Sayonara Sixth Semester

I know it has taken me a long time to talk about this but I'm trying to get back into the writing flow. 

So, here it goes guys, a review of the classes and the semester. 

Advanced Acting

It was a very fun class. 

I love the teacher, it's so sad because I won't have a class with him anymore. 

I learned a lot about different styles of acting. It was awesome.  

It was a hard class and getting an A- was pretty cool. 

Writing the Script

It was also a very fun class.

I learned a lot about scripts and movies. 

We watched so many movies that now, I feel I could talk to

 Mickey more about movies (he's the movie guru)

I will be taking a class from this teacher again.  She's really sweet and she loves 

Mickey and I being together. :)

Play Analysis

This was an okay class.

It was fun reading different plays but I didn't like taking quizzes from them every class. 

It made me stressed and kinda sucked the fun out of reading them. 

I am glad it's over. 

TV Practicum

This is perhaps the class I learned most from.

We did lots of broadcasts and stories and I learned a lot. 

I shot, I edited, I wrote, I anchored, I reporter, I interviewed. 

It was amazing. 

It was interesting because at the start of the semester I had it in my mind that I was going to be a television producer. I've thought that for about 4 years and that all changed this semester. 

I found myself more interested in being in front of the camera and interviewing people in front of the camera.  I would get so excited and it would become the highlight of my day.  The best day was when I filled in for a girl that wasn't feeling well, it was seriously, the most fun I've had in a while. It was our first live broadcast EVER in the history of our TV station and I had a rush. 

It was eye-opening.  

So, I've decided to go for it. 

I'm interning right now at a local television station and I'm learning all the inside scoop. 

It's awesome!

My dream is to work on a daytime show, like a cousin of Ellen or Oprah.  

I think going into Late Night would be amazing as well. 

I want to start with morning shows.  

So we'll see. :)

Anyway, this class was definitely life-changing. 

Law and the Media

It was difficult.

Teacher was nice. 

Glad it's over. 

Producing and Directing

Teacher was very scattered.  

Class was okay. 

I did a short film, it's fantastic!

Glad the class is over. 

So there you have it. 

My sixth semester. 

Next up:

Final semester of college which starts in 81 days

Then college graduation in approx. 191 days. 

I'll be taking:

Senior Portfolio

Seminar in Film: Spanish Language Films

Creativity in the Arts

Internship (I'm hoping to get another internship in the fall with the same TV station)

The United States to 1865

AND I'll be the Entertainment Director for our college TV station!!! 

I'm über excited!

Only.ONE.More.Year.

My beautiful campus! 

Guys, I'm gonna graduate from college in year.  Hold the phone. I know. A year! That's like, nothing! I'm so excited.  I want to find a good job that I can start out with and begin getting paid for what I like to do! Aaah! Anyway, back to the present, I will recap my classes and how I did. I AM SO GLAD TO BE DONE WITH FINALS AND MY 6TH SEMESTER OF COLLEGE!! :D

THIS is what I thought about these classes at the beginning of the semester.

Aesthetics of Vision and Sound
-It was a fun class!
-We watched two foreign films and Pride and Prejudice near the end of the semester which I LOVED!
-I learned a tremendous amount of stuff in that class! Simply amazing!
-I'll be taking a class from this teacher again next semester, it's called Writing the Script! Holy cow! I know. I'm pumped!

Speech
-Honestly? A weird class, so I'm glad it's over.
-I met cool people and got to give fun speeches, so I did learn but...still. :)

Intermediate Acting
-Amazing class.
-Tougher than I thought, different teaching methods.
-Hard grader :(
-Impersonation assignment=brilliant.
-Final scene was stressful.  I'm such an overthinker.

I love my school. #nerdalert

{I already got assignments for Advanced Acting next semester! Heck yes! :) This class will be taught with my Acting in Everyday Life and Beginning Acting teacher.  Yepee!}

Theories of Communication
-Easy!
-Learned some stuff! :)

Social Media
-Learned A LOT!
-Fun class and classmates! :)

So that's my review of the classes! Hope y'all enjoyed!
I will be blogging shortly about a 48-Hour Film Experience I participated in!


