What's this blog about?

Twix is my Reagle (Rottweiler/Beagle), he's nine months old, and a precious part of my life. My boyfriend got Twix for my birthday, and when we went to get him, we found out his birthday is our anniversary and we knew it was meant to be.

I played this video and Twix was so confused with what was going on.

What's this blog about?

This blog is about Michael Lerma and KristaRose Mijares and the awesome things that they do, and have done. :-)

Taylor Swift - Fearless

We went to the Taylor Swift Fearless concert this past Saturday in the Allstate Arena in Chicago. Michael says he has a new found respect for Taylor, impressed that she "doesn't just sing country." There was an applause/screamfest for at least 15 minutes near the end of her concert, just because of how awesome she is to all the people in the audience. To be honest, it's the only concert where that much screaming didn't get me annoyed...I thought it was well deserved.

She came to campus last Thursday, as well, looking at Notre Dame (and supposedly other colleges) with her brother. I unfortunately did not get to see her, but I was within a foot of her at the concert. She had awesome outfits, and I love reliving the concert through my videos and pictures from the concert.

Taylor certainly has a deep appreciation of her fans...the four hour concert proves it. Quite possibly one of the best concerts I've been to, especially since Michael got me floor seats right next to the center aisle.

<3 KR

It's been a long time...

I haven't blogged in a while...and I can't say it's because I've been tweeting, because in reality, Twitter and Blogs are different forms of communication.

The Past Three Months

Nothing too exciting happened, except for school starting again, which felt so weird to not move back into the dorm and be more or less settled in.

Classes are going fine, I just finished up two classes, Management Communication and Strategic Management...both of which were my fun classes (if you could even imagine my other classes) I'll be starting my final IT requirement after fall break...one more business class after this semester. Business Law. bah.

I've started my Alumni Association job, and I like it a lot. I'm developing a new website called "ND Women Connect" which is a new program that is geared to alumnae of the University.

Nothing too exciting has happened except for going to the penultimate Taylor Swift concert on her 2009 Fearless tour. It was so ridiculously awesome.

I have a test in an hour and a half, so maybe I should go study. ;-)

bah

my mind is so mentally exhausted. i shouldn't have got these jobs for the summer...i don't get a break before school, i'm so tired.

...

My head is spinning, I've been so lost and alone the last few months, and no one understands. It's times like these I wish I was back in high school, where I knew I'd see my best friend at school, or I could just walk down the street and visit him on the weekend. Now where are my friends...new mom. new relationship. argentina. germany. new internship. accident. hollywood.

RIP Ed McMahon

Ugh...stressful week.

relationship, period from hell, clogged toilet, flooded apartment, poop, pee, twenty loads of laundry, sick, dislocated shoulder, two jobs, no money, no water, piles of dirty dishes, vomit, toilet...yea, who could ask for more?

Sigh...I should be studying...

So Michael is graduating next week...Yay...

I'm proud of him, but I'm not really happy he's graduating, and for selfish reasons...every congrats I see on his wall breaks my heart a little bit, knowing we won't be together more than a weekend for the next few years.

I guess it's why i've been fairly grumpy. That and Twix is being a bigger handful then I ever wished for...

Jack is back

Good bye old logo, hello new.

HAH!

Thanks to Jon Stewart

A new blog to read http://dailynightly.msnbc.msn.com/

Our Father

Last night we had mass in Zahm. The gospel was about the Lord's prayer. It reminded me of this video.

WWF & Coke Logo

I created this logo for my Business Problem Solving course. The case we did was about Coca-Cola's use of the polar bears, and how the environment affects the polar bears and what Coke is doing about it. There is actually a partnership of sorts with Coke and WWF, so I thought it would be cool to merge the two logos.

First Monday of Lent

Farley hall - Farley went to mass with us.

Farley is a neat dorm to have mass in, everyone hugs each other at the sign of peace rather than the traditional shake hands...it's more homely.

