Day 82

IT'S FRIDAY!!! Isn't this the most excited/frightened animal you've ever seen? Part of me is like "Aww, that's so cute!" and the other part is like "Wow, that is SO scary!" :)

Day 81

Call me a cry baby, but today I experienced brutal pain. I asked all of the kids to get up from the carpet and go to their desks. All went, but one. This special one was in La La Land. So I ever so kindly said, "Hello?? Go to your desk." My friend was so shocked he was still sitting that he quickly got up. Well, I was standing right by him and when he shot up his foot pushed against my foot. Specifically my big toe. Specifically, I am big toenail-less now. The pain took a second to kick in, but boy did it ever make up for lost time. It's kind of ironic the timing of this accident. I just declined a job AND found out my current one is safe. Well, I almost screwed up everything (everything being my job) by the language that wanted (key word) to come out of my mouth at that moment. Let's just say I had to cover my mouth and hold back the words THEN doctor myself up. Oh em gee.

Day 80

What didn't happen today? My day started off by me leaving my breakfast AND my lunch at home on the kitchen counter. So what did I eat today you ask? Breakfast was Cheez-Its and lunch was Doritos and grotesque pretzels. I had two SST meetings today with parents. That basically means zeroooooo breaks today. However, one parent suggested that I get a raise for all of my hard work with her son. She also thought I deserved wings... as in angel wings. L gave me a five cent raise after hearing my story. I declined the offer though :). Four kids at recess today decided it would be a good idea to "mess with" another boy. What? This resulted in me calling five parents to explain to them what had happened today. All were very appreciative that I notified them. I felt sorry for the "bully" because I learned something new about his home life :(.

I had to make one of the most difficult calls of all time after school today. I got a job offer in Charleston for a position at a school (my back up plan). I told them Mimosa stole my heart (again) and I am back to stay there (Thank you Jesus!) :). The principal was so nice and understanding, which helped my feelings of guilt. A lot of good has come from this though... my friend Mallary is moving to Charleston and so is my friend Anna. I set them up to be roomies together! I'm pretty much a matchmaker. Since living in ATL in happening again.... Lindsey, her roommate Laura, Lindsey's new puppy, and I will all be roomies too! Everything is just happening for good reasons. God has a great big plan for me... He has this whole time... I was just too blind to see it. I see now why He made me experience everything recently... I am so thankful for all of my countless blessings!!

Panda Express (McDonalds of Chinese food) was calling my name after I made my phone call. I was hungry especially since I ate crap today. I went to bible study today... except we didn't do what we had planned. Everyone shared their good news.... new jobs, engagement pictures, trip to Moldova and surviving the volcano, new couples in the dating world, etc. Kacie and I realized that only cool people still wear braids. Check out our back-to-back pose. Doesn't it look like one big head with pigtail braids... a blonde and a brunette one? HAHA!!! We went to Baskin Robbins for 31 cent ice cream scoops for their 31 flavors. Our bible study went last year for it too. I got mint oreo.... my fav!!! Heading to bed... night loves.

Please pray for my sweet 78 year old grandmommy! She is having major knee problems and had to go to the hospital today. I hope LA didn't wear out her knees. I love her too much and hope she heals nicely! Love you grandmommy.... she reads my blog so I know she'll see this!!

Day 79

My kids were so welcoming towards me today. They told me they missed me... aww, presh! After school, went to the Alpharetta Library to gather materials for a class project. Then, went to Kroger to get 7 foods with seeds (melon, tomato, peas, apple, orange, bell pepper, avocado). We are comparing and contrasting foods with seeds tomorrow. I love this activity! The kids freak out. It's so interesting to see what they have seen before and what they haven't seen before. Once I got home, I made my favorite Sponge Bob mac and cheese. I decided I'd clean my closet. Well, I ended up making a HUGE mess. I pulled one thing down and EVERYTHING else fell down with it. Normally, I would complain about cleaning another mess, but today, I was surprised by what I found. A dance magazine I was in when I was in 4th grade fell down. You can see on the side where it says "Michelle Wexler hits a striking jazz pose while using a prop". That's me.... striking jazz pose diva. I found humor in this so I hope all of you enjoy it as well!

