New Year's Eve/Day really puts things into perspective, doesn't it?
Just like at the end of each semester, at the end of the year I can't help but think back and say "Man, where did the time go?... And how did I spend it?"
And I still don't have an answer.
There are 8,760 hours in a year. This his how I've broken them down:
270 were spent in spring semester classes.
288 were spent in fall semester classes.
300 or so were spent working at Blockbuster over summer vacation.
100 + hours were spent chatting online.
2,372 were spent sleeping... ish
and TOO MANY were spent watching TV...
That totals about 3,330 hours...
That leaves 5,430 hours unaccounted for. Dude, how did I spend that time? Homework, I suppose. And eating. And more chatting online. And the biggest time-waster in the world - Facebook.
Oh, yes... it's always interesting. I've considered logging how much time I actually spend on Facebook. But then I decided I really don't want to know. Plus, I wouldn't have the time to add up the time I spend on Facebook because I'll be too busy wasting time on Facebook to do it. How ironic.
I can't really say I've made any resolutions. I'm not a big resolution-maker. Goals are good, but these long-term resolutions? Bleh... that's a bit daunting, thank you. I'll pass.
I could always make new semester resolutions, but the only really good one I can come up with is "I promise to stay on top of my reading and long-term assignments..." and that works almost as long as those New Year's diet plans...
I'm not a pooh-pooher of New Years. I like New Years a lot. A lot a lot. It's a fresh start for resolution-makers and non-resolution makers alike. I don't know if I'll force too many changes upon myself, but I think knowing that now is my opportunity to do so feels good. It's like "here I am, at the begining of a whole new year, with the chance to make some big changes in my life... and I may or may not take advantage of that." It's kind of along those same lines of being invited to a party you don't want to go to, but you still feel good that you were invited.
I think I also like it because it means, in my family at least, that it's time to take down the Christmas decorations. Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas (and its decorations), but it feels good to take it down and get back to real life. I feel like Christmas is this joyus two-month hiatus at the end of the year where everybody unwinds and looks back on a year well-done... or not well-done... whichever. It's fun and I love it, but it's nice to jump back into real life. It looks like the house is starting fresh, too.
So, here were are... on the brink of 2008. The year my brother will graduate high school and move to college. The year my parents will celebrate their 22nd wedding anniversary. The year I will begin the second half of my college education and GET A CAR. So this is it.... this is the metaphorical and daunting "click, click, click" as our helpess little cars trek up the roller coster. We're looking over the edge, ready for that ball to fall and go hurtling down a 366-day drop which will not go nearly as fast as you remember it.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Sunday, December 30, 2007
White Christmas
On Christmas Eve my family and I went to the Denver Center for the Performing Arts and saw Irving Berlin's White Christmas. I'd seen the movie before, but never seen the show. It was good, but different than the movie. And they sprayed fake snow on the audience in the end.
We saw White Christmas and then the day after we GOT a white Christmas. It was beautiful. It snowed all day long. I took pictures, of course.
We saw White Christmas and then the day after we GOT a white Christmas. It was beautiful. It snowed all day long. I took pictures, of course.
End of the Semester and Finals
The thing about the end of the semester is that in retrospect it always seems to have flown by. Seriously. After finals week is over suddenly it feels like August was two weeks ago. Then again, while it's happening it seems to drag... and drag... and drag... and the only thought that keeps you going is winter break and the symbolic end of the current classes.
I was less than jazzed about my classes this semester. I dunno... I just got sick of them really quickly. Some of that is my fault, I suppose. I took a math class way below my level just for the easy A. Sure, the class was easy, but I still had to show up for class for two painful hours every Tuesday and Thursday... and no amount of doodling could make it better. That didn't stop me from trying, though.
I had a history class, and while the material was interesting, the room it was in was stifling hot and the professor's voice was so deep that the combination of the two made me want to fall asleep.
Strangely enough, my favorite class this semester had to be political science. That was a shock. I took AP American Government in high school and got a 3 on the exam... too bad Drake requires a 4 to give you any credit for it. So I took the class for fifty minutes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and it was actually not that bad. It was interesting and the professor was great (Mosser, if you have a chance to take it).
Admittedly, I didn't take the best attitude with me into the semester. I wasn't gung-ho for classes to start. Well, I was but I wasn't. I was because biologically speaking, my brain knows that every August for the past 14 years or so it has to clear out the cobwebs and puddles of sitcom poison that have accumulated over the summer and actually apply itself to do something useful. And I wasn't excited because I knew I was taking a couple of those required courses which kind of get a bad rap... and that professors actually expected things from me now that I was a sophomore... enjoy being a freshman, kids.
It wasn't that bad, I guess... I supposed the bottom line is this: I just didn't feel as challenged as I was expecting to be. Correction... I didn't feel as challenged as I was expecting to be in the courses that should have challenged me... like the journalism ones. Oh well, from what I hear next semester will change that ;)
This was also the first semester I had several finals. The worst of which had to be political science. Youch. I don't feel like I necessarily struggled with it, but it was intense anyway. For history we were allowed to have a page of notes. I like that, but I don't at the same time. I feel like when I get a page of notes I don't study as hard because I'm thinking "well, I get notes...” and I feel like I spend more time on the exam looking through my size 4 font notes instead of relying on the information in my brain. But it worked out. I think I did fairly well. I tanked my math final, which was weird. It was a 50-point quiz and I got 38 I think. What's that? A 76? That's not "tanking" I guess but keeping in mind the course was way below my level, it's a little embarrassing. What's worse is that I actually studied for that one. Not that it makes a difference. I could have ripped up the final and walked out of the testing room and still gotten an A in the class. I took a required journalism design course and our final was an in-class practicum, which was nothing to sweat. We were allowed notes for that one, too. But I was feeling cocky and didn't bother. The only class I really didn't have a final for was my magazine writing class. We had our big feature article due on our final day and I did well on that. We also had to take a little quiz about how realistic our expectations are of the magazine industry. Guess what? I'm going to be poor, and I know it! Yay! What's money mean if you're doing something you love, anyway?
I was less than jazzed about my classes this semester. I dunno... I just got sick of them really quickly. Some of that is my fault, I suppose. I took a math class way below my level just for the easy A. Sure, the class was easy, but I still had to show up for class for two painful hours every Tuesday and Thursday... and no amount of doodling could make it better. That didn't stop me from trying, though.
I had a history class, and while the material was interesting, the room it was in was stifling hot and the professor's voice was so deep that the combination of the two made me want to fall asleep.
Strangely enough, my favorite class this semester had to be political science. That was a shock. I took AP American Government in high school and got a 3 on the exam... too bad Drake requires a 4 to give you any credit for it. So I took the class for fifty minutes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and it was actually not that bad. It was interesting and the professor was great (Mosser, if you have a chance to take it).
Admittedly, I didn't take the best attitude with me into the semester. I wasn't gung-ho for classes to start. Well, I was but I wasn't. I was because biologically speaking, my brain knows that every August for the past 14 years or so it has to clear out the cobwebs and puddles of sitcom poison that have accumulated over the summer and actually apply itself to do something useful. And I wasn't excited because I knew I was taking a couple of those required courses which kind of get a bad rap... and that professors actually expected things from me now that I was a sophomore... enjoy being a freshman, kids.
It wasn't that bad, I guess... I supposed the bottom line is this: I just didn't feel as challenged as I was expecting to be. Correction... I didn't feel as challenged as I was expecting to be in the courses that should have challenged me... like the journalism ones. Oh well, from what I hear next semester will change that ;)
This was also the first semester I had several finals. The worst of which had to be political science. Youch. I don't feel like I necessarily struggled with it, but it was intense anyway. For history we were allowed to have a page of notes. I like that, but I don't at the same time. I feel like when I get a page of notes I don't study as hard because I'm thinking "well, I get notes...” and I feel like I spend more time on the exam looking through my size 4 font notes instead of relying on the information in my brain. But it worked out. I think I did fairly well. I tanked my math final, which was weird. It was a 50-point quiz and I got 38 I think. What's that? A 76? That's not "tanking" I guess but keeping in mind the course was way below my level, it's a little embarrassing. What's worse is that I actually studied for that one. Not that it makes a difference. I could have ripped up the final and walked out of the testing room and still gotten an A in the class. I took a required journalism design course and our final was an in-class practicum, which was nothing to sweat. We were allowed notes for that one, too. But I was feeling cocky and didn't bother. The only class I really didn't have a final for was my magazine writing class. We had our big feature article due on our final day and I did well on that. We also had to take a little quiz about how realistic our expectations are of the magazine industry. Guess what? I'm going to be poor, and I know it! Yay! What's money mean if you're doing something you love, anyway?
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Ice, ice, Baby!
I think i might have had maybe... two snow days in my life. Maybe. Just this last Tuesday school was cancelled, but it wasn't really a snow day at all. It was an ice day. Everything was covered in at least half an inch of solid ice. Things were... treacherous to say the least. But, man did everything look awesome!!! Check out the pics!!!
someone made a reindeer out of snow!
someone made a reindeer out of snow!
Intensive Quiet Hours and Hall Closing Policy
Intensive Quiet Hours are in effect right at this moment. (So excuse me if I type the rest of my blog in parenthases so nobody can hear me.)
(Basically, Intensive Quiet Hours, or IQH as a friend of mine calls it (making it it sound much trendier than it is) means that everybody needs to have their doors closed and their music turned down. There is not lingering in the hallways, and certainly no knocking on doors while laughing hysterically.)
(It's a little creepy at first since the lights are dimmed in the hallways just like it's quiet hours during the regular week, but you get used to it. And once you do, it's nothing short of delightful. Seriously. Nobody running down the halls yelling or freaking out or thowing things... it's nice. Especially when you're trying to study which, obviously is the point of IQH).
(There are release hours during which the residents can open their door and make a some noise. I think there is a total of 5 release hours during the day. I think it's good so residents don't feel cooped up and it kind of provides a study break for them."
(Don't get me wrong, residents are still allowed to leave the building during IQH. They can do whatever they want, just while they're in the hall they need to be almost silent.)
Oh, look. It's actually release hours now! No more parenthases!! Score!
So, another thing I have to worry about as an RA is closing the hall down. To be honest, it doesn't involve all that much. Basically after my girls leave for the semester I have to go check their rooms to make sure everything is unplugged and their windows are locked and all of that good stuff.
One of the things I've been getting complaints about is the fact that they have to unplug their refridgerators which means they have to get rid of the food that's in there. I can see how that might be inconvenient, but I'm not too upset over it. Want to know what's in my fridge right now? A jar of jam and some salsa, which are almost gone and nasty, respectively. Needless to say I'm not that broken up about losing them. Plus, it will give me a chance to defrost my freezer which isn't as much a freezer as it is a solid block of ice the size of a VCR.
We also have to take down all of our holiday decorations which I think is a little crazy. It's my room. I'll take down my decorations when I'm good and ready. Maybe take them off your door since that's in a public space and people might take offence to out of season Chrismtas decorations, but if you want to hang a stocking year-round in your room, you should be able to.
(Basically, Intensive Quiet Hours, or IQH as a friend of mine calls it (making it it sound much trendier than it is) means that everybody needs to have their doors closed and their music turned down. There is not lingering in the hallways, and certainly no knocking on doors while laughing hysterically.)
(It's a little creepy at first since the lights are dimmed in the hallways just like it's quiet hours during the regular week, but you get used to it. And once you do, it's nothing short of delightful. Seriously. Nobody running down the halls yelling or freaking out or thowing things... it's nice. Especially when you're trying to study which, obviously is the point of IQH).
(There are release hours during which the residents can open their door and make a some noise. I think there is a total of 5 release hours during the day. I think it's good so residents don't feel cooped up and it kind of provides a study break for them."
(Don't get me wrong, residents are still allowed to leave the building during IQH. They can do whatever they want, just while they're in the hall they need to be almost silent.)
Oh, look. It's actually release hours now! No more parenthases!! Score!
So, another thing I have to worry about as an RA is closing the hall down. To be honest, it doesn't involve all that much. Basically after my girls leave for the semester I have to go check their rooms to make sure everything is unplugged and their windows are locked and all of that good stuff.
One of the things I've been getting complaints about is the fact that they have to unplug their refridgerators which means they have to get rid of the food that's in there. I can see how that might be inconvenient, but I'm not too upset over it. Want to know what's in my fridge right now? A jar of jam and some salsa, which are almost gone and nasty, respectively. Needless to say I'm not that broken up about losing them. Plus, it will give me a chance to defrost my freezer which isn't as much a freezer as it is a solid block of ice the size of a VCR.
We also have to take down all of our holiday decorations which I think is a little crazy. It's my room. I'll take down my decorations when I'm good and ready. Maybe take them off your door since that's in a public space and people might take offence to out of season Chrismtas decorations, but if you want to hang a stocking year-round in your room, you should be able to.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Ya-who?
There's a girl in one of my classes who conveniently comes up with all the answers to all the questions the professor asks all the time. It's not just a result of really scrupulous reading, either. She'll know the outcomes of obscure court cases from the 40s and nobody quite knows how she knows these things. I happened to notice that she's the only one in the class who brings a laptop, which leads me to believe that she's Googling everything. There's no other way. She could just be brilliant, but I like to hold on to my Google theory. I told my fried that I think she's Googling things in class (which is nothing short of brilliant when you think about it!)... here's how it went.
"She's probably sitting there googling everything..." I said
"Don't be ridiculous," said my friend "She's could be Yahoo-ing them..." she said.
I don't know why, but at that moment I just stopped suddenly and tried as hard as I could to take in what she just said.
Yahoo?
Yahoo?
I don't remember the last time somebody brought up Yahoo. I had a Yahoo account at one point, but that was just so I could use Yahoo IM (AIM was passe). But since then (and I think that was my sophomore year in high school), I haven't heard much about Yahoo, and I sure as heck haven't used it.
But who does, really? You can't be like "Hey, what day is Easter on this year?... I should Yahoo that." Nobody. Yahoo hasn't been accepted as a verb in today's techo-crazy world. Google is a verb. You can Google something. Heck you can Google people. You can even Google yourself. But Yahoo yourself? I don't think so.
I feel bad for Yahoo. It's not even an inferior search engine, it's just not nearly as cool. Plus, Google's easy to remember. Yahoo gets confused with YooHoo all to often. What's YooHoo you ask?
Google it.
"She's probably sitting there googling everything..." I said
"Don't be ridiculous," said my friend "She's could be Yahoo-ing them..." she said.
I don't know why, but at that moment I just stopped suddenly and tried as hard as I could to take in what she just said.
Yahoo?
Yahoo?
I don't remember the last time somebody brought up Yahoo. I had a Yahoo account at one point, but that was just so I could use Yahoo IM (AIM was passe). But since then (and I think that was my sophomore year in high school), I haven't heard much about Yahoo, and I sure as heck haven't used it.
