Hello family.
So, I wanted to invite you all to my graduation ceremonies....
On Friday, May 9th, at 2pm is my Grady Commencemnt Ceremony. This is just for the school of Journalism. It's the smaller one.
On Saturday, May 10th, at 9:30am is myt University Wide Ceremony.
Obviously, it may be a pain to make it to both, but I would like the parents and realitives to try to make it to at least one.
I'M GRADUTATING COLLEGE!!!!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Yeah, I Was Lucky
As most of you have heard, I was in a pretty bad wreck last night.
I was in the right lane of SR 417 in Orlando, FL. I was going about 60, getting ready to bear right to pay a toll. As the new right lane started to become available for the diversion to the change / receipts toll plaza ...
BOOM!
Hit on the driver's side. I never saw it coming. Suddenly the car was starting to go the wrong way as the back was skidding to the left. I tried to maneuver the car but it didn't seem to respond. I saw a white SUV that I knew I was going to hit.
Boom.
Not as loud or as jarring. I clipped the rear bumper. Next thing I know I'm heading for the guard-rail. I thought I was going to crash right through it and head down the steep hill into the ravine. At that moment I thought, this might actually be the end of this story. You know. Then end of MY story. Anyway, I imagine I had my foot on the breaks by now.
Boom.
I hit the guardrail. The car stopped and the guardrail was no worse for the wear. The radio was still on. The engine was still running. I was still strapped in. No glass. No blood.
I got out of the car and a nice young man of about 27 or 28 years pulled over to see if I was O.K. I told him I was. He asked me what happened? He didn't see the impact - just me sailing down the highway like it was an episode of the Rockford Files. I told him I got sideswiped by a vehicle as yet unknown. I called 911 and asked the guy to tell the dispatcher where I was, because I was not sure and still feeling quite a bit disoriented.
He returned my cell phone and left the scene. Next, the driver of the S.U.V. that I had hit came running over to see if I was all right. I told him I was and he told me everyone in his car was fine. He asked me what happened? He didn't see it either. Said he saw pieces of my car flying through the air. Then saw me hit him.
Next the Sheriff showed up. I told him what happened. He told me to sit tight for a few minutes. After that the EMT showed up. The driver of the SUV that I hit wanted his young son checked out just in case, because he complained that his neck hurt a little. The EMT said the boy was fine.
After that the Florida Highway Patrol officer was on the scene. He dismissed the Sheriff, took my license and asked me what happened? I told him too. At first he misunderstood me and thought I was intending on changing into the left lane. I didn't realize that right away, but in the next conversation I explained to him that the left-lane was for people with an electronic toll pass, and I didn't have one, so my intention was to go into the right lane that was coming up so I could pay the toll.
The driver of the SUV that hit me was parked a few hundred feet down the road ahead of the SUV that I hit. The policeman informed me that the other driver's position was that I hit him. He told me that the police would investigate the evidence and would make their report and basically the insurance companies, and if necessary, the courts would sort it out.
I went back to the point of impact and noted that my skid-marks started in my lane, so that supported my side of the story.
The tow truck driver showed up. He had tattoos all up and down his arms and a Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon t-shirt. He managed to get the car on the bed of his truck.
Meanwhile, I approached the driver of the SUV that hit me and I asked him what happened? He was perhaps 5' 10'' and extremely over-weight. Obese. 400 pounds maybe. He muttered something unintelligible, which may have been, "You tell me." I said, "The officer said you say I hit you?" He said, "yeah." I said, "You hit me!" He muttered "Speak to my lawyer." I understood him, but I said "What?" His lady companion said, "He said, 'speak to his lawyer.' "
I walked away shaking my head.
The tow truck driver drove me to the airport. I filled out an accident report and was given another car.
Not the best day of my life, but as Connie was quick to point out, at least she didn't go to bed a widow last night.
I was in the right lane of SR 417 in Orlando, FL. I was going about 60, getting ready to bear right to pay a toll. As the new right lane started to become available for the diversion to the change / receipts toll plaza ...
BOOM!
Hit on the driver's side. I never saw it coming. Suddenly the car was starting to go the wrong way as the back was skidding to the left. I tried to maneuver the car but it didn't seem to respond. I saw a white SUV that I knew I was going to hit.
