NiciBlueEyes

My Website

2010-10-05T22:02:00.000-07:00

I have created a website as a visual portfolio of me. It is a work in progress. This will be the first place I publish the article I am writing for my MBA. I hope to continue this website throughout my career. Take a look around and let me know what you think.

http://www.nicolecaselli.yolasite.com/

It's been awhile since I've talked to some of you, but I hope this will show you a little of what I have been doing.

May

2009-05-28T19:56:00.000-07:00

So, I forgot to update this. I feel like I don't have much to write about as of lately. I would like to share a few photos of my little trip to San Diego. I traveled with my favorite things...my car and my bike! I gifted myself a bike rack and paid off the remainder of my car for my birthday. I got the title for my car in the mail and I was super excited!

I drove down on Saturday for Memorial Day weekend. My sister met me in Carlsbad at the outlets where we bought some cute shoes at the Vans store. We then went to her friend, Brian's birthday party at a Sushi restaurant in PB and went to a bar to meet some more of Brit's friends. One of her friends bought me a Mojito which was very sweet!

On Sunday my parents and brother met up with us along with their bicycles and we had a nice ride to the beach.

This picture is from Sunset Cliffs

2009-04-02T19:03:00.000-07:00

I started my MBA at Concordia in January and I really like it. It took awhile to make new friends, but it is more fun now that I talk to people in class. I completed the first class, which was Management and I got an A! I am now taking Accounting and sort of remember some things from my Accounting classes that I took Freshman and Sophomore year. There is a student in my class who graduated from Chapman in '05 and is now getting his MBA at Concordia. It's cool to meet someone I have something in common with, at least education wise. New friends are nice.

I am getting more involved at Saddleback Church. I had to do a little searching for a small group, but I found a great group of girls through my neighbor down the street. I initially tried another small group, but I didn't have anything in common with the girls. I knew my neighbor, Cara, was in a small group, but I was really shy to call and ask if I could join her. I didn't know her that well so I wasn't sure if she would be welcoming. Ultimately, I did call her and she was very welcoming! She is 28 and has a Psychology doctorate from Biola. She is really sweet and fun to hang out with. After small group on Wednesday we planned to hang out on Friday with some of the other girls. Friday, we went to dinner at Ruby's and then to the movies to see Bride Wars. It was a cute chick flick and a great movie to see with other girls!

In small group we are reading a book by Doug Fields called Refuel. In addition to reading and discussing the book during small group, Doug has been speaking on it for his sermons. It is definitely a message that I needed to hear. He talks about making more time for God whether it be a few minutes or a few hours everyday. It doesn't matter what you do, just "stop, be quiet, and make a connection". Doug has also been sending 3 text messages a day to remind us of God's love and to encourage our devotion to Him. It's a fun series!

On March 28th, Pastor Rick taught the class for people who want to become members of the church and he would be baptizing people afterward. In order to be a member you have to be baptized as an Adult. I wanted to join the church so I took the 3 hour class and was baptized along with my parents as well as 800 other people. The line to be baptized by Pastor Rick was very long so we went to anther pastor, but it was still a good experience. Here is an article about the event.

Yesterday was April 1st so I must explain in more detail the prank I played on my friend, Andrew. Well, he pulled a prank on me about a month ago, so I had to get him back. I left a note on his desk for him to call Mr. Lyon and left him the phone number. He called and when the automated message said he had reached the OC Zoo, he quickly thought to himself, "Wait, she didn't leave an extension for Mr. Lyo... oh!". Anyway, I was laughing just thinking about it so I couldn't tell him to call this guy so I had to leave a note. At least, I didn't spoil the joke. My co-workers thought this was a great prank so we tried it on other people in the office who also got a laugh from it.

I also had my co-workers help me move Andrew's plethora of things on his desk to the second desk in the IT office. We moved everything except his computer. He walked in and was sort of taken aback and then said "Well, I wanted to move to that desk anyway. It's a better spot." Right, maybe he just didn't want to move everything back...

Anyway, I thought I would update everyone on my life. I am trying to stay busy and be productive.