But who does, really? You can't be like "Hey, what day is Easter on this year?... I should Yahoo that." Nobody. Yahoo hasn't been accepted as a verb in today's techo-crazy world. Google is a verb. You can Google something. Heck you can Google people. You can even Google yourself. But Yahoo yourself? I don't think so.
I feel bad for Yahoo. It's not even an inferior search engine, it's just not nearly as cool. Plus, Google's easy to remember. Yahoo gets confused with YooHoo all to often. What's YooHoo you ask?
Google it.
Monday, December 3, 2007
WooMe.com
I'm thinking about downloading firefox and using that as my internet browser so I don't get these annoying little ads all over my internet windows.
Here's an interesting one I found while wasting time on Facebook:
"Lonely? You don't have to be. Meet five guys in five minutes. WooMe.com. It's fun and free to play."
*eye roll*
I'm going to skip over the most obvious point here which is that it's absolutely pathetic that people are actually coming up with these kinds of sites for teenagers. Hello, we're not old, miserable and lonely yet. We're perfectly of going out and meeting people which, I'm told, is how it's done traditionally. Our generation does seem pretty desperate though, and I guess these people are just filling a need... still... it's sick and i'm totally opposed to it.
Also...
I'm WAY insulted that they think I can be "wooed" in ONE MINUTE. My goodness... give me SOME credit. It takes at least five minutes to woo me. I'm not THAT easy. And why the term "woo"? It seems so obsolete for some reason. "Maidens" are "wooed." I'm not a maiden.
And maybe it's just me, but "playing" with these five guys seems a little... dangerous? Hello, I saw You've Got Mail and as much as I loved that movie, I'm convinced that Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan are not sending the best message. They "played" online and met and it HAPPENED to work out well for them. Just keep this in mind.. play all you want, but the guy on the other end is probably not going to be as attractive, charming, or normal as Tom Hanks so I would advise against running off with him -- even if he has wooed you.
Here's an interesting one I found while wasting time on Facebook:
"Lonely? You don't have to be. Meet five guys in five minutes. WooMe.com. It's fun and free to play."
*eye roll*
I'm going to skip over the most obvious point here which is that it's absolutely pathetic that people are actually coming up with these kinds of sites for teenagers. Hello, we're not old, miserable and lonely yet. We're perfectly of going out and meeting people which, I'm told, is how it's done traditionally. Our generation does seem pretty desperate though, and I guess these people are just filling a need... still... it's sick and i'm totally opposed to it.
Also...
I'm WAY insulted that they think I can be "wooed" in ONE MINUTE. My goodness... give me SOME credit. It takes at least five minutes to woo me. I'm not THAT easy. And why the term "woo"? It seems so obsolete for some reason. "Maidens" are "wooed." I'm not a maiden.
And maybe it's just me, but "playing" with these five guys seems a little... dangerous? Hello, I saw You've Got Mail and as much as I loved that movie, I'm convinced that Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan are not sending the best message. They "played" online and met and it HAPPENED to work out well for them. Just keep this in mind.. play all you want, but the guy on the other end is probably not going to be as attractive, charming, or normal as Tom Hanks so I would advise against running off with him -- even if he has wooed you.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Can't rock the caucus
So... this just in... The Iowa Caucuses are January 3rd!!!
Which MEANS...
That a large majority of college students won't even be in the state TO caucus. With a presidential election every four years, and college lasting approximately this long, students get to experience ONE presidential election during their college years. Therefore, we only get ONE chance to experience the Iowa Caucuses. And it figures that most of us CAN'T.
Word is that the Democratic and Republican party mutually agreed on the date which has been moved up ELEVEN days from the date of last year's caucuses. They claim they're trying to reestablish the Iowa Caucuses as the first national caucuses.
Let's just say that the students are PISSED.
The majority of us can't participate. And until recently, the people who were planning on returning to campus didn't have a place to say because Drake wasn't going to open any of the residence halls. They did make arrangements for the students to say in sleeping bags in the Olmsted conference rooms and shower in the upperclassmen dorm.
But what's getting under a lot of people's skin is the candidates' lack of concern. I have friends who work on varioius campaigns and are upset that after working hard to push their candidate, they can't even vote for them in the caucus and that the would-be presidents are less than concerned about it since facts and figures from the past suggest that the collegiate vote in the caucus is negligible.
THERE'S a message to send... talk about losing faith in the system... sheesh.
I'm REALLY interested to see how the Obama campaign does with all of this. He has a HUGE collegiate following... most of whom can no longer vote. It should be interesting...
Which MEANS...
That a large majority of college students won't even be in the state TO caucus. With a presidential election every four years, and college lasting approximately this long, students get to experience ONE presidential election during their college years. Therefore, we only get ONE chance to experience the Iowa Caucuses. And it figures that most of us CAN'T.
Word is that the Democratic and Republican party mutually agreed on the date which has been moved up ELEVEN days from the date of last year's caucuses. They claim they're trying to reestablish the Iowa Caucuses as the first national caucuses.
Let's just say that the students are PISSED.
The majority of us can't participate. And until recently, the people who were planning on returning to campus didn't have a place to say because Drake wasn't going to open any of the residence halls. They did make arrangements for the students to say in sleeping bags in the Olmsted conference rooms and shower in the upperclassmen dorm.
But what's getting under a lot of people's skin is the candidates' lack of concern. I have friends who work on varioius campaigns and are upset that after working hard to push their candidate, they can't even vote for them in the caucus and that the would-be presidents are less than concerned about it since facts and figures from the past suggest that the collegiate vote in the caucus is negligible.
THERE'S a message to send... talk about losing faith in the system... sheesh.
I'm REALLY interested to see how the Obama campaign does with all of this. He has a HUGE collegiate following... most of whom can no longer vote. It should be interesting...
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Tips and Tricks to Survive Finals
It's that time of year again... the magical time where students wander around campus with zombie-like sleepiness on their faces, with patches of hair missing from their heads. They have lines across their cheeks from falling asleep on their books, and a double-shot expresso is dangling lazily out of their hand... you know, the other hand that isn't carring twenty pounds worth of text books.
I find that making a daily schedule for myself in times such as these is the only way to stop me from truly going insane. Schedules just work for me, I guess. Maybe you're the type that can't handle every moment of your day planned out. If this is the case, I suggest the to-do list. As long as you're the type to stick ot it. Personally, I can't NOT do something that's on my to-do list. It will drive me crazy.
The trick is to start early. Like now... or even yesterday. The sooner you start, obviously, the less overwhelmed you will feel.
For example, I started studying for my psychology final a full month before the exam. I planned it out so I would read one chapter every day AND do the review questions at the end of it. But, I also allowed myself two days to do general review of notes, vocab terms, ect. I find that's the best way to do it because if you don't review everything you're supposed to know one last time, chances are those chapters you read weeks ago aren't going to be very fresh in your mind...
Some professors will give you back all of your old exams and tell you to "look them over." It has been my experience (however limited finals experience I have) that you shouldn't just "look them over." You should eat, sleep, and breathe these things. Seriously, for my J30 exam my first semester, the exam was largely comprised of questions from the other tests... verbatim. I made copies of them and retook them so many times, I can't even remember. But it paid off.
Maybe you have a lot of writing assignments due. There are three types of people in this situation: those who DON'T work well under last-minute panic, those who work BEST under last-minute panic, and those who THINK they work best under last-minute panic. Here's a tip: if you're not sure if you produce your best work four hours before your deadline, this is not the time to try it. For those of you who aren't procrastinators, the best thing you can possibly do is to set small goals for yourself. Eight page paper due in two weeks? First of all, if you're already working on it, I'd like to shake your hand because you're amazing. Second of all, just write oh... I don't know.. fifty words a day. That's like three sentences. You can handle three sentences at a time, can't you? Then, just as I said with the psychology, leave a couple of days open close to the deadline so you can revise and fix it up a bit (since papers written like this can sometimes be a little choppy).
Whatever you do, don't pile up all your books in one stack and stare at them because then you're setting yourself up for stress. Take it one chapter at a time. Set small goals, and reward yourself for accomplishing them. And, this is most important.... DON'T PANIC!
I find that making a daily schedule for myself in times such as these is the only way to stop me from truly going insane. Schedules just work for me, I guess. Maybe you're the type that can't handle every moment of your day planned out. If this is the case, I suggest the to-do list. As long as you're the type to stick ot it. Personally, I can't NOT do something that's on my to-do list. It will drive me crazy.
The trick is to start early. Like now... or even yesterday. The sooner you start, obviously, the less overwhelmed you will feel.
For example, I started studying for my psychology final a full month before the exam. I planned it out so I would read one chapter every day AND do the review questions at the end of it. But, I also allowed myself two days to do general review of notes, vocab terms, ect. I find that's the best way to do it because if you don't review everything you're supposed to know one last time, chances are those chapters you read weeks ago aren't going to be very fresh in your mind...
Some professors will give you back all of your old exams and tell you to "look them over." It has been my experience (however limited finals experience I have) that you shouldn't just "look them over." You should eat, sleep, and breathe these things. Seriously, for my J30 exam my first semester, the exam was largely comprised of questions from the other tests... verbatim. I made copies of them and retook them so many times, I can't even remember. But it paid off.
Maybe you have a lot of writing assignments due. There are three types of people in this situation: those who DON'T work well under last-minute panic, those who work BEST under last-minute panic, and those who THINK they work best under last-minute panic. Here's a tip: if you're not sure if you produce your best work four hours before your deadline, this is not the time to try it. For those of you who aren't procrastinators, the best thing you can possibly do is to set small goals for yourself. Eight page paper due in two weeks? First of all, if you're already working on it, I'd like to shake your hand because you're amazing. Second of all, just write oh... I don't know.. fifty words a day. That's like three sentences. You can handle three sentences at a time, can't you? Then, just as I said with the psychology, leave a couple of days open close to the deadline so you can revise and fix it up a bit (since papers written like this can sometimes be a little choppy).
Whatever you do, don't pile up all your books in one stack and stare at them because then you're setting yourself up for stress. Take it one chapter at a time. Set small goals, and reward yourself for accomplishing them. And, this is most important.... DON'T PANIC!
Monday, November 26, 2007
House and Dorm
I LOVE going home. I LOVE IT I LOVE IT I LOVE IT! Seriously, nothing's better than being with the family you haven't seen in a while, eating food that's isn't from Hubbell, and actually getting a moment away from the dorms.
I feel stupid for saying this, but I always need a couple of nights to adjust to living in an actual house again. For example, houses make noises. Sometimes, they are creepy noises. They creak and groan and it's a little scary. I don't really get that in the dorm. Sometimes the girl who lives above me likes to rearrange at all hours of the night, but other than that there really isn't anything to hear.
But what probably scares me the most those first couple of nights at home is my brother. It's not like he's intentionally being creepy... well, not most of the time anyway. But, seriously. He'll be walking around in front of my room (and the door is open so my cat can come in and out) in the shadows and he'll walk on something that will crunch and I'll freak out. Sometimes he WILL be creepy and pop his head in my doorway and leave it there until I notice him.
Just this past trip home I heard something crunching around and it sounded just like they were in my bathroom messing with the cat's litter box. And I would have assumed it was the cat if he wasn't sleeping with me at the time. So I freaked out and turned on my light. As it turns out, my brother was in the hallway looking for a movie to watch and stepping on his Dance Dance Revolution mat which made that crunching noise.
It scared the crap out of me, let me tell you.
I need to tell my subconscious that I'm at home and that my brother looking for a movie to watch is perfectly normal, as are the creaking steps and wind in the windows...
I feel stupid for saying this, but I always need a couple of nights to adjust to living in an actual house again. For example, houses make noises. Sometimes, they are creepy noises. They creak and groan and it's a little scary. I don't really get that in the dorm. Sometimes the girl who lives above me likes to rearrange at all hours of the night, but other than that there really isn't anything to hear.
But what probably scares me the most those first couple of nights at home is my brother. It's not like he's intentionally being creepy... well, not most of the time anyway. But, seriously. He'll be walking around in front of my room (and the door is open so my cat can come in and out) in the shadows and he'll walk on something that will crunch and I'll freak out. Sometimes he WILL be creepy and pop his head in my doorway and leave it there until I notice him.
Just this past trip home I heard something crunching around and it sounded just like they were in my bathroom messing with the cat's litter box. And I would have assumed it was the cat if he wasn't sleeping with me at the time. So I freaked out and turned on my light. As it turns out, my brother was in the hallway looking for a movie to watch and stepping on his Dance Dance Revolution mat which made that crunching noise.
It scared the crap out of me, let me tell you.
I need to tell my subconscious that I'm at home and that my brother looking for a movie to watch is perfectly normal, as are the creaking steps and wind in the windows...
Never too old for tradition
One of my favorite things about Thanksgiving has to be the Macy's Parade. I don't know why, but I absolutely love sitting in my pajamas with my family watching Matt, Katie (well, I guess it's Meredith now) and Al do their thing. It's so thrilling.
Every year my family and I sit around and get excited when we see the parade regulars like the Rockettes, the Charlie Brown balloon, and the massive group of cheerleaders. We always pick on the people who can't lip-synch to their own music track, and I always yell at the marching bands who are in the parade AGAIN when some bands don't get to march in it at all.
We get really excited when we see Santa Claus coming down Harold Square because we know once he crosses that Macy's star at noon on Thanksgiving, Turkey Day is out the window and it's officially Christmastime. We say to each other with Will Ferrel-like excitement "Santa!! I know him! I know him!!"
Then either my brother or I will rush to the basement and bring up one box of Christmas things... and it's always the same box... every year. We bring up the Christmas music and movies first. We might not get to the tree or decorations for another week or two, but the music and movies will always be the first box to come up.
And, there's always ONE movie in particular we'll watch multiple times. It's a Christmas classic around our house. Home Alone 2. Don't get me wrong, we like the first one too. But the second one is far better in our opinion. We will laugh before the funny things happen, just because we know what's coming... and you don't even want to know how much we quote it. This quote is one of our favorites:
"Hello, this is Peter McCallister -- the father. I'd like a hotel room please, with an extra large bed, a tv and one of those little refrigerators you have to open with a key. Credit card? You got it."
Here's another one:
"That was the sound of a tool chest, falling down the stairs.
Or:
"Funnily enough, we never lose our luggage."
I don't know how we became so addicted to this movie, but we have and I love it. We also love the Home Alone soundtrack, which is usually the first CD in the stereo. We will crank up the first song ("All alone for Christmas" by Darlene Love) and dance around and get so excited for Christmas, it's crazy.
And maybe all of these things are silly and maybe I'm too old for those things, but it's tradition at home and it's so much fun.
Every year my family and I sit around and get excited when we see the parade regulars like the Rockettes, the Charlie Brown balloon, and the massive group of cheerleaders. We always pick on the people who can't lip-synch to their own music track, and I always yell at the marching bands who are in the parade AGAIN when some bands don't get to march in it at all.
