense up, but I can handle shots for the most part.

The weird part about being at the health center was how the nurse spoke to me. I went in. I was weighed. Blood pressure was checked. You know, the usual.

But unlike any other visits I've had before, this time I was consulted about my weight. The nurse talked to me about my BMI, my waist size, etc. She gave me a pamphlet on something called Metabolic Syndrome. I had never heard of this before. Apparently, I'm right on the borderline of having to worry. She told me that this is good, because I'm not in trouble, but I can stop it. She told me about all sorts of blood sugar tests they take. She asked my about family history of weight, heart, and cholesterol problems. She actually thought that I was unhealthy.

This shocked me. I've never been consulted about my weight before, and I only went in for a flu shot. I didn't even initiate the conversation.

So what are my numbers? BMI of 30.6 (just at the beginning of obesity according to the scale)
I'm 5'4" and weigh 178 pounds. I have a 34" waist. Apparently I need to be concerned about Metabolic Syndrome once my waist hits 35".

Let me tell you, this put a downer on my day. The first thing I thought was "Am I unhealthy?" This was followed up by "Do I look unhealthy?" (I must if she felt the need to bring it up.)
And then "Do I have time to make any changes? Should I even have to make changes at all?"

I just started walking to school in the mornings. I don't walk everyday, but when it isn't raining or I'm not running late, I do. I actually fell on my ass three times this morning while hiking through the Arboredum. I have also started walking to work in the afternoons. I'm making an effort to be more active. Apparently it just isn't enough. I'm worried about taking time out of my day to be physically active. After all, I'm a college student- I have school, homework, work work, and the extra test or paper here or there. Oh yeah, and sleep. I hardly have time for all of that, let alone to hit a gym.

This is a big wake up call for me, and I'm trying to take it in stride. I'm not going to completely overhaul my life. I'll be more careful about my snacking habits (can't do the con queso so much anymore) and I'll walk to work on the weekends. These are small, manageable changes that I can maintain without stressing myself- or my body- out. I'll also start drinking more water. I want to be healthier- don't we all?- but I DON'T want this to be about my self esteem. I'm worried about making these changes to make myself feel better rather than being healthier.

And you know what sucks? I'm 21! I'm young! I'm supposed to be in my prime! It's so frustrating to feel like the time when I'm supposed to be at my best, my sexiest, most beautiful and desirable me, I'm being told to watch out and try to lose weight.

This is especially difficult because of my family. My mom's side of the family is tall, lanky, healthy. My biological dad's is . . . decidedly not. Stay-puffed marshmallow not. And I take after the Lyons more than the Cramer (my dad more than my mom). I grew up feeling bigger (ok fatter) than the rest of my family. I didn't realize how healthy my body was then, and now I wish I could get back to there.

So yeah, today basically brought on a plethora of the insecurities I've been working all through college to beat. Blech.
And now I bitch about them on LJ.

Luckily, I have my Riley. I talked to him after my appointment today. He reminded me that I was beautiful and sexy. He offered to go on a health food strike with me. He wants to take me to play in parks and on walks. He's amazing.

It's funny, but Riley really likes girls with big chests and sizable booties. Because of this, I used to tease him, saying "what would you do if I lost weight?" My boobs will be smaller, my booty less bootylicious. Looks like we get to find out now.

Anyways, I've done enough ranting for today. I love everybody!

So it's been a while since I've posted. Here's the update:

It is now summer break. I've spent most of it working thus far, with some yoga, some beading, and some fun outside in between.

Everyone survived the fourth of July, mostly unharmed. Jon was pretty tired that night, and obviously didn't want to be working, but he still managed to have some fun.

I've been at my job for a year+ now. On the one hand I'm really proud of myself for excelling at work, making it a whole year (which can be a task at that store) and for receiving the praise that my boss has been giving me. On the other hand, I didn't get a raise. I'm going to wait a while longer and then start asking for one. The Bead Bazaar may also be hiring soon (in the fall) so I'll turn in an ap if they do. I think a job there would be more beneficial to me.

