SodaHead - kayla's Blog

Just an update...I've been gone for a while..

2009-12-14T21:25:01Z

+2 raves

I had posted a blog several months ago announcing that my time here had come to an end. I promised I'd stay a member of sodahead and check in whenever I got a few minutes. I've done my best, but I am in my very first apartment (which I am loving!), I started a new college (which is completely different from the one I went to previously), and I started a new job (well, same company but new site and whole new routine). I'm very happy with the decisions I have made and feel extremely lucky to be where I am now, even though it can be a struggle at times. I don't come from a family of wealth, but have pushed myself to become a great money saver, an A student, and a very hard worker. I just wanted to let those who had asked for updates and to stay in contact to know that everything is going well. It's still stressful sometimes, but for me to make a change this huge is just... monumental. I have anxiety so a lot of times changes are hard for me. To start over and have a brand new start to everything means a lot.

Thanks for your time :)
-Kayla

My time here is coming to an end..

2009-05-14T18:05:25Z

kayla

+13 raves

Having been a SodaHead member since December of 2007, I have met many great people here. Although I haven't asked many questions, I truly enjoyed answering them to express myself and to gain new insight by reading other responses and perspectives. I was never one of those people to make it to 10,000 raves because I don't believe that's what this is about. This site was very enjoyable, and I was one of those SH addicts at one point (as most of us tend to become). I always made time to get on here, but lately life has thrown several obstacles -both good and bad- my way. In November of '08 I lost my grandmother to cancer, and this past April I unexpectedly lost my grandfather. I've also had some positive things happen: I'm graduating with my Associates tomorrow, I was accepted to the university of my choice, and I signed for my very first apartment. While I have always made time to come on SH in the past, there are so many things going on in my life right now that I think my time here has come to an end. I've had a blast and I know I'm going to miss the site in it's entirety, and all the wonderful people I've encountered over time. It's been great. Take care & good luck. My best wishes to all. <3

Snow Day..or Not

2009-03-02T12:39:49Z

kayla

+4 raves

Soo I guess I just feel like venting. I didn't get a lot of sleep last night, to start. I got up early because I knew we were having a snow storm but didn't sweat it too much, figuring I gave myself ample time to get to work (which, by the way, we're expecting over 12 inches and I work at a daycare that never EVER closes for anything!) I had the privilege of getting to park in the garage last night so I wouldn't have to worry about clearing off my car (since nobody else had to leave early). I have a fairly long driveway and ended up having to shovel myself out, which took forever and left me out of breath because then I felt rushed and was trying to move fast. I finally made it out of the driveway a good 10 or so minutes later, and was doing okay getting down my street.
The visibility was awful and I pretty much drove with my fingers crossed.
I got about halfway to work, with some sliding here and there, but not too bad. I called them to let them know that chances were I'd be a few minutes late. When I called, I was informed that they had JUST posted that there would be a 2 hour delay. Some not-so-nice words came out, I couldn't help it. So I figured instead of sitting at work for 2 hours I'd try to come back home.
I live on a giant hill and my car is stuck. I tried to make it but couldn't. I have anxiety, so of course I had a huge panic attack. I called my mom, who came in the SUV to try to help, but couldn't. She stayed with my car while I took the SUV back up the hill to get my stepdad so he could try to help. My car isn't even off to the side. It's right in the middle of the road. Great to know that there is a parking ban, and I hope I don't get hit by a plow (which seems fairly unlikely considering the streets are a disaster). Not to mention, I have to now go back to work soon (assuming I have a vehicle) or I'll get written up, which is friggin insane. And who in their right mind would take their child out in such shitty weather to bring them to daycare?! Posted online are all the daycares in my state. A huge majority of them are closed. I'm soooo angry!!!!
And my college never cancels classes for any type of weather either. Only morning classes are cancelled. I have an afternoon class.
Un-freakin-believable.

My surgery

2009-02-11T03:23:53Z

kayla

+2 raves

Hey, for those of you who knew I was having surgery today, I just wanted to give a quick update.

All went well this morning - I was really nervous, but the doctors and nurses said I was a real trooper lol It was rough, and I feel like total crap now (and I will for the next 10 days) but in the end I know it was worth it and I am hanging in there.

Thanks,
Kayla

Thankful First Graders

2008-11-15T15:09:43Z

kayla

+6 raves

I have been interning in a first grade classroom at a public elementary school. The students were to write on a feather cut-out what they were thankful for. One stands out in my mind. A six year old boy wrote, in this order, I am thankful for: the United States, the Military, Mom, Dad, my Brother, God, Food. Most of the other children had written about their pets, toys, and money. I was pretty impressed and wanted to share.

Life

2008-11-09T19:20:40Z

kayla

+3 raves

Hmm, my first blog. Where to begin...

Money seems to be so complicated. It's both good and evil. There is the saying that money makes the world go 'round, but also that money is the root of all evil and money can't buy happiness. I am in no way a materialistic person. (One year, my little brother colored a picture for me for Christmas. It was the best gift I received that year.) I save as much as I possibly can because I want to have a secure future. I know that my mother struggled with money and welfare when she was my age. I don't want that life - granted, I haven't made the same decisions she did at my age. Yet I feel so pressured. I will be graduating from a community college in the spring of 2009. I'd like to continue my education, and have already been accepted to a university. It's not that close to home, so I'll be moving out next fall. I feel so unprepared. I'm sure it's a typical reaction.
I've been toying with the idea of picking up a second job, on weekends, to make more of an income. I make just above minimum wage at my current job, which I have been at for almost 3 and 1/2 years (there really isn't room for progression there - we all make crappy money). I work 5 days a week, and my paychecks are small. I had to cut back my hours to catch up on interning hours, which makes them even smaller.
Going to another college next year also has me confused on what to study. I'll have my associates in the spring, but I don't know what to do with my life. I don't know if that's what I want to continue studying. I feel like I have no real plan. My friends all know what they want to be - an accountant, a nurse, a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, a teacher, a social worker, etc. I'm stuck.
I guess I just felt like venting.. I'm just so indecisive regarding what to do. I don't want to overdo myself by working too much, but at the same time, a second income, as small as it may be, would be beneficial. I can't quit my job with the economy so poor. I could be making good money at another place, but the hours they wanted me interfered with my classes. They had the nerve to ask me if I can take night classes. Seriously? I want my degree, and I am not putting it on hold to make a couple extra dollars.

Hmm, I think I got out everything I wanted to :)

*Kayla*