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Post by celticsweetheart on Mar 27, 2012 18:58:21 GMT -5
This is my third story in the General section. I just can't seem to choose just one to write about. The following is background information on Meagan O'Leary who the story is about. The story is written in first person p.o.v. so the person speaking will be Meagan. Now on to the story.
I was born August 22, 1981 in Knoxville, TN. I am the middle child of Katherine and Patrick O'Leary. I have an older sister and a younger brother. I graduated from high school in 1999 but didn't go to college right away. My junior year of high school I started working with my friend Sarah at her family's law firm as a file clerk. We both started working the summer of 1998, I hadn't turned 17 just yet but it didn't matter I needed to earn some money. Most young people need their own money to spend on things they need or want. We both worked 12 hours a week only making minimum wage which wasn't a lot back then but it was enough to keep us from asking anyone else to buy something we wanted.
After I graduated I kept working at the law firm as a file clerk even when my friend Sarah went off to college. I guess I just wasn't ready for college life just yet. My parents bought me a nice car that was good on gas as a graduation present all I needed to do was pay for plates and half of the insurance. Which wouldn't be a big problem for me because I'd been saving my money.
In 2005 I left the law firm temporarily to attend community college. I was able to secure financial aid to help pay some of the cost of going to college. My first semester was Spring 2005 and my last semester was Spring 2007. I started working for a temp agency during the summer months. My experience working at the law firm really helped me secure high paying jobs during the summer.
During the fall of 2006 I started researching 4 year colleges and universities I might transfer to by Fall of 2007. I spent 4+ semesters taking all classes that would fulfill the general education requirement for a 4 year program. I was interested in fine arts specifically ceramics and performing arts specifically Irish dance which I knew I wouldn't find at any college or university. I was also interested in music - performance along with accounting. I'm interested in opening either ceramic studio or dance studio and it never hurts to know how to be your own accountant.
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Post by celticbear on Mar 27, 2012 20:38:37 GMT -5
Colleen great start! By Meagan's profile I do believe she will be the right lass for our Dark Destroyer!
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Post by celticsweetheart on Mar 27, 2012 21:45:58 GMT -5
yeah but if it was just gonna be about him id put it in ryan. lol
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Post by laurenne on Mar 27, 2012 22:15:15 GMT -5
I like it so far. More soon, please.
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Post by celticsweetheart on Mar 29, 2012 0:48:32 GMT -5
Now to continue where I left off with my story....
I had applied to both Fairmont State University in Fairmont, WV and Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA during the Fall 2006 semester. Both had really good art programs but I was leaning more toward the university in Virginia because it had a dance program which I was also interested in. I just hope I will here something from them soon at least by the start of the Spring 2007 semester. I will have my fingers crossed.
Community college is OK but I really need to find somewhere I belong. During Christmas break I got to visit both schools to see which would be the better fit. They both are in really nice areas but once I saw the campus at CNU I was hooked now all I had to do was wait.
By the time the spring semester started I was constantly checking the mail to see if I got an acceptance letter. I was going to transfer so my test scores weren't really a major requirement. I had a pretty good g.p.a. which always helps. Finally my acceptance letter from CNU came after one week into the new semester. I was glad now I could take a deep breath and relax.
I needed to send them the room deposit along with the Housing Contract Acceptance Form so I would have a place to stay when the fall semester started. I wasn't really interested in living off campus at least not yet. I really couldn't wait to start at CNU because I'd finally get away from home. I was ready to get out of Tennessee. I guess I was looking forward to a change of scenery.
I continued to work at the college during the semester but once the spring was over I went back to temping after the semester was over. I was lucky this time to get an assignment that lasted for a few months. I needed to have some excess money in my pocket. I did have a debit card and I made sure my account always had money in it.
- its late and i'm kinda tired. so im off to bed. will write more tomorrow or next day.
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Post by celticbear on Mar 29, 2012 21:23:09 GMT -5
Glad Meg got accepted CNU! And of course at some point while she is there the Lads will come into her life! The only question is who will win her heart,RYAN THE DARK DESTROYER OR NEIL THE SENSITIVE SOUL!
