Oh hi, twenties.

I am finally 20 as of yesterday.

yeah yeah yeah!

although the waitress at Red Robin who so kindly brought me a free birthday sundae was almost in disbelief. She thought I was much younger. "Well when you're thirty, you'll look twenty!" So she thought I was 10. Flattering. But hey, a sundae with more whipped cream then ice cream, so I won't complain. 

Keiran was the first to call and tell me Happy Birthday, at 12:00am on the dot. What a sweetheart. 

Later that morning when the sun was out we skyped and had coffee. I then skyped with my family at 10 for when I turned twenty..at 10:06. 

Me and my friend Valerie went to a very small crafting market on 16th street where I sampled some amazing vegetarian jerky, and why I did not buy some, I still do not know. 

Then we decided to spend some money and have a lunch of frozen yogurt. A mixture of espresso, red velvet cake, white chocolate macadamia flavors and topped with sprinkles, oreos, and caramel. I make treats that could be a healthier options give you diabetes.
The cashier cancelled my card transaction at TJ-Max because it was my birthday so I basically got a free shirt. Win. 

Later on in the day I received a package from my Grams and Papa which contained a lovely silver and gray Coach bag. & a second card from my great grandparents which contained $20. Jackpot. 

Ashton then came to pick me up where we went to a big fancy mall and I spent even more money. I did however buy a cute pair of pink/mauve jeans at American Eagle on sale. She then later took me to Red Robin for dinner where I chowed down on a delicious veggie burger and steak fries. & then I got my free sundae. 

I got home and called my Honey Nut Cheerio.

He will be here in 6 days and we are more then thrilled!

Good birthday I must say. 

I have a list of 25 things I want to see happen before I'm 25 which I will post later. 

LAUNDRY.

NEVER ENDS.

& I'm not even married and have childlings yet. 

Happy Sunday & Week Ten.

I woke up at 6:26. Just like every morning I can sleep in. No complains from me though, mornings are wonderful.

Just a few things

Week ten of finals. 

Week ten will be the craziest school week of the term. Let's not even talk about how tortuous tomorrow will be. I'm ready though, bring it. I went to the store and got all of the healthy stuff I would for finals week. Veggies, Fruits, Milk, Eggs, and Fish. 

My final week should be pretty okay. Yes, I will have exams, critiques, and presentations, but the preparation will be done with by this week. 

Mother Nature came to visit and my coffee pot broke at the worst week it could. Rude.

Crazy news of those crazy cannibals. 

Clearly none of this is on the TV News because it might just be too disturbing. 

There have been FIVE cases of such crimes this WEEK. 

It's to the point where I'm not scared of the crazy quiet guy about to start a shooting. 

I'm terrified of the cute old lady sitting next to me on the bus and that she'll rip my ear off with her teeth.

I should just carry a frying pan around. 

My window desk 

Well, I guess it's not mine. But I'm the only one that's been sitting here. 

You see, one of our roommates moved out. So my other roommate Brenda put the extra desk in front of our living room window. I don't know what it is about sitting right in front of the window to study, have coffee, and eat dinner, but  just love it. I like to watch the people go by and the squirrels.  I'm currently watching two squirrels chase each other. It's adorable. They run funny, kind of like me. 

& finally our TWO WEEK COUNTDOWN. 

In fourteen wake-ups I will finally be reunited with my wonderful man in the airport. *Airport kiss movie scene* 

The day after I will be able to hug my oh so sweet grandparents, eat Grandma's home cooked meals, and take naps with my little black doggie.

Mariah's finals survival guide.

I'm an art student. We don't just have 2 finals a year. We have FOUR. 

Finals are creeping up, and my busy weeks are pretty much here. It's week 9. 11 is the final week with presenting projects and doing exams. 

I hope enjoyed my lazy day yesterday because I'm quite sure I won't be getting one for a few weeks. 

Here are a few things I need to remember during my finals weeks (& maybe you as well.)

Eat healthy.

Boring? Yes. Good for you? Double yes. 