P.S. I'm making changes to my blog so stay tuned! :)



On a serious note, I also wanted to send thoughts and prayers out to the victims of the horrible shooting in Newtown, CT.  It's absolutely heartbreaking and I just pray to God that everything gets better and that he comforts those in mourning.

Volare. I believe I can fly.

     It is with a heavy heart that I tell y'all these news.  I will not be studying abroad in Rome during Spring 2013.  After much consideration and crying, it is a better option to not go.  As y'all remember from my first post about studying abroad, I was pumped about it.  This was way back in December 2011.  My Italian teacher suggested I go during the spring because the weather is nicer, so I began looking into it after being apprehensive about it.
     I told my friends about it and Mickey became interested in the idea as well.  I took on a second job at Cracker Barrel to save money and to still be able to pay the bills.  At the beginning of this semester, Mickey and I went and visited Alanna and we continued the process of applying to study abroad.  Everything was fine but slowly we started realizing that, financially, this would be something very difficult.  I had money saved up to pay bills while away but my concern was about my return to the U.S. and internships and everything.  Paying for the plane ticket and passports and additional expenses were also of concern.
    After obstacle after obstacle, Mickey and I still kept persevering through and tried to figure out ways to work with them (obstacles) but then the biggest one came.  If we stayed here in the U.S. we could graduate in December 2013.  If we would go, we wouldn't graduate 'til at least Spring 2014, if not later, as some classes aren't offered every semester.  My biggest worry is that I need to graduate and get a job soon so I can start living independently. I'll be turning 21 in 175 days and as I get older I want to make sure I can get in the business and work my way up ASAP.  I will start almost anywhere. I just want to get there and do it.

     I would have loved to study abroad in Rome and learn the Italian language more but I feel that it's not God's plan for us now.  Ironically, today I found out I received the Gilman Scholarship, it's a study abroad scholarship Mickey and I had applied for a while back.  I'm not gonna lie, declining that scholarship was one of the harder things I've had to do in college. We were both extremely sad to not be able to do this but realize that everything happens for a reason, so here are the opportunities available for us here!

1. Mickey is Vice-President of To Write Love on Her Arms at our university! Congrats babe!
2. I can audition for The Memory of Water and even if I don't get in, I'll have added experience.
3. I can cut down on the amount of time I work at Cracker Barrel. (I'll tell y'all more about that another time).
4. I can volunteer here and put in my application for graduation in January.

I must have God's side hurting from all the laughing.  Haha.  

5. We can possibly continue Off Broadway!
6. I can not be as restricted financially!
7. We get amazing classes here!
8. We can graduate in December 2013 (God willing).
9. We won't miss all those spring holidays with loved ones.
10. I can continue participating in events with Catholic Daughters, TWLOHA and maybe if our Associated for Women in Communications organization grows on campus, I can be an officer!

Yes.  I'm very sad that this didn't work out but I know that God and my mom have bigger plans for me.  This just wasn't meant to be, not now.  So, wish us luck as we finish this semester strong!

New Kind of Thanksgiving and Black Friday!

No chocolates or roses for this gal, I'm
a sour patch & carnations kind of girl. Mickey knows
his way into this girl's heart. ♥

So, I realized I left out vital information in my last post, so here's to catch y'all up.

I mentioned about a year ago that I was going to become part of Catholic Daughters of America (CDA) and I'm proud to say I was initiated on the 18th! Let's rewind a bit though.

The following weekend after I posted, Mickey and I went to a quince where we were the photographers and videographers.  They are family members of his and we've been working with them for a bit.  It was really cool because working at the chapel, I've always been on the other side so it was nice working as a photographer! It was also amazing to be able to use Mickey's Canon t2i! It's absolutely gorgeous!!! I want one SO bad! We were alternating using it, it was fun!