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Post by Deleted on Mar 30, 2012 19:58:47 GMT -5
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Post by celticsweetheart on Apr 2, 2012 1:05:02 GMT -5
- Sorry I've not updated in a while I just have had to do a lot of research. I want this story to be somewhat accurate even if it is a work of fiction.
I decided against living in the traditional residence halls since they were mainly for underclassman and people who were under the age of 22. I chose to live in the CNU Village Apartments in Tyler. I chose to live in a 2 bedroom apartment preferably on the first floor. The Village was on the East Campus which was closer to where most of my classes were located. I have a 12 month lease which starts on July 20, 2007 until June 28, 2008. Living here I wouldn't have to purchase a meal plan and I would be able to wash clothes without having to lug my dirty clothes to the laundry room. Each apartment was fully furnished all I had to do was bring my clothes, my laptop, sheets for my bed and my towels for the bathroom.
Before I got ready to move I went shopping for anything I might need during my year away from home. I definitely needed new linens and comforter. I also needed a set of towels and wash clothes for my bathroom. I also got a few some kitchen supplies from the local thrift store. I didn't want to take a lot with me just enough so I wouldn't have to buy anything but food once I moved in.
I had all my things packed and ready for the long trip from Knoxville, TN to Newport News, VA. My parents decided that they wanted to help me move which was fine by me. I would distribute half of my belongings between my car and their van. If they wanted to come the least they could do was haul some of my stuff. Their van definitely had more room than my small car did.
Prior to my moving I'd already been approved for a student loan that would cover all my expenses for one year, I was glad of that. I also found a job working for a temp agency which was great because classes didn't start until Monday August 20th. So I had exactly one month to work before I needed to concentrate on my classes.
The date for transfer students to register for classes for Fall 2007 would be July 11th at 8 a.m until July 12th at 5 p.m. I hadn't really declared a major just yet but I would be taking classes in studio art which was a concentration in fine art. I loved ceramics and sculpting those were my two passions in life besides photography. I loved going to the art museums as a child. I was always fascinated with handwork especially ceramics.
We left Knoxville early on the 10th of July headed for Newport News, VA. It would take a little over 7 hours to get to my destination which was a little over 502 miles away from Knoxville. My parents had reserved a room at the Holiday Inn & Suites in Newport News. We took a break for lunch around noon and then a dinner break around five. We finally got to our destination around 8 p.m. I was just glad we got to Newport News because I was tired and needed to take a rest because tomorrow would be a long day.
- sorry for the short update but I'm tired and tomorrow is gonna be a long day.
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Post by celticbear on Apr 2, 2012 20:35:14 GMT -5
Great update Colleen! Glad Meg made it to her new home safely, and that her parents helped her move! Hope she gets all the classes she wants!
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Post by celticsweetheart on Apr 4, 2012 2:08:35 GMT -5
- Now to continue where I left off with this story....
When I finally moved into to my apartment at the CNU Village I had a course load of 12 credits which included a range of courses in studio art as well as an art history class and a freshman writing seminar course. I would be living in a 2 bedroom apartment with a TBD or a to be determined roommate. The whole place is completely furnished except for the linens for bathroom/bedroom and essentials for the kitchen. I had purchased all that stuff prior to moving which was great now all I needed to do was sit back and relax.
After all the moving was done my parents and brother said good bye to me before heading home to Knoxville. I was glad to finally be alone for a little while at least I wouldn't mind having a roommate because they had their own bedroom and bathroom. I didn't have to share anymore and I had a kitchen that I would have to share.
I think I had a few minutes of utter quiet before I heard a loud thud in the other bedroom. I guess that means my roommate is moving in. When I got my room assignment they didn't know who my roommate was but that she was a music major which was great its better than being a science major. I wander over to the other room to see if I can give her a hand since I finished unpacking.