Boom.
Not as loud or as jarring. I clipped the rear bumper. Next thing I know I'm heading for the guard-rail. I thought I was going to crash right through it and head down the steep hill into the ravine. At that moment I thought, this might actually be the end of this story. You know. Then end of MY story. Anyway, I imagine I had my foot on the breaks by now.
Boom.
I hit the guardrail. The car stopped and the guardrail was no worse for the wear. The radio was still on. The engine was still running. I was still strapped in. No glass. No blood.
I got out of the car and a nice young man of about 27 or 28 years pulled over to see if I was O.K. I told him I was. He asked me what happened? He didn't see the impact - just me sailing down the highway like it was an episode of the Rockford Files. I told him I got sideswiped by a vehicle as yet unknown. I called 911 and asked the guy to tell the dispatcher where I was, because I was not sure and still feeling quite a bit disoriented.
He returned my cell phone and left the scene. Next, the driver of the S.U.V. that I had hit came running over to see if I was all right. I told him I was and he told me everyone in his car was fine. He asked me what happened? He didn't see it either. Said he saw pieces of my car flying through the air. Then saw me hit him.
Next the Sheriff showed up. I told him what happened. He told me to sit tight for a few minutes. After that the EMT showed up. The driver of the SUV that I hit wanted his young son checked out just in case, because he complained that his neck hurt a little. The EMT said the boy was fine.
After that the Florida Highway Patrol officer was on the scene. He dismissed the Sheriff, took my license and asked me what happened? I told him too. At first he misunderstood me and thought I was intending on changing into the left lane. I didn't realize that right away, but in the next conversation I explained to him that the left-lane was for people with an electronic toll pass, and I didn't have one, so my intention was to go into the right lane that was coming up so I could pay the toll.
The driver of the SUV that hit me was parked a few hundred feet down the road ahead of the SUV that I hit. The policeman informed me that the other driver's position was that I hit him. He told me that the police would investigate the evidence and would make their report and basically the insurance companies, and if necessary, the courts would sort it out.
I went back to the point of impact and noted that my skid-marks started in my lane, so that supported my side of the story.
The tow truck driver showed up. He had tattoos all up and down his arms and a Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon t-shirt. He managed to get the car on the bed of his truck.
Meanwhile, I approached the driver of the SUV that hit me and I asked him what happened? He was perhaps 5' 10'' and extremely over-weight. Obese. 400 pounds maybe. He muttered something unintelligible, which may have been, "You tell me." I said, "The officer said you say I hit you?" He said, "yeah." I said, "You hit me!" He muttered "Speak to my lawyer." I understood him, but I said "What?" His lady companion said, "He said, 'speak to his lawyer.' "
I walked away shaking my head.
The tow truck driver drove me to the airport. I filled out an accident report and was given another car.
Not the best day of my life, but as Connie was quick to point out, at least she didn't go to bed a widow last night.
Sunday, March 09, 2008
happenings...
Twila got back from Rome yesterday safe & sound. Seems like she had a good time! Long flight though. She says she's taken lots of pictures so I hope she posts some, but it might be awhile due to jet-lag.
Kacie is in the mountains on spring break.
Emma is glad that Ethan is home!
George spent the entire day today working on a class project. He's been to Kennesaw mountain, the library, and now, Albert's house. He's going to be CRANKY when he finally gets home!
Oh yeah, George and Emma went to see Les Claypool last week. I guess it was fun, though George said if it was up to him, he wouldn't have stood up the whole time...
Cheyenne seems to be having a BLAST at Disney, from all appearances! Can't wait to see her in April!
Mike just spent his first week off since going to 3/4 time. He will be in town all next week too but he will be teaching. No more cooking eggs for Veronica before school!
Speaking of Veronica, she seems to be having some trouble deciding which of the boys that "aren't interested in her" she should hang out with...
Me, I kind of have a head cold which isn't much fun.
Kacie is in the mountains on spring break.
Emma is glad that Ethan is home!
George spent the entire day today working on a class project. He's been to Kennesaw mountain, the library, and now, Albert's house. He's going to be CRANKY when he finally gets home!
Oh yeah, George and Emma went to see Les Claypool last week. I guess it was fun, though George said if it was up to him, he wouldn't have stood up the whole time...