We get really excited when we see Santa Claus coming down Harold Square because we know once he crosses that Macy's star at noon on Thanksgiving, Turkey Day is out the window and it's officially Christmastime. We say to each other with Will Ferrel-like excitement "Santa!! I know him! I know him!!"
Then either my brother or I will rush to the basement and bring up one box of Christmas things... and it's always the same box... every year. We bring up the Christmas music and movies first. We might not get to the tree or decorations for another week or two, but the music and movies will always be the first box to come up.
And, there's always ONE movie in particular we'll watch multiple times. It's a Christmas classic around our house. Home Alone 2. Don't get me wrong, we like the first one too. But the second one is far better in our opinion. We will laugh before the funny things happen, just because we know what's coming... and you don't even want to know how much we quote it. This quote is one of our favorites:
"Hello, this is Peter McCallister -- the father. I'd like a hotel room please, with an extra large bed, a tv and one of those little refrigerators you have to open with a key. Credit card? You got it."
Here's another one:
"That was the sound of a tool chest, falling down the stairs.
Or:
"Funnily enough, we never lose our luggage."
I don't know how we became so addicted to this movie, but we have and I love it. We also love the Home Alone soundtrack, which is usually the first CD in the stereo. We will crank up the first song ("All alone for Christmas" by Darlene Love) and dance around and get so excited for Christmas, it's crazy.
And maybe all of these things are silly and maybe I'm too old for those things, but it's tradition at home and it's so much fun.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Call me Curious
I was sitting here thinking about what I should blog about when I realized I never wrote a blog about my eventful evening as Curious George. I wrote a blog about the first time I volunteered at the zoo for Night Eyes, but the second night was far more blog-worthy.
You see, when my fellow brothers and I checked in at the volunteer table, we found out I wasn't assigned to any particular place. I had to wait around for a while and then I would be put in somewhere where they needed people.
Some volunteers didn't show up and they needed someone to dress up as Curious George and take pictures with the kids. So that's where I got stuck. I went into the costume room and saw this INSANE Curious George costume. It was this huge brown, fuzzy monkey suit, awful monkey feet, and worst of all... A HUGE head. The head was awful. I had a mini-panic attack the first time I put it on. I could only see and breathe out of what turned out to be Curious George's mouth.. which was somewhere around my chin.
I had a "buddy" whose job it was to walk me around and not let me fall which is a pretty important job seeing as those feet were impossible to move in. But, she was like an 8th grader and seemed to be afraid of me. Not to mention I wasn't expecting such an overwhelming reaction. Let's just say I couldn't move two steps before some kid would run up to me and wrap their arms around my legs. Which really wasn't a good thing if you remember the difficulties with the seeing.
Eventually the people running the show just let me stay in one spot and had the kids come to me (thank goodness). Most of the kids who wanted hugs were about as tall as my ankles so I didn't hug them as much as I patted them awkwardly on the head. After a while I got the hang of it and I was kind of enjoying myself because I don't think I've ever had that many hugs in my life. It was kind of nice. I also don't think I've ever been in that many pictures and yet not been in any, if that makes sense. You want to know something a little dorky? I smiled in every single picture. Even though I was in that dumb ol' monkey head.
It wasn't too hot in there, though because it was so cold outside. I was actually grateful to be in the monkey suit.
Toward the end of the night, I ran into an elephant. Ok, I didn't collide with him, but the giant elephant costume thing came into the area where I was standing and wanted to play-fight. By this time I was a pro at operating this ridiculous suit so I played along. Until he kept shoving my chest. I think it's save to assume that Curious George is a boy monkey, but little did the elephant know, the person inside the suit was, in fact, a girl. So he kept shoving my chest and there was not much i could do about it. I suppose I could have kicked him in the crotch to get my point across, but you don't wanna do that in front of the kiddos. So he kept at it and at the end of the night we went back to the costume room and we took off our heads (which sounds really gruesome) and he was like "Dude, I didn't know you were a chick!" and I was like "Really? You think you would have noticed with all that chest shoving..." He was really embarrassed. Especially because he couldn't have been older than 15.
You see, when my fellow brothers and I checked in at the volunteer table, we found out I wasn't assigned to any particular place. I had to wait around for a while and then I would be put in somewhere where they needed people.
Some volunteers didn't show up and they needed someone to dress up as Curious George and take pictures with the kids. So that's where I got stuck. I went into the costume room and saw this INSANE Curious George costume. It was this huge brown, fuzzy monkey suit, awful monkey feet, and worst of all... A HUGE head. The head was awful. I had a mini-panic attack the first time I put it on. I could only see and breathe out of what turned out to be Curious George's mouth.. which was somewhere around my chin.
I had a "buddy" whose job it was to walk me around and not let me fall which is a pretty important job seeing as those feet were impossible to move in. But, she was like an 8th grader and seemed to be afraid of me. Not to mention I wasn't expecting such an overwhelming reaction. Let's just say I couldn't move two steps before some kid would run up to me and wrap their arms around my legs. Which really wasn't a good thing if you remember the difficulties with the seeing.
Eventually the people running the show just let me stay in one spot and had the kids come to me (thank goodness). Most of the kids who wanted hugs were about as tall as my ankles so I didn't hug them as much as I patted them awkwardly on the head. After a while I got the hang of it and I was kind of enjoying myself because I don't think I've ever had that many hugs in my life. It was kind of nice. I also don't think I've ever been in that many pictures and yet not been in any, if that makes sense. You want to know something a little dorky? I smiled in every single picture. Even though I was in that dumb ol' monkey head.
It wasn't too hot in there, though because it was so cold outside. I was actually grateful to be in the monkey suit.
Toward the end of the night, I ran into an elephant. Ok, I didn't collide with him, but the giant elephant costume thing came into the area where I was standing and wanted to play-fight. By this time I was a pro at operating this ridiculous suit so I played along. Until he kept shoving my chest. I think it's save to assume that Curious George is a boy monkey, but little did the elephant know, the person inside the suit was, in fact, a girl. So he kept shoving my chest and there was not much i could do about it. I suppose I could have kicked him in the crotch to get my point across, but you don't wanna do that in front of the kiddos. So he kept at it and at the end of the night we went back to the costume room and we took off our heads (which sounds really gruesome) and he was like "Dude, I didn't know you were a chick!" and I was like "Really? You think you would have noticed with all that chest shoving..." He was really embarrassed. Especially because he couldn't have been older than 15.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Tree Lighting at Jordan Creek
Tonight me and a bunch of my residents went to Jordan Creek mall to see them light their giant Chrismtas tree to kick off the holiday season. Everybody was standing around the lake, listening to acapella music, drinking hot chocolate, and waiting for Santa to come light the tree. Then, as if Christmas could get any better, they set of FIREWORKS! Dude, it was incredible. Afterwards we walked around the mall for a while looking at all the pretty Christmas decorations. Here are some pictures!!!
Sunset out of the car window.. you know you're impressed
My resident Stephanie and adopted resident Brandon
Me and Brandon
Wiggly fireworks!
More fireworks!
Oh, Christmas Tree!
Sunset out of the car window.. you know you're impressed
My resident Stephanie and adopted resident Brandon
Me and Brandon
Wiggly fireworks!
More fireworks!
Oh, Christmas Tree!
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Face it like a grown up, I guess it's time to own up... I'm in love with Iowa
I’m in love. It’s a forbidden love, too. People like me aren’t supposed to love like this. At least that’s certainly the message I’m picking up.
This isn’t a public declaration of love for a person (I doubt I’d have the nerve to write a blog about that). No, this is a public declaration of love for a place.
You see, I love Iowa. Have you gasped yet? Did you have to do a double-take and read that line again? Did you spit your drink out? Have you slipped out of your chair with your mouth hanging open in disbelief? Well, compose yourself and pay attention!
This is not a joke and to be honest, I’m really quite sick of kids hating on Iowa. Some of them are Iowans who are, to say the least, anxious to move on to bigger and better things. But the rest of them are out-of-staters like myself who come in to Iowa with a bad attitude and try desperately to hang on to it.
Why? Why do people hate it here? To some extent I can understand. I was there. I moved here from Colorado and I wasn’t too jazzed about it -- at all. I would talk to my friends who would say “Why Iowa” with as much distain as they could muster. I hated it simply because it wasn’t Colorado. I thought it was boring and dull and I didn’t want any part of it. So maybe part of this unsubstantiated disgust with the state is simply because some people are vehemently trying to deny that Iowa, which is so very inferior to their state, is now home.
And what’s worse is that nobody seems willing to change their negative opinion. Sometimes I think people love the fact they hate Iowa more than they actually hate Iowa. I think they just want to blame Iowa, instead of themselves, for their boredom and unhappiness when, in reality, there isn’t that much less to do here than in other states.
I just don’t understand what specifically people hate about this place.
I know! It MUST be the natural beauty, with those amazing pink and orange sunsets, the way the leaves change in the fall, those luscious fields of corn, those tiny blue wildflowers that grow in the medians during the summers, the over abundance of exotic butterflies, and those charming family farms.
Or is it because we’re in the very epicenter of political debates and presidential campaigns? You know, those that provide us with a multitude of opportunities to not only fulfill our role as responsible citizens, but also gain valuable working experience?
Nope, that’s not it. I bet it’s because of that resounding Midwestern cliché that “everyone out here is so nice.” Some stereotypes, my friends, are true. I hate that. Seriously, do I HAVE to be treated like an actual person every time I walk into the store instead of just a run-of-the-mill customer? And, PLEASE, can’t I just walk down the street without random strangers smiling at me? Come on.
It could be that. Or it could be because they’re ashamed to be in the land so many famous people came out of. Buffalo Bill, Johnny Carson, John Wayne, Grace Pearl Ingalls, the Ringling Brothers and humorist Bill Bryson come instantly to mind.
Or are they upset that Iowa revolutionizing the fuel industry by producing E85 Ethanol? Gosh! I HATE the idea of being associated with a state that’s producing biodegradable fuel! Anything but THAT!
Maybe I’ve helped you have a change of heart. Maybe I didn’t convince you. Regardless, the sooner you accept the fact you live in Iowa now and there’s nothing you can do about it, the sooner you can start appreciating it for the wonderful place it is and, I don’t know, actually be happy here. Crazy concept, I know. And for those of you who don’t care for my opinion of Iowa and are going to keep on hatin’, that’s totally up to you. Just don’t get too jealous when the people around you are enjoying themselves and you’re still unhappy.
This isn’t a public declaration of love for a person (I doubt I’d have the nerve to write a blog about that). No, this is a public declaration of love for a place.
You see, I love Iowa. Have you gasped yet? Did you have to do a double-take and read that line again? Did you spit your drink out? Have you slipped out of your chair with your mouth hanging open in disbelief? Well, compose yourself and pay attention!
This is not a joke and to be honest, I’m really quite sick of kids hating on Iowa. Some of them are Iowans who are, to say the least, anxious to move on to bigger and better things. But the rest of them are out-of-staters like myself who come in to Iowa with a bad attitude and try desperately to hang on to it.
Why? Why do people hate it here? To some extent I can understand. I was there. I moved here from Colorado and I wasn’t too jazzed about it -- at all. I would talk to my friends who would say “Why Iowa” with as much distain as they could muster. I hated it simply because it wasn’t Colorado. I thought it was boring and dull and I didn’t want any part of it. So maybe part of this unsubstantiated disgust with the state is simply because some people are vehemently trying to deny that Iowa, which is so very inferior to their state, is now home.
And what’s worse is that nobody seems willing to change their negative opinion. Sometimes I think people love the fact they hate Iowa more than they actually hate Iowa. I think they just want to blame Iowa, instead of themselves, for their boredom and unhappiness when, in reality, there isn’t that much less to do here than in other states.
I just don’t understand what specifically people hate about this place.
I know! It MUST be the natural beauty, with those amazing pink and orange sunsets, the way the leaves change in the fall, those luscious fields of corn, those tiny blue wildflowers that grow in the medians during the summers, the over abundance of exotic butterflies, and those charming family farms.
Or is it because we’re in the very epicenter of political debates and presidential campaigns? You know, those that provide us with a multitude of opportunities to not only fulfill our role as responsible citizens, but also gain valuable working experience?
Nope, that’s not it. I bet it’s because of that resounding Midwestern cliché that “everyone out here is so nice.” Some stereotypes, my friends, are true. I hate that. Seriously, do I HAVE to be treated like an actual person every time I walk into the store instead of just a run-of-the-mill customer? And, PLEASE, can’t I just walk down the street without random strangers smiling at me? Come on.
It could be that. Or it could be because they’re ashamed to be in the land so many famous people came out of. Buffalo Bill, Johnny Carson, John Wayne, Grace Pearl Ingalls, the Ringling Brothers and humorist Bill Bryson come instantly to mind.
Or are they upset that Iowa revolutionizing the fuel industry by producing E85 Ethanol? Gosh! I HATE the idea of being associated with a state that’s producing biodegradable fuel! Anything but THAT!
Maybe I’ve helped you have a change of heart. Maybe I didn’t convince you. Regardless, the sooner you accept the fact you live in Iowa now and there’s nothing you can do about it, the sooner you can start appreciating it for the wonderful place it is and, I don’t know, actually be happy here. Crazy concept, I know. And for those of you who don’t care for my opinion of Iowa and are going to keep on hatin’, that’s totally up to you. Just don’t get too jealous when the people around you are enjoying themselves and you’re still unhappy.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Rocks and Sox, our game is done sir!
Well, the Dr. Seuss World Series was a disappointment. After winning 21 of 22 games, sweeping the Phillies and the Diamondbacks, the Rockies lost the World Series to the Boston Red Sox.
It's hard to say if it was the eight-day break that did the Rockies in, or if it was just a bunch of little mistakes strung together to make a heart-crushing loss. I know in game one our Francis was up against their Beckett who is nothing short of incredible. That might have had someting to do with the 13-1 loss that day. At least game two was closer. We only lost 2-1.
I was hoping we might get it back in Denver, though. I was sooo hoping that we would get it back -- that the Rocks could win it for the fans at home. Alas, I didn't happen. I should give them credit, though. They sure made it exciting. Just when I thought games three and four were over, the Rockies came back to close the gap, but ultimately it just wasn't enough.
I'm disappointed, but not sad. At first I was upset because I knew I would have to endure the taunts of dozens and dozens of Red Sox fans who would be reveling in yet another World Series win. I also knew that I would have to eat crow for talking smack to my political science teacher the day of game one.
"The Rockies are going to sweep. I know they are going to sweep," I said.
"I don't know. I think they've cooled off now. Plus, Beckett's on fire these days..." she replied.
'Whatever," I said. "We'll have to wait and see."