Take home from the gospel/homily: Be yourself and love will come. Those who were blessed and allowed to go to heaven weren't good and knew it...they were good by just being themselves.

Just to name a few that I'll comment on later

Notre Dame:
-Monk Malloy
-Mark Hubbard
-Kathleen Lane
-Priscilla Wong
-Nga Nguyen
-Carl Ackermann
-John Kennedy
-Bruce Wood
-Ryan Pantages
-Michael Lerma
-Fr Doyle
-Fr Joe
-Tim Andree
-Sam Young
-Doug Hsu
-Kristine So
-Hesburgh
-Laura
-Joan
-Danielle Rose

1st Thursday of Lent (Milkshake mass)

(Yes, I know it's not Thursday anymore)

During the homily, Father Doyle said that the point is not to just lay down your life, but to live your life to serve. Your life must have purpose.

Dreams the last few nights.

I've been having some really weird dreams lately.

Three nights ago I had a dream that for some reason Grant was stepping down from his presidency at ND and that Christian Chan was next, and he didn't want to do it, and so for some reason I then became in charge of the school...and then I woke up from that dream, but was still in a dream where I realized that I wouldn't have to worry because if Grant stepped down there would still be his whole board and like the rest of campus before I'd have to run the place.

Two nights ago I had a dream that I was driving and somehow it turned into a rollercoaster and then there was ajavascript:void(0)
Publish Post witch and she was mad because we were wizards and instead of fighting we ran away and hid in the office building which became a house out in the middle of the country and then it was taken over by nazis and they burned it down as we sat in the cornfield watching and being unable to do anything.

Then last night I had a dream that I was at my friends wedding but everyone was naked but them, and then i woke up and it was before her wedding and i told her and she looked at me like i was crazy and then we went to the chapel and everyone was naked and then she blamed me because of my dream and then i woke up.

...i think i have really weird dreams when i have a fever/when i'm stressed.

Ash Wednesday

"Turn away from sin and follow the gospel."

How will you do this? How can you do this?

I always believe the lenten season is not about sacrifice, it's about serving and feasting in God's love. It's about serving God's family and making a life that is good for all. Giving up video games for lent is good, so you may take sacrifices that can remind you of the greatest sacrifice of all, Jesus and His suffering...but how does giving up video games help others? And after lent, do you continue to play video games at the same extent, or even more? Lenten sacrifices are supposed to help better your lives and help create better habits so that you may be with God not only through the lenten season, but all year round.

Pinch a Loaf

Ever heard the term? I didn't hear it until this weekend...apparently it's a new phrase my dad learned, and he just had to share it with me...if you don't know what it means, I'll say look it up, because i don't want to explain it, but what it's about is definitely in my labels.

Beginning

This blog will be about people who influence my life, whether it be in good or bad. I believe that everyone comes to our life for a reason, whether it is for life, or just for a season. Everyone we know, everyone we interact with, even a stranger passing on the street can somehow change our life forever...even if we don't know it.

Feeling so incredibly unproductive.

After I graduate, I will be going to the Philippines, most likely, to study. It'll be exciting to see Lola and live with her again, as well as be back home.

ND Mold

Here's the ND Mold (SELECT FEW)
Here's me and my friends select few of select few

I don't mean to show this to say that we're better...we're obviously not. I'm doing this because we don't fit the ND mold and we can never achieve the full Notre Dame experience. (I know I'm gonna get hate comments if people read this) but the truth is, Notre Dame is a wonderful place, an amazing place...but in order to get the Notre Dame experience, you have to fit in...as contradictory as that may seem...it's true.

blaaaaaaaaah...i can't think

three mind-numbing words:

Junior Parents Weekend.

Happy Bunny

My boss loves happy bunny, and so do I. This is her mint box.

Better in time

This is Leona Lewis' song. Ironically one of the phases I was in a few years ago, but I think everyone's been in that type of position. I think everyone's heart needs to get broken at least once, it's a part of growing up...I'm just glad that I am with the one I love now.