When I first started school I wasn't eating as healthy as I normally do. College food gets to you.

Stock up on fruits and veggies a week before your finals. & fish, fish is amazing brain food and great for your body. Skip the ice cream and chocolate, Missy. I promise you will feel so much better and energized. & don't forget water!

P.S. Luna Bars make great snacks for your 4 hour classes. 

But eat when you are hungry. 

Don't starve yourself. You'll get cranky and no one will want to be around you. 

Shower. 

I know you are busy with projects, exams, and some with an additional job. 

But please, take time to shower. 

& deodorize.

Don't Strangle Anyone

If you are like me and have to work with people in every class, you may get the strongest urge to just strangle them. Seriously, sometimes people's idiotic behavior and close minded comments can completely ruin your day. 

We must remember to be nice though, keep your hands to yourself, and just smile.

Take sometime for yourself. 

Your mind needs rest. "Every 45 minutes," is what I hear.

Remember how I said eat healthy? This is a moment where you can go get that raspberry latte and cupcake you've been dying for. 

Paint your nails. Take time to watch your favorite weekly show. Do some Netflix 10 minute solutions yoga.

Remember: Less then 3 weeks and you get to be with your Honey.

This probably only applies to me. Unless you as well have been away from your Honey for far too long. 

He makes everything so much better and being with him for an amazing 3 weeks will be the greatest thing after a crazy term. Even now he keeps me sane. 

Manage your time

Between shooting assignments, final projects, re shoots. Working on group projects. Studying for the exams...it will be hard to manage my time with everything. I have a problem with focusing on one thing at a time. Keep time for yourself.

Sleep

Zombie is not a good look.

Just breathe.

 This is so hard for me sometimes and I'm told this all the time by my parents and boyfriend.

When I'm stressed I bite my nails and clench my jaw so much it causes headaches. 

I stress for perfect grades, but sometimes, just sometimes, you can't always get that. 

Keep your sanity. 

Family photo 2012

Honey. Oliver the Otter and Perry the Peacock. 

We had a date night last night with sour patch straws and Sleepless in Seattle on Netflix. 

I was in the studio all day today shooting and printing, normal Saturday. It's too late for a nap so I'll opt for watching Maid in Manhattan, Coffee, and coloring. 

I get to be pretty and model tomorrow, then sleep.

I get to spend my Memorial Day working on finals. 

3 weeks. 3 weeks. 3 weeks. 

I can't wait to be with Honey and Grandparents. 

Muffin Pie.

The other day I got low fat blueberry muffin mix. I thought it would be a guilt free treat for us all.

We had no muffin tins. 

So you just have to go with what you know. 

Muffin Cake. Ta da.

I even added a banana, which made it a blueberry banana muffin pie. 

I get fancy.

Sunday sweetness.

My Grams and Papa (Baumgartle) were in Denver and took me out for awhile this morning. 

We had a nice breakfast at Mimi's Cafe. For those of you who have never been to a Mimi's...they give you a freshly baked muffin with most of the meals. & it's not just a little one, it's basically your whole meal. I was more then thrilled that they had Red Velvet flavored muffins. Oh yes, pure bliss. 

Afterwards my Grams had this wonderful idea of going shopping. 

I succeeded in finding a pair of shorts that don't expose your whole bottom half. Thank you, Levis. I finally purchased a mullet skirt. Short in front and long in back. It's so flowy. And knowing me, of course I got a top. Different style and pattern then what I have in my closet. Love. 

We then hit The Container Store. Okay, I've never been into one of these places but it was seriously amazing. They have containers and organizers for everything. Every.Thing! 

I'm not the biggest shoe person. You know the girls that are crazy about shoes? I've never been that girl. I do appreciate some fancy footwear but it's never been at the top of my want's list. We went into a DSW & I was dizzy of all the different types of shoes. I did end up getting a nice pair of flats. They are sweet and comfortable. 

