Rainy Georgia Day

Another Rainy Georgia day, buuut at least it's not snow!! It was -11 in Homer last week I heard..thank goodness I wasn't there for that! It's like Antarctica but there aren't any penguins there. Oh mann, this is why, people, we need to recycle and stop polluting, and take care of our Earth otherwise it is going to fight back and can easily destroy us! We should have more respect for her than that too.

The other thing is people here don't recycle as much as they should- acually barely at all as compared to NY. My Aunt and Uncle are going to start which makes me very happy, I'm gonna help remind/ teach them about it :)


 What else? Job hunting still, hoping for a school job and then probably a bar or restaurant if I can at night and on weekends, although I would really like one full day off a week, but at this point it's probably better to work all I can until my car is taken care of and I have built up my account again, at least for a little while.  Gotta do what's gonna be best!

Random: I need to get new headphones, defrag my computer, hoop today, and call Virginia SP.

Productive is faster up North.

I am almost completely unpacked (yey). Even though most of the items I brought with me were either clothes or hair and makeup stuff...haha. That's what being a girl is though I guess!  I am actually excited to start working again, and starting in a different place is definitely a fresh start!


I later plan on hooping (even though it's rainy and wet out, the garage is open!! Woohoo!!). Tomorrow morning I am going to pick my car up, in the morning do some prep stuff, print out my papers I need, and then go around to different places to drop my resume off and get applications!! Monday was super productive, today will be mostly prep for tomorrow, then tomorrow I will be really productive as well! I love when I get stuff done, big stuff and accomplish goals! (Doesn't everyone though?).

One thing i do wish however, is that 13 Water was still 10 minutes away, as well as Dust, Karen, Taylor, Dri, katy, Maria, Flo, Bri, Brooke, Marie, Janet, and Sarah. Sarah is about 7 hours, Maria is 4, Flo is probably like 8, Brooke  is like 12, marie like 13, Janet, Katy, Bri, Karen, Tay, and Dust are like 16. I think.

What's Up with my Car? I'll tell You...

Car was looked at today, and although I have had my friends give different suggestions as to what was going on with it, along with the guys at Auto Zone who tested my car a few different times..(alternator, wiring from the automatic starter, a bad connection to the battery, a bad sensor in the engine for maybe the heat of the engine, etc). I was told it was the fuel pressure gage- aka the needle was not accurately showing where my fuel level is- it is ok when it's full to below the half tank mark, but when it gets down near a quarter of a tank then it doesn't move accurately, so basically I ran out of gas and didn't know it.

But, when it happened last time, I still turned the car on and went 30 miles to Raleigh, and then when I got there I drive it around the next day without getting gas and it was fine...I am almost positive I didn't get gas until right before I left. I will have to really think about it and maybe check with my friend and see if they remember anything I don't about it. I'm glad it's not major though, definitely!!

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 I found a sweet assistant events planner job I applied for, wish me luck! That would be amazing because that is what I want to do! (Obviously there will be more opportunity here where I am in a city and there are always things going on!). Also, I applied to work at a school as the afterschool activities coordinator. I would really like that as well, and even though it's part time it still would be in my field of study :) Also may try to wait or bartend again as well...always a good field to meet people in and make some connections, and a great social area! I loved bartending before, one of my favorite jobs (besides my recreation ones), so might as well do what I love!

On My Way... welcome to Atlanta!

On My Way…

Car is packed/ loaded, however you want to say it. Snow came down yesterday, roads a bit slippery. Oh man…at least I will be driving south. Unfortunately not completely out of it though- the southern states have snow..Alabama is really icy, things are predicted to be closing in Atlanta, and somewhere I heard the news talk about a 50 car pile up. Mostly because when people who are not used to driving in snow and ice go out in it, it is 10 times more dangerous!!

Got to Chantilly ok to Mingle’s. Had a nice lil visit with her. Had some lasagna and champagne even! I mapped out directions, and then headed to Mike’s around 6. Got there about 7. 

Driving in DC when you haven’t before is pretty crazy..the lights are on the sides of the road and much lower than I am used to.  On constitution avenue, as well as other parts of town, there will be 3 lanes but at first I didn’t know which ones were to go straight and which ones were turn only until I got up there, but then I realized that there are these white signs that show each lane and has an arrow so you can be prepared as you come up on them. It can although be difficult to switch lanes if you are all the way over and you need to turn at the next road!  I made it though. When I got out front of the house, I remembered that there was a weird pull back to get around back of the house to the driveway, so I pulled over and M parked the car for me. When I was waiting there, a police came over and asked if I was ok. I told him about the parking deal, and then he told me to be careful and have a good night. Ok.