On the 17th of November, my darling Mickey turned 21! I surprised him the night before with a surprise birthday party at Magic Time Machine.  The details of how I planned this are too extend and so I won't bore you with them, just know there was lying and sneaking around being done.  Hey, a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do, right? Anyway, we rang in his 21st at midnight right after singing karaoke! We sang Twist and Shout (the day we got together-03.18.12-we watched Ferris Bueller's Day Off and so this song has special meaning to us).  That was the end of that night.  Each day starting from Thursday I had a surprise lined up for him.

Thursday 11.15  BIRTHDAY CUPCAKES!
Friday 11.16 SURPRISE BIRTHDAY PARTY!
Saturday 11.17 JACKET HE WANTED FROM TARGET!
Sunday 11.18 GIFTCARD FROM SALTGRASS WAS USED!

It was an amazing weekend.  We also went to a friend's wedding dinner/reception and our school's holiday event oh and of course, my CDA initiation! I know I had an amazing time planning everything for him and I LOVED seeing his face react to all the surprises.  I shocked myself by how well I kept this surprise!

Fast forward a bit to this week/weekend.  We celebrated our first Thanksgiving together!! I, unfortunately, had to work at Cracker Barrel but was out at 2pm.  I then headed over to my aunt's house and munched a bit and then went over to Mickey's parent's house.  It was so nice to see their traditions and how they do certain things. It was pretty awesome.  It was hard celebrating yet another Thanksgiving without my momma but I'm sure she loves seeing me happy and taken care of, not just by my aunt and uncle and friends (and her friends) but also by Mickey and his amazing family.  It was nice trying something new on Thanksgiving.  I've always celebrated it with my mom, my aunt and uncle, or neighbors, never with my boyfriend's family, so this was a HUGE deal & I absolutely loved spending time with him.  ♥

CDA flowers given to new inductees. :)

We wrapped up that night by going to Target and seeing some of the Black Friday deals.  My mom and I always wanted to do the whole Black Friday thing so it was nice to venture out and so.  We got a few movies and called it a night.  Today we got a bit more shopping in! Guys, Black Friday is the real deal! If you've never done it, I strongly recommend it.  Mickey and I already have a new game plan set up for next year! Why? Because that's how we roll!

BTW.  I MISSED FOREVER 21. ;)

Hope everyone's Thanksgiving was wonderful and good luck on Cyber Monday my fellow shoppers!

Worrywart.

Okay, so this isn't news to me but I worry. A LOT.  And well, Mickey has kindly pointed that I need to relax.  It's true.  I am always worrying.  The thing is that I over-think pretty much everything.  What if this happens? How will I be able to pay that? What if they don't let me do it? What ifs and Hows and Whys tend to run my life and I've been working on not stressing out about every single little thing! I mean, can you imagine how quickly that will age me?

See, when my mom was alive I worried about her all the time.  Most of the times it was the healthy kind of worry, you know because she was my mom and I loved/love her.  Other times it was the kind of knot-in-my-stomach-, clammy hands, can't-eat-can't-sleep kind of thing and that's when it wasn't good.  Trust me, this was the last thing my mom ever wanted for me.  But the truth is that when your mom is diagnosed with Stage IV Breast Cancer when you're 16, your priorities shift.  I still kept being my happy, bubbly self but in the back of my mind there was always that fear of losing her. Don't get me wrong, we had PLENTY of good times even after her diagnosis and such but I was still worried.

Credit: Mickey Martinez

Now, after her passing, my worries have shifted to being able to pay bills and life after college and not having enough money or time.  Overwhelming stress-ers for a 20-year old, don't you think? I mean, it's the same story, I work hard and I have fun but I'm still stressed.  And here is where the challenge begins: I NEED TO STOP WORRYING MY BUTT OFF.

Mickey has definitely helped me with that.  And well, today we went swing dancing at a burger joint! I know! It was as fun as it sounds! We do so many fun things together and this was a definite success for blowing off steam and de-stressing.  It was even a good way to exercise! Let's just say, it is truly a blessing to have Mickey in my life.  It's almost as if God and my mom were bringing us together to help each other out in life.  It's cheesy, I know, but I really do believe that.