Sorry I don't call people very often! I am going to improve on that now! I miss all of you, especially you who is ready my blog right now. :)

Your Love is STRONG

2009-03-03T23:34:00.000-08:00

I was very excited when I sang this song at Church!

Heavenly Father
You always amaze me
Let Your Kingdom come
in my world and in my life

Give me the food I need
to live through today
Forgive me as I forgive
the people that wrong me

Lead me far
from temptation
Deliver me
from the evil one

I look out the window
the birds are composing
Not a note is out of tune
or out of place

I walk to the meadow
and stare at the flowers
better dressed than any girl
on her wedding day

So why should I worry?
Why do I freak out?
God knows what I need
You know what I need!

Your love is Strong

The Kingdom of the Heavens
is now advancing
invade my heart
invade this broken town

The Kingdom of the Heavens
is buried treasure
Would you sell yourself
to buy the one you've found?

Two things You told me
That You are strong
And You love me
Yes, You love me

Your love is Strong

Our God in Heaven
Hallowed be thy name
Above all names
Your Kingdom come
Your Will be done
On Earth as it is in Heaven
Give us, today, our daily bread
Forgive us weary sinners
Keep us far from our vices and
Deliver us from these prisons

Your Love is Strong ~ Jon Foreman

2009-01-23T23:22:00.001-08:00

So I realized today that there are not any exams in the management class I am taking. That sounds good to me. :) I haven't made any new friends yet, but I will be working on it. I also need to be more involved in Church. I definitely miss hanging out in a 'refuge' environment like the old days. I have a lot of things I want to do...now I just need to do it!

Nicole ... is waiting

2009-01-11T19:46:00.000-08:00

to hear back from Concordia
to get her wisdom teeth taken out (they hurt)
to see what God has planned in her life
to be happy again

Concordia

2008-11-17T19:17:00.001-08:00

I started my Concordia application. The good thing is that I don't have to take the GMAT!!! Yay! That is honestly one of the many things I like about Concordia. I have been dreading that test and haven't been motivated to study at all. Looks like I don't have to. Besides from being very expensive Concordia's MBA program sounds like fun. It focuses on Business Practice so it matters what you learn not how well you take a test. And I sure don't like taking tests. One class is taken at a time which lasts for 7 weeks. It would allow me to concentrate on one class, which is very manageable while working. The program wants people to work, because that encourages you to use what you just learned.

I'm excited to apply. I only have to get two recommendations and write my statement of intent and I'm done!

2008-11-13T21:58:00.001-08:00

1. I have blue eyes and curly/wavy hair unlike my twin sister who has brown eyes and straight hair.

2. I enjoy listening to Amy Grant whose music was most popular in the late 80's and early 90's when I was about 5 years old.

3. I have stood up in 6 weddings, but long for a wedding of my own although the thought of getting married frightens me.

4. My favorite monument is the Eiffel Tower. It's simple with no particular purpose although I have been ice skating on it.

5. I have a cute car, which I named Coby because it's a Cobalt..duh.

6. I really enjoy reading, but when I was first starting to read I had a difficult time and had to take a special class. I also had a hard time with math in middle school, but took Calculus in college for fun.

7. I bought a book at the Friends of the library for a high school project. It turns out that the book is about Charles C. Chapman the founder of Chapman University. I definitely believe this book was a "Godwink" to my attending Chapman. Definition of Godwink: An occurrence so odd and out of the ordinary, it had to be put in place by God. A wink from God letting you know you're in the right direction.

Thanks Joy for tagging me! I don't have anyone else to tag :(

2008-11-12T17:44:00.000-08:00

Lately, I have been feeling that my life lacks something. It then occurred to me that I am no longer attending a bible study or going to church. That is definitely something I need right now, but I have such a hard time finding a place that I feel welcome. I haven't done any searching, but I know I need to soon. I also feel that my life lacks direction. I have accomplished a lot in my 23 years of life, but I feel I need more! Something to do, something to keep me occupied. That basically means going back to school.