Get there, get ready to go out- we go to Ironhorse, a nice sports bar/restaurant.  They have booths with keg taps at the tables, 2 different kinds each…bud, Labatt, killians, shocktop…I think these were the ones. There were a few others too.  We watched most of the game, and then went back and hung out.

Next day I was surprised with a trip in the Washington monument..one of the few things we didn’t have time for last time I was there. The views were really good, and on the way down in the elevator you could see huge stone plaques (idk what else to call them right now) representing different states…really neat!

After that, we went to the Smithsonian Portrait Gallery and checked that out.

The night held an NBA game- Wizards vs I think it was LA.. Afterwards, we went to the Green Turtle. 

Went to the gym, felt good to do 5 miles J Probably one of if not the nicest gym I’ve been in…sauna, steam room, new workout equipment, bi level, salon, smoothie/ juice/ sandwich place, great locker rooms and shower area…Vida

After that, we got some lunch at where M works, then chilled until later when we went to the Kennedy Center and saw the play Shear Madness. Great play, very funny. The Kennedy Center is amazing- so big, beautiful, spacious, and elegant!

Thursday I drove to Raleigh, NC.

On the way, 440 my car did the same thing it did when I was moving back from Cape Vincent a few years ago… it glided to a halt from 65. Ahhh. Ok, so I tried to turn it on and it wouldn’t work. I waited like 10 minutes and then turned it on and it was ok..I made it the rest of the 30 miles or so to Raleigh.

That night we went to the Carolina Ale House, 2 of them actually. I got some dinner and had some drinks. Fun time!  

 Next day, hung out and got the car checked…they said it wasn’t the battery or the alternator. The oil was changed last week, and all the fluids were checked and filled before I left DC.

I got a driving tour of the city, and went to this 50s style diner. I tried blackened catfish and I do have to say it was quite delicious!

We went to the Goat for a drink.

That night...a few attempts from guys to get my number…all failed. Haha One kept calling me lil S because he couldn’t remember my name. Haha Crazy person.  Anyways, it was an interesting night- and it wasn’t as bad sitting partially by myself (partically because for a few parts of the night a few people I knew came in so I chilled with them for a few hours) as I originally had thought.

Another late night, but a good one at that.

Next morning, although I thought I was staying in Charlotte for the night, things changed…J had to go to work and wouldn’t be there to let me in and whatnot so I just decided to drive all the way to Atlanta, and hope my car wouldn’t act up.

Supposed to be 6 hours….supposed to be. Well, let me tell you.

I drove 2 hours then stopped at a subway, got a sub and stayed like 30 mins to let my car cool off or whatever it had to do, even though the gage said the engine temperature was fine.

Drove another hour and a half and stopped again, had the worst 2 sips of coffee in my life, out of a machine. I say 2 sips because after the first one I though, omg it really can’t be THAT bad, can it?  So I tried a second sip and then realized right away that yes, yes it certainly CAN be THAT BAD.  So, there goes my dollar…in the trash can.

I continue driving, listening to <3 Drake along the way, along with some country stuff I mixed in too.

When I am on I-20W, in SC towards ATL, my car feels like it did a little pull left right left with the wheel, subtly but I still felt it. Like 30 seconds later it does it again, so I get to the far right and then pull off the side because I realize that my car is dying again. What?! Really, ok. I didn’t panic at this point because last time I waited and turned it on again in a few minutes and it was fine. So, I called my dad to let him know, (I was planning on getting it serviced as soon as I arrived in GA). I try it, it wouldn’t start…I waited and tried and it would for a second then shut off. Hmmmm… maybe I was supposed to stay in Raleigh and live there for a bit…?

I called AAA to see if someone could come jump it, because the battery and oil light were lit up.  A mechanic called me and I explained what happened and he said he can almost guarantee it wasn’t the battery, and I should call for a tow- if you call AAA for a  jump or something and you need a two or something else done that you don’t specify on the phone before they arrive, then you need to call AAA again and do a new request and wait even longer for a new person to come out. Figures. Good thing this guy saved me that time of the battery jump which I pretty much didn’t need. So, I called and requested a tow truck.

I was told it would be there by 707pm. Ok.

I wait. 725, no truck. I call around 730 to ask…right before this, AAA calls to make sure I’m still safe and says then truck should be there any minute…I’m waiiiiitingggg…nope.

I call again, 745ish. Now am informed someone cancelled my request at 630. I need to wait for a new request to be sent out. (Lexington, SC)

((Really!?!?)) (Breathe).

Ok, how long will that be?

I’m not sure maam, I need to call someone but will let you know.

                Ok.

****Wait*****

Hello, Stephanie?

                Yes.