Day 78

Things on my mind.... 6/10 apply to the job craziness.... but what do you expect?

1) I love Georgia.

2) I love Mimosa. Other places don't compare...

3) I am more than thankful I kept my job!

4) Drug busts are scary... especially when you pull off the highway to get gas and you are scared for your life.

5) Life isn't fair... why can't jobs be based on performance and not seniority?

6) Josh and I will continue to have Monday night step dates for eternity.

7) I miss my mom/roomie. She's in Kentucky with her high school DECA team! :(

8) My foot hurts because I bruised it when I jumped out of the car in shock of the drug bust. For real, it is black.

9) Tomorrow at school is going to be rough. I want to say something to my friends, but what do I say? I am just soooo sorry.

10) I am thankful for my friends and family in my life. In high and low places, they all care and prayed for me! I LOVE Y'ALL!

Day 77

Woke up super early for unexpected reasons, went back to sleep, lunch at Bagel Nation (delish!), beach time where I got sand rash..... okay not really, but the wind was out of control throwing the sand around at me, walked up and down King Street (downtown Charleston)/shopped for a few hours, dinner at Fat Hen where I had the most amazing shrimp and grits, then watched some AFV with Matt and Laura. Overall, great day!

Day 76

Let's pretend this is what the beach looked like today. Pretty much think the opposite :)

Day 75

I was a busy bee tonight! Got some pics developed, went to Arby's, graded papers (realized I need to work on hyphens... haha), got gas for my car, scrapbooked, packed, then got sucked into watching the CRCT video for over an hour. My school is freaking hilarious. Here I am... it is now 11:19 pm. I have to be in my car in seven hours to go to Charleston. I can't wait for some beach time, but definitely not looking forward to the drive by myself :(. It's a good thing I like music so much! I'm going to make a new cd for the 5ish hour drive. I have the Natalie Merchant song "Kind and Generous" in my head.... good song.

Day 74

I want to lie about this, but I can't.... I took a two hour nap after school!!! AHHHH, what is wrong with me?? I need help. Major help. Why can't I just come home, watch some tv, grade some papers, and just relax? No, not me... I need to crash to the world. Ugh... in other news.... I decided to do something worth my time and donate all of my unused clothes to Good Will. I donated two huge bags!! I always feel so good when I leave there. It makes me happy knowing that someone else will get good use out of clothes I don't wear anymore. After that, I went to Target, WalMart, and Dollar Tree in search for some arts'n'crafts for tomorrow. Not much luck! However, I did end up spending 30 bucks. What did I get? Ridiculous things I probably don't need. I can't resist dollar sections and clearance sections. I mean, why not, right??? After I get off this computer, I am going to grade papers for real now. Peace!

Day 73

What an eventful night! I witnessed one interesting thing happen and one scary thing happen.

One interesting thing: I am running on the treadmill and happen to look over at my neighbor who whips out his computer and notebook. He is not strolling on this thing.... he is jogging!! I was just waiting (along with the rest of everyone in our area) for it to fall to the ground. He also managed to somehow type along with writing notes in his handy dandy yellow notebook. What??? It never once fell. Never once!! I couldn't help but giggle at the craziness of the situation. I guess no matter how hectic my life may seem, there are always other people busier than me.

