American Roo

A Weight Lifted

2010-12-16T20:38:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow is my breast reduction surgery.
I have to be at the hospital by 530 am and surgery is at 730am.
The procedure takes about 4 hours and I will spend about 1 1/2 hour in the recovery unit.
I'm not so scared to have surgery. I think what scares me the most is how I will be afterwards.
I can't wait to get this weight off and be pain free. I really think it is going to bring a new outlook on life.
This year, as the years before it, has been full of up and downs. I'm glad to be going out of this year with a bang. I got my snow today and hope for more tomorrow when recovering!
This is a big weight lifted off my shoulders- literally!

The Golden Sunrise at Dawn

2010-08-26T14:23:00.003-04:00

Damn..talk about a dry spell!! Forgive me blog, for I have sinned. It has been 6 months since my last post. I recently started the Fall semester and am taking Interpersonal Communication for my massage degree. For our first project we had to put together something that was about us. I made a collage and wrote a poem about me. I wanted to share it and thought, "What better place to share my poem than in my blog?" so..here it is!

The Golden Sunrise at Dawn

She comes from a land down under, but the land of the free has always been what she’s called home. A military brat, this American roo has had her fair share of travel around the home of the brave. She has played in the California sun, been through the Utah snow, tasted the salt of the Florida beaches, and smelled the Arizona desert air. A middle child of 6, attention doesn’t come easy. A somewhat cultural attaché, she cooks like an Italian, drinks like a German, and fights like the Irish. She grew up on America’s favorite pastime and if you listen closely you can hear her battle cry, “No one beats the Bronx Bombers!”

She has overcome mean girls and naughty boys; letting go of their playground taunts. Her dragon now stands watch outside her castle; protecting her outside the stone walls she has built. With a frustrated heart she waits for love. She wears her heart under her sleeve, afraid to show true emotions. Music expresses what words cannot and they flow better through her pen than her mouth; allowing freedom for her much imprisoned thoughts. Her extrovert argues frequently with her introverted self, and they tend to embarrass one another. A unique quality for an introvert, she practices techniques to help release tension kept bottled away.

Unsure of religion she is only acquainted with Jesus. They seem to have an understanding on the existence of each other, but aren’t really sure what one another is about; a strange concept for this former Catholic school girl. The afterlife is something best left alone. She is merely a guest to the ghosts in her home. Ghosts to her are like bees, they won’t sting you if you don’t sting it. But of ghosts, demons, and angels, rejection and loneliness are her greatest fears. Feeling inferior to those around her she knows her life is superior to others less fortunate.

But she is patient and kind. Easily approachable by many, loved platonically by thousands, outgoing to those who know her best, and shy around those who are new to her shell. She is smart, sexy, and fun.

She is….ME!

Dry Spell

2010-02-23T11:14:00.005-05:00

I apologize for the delay. I have decided that my dry spell of not blogging is over.
I missed it, so..I'm back. Really I'm just tired of my head talking to much so I'm finally ready to shut it up. I wanted to come back with something fun.
I did this test on Facebook that is suppose to get you to understand yourself better.
It's just one of those many "Who Are You?" or "What's your Hindu name?" quiz type things people send around to everyone.
I just thought I would share.

Dear Oriana Galasso, below are your Personality Tests result:Who is your true self: You are mature, reasonable, honest and give good advice. People ask for your comments on all sorts of different issues. Sometimes you might find yourself in a dilemma when trapped with a problem, which your heart rather than your head needs to solve.
Your view on yourself: Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵Other people find you very interestingƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨. But you are really hiding your true selfƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄. Your friends love you because you are a good listenerƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄. They'll probably still love you if you learn to be yourself with them
The type of girlfriend/boyfriend you are looking for: You like seriousƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄, SmartƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄, Determined peopleƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄. You don't judge a book by its coverƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄. So good-looking people aren't necessarily your style. This makes you an attractive person in many people's eyes
Your readiness to commit to a relationship: You prefer to get to know a person very well before deciding whether you will commit to the relationship
The seriousness of your love: Your have very sensible tactics when approaching the opposite sex. In many ways people find your straightforwardness attractive. So you will find yourself with plenty of dates
Your views on education: Education is less important than the real world out thereƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄. Away from the classroom. Deep inside you want to start working. Earning money. Living on your own
The right job for you: You're a practical person. Will choose a secure job with a steady incomeƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄. Knowing what you like to do is importantƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨. Find a regular job doing just thatƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄. You'll be set for life
How do you view success: Ƹ̵̡Success in your career is not the most important thing in lifeƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄. You are content with what you haveƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄. Think that being with someone you love is more than spending all of your precious time just working
What are you most afraid of: Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄You are concerned about your imageƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄. The way others see youƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ : This means that you try very hard to be accepted by other peopleƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄. It's time for you to believe in who you are. Not what you wear.

