http://blogs.targetx.com/slu/ColleenShanahan/ en Copyright 2008 Thu, 08 May 2008 22:39:50 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss May 7-8 Milledgeville and Athens: Today, we arrived in Athens. On our way from Savannah, we stopped in Milledgeville which is one of the towns Flannery O'Connor lived in. We had lunch in a restaraunt called Buffingtons. Our waitress looked like she was a student at the local college, and she sounded like a local. She had a southern drawl with a country flare- quite a combination. Our group finally escaped the automatic gratuity plague we were inundated with. I don't understand how they can automatically add that in- what if I had unbelievably bad service (like the Greek place in Savannah)? After lunch, and a bit of windowshopping, we headed towards Georgia College and State University. I am still confused about the name of the school. Is it is a college or university? Did they get lazy and just add on? http://blogs.targetx.com/slu/ColleenShanahan/2008/05/athens_ga.html http://blogs.targetx.com/slu/ColleenShanahan/2008/05/athens_ga.html Thu, 08 May 2008 22:39:50 -0500 As part of an assignment for my History class, I attended an event with the speaker Andrew Young. Andrew Young was a key player in the Civil Rights Movement who worked with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Mayor of Atlanta, and former Ambassador with the United Nations. The speech was amazing. He went through the "ABCs" for today's generation, and he also slipped in jokes here and there. It was amazing to meet such an accomplished man who had ideas for imporvement of many things. His best advice I got out of the speech was along the lines of, "Everything was put on this Earth to serve a purpose. I shouldn't worry about what I am going to do because I am meant to do something." This calms my fears, partly, about what I am going to do with my life. I get at points sometimes where I start freaking out that I only have 2 more years of college left and I have to know what job I am going to do. Something will work out- I know it will. -What an amazing man! http://blogs.targetx.com/slu/ColleenShanahan/2008/04/the_honorable_andrew_young.html http://blogs.targetx.com/slu/ColleenShanahan/2008/04/the_honorable_andrew_young.html Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:47:41 -0500 While I had a great time doing that, I had a few rough days before that. I have been battling with my computer for the whole semester. Finally, I decided to take it in and diagnose the problem. After I backed up everything, the workers at OIT swapped my computer, and I was on my merry way. Well, that night, I just about went mental. The new computer I had just gotten WOULD NOT TURN ON. It figures that would happen right? So, after getting nothing accomplished, I had to wait until the next day to get another hard drive. I have a feeling the people over there are sick of seeing my face there! Today, my computer problems only got worse because my charger broke. The problem with this is that chargers and batteries are not covered by warranty here! I don't understand why everything else is covered but batteries and chargers. Everywhere I turn, someone else wants money from me- don't they understand I AM A POOR COLLEGE STUDENT who is saving for the future? Oh well. I am breathing right? ]]> http://blogs.targetx.com/slu/ColleenShanahan/2008/04/end_of_year_excitement_and_fru.html http://blogs.targetx.com/slu/ColleenShanahan/2008/04/end_of_year_excitement_and_fru.html Tue, 15 Apr 2008 13:17:52 -0500 www.stoporlando.com On the trip out to Orlando, we watched August Rush, which was the highlight of the trip for me because it was a great movie. We arrived at Wet 'n Wild at about 11:00 and got all set up for the speaker on the waterfront. The speaker was good, she had some interesting things to say as well as perform. Between sessions, we ate lunch and goofed around. After the last session, we all excitedly entered the park for great fun. The downsides were: 1) it was already 3:00 2) lockers had to be purchased and 3) the line was long at the lockers and they were expensive (way to cheat others out of money- FOR SHAME). I really wanted to ride this: stoporlando.com By 3:30, I had changed into my suit, bought a locker, suntanned up, and had made it into the wave pool. I was excited because a tube floated my way, so I claimed it for my own. I made it down the the end of the pool and relaxed in the waves... well for about five minutes. We were told to exit the pool because of lightning in the area. NO!!!!! The rest of the day consisted of waiting out the cold rain and lightning under buildings FREEZING. The school ended up wanting to leave early- so my day was shot. As I looked back at the park when we pulled out of the parking lot... I gazed