I caved.

I blame Amy.

7 Days and I can't focus

I'm supposed to be working on my white paper. Especially since the direction I'm taking with it was changed today. But you know what I'm doing? Shopping. For Europe.

It's not like I really even have money to buy tons of things to wear but I just want to look good while I'm representing America overseas. Is that too much to ask? And now I must beg the question, why aren't clothes less expensive?

However, I'm going to try to stem the urge to buy clothes here in the US so I can buy fantastic European clothes. And then when someone says, "Oh that's cute! Where did you get it?" I can be all smug and go "Oh, just you know, Europe." Ha, that will be so much fun! So, I think I will save my money so I can do that. Yeah, I will.

9 DAYS

I've come to the conclusion that I'm so ready to be done with school. I take Channing to the airport tomorrow and then I won't be seeing her until May 17th when we leave. So sad! But it gets me thinking about what I'm going to pack. For 3 weeks and one bag, this is going to be quite the challenge; but as Barney (HIMYM) says, "Challenge accepted!"

I've already decided on one sundress because it seems indestructible and what better to have while touring Europe than an indestructible dress? I guess I'll go from there and try to pack things that 1. can be layered and 2. go with a lot of things.

So much to think about! But I'd much rather be thinking about this than school. It's gross.

Cheryl is my name and procrastination is my game

Well, good news: WE'VE BOOKED EVERYTHING!!!! Well... except for where to stay in London. So if you know of anyone who has a place to stay in central London and you can hook us up, I would love you forever. Preferably this person would be around 25, fun, and not creepy. That's not a lot to ask for, right? Of course, at this point, we'd probably take what we can get.


Anyways, this trip is starting to feel real. Both Channing and I will be done with our exams later today so we're are counting down the days. Which, if you're wondering and I'm sure you are, is 14!


That's only 336 hours!

16 Days

Well, 16 days until Channing and I board our flight to Dublin. Is it weird that it still doesn't feel real?

But that could be because we haven't booked our hostels or train tickets yet. But, you know, one thing at a time. And we're planning to do that this week (so get off my back! haha).

I've also started thinking about what I'm going to need to pack. From my previous experiences I know it can get cold in Dublin and surrounding areas so we need to pack some things for that. Perhaps the new jacket I bought in Cincinnati? My purchases are always so clutch.

And while I'm mentioning Cincinnati, I found an apartment!!! I'm so pumped because we didn't think it was going to work out because of move-in days but Jody and I are going to make it work and one came available! It's One Lytle Place and it's pretty much thebomb.com. The location is fabulous and so is the floorplan. I can't wait to move in!

Well I guess that's really all the updates I have. Stay tuned, the date of departure is near!

Last A-Day... and I didn't go

Today was my last A-Day as a student at The University of Alabama. Definitely bittersweet but I didn't even go.

Don't get me wrong, I love Alabama football--after all, I've been to every game (yes, even away games) the past two seasons with the exception of the 2011 Capital One Bowl against Michigan State--but let's face it A-Day is boring.

Yes, you can see how players have developed in the off season. Yes, you get to take the first look at the new recruits who have made it on campus early. Yes, you get to be in Bryant Denny Stadium. But, here's the catch, you're playing yourself. Who do you cheer for?

To me, the magic is absent. Football gives me chills, watching my team win is the best feeling in the world, and A-Day doesn't provide any of this.

So, judge me if you will, but I enjoyed being in the air-conditioning and watching highlights on TV. I hope you enjoyed your sunburn.

Also... 33 days until Europe!

One Month to Graduation

It's official. Only one month until graduation! And apparently I will be walking now because my mother has requested it. Fine. I'll stand in the heat for 3 hours (unless I can escape after my name is called) and get a fake diploma. All for you, mom.

But yeah, May 5th is the day! Granted, I will have to work 2 weeks of bootcamp after but... minor details. So that means 42 days until EUROPE! Now that spring break is over that's what I'm mainly looking forward too.

Channing and I have been identifying things we want to do and people we can stay with in the various locales, so it's all coming together!