Because sometimes..we just need to laugh

2009-10-10T21:55:00.002-04:00

When we've had a rough week, all we want to do is laugh.
So, I thought I would post this video. It always makes me laugh, even just listening to the song.
It's by The Lonely Island, they always have a song or skit that makes me laugh.
They work for Saturday Night Live and their skits/music is hilarious.
I give you, RAS TRENT:
http://www.hulu.com/watch/40968/saturday-night-live-digital-short-ras-trent
NOTE**Hulu doesn't have a "post to blogspot" option, sorry.

CAUTION This blog contains fowl language in a humorous nature

2009-09-16T11:12:00.003-04:00

Okay, so the past 2 days my horoscope has pretty much been all about sex. It tells me that me and my partner will have an amazing night and so on..
Not funny to a single person!
It always talks about me and my partner and how great our love is or could be and then at the end I get the knife in the stomach turned even more. I get something like this: "If you're single curl up with a good book."
When will horoscopes just come out and say it? "curl up with a good book you LONER!"
So today this is what I get:
(according to MSN)
Gemini
May 21 - June 21
***Love is very much in the air today, dear Gemini, so be sure to take advantage of this auspicious environment! Invite your loved one over for an afternoon of play. You could play hide-and-seek under the bed covers! If you do not have a playmate in your life at the moment, find other ways to fulfill the passion you are feeling. Spend the afternoon reading a trashy novel, or invite a friend over to watch a movie with your favorite hot celebrity. Take a break, and clear your system.***
So basically it's telling me to either get fucked or fuck myself.
Thank you MSN. Thank you.

Frustrations...they can never come at a better time

2009-09-11T12:35:00.004-04:00

I cannot stand being told that I am not doing anything.
It may look like to you that I'm not. I am. I'm trying very hard. I don't care what you say. I guess if I didn't do it your way it wasn't done right.
Where is the love?
I do not sit on my ass and wait for people to do other things for me. Haven't we gone over this before? (scrolls 4 blogs down)

So I have a car insurance to pay now (OK, saw that coming. Fine.)
plus gas (okay, already been paying gas. and yes, it was more than just $10 or $15. I actually filled the tank all but 1 time (where I did put $15 in because it was on half a tank already.) Fine again, no big deal.) and I owe money for previous bills, not to mention the bills I am still paying today. 1 managed to be paid off completely (that doesn't mean the loaner is but still..).
I have to do all this on a $8an hour wage.
Suggestions, anyone? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller??
Don't say "get another job". I thought about it and it wont fit.

*cue in long exaspperated sigh*

What do you do when you hit a wall? *Besides say "ow!"*
With everything I am trying to do for school and get financial aid sorted and work, it's so frustrating. and don't tell me "that's life" because that shit is getting annoying. How come no one can give me a good answer? Why does it always get brought down to "suck it up" or "that's life"?

Why can I not write or say anything without anyone telling me that I am dramatic?
That right there is annoying.
Writing is my outlet. Deal with it. I think it's easier to write things out. It gets the message across much more clearer. Because to be talking turns into yelling. You not listenening to me turns into me not listening to you.
Don't come at me and then turn around 10minutes later and want something. You hate when I do it. Don't do it to me.

Whatever. It will be over right? Some good will come out of all this right? I'll do something good in someone's eyes won't I? Someone will tell me "good job", "proud of you", "wow, you're great!" someday won't they?

Question is...when?

“Through self-doubt, we lose our sense of self-worth."
-unknown

Fall Beginnings

2009-09-09T17:09:00.004-04:00

HAPPY 9/9/09. (Happy Birthday to my brother!)
Fall is upon us. We can now enjoy the days of school and watch the leaves change and fall.
Up here in Virginia the changing of the leaves have begun in some places.
So I am now enrolled until December. 3 classes this semester; 1 online.
History and an English Writing Class take up my Monday and Wednesdays. Concepts of Personal and Community Health is online.
It's a nice schedule that coexists with that of my work schedule (thank God!).
I love school. I don't know why but for some reason I really love being in class. I know that's hard for a student to say but really..I love it. I just hope I don't fall like the leaves!

This Fall I'm going to try and do some photos.

Starting up my amatuer photography again.

I will try and post some of my photos on here. I call it "My Life Through a Digital Camera."

