Let Summer Begin!

Wow. It's been a long time. Sorry to all my readers. 

Anyway, it's been a crazy few months. After I graduated, I got a job at Manhattan High School East, which I loved. Super, super fun. 

In April, I became an Independent Mary Kay Beauty Consultant (http://www.marykay.com/mandisanders). I like it, and I feel prettier. :) I get to have a fun and hang out with girls I like. 

Now that it's summer, I have a sweet summer job. I work at Riddle's Jewelry (http://www.riddlesjewelry.com/). Which is extremely convenient, since that's where I found my engagement ring. :) It's a lot to learn though, which is why I'll keep working there when the job at the school picks back up. 

Well that's all my employment issues so far. Let's get to the fun stuff. 

Shawn and I are still really happy. Can you believe it? I'm so excited. I know that we're planning to get married, but I was honestly worried that our feelings might fade away. Luckily, we're strong as ever, if not stronger. Sadly, Shawn's been out in California prepping for Iraq since the middle of June, so needless to say, I'm ready for him to be home. Very ready. For several reasons... First, I just miss my boyfriend, you know? Second, so many awesome movies are out that I'm waiting for Shawn to see, like UP and Night at the Museum 2... Third, I bought a bed for us. No joke. I've been just dying for one, and I bought it! I know that it doesn't sound so cool, but it'll be fun because I didn't tell Shawn that I bought it, so it'll be a surprise. He probably won't care, or possibly be mad at me that I put it on a credit card... Oh well, we have a bed, and I'm excited. 

The end of May led to the end of the current living situration with Pearl and Jen. There's good and bad to all of it. Megan moved in, which is exciting, because I feel like in the last year we drifted apart a bit, just because we both had so much going on. 

Anyway, I don't have much else to look forward to... Just Jonas, Demi, Green Day, engaged, possibly married, Chicago, Jan's play, Shakespeare in the park, and everything else. :)

Unhappy

Okay, I feel as though I'm going to scream.

I'm not stressed out (much) about anything, but I'm so dang bored I'm ready to die.

I think more than anything, I feel lonely.
Shawn's here, but... well, we never touch.
I know that sounds weird, but we don't. When we watch TV or a movie, he sits in a chair, and I'm on the couch. When we go out to eat we sit opposite, which is okay, because otherwise it would be weird and creepy. He lives here, but we have separate beds. We never touch.

I don't know what to do. I hate it.

It's getting close

As many of you know, but don't care, I'm getting close to graduating.

This last semester, I've been student teaching.

It's been the single hardest thing I've done in my whole life.

It seems as if every single day I do more things wrong than the day before. I honestly don't know if I wasn't correctly trained to do this, or if it has to do with the fact that I'm a secondary major and middle school falls under both, or if I just suck.

I've heard all sorts of things, but what it boils down to is that I don't think I'll be a very good teacher. :(

I guess it's a good thing that I'm starting my masters.

"Yes, we can" to "We just did!"

We. Just. Did.

Wow. We did it. We rock. But I can't help but be a little puzzled.
I was on facebook this lovely evening and these are some of the stati that I'm seeing:
"Obama as President = end of "Freedom" as we know it......God help us all! McCain/Palin 4 life!" From a 16/17 year old that didn't vote, mind you.

"yay socialism and state-paid abortions!!" <-- From a guy, who clearly believes he can tell women what to do with their bodies.

"OBAMA WON?! Damn and i thought i was going to be able to keep the money i earn! STILL REPPIN REPUBLICANNNNN!" <--From a 16/17 year old that didn't vote, mind you.

"deeply scared for my country."

"how long till obama is assassinated?....any guesses?" <-- From a guy who was refered to a 'Nutz' all throughout high school until he was thrown out for sexually harassing a teacher. Winner.

" moving to canada." <-- 15 year old.

"why does everyone has to change their damn status for the election? who gives two shits about politics? grow up people its not the end of the world." <-- This is upsetting mainly because it's a boy I've known for a long time (in my sister's grade). He's 17 years old and he thinks that the election's not a big deal?

"It's going to be a looong 4 years, is it 2012 yet?" <-- 15 year old.

"fucking A im moving to canada." <---13 year old.

Okay, so my main issue is that A) most of these people can't vote, and B) Are clearly uneducated. I'm very sad to say that the girl I was most looking forward to quoting for saying "We elected a baby-killer!" unfortunatley deleted her status. Hopefully someone slapped some sense into her.