EEEEEEEEEEEK!

Beach Castle Fun

Well, SB12 is officially over and let me tell you I am NOT looking forward to the next 46 days (until graduation). Can it be May already? Specifically May 17th so I can be on my merry way to Europe?

That trip is really the only thing keeping me going. Senioritis is clamping down and giving me school paralysis. As in, no motivation, no work ethic, only living for the weekends.

So in honor of my wonderful productivity I've decided to highlight some of the things Channing and I have identified that we would like to do during out trip. If you have any ideas, I'd love to hear it! Especially if the idea is something free :)

So to start off, here's some of the things we have on our mind for Dublin:

• National Museum (free)
• Guiness Brewery (alas, not free, 15 euro)
• Jameson Distillery (missed this my first time around, 9.60 euro)
• St. Stephen's Green (free)
• O'Connell Street

Obviously this isn't everything, but it's some of the main things. We're also looking at trying to go to another Irish city. Maybe Galway for the Cliffs of Moher? Or Cork? We really just want experience as much as possible while staying within our budget.

Well this has been my attempt at trying to keep the blog semi-regularly updated so I can get in the groove of updating once we're abroad. 

Until next time, Ciao!

SB12

While I wait for EuroTrip 2012, I guess I can gloat a little bit about my fabulous spring break plans. One thing is for sure, the 45 hours until departure are going to be the longest 45 hours of my life! (with the exception of the 8 hour flight to Europe)

So what am I doing that's so awesome? Well, I'll just be moseying down to my friend's beach castle (worth $3.4mil) on a private island. No big deal. Also, the weather is supposed to be fantastical (knock on wood), so its going to be EPIC.

While there we're also going to travel to see the Detroit Tigers spring training (Channing is a HUGE fan) and pick out our future husbands.

I CAN'T WAIT TO LEAVE!

Flight Booked!

Well, I have some good news: I AM RETURNING TO EUROPE!

I booked my flight last week and I could not be more excited. I'm going with my best friend Channing and all I'm saying is Europe better watch out.

Our itinerary as it stands is:

• Dublin and surrounding area
• London and surrounding area
• Paris
• South of France: Marseille, Nice, TBD
• Monaco

This also means I will be updating more often (mostly at my parents' urging). You know you're excited!

More details to come...

Spring Semester!

I am apparently really bad when it comes to accountability. Perhaps I should just give up ever doing a blog because I suck at it. No life story accumulating within this site, that's for sure. Not that creating a life story was ever the plan. But I digress.

What's new? I have dedicated a major part of my life to the MIS program this semester from 20 hours a week on my Capstone project, to upwards of 15 hours of work every week. And that's not counting the 9 hours of other classes I'm taking. My life is not my own. Altogether that's 44 hours but it always seems like much more since sometimes it's spaced out. I guess you could say I live for Fridays (only 4 hours of work!) and the weekends. They sustain me.

In other news: I am so excited about the success our basketball team is having! Roll Tide! We are the SEC West champions! It feels good, because, who would have thought? While little sister down the road with their dying trees has one of the worst records in the SEC. Oh, that feels good. And beating Kentucky at home, what a crazy game!

But in reality, it's only made me wish football season was closer. I know that means I'm skipping summer which I am really looking forward to also (Cincinnati and P&G here I come!) but I love those football days spent on the quad and in the hallowed ground of Bryant-Denny. It's there that I'm with my family, the Alabama nation.

Wow, I just waxed poetic! Although, I think that's giving myself too much credit. Anywho, it's time for one of my non-MIS commitments, PSC321 International Law. Let's get it!

Alabama vs. Penn State

Wow, it's been quite a while since I've updated, apparently I'm quite the slacker (but we all knew this going in).

So it's the end of the 4th week of school, things are going fine and dandy and I'm quite happy to no longer be on a 40 hour work shedule. I've cut it in half! Yay! Classes are decent, I'm taking 18 hours but it has yet to stress me out even though there's definitely a lot going on.