Ever been to a HomeGoods? TJ Max? I'm in love with TJ Max. I've never been into a homegoods though. Probably a good thing, I would have gone broke. Fast. I was drooling over everything. It made me want to redecorate my entire apartment. I know where I'll be going someone for all my decorating needs. I did however get a nice wall hanging. It fits me perfectly. 

I should really consider working off that Red Velvet Muffin now. 

Laundry and a letter.

I got home at 1 today. It's rare anymore but it happened. 

There were a couple things waiting for me at home.

Laundry.

 It was not an option. It's like what my instructor says "Just like red light and green. You don't have an option!" I was running low on clothes. I dislike laundry. One of the worst chores. 

But a girls gotta smell fresh. 

I must start saving my quarters. I go on treasure hunts just to get some change in quarters to do my laundry.

A letter.

Yes, I get hand written letters. One of my favorite things.

& since Keiran is a writer and always says the sweetest things, you know they are good. The kind that make you cry and miss them like crazy good. This made up for the laundry.

I send him postcards and sent some letters this weekend. I even have a special notebook for letter writing for us.

Did I mention that he sent me just because flowers on Sunday?

Everyone tells me he's a keeper. I definitely agree. I've known this since day one.

 

I also woke up 15 minutes before my bus left yesterday. & I enjoy breakfast for dinner. 

April 28.

First off, Yesterday was my Grandpa's Birthday. He's 88. If you know him, you'd be surprised. He probably acts at least 10 years younger. He JUST retired last month. His job was out at the golf course in Mesquite being a greens keepers. So yes, he would commute from Mesquite and back and work outside all day. hot or cold. Until the age of 87. He's pretty inspiring to us all. I didn't get to make him a card either, I almost cried.

One Month

It's been a month since I've been here in Denver. Time has gone by fast with school, I cannot believe my midterms are next week and we are already working on our new schedules. 

I've been getting to know more people and making friends, I actually go out of my apartment and hang out with friends outside of class sometimes. I am starting to be more sociable and a little less shy. I don't think I really noticed how shy I am at first until I moved here. 

Time has been going very slowly when it comes to Keiran and I. It's hard on days that I'm down and I can't go see him, only call, which always helps but I would still love a hug and kiss. He's been sending me packages, he even mailed me something he made, it's the sweetest thing ever. Being without a car has made it difficult to just go out and get whatever I need to send him, in other words, besides postcards I have not been able to send him anything. I have things ready to send too. We miss each other like crazy and just hope June 17th would hustle a little faster. 

I have a goal to become healthy again. Back at home I'm known as being kind of a health freak, with the acceptance of my ridiculous sweet tooth. I lost 15 pounds when I was home and I'm sure I've gained 5 back. It's easy to go to college and just eat whatever after a stressful day, I find myself just always being hungry. I need to get back into my good eating habits & more water!

Easter Bunny.

If I haven't mentioned already...I love Easter. It's probably my third favorite holiday. 

My family is kind of big in the whole basket thing. Yeah guys, I still got Easter baskets up to the time I was eighteen full of chocolate and girly things mostly. Coloring Eggs with Mom never got old either. I use to race them on spoons with Grandpa all the time. & Grandma always made her perfect potato salad. 

This year I do not get a basket. (my Grandma did send me a couple things though, included a little stuffed chicken. What a peach.)  Guess the bunny thinks I'm finally too old. nineteen ruins everything. 

So I showed him a lesson and got myself my own Easter.

A little tin filled with my favorite Cadbury Mini Eggs and some nail polish. Mint Green and Lavender. It's definitely spring time and I need to grow my nails out so they can be pretty.

& A plant! Finally. I've been waiting to get a little plant for at least a week now.

He is going to bloom soon with pink flowers & I put him in a sweet yellow pot. 

Happy Easter to all!

I hope to hear stories about your Easter Sundays. 

Wednesday.

I promise after this week my blogs will become a lot more interesting again.

I'm eating oatmeal in my cute yard sale soup mugs. Part of my diet. 

Buy 5 for $4. That's 25 packets of oatmeal. I have every flavor under the sun. Minus the rasian kind. 