Its been the longest winter without you
I didnt know where to turn to
See somehow I cant forget you
After all that we've been through

go in, come in
thought i heard a knock
who's there? no one
thinking that i deserved it
now i realize that i really didnt know
you didnt notice, you mean everything
quickly im learning, to love again
all i know is, imma be ok

thought i couldnt live without you
its gonna hurt when it heals to
it'll all get better in time
eventhough i really love you
im gonna smile cause i deserve to
it'll all get better in time

how could i turn on the tv
without something there to remind me
was it all that easy
to just put aside your feelings

if im dreaming
dont wanna let, hurt my feelings
[Better In Time lyrics on http://www.kovideo.net]

but thats the path, i believe in
and i know that, time will heal it
you didnt notice, you mean everything
quickly im learning, to love again
all i know is, imma be ok

thought i couldnt live without you
its gonna hurt when it heals to
it'll all get better in time
eventhough i really love you
im gonna smile cause i deserve to
it'll all get better in time

since theres no more you and me
its time i let you go so i can be free
and live my life how it should be
no matter how hard it is ill be fine without you
yes i will

thought i couldnt live without you
its gonna hurt when it heals to
it'll all get better in time
eventhough i really love you
im gonna smile cause i deserve to
it'll all get better in time

(chorus till fade)

Addictions/Obsessions

I am addicted to:
-Scratchoff tickets
-Chocolate
-Gum
-The number 3
-Plastic Spoons
-Straws
-Water
-Club Penguin
-Love
-Anagrams

...TBC...

Apology

I do apologize that my posts seem cynical and stressed or critical and judgmental, or overall just not the nicest things in the world...but I'm trying to look at my life critically and my environments, because I want to make the best of my life and be the best person I can be.

You think people would get it by now...

After 15+ years of experience, you think that people wouldn't piss on toilet seats anymore.

Falling

I feel like I'm falling again...even though I this time I have a parachute...a parachute that I know in the end prevents me from dying or crashing hard...but I just feel like I'm still falling so fast...falling too fast. I don't understand why college is so stressful sometimes. Or is it life? I don't really know. It seems like everything is chaos

Valentine Dream

So, this dream really is random, and I don't think meant much, but I figure I have a dream blog for a reason, so let me blog my dream.

The night of February 13th I had a dream that I was in my dad's office, however it's not his real life office, but some office I conjured in my mind. It didn't make cubicles like a regular office, but rather just random cubicle walls placed about and then a desk, at least where my dad was, yet the lady in front of him had a two wall cubicle. So for some reason I was there and then I was waiting for my dad and I realized that he was at home because Schwarzenegger, aka the governator, decided that every other friday state workers would have an unpaid day out of the office (this is real)...yet everyone else was there, so I was confused. Anyway, since it was valentines and I was sure that my dad would possibly be a bit upset that he wasn't at work that day, I started putting stuffed animals on his desk (because in dreams, things just pop into your hand that you need, you know)...anyway, as I did so one of my dad's office workers came by and peered from behind the one cubicle wall and said "heeey, i heard about your dad. sucks for the engineers...ten percent, damn." and I just had a general response...but that's all I can remember from the dream.

I don't know, it was weird that I dreamed that only the state engineers were affected by the 10% or whatever decrease in pay. It's so sad to see my state in such distress and debt. I hope the general economy, as well as California's general economy gets better soon.

Dear Abyss.

Oh, my dear sweet abyss...I feel like I just need to write and vent and try to relax just a bit.

There are points in life where all you feel you can do is scream, or cry, or scream and cry. I don't know why, but these last few weeks have been hard hitting, and it won't end until spring break, probably. I understand life is full of busyness and work and that we just have to get through it, and sometimes life is more work than play, but I just feel like I'm totally done with school and such.