I am having a little trouble finding someone to come and tow you, because the company we called, their long distance driver is off today and for the next few days.

                Ok….Well, I have been sitting here since about 530 and now it’s almost 8:00…

Yes, I understand that and I am sorry this is happening to you.

                Me too.

I promise I will get someone out there as soon as I can, and if this company can’t I will make sure to find someone else to.

Thank you, I’m hoping not to have to sit on the side of the road overnight.

No, you won’t.

                I sure hope not.  ((Car headlights are dimming, along with much slower 4 way blinkers at this time)

**Wait***

I found someone for you, and they have been informed of your situation, they are in their way now and should be there by about 838.

                Ok, thank you. If they don’t show up I’m calling you back again.

**wait**

Hello, is this Miss Stephanie?

                Yes.

This is Justin from r & B Auto, I have someone on their way for you right now, they should be there in 35-40 minutes (8:07pm).

                Thanks, great.

**wait**

8:15 lights out on car, def drained the battery all the way. 

**Wait lalalal, start singing loudly and looking at Orion constellation, wondering if the woods next to me are shallow or if the go back, how far it is if I walked to the next exit…if I could open my doors and stand between them to pee because I have had to go a while now, or if I should ask the driver to stop once he gets there so I can go, but maybe that would add more mileage on so he would charge me pretty much for asking to use the restroom).

I put the flashlight my dad had me put in the car on, pointing out the back window to act as a “car light” so drivers and trucks will see me and so the tow driver can see me.

8:50, no truck.

8:55 no truck.

I call Justin and he says he will contact the driver and see where he is.

9:15 truck arrives.

                (Yey! Finally! J)

-Truck backs up…doesn’t stop and tow is now screeching on top of my hood.

My mouth drops open.  No words.

I get out of the car…”You have got to be shitting me.”

Car driver gets out, looks, gets back in car and pulls forwards..the noise again.

((Holy Shit, icing on the cake. Oh well, at least I don’t have energy to get mad so I just start laughing.))

                “That part supposed to go under the car?”

Yes, maam.

                Well, it didn’t. (Captain obvious)

I’m sorry maam, it’s my first time driving this truck, I should have checked it before I backed up.

                “Yes, you probably should have.”

He calls his manager, and I call aaa. They say to do a police report, so I call the SCPD…there are a lot of accidents so when the next available officer can we will send them there.

                “Do you know about how long it will be by chance?”

No, once they are done with the other calls.

                “..Ok, thank you.”

I take pictures, so does the driver. He hooks the car up while I am (I would say frantically, but even though I was making a lot of calls my attitude and demeanor was of disbelief and comic, luckily) calling a zillion people trying to figure this out. AAA, SC police, Aunt J, Dad, Neighbor Sue…  about an hour later we get the police report. We get on the road finally, 2 hour drive, GPS says we will arrive in Conyers at 1:34.

The driver was nice, he really didn’t mean to hit it, and I was going to be riding with him a few hours..don’t want to be on his bad side, plus I had to get a feel whether I felt safe riding with him. I did, so after like 15 mins on the road I fell asleep. Woke up when we were almost to Conyers. 

Arrival time said 1:36. We got there, he had to call in my credit card for the towing payment (not cheap by the way, even with the 1^st 100 miles in tow free).

Aunt J and Scott are there, we get out my electronics and drive to waffle house. Slow service, good food, bet cheesy eggs I’ve ever had in my life though, no joke. Chocolate milk cures everything. They forgot the cheese on my hash browns and I had to remind him of my oj and my raisin toast and grits because I think he put my order in wrong. Oh well, I don’t care what I get after my 3 ½ hours sitting by the side of the road without heat (yes, it was sc but there was snow there, it was night and it was at the warmest lower 40’s while I was sitting there). Food is food.  Kind of nice to get it in sections though, it kept everything warm by the time I got to it!

Also, on the upside of being towed…it saved my new snow tires all those miles of wear and tear on a dry road, I didn’t have to refill my gas tank (even though what I paid definitely would have got me like 5 months worth of gas), I got to sleep, and didn’t have to worry about being the one to get lost or have to drive at night.

R & B are paying for the damages to the hood, and I have to wait 3-4 days to hear if I will be compensated for the cancelled request, which if I didn’t call back no one would have come get me, the late arrivals, etc. Also, my phone thank goodness it was fully charged on the road because with all the calls I was making by the time I finally got to where I met my Aunt and Uncle, it had low battery- and think about it, with a dead car battery you can’t charge anything.

(**A few days later I saw this battery powered thing to charge your phone- small enough to put in your purse, which will be yet another anticipated future purchase)

WELCOME to the A-T-L, aka Hotlanta!  