However, I have been enjoying the alone time that I have. I have read a lot of books that I have really enjoyed and watched a lot of movies without falling asleep (the later is a great accomplishment). So although I don't enjoy studying or doing homework, I do enjoy learning.

Tomorrow I am attending an information session at Concordia University in Irvine. It is really close to the bank. Even though I haven't heard about the program yet, this is my first choice for grad school. Just reading about the program intrigues me and I want to know more. The classes sound really interesting. I'll keep you updated about my findings after tomorrows session. I'm really excited!!

Yesterday was Veterans day and I had a day off from work. Jessica and Michele came to visit and we rode beach cruisers to PJ's Abbey for lunch. When I get to enjoy fun outings like this I just get so excited that I live in Orange. I know I have lived here for four + years, but I didn't get to enjoy it like this when I was in school. Although my friends didn't stay long we still had some good "girl time".

While writing this blog I have realized that I am accomplishing tasks on my life's "To Do List".
1. Apply to Grad School
2. Hang out with good friends
3. Find a church (I haven't done this yet, but intend to)

I feel much more satisfied with my life after writing this, so maybe I should share my thoughts and feelings more often!

2008-11-01T08:35:00.000-07:00

True love is frozen in time
I'll be your champion and you'll be mine
I will remember you
So please remember
~ Amy Grant ~

2008-10-25T10:53:00.000-07:00

It's been 12 days and it feels like forever. I miss you:(

Pumpkin Carving

2008-10-23T22:30:00.000-07:00

Today my roommates and I decided to buy pumpkins and carve them. It was a lot of fun and one of the best pumpkins I have carved. See for yourself!

Amy Grant Concert

2008-10-18T14:00:00.000-07:00

Despite everything that has happened this week, I had a wonderful time last night.

The Amy Grant concert was all that I had hoped it would be. It was amazing! She was reminiscing on her old Lead Me On tour which was 20 years ago. She even got the old band together to tour with her. Her 80's era album, even the lighting fit the theme, was great to hear in concert. Amy made a comment that she will be 48 next month, which is crazy. She looks amazing and very beautiful.

This has been a dream come true. Since I was little I have always wanted to go to a concert and I'm glad that Amy is still touring after all these years.

I hope she will be in town again in the following years so I can hear her newer songs played in concert.

The concert was held at Mariner's Church in Irvine. This is a very pretty church and a great venue. The seats I had picked out were perfect with a view of Amy straight ahead. Although I didn't buy the $100 tickets on the floor, my seat was up a few steps in the second row. I had a perfect view!

On Thursday, I attended the Jimmy Buffett concert in Chula Vista, San Diego. This was another experience all together and definitely had a different ambiance and fan base from the Amy Grant concert. It was a pleasant experience although I was up from 5:30am to 1:00am. What a long day. I had to be at a meeting at work at 7am and knowing how long it takes me to get ready I had to wake up at 5:30am. It was still a great day.

My family and I tail gated beforehand complete with fried chicken and margaritas!

2008-09-01T19:54:00.000-07:00

I have a hard time expressing my feelings in writing, but I have come across some great songs by Snow Patrol that express my feelings perfectly. I really enjoy this album. I identify with the words and I also enjoy the music. While listening to this album I always think of that one person who means so much to me, but whom I am unable to see or talk to at the level I would like to. I know my decision will change everything, but it's still the toughest thing I have even done in my 23 years of existence. For now, these words work with my thoughts and feelings.

Chasing Cars

We'll do it all
Everything
On our own
We don't need
Anything
Or anyone
If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me and just forget the world?
I don't quite know
How to say How I feel
Those three words
Are said too much
They're not enough
If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me and just forget the world?
Forget what we're told
Before we get too old
Show me a garden that's bursting into life
Let's waste time
Chasing cars
Around our heads
I need your grace
To remind me
To find my own
If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me and just forget the world?
Forget what we're told
Before we get too old
Show me a garden that's bursting into life
All that I am
All that I ever was
Is here in your perfect eyes, they're all I can see
I don't know where
Confused about how as well
Just know that these things will never change for us at all
If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me and just forget the world?