So, with the help of Mickey, yours truly, will focus on not over-stressing, over-thinking, or worrying too much about stuff I am already working hard for.  Wish me luck!

Happy Labor Day! Happy Tuesday!

Hello, my name is Amy and I'm a college senior.

Okay so, where has the time gone? I'm a freaking college senior! I became one after last semester but it's still like, what? Anyway, I think this semester is going to be a VERY good one! So here's my review of it thus far. 

Tampa! 

Aesthetics of Vision and Sound

-LOVE the teacher, I've had her before (the same semester my mom passed away) and she was so very helpful to me throughout the whole process

-The class sounds like it's going to be a blast! I'm so excited!

-This is part of my Comm Arts major requirement stuff

Speech

-The teacher is funny and young

-I know somebody there back from freshmen year of college and so that's nice

-The class seems interesting!

-There's a guy from Australia there and a girl from West Africa!

Intermediate Acting

-BY FAR, MY MOST FAVORITE CLASS OF THE SEMESTER

-I met the teacher during the Fall 2011 semester (the semester my mom passed) during an audition in which I didn't do so hot. I was running late and everything was a mess.  I performed two monologues and they did laugh but my goodness, the song sucked! I was so nervous and I was still recovering from running.  Well, anyway, my acting teacher at the time was talking to him (my new teacher) about me so that was cool. Anyway, yes, I have him now for Intermediate Acting and the first two classes have been absolutely fantastic & wonderful & amazing & awesome!!! I'm so excited for the rest of the semester.

-My only worry is we have to impersonate someone for our first performance.  It sounds fun but the list only includes theatre folk and I don't really spend time there because I'm not a theatre major and it may surprise some of y'all but I can be shy.  But, you know what means? Somebody is going to be casually observing some people from the list! Wish me luck guys! I'm excited!

-I've only told one person this and I don't really know where it came from but I want to study acting more.  Go into it further.  

Roma! 

-I'm so excited to get assigned scenes!!! AAAAHHH!!!! SO EXCITED!!!!!

Creative Writing: Non-Fiction

-The teacher is super nice and funny!

-It seems like it's going to be a really fun class! And, as y'all can tell, I love writing!

-I presented this review I had written which was assigned the first day and she complimented me on my presentation!! :)

Theories of Communication

-The teacher seems nice.

-It's a once-a-week class so I'm glad about that!

Social Media

-I had this teacher my first semester of college and so I know his style, he's pretty cool

-The class seems like it's going to be fun!!!

-I'm excited

So, four more things!

1. One of my closest friends, Sydney, got married August 11 in Tampa and Mickey and I were able to go! I was a bridesmaid and it was so much fun! I still cannot believe she's married! She looked absolutely beautiful!! The wedding was on a ship and it looked so nice outside! 

2. Mickey and I are looking into both being able to study abroad in Rome next semester and we went to talk with the Study Abroad Coordinator and she remembers me from December 2011! She's so nice and helpful, she gave us a bunch of information!!! We are crossing our fingers that everything will come through!

Weight loss!

3. So a while ago I went to a casting call for a show that a student at my university was starting.  I almost didn't go because of time constraints but Mickey encouraged me, he even helped me memorize the script the night before! I went ahead and had his support and guess who is the host of Off Broadway???? Yup! Yours truly! 

I will keep y'all updated with all the happenings of that but as of now, I'm finishing up the script and we'll begin shooting next week! Wish us luck!! Mickey even gets to be in charge of lighting and stuff!! Yay!! I'M SO BEYOND EXCITED FOR THIS! 

4. Lastly. I've got some wonderful news! WEIGHT for it! I've lost... 20 POUNDS!!!!! It may not seem like a lot since May but trust me, you can see the difference! I'm a size 6 now!!! My goal is to be a 4.  I'm so freaking proud of myself and I'm even getting compliments! That's nothing compared to Mickey's 44 pounds! He certainly got a lot of compliments himself too! We look really good! I'm so happy for us! We are continuing to exercise and I'm looking at starting Zumba back up again, I miss it.  I've been running a mile on the treadmill every other day and it's been fun! 