Things to be happy about: Alabama football. We beat San Jose State last Saturday 48-3 and I'm hoping for a similar margin tomorrow against Penn State (I predict a 34-13 W). I'm so excited that it's finally football season! I've been waiting 9 months for this! AHHHHHHHHH! And I hope that Alabama runs the table because I'm so going to the National Championship game again, this time in Glendale, Arizona--can you say road trip?! Football is what I live for, it's great!

Another thing to be happy about: Apparently I impressed during my week in Cincinnati at Procter & Gamble because I GOT AN INTERNSHIP OFFER! I am so pumped! I really liked what I saw that week and it seems like a really fun place that I would definitely fit in at. Success! Consider my next summer planned! =)

I suppose that's the main updates on my life. Oh, I got a boyfriend, too, but I'm not all into sharing those personal details. Sorry!

Until the next time I remember to write... CIAO!

Whoops...

Just realized I have yet to post NYC pictures. Well, it's been a hectic week so I'll try to do that.... Saturday? Definitely no free time before then, and really not even then, oh well.

Today was the last day for our fearless MBA leader, Kelli. Tis quite sad to see her go! She will be greatly missed as our buffer between the evil empire.

But anyways, off to Cincinnati next week for Procter & Gamble's IT ELITE! Should be loads of fun! And hopefully I'll get to see my Praha favorites Maja and Renata! =)

So now back to the monotony of work that has lately been me studying for Finance. Here we gooooooooo.

Back from the Big Apple

So I made it back safe and sound, no worse for wear from New York and good news! I have loads of pictures. I know you're excited. But you'll have to wait. Also, forgive me while a rant a little bit.

I am at work and running on 3 hours of sleep. Why, you ask? Because our flight out of La Guardia last night was supposed to leave at 9:40pm. When did we leave? 12:40am. Not cool. So I definitely did not get back to Birmingham at 11:15pm but instead landed at 1:40am. Not cool. And then I had to drive to Tuscaloosa. When I got to the house (at 3:30am) I realized I was locked out. Not cool. Who locks the door to the garage when the garage door is closed?! So I had to call a friend and go sleep at her place then come to work this morning at 8am. Not cool.

But that's enough complaining because New York was freaking awesome! I experienced pretty much all the big things:

• Empire State Building (really, really tall)
• Broadway (Billy Elliot and In the Heights)
• Statue of Liberty (where I got my foam crown, yessssssss)
• Ellis Island (where my ancestors undoubtably entered America)
• Times Square (where our hotel was actually located)
• Wall Street and the Financial District (complete with picture of the bull)
• Tiffany & Co (I have raised my expectations where rings are concerned...)
• Rockefeller Center (NBC store is where it's at)
• 5th Avenue (can you say shopping???)
• Soho (delicious eats)
• Chinatown ("Chanel Gucci Coach purses? Come to back room? Cop? No, follow me.)
• Coney Island (And famous Nathan's hot dogs and the ferris wheel, wheeeeeee)
• Picture with New York's finest, the NYPD (we even got a smile out of him!)
• World Trade Center memorial site (still so powerful)
• FAO Schwartz (I played on the giant piano!)
• King Tut exhibit (completely awesome, so so so cool)
• Museum of Modern Art (Starry Night! my fave, and so many Picasso paintings, wonderful)
• Central Park (Strawberry Fields forever...)
• Staten Island Ferry (great way to see the Bay and Statue for FREE haha)

I feel like I'm forgetting some stuff but clearly the best question is what didn't I do. Well, I didn't go to a Yankees game although we thought about it, but I'll save that for another trip because I'm sure there will be one. And with that I'll visit Flushing Meadows (where they hold the US Open) since it's right next door; we saw it from the plane and it's pretty freaking impressive!That's pretty much the only thing I missed out on, if you can even call it that.