I've discovered a fun little park that not many people go to. It's located at the end of the water leg of ski to sea. It's beautiful, quiet, secluded, and smells like the ocean. Yay!

I've also made a resolution to read one new book a week. We'll see how that turns out. My next book is called "Little Red Riding Hood Uncloaked". Now I realize that this sounds like porn, but it's actually a historical and cultural analysis of the different story arcs and characters within the story of Red Riding Hood. Yes, some of the analysis is related to sexuality, but no, it's not kiddie pron.

Barbara is totally and officially gone, and we've transformed her room into our new sitting room. Hurrah! It's so nice not to have that awkward agitation in our lives anymore.

And, speaking of which, funny story- I was cleaning up a bit yesterday, talking on the phone with my mom, when there's an angry sounding knock at the door. I answer it and promptly shout "Oh my God!" because who is there? Justin. Justin my ex. Justin Barbara's ex. Justin who last I spoke to him I had a fight with and he said Hop was going to die in my care. That Justin. Apparently, when he and Barb broke up he left something at the Grotto. He was coming by to pick it up. I inform him that she's moved out, cause she hadn't bothered to tell him that. Then I get over the shock of seeing him and invite him to come in (being polite). Well he stayed for a solid 3-4 hours. He wasn't too bad. Still a little machismo going on, but that's him. He's going to try to get ahold of Barbara (poor bastard) and get whatever he left. This life could so easily be a soap opera, I swear.

So most recent news- I've turned in an application for a new apartment complex for next year. The link to them is
http://www.visitlandmark.com/PropertyDetail.aspx?PropertyID=25
They are reasonably priced, good sized, and there's a pool! They also allow cats (hint hint Jamie and Riley). They have one and two bed units, so I applied for a one bedroom. Huzzah! Hopefully I'll get the one I requested. If so, I move in August 5. Yippee!

IF YOUR LIFE WAS A SUPER HERO EPIC MOVIE, WHAT WOULD THE SOUNDTRACK BE?
So, here's how it works:

1. Open your library (iTunes, Winamp, Media Player, iPod, etc)
2. Put it on shuffle
3. Press play
4. For every question, type the song that's playing
5. When you go to a new question, press the next button. Don't lie and try to pretend you're cool...


1. Childhood:
War (Edwin Starr)
I grew up ala Magneto- haunted by the traumas of war.

2. First Crush:
5/4 (Gorillaz)
Ultra mellow techno geek

3. Getting your superpowers:
Dancing in the Moonlight (Toploader)
I got my powers being showered by moonbeams!

4. Experimenting with the powers:
Pet Names (Smash Mouth)
I can't figure out a super hero name for myself

5. Reactions of family & friends:
Christians and the Pagans (Dar Williams)
Ironically, the context of this song means the fam embraces my differences

6. Decision to be a hero:
Here comes the Sun (the Beattles)
Hmm . . . either my moon-ness wants to fight the sun-ness, or I just figure I'll bring sunshine to the world.

7. Public’s reactions:
Saints Coming (U2/Greenday)
They LOVE me!

8. The Villian:
Lips Like Morphine
Poison Ivy?

9. Sidekick:
We are going to be Friends (White Stripes)
Must be my bestest bud

10. Your Superhero costume:
Somewhere Over the Rainbow (Israel)
Hawaiian inspired

11. Your Super Power:
Shamantic (Zingaia)
Following the theme of magic and moonbeams, I have mystical new age powers

11. Your Superhero Life:
The Kids Aren't Allright (Offspring)
I save kiddies from destruction?

12. Falling in Love:
Life After Life (Zingaia)
Someone I've loved through the ages, even death hasn't stopped us from loving in the next life, how romantic, how *OUCH*
sorry, got knocked to my senses there.