Well, tomorrow I have work at the chapel and then it's an 8-hour shift at Cracker Barrel on Sunday and then school on Monday! I will do my best to keep y'all more updated! 

Growing Up

I have absolutely no idea how a month can just fly by like that! It's insane, I know! But, here's to catching up on all of the highlights!

I've been trying new things and I've grown up in many ways since I last blogged (right after my birthday).  Here's a list:

1.  I drive on highways now! If you know me, you know that I've never been a fan of highways because I don't trust people and their driving skills and putting speed into the mix used to a fear of mine especially since I learned how to drive in about eight hours.  Long story short, I drive on highways now! My special someone helped me with it and I could not be more thankful! <3

2. I am now a server at Cracker Barrel! That's right, yours truly now has TWO JOBS.  Trust me guys, I really don't recommend it because I work 6/7 days of the week and it's very exhausting.  Two jobs along with two summer classes is insane but I've only got one more week and then I'm done with classes (until August 20).  But like I was saying, yup! I'm a server.  Tips have been pretty good.  I was just looking to get some extra cash so I could save for Rome (still crossing my fingers) and for one day moving to my future home, those of you who know me know where that is.  :)

3.  I've flown on a plane on my own! My aunt and uncle and I went up to New Hampshire for my aunt's niece's wedding.  It was absolutely beautiful!  We also visited the area around.  It was nice! On the way back, I was a bit nervous at first but I just flew on my own and everything! ALL THE WAY FROM NEW HAMPSHIRE! Living in the south, that's a lot! :)

It's crazy how much I've grown up since December and obviously since my mom's passing in late September.  I try new things like nobody's business.  I think like an adult 95% of the time and I'm always trying to save money.  It's insane.  

I believe my sweet momma is proud of me and happy that I've become a semi-adult.  I mean, I'm only 20.  :)

Happy Birthday Sweet Momma

One of my birthdays.  She looks so happy. 

April 26.  1:30am-ish.  Exactly when my mom was born.

Today is my mom's birthday.  I say "is" because it will always be her birthday, even if she isn't here next to me.  I have this idea in my head of how birthdays are in heaven.  I imagine a whole bunch of happiness and laughter and food.  Maybe no presents because angels don't really need material things like that.  The present is being in heaven.  I mean, I know that's exactly where I want to go when I die (when I'm old, saggy and wrinkly). I strongly believe birthdays in heaven are the bomb diggity.

So, for today's schedule (since it's after midnight), I have class, then I have to hang theatrical lights, then I have the Alpha Chi Induction.  I guess it's a good thing I'll be busy.  I want to definitely do something my mom would have done.  I'm still thinking of what.  In the meantime, I wanted to write this letter to my momma wishing her happy birthday. So here it goes:

Dear Momma,

I LOVE YOU! AND... HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR MOMMA/MOMMY/MAMA/MAAAAA! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! ( I am singing this to you in my head, as you can tell).  I wanted to tell you happy birthday from your very lucky daugther! I hope you are having a blast in heaven with everyone! Please say hi to grandma and my brothers and sisters for me! (Oh and any famous people you're friends with!) Thank you!  I hope that today you spend a lot of time relaxing and enjoying your day because it is your day.  I will do many things today you would have loved to do, I'm just still thinking of what but I know you'll guide me.  Also, the Alpha Chi inductions, isn't that great? I'm so excited to wear the new dress I got, the one on clearance.  Well, anyway, I also wanted to say thank you for making me brave and strong.  I know we have the same genes so that aids a lot but your parenting also strengthened that.

Okie dokie mommy, I'm gonna let you go and have some crazy fun with all the angels and Jesus! Hope today is an absolutely wonderful day for you! I love you from the bottom of my heart and miss you tons!

P.S. You're welcome to come in my dreams.

Love,

forever your daughter,

Amy

   

Jen, HP, life in general

Okay so time to catch up on things.  I will write down stuff in a semi-list form.