One scary thing: After working out, I went to a Starbucks connected to a Target to finish my chapters due for bible study tonight. As I am reading, I hear a call of help. "Can somebody help me?" I truly thought I was hearing things, but then proceeded with reading. Then, it was loud.... she screamed out "CAN SOMEONE HELP ME!! NOW!!!".... I ran over to see what was wrong. Her 2 year old had gotten choked on some food in the check out line. They were trying to do the Heimlich and that didn't work... so this brave man (I was a nervous wreck!!) put the baby upside down and shook it until the food came out.... all FOUR pieces of candy!!! The baby eventually cried, which meant that she could now breathe. It was so scary watching an innocent child not be able to breathe or show much life. She ended up being okay, which I was SO happy about. That was definitely an eye opening experience.

Day 72

I made two parent phone calls about concerns I had about their child's behavior. BOTH of them turned my spirits up! One of them told me I have done such a good job with her daughter that she wants to actually attend SCHOOL at UGA. Currently, she is concerned with what she will study there. So cute!! Apparently the random outbursts this child is experiencing is anxiety because we will be separated in a few weeks.... wow! I had no idea..... that worries me that she is so concerned about that now, but it is also comforting that she feels that way about me. The other parent told me how much of an influence I have made on her son. Apparently he has made the most progress in my class behavior wise than he has in his whole life. Wow. The two convos definitely steered in directions I was not expecting. It's nice to know I am making a difference, but man oh man... have I learned about my patience through the process! I leave you tonight with my water bottle saying... "Life is good."

Day 71

Hallelujah! Today was a day I have been waiting for for a long time. A team of teachers met on a child (one of my students) to discuss eligibility for special services at school. I have worked my hiney off since the first day of school to try and get her help and TODAY IS THE DAY!!! All of my hard work has paid off. I am so happy for her.... she will finally get the instruction she needs!

I left school in a weird mood. I realized I hadn't talked to many people?? What? Me? I know. It's hard to understand. With my very long meeting, I didn't talk to many people besides my kids. As I was leaving school today, I decided I wanted to catch up with Meg aka our awesome school secretary. I usually have a fun convo with her throughout the day, but today.... nothing :(. So, on my way out I decided to pause and catch up. She does a good job reading my blogs and she knew today was STEP day for me. We talked about how funny it'd be if I took a pic of my love, Josh, but we said how weird and awkward that'd be especially when we were in the middle of working out. Well, ladies and gents... I don't know what came over me, but I did it. I whipped out my phone and snapped a photo of the man that is my "Step daddy" and I am his "step child". This is Josh! I was going to be secretive and get him without him realizing I had my phone out, but obviously that's not possible with a hugeeeee mirror. Haha... not to mention he did a pivot turn right as I shot this picture so that's the only reason he is facing me. I am in the pink shorts... if you look closely you can see my look of guilt. HAHA. I did it Meg, I officially did it. :)

OH yeah... please pray for my cousin, Jessica. Today is her 28th birthday and we don't know where she is :( It's a long story, but she is not making good choices. My heart hurts for everyone involved, but today.... pray for just her.

I am beyond tired.... good night peeps!

Day 70

Sunday Funday! I woke up and decided I would drive down to Buckhead to hang out with friends. I layed out with Mallary all day then we went to Lindsey's friends apt, Ben and Beau, for quesadillas and wine. It was delish! I just got home at 10:00. Ooops. My day/night slipped by me, but I don't regret one minute of it... I had a blast!! Bring on the week :)

Weekend obsession: "Coconut Skins" by Damien Rice :)

Day 69

As you can see, we had a lot of fun at Lauren's birthday! We went to La Parilla, her apt, then out in Buckhead. Surprisingly enough, I lasted the entire time! I was a trooper. I did it for Lauren, but I honestly did feel okay. We woke up today and of course giggled about last night. We even traveled down memory lane... gosh, I'm so lucky to have great friends. I was going to go to 420 fest with them, but decided against it. Normally, I wouldn't say this, but right now I feel this way---I'd rather be at home getting well and cleaning than being with friends and having fun! :) I hope everyone is doing well!

Day 68

CRCT's are over for my grade level. SOO happy! It is Lauren's birthday shindig tonight! I'm interested to see how long I last considering I am a strep survivor. :) I bet dinner is all I can handle!