13. Lover Finding out about Super-alias:
Shape Shifter (Zingaia)
Ooh, nope, he guessed the wrong power.

14. The Breakup:
Saying Save the World (Rockeye)
We part so I can do my duty, but that's ok cause we'll love again in the next life

15. Captured by the Villian:
Abracadabra (Sugar Ray)
Aparrently Poison Ivy can do some magic too.

16. The Villian’s Evil Plan:
Surfin (Weezer)
WTF? Ooh, they'll drown me!

17. Escape:
Pieces (Sum 41)
I must smash my cage to pieces with my magical powers!

18. Final Battle:
Sweet Surrender (Sarah McGlaughlin)
She gives up on account that Us Goddesses should stick together.

19. Last Scene & End Credits:
The Boy in the Bubble (Paul Simon)
We end the day with another rescue!

So my life is kinda crazy right now. I talked to Morgan last night and she says that she and Debb can't afford to move out of their current apartments. I figure I could probably get a car or a moped and make it work, but she's still encouraging me to just up and quit my current job and work with her at Fred Meyer. Now I know I would get paid more at FM, but I can't just up and quit because I want to live with Morgan. That's just silly. I have a good job, a great manager, and for the most part really good co-workers. These are all fantastic reasons to stick with Paper Dreams. So here's what I'm thinking- I'm not going to live with Morgan next year. She's being too inflexible right now; I can't imagine what she'll be like after we sign the lease. She's encouraging me not to live with her anyways, so I'm going to take her advice.

As for where I will live, I'm thinking 2 things:

1. Live with Nick and Jon if we can find an affordable 3 bed
2. Live alone if we can't. I figure I was going to take out a loan to buy a car, why not take out the same loan and just pay for rent for a really nice apartment close to my work? Close enough that I can still walk home after work without worrying about safety. That's my favorite option so far, because really no matter what since I won't be living with Riley I have to have some form of transportation, cause I won't have someone to walk me home at night anymore. However, if I live in a really close apartment, yes, it'll cost more money, but I can also be independent, and that's worth it.

And so one last little bit- a small part of me wants to live with Riley again next year. I missed him so much this weekend, and really he's only been gone one night, and he's coming back today. I really want my Riley. I could use a good cuddle.

Anyways, I'm off for work. What a lovely morning for a stroll.

On the plus side, Barb's sister is visiting, and I've never seen her be so diligent with the house work. Her family should come over more often.

Oh boy. Lots and lots of stuffs. Where to begin? Ah yes, school.

I had my first test of the quarter yesterday for my Art History class. I'm pretty sure I got at least a B. I feel pretty good about it.
I turned in my paperwork to re-instate my financial aid. Woot woot. Everyone cross your fingers and wish me luck as the reviewers decide whether or not to give it back.
I'm up to date with homework! Mostly. That's ok, I'm doing a lot today. I've actually already done a lot today.

And now for work:
I talked to a co-worker about the whole working a ton of hours and not having much time for resting thing. She mentioned that I may be able to get Mondays off and therefore be able to go to PAST! Sweet!

And as for home:
I feel really good about home right now. I did all sorts of housework on Tuesday- vacuuming, cleaning the kitchen, taking out trash, laundry, dishes. And Riley cleaned the bunny cage and the bathroom yesterday, which is nice. Barb's got a growing mountain of dirty dishes in the sink. I kind of want to do them just to clear it out, but I then I'm afraid of giving her the idea that I'll just do her dishes if she lets them sit long enough. No siree. That's no fun.

Here's a fun note- I'm coming up with a bunch of design ideas for circlets. If I have the resources I want to build a webpage as a virtual portfolio. I have a listing on WitchVox for custom made ritual jewelry too. AND I responded to a notice on WV about local artisans, and it turns out a couple people in Auburn are looking to start a store and need to find vendors to buy from. Yippee! I will definitely post any updates with that.

Well that's it really for now. Toodles lovelies!

So yeah, it's been a while.