I'll try to upload the pictures soon (whenever I can get access to the house...), so until then: back to work I go! Yuck

NYC tomorrowwwwwww

So optimistic Cheryl was wrong about getting pictures uploaded last night. It happens. But, good news! I'm doing it now! [insert cheers here]

Sorry it seems like they aren't in any particular order, blame photobucket. Not me who is too lazy to try to move them around. But here's some pictures so you can better visualize the amazing summer I've had so far (and hopefully there's only more to come)


the lovely Gatto children; me, Kimmie, Emily, and Ashley @ Santa Rosa Beach; Kimmie, me, Emily
a storm was a brewing, but it didn't keep us away; a beautiful gulf sunset
best friends. matching sweatshirts: me, daniel, amanda; emily's 21st
DC reunion! me and kevin; ryan and me; me, kevin, ryan in the shark's mouth
discovering the roots of rastafaril; pointing to nigeria where it all began; kevin touching a piece of Mars
Capital Hill; Kevin channeling Hamlet; me looking pretty haha
Ryan likes dead men; Kevin should be in Indiana Jones; Brigid found me in DC!!! (Praha forever)
We all went to a Nationals game
Houndstooth in Tuscaloosa; playing with Birdman's parrot Corona
The amazing Gatto family; me, emily and kimmie on the beach; holding Corona
we love the ocean; daniel being daniel (i love him); we have the best times
lauren, michelle, me, mari; ryan, me, kevin the hope diamond, gonna get me one of those some day; and me and the turtle

So there's a taste of the summer so far. I'm still REALLY pumped for New York City tomorrow! I still have to pack and all those lovely things. Well pretty much I'd rather be doing anything than sitting here at work right now. I've already worked 40 hours... maybe I'll try to get out of here early. Yeah, that's what I'll do. And pack. And swim. And enjoy my Friday.

TGIF!

July!

So here it is July already and I have been slacking on my posting. I apologize.

Good news though, I'm going to New York City this weekend! I am beyond excited because despite having been to 18 countries (no, I couldn't resist bragging), I have never ever been to NYC. Atrocious! you might say, but sadly I must say, true. But in less than 48 hours that will be rectified because the Big Apple will be welcoming me at 12:30pm eastern on Saturday. If I wasn't embarassed by my silly self I might insert a video of me doing a celebratory jig here, but, alas, that would be embarassing.

At this point this summer, I have been to the beach (Navarre and Santa Rosa), Washington, D.C., and Atlanta. Pretty good if I do say so myself. And I know a picture is worth a thousand words so when I get home from work (because you guessed, that's where I am right now, procrastinating) I will try to remember to post pictures from some of these trips. Try being the key word. But let's be optimistic and say I won't forget.

So for now I suppose I'll go back to work, calling people for LEARN and organizing the Birmingham Alumni Event. Boo.

New template

Like the new template? Decided to switch it up. No longer Budapest's famous Chain Bridge but now a collection of city images. I recognize Seattle's Space Needle, but don't know any of the others. I also figured the brighter colors was more summery. And we need to celebrate summer even though most of mine will apparently be spent inside.

Buuuuuut I am going to DC this weekend to rendezvous with Ryan and Kevin from my NYLF experience. Looks like Brigid, my roommate from Prague, will be there, too; I hope I get to see her also! I'm really looking forward to this trip, haven't seen those two or the lovely city of Washington, D.C. in 4 years! That's such a long time, roughly 20% of my life.

I fly out of Bham at 7pm tomorrow. Counting down the hours now (30.5 if you must know).

A whole year!

Just saw my last post was from EXACTLY a year ago. Crazy. Let's hope I can be more reliable this summer. No promises, though.

Also, side note. I'm sad that this time a year ago I was getting back from a semester in Prague. I have to go back. Sooner rather than later, please.

Summer Cheryl

I just realized, via Google Labs, that I have not updated in a very long time. While I'm not in Prague or galivanting around Europe anymore, maybe you're still interested in what I'm doing. Or maybe not. Maybe I just felt like doing something to distract me from work.