Back to my point. I'm not saying that I believe that if you're not old enough to vote your opinion doesn't matter, but I'm not sure it's worth getting THAT bent out of shape about. Especially the younger ones. I'm sorry, but until you're a bit older, you usually believe what your parents do, so who are you really supporting? The candidate you wanted, or the one your parents voted for, regardless of why?

My second point is that it's obvious to me that people who write stuff like the fact that Obama's a baby-killer or wonder how long before an assasination attempt are clearly misinformed. Okay, maybe there's a number of people who would like to see Obama taken out simply because he's not white. What is the deal? It's so rediculous that it's recockulous. Now on to the people who are concerned with the 'baby killer' side of Obama. Here's my message to you: "Change your tampon, take some midol and read some facts." What would be better, may I ask you? Some guy saying that he doesn't have the right to demand that women lose the rights to their own bodies or some crazed pit bull with lipstick who wouldn't let the pregnant victim of incest choose abortion? Why on earth is this even a political topic? *Grrr. Snorts* Okay, I'm done.

For my last message: To all of those who said that they're 'moving to Canada,' they better take all their stuff, cause I'll break in and steal what I like.

I didn't leave in the last 8 years (even though I tried for a few weeks), and I made it through just fine, so stop your whining and embrace the change.

What is his name: Shawn
What is her name: Mandi
How long have you been together: 3 months
How long did you date: date three months
How old is he: 22
Who eats more: Shawn
Who said I love you first: Shawn
Who is taller: Shawn
Who sings better: I don't know. I just know that we both sing loud in the car. :)
Who is smarter: We're both smart, just in different areas.
Who does the laundry: Me, about 99% of the time.
Who pays the bills: How is this even a question? I pay bills, he pays for dinner.
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed: Me
Who mows the lawn: Mario, my awesome friend, but when the time comes it'll be Shawn.
Who cooks the dinner: Shawn.
Who drives: Shawn. I'm not to be trusted with backing up...
Who is more stubborn: I don't know. We're both pretty hard headed.
Who kissed who first: Shawn kissed me on the cheek. :)
Who proposed: He will.
Who has more friends: Why is this a competition? I don't know. We're both very social people.
Who is more sensitive: I'm pretty sure it's me. But after having a talk with him, Shawn usually sees where I come from.
Who has more siblings: Dang, we're tied. One each.

So busy!

Okay, so I'm writing on here because I'm really excited, but not many people check this about me, so I'm not too worried about people seeing it.

Are you ready?

I'm getting married.
Yeah, for real.
Shawn and I were talking about it, and we know it's going to happen.
So before he goes to Afghanistan, we're going to get married at the court house.
Then, while he's over there, we'll get a ton of money, and I'll be working.
We'll pay off my ring (http://www.helzberg.com/product/engagement+%26+wedding/engagement+rings/1ct+tw+diamond+engagement+ring+1680680.do) in case you wanted to see it. :)
When he gets back, we'll have saved enough money to have a ceremony.

If you asked me 3 months ago if I was going to get engaged, I'd tell you to go play in traffic.

Who knew?

So now I have to start looking for everything.
Come over and help me out. :)


My favorite picture of us together:
We didn't know Amanda was taking this^. I think it's why I love it.

I never thought that I'd get bit by, this love bug again

Well hell.

Just when I thought I was totally happy being single iwth a ton of friends to hang out with... Shawn came along.
He is everything that I said I'd never date:
Smokes like a chimney
Drinks incessantly
Army boy
Tattoos
Doesn't wear his seatbelt
Has a Harley
Doesn't wear a helmet

And yet. He's amazing. One of our first conversations dealt with me getting an alcoholic beverage...
Mandi: You're taking me home. I'm going to drink this. Please don't rape me.
Shawn: Well, I was going to rape the piss out of you, but since you asked nicely, I won't this time.

Most would be creeped out or disgusted. I found it hilarious.

Another fun situation. Out at Pillsbury, Shawn finished a beer and tossed the can into the woods. Anyone who knows me knows what happened next.
Mandi: Go get it.
Shawn: Why?
Mandi: You can't litter! You knew I was going to flip out about this! I can't date someone who trashes up the environment! Go get it!
Shawn: There are snakes in there. I'll get bitten.
Mandi: I'll drive you to the hospital after you get the can.
Shawn: *tramping through the woods* I can't believe I'm dating a fucking hippie!

Sadly, we work together hilariously.

He's even good with kids.

Anyway, I like him. He likes me. We're happy for now.