My classes are at 7:30. I have to catch the bus at 6:30.  Which means I wake up at 5.

I'm okay with it though. I'm a morning person. 

I'm gradually getting to know people. 

Probably made a couple friends. Okay...maybe one. 

My classes will be the death of me. 

Minus Spanish, that should be fairly easy. 

I work with a 4x5 camera with my large format and lighting class. I don't even use my own camera all term. 

It's a bit terrifying but it will make me a better photographer and I'm starting to understand more. 

I have Darkroom this morning. I need to just take deep breaths and maybe hold someones hand.

No school on Friday because of Good Friday, which I would have History of Photography. Guess it will have to wait for next week. I heard that's the first class most people fail. Awesome. Bring it on. 

It was sunny and bright on Sunday. A bit nippy on Monday. & snowed yesterday.

I've never lived in snow. I didn't know what to do about it. So I dressed in a tacky outfit..but it was warm.

I don't think I'll mind the snow too much, I thought it was pretty. 

It felt like Christmas. & I like Christmas. 

I would like the sun back though. The snow can wait till winter time when it should be here.

 I miss my boyfriend. very much so.

I sleep with his hoodie and Oliver the otter. 

But we're also doing okay.We talk everyday almost all day (when I'm not in class) & he still gives me butterflies. He also helps when I feel a bit lonely. 

Since I have a long weekend I have things I need to do like locate a home depot. 

Or better yet figure out the other bus routes so I can go more places then just the 10 route. 

All in all I'm doing okay and becoming more comfortable around here. 

& good news, you will get a Fancy Friday this week. Yeah! 

Dorm room.

I'm sure I mentioned that the roommate I was going to have canceled which resulted into me getting my own room...I even have my own bathroom. So it's quite nice. Since there is an extra bed in my room and I'm sure I'll randomly get a roommate sometime this term or next term I just thought I would keep it there. Maybe put some blankets and shloobs of pillows from goodwill to make it a little couch or something fancy along those lines.

My roomates old roomates left quite a few things, really nice things at that, which they just let me have. Yippie! Including those curtains that I thought go quite well with my bed. Next to my bed is one little photo of Keiran and I. I thought it was quite cute and it's nice to wake up to.

Notice how high my bed is? It's like climbing Mount Saint Helens.

& my desk. I don't think you know my excitement about having my own desk.

It's all coming together quite nicely. I'm planning on doing some DIY projects to spiff it up a little more, such as a jewelry hold made out of an old frame and twigs. Maybe I'll do a blog on how to make one.

Last night I slaved over making this banner. It's a masterpiece. Cheap college decor at it's finest. 

Bus pass.

I don't have a car in Denver. I'm doing public transportation. I was use to this in Portland with The Max (the trax, rails, whatever you other city people call your's) and the little street car..however I never did the whole bus thing. It's complicated to me.
I'm an owner of a bus pass now which I never thought would happen, but it happened all right. Which means I get to go places and maybe even run away now.
However. No one ever told me it wasn't valid till April though. It's still March so no running away till Sunday I guess.

Today, just like every other day, I was feeling adventurous and thought it might be a good idea to take the bus downtown to my school and get a feel of where I'm going. Somehow I got out to downtown just fine with no problem. No comment from the driver about it still being March. Maybe he felt bad because I was new and running around like a chicken with my head chopped off. 

On my way to the school there was a nice older gentlemen telling me that I should not get on the 15th street bus unless I'm a tough girl and know how to kick some bootay. I think I will stay away from 15th anything.
 When I was finished walking around downtown I decided to go find my bus and stop back home. I try to get on and the driver said "Will not work" *in thick Asian accent.* I was quite confused because my pass is valid anywhere in the city so I waited for the next bus and hoped he knew what he was talking about. I get on the next bus and he said "It's not valid till April." I guess I never paid attention to the big silver APR on the front.
I then shortly found out it was only $2.50 for a bus ride somewhere. I had no change and didn't know where an ATM was or a place to brake a $20 after the ATM. I started walking to Forever 21 to get some nail polish or something to get cash back..4 blocks later I realized "I HAVE 3 DOLLARS IN QUARTERS!"


boom.