Make This Go On Forever

Please don't let this turn into something it's not
I can only give you everything I've got
I can't be as sorry as you think I should
But I still love you more than anyone else could

All that I keep thinking throughout this whole flight
Is it could take my whole damn life to make this right
This splintered mast I'm holding on won't save me long
Because I know fine well that what I did was wrong

The last girl and the last reason to make this last for as long as I could
First kiss and the first time that I felt connected to anything
The weight of water, the way you told me to look past everything I had ever learned
The final word in the final sentence you ever uttered to me was love

We have got through so much worse than this before
What's so different this time that you can't ignore
You say it is much more than just my last mistake
And we should spend some time apart for both our sakes

The last girl and the last reason to make this last for as long as I could
First kiss and the first time that I felt connected to anything
The weight of water, the way you told me to look past everything I had ever learned
The final word in the final sentence you ever uttered to me was love

Open Your Eyes

All this feels strange and untrue
And I won't waste a minute without you
My bones ache, my skin feels cold
And I'm getting so tired and so old

The anger swells in my guts
And I won't feel these slices and cuts
I want so much to open your eyes
'Cause I need you to look into mine

Tell me that you'll open your eyes

Get up, get out, get away from these liars
'Cause they don't get your soul or your fire
Take my hand, knot your fingers through mine
And we'll walk from this dark room for the last time

Every minute from this minute now
We can do what we like anywhere
I want so much to open your eyes
'Cause I need you to look into mine

Tell me that you'll open your eyes
All this feels strange and untrue
And I won't waste a minute without you

2008-08-05T23:09:00.000-07:00

I was reading my friends' blog and found this to be very entertaining.

Directions:
1. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.
2. Using only the first page of results, pick one image.
3. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into Big Huge Lab’s Mosaic Maker to create a mosaic of the picture answers.

Questions:
1. What is your first name?
2. What is your favorite food? right now?
3. What high school did you go to?
4. What is your favorite color?
5. Who is your celebrity crush?
6. What is your favourite drink?
7. What is your dream vacation?
8. What is your favourite dessert?
9. What do you want to be when you grow up?
10. What do you love most in life?
11. What is one word that describes you?
12. What is your flickr name?

Try it if you get a chance!

Camping with the Choates!

2008-07-30T19:10:00.000-07:00

Location: Santa Margarita, CA - North of San Luis Obispo

I went camping with the Choate family! All three of them :) Ed and I packed up the car with the necessary supplies, except for a few things we forgot like firewood.

We had a great time assembling tents, cooking on a propane grill, swimming in the pool, hiking along the lake, star gazing, and 'smore roasting. This was my first official camping trip. I didn't even take a shower!

We were also surprised that Ed's parents called while we were visiting the tiny town of Santa Margarita (not Rancho Santa Margarita) and they were returning from a weekend visit with friends in Northern California. To our surprise they had brought a tent in hopes of joining our camping trip. :) We cooked dinner, star gazed and enjoyed our time away from "the city". The stars were amazing and I saw many shooting stars!

This was a great trip and I really enjoyed spending quality time with everyone!

Catalina

2008-07-30T18:42:00.000-07:00

Catalina was definitely a relaxing and much needed vacation. I really enjoyed seeing Mary Beth, Corey, Kyle, and other Catalina friends! Ed and I picked up Mary Beth at the airport and she got to see and spend the night at my new home. We woke up around 4:30 am so we could make the 6:00 am boat. When we arrived we were greeted by Corey, Mary's mom and Sarah. What a nice surprise!

Emily Corbitt joined us a little later, which was really nice. Our activities on the Island included watching a 4th of July golf cart parade, the best fireworks show I have ever seen, swimming at Pebbly Beach, eating dinner at Corey's house, a ride to the other side of the Island with Kyle and his family, a party at the Isthmus, fireworks at the Isthmus, Church, a little shopping, arcade games, and miniature golfing.

It was a very fun weekend!

Catalina Express Post

2008-07-11T12:10:00.000-07:00

I went to Catalina Island for the 4th of July!

2008-03-26T20:38:00.000-07:00

Tell me all the dreams that you have let
Slip right through your hands
Do you feel lost inside of someone else's life?