It was brutal having to face her today since that was the last time we had had class. She bragged, but not too much. And that was very sportsmanlike of her.
But, like I said I'm not that broken up about it. You want to know wy? Because the COLORADO ROCKIES are National League Champions... that has NEVER happened before! Ever! Rockies fans are just happy if the club can manage to win more games than they lose. To be called National League champs? That's a miracle! We may have lost the Series, but it was one heck of a ride and we still have lots to celebrate.
It's hard to say if it was the eight-day break that did the Rockies in, or if it was just a bunch of little mistakes strung together to make a heart-crushing loss. I know in game one our Francis was up against their Beckett who is nothing short of incredible. That might have had someting to do with the 13-1 loss that day. At least game two was closer. We only lost 2-1.
I was hoping we might get it back in Denver, though. I was sooo hoping that we would get it back -- that the Rocks could win it for the fans at home. Alas, I didn't happen. I should give them credit, though. They sure made it exciting. Just when I thought games three and four were over, the Rockies came back to close the gap, but ultimately it just wasn't enough.
I'm disappointed, but not sad. At first I was upset because I knew I would have to endure the taunts of dozens and dozens of Red Sox fans who would be reveling in yet another World Series win. I also knew that I would have to eat crow for talking smack to my political science teacher the day of game one.
"The Rockies are going to sweep. I know they are going to sweep," I said.
"I don't know. I think they've cooled off now. Plus, Beckett's on fire these days..." she replied.
'Whatever," I said. "We'll have to wait and see."
It was brutal having to face her today since that was the last time we had had class. She bragged, but not too much. And that was very sportsmanlike of her.
But, like I said I'm not that broken up about it. You want to know wy? Because the COLORADO ROCKIES are National League Champions... that has NEVER happened before! Ever! Rockies fans are just happy if the club can manage to win more games than they lose. To be called National League champs? That's a miracle! We may have lost the Series, but it was one heck of a ride and we still have lots to celebrate.
The Best Saturday on Campus
So, I was feeling like a shut-in on Satruday but it was such a beautiful weather outside and I couldn't just sit inside all day. I left the building so I could get a little fresh air.
I put on my jacket and put on my music and I just started walking. I ended up spending an HOUR just walking around campus. It was fantastic. I was just listening to my music and getting lost in my thoughts. I can't tell you what I listened to or what exactly I thought about, because I really don't remember.
But I can tell you that the campus is looking beautiful with all the fall leaves on the ground and that I stumbled upon parts of campus I never knew existed.
I found a super-secret outside study spot that I sat in for a few minutes. And I decided that it's going to be less a place to study as a place to go to in order to save my sanity. Studying outside isn't really that effective. I see a butterfly and I'm completely distracted.
The point is that it was really relaxing. It wasn't that hectic of a week, but sometimes I just feel bogged down by... life, really. And taking that hour on a gorgeous Saturday afternoon was exactly what I needed.
I think it's important that we all take some time for ourselves. We need some time without our phones, without our e mail, so we can just be.
I put on my jacket and put on my music and I just started walking. I ended up spending an HOUR just walking around campus. It was fantastic. I was just listening to my music and getting lost in my thoughts. I can't tell you what I listened to or what exactly I thought about, because I really don't remember.
But I can tell you that the campus is looking beautiful with all the fall leaves on the ground and that I stumbled upon parts of campus I never knew existed.
I found a super-secret outside study spot that I sat in for a few minutes. And I decided that it's going to be less a place to study as a place to go to in order to save my sanity. Studying outside isn't really that effective. I see a butterfly and I'm completely distracted.
The point is that it was really relaxing. It wasn't that hectic of a week, but sometimes I just feel bogged down by... life, really. And taking that hour on a gorgeous Saturday afternoon was exactly what I needed.
I think it's important that we all take some time for ourselves. We need some time without our phones, without our e mail, so we can just be.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
35 Things I'm Not Afraid to Admit About Myself
I got this idea from a resident of mine. I thought it was really cool so I decided to write my own.
1. I love my freckles
2. I love my curly hair.
3. I watch too many movies.
4. I cried when Steve Irwin died.
5. I like Harry Potter.
6. I don't drink.
7. I get scared when I think about the future.
8. I'm afraid of tornadoes, clowns and needles.
9. I have no idea what I REALLY want to do with my major, although I'm sure it's the right one.
10. I love my family.
11. Sometimes I miss high school.
12. I can knit and crochet.
13. I love to color.
14. I'm obsessive-compulsive.
15. I hate feeling like I'm not in control of my own life.
16. I like people.
17. I miss marching band.
18. Finding Nemo makes me cry as do all sports movies.
19. I get the hiccups EVERYDAY.
20. I've never dyed my hair.
21. I have an affinity for alliterations.
22. I'm afraid of change
23. I'm allergic to, but own (a), cats.
24. I'm only eighteen years old.
25. I always THINK I'll like ice skating, but never do because I end up with huge blisters afterwards.
26. I sing and dance when nobody is looking.
27. I consider myself an optimist.
28. I refuse to believe that brown m&ms have less artificial coloring because chocolate is already brown.
29. I like George O'Malley more than McDreamy. I guess I like the shy guys.
30. I'm obsessed with Seinfeld.
31. I love helping people, but hate asking for help myself. And that's foolish.
32. I love my mac.
33. I LOVE country music.
34. I don't separate my laundry.
35. I think that the meaning of life is to make the most of the time you're given on this planet.
1. I love my freckles
2. I love my curly hair.
3. I watch too many movies.
4. I cried when Steve Irwin died.
5. I like Harry Potter.
6. I don't drink.
7. I get scared when I think about the future.
8. I'm afraid of tornadoes, clowns and needles.
9. I have no idea what I REALLY want to do with my major, although I'm sure it's the right one.
10. I love my family.
11. Sometimes I miss high school.
12. I can knit and crochet.
13. I love to color.
14. I'm obsessive-compulsive.
15. I hate feeling like I'm not in control of my own life.
16. I like people.
17. I miss marching band.
18. Finding Nemo makes me cry as do all sports movies.
19. I get the hiccups EVERYDAY.
20. I've never dyed my hair.
21. I have an affinity for alliterations.
22. I'm afraid of change
23. I'm allergic to, but own (a), cats.
24. I'm only eighteen years old.
25. I always THINK I'll like ice skating, but never do because I end up with huge blisters afterwards.
26. I sing and dance when nobody is looking.
27. I consider myself an optimist.
28. I refuse to believe that brown m&ms have less artificial coloring because chocolate is already brown.
29. I like George O'Malley more than McDreamy. I guess I like the shy guys.
30. I'm obsessed with Seinfeld.
31. I love helping people, but hate asking for help myself. And that's foolish.
32. I love my mac.
33. I LOVE country music.
34. I don't separate my laundry.
35. I think that the meaning of life is to make the most of the time you're given on this planet.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Night Eyes
The Blank Park Zoo is actually really close to Drake. It's maybe twenty minutes away. I'd never been until a few days ago.
I was volunteering with their Night Eyes program through my service fraternity APO. Basically, Night Eyes is an event for kids and their parents where they can all get dressed up in Halloween costumes and come to the zoo for trick-or-treating or other fun activities.
I was assigned to a treat station so I got to pass out candies to all the little kids. And they were adorable! I think I saw more Spider Mans than anything else. The tiny babies were dressed up as lions and peapods and chickens and other equally as adorable things. The bigger kids were ninjas and princesses, and then there were the tweens who were pretending they didn't care and came in regular school clothes.
We were passing out chick-o-sticks at my station. Now, I don't know about you, but I have never heard of such a candy. But, apparently, it's kind of a big deal. I think it's an older candy because all of the adults got really excited about it. A few of the kids were excited too but generally shared my lack of knowledge regarding the treat. I was told they taste like the inside of a Butterfinger. As I don't like Butterfingers, I wasn't inclined to try it.
But all the while I was handing out candy, I couldn't help but think how counter-productive the whole concept of Halloween is. All year we teach children not to take candy from strangers.
"never take candy from strangers," we'll tell them. "It's bad. You don't know them."
Apparently it's only bad 364 days of the year. On Halloween it's fair game to take candy from strangers. Obviously parents go through the candy to "check it" in case anything looks dodgy, but I think they're really confiscating the good stuff.
"Making sure it isn't poisoned," they'll tell us.
SUUUUUUREEEE...
I was volunteering with their Night Eyes program through my service fraternity APO. Basically, Night Eyes is an event for kids and their parents where they can all get dressed up in Halloween costumes and come to the zoo for trick-or-treating or other fun activities.
I was assigned to a treat station so I got to pass out candies to all the little kids. And they were adorable! I think I saw more Spider Mans than anything else. The tiny babies were dressed up as lions and peapods and chickens and other equally as adorable things. The bigger kids were ninjas and princesses, and then there were the tweens who were pretending they didn't care and came in regular school clothes.
We were passing out chick-o-sticks at my station. Now, I don't know about you, but I have never heard of such a candy. But, apparently, it's kind of a big deal. I think it's an older candy because all of the adults got really excited about it. A few of the kids were excited too but generally shared my lack of knowledge regarding the treat. I was told they taste like the inside of a Butterfinger. As I don't like Butterfingers, I wasn't inclined to try it.
But all the while I was handing out candy, I couldn't help but think how counter-productive the whole concept of Halloween is. All year we teach children not to take candy from strangers.
"never take candy from strangers," we'll tell them. "It's bad. You don't know them."
Apparently it's only bad 364 days of the year. On Halloween it's fair game to take candy from strangers. Obviously parents go through the candy to "check it" in case anything looks dodgy, but I think they're really confiscating the good stuff.
"Making sure it isn't poisoned," they'll tell us.
SUUUUUUREEEE...
Leadership training
Today I had to do an all-day leadership workshop. I wasn't looking forward to it. It seemed kind of ... long. We had to do two weeks worth of RA training so I was pretty much thinking that there was nothing more I could possibly learn and that there's nothing at that workshop I haven't heard already.
As it turns out, I was wrong.
The keynote speaker was Paul Wesslemann and he's a motivational speaker type of guy. I've heard motivational speakers before. There was this one guy who was a quadriplegic, another guy who was addicted to drugs but overcame it, and a girl who used to have an eating disorder.
This guy was different because he didn't focus on his heart-wrenching past and how he somehow mustered the strength to overcome his life obstacles. Instead, he talked about all sorts of qualities we have as leaders and what we can do for ourselves that will ultimately make us better leaders, and postively affect those around us.
He said some really cool things.
First, he told us to dream big because we can have ANYTHING we want but not EVERYTHING. I'd never heard it put like that before, and it made a lot of sense.
Then he was talking about how we never have enough time for ourselves. We work so hard for school and for other people and it's usually our bodies that pay the price. We get sick and exhausted, but we don't slow down even then, we keep pushing through our sickness eventhough our bodies are telling us to stop.
He also talked about motiviation. He asked all of us to raise our hands if we considered ourselves a procrastinator. At least 90 percent of us admitted it. He told us that it's only human because we just don't like doing hard things or big projects which is usually when procrastination comes into play. So he told us not to think of it as trying to get something really hard DONE, we should just try to get it STARTED. He said that the rules of physics states that an object at rest will stay at rest and an object in motion will stay in motion. He must be good if he could get through to a journalism major with physics concepts.
But the thing that stuck with me the most is the part where he was talking about asking for help. He said that most of us would bend over backwards to help someone out. Then he asked us if we felt good after helping. Of couse we all said that we did. But then he asked us how many of us ask for help and very few of us said that we did. Then he became very serious and said "How dare you! How dare you deprive someone else of that feeling you get when you help someone." And I just sat there in shock. I had never thought about it like that before. It really gave me something to think about.
The rest of the conference was alright, but he was definitely the best part. You should check out his website. He's amazing. www.paulwesslemann.com
As it turns out, I was wrong.
The keynote speaker was Paul Wesslemann and he's a motivational speaker type of guy. I've heard motivational speakers before. There was this one guy who was a quadriplegic, another guy who was addicted to drugs but overcame it, and a girl who used to have an eating disorder.
This guy was different because he didn't focus on his heart-wrenching past and how he somehow mustered the strength to overcome his life obstacles. Instead, he talked about all sorts of qualities we have as leaders and what we can do for ourselves that will ultimately make us better leaders, and postively affect those around us.
He said some really cool things.
First, he told us to dream big because we can have ANYTHING we want but not EVERYTHING. I'd never heard it put like that before, and it made a lot of sense.
Then he was talking about how we never have enough time for ourselves. We work so hard for school and for other people and it's usually our bodies that pay the price. We get sick and exhausted, but we don't slow down even then, we keep pushing through our sickness eventhough our bodies are telling us to stop.
He also talked about motiviation. He asked all of us to raise our hands if we considered ourselves a procrastinator. At least 90 percent of us admitted it. He told us that it's only human because we just don't like doing hard things or big projects which is usually when procrastination comes into play. So he told us not to think of it as trying to get something really hard DONE, we should just try to get it STARTED. He said that the rules of physics states that an object at rest will stay at rest and an object in motion will stay in motion. He must be good if he could get through to a journalism major with physics concepts.
But the thing that stuck with me the most is the part where he was talking about asking for help. He said that most of us would bend over backwards to help someone out. Then he asked us if we felt good after helping. Of couse we all said that we did. But then he asked us how many of us ask for help and very few of us said that we did. Then he became very serious and said "How dare you! How dare you deprive someone else of that feeling you get when you help someone." And I just sat there in shock. I had never thought about it like that before. It really gave me something to think about.
The rest of the conference was alright, but he was definitely the best part. You should check out his website. He's amazing. www.paulwesslemann.com
Saturday, October 13, 2007
The Flu Shot
I'm completely phobic about needles, but even I mustered the courage to get the flu shot. It's because it's important. Contrary to popular belief, the flu shot doesn't give you the flu. The flu shot defends you against the most common strain of the flu, but there are some others that you are still suseptible to them.
The point is that when you live in a dorm, germs spread... and they spread quickly. You're sharing a bathroom, and living incredibly close to everybody around you. Doors don't stop germs.
Drake offers its students and faculty flu shots for only twenty dollars and they give them rigth in Olmstead so you have no real excuses not to get it.
But, be warned... getting the flu shot alone is not enough to prevent the spread of germs.
Especially now that it's colder, constant hand washing is a must. Plus, it wouldn't be a bad idea to use Lysol or other disinfectant spray around your room once a week. Make sure to get both sides of the door knob, too.
You should also rub down any areas that you eat off of, and your computer which is probably the hottest spot for germs.
And, don't forget to change your sheets and wash them in hot water. Especially after you're sick.
All of these things combined will keep you healthy this flu season... but you have to get the shot.
The point is that when you live in a dorm, germs spread... and they spread quickly. You're sharing a bathroom, and living incredibly close to everybody around you. Doors don't stop germs.