I introduce myself and offered my assistance. She said her name was Amanda Quinn from Arlington, Virginia and that she was a theater major. I told her I was a studio art major but was thinking of adding communication studies to the mix. She laughed as said it might make for an interesting pairing.
It didn't take long to bring the rest of her stuff in from her car. I left her alone to unpack but I really wanted to go somewhere I wasn't interested in staying in and I think the refrigerator needed filling up at least to my standards. I went back to my bedroom to find a pad a paper and pen to jot down a quick store list. I wouldn't survive one day without a decent breakfast. I also wanted to see if I could get a temp job if only for a couple weeks. I didn't wanna really work and go to school. I knew it was possible but I didn't wanna screw up my first semester away at a new school by blowing off class. Once classes started I wanted to concentrate on my studies and not have to worry going to work.
After I thought enough time had passed I went to check on Amanda to see if she wanted to go to the grocery store. She told me that she wasn't a great cook but she did enjoy breakfast best since pouring a bowl of cereal was oh so easy. Since she was more familiar with the town I let her drive to the store. On the way I mentioned that I was a pretty good cook and would be willing to cook occasionally. I didn't want to make a habit of cooking dinner all the time. She agreed so we both walked around the store putting everything I had on my list in the basket.
The one thing she was great at making was mashed potatoes which I hated making because I sucked at peeling potatoes. I guess that would be her job then. She laughed and said her mom hated peeling potatoes too. We split the cost of the groceries which was great because I didn't have to use all my money to supply the food for the apartment. On the way home I mentioned that I was gonna make the most of my time away from my family. She said that's why should chose a college at the opposite end of Virginia. Sometimes parents just don't know when to stop being so overbearing.
First week of classes was pretty standard but I was certain that we'd be getting to the meat of the course pretty soon. On 23-24 of August there was an orientation for transfer student which I had to attend. It was really wasn't a big deal since I knew everyone who was need had to attend an orientation sometime. Things were going really well between me and Amanda which was great. I make myself breakfast before class and on my lunch break come home for a chicken salad sandwich. I loved being so close to my classes and my apartment that I never had to set foot in any of the dining halls.
Just after two weeks of classes and I made two more friends besides my roommate. Kieran Martin was a studio art major I met in my Photography I class. He told me he wanted to open a portrait studio specializing in special events. He told me he was the photographer for his school newspaper. He transferred to CNU from a community college in Georgia. My other new friend was to Tony Moore a theater major whose concentration was acting. I met Tony at the Ferguson Hall while waiting for my next class. He was from Chattanooga, TN which was cool because I was from Knoxville.
One day I mentioned to Amanda about having a dinner party not anything too wild since I considered myself to be pretty tame even if this was my first time away from home. I thought a dinner party would be a good way to get better acquainted with all my new friends, Amanda agreed. I just needed to come up with spectacular menu but I needed to see what people didn't like so I sent an email asking for everyone tell me what their favorite food was. When I got the responses I as able to come up with an amazing menu that everyone would enjoy. It was getting late so I decided to turn in before I fell asleep at my desk. I thought better after a good night's sleep.
- hope you enjoy this update. i gotta head to bed im really tired.
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Post by celticbear on Apr 4, 2012 21:07:20 GMT -5
Colleen glad Meagan is getting along with her roommate and that she met those two guys! hope the upcoming dinner party is a success. And it was a great idea to have Meg E-mail everybody to find out what their likes and dislikes are!
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Post by celticsweetheart on Apr 5, 2012 1:23:57 GMT -5
The next couple weeks I mulled over when this meet and greet dinner party should take place. I didn't want to wait until it was the middle of the semester but not too early either. I decided on September 29, 2007. The date was agreed upon and I sent email invite to Kieran/Tony and Amanda sent invites to her friend Shelia/Stacy. So now all we had to do was wait to see who sent us a reply. It was the last Saturday in September so most people should be free unless they have to work.