Good Stuffs to Report:

1. I'm being trained to do data entry at work. It's way less stressful than working the tills, and it makes the shift go by quickly. It's also a huge sign of trust on my manager's part. I'm learning how to access and change all of the information about our merchandise. Huge trust thing. It also means that I'll be getting more day shifts in the summer because that's the time of day they want the data entry done. Hurrah!
2. Minimum wage is now $7.93. Hip hip, HUZZAH!
3. I'm Working on a couple new projects for this quarter. Right now I'm making my first ever circlet! It's a pain in the but at times, but I'm seeing it as a learning experience. Once I get the hang of it I'm going to make a few different styles just for practice. I have a listing on Witchvox for custom ritual jewelry, so I'll be able to add circlets to the list of "Can Do". The other project is a professional portfolio of my beading stuff so I can start trying to sell at the local level. YAY!
4. I'm keeping up with classes, looking forward to the readings, and searching out more reading about stuff my profs mention. Translation: I've finally found the right major. Joyousness!
5. I feel like I kind of wandered away from being really active in my faith (yes, despite being part of the pagan club) and now that I'm making a more conscious effort to involve myself again, I'm feeling the January blues drift away.

Sad Stuffs to Report:

1. Riley is feeling sick. The stomach flu has been traveling through our household.
2. Decline of money. Gah! Maybe min. wage going up will help that.
3. I can't make the meetings at all this quarter, so I'll be resigning as secretary. It's just not fair to the club to have a secretary that never shows up. We'll hold elections the same time we replace Barbara.

That's about it for that. It's good to see my sad list be so much smaller than my happy list.

Price of Textbooks: $253
Tuition and Fees: $1671

Getting a good education . . . . .


. . . . .


*I hope this is worth it*






So I have officially gone broke for college. How much this sucks- a lot.

But hey, I'm taking classes I'll enjoy and do well in, so that's definitely worth the excruciating pain. Can't wait till my next paycheck. Time to start filling out the FAFSA for next year. Oh, and time to work on getting my financial aid re-instated. I thought I could completely foot it on my own this year. I thought wrong.

Anyways, I'm off to actually read the textbooks this quarter.


Ouch.

To start off- a quizy thing


LAYER ONE:
Spell your name with bands/artists/songs:

S- Savage Garden
A - Aqua
M- Mummer's Dance
A - Ace of Base
N- Nightmare Before Christmas Album
T- Two Princes
H- Hanson
A - Accidentally In Love

LAYER TWO:
-- Name: Samantha Lyons-Burnham
-- Birth date: September 4, 1986
-- Nickname: Squid, Squissy, Sunshine, Kitten, Swizzle
-- Current Location: The Grotto
-- Eye Color: Green
-- Hair Color: Auburn Red
-- Righty or Lefty: Righty

LAYER THREE:
-- The shoes you wore today: Comfy Tennis Shoes
-- Your perfect pizza: Canadian Bacon, no Pineapple, and a little heavy on the cheese.

LAYER FOUR:
-- Your best physical feature: Hair no doubt. I love my hair!
-- Your bedtime: Midnightish, maybe 1 if I'm awake enough.
-- Most missed memory: Camping with my grandparents on the beach every summer.

LAYER FIVE:
-- Pepsi or Coke: I'm more of a citrus fan myself. However, I don't care so long as it isn't diet.
-- McDonald's or Burger King: Burger Ranch, Wins, or Boomers
-- Adidas or Nike: Cheap Payless Shoes!
-- Lipton Ice Tea or Nestea: I don't like much tea.
-- Chocolate or Vanilla: Vanilla.
-- Cappuccino or coffee: Cappuccino.

