Just spent almost an entire day yesterday at the beautiful Lost Lake. Rob and I went to have a belated birthday celebration for him. His birthday was actually on the 7th, but we really didn't want to fight the crowds for a spot at the lake on 4th of July weekend. Holiday weekends bring way too many people to the lakes and parks for it to really be enjoyable, so it seemed way more relaxing and enjoyable to go the next week. And it was -- we got these disposable min-grills and cooked up some zucchini and steak. For anyone who doesn't know, I am a major carnivore and steak is my favorite, so I was in heaven.

It made a nice double celebration. Rob's birthday incidentally falls on the halfway mark for our anniversary, so we got to celebrate being together for a year and a half. It's really flown by, and I'm excited to see what the rest of the year will bring for us.

Mum wondered if we may have had an encounter with a guardian angel while we were out buying the meat to barbecue. It was very early in the morning and I am not a morning person, so I wasn't at my most agreeable. Rob and I were bickering a little over price versus quantity but this elderly woman came along and told us about how she used to barbecue with her husband who had passed away. They used to have friends over all the time to barbecue. She said that she remembered standing in the aisle and picking out meat to cook; that we should have fun. It was a really nice moment to pause and be grateful for who and what you have.

Stay Gold,
~Ali

Such a great birthday yesterday. Some of my closest friends, my family, and my boyfriend spent the better part of the day together, having some great food, listening to awesome music, and having random and fun conversation.

Plus, I got a few really cute gifts. Never really been a birthday=gifts kind of person, but it's always nice. Though the best part, by far, was spending time with the people I adore, but don't get to see as often as I'd like.

Happily,
~Ali

My hearing is still funny after last night's concert. Went with my parents, my brother, and practically brother, plus Rob, to watch Patrick Contreras play. He's an amazing local artist that plays the electric violin. He is the American Rock Violinist according to the posters, and I'd have to agree. It was general admission so we were standing pretty close. My hearing still has that post-concert muffled feeling from being so close to the speakers. Still, it was worth it for the mind-blowing show and the signed CD!

No, not the show. That's the theme for my MDA camp. Rob and I leave tomorrow. Woohoo!

I have none. Well, I have plans but the main ones take place before my birthday. I'm going to a CD release party/block party the week before my birthday. It's bound to be such fun because the artist is amazing and I've been catching him wherever I can for about a year now.

But as far as my actual 21st birthday goes, I don't really have anything planned. I think this semester has been so whirlwind that I nice relaxing day with a few friends and family may be just perfect. Maybe I'll see about doing like the old days and move the tv and dvd player outside, put up a tarp/tent and have a camp out under the stars, in the nice cool air, instead of the 80 degree weather inside.

On another note, camp starts this Sunday. My friends and I are so excited about it, we can hardly wait. And Rob decided to go with me this year, which is really sweet of him. He's nervous as hell, I can tell, but I'm sure he'll have a blast. We'll probably have to go out sometime Friday or Saturday to make sure we have all our supplies ready - sunblock, mini-shampoos and whatnot. Can't wait!

Oh, and the theme this year? Camp ROCK. :p (The music, I'm sure, not the show.)

Stay Gold,
~Ali

Just 40 minutes before my shift is over and the library is closed for the day. Currently waiting for some books to be shipped so I can check them out. I am greatly enjoying having the time to read for pleasure.

On my list of books to read (that are currently on their way right now):
Marley & Me
Always Looking Up (who doesn't love Michael J. Fox?)
Stop in the Name of Pants! (Part of the Georgia Nicholson series by Louis Rennison)

Anybody have any more book suggestions?

Oh, almost forgot, on another note--Shows that I am in love with this season now include:

Glee: Comedy, cute guy in the lead, and music. I'm always skeptical of new shows, especially when they're put out by Fox, but I caught the preview of the first episode and now, I'm really hoping that it stays strong as it's promising to be.

Other shows I'm currently in love with--

Castle: Cheesy premise, with stereotypical pairing of goofy guy and businesslike brunette with a stick up her but. BUT, Nathan Fillion does a great job in this role. Manages to find a balance between slightly sleazy guy that always has to hit on the female characters and genuinely caring author with super-awesome daughter. Which brings up another good point: the characters or his daughter and his mother are also very entertaining and make up for a questionable lead female (I still haven't decided if I like her.)