I've had discussions with both my mom and with Michael, and it bothers me how this university, though it claims that this is such an amazing Catholic institution, yet in the people who come here, it doesn't necessarily seem that way. My mom pointed out, how much more in other institutions. Maybe it's because some of my values are different than my friends at other colleges and universities, but it just seems like they don't have the same issues I have here. Issues of people not being the best versions of themselves...or if they are, then that's scary that that's the best they can be.

It's not just the people here that have disappointed me, but different programs and expectations that have let me down. Ever since my brother was an RA (when I was eleven) I wanted to be an RA. Freshman year, my RA, Katie Kerr, changed my life. She is one of the most awesome people, and still checks up on me, and that meant a lot to me. This furthered my wanting to be an RA, and yet, I will not be one because of some dorm issues and some other issues...and this breaks my heart so much.

I came to Notre Dame because of ND Vision, thinking that I would be one of those college counselors, like John Paul, and Nikki, and Eric, and everyone else. Yet, I've tried three years to no avail. I feel like trying again next year, but that I still won't get it. And it makes me wonder if it has anything to do with the fact that I'm not "pretty" or that I'm short or that I "look funny" because they make us submit a photo with our application, which makes me feel like we're judged on our looks, which doesn't seem Catholic to me.

I came to Notre Dame thinking I'd be joining this great community, this community of people who was a family, a family I wanted to belong to. A place where there was great fellowship and faith. Yet, the following happened: I was a part of the Freshman Peer Leader program, but had to discontinue due to working two jobs (a point i'll touch upon next). There was a retreat for FPL members coming up, and I still wanted to be a part of it because I thought it'd be cool. This is the response I got, "Since you are no longer a part of the Freshman Peer Leader program, you are not allowed to attend the FPL retreat." Uh, discrimination much? Whatever happened to being Catholic and understanding and acceptance?

Another thing that I am so frustrated about is the gap between the rich kids and the poor kids, it was there, and it wasn't bad, but now it just seems worse from the current economic situation. My boyfriend's father passed away, and before then, it wasn't like they were rolling in the millions, either...but that makes him responsible for paying for the house and the car and insurance and bills and everything...I work two jobs and am currently looking for a third job as well as try to maintain good grades while taking 20 credits so that I can pay off student loans, with over $2000 in interest already...yeah, interest. Then there are the students here who are rich because their parents came here and were successful, or their parents are just rich. Kids who don't realized how lucky and blessed to be here. Kids who get a mercedes for their 16th birthday. Of course there are people who have money and still have a level head...but really, the gap between the rich and poor here can be so apparent, and so hard on us that try to work and work just so that we have a chance at a life that others have without working at it.

The weird thing about this experience here is that though I dislike school here, or people here, or some of the policies or programs here...I still love Notre Dame and am so proud to be a part of it...but the Notre Dame I love is the Notre Dame the public sees, the Notre Dame that everyone is in awe of the fact that I attend school here. The Notre Dame that is prestigious and pays for students to come here based on need (yea, except it's only based on income, with no look at debt and medical bills), helping students foot the bill...guaranteeing that every student can and will receive aid if needed...and in full, if need be.

The university that I'm proud to be apart of is an ideal...but the reality is something far from this ideal. Is this ideal unachievable? Or has it been achieved and I'm blind to see it? Do I have too high of expectations? There are so many other things that bother me, maybe they are all little things and they've all added up, who knows...all I know is that life here has been frustrating because it seems like there are contradictions all around me.

Definitely had to bustle through too many ads for this result...

Free-IQTest.net - IQ Test


What an IQ score means

I don't know if I'm a genius if I endured all those ads for my score, haha. :)

A short letter

Dear Abyss,

I apologize for being extremely busy. I promise I haven't forgotten you. I will blog again soon.

Me

An amusing Woot shirt.

During my career at Notre Dame, there are a few websites that I've come across that are pretty darn good. Woot.com is one of them. Here is a shirt that won the Derby a few weeks ago, and it amazing.

Are you happy?

I'm listening to Alicia Keys "Like you'll never see me again"

Love me like you'll never see me again.
(Get full lyrics here.)