I didn't have a picture from today, so here's Carly. She is one of my best friends since middle school. She lives in LA and I saw her when I went. Miss her so much!

Day 67

This smiley face is feeling a bit better than I am currently, but I couldn't find another one that matched my feelings. However, I am feeling better today! Currently, I am not swallowing knives and razors. YAY!! I have been eating today, which hasn't happened since 1 1/2 days ago. I never miss a meal and somehow I missed 4? Phew, that's over now! I feel much better strep wise. My allergies are still there, but I can deal with them. I got a fabulous report from a few teachers that kept up with my class. I am so proud of them! It feels good when a very experienced teacher says, "I was very impressed with them as always. I told them they made you proud today!" or another very experienced teacher says, "I asked them how they did and they told me they knew all of the answers--100%. Now how's that for confidence?" Do you see why I am so lucky to be at my school? Man, I am so thankful.

I achieved 2 things today... 1) I completed my part of the lesson plans and sent them out to the grade level. 2) I slept.

Day 66

Today was rough. I woke up in the middle of the night 3 times because I was in so much pain. My throat was killing me and I couldn't breathe. I forced myself back to sleep every time because I knew I needed to be wide awake for giving the first part (reading) of the CRCT. In 2nd grade, we can read the test to the students. I knew something was wrong when a) it hurt to read each and every word and b) the kids would look up at me knowing I wasn't my usual self. After many people encouraged me to go to the doctor, I finally gave in. It turns out, I have strep throat on top of bad allergies AND a 100.5 fever. What the heck? I'm never sick and if I am it only lasts a little bit. Let me just point out that the cotton swab trick the nurse performed on me was probably my least favorite part of my day. HELLO! How do you expect me to be okay with you sticking a stick down my throat as far as you can? I came home and slept for 6 hours. I still feel horrible... imagine razor blades and knives every time you eat, drink, or just simply swallow. I am feeling a lot better because of the medicine. My temperature is also breaking because I am sweating bullets while typing right now. I am okay with it though because it means it will hopefully go away! I was a big baby and cried immediately when I found out I'd have to miss giving the CRCT tomorrow. Not allowed to go to work? I was begging the nurse to please let me go and she advised me that I needed to take a day for me to get well because I was contagious. I somehow gave in and called the school to inform them of my status. Luckily, everyone was super supportive. I feel like a mom though. I know they'll be okay, but I am sad and worried about them tomorrow. I hope they do well (academic wise and behavior wise). They were perfect angels for me today so I can only hope they'll be okay tomorrow!

Hope everyone had a good day. I'm going back to sleep to try and get over this! Good night.

Day 65

Today was so fun! Minus the fact I am ridiculously sneezing and can't breathe. I was trying to be a nice teacher and take a small group out for a language arts lesson today. The kids loved it and they actually participated/didn't get distracted. It was fabulous! I feel super confident they are ready. THEN.... I came in and felt like my head was going to explode. Stupid pollen! I think I've sneezed a total of 100 plus times today. It's okay though because I have Zyrtec to help me out. But my question is... why do bad things happen to good people? I was just trying to be a fun teacher... and this is how I get treated? Mmmkay, whatevs.

The CRCT Pep Rally was super duper fun. I was in charge of our school cheerleaders. Let's just say we rocked. I was so happy with A) how many people did it and B) the crazy spunk and pep they gave! I tumbled AND we put up one of our teachers in a stunt. It was so much fun! I am so lucky to work at such an amazing school. I know I am lucky because I talk to other people at other schools... they aren't as lucky. They don't get the opportunity to get pied in the face. They don't have best friends at school. They don't have rappers for administration. They don't actually like going to work. I do! I do! I do! to all of the above. Shout out to L and Meg---loved the video!! Especially all the hard work you put into our 2nd grade video. I realize it was annoying and time consuming, but it turned out beautiful and your hard work is insanely appreciated!!