Drake offers its students and faculty flu shots for only twenty dollars and they give them rigth in Olmstead so you have no real excuses not to get it.
But, be warned... getting the flu shot alone is not enough to prevent the spread of germs.
Especially now that it's colder, constant hand washing is a must. Plus, it wouldn't be a bad idea to use Lysol or other disinfectant spray around your room once a week. Make sure to get both sides of the door knob, too.
You should also rub down any areas that you eat off of, and your computer which is probably the hottest spot for germs.
And, don't forget to change your sheets and wash them in hot water. Especially after you're sick.
All of these things combined will keep you healthy this flu season... but you have to get the shot.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
General Stuff
So... school has been going along for quite awhile now. Yes, it sure has. I'm generally bored with my classes already. I'm ready for new ones. But, then again, the new schedule of classes was posted last week and I freaked out because the semester isn't even half over and now we're picking new classes... I've come to the conclusion that I don't know what I want. I don't want to be stuck in my boring classes, and I'm not ready to pick new ones.
Picking new classes is scary. Nine times out of ten the course description sounds much scarier than the class actually is. But then you get the TENTH CLASS... and that one is SCARIER than the course description. It's a delicate process.
What I do know is that I'm not scheduling two two-hour classes in one day. That's just me. I'm not into that.
Gosh, it really seems like it's been a slow week. It's probably because it's the week right before Fall Break. Time really seems to slllloooooowwwwww doooooowwwwwnnnnn the week before a break. But, it's ok because it's over now and I get to go home. I'm really excited, too! It's going to be so great to get out of the building and be with my family!
And who doesn't love fall? The leaves are changing and weather is getting cooler. I think that's why October and April are my two favorite months. The endless inferno of summer finally lets up in October. And the fridgid abyss of winter lets up in April. Not to mention Halloween has to be one of the best holidays ever. I'm not into creepy slasher flicks or anything like that and I don't remember the last time I dressed up, but I like pumpkin carving and who can forget about It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown? I love that movie! Plus, it's a great excuse to eat candy!
I'm supposed to be volunteering at the zoo on Halloween. Apparently the Blank Park Zoo puts on a cute little program every year for the little kids and a whole bunch of us from APO are going to do it. It should be fun, plus it's an excuse to go to the zoo!! I still haven't been!
Picking new classes is scary. Nine times out of ten the course description sounds much scarier than the class actually is. But then you get the TENTH CLASS... and that one is SCARIER than the course description. It's a delicate process.
What I do know is that I'm not scheduling two two-hour classes in one day. That's just me. I'm not into that.
Gosh, it really seems like it's been a slow week. It's probably because it's the week right before Fall Break. Time really seems to slllloooooowwwwww doooooowwwwwnnnnn the week before a break. But, it's ok because it's over now and I get to go home. I'm really excited, too! It's going to be so great to get out of the building and be with my family!
And who doesn't love fall? The leaves are changing and weather is getting cooler. I think that's why October and April are my two favorite months. The endless inferno of summer finally lets up in October. And the fridgid abyss of winter lets up in April. Not to mention Halloween has to be one of the best holidays ever. I'm not into creepy slasher flicks or anything like that and I don't remember the last time I dressed up, but I like pumpkin carving and who can forget about It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown? I love that movie! Plus, it's a great excuse to eat candy!
I'm supposed to be volunteering at the zoo on Halloween. Apparently the Blank Park Zoo puts on a cute little program every year for the little kids and a whole bunch of us from APO are going to do it. It should be fun, plus it's an excuse to go to the zoo!! I still haven't been!
Friday, October 5, 2007
Keith Anderson comes to Drake!!!
On Wednesday night Keith Anderson came for a concert at the Knapp Center right here at Drake! I was there to take pictures for the Times Delphic and the editor-in-chief came to write the story. We got to meet him and have a one-on-one interview with him! Plus, I got to stand right up against the stage! I love Keith Anderson! Here are the pics!
Rockies Rock the House
Ok, maybe "stellar" and "champions" aren't words one usually associates with the Colorado Rockies. Those people may want to reconsider.
Recently Colorado played San Diego for the NL West wildcard. The game was nothing short of thrilling! It was everything a tie-breaker game should be. Here are the highlights:
In the first inning, Matsui and Tulowitzki scored earning the Rocks 2 runs.
In the second, Torrealba hit a one-run homerun. It's now 3-0 Rockies.
In the third, the Padres came back and scored FIVE... and I don't care how. That was a blow, for sure. It's now 5-3 Padres
But, in the Rockies' half of the third inning, Helton hit a one-run homer. 5-4 Padres.
In the 5th Tulowitzki scored which tied the score 5-5.
In the 6th Smith scored for the Rockies putting them ahead 6-5.
In the 8th the Padres scored which tied it at 6.
Then, the game went on for FOUR extra innings!!!! In the top of the 13th, the Padres scored TWO! I thought it was all over, but oh, it wasn't.
During the Rockies' half, Tulowitzki and Matsui both doubled and scored, Holliday tripled, and Carroll hit a sac fly allowing Holliday to score the game-winning run!
If you ask me, Holliday didn't even touch the base, but the ump called it safe and who's to argue? The point is is that the first time since 1995 (or something), the Rockies are IN THE PLAYOFFS!!
Now the Rockies are facing the Phillies and are up 2-0 in the series!!! One more!
Recently Colorado played San Diego for the NL West wildcard. The game was nothing short of thrilling! It was everything a tie-breaker game should be. Here are the highlights:
In the first inning, Matsui and Tulowitzki scored earning the Rocks 2 runs.
In the second, Torrealba hit a one-run homerun. It's now 3-0 Rockies.
In the third, the Padres came back and scored FIVE... and I don't care how. That was a blow, for sure. It's now 5-3 Padres
But, in the Rockies' half of the third inning, Helton hit a one-run homer. 5-4 Padres.
In the 5th Tulowitzki scored which tied the score 5-5.
In the 6th Smith scored for the Rockies putting them ahead 6-5.
In the 8th the Padres scored which tied it at 6.
Then, the game went on for FOUR extra innings!!!! In the top of the 13th, the Padres scored TWO! I thought it was all over, but oh, it wasn't.
During the Rockies' half, Tulowitzki and Matsui both doubled and scored, Holliday tripled, and Carroll hit a sac fly allowing Holliday to score the game-winning run!
If you ask me, Holliday didn't even touch the base, but the ump called it safe and who's to argue? The point is is that the first time since 1995 (or something), the Rockies are IN THE PLAYOFFS!!
Now the Rockies are facing the Phillies and are up 2-0 in the series!!! One more!
Saturday, September 29, 2007
My Thursdays have a Meaning Again pt. 2
Now, I think "obsessed" is kind of a strong word. Do I have a Grey's Anatomy poster? Yes. Do I schedule my classes around Grey's Anatomy? Yes. Do I sign my name "Mrs. Meagan O'Malley"? No... I draw the line somewhere. Maybe I'm not obsessed, per se... but let's just say I'm a pretty big fan of the McSexiest show on television.
So, last season left us at Burke and Christina's wedding. Meredith really wants them to get married just to prove that love can survive the twisted world they live in. Her relationship with Derek is on the rocks and she thinks Christina and Burke's marriage will prove that they can make it, too. But, Burke leaves Christina at the altar realizing that he was pushing her too far (and that he's a homophobic jerk) and she was only doing this to please him.
With no wedding, Meredith thinks it's a symbol that her and Derek can never be. Meanwhile, it's Derek who feels like he's been left my Meredith over and over again. He tells her he loves her and that if it should end, she should be the one to end it.
But, George probably has it the worst time of it. Callie wants to have his baby, Izzie confesses his love for him, and he failed his intern exam and initially decides to leave Seattle Grace. He proceeds to try for a baby with Callie, leaves Izzie hanging, and at the beginning of the fourth season, repeats his internship year.
Bailey is pissed that the Callie was promoted to Chief Resident, instead of her.
Derek is offered the position of Chief of Surgery, but turns it down because the best person for the job already has it.
Adel is in the hospital because she's PREGNANT with Richard's baby, but loses it. Despite that, the couple seems to reconciliate a little.
Addison, upset that she can't have a baby, starts questioning her life and what it means and all of that. She eventually decides to leave and start her own show.
Ok, fast-forward seventeen days and it's the beginning of season four.
Almost all of our favorite interns are now residents and have interns of their own. George, who is repeating his intern year and pissed about it, is assigned to Meredith.
Christina and her interns are working with the severed arm of a pregnant woman that Meredith and her interns are working on. Alex and his interns are working with a patient that was in a car crash with minor injuries. But, he gets so hungry he starts eating medical supplies and needs surgery.
Shepard is working with a guy who has a smashed skull and pretty much can't move unless he wants to die.
Poor Izzie can't find anything to do until a little boy pulls her out to his dad's car where there is a hurt deer. The boy begs her to help the deer while his dad tries to tell him that the deer will die and then they will eat it. Izzie, convinced by the child's plight proceeds to perform surgery on the deer while her interns look on with distain.
But, she saves the deer and says to the interns "I can't believe I got the duds."
One of the other interns is Lexi Grey, Meredith's half-sister. George knows who she is and tries to warn Meredith, but isn't successful. Derek is caught between the two women at one point and realizes is that Lexi is the woman he was flirting with at the end of season three in the bar.
Lexi, whose mother just died of hiccups, is desperate for a relationship with Meredith who is less than interested.
Derek has the unfortunate job of telling Christina that Burke isn't coming back.
Meredith breaks it off with Derek, but then proceeds to have "break-up sex" with him, suggesting that this relationship is likely not over.
But, here's the kicker... the doorbell rings at Meredith, Izzie, and Alex's house. Izzie answers and it's George standing on the step and he says, "I love you, too."
And that's the end!
I love this show! Seriously!
So, last season left us at Burke and Christina's wedding. Meredith really wants them to get married just to prove that love can survive the twisted world they live in. Her relationship with Derek is on the rocks and she thinks Christina and Burke's marriage will prove that they can make it, too. But, Burke leaves Christina at the altar realizing that he was pushing her too far (and that he's a homophobic jerk) and she was only doing this to please him.
With no wedding, Meredith thinks it's a symbol that her and Derek can never be. Meanwhile, it's Derek who feels like he's been left my Meredith over and over again. He tells her he loves her and that if it should end, she should be the one to end it.
But, George probably has it the worst time of it. Callie wants to have his baby, Izzie confesses his love for him, and he failed his intern exam and initially decides to leave Seattle Grace. He proceeds to try for a baby with Callie, leaves Izzie hanging, and at the beginning of the fourth season, repeats his internship year.
Bailey is pissed that the Callie was promoted to Chief Resident, instead of her.
Derek is offered the position of Chief of Surgery, but turns it down because the best person for the job already has it.
Adel is in the hospital because she's PREGNANT with Richard's baby, but loses it. Despite that, the couple seems to reconciliate a little.
Addison, upset that she can't have a baby, starts questioning her life and what it means and all of that. She eventually decides to leave and start her own show.
Ok, fast-forward seventeen days and it's the beginning of season four.
Almost all of our favorite interns are now residents and have interns of their own. George, who is repeating his intern year and pissed about it, is assigned to Meredith.
Christina and her interns are working with the severed arm of a pregnant woman that Meredith and her interns are working on. Alex and his interns are working with a patient that was in a car crash with minor injuries. But, he gets so hungry he starts eating medical supplies and needs surgery.
Shepard is working with a guy who has a smashed skull and pretty much can't move unless he wants to die.
Poor Izzie can't find anything to do until a little boy pulls her out to his dad's car where there is a hurt deer. The boy begs her to help the deer while his dad tries to tell him that the deer will die and then they will eat it. Izzie, convinced by the child's plight proceeds to perform surgery on the deer while her interns look on with distain.
But, she saves the deer and says to the interns "I can't believe I got the duds."
One of the other interns is Lexi Grey, Meredith's half-sister. George knows who she is and tries to warn Meredith, but isn't successful. Derek is caught between the two women at one point and realizes is that Lexi is the woman he was flirting with at the end of season three in the bar.
Lexi, whose mother just died of hiccups, is desperate for a relationship with Meredith who is less than interested.
Derek has the unfortunate job of telling Christina that Burke isn't coming back.
Meredith breaks it off with Derek, but then proceeds to have "break-up sex" with him, suggesting that this relationship is likely not over.
But, here's the kicker... the doorbell rings at Meredith, Izzie, and Alex's house. Izzie answers and it's George standing on the step and he says, "I love you, too."
And that's the end!
I love this show! Seriously!
Thursday, September 27, 2007
My Thursdays have a Meaning Again
Oh, I remember why I love Thursdays now!!! It's because it's the best night of television!!!
First, of course was Ugly Betty!! (I think Grey's needs it's own blog)
Now, you may remember the end of last season. If you don't let's catch you up. Daniel was hopped up on whatever drug he turned to since his brother returned from the dead as sister and his magazine started spinning out of control. Being the brotherly (or sisterly) person he/she is, Alexis rushed him to the hospital in the sabotaged car of their father, Bradford who Alexis tried to have killed.
Meanwhile, Betty's adorable nephew was called up from his understudy position to play Tony in his school production of West Side Story. His father, Santos, who had recently come back into his life and proposed to his mother, Hilda stopped to buy him a gift for after the show and got SHOT when the store he was in was held up.
And, just as the whole Betty/Henry romance is starting to take off, Henry's evil girlfriend, Charlie shows up claiming she's pregnant with Henry's baby! But, later Betty goes to the orthodontist and stumbles upon the fact that Charlie has been seeing her ortho and is convinced that the baby is his, not Henry's! Her original plan was to chase down Henry and catch him before he took off, but Santo's death prevents her from getting there and Henry leaves as Betty is left to comfort her sister!
Back at Mode Amanda and Christina are trapped in Fey Summers' love dungeon and find out that Fey is actually Amanda's real mother!
Ok... fast forward to three weeks later, which is when this new season begins.
Alexis and Daniel are both in the hospital after their car wreck during the season finale. Daniel is a little broken but Alexis is in a coma. Daniel doesn't want to see her because he feels guilty about the whole thing seeing as she was trying to rush him to the hospital because he was so high.
But, after getting the courage to visit her, she wakes up! With amnesia and doesn't even remember getting a sex change!
Hilda seems very excited about her wedding as she sits on her bed talking to Santos who comes out of the bathroom with bandages around him but otherwise unharmed.
Betty's father is still abroad working out his immigration problems.
Amanda confronts her parents about actually being Fey's daughter and Mark is convinced that Bradford is her father which would mean that Willamena's evil plot to take over Mode could hit a legal snag.
Daniel and Betty go on a quest to start fresh. Betty buries all sorts of Henry memorabilia and Daniel goes cold turkey and buries his drugs.
Justin is caught milling around Mode, but is an instant favorite around the office and actually lands an internship.
