Updates

Well, I just completed my fall term and I started out with 9 credit hours. However, my attempt at College Algebra online was a big fail. I ended up dropping the course, but it all worked out okay. My Comp II English course kept me very busy with all the reading and writing I had to complete. With that said, I finished the term with a 4.0 and a spot on the President's List for outstanding academic achievement. So I completed 2 of the 3 classes I planned. That did however throw my graduation out to summer.

However, I'm going to be okay. I've been doing a lot of research and I'm applying to USF in Tampa and FSC right here in Lakeland. I will graduate on schedule and as planned this summer with my Associate in Arts. I even get to walk May 4th with the Spring graduates! I'm really excited.

My goal is to get my bachelor's in sociology from Florida Southern College if I can get all the financial aid worked out. I could literally walk to school because I live just down the street from the campus.

Florida Southern is a private college; therefore, it is very expensive. However, more scholarships and grants become available when you start going to a University, so I truly hope I can make it happen.

I am a student with many credits so USF is already determined to start charging me double once I reach the  maximum number of credits, which shouldn't take me too long. After I graduate with my bachelor's I'd like to gain employment at a college where I can work in admissions or counseling. Ultimately, I want my Master's degree, but I need to find a job first because those are really expensive.

As for crafting, I haven't had a lot of time to get to it as I am working part-time over Christmas break. I return to classes Jan 7th and I'll be commuting 45-55 minutes to my campus in Kissimmee. I will also be getting plenty of tutoring for College Algebra and Stats as my final class in the summer.

Anyway, thanks for coming by. I hope everyone is well and has a Happy Holiday and New Year!

Tragedies happen to everyone...

On Sunday, I lost one of my dear friends. His name is Eddie Ricks. I know I am still in denial and there are so many questions. The funeral is on August 11th and I haven't figured out how to say goodbye. Maybe it should be more like a c-ya later. 

Eddie had a smile that could just dazzle you. He was smart, funny and one of the nicest people I have ever had the privilege to know.

I haven't known him as long as my other friends who have been so lucky to have him in their lives for many years, but 2 1/2 years just wasn't long enough. 

My heart goes out to his family. I know it's going to hurt for awhile and that everyone hurts so bad right now. I hurt too. 

Eddie will be in my heart always. The world is a different place without him. I hope that in time it gets easier, but it will never be something that you get over. 

Eddie, you may not be with us on this Earth anymore, but you are never forgotten.

Love you always.

If you care to view the article here is a link: The Lakeland Ledger

Busy as can bee....

I haven't had time to create anything in awhile and chances are I won't have much time to. I've got school coming up very soon which frighteningly, I'm doing all of it online with my school Valencia. I should graduate next May with my useless, AA if all goes as planned. I'm trying to prepare for College Algebra which is why I am away. I took intermediate in 2010 and that was a struggle for me. So I'm taking a break of sorts to start studying up as well as getting caught up in Breaking Bad in my spare time and reading A Game of Thrones. I also need to complete some cleaning and organizing. If I get some time to craft some goodies up I can always try and do a quick blog post! I will return back here so please don't think I've gone forever, never to return!

Fabulous Friday's Party #2

<a href="http://thedelightfulcrafter.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q543/jmurkerson/fabulousfridays2.png" /></a>

A minor snafu and a clutch bag too!

So I went into this project with the intention of making a ruffle duffle bag. I think all the planning in the world wasn't going to help me with this project. I decided to scrap the duffle and create a giant sort of tote bag. I guess I felt like it was better to make something out of it rather than lose the bag altogether. So that's what I did. My 2nd project is a clutch bag I created for a friend of mine. I can't wait to give this to her. I think or at least I hope she'll love it! So here are the pictures and I can't wait to hear what you guys think!

I decided to try and give the sleeves a ruffle. I did affix a zipper, but due to my placement of the handles it will zip up only when the handles are inside the bag. A minor snafu on my part. 

The beautiful bird orange/white fabric is Duralee. You can find beautiful fabrics here at Duralee. The clutch bag fabric is a pattern I picked out from Hobby Lobby with my 40% off coupon and the interior fabric is Kravet. I affixed a rose button because I thought it looked really cute on the bag. 

I can't wait to hear what you guys think! Thanks for stopping by and I look forward to your comments. :) If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

Fabulous Fridays Link Party #1

<a href="http://thedelightfulcrafter.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q543/jmurkerson/fabulousfridays2.png" /></a>

Versatile Blogger Award

Wow, how exciting! I was nominated by Jennifer over at Pieces To Treasure for The Versatile Blogger Award! Can we say stoked?? YES!!!! She's a fantastic follower of my blog and I'm so excited to know that another person likes what I do and write! Thank you Jennifer and please go check out her blog!

So here's what I do for the privilege:

1. Thank the blogger who nominated me (DONE)

2. Include a link to their site in the post (DONE)

3. Include the above award image in your post (DONE)

4. Give 7 random facts about yourself...

5. Nominate 15 other bloggers for the award...or like 5...but they are a great 5!

6. When nominating include a link to their site...will do

7. Let other bloggers know they have been nominated...absolutely!

7 random facts about Jess

1. I've been a long time college student, but I will be graduating with my A.A. in the fall finally and plan to go to UCF for my bachelor's.

2. I'm not a big ice cream fan, but I do love yogurt from Yogurt Mountain.

3. My cat is pretty much my child and will continue to be.

4. I haven't seen my Mom since May cause she lives in Michigan.

5. My sister is getting married next year in St. Augustine and I'm the matron of honor.

6. I'm really stubborn.

7. I really want to travel and soon.

I would like to nominate 5 cause 15 sure is a lot of extra work I don't have time for at the moment.

1. Longtime friend and fellow blogger who I will be hosting a link-up party with Julie at,  Jam's Corner

2. My Aunt Sandy at Delightful Eclectic Abode 

3. Claire at Polkadot-Pretties 

4. Kayla at Anatomy of a Craft 

5. The gals at Craftmates 

These are only a few of my favorite blogs cause it's impossible to choose just one!

Also, for exciting news, I was mentioned on the Duralee FB page. You can find it here: Duralee 

They have truly amazing fabric. If I was a millionaire, I would buy it by the truckload. Instead, I'm a poor college student!

Please don't forget to stop by this Friday for my co-hosting gig with Jam's Corner for a link party. Welcome to Fabulous Friday's!

XO, Jess