I made it home without ended up in Hong Kong even.

The moral of the story is...always save your quarters.
& a lucky penny

Alive!

So, i'm alive, guys. 

Let me just give you a rundown of my past few days.

Tuesday Morning I left at 7a.m on the shuttle. I'm not going to lie, it was more then difficult saying goodbye to Keiran..although we like to say "See you later" instead of "goodbye"

When I got on the shuttle there were many people around which held me back from bawling my eyes out...I sent him a text saying "Blow me another kiss!" & once he did I felt better. It was comforting.

I met up with my aunt in Salt Lake, we went and  looked at City Creek. One word: packed. There were so many people it was insane. So we decided the gateway would be better for lunch and went to thaifoon. 

I landed in Denver at about 5pm. I was very lost and couldn't find the baggage claim. Luckily I found a nice man with a (very loud screaming) baby that was on my flight.  I asked him where to go and he informed me it was one of the biggest airports and to follow him. So I did just that. 

I found my giant bag covered with peace signs and then got with Kym. She was such a peach and had a BBQ, let me stay at her place, helped me out the next day and everything.

Wednesday was move in and orientation. 

Orientation went good I guess. I found out I won a $1,000 scholarship which is always a nice little surprise. People seemed nice and the head of the photography department told me he liked my attitude *thumbs up.* I got my schedule which may or may not be the death of me. Bring it spring term. 

I finally got everything organized and listened to everyone chit-chat about everything there is to know about the school. After orientation I walked around the Capital (which is located right next to my school) and found a cute little Japanese place to eat. I found 16th street with all of the restraunts and shopping as well. 

I finally got into my place. It's quite nice. I have 2 other roommates..there were suppose to be 3 but one canceled so I have a room all to myself now. I'm going to purchase some bathroom decor today so it feels more homey to me, since they have the living room all decorated. Their old roommates left some curtains that match perfectly with my bedroom decor and a full length mirror. score! I got my bedroom all fixed up , i'm happy with how it looks, it suits me well. Did I mention I even get a desk? I'm living large this time. I went to housing orientation where our RA's are quite nice. I then went back to my roommate and had oatmeal for dinner...oh how I missed college eating. 

It's Thursday morning and I'm waiting for my friend Ashton to come get me and help me around Denver. I'll even treat her to lunch. I have a large list of things I need to purchase today, sorry wallet. I'm currently in the housing lab because my internet does not work in my room yet, which is a shame because I'm dying to skype my family and handsome man. Two guys were yelling and using bad language a few minutes ago at each other. Awkward. 

It's been good so far. I'm a little lost and don't know exactly what to do yet until school starts monday. I don't even have my bus pass yet. I won't lie, it's a bit lonely right now but once school starts I'm sure I'll make a couple friends. This whole experience will be what I make out of it, so I choose to make it super duper. 

It's been fun, Utah.

I've been busy. Like skipping showers busy.

This will be my last post in Utah. Next blog I'll be in Denver. 

The past few days have consisted of excitement and tears. 

I don't think it's hit me today yet. I'm sure it will around noon. 

Keiran took yesterday and today off work so he could be with me.

Yesterday 

We made a nice big breakfast for us and my grandparents. Blueberry pancakes, scrambled eggs, and turkey bacon.

I gave him a little scrapbook I've been working on with photos of us that have been taken while I've been in Utah. He seems to really enjoy it which makes me happy. 

I went through all of my craft stuff and decided what all I wanted to ship to Denver.

I went to Brea's and she dyed my hair. I'm a little more redheaded.  She let me vent and cry to her. I held and kissed little Korbyn's head. I'm going to miss my best friend and our times together. 

