So my room is finally in order now that I've moved downstairs and I'm feeling organized again. Hooray. Work is the same, full-time kinda sucks but I'm the most relaxed I've been in quite awhile so it's nice to have a stress-free job. And I got a raise for being full-time...so yay.

My intership gang bid farewell to me last Monday...it was a great experience but I'm glad I won't have any internships tying me down this summer.

Session will hopefully end tomorrow for the summer...things in IL government are the most dysfunctional I've ever seen them...but this is to be expected.

Jess brought her old Nintendo back, and we have played games for the past 3 hours straight. We keep talking about exercise and dieting, but end up eating and sitting in front of the TV watching Soap Network. (and now playing Nintendo) We haven't gained any weight, but we certainly haven' lost...yet. The Tae-Bo tapes are sitting there and we WILL use them...seriously, we will...just wait. Hopefully Michelle will get us motivated once she moves in...she is an exercise buff.

Movies I want to see (so far) this summer:
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban-I've been waiting FOREVER!!!
The remake of The Stepford Wives

We are having a BBQ tomorrow starting at 7 p.m. so if you read this, COME. Call me for directions.

So in short, so far this summer has been nothing but TV, barbequeing, going out, playing video games, the occasional exercise, and working. Very relaxing. It's a nice feeling.

I'm going home on Tuesday for Jami's graduation (I have three days off in a row, and one of them is even paid-SCORE!), and I will be back Friday morning. I'm not sure why I mentioned that, but if you're from C-town and reading this and you'll be in town, call me and we'll hang out.

That's all for now. Later everyone.

Hey gang, it's been awhile (for all three of you who read this, that is)

So, I've been thinking the last few weeks, about graduation (in December) and how NOT READY I feel for entry into the "Real World". Sure, a fat paycheck and ultra-luxurious surroundings would be nice, but to be perfectly honestly, I do like my life right now. Anyway, considering the fact that I DO plan on continuing my education (whether it be for an additional M.A. or even a Ph.D.-in Public Administration-not sure yet), I am torn between searching for a job or continuing my education before I get tied down. Knowing full and well if I get married any time soon (God forbid), or even MEET someone SIGNIFICANT (note-significant does not include any of the following: make-out buddies, random dates, or anything in between), I will be reluctant to continue. In addition, there's the fact that, despite my residence here for the past 23 years and 5 months, I truly hate Illinois (except for parts of SO-IL, and maybe bits and pieces of the rest of the state). For one, it is an ugly, ugly state. Second, the weather is horrible. Third, the people leave something to be desired. Fourth, the food is terrible. Fifth, I hate Illinois politics-Chicago will always be the boss and there will be no changing that unless Daly and/or Blagojevich and all of their followers perish. Needless to say, I want to apply OUTSIDE of Illinois-I have no intentions of staying here, no matter what part of the state it is. Which brings me to my dream place to live. Everyone knows I love state politics...and everyone knows I LOVE country music...and everyone knows my second home is and always has been...TENNESSEE. So I'm pretty much smitten with the idea of moving to Nashville, or somewhere near there, to continue my education, and then to end up living there. It would combine my 2 true loves in life, and of course you can't beat good ol' Southern Hospitality.

So it's unofficial, of course...but there's a good chance I'll be going on to school past graduation at UIS. I've even picked a day to take the GRE...(yes, I avoided the GRE when applying to UIS-thank goodness) fun times. I plan on applying to several southern schools, including University of Tennessee, Tennessee State University (located in Nashville), Ole Miss, Louisiana State, UGA, and just for kicks, I might throw in a D.C. school, probably George Washington University, even though I have no intentions of going there. I'm seriously afraid though, if I don't leave now, I will find myself in Illinois 5 years from now, working in Springfield-and while there are worse things, I want more for myself.

Anyhoo, it's been a very long day, but I'll post more later. For all reading this, IM me about my BBQ on Monday! It should be good times.

Bolingbrook or Bust

Survived the trip to suburbia, in all honestly, it was quite fun. Downtown Naperville is so cute, and I have greaaaaaaatt pictures. This weekend was good times. More details to follow later tonight, when I have time for a real post.

Redneck Woman

I bought a CD for the first time in quite awhile (I enjoy Wal-Mart's 88 cent MP3's a little too much), it being "Here For the Party" by Gretchen Wilson. In addition to being from Southern Illinois, she has amazing talent and isn't another cookie-cutter country princess. I'll let you know how the CD is once I've listened to the entire thing. I've listened to four songs so far, and so far, the verdict is.........awesome!