Cheyenne seems to be having a BLAST at Disney, from all appearances! Can't wait to see her in April!
Mike just spent his first week off since going to 3/4 time. He will be in town all next week too but he will be teaching. No more cooking eggs for Veronica before school!
Speaking of Veronica, she seems to be having some trouble deciding which of the boys that "aren't interested in her" she should hang out with...
Me, I kind of have a head cold which isn't much fun.
Friday, March 07, 2008
Think you've seen them all? UPDATED!
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Twila posts again!
Sounds like things are going better now!
0 comments Links to this post
Much better!
The trip to Rome has been AMAZING since the first day. Today, we mostly had time to ourselves. We got up at the usual time and headed over to see some more churches. We've seen a lot of churches, but they're all churches I've seen in Art History so it is really amazing. Plus, it's like going to a museum, there is so much art in them!
Then we had time to ourselves. Some of us headed over to the Vatican Museum. There, we changed over money and I bought a rosary for a friend. Then, David and Jason and I decided to strike out on our own while John, Lina, Readi, and Fengwei went to the Sistine Chapel and Sam and Tiffany went to the St. Peter's for gifts. Unfortunately due to my wonderful coordination abilities, David, Jason, and I had to walk all the way around the Vatican. In the rain. I swear it looked like the shorter method, but let me tell you - it wasn't!!! -_-
Eventually we got out to the courtyard of St. Peter's where we were supposed to meet Sam and Tiffany, but they were no where to be seen. (Probably because we were so far off course that it took us longer than they cared to wait.) So we decided to head over to the Spanish Steps and get lunch.
The Spanish Steps was a bit of a disappointment. You couldn't see them very well from the angle at the bottom and since it was rainy they just seemed rather deary. However, we did end up finding most of our party again there.
We got to eat lunch, and then Jason, David and I did some shopping. I got Korey some gifts, and they got some leather items. This was in the high-end section of town, though, complete with Armani and the like, so everything was very pricey! I was content with my purchase, though I saw many pairs of expensive shoes I'd love to have!!! =)
It's interesting how much more expensive things are here. Before you purchase anything, you have to consider that you have to add half of your purchase price to the amount you're spending in order to get the American $$ amount. Therefore, when you see something for 30 euros, you have to remember it's actually $45. I wish the dollar wasn't so weak. =(
We also saw some more churches afterwards and the museum recently completed by Richard Myer in 2006. (He also did the new branch of the High Museum, but I thought this work was much better.)
So far this trip has really been an eye opening experience. There are so many things different. No only big things like the language and public transit system and the thousands of little Smart Cars, but little things like the toilets and the way you leave your key card in the hotel lobby and how wireless internet isn't free everywhere.
And let me tell you something, if you thought Georgian's were bad drivers.... well, you have another thing coming!!! I think Korey'd like to have a heart attack if he saw me cross the street like I do. (Not to mention my mother!!!)
Overall though you never really feel alone like I was afraid you would because we always have people here from the school. I worried it'd feel like another world with the language barrier. But really, you get by.
I just wish we had more time!!
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Twila's first day in Rome!
Here is a post I swiped from the class blog about the trip:
Saturday, March 1, 2008
A miserable day....
The airport was a very easy experience, but from there, it only went down hill.
When we got to the hotel around nine, Jereme's laptop bag was stolen within the first fifteen minutes! The hotel representatives wouldn't believe us at first, although we all saw the known suspect, and it was their fault for having us place all our bags in an unsecured room.
Nine hours later....
We finally have an informal police report and a new hotel. The new hotel is nicer and seems safer, but more people have to share a room together. We get to dinner, which is yummy, and then some of us inquire about making phone calls because we all have people wanting to hear from us back home.
Now, you might ask why we didn't make phone calls in the nine hours we spent hanging out in the first hotel's lobby. Well, it always seemed that any minute things were going to resolve themselves. No one wanted to wander too far from the hotel in case we had a solution. We didn't know it would be nine hours in the making.
Anyway, we go off to see some monuments after dinner. There was much to be fascinated by, and the old Roman monuments are marvelous when you think of how long ago they were made - in some cases over 2,000 years ago!!