The Big Bang Theory: I love geeks. How can you not love a geek? With that being said, how could I NOT love a show where 4 of the 5 leads are geeks? And Penny, who could easily have been written and acted as an annoying air head is actually a very sweet character who genuinely cares for and looks out for the guys. Plus, she's not just ditzy-- she's not the same level as the guys, but some of her lines are very clever. And Sheldon...



Dancing with the Stars: I haven't really kept up on this show since after Apolo Anton Ohno. He was great and the groups that came after (with the exception of maybe Mel B) really didn't keep my interest. But this season was pretty amazing, especially Gilles Marini...



Stay Gold,
~Ali

2 to go. I have a Mass Communications final at 3:30 today. Tomorrow, I have a paper to turn in and a final for my English class. After that, I'm done for the semester.

And the search begins for a third job for the summer.

Also, for a way to celebrate my 21st birthday.

And catching up on some good ol' fashioned reading.

Plus, trying to find things to do during summer that won't cause death by heat. I'm thinking all plans will take place between 5 and 8AM.

Stay Gold,
~Ali

I can feel it. The end of the semester is so close I can taste it.... And I have writer's block. One last paper, and I have writer's block.

One more week til.... FREEDOM!

That is all,
~Ali

It's coming on the end of the term. My first term at CSUF. So far, it's been very good. I've met some really great people and have found a really great circle of friends and acquaintances, even reuniting with one or two old ones. I'm also registered for next semester's classes, getting further on my way towards my degree in Mass Comm. Heaven only knows what that will hold in store for me.

For the future, this is what I see in store. I have camp this summer - my fifth year as a counselor at a camp for kids with Muscular Dystrophy. So looking forward to that, and to seeing everyone that I've missed so much. Going to get my 40 hours, I hope, working at the library, and cut back on my availability at BRU. And when the semester starts, I'm registered in: American Government, Media Writing, Public Relaetions, and Sociology (Pop Culture.) So looking forward to it.

For the present, I'm enjoying the feeling that this term will be over. Spent the last Saturday out with some girls from the library. It was so much fun. Especially after having resolved an argument with Rob. (By the way, best makeup offer ever, for any guys that stumble across this journal: It's after an argument and your girls says she has a terrible headache, show up on her doorstep holding a bottle of aspirin in one hand and a single rose in the other. Sure fire makeup.)

Spending this weekend at a family party that's looking to be a lot of fun. And probably avoiding some homework or another.

Hope all my favorite people are well.

Much Love,
~Ali

Spring Break is officially over. It's back to business now, school and work - work and school.

Spent a wonderful week, spending time with Rob and my family. Had a sleep over with him, my brother, Gil, and long-time friend, Matt. Plus, it was nice to finally catch up on some sleep.

And today, I ran into long-time friend, Paulette. She and I hadn't seen each other in what felt like ages. So we made plans to spend time catching up on Wednesday during my break between classes. I've really missed her, so I'm looking forward to it.

It's hard to believe there's less than a month left in the semester. I'm a bit relieved, because then I can focus on getting my 40 hrs. at the library and doing some summer camp work/fun. Gil and Rob are both planning to go, fingers crossed.

The end of the semester is a little more potent because it's almost time to register for classes. I'm excited and hoping that I get the ones I'm planning on.

Stay Gold,
~Ali

Maybe it's the fact that I have a shift at both jobs today, or the fact that I'm at this desk for the next hour and a half on a wonderfully slow morning. Either way, here are some things that I've been wanting to advise people of when they find themselves as patrons in - well anywhere really. I hear a lot of lists about how to treat waiters and waitresses in restaurants. Well, a lot of that goes for how to treat cashiers and customer service workers in retail jobs as well. So here's my take on it:

1.) A little kindness goes a long way - If something does not go your way, it's understandable if you get upset. A lot of us feel for you when we can't (i.e. are not allowed to) overlook small rules. But I've seen more people granted what they want from managers and whatnot when they understand our side of it than I've seen with those who come in with raging tempers and haughty attitudes.