I had Milton cheerleading after school and met my new squad. They seem to be really sweet! I had some of them last year as well. Welp, I am going to go work out then eat some dinner. THEN, I am going to try to go to bed early tonight. We shall see if that happens though. Highly doubtful.

Day 64

It's my bff's 25th birthday!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAURENA!! My hilarious friend Blair made a funny movie with this picture. It definitely brought me to tears I was laughing so hard. Bahhaha. Anywho, I had a great day! Ended it with going to my two workout classes then a quick hello at Lauren's birthday dinner. The real shindig is on Friday though. Hope everyone had a fab day and night :)

Day 63

It's like that En Vogue song says.... "Back to life, back to reality".... :( Today, I woke up, graded papers on my deck, ran an hour in my neighborhood, went grocery shopping, then got sushi to go. I'd say the most exciting part of my day was picking out the color I wanted to grade with for each assignment. :)

Day 62

I spent all day at airports... LAX and ATL. It was a painless flight back. Our prayers were answered for a safe trip back. Tomorrow is going to be filled with facing reality. I don't know how I feel about it yet.

JAY VIDEO!!

http://www.nbc.com/the-tonight-show/video/thursday-april-8-2010/1217617/?__source=recent-eps-module


I first notice myself at 37 seconds. I'm on Jay's right... the tvs left. My hair is semi curly and I am wearing a black dress with a blue design on my back. He actually shook my hand!

Day 62

Boohoo. Today was our last full day in LA! I am super sad, but to be honest... I do miss my Georgia life. We went to Santa Monica today. We ate lunch at Bubba Gumps. Out of all of the times I've been to the Santa Monica pier, I've never eaten there before. It was amazing!! I had all things shrimp. Delish! My friends and I have inside jokes about this place. Pretty much any inside joke we have we beat it to the ground. We copy the Forrest Gump movie by saying things like... "shrimp popcorn".... "shrimp fruit by the foot".... "shrimp poptarts".... "shrimp bubble gum"..... haha. So fun! It only seemed appropriate to eat here. I bought an awesome shirt that had phrases like these on it! After lunch, I fried myself in the sun for several hours. It was kinda sunny kinda cloudy.... and now I'm kinda pinky! Ahhhh.... oops. Oh well! We decided that walking down 3rd street Promenade was a good choice. SOOOO much shopping! We saw some great dancing acts on the streets. The groups of dancers or single dancers perform for the crowds shopping in the promenade. They have big buckets where you can put money in. Some of these people deserve to be famous, but obviously the economy is rough. Some of these people are worthless and it is obvious why they are doing what they are doing. After this, we drove to Venice Beach for dinner. We ate at an Italian place. They draped a big piece of paper over the table where you could draw to pass the time before your ridiculously large meal came. I decided now was my time to shine. I only have two specialties with art.... the flower and the eye. I figured if I can't get a gig dancing and performing, I can always fall back on art. ;) If you read my post yesterday, you know that my girlfriends tried to get me to go out tonight. Well, they tried again and I stayed strong. No going out for this little girl. I am sleepy and I need to get a good sleep. I have a confession though...... the reason it was so easy to say no to them was because on Tuesday... Lauren and I booked a flight to come back out here in July! SEE YOU SOON HOLLYWOOD!!!!!

Day 61

Woke up, got ready, then went to NBC studios in Burbank for the Jay Leno Show. We waited from 11:30 till 2:15 to go in. Then.... from 2:15-3:30ish we were in another holding area. FINALLY, they took us in. My number was 10 out of 300+ish. It was a long time to wait, but in the end I am glad that we got there early enough.