upon the reopening of rides and others enjoying them. I was overcome with sadness. Oh well. I got out of the house right? ]]> http://blogs.targetx.com/slu/ColleenShanahan/2008/04/leadership_letdown_water_park_1.html http://blogs.targetx.com/slu/ColleenShanahan/2008/04/leadership_letdown_water_park_1.html Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:24:13 -0500 Ok... so where did this semester go? I am trying to work on a paper, and time just doesn't want to let me win this battle. I am looking at 3 weeks to get a HUGE paper done, and I want to scream. Oh well... at least I know where my dedicated time will be for the next two weeks. Other than that, I have just been trying to get through this last month or so. I have been feeling really tired the past couple of weeks, and I haven't even been pushing myself to the limit. Yesterday, I left school and work early because I wasn't feeling well from the weekend, and I crashed on the couch when I got home. (While naps are awesome, I find them hard to take because I could be doing so much more with my time.) So, this weekend will be fun because I will be spending it with the sisters in Tri-Sigma. We are all so busy it is hard to make time for each other, but I have been looking forward to this. It is like a big sleep over- which I miss with my best buddies in CA =( I am getting very excited for summer! My family is getting a pool, so this means much fun in the summer time! Between the pool and the beach, I hope I can get some color- usually I burn and get freckles =( I hate I am from the two sunniest states (FL and CA) and people don't believe me because I am not tan. I want my skin to be healthy - just not to blind people when I go out in summer wear! http://blogs.targetx.com/slu/ColleenShanahan/2008/03/it_ticks_on.html http://blogs.targetx.com/slu/ColleenShanahan/2008/03/it_ticks_on.html Tue, 25 Mar 2008 10:52:49 -0500 After that, I spent most of my time around the house helping with ongoing jobs or attempting to pick up my room. I got most of my homework done for the week, so hopefully this will be a stress free 4 day week! Here is a moth I saw while walking to my car: At the end of the week, I went with my mom down to Tampa to visit my Mimi. We went shopping- got a bathing suit and sandals- and out to eat. It was great to see my Mimi because I always have fun with her =) Now, I am looking forward to summer- I can't believe I am almost done with another year here at Leo. I am try figure out my classes now, and I am also deciding what to do about an internship next year. I read the school paper is looking to hire, so I will get in contact! Here I am helping out my parents in the yard: having fun :) ]]> http://blogs.targetx.com/slu/ColleenShanahan/2008/03/spring_break_1.html http://blogs.targetx.com/slu/ColleenShanahan/2008/03/spring_break_1.html Sun, 16 Mar 2008 22:34:46 -0500 Today, I participated in an event sponsored by Saint Leo called X-Treme Air. Oh man it was amazing! The event was a wind tunnel that pumped out 120 mph winds that made you feel like you were sky diving. Even though it only lasted about a minute, it was awesome. Now, I don't have to jump out of a perfectly good airplane!!!! Now, I am looking forward to a very relaxing spring break. Well, I guess not too relaxing because I know I will have a paper to work on. Oh well- at least I can sleep in!! Until next time, Colleen]]> http://blogs.targetx.com/slu/ColleenShanahan/2008/02/leap_year.html http://blogs.targetx.com/slu/ColleenShanahan/2008/02/leap_year.html Events Mon, 25 Feb 2008 10:33:06 -0500 Well, now I am just researching for a paper that is not due until April. I figure if I start now, I won't procrastinate too much. Maybe I can try tomorrow =) ha ha.]]> http://blogs.targetx.com/slu/ColleenShanahan/2008/02/oh_valentines_day.html http://blogs.targetx.com/slu/ColleenShanahan/2008/02/oh_valentines_day.html Campus Life Thu, 14 Feb 2008 11:33:20 -0500 As for my longing for spring break, it is still there. Though, I am bummed because Josh and I decided to forgo a spring break trip. Figures, our spring breaks are one week apart. We really considered it at first, but when we looked at ticket prices- it was a NO. It seems like I can't get a break from airlines anymore. All the free ticket seats are gone, and the really good sales that are happening don't apply to Florida because it is pretty much the Spring Break haven. Not cool. Can I buy my own plane now? Here is one of my photographs from photography class for you to enjoy: my cat tiger ;) ]]> http://blogs.targetx.com/slu/ColleenShanahan/2008/01/good_so_far.html http://blogs.targetx.com/slu/ColleenShanahan/2008/01/good_so_far.html Campus Life Tue, 29 Jan 2008 10:58:12 -0500 The sites we went to we beautiful, though some were eye-openers. Most of the