Hilda is showing Santos her wedding dress and insisting that he read her his vows. He reads them while Betty holds her mock funeral for her relationship-that-wasn't with Henry.
Later that evening, Betty comes upstairs to see if Hilda wants to help her make dinner. Santos is suddenly gone and Hilda is left alone crying on her bed. He did, in fact, die in the season finale.
Then, in the final seconds of the episode, a bus pulls up in Times Square and the adorable nerd Henry steps out.
First, of course was Ugly Betty!! (I think Grey's needs it's own blog)
Now, you may remember the end of last season. If you don't let's catch you up. Daniel was hopped up on whatever drug he turned to since his brother returned from the dead as sister and his magazine started spinning out of control. Being the brotherly (or sisterly) person he/she is, Alexis rushed him to the hospital in the sabotaged car of their father, Bradford who Alexis tried to have killed.
Meanwhile, Betty's adorable nephew was called up from his understudy position to play Tony in his school production of West Side Story. His father, Santos, who had recently come back into his life and proposed to his mother, Hilda stopped to buy him a gift for after the show and got SHOT when the store he was in was held up.
And, just as the whole Betty/Henry romance is starting to take off, Henry's evil girlfriend, Charlie shows up claiming she's pregnant with Henry's baby! But, later Betty goes to the orthodontist and stumbles upon the fact that Charlie has been seeing her ortho and is convinced that the baby is his, not Henry's! Her original plan was to chase down Henry and catch him before he took off, but Santo's death prevents her from getting there and Henry leaves as Betty is left to comfort her sister!
Back at Mode Amanda and Christina are trapped in Fey Summers' love dungeon and find out that Fey is actually Amanda's real mother!
Ok... fast forward to three weeks later, which is when this new season begins.
Alexis and Daniel are both in the hospital after their car wreck during the season finale. Daniel is a little broken but Alexis is in a coma. Daniel doesn't want to see her because he feels guilty about the whole thing seeing as she was trying to rush him to the hospital because he was so high.
But, after getting the courage to visit her, she wakes up! With amnesia and doesn't even remember getting a sex change!
Hilda seems very excited about her wedding as she sits on her bed talking to Santos who comes out of the bathroom with bandages around him but otherwise unharmed.
Betty's father is still abroad working out his immigration problems.
Amanda confronts her parents about actually being Fey's daughter and Mark is convinced that Bradford is her father which would mean that Willamena's evil plot to take over Mode could hit a legal snag.
Daniel and Betty go on a quest to start fresh. Betty buries all sorts of Henry memorabilia and Daniel goes cold turkey and buries his drugs.
Justin is caught milling around Mode, but is an instant favorite around the office and actually lands an internship.
Hilda is showing Santos her wedding dress and insisting that he read her his vows. He reads them while Betty holds her mock funeral for her relationship-that-wasn't with Henry.
Later that evening, Betty comes upstairs to see if Hilda wants to help her make dinner. Santos is suddenly gone and Hilda is left alone crying on her bed. He did, in fact, die in the season finale.
Then, in the final seconds of the episode, a bus pulls up in Times Square and the adorable nerd Henry steps out.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Quotes to write by
After last week's mini-major-meltdown, I decided to decorate my wall with some inspirational quotes to write by. It sounds a little cheesy but most of them are coming from an amazing book I'm reading for one of my classes. It's called "On Writing Well" and everyone should read it.
Here are some of the quotes going on my wall:
"The secret of good writing is to strip every sentence to its cleanest components."
"Good writing doesn't come naturally, though most people seem to think it does."
"A clear sentence is no accident."
"If you find that writing is hard, it's because it IS hard."
"Writing is learned by imitation."
"Remember that words are the only tools you have."
"Once you have your unities decided, there's no material you can't work into your frame."
"Good writing is good writing, whatever form it takes and whatever we call it."
I like these quotes. I think they're both realistic and inspirational which is a really good combination.
Here are some of the quotes going on my wall:
"The secret of good writing is to strip every sentence to its cleanest components."
"Good writing doesn't come naturally, though most people seem to think it does."
"A clear sentence is no accident."
"If you find that writing is hard, it's because it IS hard."
"Writing is learned by imitation."
"Remember that words are the only tools you have."
"Once you have your unities decided, there's no material you can't work into your frame."
"Good writing is good writing, whatever form it takes and whatever we call it."
I like these quotes. I think they're both realistic and inspirational which is a really good combination.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Renovations... big deal!
So you, incoming freshman class of 2008, are the lucky ones. Why is that, you ask? Well, it's because your class will be the first to enjoy the completely renovated quad residence halls.
Last year all the freshmen were living in older buildings. They weren't complete crap they were just a little old. And maybe a little outdated. Then, renovation began with Crawford and Stalnaker which caused major upset for the residents. They had construction noise constantly and there were workers in and out of the buildings and the basement kids almost needed to be relocated.
Now half of the freshmen are living in renovated halls. Crawford and Stalnaker are complete so all of those residents get to enjoy brand-new dorms.
But you guys... you will ALL be living in the "lap of luxury" as the newspaper would say. Everybody will have carpeting and air conditioning. Everybody will get to enjoy the brand new furniture in the room and in the lobby. Everybody will have their own little mailbox and key so they can access their mail whenever you like. Everybody living in Crawford and Carpenter will be able to zip across their bridges and everything.
BUT!
Call me crazy, but I don't WANT Carpenter (or Herriot, but mostly Carpenter) to be renovated. Sure the other halls are nice, but I didn't even recognize them. I felt like I was in a hotel. I don't want to live in a hotel. I want to live in Carpenter Hall.
I think part of the problem is that I became really attached to Carpenter my freshman year. I went through such a huge transition and that's where it happened. And I think that's where my attachment stems from.
And they're going to make Carpenter look just like Stalnaker and Crawford which is nice, but it's going to be completely unrecognizable. It's not going to look like home anymore.
I like it the way it is. Air conditioning will be great and changing the bathrooms is going to be AMAZING, but I really don't want to be walking into Carpenter and not even know it!
Last year all the freshmen were living in older buildings. They weren't complete crap they were just a little old. And maybe a little outdated. Then, renovation began with Crawford and Stalnaker which caused major upset for the residents. They had construction noise constantly and there were workers in and out of the buildings and the basement kids almost needed to be relocated.
Now half of the freshmen are living in renovated halls. Crawford and Stalnaker are complete so all of those residents get to enjoy brand-new dorms.
But you guys... you will ALL be living in the "lap of luxury" as the newspaper would say. Everybody will have carpeting and air conditioning. Everybody will get to enjoy the brand new furniture in the room and in the lobby. Everybody will have their own little mailbox and key so they can access their mail whenever you like. Everybody living in Crawford and Carpenter will be able to zip across their bridges and everything.
BUT!
Call me crazy, but I don't WANT Carpenter (or Herriot, but mostly Carpenter) to be renovated. Sure the other halls are nice, but I didn't even recognize them. I felt like I was in a hotel. I don't want to live in a hotel. I want to live in Carpenter Hall.
I think part of the problem is that I became really attached to Carpenter my freshman year. I went through such a huge transition and that's where it happened. And I think that's where my attachment stems from.
And they're going to make Carpenter look just like Stalnaker and Crawford which is nice, but it's going to be completely unrecognizable. It's not going to look like home anymore.
I like it the way it is. Air conditioning will be great and changing the bathrooms is going to be AMAZING, but I really don't want to be walking into Carpenter and not even know it!
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Pink Eye is the new Leprosy
This week I was pretty sick and it was no secret from anyone. I was coughing and sneezing and leaving a trail of tissues behind everywhere I went. But everyone was fine around me. They came over, they sat and chatted with me, we went out to dinner together and we did all sorts of things.
But Thursday brought on a nasty case of pink eye and never in your life did you see someone avoided like I was.
At first, my girls didn't really notice. They would be walking with me and suddenly they would stop and say something like "Your eye is really red. Do you have allergies?" and I'd say "Nope, it's pink eye." They'd stop dead in their tracks and with a horrified look on their face say to me "Meagan! That's really contagious!!!!"
First of all... DUH! Of course it is! I'm not stupid. I think anyone who's made it through kindergarten without understanding that pink eye is contagious was probably home-schooled.
Second of all... is there really the need to step back from me with so much disgust on your face? I mean, really. My pink eye is not going to jump from me to you when we make eye contact, calm down!
I was very careful about my pink eye. I've been using hand sanitizer and washing my hands constantly and I throw away all my tissues.
It's starting to clear up a bit today which is good because I was about to move away and live in a colony with all the other pink eye sufferers.
And just for future reference... leprosy is far less contagious than pink eye, but the scare it generates is pretty similar.
But Thursday brought on a nasty case of pink eye and never in your life did you see someone avoided like I was.
At first, my girls didn't really notice. They would be walking with me and suddenly they would stop and say something like "Your eye is really red. Do you have allergies?" and I'd say "Nope, it's pink eye." They'd stop dead in their tracks and with a horrified look on their face say to me "Meagan! That's really contagious!!!!"
First of all... DUH! Of course it is! I'm not stupid. I think anyone who's made it through kindergarten without understanding that pink eye is contagious was probably home-schooled.
Second of all... is there really the need to step back from me with so much disgust on your face? I mean, really. My pink eye is not going to jump from me to you when we make eye contact, calm down!
I was very careful about my pink eye. I've been using hand sanitizer and washing my hands constantly and I throw away all my tissues.
It's starting to clear up a bit today which is good because I was about to move away and live in a colony with all the other pink eye sufferers.
And just for future reference... leprosy is far less contagious than pink eye, but the scare it generates is pretty similar.
Friday, September 14, 2007
It don't come easy, it's a game of give and take
I'm not really talking about love. Although, I agree that this easily applies to love. What I'm really talking about here is school.
Last week I was feeling super overwhelmed. I just had a lot going on, I guess. And there's no one to blame but myself. I can pick and chose my extra curriculars. Anyway, everything was just piling up on me and I found myself sitting in one of my journalism classes (I think it was specifically my magazine writing class) and suddenly I started having all of these thoughts like "Why did I pick this major?" and "I can't do this, I'm not any good."
But then, I was really angry with myself for thinking those things. I mean, really. I got pretty angry at me. How dare I expect that the skills to be a magazine writer would just come to me over night? How could I think that I could just be born with the ability? I was upset because I was actually challenged. And that sucked.
That's how you learn, isn't it? By being challenged?
It was the first time I really questioned my major and I didn't like that feeling. I started blaming society and cursing it for making eighteen year olds pick out their whole life path. Heck! My biggest concern is how to register to vote right now and I'm expected to decide on what I want to do for the next forty years? That doesn't even seem right!
But then, I remembered, that I'm not bound to this forever. I didn't sign some contract saying that I'm going to study and practice magazine journalism for the rest of my life did I? Heck, I could get bored of that and move on. I've always had the idea that I want to teach in the back of my mind, but I'm not studying education.
What really bothered me, though, like I said, was that when things got just a tiny bit difficult for me I reconsidered my path. That's just so stupid! That's why I'm here! To learn the skills necessary! Just because and assignment or two doesn't come easy doesn't mean I'm not good.
I'm not going to quit something just because it's hard... I'm going to quit something when it's not worth the effort.
To quote my band director: "I never said it was easy, I only said it would be worth it." And I believe every word. I still love journalism. I love designing and writing and photography so that tells me I'm on the right track.
Last week I was feeling super overwhelmed. I just had a lot going on, I guess. And there's no one to blame but myself. I can pick and chose my extra curriculars. Anyway, everything was just piling up on me and I found myself sitting in one of my journalism classes (I think it was specifically my magazine writing class) and suddenly I started having all of these thoughts like "Why did I pick this major?" and "I can't do this, I'm not any good."
But then, I was really angry with myself for thinking those things. I mean, really. I got pretty angry at me. How dare I expect that the skills to be a magazine writer would just come to me over night? How could I think that I could just be born with the ability? I was upset because I was actually challenged. And that sucked.
That's how you learn, isn't it? By being challenged?
It was the first time I really questioned my major and I didn't like that feeling. I started blaming society and cursing it for making eighteen year olds pick out their whole life path. Heck! My biggest concern is how to register to vote right now and I'm expected to decide on what I want to do for the next forty years? That doesn't even seem right!
But then, I remembered, that I'm not bound to this forever. I didn't sign some contract saying that I'm going to study and practice magazine journalism for the rest of my life did I? Heck, I could get bored of that and move on. I've always had the idea that I want to teach in the back of my mind, but I'm not studying education.
What really bothered me, though, like I said, was that when things got just a tiny bit difficult for me I reconsidered my path. That's just so stupid! That's why I'm here! To learn the skills necessary! Just because and assignment or two doesn't come easy doesn't mean I'm not good.
I'm not going to quit something just because it's hard... I'm going to quit something when it's not worth the effort.
To quote my band director: "I never said it was easy, I only said it would be worth it." And I believe every word. I still love journalism. I love designing and writing and photography so that tells me I'm on the right track.
Saturday, September 8, 2007
The bridge to my future!!!
Carpenter hall has a bridge that leads from the hall to the main part of campus. Using the bridge students can get to Spikes, Hubbell and pretty much everywhere else pretty easily. I love the bridge. In fact, Carpenter Hall even has something painted on the lobby wall. It says "Carpenter: the bridge to your future."
I arrived here about a month ago and guess what was missing??? The bridge to my future was! Instead of a bridge there were a whole bunch of white posts holding up, well... nothing at all. If Carpenter is the bridge to my future, and there is no bridge... what does that say about my future??
At first I was shocked simply because it looked so funny without it. Then, the real inconvenience of the situation set in. Instead of using the bridge, we must now leave through the door on the street side of the building and walk around it and another building to get to the central part of campus. It probably adds a good two or three minutes to my walk!
It doesn't really SOUND like that big of a deal, but when it's summertime, it is. You don't want to spend any unnecessary time outside.
Not to mention the fact that all of my friends currently live in GK which is just a hop, skip and a jump WITH the bridge, WITHOUT it however... it's kind of a stretch.
Although, my bridgeless days may soon be over. Construction started this week and the progress is amazing!!! It's a good 2/3rds of the way done. Well, I can't really say that because I really don't know the intricacies of bridge construction. What I do know is that the length of the bridge is about 2/3rds of distance between the hall and the sidewalk where it's supposed to end.
The bridge will be back soon, I'm sure of it!!!!!!!!!! And with it my future!! Well, at least a much more convenient way to get around campus!
I arrived here about a month ago and guess what was missing??? The bridge to my future was! Instead of a bridge there were a whole bunch of white posts holding up, well... nothing at all. If Carpenter is the bridge to my future, and there is no bridge... what does that say about my future??
At first I was shocked simply because it looked so funny without it. Then, the real inconvenience of the situation set in. Instead of using the bridge, we must now leave through the door on the street side of the building and walk around it and another building to get to the central part of campus. It probably adds a good two or three minutes to my walk!