Since I haven't had much time to write in my blog, I haven't been able to talk about my life and things that I've been through. I can say that I have had a lot of near death experiences. And I have loved move than once in my life. Each love I had was different and exciting in their own way, each one unique and different.

I pose the question "Are you happy?" because I know it is something that people don't always ask themselves. Everyone else, at least most of the people I care about most, ask this of everyone else, trying to fulfill everything they can so that the people they care about answer "Yes, I am." But do we really look at ourselves and ask if we're happy? Often times I think of human beings as selfish or only interested in benefiting for themselves...but when I really think of it, I think there are so many of us out in the world that are selfless...wanting everyone else happy before we ask ourselves if we're happy. If we cannot ask ourselves if we are happy, how much more do we do anything that makes ourselves happy.

A perfect example are my parents, I know they're happy, because us kids having a good life makes them happy. But they never once said, "I want this, it's ok if the kids don't go to the movies." They would sacrifice a meal, a desired dress, a night out just so our kids could buy a toy that would be played with for a while and then cast aside. As lovers (and I mean that in a non-romantic way), humans always put their loved ones before themselves, no questions asked.

I bring this up because I had a hard day today, frustrated about some petty thing about my friends forgetting to ask me to join them for JPW dinner. This upset me greatly, but I tried to not let it show. When Michael visited me later he knew something was wrong, and eventually ended up trying to get me a spot near my friends for JPW so I wouldn't be all alone, even offering to give up his weekend to spend at JPW with me and my parents. Michael always seems to sacrifice for my happiness. Yet, I still ask myself "Am I happy?"

Yes, I am happy with the direction my life is going. Yes, I'm blessed to be here at this university, here with my amazing boyfriend, here. Just plain here. I am so blessed to be alive and live each day. God gives me all that I need to survive (otherwise I wouldn't be alive, right?). Yet, sometimes I feel that there is something lacking. Whether it be missing old friends, or the yearning to start the rest of my life, but I just seem to sometimes feel like I need more in life. Yet, there are days where nothing can be better.

I know that everyone goes through these ups and downs, some more than others, but ultimately, I think we must ask,overall, if we are happy or not.

My answer? Yes, I'm happy. Yes, I do have some sadness that won't go away all too fast, but I have a roof over my head, food that fills my stomach, friends and family that feed my heart and soul, books to feed my intellect, and nature to let my spirit run free.

There will always be things that you look back on in life, but the some things to remember are that everything happens for a reason, God never gives you more than you can handle with Him, God has a plan, and God never ever makes mistakes.

Three words:
Exhausting but fulfilling

Adobo!

Michael made me adobo...it was SOOOOO yummy. I miss Chicken Adobo. Yay!!!

Happy Anniversary, Michael!

Cheeses: Gouda, Monterey, Cheddar Jack, American, Provolone, Parmesan...

The title has nothing to do with my blog post.

I'm kinda sick, I think from exhaustion.

This week has been crazy. But yeah, it was Michael and my two year anniversary. It was full of fun and surprises...and it continues today! I got a lucky bamboo, a clean shaven boyfriend, a chicken pot pie, games and games of bowling, and he's cooking for me today!

Nothing too exciting at school, just that I switched into Fr. Gorski's class, and now have one class MWU and then my straight through classes TR.

Now time to go back to bed. Hehe.

Three words:

Full Of Love

Anniversaries

Today (well yesterday now) was Michael and my official two year anniversary, though we've been together for two and a half years. It was overall a good day. I'll write more tomorrow, but I have a class at 9. Goodnight, World. Goodnight, Abyss.

Irony/Fate

I watched Hunchback of Notre Dame and remembered Esmerelda was one of my favorite Disney females. Then I talked to my brother later and, as I sit at Notre Dame, he has found and is now dating a girl named Esmerelda. Their one week is today (21st) as well as mine and michael's official 2 year anniversary (though we've been dating two and a half years). I thought it was at least interesting.