countries we went to were considered to be living in poverty. The beaches were lined with trash, the houses were run down, and the people did anything they could to make a few extra dollars. I am so happy and blessed to be where I am, even though we all take it for granted every now and again. Aruba was beautiful. We went to a beach resort and spend about 4 hours there. I went snorkeling, layed out on the beach, and collected some coral that washed up on the shore. Cartagena was filled with shopping. A big marketplace there used to be a jail. I looked through the slits in the wall, which served for the prisoners, and I couldn't imagine being in there for life. The fort there was amazing. It was so big, but it was filled with vendors who followed you around trying to sell hats. One guy started at 20 for a hat, and about 15 minutes later was down to 5--- we loved haggling. The highlight was seeing a sloth in front of the fort available for pictures. I snapped one far away because I didn't want to hold it. The Panama Canal was amazing. I've read so much about it, and it was neat to finally see it in person. There was a welcome center at the last part of the canal, and it was lined with tourists. They waved and cheered, so we all felt like celebrities passing through. Here is part of the canal and the visitor center: In Puntarenas, I went on a canopy tour zip line. I had a blast doing that, but it was a bit short. Once everyone got going on the lines, it seemed to pass by quickly. It was kind of scary being so high up, but when was I going to have the opportunity to do that again? Here I am getting suited up for the canopy zip line! The other places, my family and I just looked around the towns because there was nothing to do if you didn't pay for a tour--- nothing looked exciting enough. I got some cute clothes really cheap, but I am bummed I can't wear them yet because it is too cold. In Acapulco, we got off the ship. It was fun to be on the cruise, but it was good to be going home at the same time. It was really fun to be around my family and have a blast on the ship. I think I have become quite accustomed to cruising-- I want to do it again!!! ]]> http://blogs.targetx.com/slu/ColleenShanahan/2008/01/winter_break_part_2_1.html http://blogs.targetx.com/slu/ColleenShanahan/2008/01/winter_break_part_2_1.html Tue, 22 Jan 2008 12:30:17 -0500 As much as I hate to get back in a routine, I am glad I can get into one using this semester's classes instead of last semester's. I don't think I have ever struggled so much to get through a semester. My advisor told me it was one of the toughest I will face in college. I am signed up for a photography class, and I am really excited for it. Photography has always been one of my hobbies! I will soon start back with the sorority, though the next coming weeks will be horrid. The first couple of meetings entail what is supposed to happen over the next months, and then have recruitment the first week in February. Right now, though, I am trying to deal with buying books and their sellers, waking up at 6:00am, and having homework again. I think we need to have another month break soon. Guess I will have to settle for spring break until summer vacation. Is it bad I want a break only two days into the semester? http://blogs.targetx.com/slu/ColleenShanahan/2008/01/starting_again.html http://blogs.targetx.com/slu/ColleenShanahan/2008/01/starting_again.html Academics Thu, 17 Jan 2008 10:37:47 -0500 I can't believe the semester is less than a week from being over! Between (some) work, school, extra curriculars, family, and social life, I am stretched to my limit right now. I will be so thankful for the month break we have coming up, though I will be busy through it too. I am so grateful for the support system I have to keep me up. I fear without them, I woud lose it! As finals go, I have 2 test finals and 3 projects to do. In between celebrating my mimi's birthday, I'll have to squeeze in studying and working. Over the break, I am going out to visit my boyfriend Josh in California. I can't wait to see him! I miss being able to hang out with him!! I will also be able to visit with some of my friends from high school. http://blogs.targetx.com/slu/ColleenShanahan/2007/12/home_stretch.html http://blogs.targetx.com/slu/ColleenShanahan/2007/12/home_stretch.html Academics Beyond SLU Wed, 05 Dec 2007 21:52:46 -0500 Thanksgiving was wonderful! I was so happy to finally have a break from school and work and spend time with my family. My family and I went down to Tampa to spend time with my Mimi in Tampa, my aunt also came down from northern Florida. The day before Thanksgiving, my cousin also came down to celebrate. It is nice to have a lot of family together, but when only 2 bathrooms are available, things can get a