By the 18th of September we both got replies to our dinner party on the 29th of the month. Now I just had to make a list of stuff I needed to buy for the party. This would be my first dinner party and I didn't want it to be a total flop. I had my list of favorite foods so I created the food list from that.
Chicken seemed to be everyone's favorite food which was great cause I loved chicken. Next I took into account how they liked their chicken because not everyone likes it fried. Of the four people I survey 2 liked it fried while the other liked it baked. I loved it both ways and so did Amanda. I decided to make it baked but made it have a nice crust like you'd find with fried chicken cooked in grease. Everyone was on the same page with mashed potatoes which was cool since that was Amanda's specialty. Baby carrots in brown sugar and butter along with my favorite corn casserole. I was gonna make a sour cream apple cake for dessert. I was getting hungry creating the menu for the dinner party.
My grocery store list included 6 split chicken breasts plus a bag of potatoes, a bag of baby carrots, a can of whole kernel and a can of creamed corn, a bag of flour, a couple of apples, some cinnamon, a bag of brown sugar, a container of sour cream, and a couple bottles of soda. Everyone had agreed that Pepsi was their drink of choice since this was going to be a non-alcoholic party. It was a good thing everyone that was invited lived within walking distance of the CNU Village Apartments. List was finished and I was off to the store alone this time since Amanda was working on something for one of her classes. I was the designated shopper this time but that just meant I'd get what I need and get out. I might even stop for something to eat on the way home.
I got everything pretty much ready the night before. I even made the dessert early as well as putting together the corn casserole. I prepped the chicken breasts by placing them in a buttermilk bath. Amanda was in charge of getting extra chairs from the storage closet at the end of the hall. The university stored extra furniture items in a closet on each floor in case something needed to be replaced or in our case we need more kitchen chairs for a dinner party. Tomorrow morning would go by smoothly with all the prep work that was done tonight.
Saturday night, table was set, food was ready and guests were arriving. My first dinner party was turning out to be a success. Everyone that was invited came, food sat waiting to be served, Kieran blessed the food before we ate, which no one at the table had a problem with. We all said "Amen" in a chorus of agreement. We then proceeded to pass the food around the table.
As the food was going around everyone started talking about what was going on with them. It seems like this was the start of a beautiful friendship. Everyone was getting along there was no fighting. This was something I had not seen in a very very long time. Shelia was a music-theater/dance major and Stacy was a music-composition major which is how she knew Amanda. Tony had an acting class with Shelia. After everyone mentioned their major, the group erupted in chorus of family life prior to coming to CNU. At least I wasn't the only one who was stuck in the middle. I learned Kieran was the four of six with 3 older sisters who were married with kids. He really came from a big family. The family dynamic became a popular topic of conversation.
After everyone had finished eating we adjourned to the living room which wasn't that far from the dining area. I preceded to cut the cake for service with 3 plates getting a scoop of french vanilla ice cream. It was during dessert that I got the most compliments about the food and dessert. Apparently we had done a good deed for the night. Everyone left our apartment in a good mood along with a piece of cake to enjoy the next day.
I started clearing the plates from the kitchen table making sure to wipe them clean of excess food before placing them into the dishwasher. I then proceeded to put all leftover away in storage containers I had purchased during my grocery trip. Table cleared, dishes in dishwasher and all I had to do was add the soap then turn it on. What a great night. I have to say that a great meal is best when accompanied with great conversation. Amanda took the chairs back to storage which meant things were back to normal. Everything was cleaned or cleaning so I decided to call it a night. Even Amanda said this party was a great success.
This party was just the start because we started having a dinner party once a month. It seemed to help us all relax the deeper we got into our studies. Everyone might have been so busy during the week to converse with one another but it was these get together's that proved to be a lifesaver. Thanksgiving we did it up big but this time I didn't have to do all the cooking which was great. All I did was stuff the bird and roast him which was a piece of cake since I'd been cooking turkey at home for the past 7 years. I was an experience bird roaster and stuffing master. The only other thing I had to do was make sure to save the juices from the turkey for Shelia who was going to make the gravy.