Wondering what I'm doing this summer? Brief overview, I am working on staff for the MIS (Management Information Systems) Department doing whatever they can throw at me while also being a Program Coordinator for North Alabama for the LEARN (Launching Entrepreneurs Across Rural Networks) Program which entails going to North Alabama for open Houses to explain what our program does (help dislocated workers and veterans who want to start their own business get business training and counseling), calling participants and service providers, placing newspaper ads, setting up training courses, and etc. I've been doing this since January but am continuing it as an internship over the summer. I was also assigned (for the summer, and maybe continuing in the fall) the Lead for The University of Alabama MIS Capital Campaign to raise money to keep the MIS Program running smoothly and effectively since in recent years we are seeing a boom in the number of students entering the program; this entails contacting alumni and forum members (CEOs), organizing alumni events (parties for getting donations), attending round tables, sending gifts, and etc. Sounds like a party, right?

Now maybe you understand why sometimes you just need a five minute break. Which is all this was...

I'll try to keep this updated a little more over the summer since I'll be going to some fun places for work and school and fun: Cincinatti (work and school), Atlanta (work, fun), Washington, D.C. (fun), Birmingham (work), and maybe more. Possibly with pictures, I know you're excited.

Until I have something more to report (or need another break), hasta luego!

Ireland: Dublin and Galway

Hah, I bet you didn't think I would ever finish this did you? Well, here is one step in the right direction: my trip to Ireland!

Scott, Janet, and I drove to Wales and the port where we hopped on the ferry to Dublin. The ride was pretty short, maybe two hours but, let me tell you, those waters are very choppy! When I stood up to walk anywhere I staggered all over the place. But we made it safe and sound and immediately set out to find our hotel and get settled.

The hotel, Harrington Hall, was really nice and pretty with spacious rooms. A wonderful place to stay, especially since it was a little chilly and they provided us with hot tea! Woo! After resting a bit we decided to get out and start seeing the city.


These were taken in St. Stephen's Green, the famous park that was right near our hotel. The statue in the middle is James Joyce the famous author.

The rest of the pictures are from our bus road around the city. I wish I could tell you the names of more of the buildings, but honestly, I have no idea. I just thought they were pretty when I snapped their pictures.

A little street for shopping (heaven!), a demonstration/protest, and a pretty little pond

Cool masks and a church


We found the Guinness Distillery!

Scott next to the huge door, a sign describing the ingredients of beer (in this case, hops) and how they are used, and a huge vat

the development of Guinness, Scott taking his "free" pint, and the view from the rooftop terrace at t he brewery

It offered some fantastic views as it was situated almost in the middle of Dublin


Battlements and a castle nestled in the park

scenes from the top deck:




one of the most sought after places to stay in all of Dublin (left)

the main promenade in Dublin, O'Connell Street







Christ Church Cathedral, where Mozart played


we attended a beautiful service, where I may have felt out of place due to the Anglican background




The Jameson Distillery, where my phone decided to jump into the toilet and die


Trinity College of Dublin, home of the Book of the Kells (the oldest manuscripts of the gospels)


And here begins the pictures from Galway, where I traveled alone by train without a cell phone. Talk about dangerous. But somehow I survived. Galway is beautiful and located on the west coast of Ireland and one of the big cities that remains true to its Old Irish (Gaelic) heritage. Unfortunately, I learned that traveling alone is not conducive to taking a lot of pictures. Sorry about that =)

An old church I saw on my wanderings throughout the city

The Spanish arch (right)

The river Corrib that surrounds the Galway Cathedral

The Galway Cathedral



My side trip to the Aran Islands, a beautiful place with beautiful homes


an old abandoned church's ruins


notice the trademark stone fences that mark territory, no mortar is used which is unbelievable considering how long these fences have lasted; a nice horse I befriended

beautiful


The cows relaxing, the famous sweater shop and home of the Aran Sweater (aka fisherman sweater) that is famous because the wool was unscoured and therefore somehow water resistant

And that was my trip to Ireland. I apologize again for not having as many pictures and not knowing some of the names. I'll try to update soon with the rest of my trip, namely everything from England!