We all started to get tired around midnight and started to head back. (Luckily, most of us got to take naps in the hotel lobby, although this is discouraged as a means of getting over jet lag and it is instead recommended to be in bed by nine.) At this point, it became obvious to me that the likelihood of me getting to call home was dropping by the second. My feet hurt like hell, and I'm going to admit it because everyone knows it anyway, I was crying almost the whole 30 minutes it took to get back to the hotel. I never thought I could possibly be so homesick, but every minute was like a stab in the heart. All I could do was think about what time it was back home and how worried Korey must be that I hadn't called him.
We finally realized phone calls would be impossible after getting back to the hotel and heading to Termini Station - the central hub of the train system.
Luckily I got to send Korey an e-mail, but it wasn't very satisfying. =(
Overall, today has been an overwhelming mix of emotions. Fear, confusion, anger, frustration, awe, sympathy, and excitement have all had their place. Hopefully, though, tomorrow will be better for me. I'll get to call Korey, alleviate some of my homesickness, and be able to get on to enjoying Rome. For now, I hope to get some sleep and that something gets settled with Jereme. =/ Even through my own issues, I feel worst for him.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Info on Italy
Itinerary
Saturday -
OF COURSE we'll be eating wonderful Italian food... But in edition, we'll have an introductory walk around the sites close to our hotel which include: Francesco de Sanctis' Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, and the Colosseum (which requires a ticket to get inside, unfortunately). In addition, we'll look at the Arch of Septimius Severus, Temples of Vespasian, Saturn, Julius Caesar, Castor and Pollux, Vesta, Romulus, etc. (There are a lot of temples.) We'll see the Column of Trajan, House of the Vestal Virgins, and a small museum dedicated to the Forum. We'll end it after dinner with the most famous fountain in Rome: The Trevi. You're supposed to drop a coin in it to insure that you will be back.
Sunday -
We'll see a lot of churches. (Many of them are only open for visitors on Sunday.) We'll see St. Peter's Basilica, the Palazzo di Guistizia, the Tiber River, the Ara Pacis (Peace Alter), some more churches, where the 1960 Olympics were held, and then we'll be allowed to explore the city independently after dinner. =)
Monday -
Of course, there are some more churches, but we're also going to see some catacombs!!! (Creepy!) Then we'll rent bikes and ride along the Via Appia Antico complete with tombs, ruins, and collective burials. O_O We'll see some gardens (yay!) and some more churches. (My professor is an architecture major so I think he mentioned EVERYthing we'd pass, heehee.) We'll also view some sights on the largest and highest of Rome's seven hills, the Esquiline.
Tuesday -
Two things are really exciting to me about today. We'll see the Ecstasy of St. Teresa by Bernini and the Villa Gregorina - "a very special, quiet descending wooded park, waterfall, and grottoes." I'm all about city-gardens. In addition, we'll see the Baths of Diocletian.
Wednesday -
First stop is an Early Christian mausoleum and Michelangelo's Ponte Pia. In addition, the Museo Borghese (more gardens!), the Etruscan collection in the Villa Giulia, and then SHOPPING before lunch! =) We'll visit some museums, an old Jewish ghetto (now a very desirable neighborhood), some antique shops and a flower market, and finally a concern at the Auditorium Parco della Musica.
Thursday -
We have a tentatively planned private tour of Termini Station. We'll also try to go to the Lido, or Rome's beach. (Fun! Although I probably won't be swimming, I do love beaches. It will be funny to see the Atlantic Ocean from the OTHER side...) In addition, we'll see the Baths of Caracalla.
Friday -
We'll go to Florence!!! I'm going to try to see their gardens in the Palazzo Pitti. They're said to be some of the best in the world. I'll also try to see a lot of Michelangelo, such as the David. (Cliche, but if you're going to see something, it'd probably best be that!) We'll have a special dinner celebration as it will be our last together. =(
Saturday -
We'll be home.
Final Note
I'll try to drop a line in at night and a photo or two if all goes as planned. =)
Just wanted everyone to know a bit of what I'll be seeing/doing. (But of course, I won't tell you how many times I've stuffed my face full of gelato!!!
It should be great. =)
Thursday, February 21, 2008
TEACH FOR AMERICA
I made it to the next round! Phone interviews!!! Mine is on Wednesday. I am EXCITED!!!