2.) If I say there's nothing I can do, I am not lying - If I can not return your item, discount your item, give you a free item, etc. and I say there's nothing I can do, there's nothing I can do. Chances are, I've been asked this question before, and a manager has already said NO. If I think there's a chance that there's something I can do, I will check. Unless, of course, you come in with attitudes blazing, in which case, see tip #1.

3.) READ YOUR COUPONS - If you want to use a coupon, or you expect to get a discount offered on a promotional sign, please make sure you READ it. Look to make sure it's not expired - or that the promotion has even STARTED. Make sure you actually have the item that is being discounted - if it says it's for a specific item, no I will not accept any random item or an item that looks kind of like it. If the coupons excludes your item, I will not let you use it on your item. I know it's a pain, but that's the risk you take when you use coupons.

4.) Along the same line with coupons, HAVE YOUR COUPONS READY - Do not hand me your catalog and ask, "Are there any coupons I can use?" Chances are, I don't know - I don't get informed what does and doesn't have a coupon. And yes, I DO mind when you stand in line for ten minutes, going through each page in your catalog, looking for coupons. And I DO mind when you hand it to me and expect ME to go through page-by-page, tearing out coupons for you. And YES, I need the actual coupon to give you the deal - the computer counts coupons and if any are missing, the drawer will come up short. Please don't expect me to let you keep the coupon so that you can use it again later. Which leads me to #5.

5.) Please be considerate of other customers - If you look behind you and there is a line of people, it's probably not okay for you to stand around, cutting out coupons, talking on your cell phone, and just generally not paying attention to what you're doing. Those other customers tend to mind when you waste their time. I understand that sometimes things happen that slow down down a transaction, but a little consideration is appreciated.

6.) Things are in packages for a reason - Avoid taking things out of the package, especially if you most likely won't be able to figure out how to get it back in. I can't tell you how many things I've had to take off the shelves and put in the back because somebody has taken them out of whatever package they came in and either couldn't, or didn't bother to, put it back. Also, if something is sealed, it's likely SUPPOSED to be sealed, either for sanitary or safety reasons. When the seal is broken, a lot of times, we are not allowed to put it back on the shelf, which can cost us hundreds of dollars depending on the item. If you want to see something out of its package, ASK. We may either have a floor model already available to look at, or if we don't and we are able, we will open it for you ourselves and make sure it gets put away.

7.) If you bring me something without a tag, you will most likely have a small wait on your hands if you want me to get you the price. Normally, I don't mind searching for a price (though it can be trying when a line of customers has begun to accumulate) and I (and pretty much anyone I work with) will do my best to get the price quickly. But when you know there is no barcode, and/or no price tag, it may take a bit of manual searching.

8.) This is not a walk-in trashcan. A lot of stores, unless otherwise stated on some sort of sign, allow food or drinks. But if you eat or drink something, don't throw it on the floor or shove it onto a shelf. You can ask me to throw it away for you if you're not sure where the trashcans are, I do not mmind at all. What I do mind is cleaning up and finding sticky, wet, half eaten/drunk items that a person couldn't be bothered to throw away. Yes, cleaning the store tends to fall on all of us who work there, but a little courtesy helps. If you like shopping in a clean store (and I have yet to have a guest tell us, "You know, I really wish you guys would keep the floors dirty, this clean is disgusting,") then why not leave the shelves and floors trash free.

9.) Also along the lines of cleanliness - Children. I'm fine with children, I actually quite like them. I do not, however, like being handed a germ ridden item that your little cutie patootie has been knawing on for the better part of an our, or has been coating with the sticky substance that little kids tend to invariably have coating their own hands. I work around kids, so I know these things happen. But bringing your own toys and chew things is always a good alternative to handing them one of our items to chew on and then handing it to the cashier when you're checking out - inevitably holding it between thumb and forefinger, in that way that says, "yes I know I've ruined this item and you will not be able to sell it in good conscience" - and saying, "We're not going to take this." If it were up to me, I would respond, "Oh yes you are," and add it to your bill. Instead, I am forced to write it off as lost money.