Last night Keiran took me to dinner and a movie. I decided some Queso Dip from Chili's sounded amazing. As soon as it got to the table it hit me that Keiran has a strong dislike for beans. Opps. More for me I guess (Although I felt really bad) After we went to The Hunger Games. I own the book but have yet to get around to reading it so I didn't know what to expect, I have to say though..I just loved it. Seriously. Even if you haven't read the book you need too...then start to read the books! 

Today.

I'm up at 6am to start packing some more. However I knew I had to get a blog in before I left to Colorado. 

My Grandparents have a doctor's appointment so me and Keiran are going out to breakfast at 8. Possibly the bear paw. They have good coffee..and if you couldn't tell..we're coffee people. Although I'm sure I'll be calling him soon to have him come just a little earlier...just because. 

I have made a to-do list of all the things I need to accomplish and a packing list of things not to forget. I don't think I'll have time to breathe or sit. I want to get everything done earlier in the day so I can have the night with Keiran and my Grandparents. Grandma is making my favorite dinner and her red velvet cake. 

Cuddle with my doggie (who has been extra cuddly lately and has been moping around because she know's I'm leaving) 

& most of all cuddle with my man. and cry. and laugh. and cry some more. 

My day is going to be an emotional rollercoaster. 

Tomorrow. 

I'll up early. 4 a.m early just to get my bearings on everything and to make sure everything is together. 

I'll have coffee and some breakfast then hit the shuttle at 7 a.m.

My Aunt is taking me from the shuttle to the airport. & on our way we are hitting up the cheesecake factory.

I get to Denver about 4:30 p.m. 

Maybe I'll have time to sneak in a blog tomorrow night. 

I'm starting to itch with excitement. A new place. new people. & new adventure. I'm anxious to get back into school and the classroom. I love school, I really do. 

Even though I know I'll be back to visit in 2 1/2 months it's still hard leaving. It's always hard leaving my grandparents, I should be use to it..but I'm not. 

I knew it was going to hard leaving Keiran...but it was something I was not prepared for. You never want to leave the man you love for that long. ever. 

We'll be okay though, I just know it. I told him I refuse to say "Goodbye" and it would be "See you later." We're keeping strong for each other and I believe in us. 

It's not going to be easy but it will be so worth it. 

Well, it's been fun roaming in the red mountains time of Utah. It's rocky mountain time though.

I'll see you in June. 

One week.

I'll be saying "goodbye" "see you later" to Grandparents and Keiran.
Riding in a shuttle at 7 a.m.
Flying in the sky at 3:30 p.m.
& becoming a Rocky Mountain girl at 4:57 p.m 

Fourteen days.

It's countdown time now. 

In two weeks at this time I will officially be moved into my new place in Denver. Probably skyping Keiran for the first time to be exact. That is going to be a goodbye that will not be easy. It's getting harder to say goodnight to him. I had a good cry tonight as well. I've been trying my hardest to stay strong about leaving him but it's honestly one of the hardest things. Sometimes you just gotta cry a little. I have no doubt though that we can make it through this. 

Aside from goodbyes...I'm starting to itch with excitement.

I got my first box shipped off yesterday. Thinking about shipping off my second box tomorrow. I have another scholarship to send off in the mail tomorrow as well. The post office will love me..and my wallet. 

I got my list of roommates today. 3 roommates...that makes 4 girls all living together. I sure hope suggesting that amount of roommates was a good idea. As long as they are nice and clean things will be okay..right? 

Ashton has been reminding me how excited she is to get me there. It makes me feel better and more secure that my best friend will be there to help me with everything. Maybe I won't be the new awkward girl after all. 

I have big plans and goals for Denver and this new school. 

I'm ready to get back into the classroom to learn and interact with other creative people.

I want to get involved in as much as I can handle on my plate. I've been looking at the school's website and they seem to have a wide variety of clubs which I am very interested in. After getting involved and keeping my grades up I'm crossing my fingers to get on student leadership. 

At this point all I need is to get my classes all registered for. Hopefully by this time classes won't be full or resulting me into taking night classes..let's keep me a morning person, please. 

 I'm ready for you, Denver.