-We had gone to the hospital for like 6 days because my mom had hypercalcemia (high calcium) so it was  kind of nice seeing everybody from the 3rd floor because that's where she had been in early May for a while.  I just wish it had been under different circumstances. We came back to the skilled nursing facility like 6 days ago.
-Happy July!!!
-We celebrated the 4th of July in the hospital which was different.
-Casey Anthony-not guilty??? I know this is late but I just had to make a comment on it.  My mom and I were eating hospital food at the time we found out and it was just devastating.  I wish that Caylee wouldn't have had a life like that.  Another thing: karma. That's it.
-Good stuff: Jennifer Aniston recently got her handprints and footprints cemented at the Grauman's Chinese Theatre!!! She was also on Inside the Actor's Studio!!! :)
-Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 will be out in 3 dayss!!!!!
-I started my summer class (PE) and yesterday I had to make up a class I missed where we had to do a 1.5 mile run/walk assessment. So of course today I am exceptionally sore.  Oh dear.
-The class is pretty interesting though because there are only like 8 of us.  We do aerobics and stuff and I want to try some other exercise equipment next week.
-I have also been wearing a pedometer for this class which is interesting.
-We are (hopefully) getting closer to finding an apartment and then I'll begin to pack.
-I am getting so many ideas for decorating my room! I have recently found that I ABSOLUTELY ADORE paper lanterns! Oh my goodness! Another thing, Target has become even more of an obsession for me.  I found this chinese takeout lamp. Isn't that amazing???

-I have homework from my Beginning Acting class (fall) and I'm super excited.  I have to find two monologues: One dramatic classical and one comedic contemporary and then I have to read/watch movies: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and A Streetcar Named Desire.  Oh and another thing, I have to audition for the play in the fall. Ahh.
-I am still an ENFP! (I took the thing again for my PE class).

-Derek Jeter hit his 3,000th hit!!! Go YANKEES!

-Emmy nominations come out in 2 dayss! I really want Parenthood and Grey's Anatomy to get some nominations and awards.  

-My job has been going well.  :))) This last week was the first time I saw/heard a small choir and a violinist singing/playing at the church for a wedding and it sounded so beautiful.

-My mom has an appt with the oncologist this coming thursday so hopefully she'll be starting something soon.  We found out she broke her clavicle and shoulder area also so she's resting that but therapy is going well.  Please pray that my mom feels okay and that the cancer gets controlled by this next treatment.

Until next time!

Thinking positively.

So I haven't written anything for a while now, yeah, that's college I guess.  I'll try to include everything that is important. So let's see...my mom and I have been taking the bus more, which isn't so bad, we try to somehow make it not so tyring, like the other day we stopped and ate before we took the second bus, that was fun.  Oooh, I think one of the most stressful things out of this week was that we drove by (in the bus) by the accident site, it was veryy surreal, it was like a little playback of the accident played in my head, it was very overwhelming.  I saw the accident site twice already.  My mom and I wanted to go there and thank the guy that was with us until the ambulance came, so we'll see.  We haven't gotten a car yet, (obviously because we are still taking the bus) but it's kind of okay with me, just for a while, that we don't have the car yet, I don't know. 
I had another dream with kittens which (according to the Spanish dream book) means that I will experience sadness, deceit, and other depressing things like that. Darn.
My mom will have her scans and labs next week (like at the end of the week) and I'll be able to help her! I have fall break for those two days! Yepee!
Oooh, school has been pretty nice, chorale (aka choir) has been really fun, I love the atmosphere of it and the people I sit next to are really nice.  Not to toot my own horn but I have pretty good grades right now and my philosophy professor just canceled the test for next week! :) We get to do a project instead related to media stuff and philosophy. My classes are pretty enjoyable at the moment.

All in all, I would say I'm doing okay.  When I start to think to much about the accident and all the issues that have come out of that I do get very angry, which I really don't like but I'm working on it.  I am finding myself planning stuff for next semester, like working on joining an Honor Society, maybe this other group called Catholic Daugthers of America, continuing Chorale, re-join orchestra, maybe theatre stuff...? I'll keep you posted. 

Thanks for reading!
Please pray for my mom and my aunt.

Until next time!