I like to use disposable's because I can hang the pictures in a colage-sort-of-way on my wall.

I'll try and get some pictures up here when I have time.

Confessions of a Sales Associate

2009-08-23T09:43:00.011-04:00

I've only been working as a Sales Associate for a month now but that has given me enough time to see the ups and downs of it. It amazes me how people act when in our store. Granted it is a children's store but still. I would like to give you a few tips of advice for when entering any store. I'm not asking you to take all this in and follow it, just enjoy it from a sales rep's point of view :)
okay..maybe keep some of it in mind.

1) Cleanliness and Organization
We strive to keep our floors clean all day. Free from trash; free from clothes you dump on the floor after looking at them. By the way, there is ALWAYS a trash can somewhere in the store. That means you throw your McDonalds cups away, not shoved in the back of some clothes along the wall.

Understand that we are there until 1 AM, seriously..we are! It doesn't matter that the store closed at 9. We are there until our go-backs (the stuff you leave at the counter or in sections they don't belong in) are back in their proper places. It helps us out a lot for you to put things back where you got them.

Please, please, please...try to put things back WHERE YOU GOT THEM! It does not help us in the end to have to walk half way across the store to put something away you got out of the girls section and set down in the boys. And don't try to make it blend in either. A bright pink flowery shirt does not blend in on a rack with t-shirts of blue and green monster trucks. Just try to put it back where you got it; maybe not on the same rack but at least somewhere in the same section.

2) Do you have this in a size...?

Stores only carry a certain size. I understand that we may not always have the size you want and you will most likely be told to check online. As I mentioned above, we try to keep things in order. That includes sizes. We are also going to put the largest size we have out front first, then start with the smallest to large order.

Let's be realistic: the largest size is bigger and has more design to it. That is why we put it out first. We aren't trying to be mean! We don't do the same on our table displays because we wont have room. I wear a XL and it pisses me off that I have to practically crawl on the floor to get the size I want off the rack. I know it's annoying, but..it's just the way it is. It's easier to stack the XL

on the bottom because it looks better to have a "small to big" stack on the table.

Again, please put clothes back where you got them. If you just throw it on the table, fine.
I will most likely refold it anyways.

It takes me longer to sort through and fold the clothes than anything. Allow me to give you a little tip: If you pick up a shirt that's a size XS, chances are that the size you actually want from that pile has the same exact design and price tag as the XS you picked up. Don't mess through the pile to grab out the size of your choice until you actually want that size. If you happen to see a table or wall display that looks like someone just dumped their laundry, don't step back and think "what a mess!" step back and think "wow..I'm sorry for who ever has to clean this."

3)How long have you been waiting in line?

Ah yes...the long lines. We know it sucks. Wanna know what helps? Take off your hangers! It's not that we are going slow or we don't have enough registers open, it's your damn hangers that you left on that takes what seems like forever to take off. (It could also be the person that has 4 store bags full of clothes).
Just for the record: if you don't think we have enough registers open it's probably because we don't have enough people to help and someone didn't show up for work.
We try to keep things speedy and moving along. Understand that more people are likely to be in the store on either days of tax-free, weekends, or around holidays (including Black Friday). I've been at work where we had all 10 registers open and people still complained to me that we needed to get more registers open.
Also, understand our Return/Exchange policy when we tell you it. We can only offer what we can. It's not our rules, it's the company's. Sorry :)

We appreciate your business. We will take your complaints. But honestly..we ourselves can only do so much.

4) Thou Shall Not Steal!
Last week when I was working I stopped 2 shoplifters within the same hour.

DO NOT STEAL! It doesn't matter if it was on sale for 99cents.
Not much I can say here but: Don't do it!
If you can't see a camera, what makes you think it's not there?
The sales people on the floor aren't just keeping their sections cleaned and organized. We know how many items we put out, how many are in the back, and where they go. We have headsets for a reason people. So that when you ask me for another size and I go check in the back, I tell my buddy across from me and they watch my section while I'm gone. We watch our doors and our sections like a hawk. We are even scanning other associates sections. THOU SHALL NOT STEAL!

To be continued...

Horoscope FAIL

2009-08-05T13:47:00.001-04:00

(According to MSN)
"Things should be going well for you today, dear Gemini, especially
in the department of love and romance. Do not shy away from the obvious
attraction that you have towards one special person. Today is the day to amplify
that feeling instead of hiding from it. Show off your love with the brightest,
boldest colors and actions possible. There is magic in the attention that you
give and receive."