Excitements............ 1) We were on the floor level. 2) I had a clear view of Demi. 3) I got to run up and shake Jay Leno's hand before his monologue. 4) I was right next to Train's performance. HEYYYYY SOOUULLL SISTERRR. 5) I was taped as an extra for Hannah Montana. The scene was Hannah Montana came to the Jay Leno show to be a guest rockstar. 6) I got a "Tonight Show with Jay Leno" towel because I danced and sang for everyone!... no shame at all.

**If you know me even a little bit, you know I love Miley! I was SOOOOO disappointed when she never came out. Her arrival was highly anticipated all day because they built it up and then she popped our bubbles. Disney wanted a "private" taping when Miley came out to do her Hannah interview with Jay.... I am assuming she performed on his stage too. Oh well, no biggie. I'm already over it :)

After our long day at Jay Leno, went to an Italian restaurant in Beverly Hills. It was delish! Then we went to Sprinkles Cupcakes. Best cupcake in the wholeeeeeeee world. All of you probably think I am in love with cupcakes. I really don't. I don't even care for sweets that much. I just think cupcakes are so pretty and fun to look at! But these...... these were amazing to eat. My friend Niki met us there. Here we are eating a red velvet cupcake from Sprinkles :)

We are staying up to watch the episode of Jay we saw today in hopes we might see ourselves. We shall see!! Tomorrow is Universal Studios along with Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach. My girlfriends are trying to talk me into a night out in Hollywood, but the thought tires me out. I'm sad it's our last day... I'm gonna try to make the most of it :)

Day 60

Hey Marilyn!
I love Celine!!!!!

The Americana water show!

Top 10 today (in no particular order)....

1) BUGATTI VEYRON! I saw one today on Rodeo Drive! These cars are worth a couple million and made the Lamborghini next to it look like crap. (My secret is out... I love pretty cars!!)

2) Dr. Phil taping

3) Climbed a peak to see all of LA

4) Daniel, a security guard that saved the day when we couldn't read a map

5) Mean attitude man.... I won't get in depth, but he was a jerk!

6) Mom almost getting crushed by the heavy elevator at the Americana (dangerous, but oh so hilarious too!)

7) LA Tour Bus to see movie star homes (I knew more info than our guide... I think he was embarrassed! oops!)

8) Urth Cafe with plastic surgery patients... literally, everyone there had work done... crazy!

9) Playing in the walk of the stars and also with the hand/footprints

10) Water show at the Americana

Day 59

Today was one I'll never forget. SOOOO much fun. My mom and grandmommy picked me up from my friend Blair's apartment and we went to the Grove to eat some lunch. After that, we decided to walk on over to the CBS lot about 30 minutes early. Note: On MY ticket it says that all seats are assigned and that you must arrive by 2:30 (also, arriving earlier was NOT needed). So we're walking... walking... walking.... and I see a HUGE line with very well dressed people. As you know, DWTS is very glamorous so I assumed they were standing in line for the show. As I got closer I realized they were there for the same reason I was so my heart started to pound. I walked about 100 people back and everyone is very nervous they are not going to get in. I am sweating bullets by this time because I am thinking I ruined it for my family. As I stood there talking to people, I realized.... wait a second.... my ticket said go to C6 gate, which was totally not where I was. I soon realized once I got to C6 that I was on the drum roll please... the VIP guest list. WHATTTT??? I knew my friend who worked for the show got me tickets, but I didn't know I'd have special treatments. SO, we stood in line with everyone's everyone. I met this adorable family with cutie pie little boys and girls who were supposed to perform in tonights show, but they couldn't squeeze them in. I actually recognized them from when they performed a few seasons back. My favorite up close and personal moment was when I walked out from getting water (I almost passed out from the heat.... the producer people were worried for me) I ran into Mark Balas aka the guy who got kicked off last week with the hurt leg and who performed the guitar tonight on stage. We shook hands and chatted for a bit so basically we're best friends. When they called our number (zone 2), we went into the studios. My name was on a chair. Yes, my name. I was in front clear as day. No one sat in front of me so I could see perfectly. I am not shocked I wasn't on tv though because I was behind the cameras. If anyone watched, remember the first number with Reba singing and the two girls had the cowboy hats? We were in that section where the girls first started the dance. It was SO cool! I saw Vicki from the Real Housewives of Orange County. Vienna from the Bachelor was fun to see just because she is drama. Buzz Aldren's wife was bedazzled from head to toe. I had clear view of these people because they were in the section directly next to us. A lot of the dancers came by us... they all seem so nice!! Tom and Brooke did all of their introductions just feet away from us. If I wanted to, I could have probably touched them, but I knew I'd probably get kicked out. haha. Tom was such a goofball before they were on air. Chelsey was jumping up and down, up and down, up and down before she performed bc of nerves literally right by me.... and Tom said, "Man, are you tired, Chelsey? Because I'm exhausted watching you!" Reba performed in front of us, but both of her performances were before the show started live. I am not going to lie, I was disappointed when I heard it was her, but to be honest I enjoyed watching her. Overall, today was such an awesome experience. I am so thankful for my friend Ashley. She was too nice to get us the tickets!! That was my day in a nutshell. Gotta get in bed early.... Dr. Phil tomorrow :) My aunt got in town tonight so it's fun having someone new to the LA gang! Good night!!