bit crazy. We decided to go to Golden Corral for turkey dinner, and it was amazing because that means no dishes!! After eating so much turkey, I eventually passed out a few hours after eating in front of the football game on tv. The day after Thanksgiving... oh man... Black Friday. There were people lined up infront of Best Buy Thursday morning...no way. My mom, Mimi, and I woke up at 5:30am because I saw some last minute Christmas gifts in the Target ad I needed. When we get to the store, the line is past the garden center almost out to the street. I don't care because all I want is $4 dvds. So, we wait in front of the doors because we don't feel like walking to the back of the line just to walk back up in 5 minutes. It is not like we were going to cut over dvds... we didn't feel like getting beaten for line skipping. While we are standing there, people in line keep telling us the line is back there and constant dirty looks... oh well we knew we werent in the wrong :) The doors open at 6am and the line rushes in and everyone runs to the electronics department, while I head for the dvds by the dressing rooms. When I get to the dvds (maybe 5 minutes from opening), a manager comes out and tells an associate well that is all the tv's if anyone is asking. That is insane... but at the price they were going for, I wasn't surprised. After that escapade, we went to McDonalds and a few other stores. I had a blast over break, and I can't wait until Christmas break comes along... I am too used to lounging about in my PJs! Why can't flannel polka dotted pants be socially acceptable!? http://blogs.targetx.com/slu/ColleenShanahan/2007/11/thanksgiving.html http://blogs.targetx.com/slu/ColleenShanahan/2007/11/thanksgiving.html Beyond SLU Sun, 25 Nov 2007 21:40:42 -0500 I am so excited for next week—I can already taste the turkey! I love this time of year! The weather is perfect, holidays come right after the other, and above all- we get a month off in between semesters! The only thing that brings me down about Thanksgiving break is professors tend to give projects that require being worked on during the break =(. But, at least I won’t feel rushed to get something done—I can work in my PJs and take breaks when I please! I am also happy because we are going out for Thanksgiving dinner, so that means NO DISHES! The two last weeks of school bring, at the same time, happy and crazed feelings. I know that the two weeks will go by so quick, but then I look at what I have to do for those two weeks and I feel like screaming. If we can make it through the two weeks, we deserve a month off! In a month, I will be out in California visiting with Josh, his family, and friends from my hometown. I am happy I will see some familiar faces. I miss living out in California, but I am glad I am here because I have already met lifelong friends at Saint Leo. I will be flying back to Tampa on the 25th, and I will be heading back to the airport a day after that to fly to San Juan to catch a cruise with family. I am so excited for it, but I am not looking forward to the massive jet lag I will encounter. I hope that everyone has a SAFE and WONDERFUL Thanksgiving break. ---Colleen http://blogs.targetx.com/slu/ColleenShanahan/2007/11/break_time.html http://blogs.targetx.com/slu/ColleenShanahan/2007/11/break_time.html Beyond SLU Fri, 16 Nov 2007 15:48:03 -0500 Birthday dessert at Bennigan's! Classes are going well, but are really keeping me busy. I don’t think I have ever read this much in my life! Though, the teachers are really good in their respective subjects, as well as explaining everything thoroughly. I really like my Expository Writing class because I love writing. I hope we get to make up some stories- I like getting creative. On the flip side, I do not like my Intro to Literary Study class. Literary study does nothing for me, and I do not enjoy the books that go along with it. The professor is good, but the class- I could do without. Even though it is months away, I am getting excited for Christmas! Our winter break means I can go out to California and see Josh and some of my friends from my hometown. It is nice to finally live relatively close to a big town- instead of California City which is 45mins away from a wal*mart. Halloween is also coming up, so I am getting excited for Halloween Horror Nights. It will be a blast this year because I know I will be going with some of the Sisters from my sorority. The only downfall is I have to wait in line for 7 hours to get tickets for $5. Then again, $5 is worth it! Until next time, if I can manage to find a way out of the avalanche of papers =) Colleen]]> http://blogs.targetx.com/slu/ColleenShanahan/2007/09/busy.html http://blogs.targetx.com/slu/ColleenShanahan/2007/09/busy.html Academics Sun, 30 Sep 2007 14:15:26 -0500