Then why do I feel like shit?

Employment is a great source of income

2009-07-30T20:39:00.007-04:00

I got a job! :D

Very excited. It's in the mall at The Children's Store Mega Outlet. I start Sunday.

Now if only the rest of the B.S would stop.

I'm tired of being told that I am uptight and a bitch.

I just can't stand when people feel the need to continue arguments for no reason.

Just drop it and shut up. I'm not uptight. I'm not trying to act better than you.

I cannot stand it when you get on me for petty shit and then turn around and act happy

and ask me to do things or try to carry on a conversation.

Do you understand how hard it is for me to do that?

I'm fed up that you hear me talking but you're not listening.

PLEASE do not get mad that I blog! Just understand that this is my outlet.

To me, words that are written are heard louder than spoken.

Wish it would end.

Everyday it's like arguing with a wall...it all just comes back to me and the cement doesn't even crack.

An Update Let's People Know That Something New Happened In Your Life

2009-07-21T21:22:00.006-04:00

Sooo this scared-of-driving American Roo got her license last Thursday :)
After holding the permit for a year and a half I thought to myself

"Ya know what? Fuck it. Let's do it." So, I told my mom of my plan and we ventured to every body's favorite place: the DMV! We waited..and waited..and then I was called like a double whopper order at Burger King "Oriana Galasso, no pickles, extra mayo." Okay so I made the last part up but they did call my name over the speaker.
I missed a turn but pulled into a gas station and made a left to go back...over double yellow lines. lmao yes I know what you're thinking "And you still passed?", yes..yes I did lol.

When we got back to the DMV the woman said, "You did fine on your test, see you inside." About a few minutes I was called up (this time with a shake on the side) and got my license :)

Very proud of my self. I'll admit that I am a little embarrassed because I'm 21 and just now getting my driver's license. But ya know what? I really don't care so much anymore. It's nice being able to go and meet people and not have them come to me. I'm sure after time it will come naturally.

On a back-to-reality- note: the hunt for a job is still in pursuit

MAJOR EDIT!!!!!!

****I have a job interview on Saturday :D Very Excited!*****

Happy 4th of July!

2009-07-04T12:05:00.004-04:00

Between helping with Frog Eye Salad, making brownies, and watching 1776: I wish you a HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!
Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness!

Total Eclipse (Abridged)

2009-06-23T16:19:00.005-04:00

Featured on MSN Today.
I was having trouble finding a link that Blogger would let me embed.
So here is the link to watch it on YouTube (click the post title).

Enjoy! :)
--A.R

Open Mind, Open Heart, Closed Mouth

2009-06-22T14:38:00.004-04:00

I've been keeping up with what's been going on in the world for some reason lately.
From gay marriage, marijuana legalization, to the protests in Iran.
I don't think I've ever kept on top of a topic for so long. I usually read or watch enough of the situation to just know the gist of what's going on. Only focusing on the "why" it's happening and not the "who" or "what" is involved.

These global issues are usually passed by. Only watched while in a waiting room or read while standing in line at the check out. People need to understand what's going on first before they criticize the situation. I think that it's important to have an understanding of what's going on around you. Be it in the world, your own country, or just your own town/community.

You always hear, "Oh my, did you hear about what's going on in Africa?"
I wonder if people in other countries are saying the same about us, "Have you heard about what happened in America?"

If you choose to agree or disagree, please remember to always have

an open mind,

an open heart, (and you if have nothing nice to say)

a closed mouth.

Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen)

2009-06-11T00:54:00.003-04:00

I came across this when watching my sister's Senior Video.
They did a really cool sketch with different seniors mouthing the words.
Thought I would share :)

Everybody's Free (to wear sunscreen)

Ladies and Gentlemen of the class of '97... wear sunscreen.
If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be IT.
The long term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience.

I will dispense this advice now.

Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth. Never mind. You will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they have faded. But trust me, in 20 years you'll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can't grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked.

You are NOT as fat as you imagine.

Don't worry about the future; or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubblegum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind; the kind that blindside you at 4pm on some idle Tuesday.
Do one thing every day that scares you.

Sing.

Don't be reckless with other people's hearts, don't put up with people who are reckless with yours.

Floss.

Don't waste your time on jealousy; sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind. The race is long, and in the end, it's only with yourself.

Remember compliments you receive, forget the insults; if you succeed in doing this, tell me how.

Keep your old love letters, throw away your old bank statements.

Stretch.

Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your life. The most interesting people I know didn't know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives, some of the most interesting 40 year olds I know still don't.