Day 58

No Ellen today :( We didn't get tickets after all the long months of signing up. So... instead we went to The Ivy. Sounds glamorous and delicious, right? NOT AT ALL! I've seen it on tv and heard about celebs going there. I expected it to be amazing. For 3 salads it was 60 bucks. I wouldn't mind the price if it was good, but it was HORRIBLE! I don't understand the huge fuss about it. After that, we went to a wax museum and the world records building. We walked outside the Kodak Theatre and the Chinese Theatre. I found a few stars on the walk with some of my favs.... Michael, Sandra, and Walt. I went home, gathered my belongings for Dancing with the Stars tomorrow, and headed to my friend Blair's apartment in West Hollywood. We walked to Yogurt Land. O. M. G. Best froyo in the world!!! Better than Pinkberry and that means it's ridiculously amazing. After that, we walked to The Grove. There was a premier there for a baseball movie. A lot of little Disney stars were there including Moises Arias from Hannah Montana and the cute boy (don't know his name) from Wizards of Waverly Place. The stores are gorgeous at The Grove. Next door, they have a huge Farmer's Market. I was in heaven. We went to World Market and grabbed some wine. On our walk home, we got stopped by some hardcore Orthodox Jews that gave us matza (sp?). Going to dinner tonight with Blair and Stephanie to get sushi. AHH, love sushi. Then it's time for Dancing with the Stars!!!!! I can't believe I'll be there tomorrow. I can't wait to hear who the special guest is for tomorrow :). It's a beautiful day in Hollywood!!

Day 57

Hollywood Bowl for Easter!

Laguna Beach right before earthquake!

Hey Hollywood sign!!

"E" IS FOR EASTER AND EARTHQUAKES.