Ok I will write more later tonight when I've rested a bit...suburbia was a long drive...until then I'll share this announcement:

BARBEQUE
Memorial Day
May 31st, 2004
5 p.m.-???
Hosted by the girls of Marigold Court, #5
2111 Carl Sandburg Ln.
Springfield, IL 62703
(217) 417-2901

If you're reading this and I know you, consider yourself invited. It should be good times. But rest assured, if anyone tries to build a fort, there will be hell to pay!

Well guys, it's been awhile...time for an update.

For starters, I haven't been online, bc I STILL have no desk. However, I have made a makeshift desk out of my bookshelf and my desk chair. I've also moved into the downstairs bedroom. Brandis moved in today and Jess moved into my old room-it should be a fun summer. The girls are great!

Last Friday, I got to spend some quality time saying a proper farewell to the Chambanites, but in all honesty, it really wasn't like old times and I can't say I'm really sad about anything. We all had our good times, but there comes a time in your life when you have to move on. The sooner you learn this, the better.

Also, a couple of my friends told me how lucky I was to graduate LAST year and escape all the drama of this year. For awhile during the beginning of Fall semester, I would have given anything to be back in Chambana, but now, I realize that it really turned out for the best. I get so tired of the random drama and by the time October rolled around, it was clear things had changed dramatically-for the worse. Victoria was commenting on my graduation barcrawl the year before, and how well everyone got along and how happy everyone was. I told Victoria-while I missed everyone in the beginning, I still followed my own advice...that being-"Don't ever be the last to leave the party. You want to leave while you're still the life of it. That way, you can come back and visit anytime. Otherwise, you'll find yourself unwelcome and outdated."

Needless to say, this has proved to be pretty true.

Things are great. I just got my grades, I did very well, so I'm quite happy. Only 12 hours and I'll have my M.A.! It's so hard to believe. The social life is active once again. Work is crappy, but my co-workers are great. Classes start in 2 weeks. My internship is over, going out to lunch w/ everyone on Monday as a farewell of sorts.

Not much else that I can recall at this moment...getting ready to run to Wal-Mart, semi-watching the Daytime Emmys with the girls, and going up to Chicago tomorrow to visit V for her graduation shindig. More later ya'll...it's time to relax. It's been a long week.

Quick note-

In case you're wondering if I've died and fallen off the face of the earth, I haven't-however, our furniture in our townhouse is being replaced, therefore we've been without for a few days (desks, that is) which makes sitting at your computer increasing difficult. And since there is no internet access DOWNSTAIRS, I'm just out of luck for a few days. Anyway, I promise to have long and detailed posts coming your way very soon, and until then, sorry for any inconvenience for shorting so MANY of you on your daily reading material. haha.
-A.L.

Just for all of you wondering, the old Amy Luhnette is back. Alive and well. Just in case you were interested.

Matty McDiller, thanks for drunkdialing last night. I still frequently get drunk dials from my chambanites and I appreciate every one of them. I love you guys, and no matter who I meet here I'll always have a special place in my heartdt for ya'll. Oh, and UIS Student Trustee Andrew does think you're a cool guy-it's awesome that I know and party with 2/3 of the student representation on the UI BOT!

(In case you're wondering I've bene out all night so that exmalains any misspellings. Sorry. :-P.)

To all of my friends...............I LOVE YOU!

To Jess, my roommate_-I promise things will turn out ok!!!!!!!!!!!

To Jasmie Trias of American IDOL-I HATEA YOU! WHAT IS WRONG WITH AMERICA!!! YOU SO TOTALLY NEDEDED TO GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Latoya Londan should totaly still be in this competition.

That is enough out of me. No more posts after I've been out for the night. G'night all.

Love,
Amy Loonnettte

WOW, my room is destroyed. I had to empty out both my dresser AND my desk (the housing goons are replacing all the furniture in the townhouse bedrooms), so my stuff is piled haphazardly around my room, hopefully far enough away from my furniture that they can move it out safely. YUCK. It wouldn't have been so bad if they hadn't told us TODAY that they were planning on moving stuff TOMORROW! JERKS! Me and Jess were pissed, but hey, what can ya do?

American Idol Update
After the tragic loss of George Huff last week (when Jasmine SHOULD have gone home...I HATE HER!), it becomes ever so clear that Jasmine should definitely be leaving. Diana ruled, as usual, Fantasia was good but not spectacular (she is kind of an acquired taste, but I haven't really acquired that kind of music taste thus far), and LaToya was great as usual. Personally, Diana is my favorite, she's got an amazing voice, she can dance, and she's got style. I miss my John Stevens, but even I am willing to admit that he was really crappy towards the end-he needs to stick to his Frank and Bing and Dean and he'll do just fine.

I AM SO TIRED. And I hate that my room is a mess now. And it will be for a week, until they bring the new furniture. While the furniture is out, I'm going to try and organize everything. TRY being the operative word.

