Financial Aid Catastrophe

First of all, let me apologize once again for not posting regularly. My life has been CRAZY the last couple of weeks. I've been having to deal with my own problems (mild insomnia and battling food) and I've also been dealing with my college.

I recently received notice via my college email that I had "unsatisfied student requirements" in order for me to get my financial aid for the 2009-2010 school year. They were asking for tax information and whatnot. It stuck me as odd since they hadn't asked for it the previous school year, but I complied and turned in everything they had requested in a timely manner. After doing this and checking online, everything was still showing up as "received pending review". That same day when I checked my college email, I had received a notice saying "Tuition must be paid by 6:00pm tonight or you will be purged from your classes." It told me to go to the "confirm and pay" section of the web page, blah, blah, blah. When I got there, I saw this lovely message, "No Authorized Financial Aid exists on your record for the selected term.".

Seeking enlightenment on the situation, I went to the financial aid office on Thursday of this week, that same day, to make sure that everything was in order. (I had previously called 3 times, each time being told something different. Don't you love college communication?)

Once I go inside, I see all of the other lovely individuals who look equally confused/pissed. I'm sure they were hiding their happiness on the inside. There was a girl in front of me who had literally just turned all of her information in. (Not smart in my opinion, but whatever floats your boat.) The woman behind the desk told her that she most likely wouldn't receive her financial aid. The girl had informed her she had to have it to attend. The woman showed no sympathy and told her to go to the business office to "set up a payment plan". Ah, how kind these people are.

The girl left, walking out quickly. I stepped up to the desk to inquire about my situation. Once discussing my situation with the woman behind the counter, I was informed that I may not even have my financial aid in time to purchase my books on Tuesday. I quickly told the woman that my financial aid was essential, not only to pay my tuition, but also to pay my for my books. Her response, "I'm holding your classes and I'm not even supposed to do that."

As I continued to talk to her, the woman seemed as if she were trying to get me to leave. Slightly understandable since the office was filling up with people, but I had waited my turn and I thought "I'll be damned if I leave here before getting to have my say." I had faxed all of my information to the financial aid office early in the previous week. She told me that they hadn't received my faxed information until the day before. I told her again that I had sent all of my information over to her in a timely manner. Her response "We receive hundreds of faxes a day."

Now...explain something to me. How is it my problem that they "receive hundreds of faxes a day". It's close to the beginning of a new school year. If they're shorthanded, why not grab a few members of SGA and have them sort out. I would have loved to walk behind the counter to see the mass of fax papers in the floor in a large pile. I'm obviously not the only student with this problem and it pissed me off. No one should have to go through this. Why should we have to take the fall because someone couldn't do his/her job? I did my part. I don't understand why my college isn't doing what needs to be done.

I won't find out if I have my financial aid until Tuesday when I drive over to the campus to see if I can get a waiver for my books or not. (The campus is closed for in-service tomorrow. How delightful!) If I have no money, I obviously cannot purchase books. Oh what a fun time I'm going to have explaining to my professors why I'm not prepared for class! What rapture that will be!

I also have to wait until Tuesday to fill out a form for a student loan, my only other option for being able to attend this semester to pay for my tuition and books. However, if approved, it's highly unlikely that I'll receive it before classes start so I'm in the same boat either way.

I filed my FAFSA for the 2009-2010 school year back in January or February of '09. I shouldn't be having this problem. Why do I have to pay for the college's mistake? Can I please curse someone out on Tuesday? I know I have more couth than that, but it would really seem fun. I can see it now, me looking like a giant strawberry from being so red and expletives hanging in the air, following me around campus. (Alright, alright...I'll play nice.)

While this is a fantastic prize package, can I please choose what's behind door number 2? Sigh...President Obama, if you're reading this, can you please give my school a swift kick in the ass?

I'm off to have yet another cappuccino. I know, empty calories, but after all the stress I've had this week, I'm going to say it's worth it.

I know this blog wasn't about weight loss, but I really needed to rant. Thanks for listening.

Oh Where, Oh Where Has My Little Blog Gone?

Alright, I know that I've left all of you hanging for a little over a week now and I offer you my most sincerest apologies. I volunteered to go on a excursion with my family AKA summer vacation. While it was supposed to be loaded with family fun, I usually end up being the only one that doesn't really get to enjoy the trip.

(Fun vacation fact: Every time we go on vacation, I always manage to fall down, haha)

We went to the beach. (The shot below is one view from our balcony, 11 stories up.)













Now, being a bigger girl, the beach is not my idea of fun for several reasons. The following are a few examples:

• Heat-My ass will sweat like a pig roasting over an open flame.
  
• Sand-I'm bigger than everyone else. While you may be able to get it off just fine, Skinny Benny, I find sand in places I didn't even know sand could hide for days.
• Sun- I'm fair complected and even with SPF 85, I still manage to turn into a bright, lobster colored crisp. (This really pisses me off since everyone else who attended came home looking like a gingerbread cookie.)
• Weight-I do NOT feel comfortable in a swimsuit. I bought a new one and actually felt sexy for once, until I stepped out in public. (No, I DO NOT have a self-esteem issue. It's a big girl mentality. If you've never been fat, you can't truly understand, nor can I properly explain it to you.)

While vacationing and eating out almost every night, it was very hard for me to eat healthy, especially with all of the temptation. I ate lots of seafood, but I am ashamed to say that I did cheat a little and had a bit of fried food. (The oysters made me do it.) I'm not going to worry about it too much. I did my best and that's all I can do. There's no sense in dwelling on the past when I can still look to the future.

Here are a few more photos from my trip.


(other view from the balcony)













(Come To My Window! View from the bedroom)















(Me and my mom on the beach. Please excuse my extreme case of Jello arms. As you can see, Mom's looking like a gingersnap and I'm chillin' like Casper the friendly ghost.)











I'm going to do my best to keep posting everyday. Being on vacation kind of knocked me out of the habit. I'll post another tonight with a recipe. :)

If you're new to my blog, you can follow me on Twitter @ www.twitter.com/adventureginger.

Also, if you like what you're reading, PLEASE SUBSCRIBE! :)