LAYER SIX:
-- Smoke: Nope. Asthma
-- Curse: LOL, my friends used to be shocked when they heard me curse, but now I do it like the worst of them
-- Sing: Lots of fun, especially in the shower
-- Do you think you've been in love: Yes. I'm in love now.
-- Want to go to college: Sometimes, sometimes not
-- Want to get married: Eventually
-- Get motion sickness: Only when I spin
-- Think you're a health freak: Nope. I don't usually take good care of myself, actually
-- Get along with your parents: Mostly. It's usually only when it comes to Riley that I feel it's worth arguing.
-- Play an instrument: Used to play the violin. Not anymore.

LAYER SEVEN:
In the past month...
-- Drank alcohol: Lol, oh yeah
-- Smoked: Nope
-- Done a drug: Nope. Yay the daughter of a cop
-- Gone to the mall: Yep
-- Kissed someone: Purr, oh yeah
-- Eaten an entire box of Oreos: Ew, that would make me barf
-- Eaten Sushi: Nope, though I've no objections to it
-- Been on stage: Yep. Took an acting class
-- Gone skating: No, but if anyone wants to do that maybe on Sunday, that'd be a blast.
-- Made homemade cookies: Hmm . . . No I don't think I have. But I've made other stuff, so that's ok.
-- Stolen anything: Lol, well, I'm constantly eating Paper Dreams candy

LAYER EIGHT:
Have you ever...
-- Played a game that required removal of clothing: Yes.
-- If so, was it mixed company: Lol yeah
-- Been called a tease: Yep
-- Been beaten up: Thank goodness no

LAYER NINE:
-- Age you hope to be married: 24-25 ish
-- Number of Children: 2

LAYER TEN
In the opposite (or same if that's what you prefer) sex:
-- Best eye color?: Unusual and smoldering
-- Short hair or long hair?: Medium. No emo hair, no buzz cuts.
-- Romantic or Playful?: Purr, Riley

LAYER ELEVEN:
-- Number of people I could trust with my life: Really truly, when it came down to it? That's tough. Only 2 immediately come to mind.
-- Number of cds you own: A Ton
-- Number of tatoos: No tattoos for me. I couldn't pull them off.

So anyways, that was fun. I'm going to bed now cause I have to work early tomorrow morn. Snooze.

So it's been a while since I've written, and a lot has happened, but I'll stick to the basics.

Last night was amazing, and Riley and I made a resolution for each of the elements. It was wonderful, and we spoiled each other mercilessly.

Today wasn't so grand- I had to work early and made a big mistake- but I did get paid, and that's always a wonderful thing.

I'm also beginning to really think forward to the steps I'll be taking after college. I've been floating for a while now, and I figure if I start to hover back down I'll be ok. I always have so many idea, I never want to choose just one, but there are some that have been better than others, and I am only 20, so I really have all the time I need. I'm pretty good at holding down a retail job until my ducks are lined up.

And I have to reaffirm my love for Riley. He's wonderful. His head is in my lap right now. Right, I'm off to pet him.

So a lot happened today. Joel headed back to Yakima around noon, which is good because it gave me lots of time for last minute packing and whatnot before going home.

I hope Riley calls me before I go to work. I love you Riley! I miss you! Call me at my house tomorrow, k?

I love you! I cry . . .

*sniffle*

1. Turn off the damn cell phone! That's rude when I'm ringing you up!

2. Don't be surprised when your total is a high one. You picked out the merchandise, and if you were smart you checked the price first. You should be able to estimate your total before I slap you silly with it.

Shoot me now. I got up at 6:30 today, got dressed and ready to go, and got a ride with Barbara for my 8 AM final. I get to the classroom about 10 minutes early to see a bunch of people already there with notes out to study. Upon glancing at the notes, I realize they're for the wrong class. This is when I started to panic. "Oh God oh God! I missed my final! It was on Wednesday! Oh my God! I can't believe I did that!" I finally calm down enough to get to the computer lab and discover that my final wasn't until 10 this morning.



I could have slept in!
I felt so stupid, let me tell you.

So anyways, that's my story of the day. On a lighter note, I have the gift exchange and the Hanukka party coming up. That's exciting. If I get work off.