Love from,
Kacie
Love from,
Kacie
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Emma Ain't The ONLY One With a New Haircut!
Here's what we looked like** before I told George to do his chores*:
Here's what we looked like after I told George to do his chores:
Here's what George looked like after he did his chores:
* He loaded the dishwasher...
** Photos by Zonky
Here's what we looked like after I told George to do his chores:
Here's what George looked like after he did his chores:
* He loaded the dishwasher...
** Photos by Zonky
Monday, February 18, 2008
Reminded me of Mike...
Since you guys don't have the wonderful priviledge of watching commericals, I thought I'd post this one which immediately reminded me of Mike. =)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UHKB6nQrzM
(I don't know how to make the videos appear all fancy, but I have a feeling it has to do with being a YouTube member, and I really don't want a YouTube account. So, sorry.)
P.S. - I'm not endorsing Bud Light, it's pretty nasty, but it's still a funny commercial.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UHKB6nQrzM
(I don't know how to make the videos appear all fancy, but I have a feeling it has to do with being a YouTube member, and I really don't want a YouTube account. So, sorry.)
P.S. - I'm not endorsing Bud Light, it's pretty nasty, but it's still a funny commercial.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Members Only
I changed the blog so that only members can post comments. It's really the only way to keep spammers out.
So, if you are a legitimate friend or relative and you want to be able to post comments, and you are not already a blog member, just let DaddyMike or me know and we'll add you to the list.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Happy Valentine's Day!!!
Happy day of love, everyone.
Do you know who your valentines are??
Here are mine:
am I forgetting someone???
CHOPPY!!!!!!
hope everyone has a day full of love and happiness.
Do you know who your valentines are??
Here are mine:
am I forgetting someone???
CHOPPY!!!!!!
hope everyone has a day full of love and happiness.
Monday, February 11, 2008
New Disney Post
Hey I just wanted to let everyone know I posted a new post on my Disney blog! This one has pictures! Go check it out and feel free to comment!
Love and Miss you all!
<3Cheyenne
Love and Miss you all!
<3Cheyenne
I'll talk about my life!
Hi Everyone.
Since Dad just pointed out that no one has posted, I decided to.
This weekend was fun. David and I came home for a bit of a visit. We walked Choppy, and I caught on camera David doing this:
Hahaha!
Anyway, last night I finished and submitted my application to Teach for America. Next comes the phone interview...if I make it. Keep your fingers crossed for me.
David and Adam and I are SUPER EXCITED for our Disney World trip coming up in less than a month. Thank you Connie so much for those links. I am having waaaay to much fun planning our three day vacay. :D
School is going well. I have been feeling a lot better aftermy stint with mono. I have been busting my butt at the gym 6 days a week!! I want to be hawt by the time we go to Puerto Rico!!!
Finally, happy almost Valentines Day! To save money, I am making David's gift. I don't think we are gonna go out. Instead, we are gonna stay in and watch the Valentine's Day Episode of Futurama, which is fine with me. That's just as romantic to me. Not to mention, its gonna be crazy crowded everywhere.
Anyway, I miss everyone!! Can't wait to see you guys again soon!
Love from,
Kacie
Since Dad just pointed out that no one has posted, I decided to.
This weekend was fun. David and I came home for a bit of a visit. We walked Choppy, and I caught on camera David doing this:
Hahaha!
Anyway, last night I finished and submitted my application to Teach for America. Next comes the phone interview...if I make it. Keep your fingers crossed for me.
David and Adam and I are SUPER EXCITED for our Disney World trip coming up in less than a month. Thank you Connie so much for those links. I am having waaaay to much fun planning our three day vacay. :D
School is going well. I have been feeling a lot better aftermy stint with mono. I have been busting my butt at the gym 6 days a week!! I want to be hawt by the time we go to Puerto Rico!!!
Finally, happy almost Valentines Day! To save money, I am making David's gift. I don't think we are gonna go out. Instead, we are gonna stay in and watch the Valentine's Day Episode of Futurama, which is fine with me. That's just as romantic to me. Not to mention, its gonna be crazy crowded everywhere.
Anyway, I miss everyone!! Can't wait to see you guys again soon!
Love from,
Kacie
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