We Googled You

A case that we had to read in Business Problem Solving was "We Googled You," essentially, a case where there was a good candidate for a job and then she was googled and "dirt" was found on her. So naturally, that caused me to Google myself. I then found out that one of my art pieces was featured in the summer Notre Dame magazine. This I found funny, because, again relating to Business Problem Solving, a guy in my class was featured in this seasons Notre Dame magazine and didn't know it either.

A bit of sad news.

My friend Alicia is getting a divorce, she has maybe a four year old baby? Maybe he's three, I can't remember.

My friend Betty Huff passed away, but at least it was a peaceful death.

So busy, I apologize

Hey all!

Sorry, I apologize, I will be MIA for a while. Busy with the start of work.

My sister found Jesus, I didn't know he was missing, but she found Him.

The above is a quote from one of my bosses, Kat...she's awesome :)

Day 1 Parts 1 and Part 2(ish) - complete

I say day 1 part 1 and 2, since with MW and TR classes, you have to first day of school in college.

I have one more class to go in an hour, but besides that, I'm done...and WAAAY back in the swing of things...maybe too back in the swing of things...haha.

I already had a work meeting and a shift, as well as my other work and a meeting for that tonight, all my classes, and I'm talking at a retreat. Phew...when can I find time to breathe?

It's weird not taking an art class this semester, but I'll get by, right?

Anyway, day one wasn't too bad, and day one part two is only two class so no big.

It's nice to see friends again, and being able to sit with Levi and Christian (and Michael, of course) in LaFortune and get really hyper off ice cream. It's just like we never left.

Three words:

Crazy. Sexy. Cool.

Haha ok that's not really my three words, here they are:

New, exciting, fun.

Breakdance, America, Breakdance.

Today Michael and I were driving to get dinner at Wings, Etc. and we saw a black Uncle Sam break dancing in the middle of the street, literally. He was break dancing, pop and locking in the middle of an intersection. We didn't know what to do.

Blizzard and School.

What a great combination.

Anyway, Michael and I went shopping yesterday...tons of shopping, but it's still not all done. I have to build a bookcase and a jewelry stand, haha. Oh dear. Anyway, not much to say right now. Just waiting for classes to begin in about 45 minutes.

Anyway, as we were driving here we passed a road that I'd never seen before. It's called FAIL road. How scary is that, going to school and you get detoured to Fail Road, I thought it was kind of amusing, actually, but also daunting.

Anyway, back to the grind of things, 9:30-3:15 class straight. 3:15-3:30 walk through a blizzard to work number one, 3:30-5:00 work, 5:00-5:40 take bus to library, 5:40-5:50 walk through blizzard to work number two, 5:50 Arrive for first day of work at job two, Work until 11 pm, walk through blizzard yet again, take shower, do homework, go to bed.

Three(ish) words:

Back to-the grind.

I think that there should be a word that conjoins those two words, they are used together so frequently, it just makes sense.

Sorry for the absence.

Hey all,

Sorry for the absence, had no computer yesterday and today I've been moving in. So my three words for yesterday and all through the upcoming week.

Busy, Busy, BUSY!

Sam's First Eighth Birthday

Today my niece had an unexpected birthday. She's turning eight in February. Michael and I took her to the Shedd Aquarium, and it was free except to see the Sponge Bob Square Pants in 4d, as well as the sharks, but we didn't go there. The Sponge Bob movie was so short that we had to pretend like the 20 bucks we paid was admission into the whole thing for us to feel like it was worth it. Sam also got a facepainting of a dolphin. (Pictures to come later!) After this, we were going to take the bus, but it was snowing so hard outside that we had to take a cab. We went to Navy Pier where sam made her first build-a-bear, which she named Hannah, after Hannah Montana. It was funny because the sound that she put in it was Jingle Bell Rock, and I don't think she understand that it was a Christmas song, but she was set on having it. After all this, we ate at McDonald's...and what happy meal doesn't make a day better...a happy meal with the nutrition facts on the wrapper, that's what. Michael and I calculated that the burger and fries we ate was 80% of the fat intake we were supposed to have in a day. We also went to a game store that was 50% off because it was closing that day. I don't understand why it is only 50% off, it should be discounted more to get the most of what the store has left. Anyway, all in all, I think it was an awesome last day in Chicago. After all this, we still had even more fun by watching Wipe Out on TV before our trek to Orland Park (see last post.)