It doesn't really SOUND like that big of a deal, but when it's summertime, it is. You don't want to spend any unnecessary time outside.
Not to mention the fact that all of my friends currently live in GK which is just a hop, skip and a jump WITH the bridge, WITHOUT it however... it's kind of a stretch.
Although, my bridgeless days may soon be over. Construction started this week and the progress is amazing!!! It's a good 2/3rds of the way done. Well, I can't really say that because I really don't know the intricacies of bridge construction. What I do know is that the length of the bridge is about 2/3rds of distance between the hall and the sidewalk where it's supposed to end.
The bridge will be back soon, I'm sure of it!!!!!!!!!! And with it my future!! Well, at least a much more convenient way to get around campus!
Monday, September 3, 2007
Stevo remembered a year later
Tomorrow marks the one-year anniversary of Steve Irwin's death. For whatever reason, I totally loved that guy and I'd like to post a little something I wrote upon hearing of his death... it's called "mourning and Australian love".
Yes, I woke up this morning and crawled out of my metal loft only to check my e mail and alas, the disturbing news was presented ... The Crocodile Hunter has died.
Cue the immediate disbelief.
Without a second to lose I hopped on to google, but the rumors were confirmed by every major news source in the country. Mr. Crikey had croaked. Ironically while filming a documentary called "Ocean's Deadliest," Steve Irwin was stabbed in the chest by the poisonous barb of a stingray. The barb punctured the bloke's thrill-seeing heart and the paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.
Cue the slow acceptance and the waterfall of tears.
Not Steve-o!! He's indestructible. He's immortal. He's impervious to eighteen kinds of venom. I adore the khaki-clad superhero in all of his Australian zaniness. His adventures brought him within an inch of death whether it was the poisonous fangs of a cobra or the unrelenting jaw of a crocodile. Unfortunately, this adventure brought him too close.
To me, Steve Irwin was Australia, just as he was Animal Planet and the Discovery Channel. And I don't think that this unique and devastating loss merits black at all. In true Croc Hunter style, I'm wearing khaki.
Peace, Steve-o ... go wrestle the great crocs in the sky ...
Thursday, August 30, 2007
The first week of classes
The first week of classes is almost over. Good! The first week is always kind of dumb. It's a lot of syllabus review and stuff. And A MILLION "don't plagiarize" speeches. Oy... That gets really old, really quickly. But, as a journalism/English major, it's only natural I get those special little talks.
Here's a list of my classes and how I feel about them so far:
J91 - Magazine Staff Writing: LOVE IT! The class is TINY! There are only six of us in the class which means we all get loads of attention, it's easier to participate in class, and we can all get to know each other better. We're talking about the structure of magazines and how to find your style of writing and all of that cool stuff. This is the first actual magazine class I've taken so far and it's sooo cool! I'm definitely in the right realm of journalism!
POLS 001 - American Political Systems: Completely indifferent! I took AP American Government in high school. I got a three on the exam, but that's just not good enough for Drake, IS IT!?!? NO!! I'm still a little pissed about it, actually. Taking the class isn't the end of the world. It's pretty much identical to the class I took in high school so I should mostly be review. But, it is a three-day a week class which means for the first time in college I have a Friday class! :(
J40 - Pre-professional Workshop: LOVE IT! It's a once-a-weeker! It's only one credit and it's pass/fail. Plus, we only meet five times. The class revolves around preparing your resume to get internships and stuff so that's really awesome. We get lots of tips and tricks on how to make our resumes sound impressive and get some jobs!
H75 - US History to 1877: It's decent. I like history, generally. Especially this time period. We've already learned about the conquest and stuff. And I bet you didn't know that pretty much the whole reason the African Slave Trade was even brought to the US was because the explorers wanted sugar! They saw that the Muslims had it and they wanted it. And apparently it's super hard and super dangerous to cultivate so they made the slaves do it.
J59 - Intro to Visual Communications: LOVE IT! I was born to take this class. It's all about using Photoshop, InDesign, and Dreamweaver! Plus, we get to do quite a lot with photography! I love it! We get to learn all about design and stuff and that's just awesome!
M20 - College Algebra: It's alright. You know, it's as good as a math class can be. I took AP Calculus BC in high school, but didn't pass the exam so I decided to take College Algebra to get the math credit. So far we're still reviewing what functions are. It's all really basic stuff which is good because I can keep up really well, but it's a two hour class and when we're reviewing concepts I've been familiar with since eighth grade, it's kind of boring.
That's it. That's my fall semester. It shouldn't be too brutal. One thing's for sure, though. I don't think I'll be skating by without any finals this year!
Here's a list of my classes and how I feel about them so far:
J91 - Magazine Staff Writing: LOVE IT! The class is TINY! There are only six of us in the class which means we all get loads of attention, it's easier to participate in class, and we can all get to know each other better. We're talking about the structure of magazines and how to find your style of writing and all of that cool stuff. This is the first actual magazine class I've taken so far and it's sooo cool! I'm definitely in the right realm of journalism!
POLS 001 - American Political Systems: Completely indifferent! I took AP American Government in high school. I got a three on the exam, but that's just not good enough for Drake, IS IT!?!? NO!! I'm still a little pissed about it, actually. Taking the class isn't the end of the world. It's pretty much identical to the class I took in high school so I should mostly be review. But, it is a three-day a week class which means for the first time in college I have a Friday class! :(
J40 - Pre-professional Workshop: LOVE IT! It's a once-a-weeker! It's only one credit and it's pass/fail. Plus, we only meet five times. The class revolves around preparing your resume to get internships and stuff so that's really awesome. We get lots of tips and tricks on how to make our resumes sound impressive and get some jobs!
H75 - US History to 1877: It's decent. I like history, generally. Especially this time period. We've already learned about the conquest and stuff. And I bet you didn't know that pretty much the whole reason the African Slave Trade was even brought to the US was because the explorers wanted sugar! They saw that the Muslims had it and they wanted it. And apparently it's super hard and super dangerous to cultivate so they made the slaves do it.
J59 - Intro to Visual Communications: LOVE IT! I was born to take this class. It's all about using Photoshop, InDesign, and Dreamweaver! Plus, we get to do quite a lot with photography! I love it! We get to learn all about design and stuff and that's just awesome!
M20 - College Algebra: It's alright. You know, it's as good as a math class can be. I took AP Calculus BC in high school, but didn't pass the exam so I decided to take College Algebra to get the math credit. So far we're still reviewing what functions are. It's all really basic stuff which is good because I can keep up really well, but it's a two hour class and when we're reviewing concepts I've been familiar with since eighth grade, it's kind of boring.
That's it. That's my fall semester. It shouldn't be too brutal. One thing's for sure, though. I don't think I'll be skating by without any finals this year!
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Back to life
Being here for so long, and consentrating so hard on RA training and my residents has really driven the academic side of Drake life from my mind. But, I realized with a start today that classes start up again on Monday. Soon, I'll be having to balance my RA duties with the responsibilities of being a full-time student.
That's what kind of gets me down about Drake sometimes. The social side of life... like living in the residence halls and doing fun things on campus, is so far separated from the academic side... like going to classes and doing homework.
In high school it was different. Obviously, none of us lived at high school (although, it certainly felt that way sometimes). We go there for seven hours and then we go home. But high school was very social. Classes were social, lunch was social, after school activities were social.. It was all one and the same.
Drake tries to integrate residence life and academics through the First Year Seminar. Basically every freshman has to pick a First Year Seminar and they're roomed with and around other people from that Seminar. Then they're grouped up based on that for Welcome Weekend activites and, of course, they all have class together when school starts.
It's a really smart plan, really. I really, really bonded with my FYS during Welcome Weekend. And it was awesome to have class with them all twice a week since they weren't all on my floor. But, after that first semester, we were all still close and everything, but that whole academic part was completely lost because the class was over.
I'm not sure how to fix it, but there's a creative solution somewhere, I'm sure.
But, I must say, I'm really looking forward to classes starting again (even though I forgot about it). I like having some of my time scheduled out like that. It gives me structure for my day. And it makes me feel as though I accomplished something. Not to mention I like learning things. It sounds weird, but I do. I makes me feel like I've grown or something....
And I guess it's a good thing I like it I guess, because ready or not, another year is upon me.
That's what kind of gets me down about Drake sometimes. The social side of life... like living in the residence halls and doing fun things on campus, is so far separated from the academic side... like going to classes and doing homework.
In high school it was different. Obviously, none of us lived at high school (although, it certainly felt that way sometimes). We go there for seven hours and then we go home. But high school was very social. Classes were social, lunch was social, after school activities were social.. It was all one and the same.
Drake tries to integrate residence life and academics through the First Year Seminar. Basically every freshman has to pick a First Year Seminar and they're roomed with and around other people from that Seminar. Then they're grouped up based on that for Welcome Weekend activites and, of course, they all have class together when school starts.
It's a really smart plan, really. I really, really bonded with my FYS during Welcome Weekend. And it was awesome to have class with them all twice a week since they weren't all on my floor. But, after that first semester, we were all still close and everything, but that whole academic part was completely lost because the class was over.
I'm not sure how to fix it, but there's a creative solution somewhere, I'm sure.
But, I must say, I'm really looking forward to classes starting again (even though I forgot about it). I like having some of my time scheduled out like that. It gives me structure for my day. And it makes me feel as though I accomplished something. Not to mention I like learning things. It sounds weird, but I do. I makes me feel like I've grown or something....
And I guess it's a good thing I like it I guess, because ready or not, another year is upon me.
The residents
After being here for two long, lonely weeks, I FINALLY have some residents! They moved in on Wednesday and I've been thrilled! Finally there's noise and people on the floor. I go to the bathroom and there are people talking in there! It's the most awesome thing!
And you want to know what's even more awesome? That the residents themselves are fantastic! They're all really, really nice. They're friendly, they respond to me, include me in activities, and they just seem to really enjoy talking to me. And if they do enjoy talking to me, it's nothing compared to how much I enjoy talking to them.
Meeting new people is just so much fun. Everybody has a story and it's so much fun to find out what that is exactly.
You know what else is cool? They're taking pride in our floor. One girl made a facebook group for our floor and they're all just really excited to be living here! They're going out of their way to be friendly to one another! They make it so easy to be the RA on the floor. So far we've had no trouble as far as policy violations (which beat this floor last year whose record was about two days).
They're not afraid to ask me questions or meet people from other floors. They like to pop in on my just to say hi!
They cluster together to color and watch TV. They like to have High School Musical dancing parties! They'll pop popcorn and ask if I want some, and leave notes on my door hoping I'm having a good day!
I love these girls and I couldn't have asked for a better group! They've really given me the confidence to know that this year is going to be so much fun!
And you want to know what's even more awesome? That the residents themselves are fantastic! They're all really, really nice. They're friendly, they respond to me, include me in activities, and they just seem to really enjoy talking to me. And if they do enjoy talking to me, it's nothing compared to how much I enjoy talking to them.
Meeting new people is just so much fun. Everybody has a story and it's so much fun to find out what that is exactly.
You know what else is cool? They're taking pride in our floor. One girl made a facebook group for our floor and they're all just really excited to be living here! They're going out of their way to be friendly to one another! They make it so easy to be the RA on the floor. So far we've had no trouble as far as policy violations (which beat this floor last year whose record was about two days).
They're not afraid to ask me questions or meet people from other floors. They like to pop in on my just to say hi!
They cluster together to color and watch TV. They like to have High School Musical dancing parties! They'll pop popcorn and ask if I want some, and leave notes on my door hoping I'm having a good day!
I love these girls and I couldn't have asked for a better group! They've really given me the confidence to know that this year is going to be so much fun!
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
RA Training
It seems like I've been doing a lot of apologizing latley for not keeping up with this as much as I should. And I guess I apologize for that, too -- apologize for apologizing too much, that is. But, it HAS been an incredibly hectic few weeks between moving and RA training. And tomorrow is the big day! Move-in day! So that's going to take hectic to a whole other level.
So far I have to say that there is far more to this position than I expected there to be. When I saw what my RA was up to last year it was always making posters and planning fun programs for the floor and walking around the building closing all the doors at 11pm for quiet hours. But, really, there's so much more than that. You never know what kinds of residents you'll have on your floor and you have to be prepared for EVERYTHING! I'm glad they do it, don't get me wrong, but there were so many situations that I never imagined I would have to deal with!
They train you on everything from rommate mediation to how to handle a suicidal resident. We had to practice removing alcohol from underage rooms, and also talking to students with concerns that their roommate has an eating disorder.
And that was just during the lecture part of training. On top of that we also had to prepare our residence halls for move-in. We had to put lables on the mailboxes, make door decs, put up posters about check-in, decorate bulletin boards, clean, rearrange furniture, plan a program for that first night after moving in, find a place for our first floor meeting, meet with the PMAC who will be with our residents during Welcome Weekend, check each room for damage and check to make each key worked in its door.
It was busy and tiring, but I actually really enjoyed it. It wasn't always great fun or anything but what was great was getting to know the people around you who are also RAs along with your fellow staffmates. There were plenty of bonding opportunities.
One of thee opportunities came when we went to a YMCA camp in Boone. We only stayed for one night, but it was great fun because we got to participate in all sorts of challengeing, team-building activities. We played some games we all know like the Human Knot and then we went up to the low ropes course. We did a few activities there and really had to work together to solve problems which was great. It was basically reinforcing everything we'd been learning that week only while having fun, instead of being talked to.
It was all enjoyable, but boy am I wiped! I think a nap is called for!
So far I have to say that there is far more to this position than I expected there to be. When I saw what my RA was up to last year it was always making posters and planning fun programs for the floor and walking around the building closing all the doors at 11pm for quiet hours. But, really, there's so much more than that. You never know what kinds of residents you'll have on your floor and you have to be prepared for EVERYTHING! I'm glad they do it, don't get me wrong, but there were so many situations that I never imagined I would have to deal with!
They train you on everything from rommate mediation to how to handle a suicidal resident. We had to practice removing alcohol from underage rooms, and also talking to students with concerns that their roommate has an eating disorder.
And that was just during the lecture part of training. On top of that we also had to prepare our residence halls for move-in. We had to put lables on the mailboxes, make door decs, put up posters about check-in, decorate bulletin boards, clean, rearrange furniture, plan a program for that first night after moving in, find a place for our first floor meeting, meet with the PMAC who will be with our residents during Welcome Weekend, check each room for damage and check to make each key worked in its door.
It was busy and tiring, but I actually really enjoyed it. It wasn't always great fun or anything but what was great was getting to know the people around you who are also RAs along with your fellow staffmates. There were plenty of bonding opportunities.