I'm not writing these things for the pure sake of bitching or whining about my job. Despite all the crap that I put up with when I work, I enjoy the people I work with, and I try and do the best job possible. And I am well aware that some people in retail really just hate their job and think it's their right to remind customers of it every chance they get. But a lot of us really just want to do the work we were hired for. It becomes a case of "help me, help you."

I must say, I am VERY glad that I switched majors. Originally a Business major, I have quickly found that Mass Communication (or if I want to sound fancy, Mass Communication with an emphasis in Personal Relations) is more suited for me. For one, so far, I've found it more interesting, and it seems to suit my music business goal more. Secondly, I went to speak with my adviser today, and - prepare to be shocked and amazed - she advised me! That's something I couldn't get the business department to do even WITH an appointment, and even with having declared that major for at least a year, maybe two.

I believe reality has shifted. Or, as Xander from "Buffy" would say, the earth's rotated backwards, and the skies have turned orange.

Filled with shock and awe,
~Ali

It takes a special guy to spend two days sitting with you on the couch while you're sick, watching movies and holding you while you sleep, running errands like picking up cough medicine, and checking in on how you're feeling.

It takes a very special guy to look at you and smile when you're sick and feeling frumpy in sweats and a t-shirt, and say, "You are so beautiful."

Stay Gold,
~Ali

So yes, I'm still kicking, the pulse is still going. It's been a bit of an exhausting time - I got a second job, so now I am currently a full-time student, working part time at two jobs. It's been exciting and refreshing, though I'm usually going anywhere from 8 or 9am to anywhere from 8 to 11pm every day. So at this point, I'm very tired. The good side, though, is that I have my Fridays and Saturdays free to catch up on homework or, my favorite part, spend time with my family and boyfriend, Rob.

I'm in my first semester at Fresno State, after having given up my Business major. Instead, I'm majoring in Mass Communications and Journalism, with an emphasis in Personal Relations. I'm still working towards a job in the music business, working behind the scenes, so I'm hoping this major fits better for me.

Great couple weekends so far. Had a Girls' Night Out with some friends, at the local Rogue Festival. Watched some short films, as well as a rock-musical-horror play. And this weekend, I spent with Rob. We went to see Watchmen, watched some cable and played with his roommates' dog. And spent time at mine, him drawing, me reading and catching up on some sleep.

So I hope everyone I ♥ is well.

Stay gold,
~Ali

A story was just posted that the case of the murder of John Walsh's six year old son has finally been solved. I remember being appalled years ago when Jeanette told me about the case and I'm glad that the Walsh family have found some peace.

~Ali

Well, it's official, my last semester at City is almost over. My finals are next week - last one is on Wednesday. Next semester, I will, quite reluctantly, be attending State. It was quite the hassel to enroll, especially with getting no help or answers from anybody over there for the last year. But with support and encouragement from family, Rob, and my friend Kirk (who attends there and also isn't all that fond of it), I have enrolled registered for classes. I will be taking:

Earth Science
Women in History
Mass Communication & Society
Masterpieces in English Literature

Until then, I am so looking forward to my winter break. Spending time with family and friends. Going to try and finish planning a Christmas gathering with some work friends. And hoping to be able to take some time off with Rob so we can celebrate our one year anniversary. :) And, even better, I'm just about done with my Christmas shopping. All that's really left now is to wrap them.

Hope everyone is doing well and having a nice holiday season. You're all so wonderful. :)

Stay Gold,
~Ali

I guess I'm forced to admit now that I'm sick. I denied it for awhile, but hard to argue with the stuffy nose, coughing, slight headache, and generally fuzzy mind. Rob (my guy) feels bad because he thinks I got sick from going over to his and taking care of him when he was sick this weekend. But I told him I'd been taking care of my mom during her cold, too, and our friend, Barbie, had been sick not long before that. He's a sweetheart though. Just stopped buy on his way to work with a care package - comics to read (yes, he's a geek, but I love geeks), Gatorade, Dayquil, chicken noodle soup, cough drops, and bananas. I may be sick, but I am happy.

Stay Well,
~Ali