I have a LOT more to say, about a lot of different topics, but I really don't have time right now, seeing as I'm about to pass out from sheer exhaustion. I'll post more tomorrow when I have time.

INTRODUCING...

The new, improved blog a la Amy Luhnette! No more links...but a cute new template and introducing the oh-so-fabulous COMMENTS section! If you actually read this, let me know what you think! YAY!

OMG I'm so psyched that I only have 12 hours left (plus one big, nasty, thesis-but still). MY NIGHTMARISH CLASSES ARE OVER! I have: 1 internship, 1 lobbying seminar, and 1 random course I have yet to decide on, and THAT IS IT!!! No one can possibly understand how happy this makes me. I have met all of the required courses for my program, except for one, and it's going to be a breeze. This summer can officially start being fun after my internship ends this week. Don't get me wrong, it's been A LOT of fun, and I totally love my co-workers, but it's been a way-stressful semester and I can't say I'm sorry to see things die down a bit. I am looking forward to one last summer of a stress-free job and relaxing nights out on the town.

Anyhoo-digression-if you go to UIS and have any brilliant ideas on interesting and EASY courses to take, PLEASE let me know. I'm growing exceedingly lazy in completing my degree, so when I say EASY, I mean it. I have suffered enough this semester. Seriously.

So today was a very long, emotional day...that's all I'm going to say about it now, (I don't have the time or energy to elaborate at this moment) but sheesh I'm glad I will be able to enjoy a good night's sleep tonight-at least I hope I will.

I need to do laundry, clean clean CLEAN my room, move my stuff to the new room downstairs, etc. In addition to working full time. And finishing my internship. All this and stupid classes start up again in a month. Oh school, how I hate thee sometimes...what a burden you can be. I will be so happy when December rolls around.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY MAMA! I love ya.

This hasn't been the most organized post, but I'm kind of frazzled today. More later...hopefully I'll have it together a bit better.

Alright gang, time for an update. You might say I've been busy. I'm tired, so it will be quick.

Tuesday: Turned in my dreaded AUTHOR LOG for POS 511-it ended up being almost 40 pages, and that had better be good enough for Professor Miller! I worked, my first day full time, rather uneventful.

Wednesday: Worked (again!) then went out for Cinco de Mayo AT Cinco de Mayo-the restaurant. Cute, huh? They have the best margaritas in town, but not tonight. The mexicans must have taken the night off to really party, bc the white guy behind the bar made me the CRAPPIEST margaritas that us gals had ever tasted. YUCK! It was like drinking a snowcone w/ tequila-sick! Anyhoo, afterwards (and being hit on by some NASTY men at the bar), I rejoined the girls and we headed downtown and wandered in and out of the various places (it was kind of dead, unfortunately) and ended up at Catch 22 after tequila shots at 11 West. Got hit on by a GORGEOUS gorgeous and friendly guy, unfortunately, I think his friends were gay, bc they kept putting ice cubes in his pants when he was talking to me. Riiiiiiiiiight...anyhoo, he ran to the bathroom and we switched tables, so that was the end of that. Me, Marylynn, and Mary were definitely amused. Oh-and I ran into Emily from KC, I had completely forgotten she goes to school up here! Kind of interesting how those things happen. Anyhoo, at around 12:30 it was time to call it a night.

Thursday: Work, then Stella Blue w/ Marylynn and Angela. Fun times, just sitting around chatting, and Angela getting hit on by a nasty old drunk at the bar-gross.

Friday: Sleep, work, then hanging out (what I'm doing now). I was supposed to go to STL to hang w/ Cheryl and co., but plans fell through when the battery light on my car started blinking. BOO! So, relaxed-since I need to do that sometimes-I can't go out EVERY night. Work again, tomorrow, dreaded 15 hour sale revisited, then a short trip home on Sunday for Mother's Day, will likely come back Sunday evening.

Summer is bliss...no classes for a few weeks, and when they start they will be EASY, a stress-free job, a new car in a little over a month, lots of nights out, 16 hours away from my M.A., moving to my new place at the end of July, etc. etc. etc. Also going back to Chambana to visit the entire gang one last time (next Friday)-I mean, of course I'll be going back to visit after this, but this is likely the last time the whole "old school gang" will be together drinking there, or at least one of the last times. It's hard to believe a lot of my friends are graduating and won't be around (even close by) next year, but I had a year to soften the blow of separation, so I think it will be harder for them than me-not that I love them any less, but I've had a year to move on, so to speak. I think if I had graduated this year things would have hurt perhaps a bit more-maybe. But whatever. It will be amusing to see where we all are in 10 years-that's one reunion I surely won't miss for the world.