This was first Thanksgiving away from home and I didn't have to do all the cooking. I was so thankful that when we went around the table to say why we were thankful this Thanksgiving. I made it a point to thank everyone who brought something to do this dinner because this was the first year I didn't have to do it all. Turkey was served along with a host of other glorious side dishes which tasted so wonderful. I tried everything and loved it all. I don't think I could have asked for a better day even if I'd written it myself. Halfway through the meal the phone rings. I get up to answer it only to find out that its mom calling to wish me a "Happy Thanksgiving." They are going out to dinner instead of cooking because I'm not there to cook it. Mom has that tone in her voice of disapproval but oh well I was getting tired of being the only one to cook dinner at Thanksgiving.
The conversation ends when I tell mom to have a "Happy Thanksgiving." I hang the phone up and shake my head. Amanda is the first to respond when I return to the table. "I knew it had to be your mom, I could tell by the look on your face. What did she want? Surely she didn't think you'd come home for Thanksgiving did she?" I reply that she didn't ask if I was still coming home but I could tell from the tone in her voice that's what she wanted to know. Tony chimed in with the comment, "all mothers must have read the same handbook on how to guilt a child into returning home for the holidays. My mom has done it too me. It like its mother knows best but that's not always the case in my opinion." He had it right there mother's were always willing to give you their opinion whether or not you wanted it.
After the call from home the topic of conversation went from favorite Thanksgiving memories to mothers. I guess I wasn't the only one whose mother knew what was best. Everyone had a similar conversation with their respective mothers prior to coming to Thanksgiving dinner. Kieran who still had two younger siblings at home got a call from his older sisters about coming home for Thanksgiving. Apparently they were the surrogate mother in his case. I had one older sister but from the greeting card I got in the mail she wasn't coming home for Thanksgiving either. I just wonder if she got the dreaded phone call or was I the only one. I guess I'll have to send her an email once everyone headed home for the night.
Instead of me having to do all the cleaning up and putting away. Everyone pitched in which made dismantling a turkey a lot easier than it ever was in the past. With all the dishes out of the way and all the leftovers in the refrigerator we all took a much needed rest in the living room. Over the course of the evening the conversation changed several times finally ending with everyone wanting dessert. There was a variety of dessert this time which was great. Kieran brought pecan pie which was his mother's recipe. Stacy brought pumpkin pie and whip cream. Tony brought a chocolate pie but not the kind most people think of but the kind that I had when I was a kid.
Three choices for dessert meant I needed to take orders before cutting into each one. I had two pumpkin with whip cream, 2 pecan, and two chocolate. I wanted to sample them all but I didn't want to gain any weight. As we ate our dessert we talked about our classes and our grades. Who not to take and which classes were absolute cake walks with a particular professor. December 7th was final day for classes which was followed by two university reading/study days before final examinations started on the 10th at 8 a.m and ended on the 15th of the month. Grades had to be in by the 19th of December at noon. There would be one more reading/study day on Wednesday 12th of December.
Before everyone left that night we all agreed to spend Christmas together and that we would draw names out of a hat for a secret Santa gift exchange. I liked the sound of that besides I was having a better time at CNU than I would if I went home to Knoxville during the holiday breaks.
The stress of examination time we showed on the faces of all the students living in the CNU Village Apartments. I didn't think the exams were that bad I'd seen worse when I went to community college back in Knoxville. I was glad when I finished my last final. I pretty sure I jumped for joy I was so happy because now I could relax just a little bit before I had to register for Spring classes.
Since Amanda and I were both staying at CNU over the Christmas vacation I thought we should get a proper tree to decorate the living room with. She agree and once she was free from examinations we went to a local second hand store to see what kind of Christmas decorations we might be able to get for a tight budget.
- its late and I will finish where I left off tomorrow. good night.