Get plenty of calcium.
Be kind to your knees, you'll miss them when they're gone.

Maybe you'll marry, maybe you won't, maybe you'll have children, maybe you won't, maybe you'll divorce at 40, maybe you'll dance the funky chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary.

Whatever you do, don't congratulate yourself too much or berate yourself, either. Your choices are half chance, so are everybody else's. Enjoy your body, use it every way you can. Don't be afraid of it, or what other people think of it, it's the greatest instrument you'll ever own.

Dance.

Even if you have nowhere to do it but in your own living room.
Read the directions, even if you don't follow them.

Do NOT read beauty magazines, they will only make you feel ugly.

Get to know your parents, you never know when they'll be gone for good.
Be nice to your siblings; they are your best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future.

Understand that friends come and go, but for the precious few you should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography in lifestyle because the older you get, the more you need the people you knew when you were young.

Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard; live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft.

Travel.

Accept certain inalienable truths, prices will rise, politicians will philander, you too will get old, and when you do you'll fantasize that when you were young prices were reasonable, politicians were noble and children respected their elders.

Respect your elders.
Don't expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund, maybe you'll have a wealthy spouse; but you never know when either one might run out.

Don't mess too much with your hair, or by the time you're 40, it will look 85.

Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it's worth.

But trust me on the sunscreen.

Horoscope Horror

2009-06-04T14:30:00.003-04:00

So this is what my horoscope according to MSN says for today:
**Gemini
May 21 - June 21
Are you technically single, but very deeply involved with someone, dear Gemini? If so, don't be surprised if today you receive a proposal of marriage. Events over the past few days have brought you very close together, and have greatly intensified the bond between you. Your partner may want to legalize that bond. Do you? If there is even the smallest doubt, give yourself some time to think. Acting on impulse is not a good idea right now. **

"The problem?" you ask?
Answer: I'm single. I don't know of any guy(s) that I am involved with (as far as I am aware).
I mean, sure I know some guys but..none that I'm deeply involved with.

nice..can we say, "horoscope FAIL!"? lol

Blame it on the a-a-a-alcohol

2009-05-24T16:41:00.002-04:00

So I turned 21 yesterday! It was so much fun!
Went and watched a ball game that my dad umpired, headed to Hard Times Bar to play pool and get my first legal drink: a Rum & Coke, although I don't think they use Capt.Morgan in it (not that I would know what Capt.Morgan tastes like now). A couple of guys at the bar bought me a drink that the bartender created, then my brother in law bought me the same drink and at dinner, which was at a Japanese steakhouse, I had a wine-cooler type drink called The Dancing Girl; I really just wanted the cool cups they let you keep.

I didn't get smashed (my drinks were spaced out in time and I was eating most of the day so that soaked it up). To be honest, I wasn't looking to get shit-faced or anything. I just wanted to have a good time with a few drinks and family.

My gifts were awesome: Oreo's, set of beer and martini glasses, $, a t-shirt that says "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happy Hour", mini alcohol bottles, and a shaker/mixer.
My first alcohol purchase was a strawberry daiquiri/margarita mix :) I'm hoping to try it out soon since I didn't get around to it last night. I'm making a mental list of drinks I wanna try from Black/White Russian's, Mojito's, and more.

All in all, it was fun :)
Happy Memorial Day!

Random Act of Kindness

2009-05-22T22:28:00.003-04:00

*I changed the rules a bit*
Random acts of kindness are awesome!

-1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make. This is an adventure!
-2. What I create will be just for you with love and good wishes. It will be made of cyberspace cuz I'm not to shabby on mailing adresses (unless I know you)
-3. It will be done this year (2009).
-4. I will not give you any clue what it’s going to be! Well, I may ask a question or two about your tastes etc, depending on what I make.
-5. In return, all you need to do is post this text on your Blog and create five things for the first 5 people to respond to your post.
-6. Send a valid email so I can contact you :)

A New Start

2009-05-22T19:35:00.003-04:00

*Opening*
I started this blog as a fresh start from my previous one on Live Journal.
I wanted a new beginning and thought that creating a new blog will do just that; give me a new start.
**
I turn 21 tomorrow and I need to get my life in motion! I got a Pell Grant, which I am pretty stoked about. I'm struggling to find a job and hope something opens soon. I hate not having a job! I'm just so afraid that I won't be financially stable and not having a job right now is not helping that fear! I've put in for a few places and still searching.
God, there is so much that I need to work on and get done! I hope it works out!
It will....right?