my blogging = epic failure.

So.....I have NOT kept up with this at all lately.  It's been so busy!  I've been going to our Lancaster plant for work 2-3 days a week.  Nice change of pace and the days go fast there, but I'm really realllllly getting tired of the long drive back and forth.
Almost to the halfway point of my anatomy class.  It's tough keeping up with an accelerated class.  I feel like I'm not really learning a lot, just little bits here and there, and the rest of the time is spent trying to just make sure I complete all the assignments on time.  Oh well.  At least I'm learning a bit!  After this one is over in mid October, I move on to A&P part 2.  Thennnnn once that is finished, moving on the the dietetic program (if all goes right with scheduling!).  Has anyone else completed a lot of on-line distance classes?  How did/do you like them?  Any advice on keeping up with them along with all your regular, daily life activities?

My favorite season is about a week away from officially starting....FALL!!!!!!! Brisk autumn weather, beautiful colored leaves, boots, sweaters, cute little hats, haunted hayrides, hot cider (sometimes spiked with rum....yum!), Starbucks caramel apple spice (to die for!), flannel shirts, candy corn, Halloween, and an excuse to watch all the horror movies I'd end up watching anyways.  I love fall.  So much.  It goes too fast every year though!  The cool weather comes, then all the sudden it turns to cold and snow starts falling.  Don't get me wrong, I love winter too.  But something about fall is just my absolute favorite.  Already have plans for tailgates, haunted hayride/attraction nights, cider drinking, pumpkin carving, fall running races, and more.   Also, contemplating Halloween costumes already (I decide early).  Old school Avril Lavigne oooor Blue Barracuda team member from the one and only Legends of the Hidden Temple?
My favorite Halloween costume of all time was Halloween 09.  I was my favorite TV character of all time.  BUFFY SUMMERS.  First of all, Buffy the Vampire Slayer is my absolute, 100% favorite show EVER.  So I decided to be Buffy for Halloween senior year of college.  And I wanted to go all out.  My very talented friend Christi handmade my dress - the white dress from Season 1 finale 'Prophecy Girl' episode.  I got a fake leather jacket from a thrift store.  Bought a piece of wood from the craft store and shaved it down into a stake.  Ordered the exact replica of the cross necklace that Angel gives Buffy in the series opener ('Welcome to the Hellmouth').  And, since I couldn't find a good blond wig (they are all so shitty and fake looking!)....bought some bleach & hair dye.  Took my brown hair to blonde.  Hey, I told you I wanted to be legit.  Ahhhh my Buffy Halloween.  Best. Halloween. Ever.

Well, time to stop thinking about Halloween and get back to homework.  Need to be productive this week because next weekend (hopefully!), my man and I are going to Ocean City for a long weekend vacation.  :) It'll be nice to have a day off work and get away for a little!

Hope everyone had a great weekend :)

Does tomorrow have to be Monday?

Week one, and I'm already moving slow on the blog circuit.  It was a busy week, even though the work days went by slow slow sloooooow.
I've been going to a different plant a couple of days a week - and this is to last indefinitely.  Cons - hour drive, have to get up extra early.  Pros - working with R&D, which is a nice, different way to spend the work days. And it makes the beginning of the week go by fast.
My man had another session this week to work on his sleeve.  Lots of color added in, but still not finished!  A couple more sessions to come.

So on the school circuit - step one is accomplished!  Officially accepted to University of Alabama for Spring 2012.  Yahoo!  It'll be all distance, which is good since I can keep working and making money.  Since I'll be spending lots of tuition.
Bad news, I need to take anatomy & physiology courses before I can start.  Which means I'll be back in classes ASAP so I can finish before January.  AHH! After almost a year and a half out of school, it'll be kinda tough to get back in the swing of things.  Homework? Studying? Quizzes? Tests?! Gah. Not looking forward to it. But, no pain no gain, right?
This weekend was nice - hung with the boy almost all weekend, as usual.  Always a fantastic time :)  We made matching t-shirts Friday night.  Why? Who cares. Just because.  And it was awesome.

Got a new phone today!  Finally I am the owner of a smart phone.  I've got to get used to all touch screen texting and finding my way around the phone, but it's pretty and fun :)
Long week ahead.
So I shall enjoy the rest of my lazy Sunday night - ironing, Jerseylicious, and SWEET. Final Destination is on too!

Sunday nights are for relaxing

I remember the days back in middle school & high school when I thought xanga.com was sooo cool.  Writing down my thoughts, posting them to the world, and catching up on what other fun people had to say.
Lately I've been thinking more about blogging and occasionally reading some interesting blogs.  So, I decided "hey, why not make my own.  It'll be like the xanga of this new chapter of my life."  And now here I am!
This page might not be the most interesting or excited yet.  I'm new to this so it might take a while to get acclimated, but I hope to keep up with this as just a place to post thoughts, feelings, and fun things I enjoy.

I feel an introduction post is in order; a little 'get to know me,' if you will.

My name is Karla.

23.5 years old.

I am a self-proclaimed nerd.  I love science.

Graduated from Penn State with a major in Food Science. (Organic chemistry and nutrient metabolism were my favorite classes. See? I told you I was a nerd)

Miss Happy Valley with all my heart.

Moved to a new area a little over a year ago. Scary & lonely at first, everything has worked out amazingly.

Good job, great apartment, great friends, incredible man.

Definitely at a good place now :)

I LOVE music.

Play piano, guitar, and (still learning!) ukulele.  And sing. (As a heads up - this blog will probably become a place for me to share recordings.  I'm still working up the courage to perform in public - hopefully this will be a stepping stone.  Just be nice with comments please!)

A few years ago, I rescued a dog - Riley.  She has become a huge part of my life and is my little baby girl (by little I mean large, Shepherd - something mix that still acts like a lap dog).

Reality TV is my guilty pleasure.  (Hence the title - maybe it should be 'Sunday nights are for relaxing.....and Jerseylicious....and watching E!)

Something Corporate and Jack's Mannequin are my two favorite bands.  Andrew McMahon is sensational.

 I love photography and try to take as many pictures as I can.

I love tattoos.  I think they can be beautiful and totally awesome.  They make you original, and make you you.

And I want more!

I studied abroad in Italy and wish everyday that I could go back.  It was absolutely incredible and an experience I will never forget.

I even learned to love wine. Ohhh vino.

I have a (probably slightly unhealthy. or maybe just strange) obsession with zombies.

I absolutely, positively LOVE horror movies.  Of all kinds.  (except where creepy dolls come to life).  I'll watch tons of them on Netflix, even if they look like they might suck.  Halloween is my favorite holiday.

I love shopping.

I love my family.

I love my dog.

I love ice cream.

My goal is to be a Registered Dietitian someday.  Either do nutritional research, nutraceuticals, or medical nutritional therapy.  Currently attempting to get these goals rolling.

Here is my little family <3 (minus Dyno, my boyfriend's little pup.)

They make me happy everyday.

To end, I will be brave and upload a video.  Cover of Rise Against's 'Swing Life Away.'  Love the song, love the band.  Got a little different twist to it (and it's def in a different key...whoops).  Who knows if anyone will even listen! But if you do, I hope you enjoy.