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Post by celticbear on Apr 5, 2012 20:39:41 GMT -5
Poor Meg! That was one wee bit of unfair phone call from her Mother on Thanksgiving! Glad the first Dinner party was a success and they choose to make it monthly event! LOVE THE SECRET SANTA IDEA! HOPE MEG AND AMANDA PASS ALL THEIR CLASSES AND THAT THEY GOT SOME COOL CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS FOR THEIR PLACE!
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Post by celticsweetheart on Apr 7, 2012 2:16:41 GMT -5
Classes have officially ended but school isn't out for Christmas break. Amanda and I head to the local second hand store to see what type of ornaments we can find to decorate a tree along with some nice lights and maybe an angel tree topper. Stores seem to be really busy this early in December which isn't a big shock to either of us we just hope Christmas hasn't been totally picked over. We sort though various ornaments, there seems to be quite a few from Hallmark which is good but we need some colored balls as well.
Finally we find two sets of 24 large glass balls; one set is burgundy and the other is soft gold. I think we checked 20 sets of lights before settling on 3 strands of mini lights; 1 white and 2 red. We also bought an angel tree topper and a tree stand. Between us both we got an assortment of 12 unique Christmas ornaments from Hallmark. When we finally left the store we had enough stuff to beautifully decorate a 9ft Christmas tree.
We agreed to get a tree after finals were over with. After our shopping trip we headed to the local Subway for lunch. I think we did a pretty good job finding stuff that we both agreed on without spending a load of cash. This would be a good Christmas I could feel it. I had contacted the temporary agency I'd worked for prior to the start of the Fall 2007 semester. I informed them that I would be available for work after the 15th of December. I was in desperate need of cash. My bank account was dwindling and I needed to build it back up to survive the spring semester.
My classes were going well actually they were going better than I hoped. At mid-term I had a 3.00 g.p.a. which was great considering the classes I was taking. I only really struggled in one class that was the writing seminar class. I was an OK writer but I just had problems writing essays or thesis papers. I was doing better than B+ work in my studio art classes. I was looking at getting a C in my art history class which was Ok by me. My finals wouldn't be so drastic since I mostly had classes that had studio hours instead of lectures. It was the one lecture class that would give me trouble but I was determined to persevere through it.
In the end I had 2 A's, 1 B and 1 C. I was more than happy with that outcome. I was also happy to be starting a new job on the 17th of December. The assignment would last until January 4th 2008. I would be able to make enough money for me to survive all of the spring semester without calling home. I really wanted to prove that I didn't need my parents help. I was a big girl and I wanted it to stay that way. Amanda also had a job working at a local theater.
When Christmas break officially began everyone that stayed was working somewhere which was great. We all were contributing to our own successes. The following weekend Amanda and I went shopping for a tree. After search a couple places we finally found a magnificent Fraser fir tree that was about 9 ft tall. The place where we bought it trimmed off the end and then bound the whole thing in netting before securing it to the roof of my car. It was a good thing we didn't have far to drive. About 25 minutes later we arrived back at the Village Apartments with a beautiful tree in tow. Between us both we were able to get the tree off the roof of the car and inside the building. I was glad that we lived on the first floor cause I would not want to drag this thing up a flight of stairs; even if it did smell wonderful it weighted a ton.
After we got it inside we place it in the kitchen until we figured out where to put it. Decorating took a lot out of both of us but in the end we found the perfect place for the tree. It was now in the stand and slowly but surely it was being decorated. In the end it was probably the prettiest thing I'd seen in a very long time. It was late when we finished so we ate chicken salad sandwiches for dinner along with some potato chips and an ice cold soda. We both turned in around 11 pm.
-not a bad update but i'm kinda tired and its real late and I need to sleep.
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Post by celticbear on Apr 7, 2012 20:49:08 GMT -5
Glad Meg And Amanda found the perfect decorations and Tree! Meg's first semester grades where great! Happy that everybody who stayed for Christmas are working to earn money for next semester! NEXT UP IS THE LADS FIRST PBS APPEARANCE! I HAVE FOND MEMORIES OF SEEING KEITH FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MARCH OF 2008!
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