Anyway, there will be lots more of exciting details later, but frankly, I'm about to crash. And I need to get to sleep before Jess and co. drunkenly stumble in...hehe. Kara's moving out tomorrow, I will miss her! She's been an awesome roommate, but I think Jess and I will have a good summer-and Brandis is moving in next week. I have a feeling we're going to have a great summer, and I couldn't be too much happier with the way things are going now.

OH-P.S. There's this guy at my internship-we've casually talked for the past couple months, but nothing too long or too serious. I've got two weeks left-I'm taking a vote. Should I a) Keep talking to him, but do nothing b) ask him out for coffee or c) ignore things completely. IM me your votes. Keep in mind I have NEVER asked a guy out in my life, but he's cute and I'm kinda interested. I'll let you know how things go. MORE LATER...

First, I have ONE DINKY PAPER left and then my semester is OVER! The author log, after a day of extremely hard work, is DONE! YAY!

Second, the fact that Taco Bell in Springfield has reopened is both very, very good and very, very bad: I have eaten dinner there 3 times out of the past 4 days-that is how much I have missed it (the nearest one to Springfield was 40 miles-so yeah). This can be nothing but badness-the ten pounds I have lost are going to pile themselves back on-I MUST be strong...but their cheap chicken quesadillas and mild sauce OWN me!

Third, I LOVE SPRINGFIELD. This summer is going to be awesome. :o)

Finally-I'm going to bed. G'night! More later...

WOW-I think I'm in love w/ Stella Blue.

So this is definitely a bar I'll be spending quality time at in the very near future, in addition to next year-it is DIRECTLY across the street from my new apartment! JOY OF JOYS! It has a most EXCELLENT selection of fine liquors from all around the world, and is a nice, quiet, sophisticated setting-perfect for coversation and good drinks. Went out w/ Marylynn there first, then followed w/ Catch 22, where I ran into people I knew including Bill from Shimkus' office last semester, whom I hadn't seen since December, and WOW-he is just as good-looking and nice as ever, and was always an awesome guy, and seems even moreso when he's out and loosened up. Anyway, after awhile there we went down the street to D.H. Brown's, but it was absolutely dead quiet so decided to call it a night. BTW, for those of you wondering: D.H. Brown's to Springfield is like Murphy's to campustown->the place where everyone knows your name, yeah. It's not hoity-toity, the drinks aren't too expensive, and it's a relaxed atmosphere, but it's very, very popular nonetheless.

Oh-and just for the record-I have found the Springfield equivalent of Kam's-TWO BROTHERS...it SMELLS!!! EWWW!!! (even from the outside-you know it's bad)

Oh, and random comment: Campustown, while it has many special places (yes, places) in my heart, is seriously a ripoff. Drinks-wise. When it comes to cocktails, they put, like, half a shot of liquor per drink, and charge you $5. And I always willingly paid it-or, I drank $1 longnecks-part of the reason I don't drink beer anymore-seriously, I can't. I will PUKE, even after one. SOOO disgusting. Anyhoo, in downtown Springfield, if you pay $5 for a drink, you get SERIOUS liquor in exchange-I swear to you, the bartender made me a cosmopolitan, and she seriously poured like half a bottle of greygoose in the shaker, plus the other ingredients-needless to say, you can actually get drunk off of one drink-and I know I have a low tolerance, but still. It's sweet to get REALLY GOOD drinks, and be getting your money's worth-oh-and the margaritas DON'T taste like ***! In my entire time at UIUC, the only bar I found that could mix good margaritas were Brother's and White Horse-and if you don't know it, the margarita is my DRINK-so I'm quite happy with the Springfield bar situation.

Moving on, apparently I am an acceptable candidate for matchmakers. My roommate's new "male friend" (I'm not sure if it's bf/gf status yet) has a single roommate, and apparently saw me, thought I was acceptable looking, and suggested to Jess that I be invited out with them sometime. If I hadn't had plans already, I just might have gone. This could be interesting...

Oh! And story of the day, random cute guy in my living room this morning-Jess comes home, and one of her friends is downstairs, unbeknownst to me. I know it's not her new male companion, seeing as I already met him-and he introduces himself, and seems extremely nice and friendly-we all spend a few moments talking about what we all did last night, then it's time for me to head home to C-town. If he was that nice and friendly with me, straight hair, jeans and t-shirt, and no makeup, I wonder if he'd like to see the glammed-out version of me? :o) Anyhoo, I may just ask Jess for more info about him...I definitely wouldn't mind seeing him around our place more often! Maybe there is life after Chambana dating & what not after all...

Oh, and V is going to be an unofficial roommate this summer-she's working for JBT in Springfield, and plans on crashing when necessary-maybe SHE will also realize that while Chambana life is GOOOOOOD...Springfield ain't bad, darlin'...not bad at all. And believe it or not-it's getting better all the time.