Wow... today was a long, but fun one. Woke up around 7 to get ready for church. We attended a church located in Bel Air except it wasn't at the church. It was at the Hollywood Bowl aka a huge ampitheatre. It was packed with a lot of LA. Such a wonderful service. After we went to church, we drove an hour to Newport Beach. My family met up with one of my friends Carly and her family. We went to lunch at a place called Sol. Carly's cousin actually owns it, which was neat. We had a great time catch up and drinking watermelon margs :). After that, we drove down to Laguna Beach. I've been before, but it looked more beautiful than ever. I loveeeee all of the houses on the hills. Hence why the MTV show is called "The Hills". As we were admiring the beautiful water and view from a spiral staircase, we started to notice that the staircase was swaying back and forth. I'm not sure how long it lasted, but it seemed like forever. I thought it was either strong winds or someone was rocking it from beneath. As we walked up the hill after it stopped, we came to find out it was an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.9 (later we found out it was 7.2!). People had fallen out of their chairs, restaurants dropped plates, things were falling off of walls, etc. CRAZY!!! The picture above was taken seconds before I stepped on the staircase. According to my mom, I have been in an earthquake in Georgia before. I kind of remember it, but this is something I know I'll remember forever. It was so weird and I couldn't believe I just experienced it. After that, we drove back to LA. We drove as close as we could to the Hollywood sign. The iPhone does not show how close we were, but I promise the letters looked MUCH bigger in person. :) After this, it was time for dinner. We went to BoHo off Sunset to meet one of my good friends Blair. We had a fabulous time catching up!! I miss all of my LA buddies. Blair wanted me to spend the night and catch up, but I am lame and came back to the hotel to sleep. I am worn out. Afterall, we have the possibility of going to Ellen tomorrow if my mom can pull some strings. We shall see! Eeeeeek :)

Day 56

Woohoo. Made it to Cali! I slept the entire plane ride because my grandmommy drugged me. Literally!! I could barely walk onto the plane because I was about to pass out. My mom woke me up every time they gave out drinks and food. Then the sleeping cycle would continue. I absolutely HATE flying for those of you that do not know. I really am not a fan because of some scary experiences I've had before. Glad we got here safe and sound. When I was at baggage claim, I saw a semi sort of star. I saw Sal Masekela from the Daily 10 on E!. On our way to the hotel, my phone alerted me that I had a new email. It was an email from DANCING WITH THE STARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We are going this Tuesday for the live show. I was completely thrilled. I have my friend Ashley to thank because she totally hooked us up. She works for the show so her connections are pretty amazing. For lunch, we went to In N Out. I've been there a few times, but my mom and grandmommy have not. I advised them to get "animal style", which has the fattening sauce, cheese, and onions. Pretty much the full experience of In N Out. We went to Millions of Milkshakes tonight for dinner.... yes only a milkshake for dinner. This place is pretty cool.... a lot of celebs will go there and create their own milkshakes then the customers can pick which ones they want. I got the Miley Shake because it has my two favorite things in it.... Reece's and cookie dough :). SO as you can see, I am staying healthy and fit already. We went shopping for hours today.... I bought two new swimsuits and a brand new camera. Lovely, huh? I had no choice... I must document this trip! We came home a speck early because we are waking up to go to church in Beverly Hills then hitting Newport Beach and Laguna Beach all day. Don't be shocked if I don't come back.......

Day 55

Just call me forgetful. Packing is stressful... especially when your camera AND every bathing suit you own are missing. I can understand losing a tiny camera... trust me, my room is ridiculous right now, but how in the heck am I missing all of my bathing suits (easily at least ten)? I have looked in every little place I know to look :(. I have this horrible feeling that I threw them in my storage unit. I guess I will be purchasing a new camera and a few new suits in Cali. No worries followers... I will indeed post pictures from my wonderful adventure. There is nothing I cannot conquer. :)

I had a crazyyyyyyy day, but it was a fun one at that. Class pictures... pedicure... shopping (wish I had known my dilemma then)... etccccc.... but best of all... my sweet cousins came to my class and brought me a BIG TOP CUPCAKE. According to the ad, it is 25 times the size of a normal cupcake. What a fabulous invention :)

4:30am is going to come too soon. I am not looking forward to that part (or the actual flight itself--I'm a scaredy cat!), but I am stoked to be in LA!!! I will update my travels while I'm there because my mama is bringing her laptop. Pray for safe travels :) Next time I post, I'll be in La La Land!

Day 54

Today was exciting... April Fools plus pie in face for a good cause. Love it! Cheerleading was after school. All I have to say is thank goodness for Chick-Fil-A. They have gotten me through this week....providing me my three 9:00 meals. I need a new schedule.

Thanks L... I stole her picture of me getting "pied".