OK you guys have to check out some of this artwork. It is so beautiful, very da Vinci feeling, and some of it is very pagan.


http://www.mattmanley.com/index.htm

I wish I could find a place where I could buy some prints, but if worst comes to least I'll just print them out myself.

[ ] stayed single - Still dating my love
[X] got kissed
[ ] kissed someone new
[ ] made out in a car
[X] kissed in the snow
[X] kissed in the rain
[X] fell in love - was in love
[ ] fell in love with a fool
[ ] had my heart broken
[ ] had a stalker
[X] lost a friend - Three
[X] had a good relationship with someone
[ ] questioned my sexual orientation
[ ] came out of my closet
[ ] got married
[ ] had a divorce)
[ ] kissed someone of the same sex
[ ] made out with someone of the same sex
[X] dated someone that I will never forget - My Riley
[x] did something I regret - maybe how poorly I did in school
[ ] lost a lover
[ ] lost faith in love
[X] kissed under mistletoe
[ ] got a promotion
[X] got a pay raise - Yay Wa minimum wage raises
[X] changed jobs - Welcome to Paper Dreams. Fudge Packer.
[X] lost my job - Fuckin Arabella
[ ] quit my job
[ ] dated a co-worker
[ ] dated my boss
[ ] dated my boss's son/ daughter
[ ] got fired from my job
[ ] got straight A's
[ ] met a teacher who I became friends with
[X] met a teacher who I really hate
[ ] found the subject I love
[X] failed a class
[x] cut class *hehe*
[x] skipped school
[ ] got in a fight with a classmate
[x] did something I was proud of
[ ] discovered a new talent
[x] proved myself that I'm an idiot
[ ] embarrassed myself in front of the class
[ ] fell in love with a teacher
[ ] got the lead role in the school play
[ ] made a varsity team
[X] was involved in something that I will never forget - PAST, my beading
[X] painted a picture - fingerpainting!
[ ] wrote a poem - not pretentious enough
[ ] ran a mile (as if!)
[X] listened to music I couldnt stand
[x] double dipped
[ ] skinny dipped
[X] went to a sleepover
[ ] went to camp
[ ] threw a surprise party
[ ] got a surprise party thrown for you
[X] laughed till I cried
[ ] laughed till I peed my pants
[X] flirted shamelessly (lol, Nick)
[ ] visited a foreign country
[ ] visited a foreign state
[ ] cooked a disastrous meal
[ ] lost something important to me
[x] got a gift I love - My Riley spoiled me for my birthday
[x] realized something new about myself - my jewelry is sell-worthy! And I'm good in a emergency
[ ] dyed my hair
[ ] came close to losing my life
[ ] someone close to me died
[ ] got arrested
[x] read a great book
[x] saw a great movie
[ ] saw a movie so scary that it made me cry
[ ] saw a favorite band live
[x] did something that I wanted to tell everyone
[x] experienced something new
[x] made new friends
[x] found out who your real friends are
[x] lied to your parents (lol)
[ ] snuck out (don't need to)
[ ] got in trouble with police
[ ] kissed in a pool (not this again!)
[X] kissed under the stars
[x] had the time of your life
[X] danced
[ ] fell out of love
[ ] had a crush on someone
[ ] changed your sexual preference (nope)
[x] swam in a pool
[ ] made a snowman
[ ] went snowboarding
[ ] went sledding
[ ] slept in past 2pm
[x] held someones hand that you care about
[X] got wasted - never again
[ ] told someone you like them as more than a friend
[x] gone on vacation
[X] gone on vacation with a friend
[ ] driven a car (everyday)
[ ] played strip poker (nope)
[ ] danced in the rain
[ ] got in a car accident
[ ] seen someone get in a car accident
[ ] got in a fist fight
[x] laughed until you couldn't breathe
[ ] had an amazing year
[x] missed someone
[ ] sent someone to the hospital (I wish)
[X] got a new pet HOP!
[X] enjoyed this year overall (it was so-so)