And we're not gonna live forever
Can you tell me if it's now or never
I'm not gonna make up your mind
I don't want to live without you
And I don't want to live a lie
We'll never know 'til we try

Failure is the only way to learn
'til you've come undone
The rest we'll never find out
What they might have been

And we're not gonna live forever
Can you tell me if it's now or never
I'm not gonna make up your mind
I don't want to live without you
And I don't want to live a lie
We'll never know 'til we try

So tell me sometime just where did we go wrong?

And we're not gonna live forever
Can you tell me if it's now or never
I'm not gonna make up your mind
I don't want to live without you
And I don't want to live a lie
We'll never know 'til we try

~ Lifehouse ~ We'll Never Know ~

I was thinking this song reflects what someone should tell me.
Why am I a coward?

2008-03-26T06:46:00.000-07:00

I'm sad because I am losing my best friend. I have tried so hard to seek your approval and with time I thought things would change. Sadly, they haven't. I need to tell you the truth because it is tearing me up inside. I love him. I want you to love him too, but I know that that won't be easy for you at first. With time, I only hope that you will see the love in those eyes I do every time I look into them. I feel that I must take a stand in what I believe in in order to take control of my life. Whether we end up together or not, I am the only one who can make these decisions. I cherish your advice, but if you love me you should want to get to know the person I am interested in.
Please understand that this is really difficult for me because I love you very much. I don't want another person to come between our relationship. I want to tell you everything and I need you to listen without judgment. This is more than just a discussion about my best friend, it is a discussion about my ability to make decisions in life. I can't grow and become the confident woman I need to be if I have to check with you before I make a decision.
I know I will continue to seek your advice about many things, but I will make the ultimate decision. This is for the best.
I can only hope that this will strengthen our relationship.

I have decided to change my life.

God please give me the courage I need to complete this difficult task.

My Life at the Moment

2008-01-28T19:17:00.000-08:00

I have been trying to study for the GMAT, but haven't been motivated to do it. I know I should soon if I want to start in the fall, but I am enjoying the time away from studying. I don't know if I should wait another year before I apply or if I should just dive into school again.

Work has been going well. The bank isn't doing too well and there are some layoffs but my department is one of the most productive and hardworking (not to mention a much needed part of the bank) so I know I won't be going anywhere. However, as a result of the low profit, I don't believe the bank would be willing to pay for my grad school. I guess that would be another reason to wait?

At the moment it isn't raining, but if it were there would be water dripping from the ceiling in my room. There is a leak in the roof and apparently the property management company needs approval from the association before doing anything. Great, I guess the rain will be long gone before it gets fixed. Although, I will be calling everyday to expedite the process.

I have been playing this Sims game that Ed bought for me. Everyone should try it. I enjoy it and according to Ed "have been playing it for hours in the dark." Actually, I played for an hour or two when it got dark and I didn't get a chance to turn the light on before he walked in. I guess his statement is partially true. Anyways, it is fun to build and decorate a house. The characters I chose to create are from the tv show Alias. Since I don't have the pleasure of watching new episodes I decided to create some of my own! Too bad I left the game at Ed's place and can't play right now :(

2008-01-20T18:50:00.000-08:00

I don't have any interesting stories, but I wanted to update and say hi to everyone who reads my blog. I miss you guys and want to hang out soon!

Adventures in Big Bear

2007-12-17T22:21:00.001-08:00

So, initially I thought this was going to be a great relaxing weekend in Big Bear. Ryan Blake has moved to Texas and this was to be the last time we would hang out in his parents cabin. It was relaxing up until the day we left.

Ryan decided that this was to be a weekend free of video games and full of quality time talking and playing board games. I'm glad to say that we stuck with the plan. It was great to talk with people and play games. We played frisbee in the snow, talked about sleding, and warmed up in the spa. I have never seen it snow like this before. When I stuck out my hand a perfect star shaped snowflake fell on it. I had always thought that the paper snowflakes we used to make when I was little was just an adaptation of what a snowflake looked it. I had no idea it actually did!