In three words...

Birthdays are AWESOMEEEEEEEEEEEEE.

First REAL Snow Drive

I drove from downtown Chicago to Orland Park in the middle of a snow storm, and the gps wasn't working for the first 15 minutes of the trip...hah...that was fun. Anyway, I learned some new tricks, like using the windshield wiper fluid to help clean up the outside of the window when driving in the snow. Or the fact that a low clearance car can, indeed, not make it over eight inches of snow. And that black ice sucks. And don't follow a truck that is salting the roads, you will get pelted with salt. And clean behind your tires. And clean all the snow off the top of the roof. Lots and lots of fun stuff.

In three words...

Snow driving...intense.

Three Words - Chicago ABC-7 News

I was watching ABC-7 this morning and "Shadow Stabbing" by cake started playing. As it played it should various videos/pictures of people around the area who described their lives for the week in three words. I like the idea, short, simple and to the point. I want to try to do it at least every Saturday post. So I'll start with today. However I'm going to have to saying three different things.

--

Sad saying goodbye.

Yay! Boyfriend's here!

Learned a lot.

From my friend Sophia - http://www.howmanyfiveyearoldscouldyoutakeinafight.com/

http://www.howmanyfiveyearoldscouldyoutakeinafight.com/
Take the quiz, skip the registration and go to answers.

30

Created by OnePlusYou - Free Dating Sites

Classified Ventures - Apartments.com

December 2008 - January 2009

I was hired as the Design intern for the Product Development department of Apartments.com, a product of Classified Ventures.

"Classified Ventures, LLC ("CV") is a strategic joint-venture 100% owned and funded by five large media partners whose objectives are to collectively capitalize on the revenue growth in the real estate and automotive online advertising categories. Our strategic partners are Belo Corporation, Gannett Company Inc., The McClatchy Company, Tribune Company and The Washington Post Company." -www.classifiedventures.com

Apartments.com is a company that helps find people apartments. It also has a manager center and landlord resource center. Another helpful tool for tenants is the moving center, as well as the Apartment Living newsletter and article database.

My job consisted of a three week internship over the holiday break, I was given several different projects to help the company with, which included the following:

• Designing a "submit photos" logo.
• Designing a new layout for the Apartment Living e-newsletter
• Designing an up and coming development for moving center

These and the other projects that I had at Apartments.com can soon be found on my website, www.kristarose.com.

Projects Pre 2009

Please come back for posts of previous projects later.

Dave and Buster's

Michael and I went to dave and buster's last night. It was the night I lost my dave and buster's virginity, haha. We went to the bar and had really sucky service from the bartender, so the manager started tending to us...and then towards the end of our meal the bartender was trying to milk us for a nice tip by being really nice. That didn't work. We gave the manager a nice big tip, tho. Mike won like three jackpots, and I won one as well...however, we still only had about 1900 tickets. That was $50 worth of playing, tho we got $30 in the mail and the other 20 was so that the meal was $24 bucks...uh yeah...there's a reason why mike's chicken alfredo was only $4. We put ranch all over his chicken, it was supposed to be for my wings...and that seemed to make his dish better only because it was drowned in ranch, so unhealthy. Anyway, I enjoyed dave and buster's, despite some service issues at the bar. I really enjoyed this coin game, where you have a crane like device and you try to knock down as many coins as possible. That was fun. I was trying to hit the jackpot, but would always get overly excited and accidentally knock down the statue in the middle, which cuts your game short. it gets addicting.
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Anyway, it's my last day at work, I'm gonna miss it a lot.