 HERES TO NEW CHAPTERS, NEW PLACES, NEW PEOPLE AND NEW PHASES.

Drink lots of H2O

So, even though I was sad to leave Atlanta, I was sure glad to get back to my friends here in NY! I had an amazing last week of the semester/ finals week- which, luckily this year wasn't my year to take them! : Woohoo!

Sum it up...uhm, Four Lokos, hooping, snowball fights, hot cider, snow angels...dancing...even when me, flo, and Mikey were the only ones on the dance floor at the underground bar...haha.

Out in Syracuse which was wicked fun...3 bullseyes in darts (oh yea!)...I can't even begin to describe all the awesome times we had before we all spead out, more permanently this time...me GA, Flo- Virginia Beach, Maria- Mountains in North Carolina, Josh- Maryland,  Dri- Back home downstate....ahh! We will reunite again though.

Also, went sledding and made snow angels as well w Dust and Emily...Blue frog for the end of the Formation of Clouds...decided to stay out with Mel and go to Brix and chill w Traub and Moses...end up seeing Chad and Jake and Feint!! :) Wow, I was so happy to see them!! (Uhm, yea I can def say I miss them too!!). We played pool for literally 3 hours, and I ended up getting progressively better as the night went on- as expected, if someone plaYs for 3 hours and still doesn't get better then there is a big problem..) lol.

Christmas went well, got stuff that I can definitely use- which is a lot better than junk...
Christmas with the whole Dad's side went well too- nice to have some wine to keep things rolling as well! (Dad said only half a glass...yeah, uh huh...I love how as an adult he still thinks of me as his little kid and feels the need to try and set limits even now that I can make my own decisions..doesn't mean they will be followed or listened to though!)

***I'm sorry I need to apologize right now. this post is a half assed one, I only have a few days left here in NY and wanna go hang out with my bro but wanted to put some bridge post in here...to be edited or written more in later***

New years Eve- Me and Karen went snowboarding with Justin and Chad and some other friends....I did better than I thought I was going to, fell a few times definitely, but I didn't get a bruise on my butt like last time when i went!  I just would get right back up...Plus, this time I went down with my left foot first, and last time I went down with my right foot first (goofy i think it's called). I would have rather gone with my right foot forwards, but I decided it would be too much hassle to change it, even though Chad said he could do it for me.

Around 2, we headed back to Cortland and I headed to the Jug- open till 6am yeahh! So I drank after 2, enjoyed some tasty beverages to ring in the new year, and ended the night with a truly awesome BLT with mayo and extra crispy bacon!! Then, walked to Karen's and crashed at 730am..slept only for 2 hours, then was up...took a one hour nap later that day, but then still was up until about 1am the next night- how does our bodies do that?? Pull that much energy from that little sleep?!?! haha

Got my professional pics done...sent them to an agency...emailed for a job....realized the babysitting gig I thought I was going to take was a scam. At least I realized it now versus when I got down there...never again will I believe someone who is more concerned about the money than about their child and the specifics about the caregiver!  Whatever, it's over and done with....I am hoping to get an afterschool activities job at a school near my new place...application is in and I should hear within the next week or so!

Headed out Monday morning to DC for a few days...then Raleigh...then to my new home (or home away from home)!!  Also, planning a trip to see Maria <3 and Sarah in New Orleans...I just need a job as the number one priority first so I can have money to do all this cool stuff! ahah. I wish the world didn't revolve around money and I wish you could just get by on how good of a personality and heart you had! Wouldn't that be nice!??! (Maybe in my dreams!)

Now, almost all my stuff I am taking is packed, sitting between the front room and my room...I am ready to put it in my car, but figure it probably isn't the best thing for shampoo, perfume, my tv, and miscellaneous other electronics to be sitting in the single digits for a few days- may freeze or crack, or cause a problem.

Tonite I'm hangin out with my bro, tomorrow will be my last errands, maybe see if Aunt Lisa is home and visit her...pm Chad is cooking dinner and then thinking it wil be my last night out in Cortland. Saturday I'm hoping to do some yoga with mom, and quality time there, then at night see my girl Kylie one more time (not last though!!) and have some fun in cocktail attire, break out the glow sticks and dance music....wow, it's really going to happen!! :) It's about time!!

I am so glad that I took this trip I have taken- I wouldn't trade it at all, and it just inspires me more to crack down, save more and plan to make my dreams become reality!! I hope to never settle or let my spirit get down! Life is such a wonderful thing and the world is so amazing, I want to see and do it all!! It's a gift and is to be treated like it- use it up, wear it out, don't let it collect dust!!


Quote tonight: Feel the music and live it!