Anyways, after we had enjoyed our stay we decided to pack up Sunday morning and head home to make it in time for church. Before we could leave town the adventures would begin!

Cars were slipping and sliding on the roads despite the fact that they had four wheel drive and chains on. There were many accidents which resulted in more traffic. After slipping and avoiding other cars ourselves, we decided to go back to the cabin and wait for the roads to improve. We turned down a side street to avoid making a U-turn in a traffic and accident infested area. As we were slowly and carefully driving down a slight hill the wheels on the Suburban began to slide and Ryan didn't know what to do so he turned the wheel so we would hit the snow embankment on the side of the road. Better to hit snow than a neighbor plowing their driveway or a tree.

We tried to back up but one of the front tires was stuck behind a curb that we had gone over. The road was so icy and slippery that the tires could not get enough traction to pull the wheel over the curb. A friendly and helpful neighbor put some salt and then ashes behind the tires, which was enough to pull the Suburban out.

As this was all happening, there were cars coming down the same road, but had stopped at the top of the hill when they saw that we were stuck. We yelled to warn them that the road was really icy and not to come down. It was taking a while to get the Suburban "unstuck" (about 2 hours) and these snowboarders were getting antsy to hit the slopes. One car stayed to the left side of the road and was able to get down with their car under control. A truck saw that they were able to make it and decided that they would do the same.

The truck was going too fast and its wheels were not gripping the road. As they struggled to gain control the back end of the truck fish-tailed. They were coming down the hill backwards! All of us in Ryan's party jumped off the slope to escape the out-of-control truck heading towards us. We got out of the way just in time as the back of the truck hit the side of the Suburban.

After getting our chains on and the truck driver's information we headed back to the cabin as we were planning before all the excitement. We calmed down, ordered some pizza (that they delivered!), and played a few games of Clue.

The weather looked better and we wanted to leave before it got dark so we decided it would be a good idea to try again. This time the roads were much less icy and more salty. We were just a few blocks from the cabin when we heard a "thunk thunk thunk". One of the chains had broken off. Great, now we have to find new chains. After a search through two different stores we found the correct size. Chhay and Derek were great to put the chains on very secure.

We began our excursion for the third time. We were just about out of the snow area when we heard another "thunk thunk thunk" which was the sound of the other chain breaking off. At this point it didn't make sense to stop and put the other new chain on so we continued on. We went a few more blocks and then took the chain off. We had made it safely down the mountain!

We stopped for a break and a bite to eat and continued our drive snow-free.

This was definitely an eventful day and were all glad to be back home. Yay for Big Bear and lots of snow!

Chapman Economic Forecast

2007-12-11T18:49:00.000-08:00

I attended the Chapman's Economic Forecast on Wednesday, December 5th. It was the 30th anniversary and they decided to invite alumni. I have been coming to see the forecast for 3 years now. I enjoy hearing Doti and Adibi speak not only about Chapman (which they brag endlessly about) but also to see what is predicted in our economy's future. It seems that all three years have been saying pretty much the same thing. Everything is decreasing! Well not everything, but they are predicting a recession. Not for 2008 necessarily, but for the years to come. I know some may be thinking that they could have predicted that themselves, but there was a lot of research and calculations to show this decrease. I was so amazed at the ability to predict these things that I even took Econometrics with Prof. Adibi my senior year. I could have been taking photography, but no, not Nicole. I had to take something hard. Great. Actually, I learned a lot and it is a great networking tool to have a famous economist know you. :) I went up to Adibi at the forecast and it was great that he still knows my name. That is definitely one reason why I would like to stay at Chapman for my MBA. I know going to a different school would be a chance to network with other people, but I like to have few but more meaningful relationships and would like to take another course from Adibi in the future. I have to start studying for the GMAT and apply soon so I guess we'll have to see how everything pans out. Sorry for the long awaited update. I have more to talk about later!

2007-11-12T13:09:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of my new car! Yay:)

2007-11-11T23:58:00.001-08:00

This is my blog. I don't know how to use it, but I am going to learn. Hope you enjoy.