New Years Resolution - Blog everyday.

Ok, maybe that wasn't my real resolution. But I want to try and blog everyday, it's fun, and I get to talk to the abyss.

Today is my second to last day of my winter internship at Classified Ventures, or rather, Apartments.com. I've had a great run, I just wish it was longer. The people are great, I really love them all here. They are all genuinely nice, and it's a great working environment.

Michael is driving from St. Louis currently, and will hopefully get me hot boba tea in Chinatown. There's a really good place there that I can't currently remember the name of. But here's a picture of it on the left!


Anyway, not much going on today. I'll blog later. Currently my job is to look for other blogs, so I'm blogged out...or should I say blogged down. Haha, ok, bad pun, sorry.

Sometimes I wonder how people survive...

Honestly, I don't understand how some people survive. Today I was waiting for the train, and I saw a lady push herself onto an obviously full car, standing in the way of the door...and then when she finally moved for the door to close, she reaches up and grabs the emergency knob that opens the door to keep from falling. Sometimes, I wish I could give people lessons in common sense.

The picture has very little to do with this story...rather it's just Michael goofing around while we waited for the Red Line...and that's how it relates to the story...they're both about the red line train. Lol

Guard on Goethe

There's some sort of community on Goethe in Chicago, between Dearborn and Clark. I have no idea what it is exactly, but it's a gated community. Anyway, since it's a gated community, obviously, they have a guard in the front. At the beginning of my internship I passed by there and didn't know it was a gated community or that there was a guard, so the person in the wall surprised me. Anyway, I decided to wave hello, and since that day, every morning, instead of taking the bus on Schiller and Clark, I walk down to Goethe and pass by the guard, wave hello, and he waves back, it's like part of my morning routine. Now I'm upset because it's my last week, and I realized that next week he's going to be wondering where I am. Hopefully, he'll be there when I come back in the summer and we can renew our morning routine.
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It's always nice to spread a smile.

*Note: The community is called Beeker Place at 55 W Goethe*

An introduction would be nice...eh?

Don't you just hate it when someone starts talking to you and rambling on and on and you don't know who they are? Well, I'm sorry that I did that to you, so I guess I should start this post by introducing who I am.

My name is KristaRose M. Mijares. Yes, KristaRose is one word, and yes, the "R" is capitalized. I am a Filipino American who was born and raised in California. I have two older brothers who are both working, and can't believe that there baby sister is already 21.

I am currently a junior at Notre Dame studying Business Administration and Management, specializing in Entrepreneurship, as well as IT. I used to be a photography and design major as well, but I decided that art is more internal and can't be taught thoroughly to someone, rather it is something personal. I was also a theology major, because I am a Roman Catholic with a strong faith. I was also a psychology major because I am interested in how people interact and think.

No, it's not that I'm indecisive, but rather that everything fascinates me. I always like to try new things, and be different and forge my own path. Everything, to me is exciting and new and everyone should be thankful for each and every day because today is the present, a gift from God.

Don't let my religion fool you, I can be quite candid as well. One guarantee is, I love my family, I love my Alma Mater, I love my boyfriend, I love my friends, and I just love my life. I love to work and challenge myself. I think of my life and I always remember an old quote that says, "Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and proclaiming, - WOW, WHAT A RIDE!"

Let it snow! ... Cuz I'm inside.

I got to work at 7:30 this morning, thinking "Why the heck am I coming in early?" And now I look outside and it looks like it will be a very white day.

I had a few things to blog about but now I can't really remember.

One note, you can't view this blog on my business website, kristarose.com, but rather my more personal website, krazykreeinc.com, at least it's the personal one for now.

My boyfriend, Michael, is driving up from Corpus Christi, TX, today, but he won't be here until Thursday. I haven't seen him since his father passed away in early December.

Yay blogs!

Finally, I have an official blog that I will be putting on my website, KristaRose.com, thanks to my friend, Ken, at Apartments.com!