One of thee opportunities came when we went to a YMCA camp in Boone. We only stayed for one night, but it was great fun because we got to participate in all sorts of challengeing, team-building activities. We played some games we all know like the Human Knot and then we went up to the low ropes course. We did a few activities there and really had to work together to solve problems which was great. It was basically reinforcing everything we'd been learning that week only while having fun, instead of being talked to.
It was all enjoyable, but boy am I wiped! I think a nap is called for!
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
More Questions
More and more questions keep pouring in from new students. Here's another batch of the best questions and my answers.
Question: If on the dorm/roommate sheet I filled out earlier this year, I checked the "loft my bed" box, do I have to send an email requesting that it be lofted?
Answer: Not at all. If it turns out that when you get to Drake and your bed isn't lofted. Let somebody know and someone will be by to loft it for you in a week or so.
Question: I ordered my laptop about a week or so ago and am supposed to get it sent to me on the 23rd of August. While I just live in Nebraska, getting that to me won't be all that easy since my family doesn't really want to make the trip for the second time in two days. If I were to have the laptop sent to my dorm at Drake, how would that work? Would I have to be present to sign off for it? Will the mailroom even be open by then? Basically I just want advice on how I should go about making sure my laptop gets to me before the first day of school.
Answer: I would ship it to Drake. Drake will recieve it and you will get a little yellow slip of paper in your mailbox, letting you know that you have a package. The front desk person will then get your package and you will have to sign for it then.
Question: Are the Carpenter Dorms part of the new renovation to the freshmen dorms?
Answer: I'm sorry to say they are not. There is some construction going on in Carpenter right now, but it's mostly carpeting and paiting and general reparis. The big rennovation will come next year. Don't worry, though... no, we might not have A/C, and maybe the rooms aren't going to be as nice as the rennovated ones, but you'll be impressed with your ability to adapt. It's still awesome. We just got a brand new 42'' tv for the lobby, plus we're getting brand new washers and dryers for the laundry room. They are coin and card operated so don't worry about running out of quarters. Plus, you get an e mail when your laundry is done. That's pretty cool.
Question: A quick question......I understand that there is not a closet door and I've heard that you can bring a pressure rod and a shower curtain but in some of the pictures it looks like there is a permanent track that the curtain moves in. What is the best thing to bring for a closet door at Carpenter. How long should the drape be?
Answer: There is a permanent track. The curtain that comes with the room sort of snaps into little things that slide. A lot of kids (like my roommate last year) just hung a flat sheet and that seemed to work fairly well. The dimensions of the closet (assuming they're all the same, of course) are 7'7'' by 3'9''. But the tension rod and shower curtain was also a popular choice.
Question: When do we find out our room assignment?
Answer: Although you know which building you're living in, the actual room assignment won't be given out until you check in on move-in day.
Hope this answers some of the burning questions!
Question: If on the dorm/roommate sheet I filled out earlier this year, I checked the "loft my bed" box, do I have to send an email requesting that it be lofted?
Answer: Not at all. If it turns out that when you get to Drake and your bed isn't lofted. Let somebody know and someone will be by to loft it for you in a week or so.
Question: I ordered my laptop about a week or so ago and am supposed to get it sent to me on the 23rd of August. While I just live in Nebraska, getting that to me won't be all that easy since my family doesn't really want to make the trip for the second time in two days. If I were to have the laptop sent to my dorm at Drake, how would that work? Would I have to be present to sign off for it? Will the mailroom even be open by then? Basically I just want advice on how I should go about making sure my laptop gets to me before the first day of school.
Answer: I would ship it to Drake. Drake will recieve it and you will get a little yellow slip of paper in your mailbox, letting you know that you have a package. The front desk person will then get your package and you will have to sign for it then.
Question: Are the Carpenter Dorms part of the new renovation to the freshmen dorms?
Answer: I'm sorry to say they are not. There is some construction going on in Carpenter right now, but it's mostly carpeting and paiting and general reparis. The big rennovation will come next year. Don't worry, though... no, we might not have A/C, and maybe the rooms aren't going to be as nice as the rennovated ones, but you'll be impressed with your ability to adapt. It's still awesome. We just got a brand new 42'' tv for the lobby, plus we're getting brand new washers and dryers for the laundry room. They are coin and card operated so don't worry about running out of quarters. Plus, you get an e mail when your laundry is done. That's pretty cool.
Question: A quick question......I understand that there is not a closet door and I've heard that you can bring a pressure rod and a shower curtain but in some of the pictures it looks like there is a permanent track that the curtain moves in. What is the best thing to bring for a closet door at Carpenter. How long should the drape be?
Answer: There is a permanent track. The curtain that comes with the room sort of snaps into little things that slide. A lot of kids (like my roommate last year) just hung a flat sheet and that seemed to work fairly well. The dimensions of the closet (assuming they're all the same, of course) are 7'7'' by 3'9''. But the tension rod and shower curtain was also a popular choice.
Question: When do we find out our room assignment?
Answer: Although you know which building you're living in, the actual room assignment won't be given out until you check in on move-in day.
Hope this answers some of the burning questions!
Meagan's Top Ten, Part II
Firstly, readers... allow me to apologize for my absence. It's been a hectic week packing and moving to Drake and starting RA training. That's not to mention that until recently, there was no internet in the residence halls. But, I'm back online now and I'm here to pass on a bit of advice to you regarding the move-in process. So, here we have Meagan's Top Ten Moving Tips.
#1. THE FAN GETS MOVED IN FIRST! Today in Des Moines was 87 degrees with 67-percent humidity... which yields a "feels like" temperature of 102. Pack the fan last and unpack it first... plain and simple.
#2. THE FRIDGE GOES NEXT! You're going to want some chilled water bottles or something after hauling things to and fro. There are vending machines but, if at all possible, bring your own water and get it going in the fridge.
#3. ARRIVE AT CHECK-IN EARLY! Halls open at 8am and if I were you, I'd be sitting in front of the building at 7:30. The sooner you can make it through the line and get your key, the sooner you can start hauling things into your room. Plus, it's the coolest part of the day so hopefully discomfort will be minimal.
#4. LET SOMEONE UNPACK AS YOU GO! You'll probably be bringing a few extra bodies for some man power. Might I suggest the student stay in the room while things are being unloaded. That way, things can get put away as they get brought in and you don't have a huge, overwhelming mess of junk on the floor to deal with for the next few weeks.
#5. BASKETS! Baskets are a great tool to use while unloading the car. They hold lots of the little loose stuff like socks and stuffed animals.
#6. TAKE BREAKS OFTEN!!! You're not Superman! It's going to be hot and you're going to be sweaty. Maybe carry in a couple of loads of stuff and then chill out in front of the fan for a few minutes.
#7. STAY HYDRATED! This goes back to the last point. Take a break, and have some water, even if you don't feel thirsty. Nobody wants to pass out on the exciting day!
# 8. COOL WASHCLOTH! Seriously, if you're one of those road trip types and just happen to have a cooler full of ice in your car, dunk a washcloth in the ice water and put it on your face for a few minutes. It cools you off... quickly.
#9. ARRANGE YOUR FURNITURE BEFORE BRINGING ANYTHING IN! Before you even think about unloading your car, go to your room, make sure the key works, and see what you have to work with. If you don't like the furniture, rearrange it THEN bring in your things. This will make it easier... much, much easier.
#10. BE FRIENDLY WITH THE OTHER STUDENTS! Sure, you're hot and sweaty, but they're hot and sweaty too, and this is a great opportunity to at least introduce yourself. Start forging those bonds now!
Get excited! Move in day is in a week!!!!!!!
#1. THE FAN GETS MOVED IN FIRST! Today in Des Moines was 87 degrees with 67-percent humidity... which yields a "feels like" temperature of 102. Pack the fan last and unpack it first... plain and simple.
#2. THE FRIDGE GOES NEXT! You're going to want some chilled water bottles or something after hauling things to and fro. There are vending machines but, if at all possible, bring your own water and get it going in the fridge.
#3. ARRIVE AT CHECK-IN EARLY! Halls open at 8am and if I were you, I'd be sitting in front of the building at 7:30. The sooner you can make it through the line and get your key, the sooner you can start hauling things into your room. Plus, it's the coolest part of the day so hopefully discomfort will be minimal.
#4. LET SOMEONE UNPACK AS YOU GO! You'll probably be bringing a few extra bodies for some man power. Might I suggest the student stay in the room while things are being unloaded. That way, things can get put away as they get brought in and you don't have a huge, overwhelming mess of junk on the floor to deal with for the next few weeks.
#5. BASKETS! Baskets are a great tool to use while unloading the car. They hold lots of the little loose stuff like socks and stuffed animals.
#6. TAKE BREAKS OFTEN!!! You're not Superman! It's going to be hot and you're going to be sweaty. Maybe carry in a couple of loads of stuff and then chill out in front of the fan for a few minutes.
#7. STAY HYDRATED! This goes back to the last point. Take a break, and have some water, even if you don't feel thirsty. Nobody wants to pass out on the exciting day!
# 8. COOL WASHCLOTH! Seriously, if you're one of those road trip types and just happen to have a cooler full of ice in your car, dunk a washcloth in the ice water and put it on your face for a few minutes. It cools you off... quickly.
#9. ARRANGE YOUR FURNITURE BEFORE BRINGING ANYTHING IN! Before you even think about unloading your car, go to your room, make sure the key works, and see what you have to work with. If you don't like the furniture, rearrange it THEN bring in your things. This will make it easier... much, much easier.
#10. BE FRIENDLY WITH THE OTHER STUDENTS! Sure, you're hot and sweaty, but they're hot and sweaty too, and this is a great opportunity to at least introduce yourself. Start forging those bonds now!
Get excited! Move in day is in a week!!!!!!!
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Some of your questions answered
Through Facebook I've been communicating with a few incoming freshmen and they've had a whole bunch of good questions about what to bring and whatnot. Check out their questions and how I answered them
Question #1. "hey, i have a couple of questions about stuff to get for carpenter. other than a microwave/fridge/fan...what else should my roommate and i get? do rooms have a mirror?"
Answer: Good question. There are big bulletin boards in the room that have mirrors on the side of them. It's probably 1/4th of the bulletin board. That was useful for doing make-up or whatever at the desk, but I would recommend bringing a full-length mirror, too. But, don't put it over the back of the door because it won't work very well. My roommate and I just leaned ours up against her bed and that worked pretty well.
Also, you'll want to bring a chair for lounging in. Obviously you'll want a DVD player, too. I'm sure whichever one of you has the TV will have one. But, you might want to spring and get a DVD/VHS player incase you go to the library at school and get a VHS or incase you want to record some TV shows that you might miss because of class.
I would also recommend bringing some sort of wire shelves. I bought a few collapsible ones and they were dead useful. They're just little cubes that have little black connectors on the corners. You can find them pretty much anywhere.
Question #2. do u suggest lofting your bed?
Answer: I would def. loft the bed. The amount of storage it frees up is amazing and you'll need all the space you can get! Yes, it is kind of a pain in the butt to climb up and down it (especially when you need to pee at 3am) but overall I highly suggest it.
Question # 3. and also, how crucial is it to have a TV... my roommate said she didnt care for one and i dont watch a lot of TV either...however other ppl said that it is pretty crucial.
Answer: I don't think a TV is crucial at all. I enjoyed having one mostly for movies. You're going to make friends quickly and you can just go to their room to watch TV or movies. Plus, there's a huge TV in the Carpenter lobby that anybody can use. It might be kind of nice not having that type of distraction. And, if there is one particular show you do like to watch (like Grey's Anatomy) you'll probably find a friend who enjoys the same show or you can just watch it online... without the commercials! The TV I had last year was my roommates and I found I rarely used it when she wasn't around. It really depends on you and your preference.
Question # 4. I was getting my things together and figuring out what I will need for my dorm and was wondering about a refrigerator. Will I need one? If so, then what size should I look for? What is the recommended wattage for the dorm? Is there any size that is too big? Just some questions running through my head when thinking about the dorm situation.
Answer: Have you talked to your roommate yet about the fridge situation? If it is up to you to bring one or not, I would have to say yes, you should have one. Personally, I loved having one. This is mostly because I eat cereal all the time and like to have my milk for it close. Plus, it's good if you want to have some Cokes or bottles of water handy when it's really hot. There will be a community fridge available if you decide you don't want a fridge, but you're taking a risk by using it. People could easily just take your stuff. As far a size goes, mine is on the larger side. I'm pretty sure they won't allow anything bigger than 3 cubic feet and mine is just about that. Mine worked out really well for me because every now and then my friends and I would go grocery shopping (for real food ;)) and all my food (plus some of other people's) fit really well. My neighobors had a much smaller one (1.5 cubic feet I think) and that worked well for them because all they really had was a few juice boxes. I guess it really depends on what you think you'll need.
Question #1. "hey, i have a couple of questions about stuff to get for carpenter. other than a microwave/fridge/fan...what else should my roommate and i get? do rooms have a mirror?"
Answer: Good question. There are big bulletin boards in the room that have mirrors on the side of them. It's probably 1/4th of the bulletin board. That was useful for doing make-up or whatever at the desk, but I would recommend bringing a full-length mirror, too. But, don't put it over the back of the door because it won't work very well. My roommate and I just leaned ours up against her bed and that worked pretty well.
Also, you'll want to bring a chair for lounging in. Obviously you'll want a DVD player, too. I'm sure whichever one of you has the TV will have one. But, you might want to spring and get a DVD/VHS player incase you go to the library at school and get a VHS or incase you want to record some TV shows that you might miss because of class.
I would also recommend bringing some sort of wire shelves. I bought a few collapsible ones and they were dead useful. They're just little cubes that have little black connectors on the corners. You can find them pretty much anywhere.
Question #2. do u suggest lofting your bed?
Answer: I would def. loft the bed. The amount of storage it frees up is amazing and you'll need all the space you can get! Yes, it is kind of a pain in the butt to climb up and down it (especially when you need to pee at 3am) but overall I highly suggest it.
Question # 3. and also, how crucial is it to have a TV... my roommate said she didnt care for one and i dont watch a lot of TV either...however other ppl said that it is pretty crucial.
Answer: I don't think a TV is crucial at all. I enjoyed having one mostly for movies. You're going to make friends quickly and you can just go to their room to watch TV or movies. Plus, there's a huge TV in the Carpenter lobby that anybody can use. It might be kind of nice not having that type of distraction. And, if there is one particular show you do like to watch (like Grey's Anatomy) you'll probably find a friend who enjoys the same show or you can just watch it online... without the commercials! The TV I had last year was my roommates and I found I rarely used it when she wasn't around. It really depends on you and your preference.
Question # 4. I was getting my things together and figuring out what I will need for my dorm and was wondering about a refrigerator. Will I need one? If so, then what size should I look for? What is the recommended wattage for the dorm? Is there any size that is too big? Just some questions running through my head when thinking about the dorm situation.
Answer: Have you talked to your roommate yet about the fridge situation? If it is up to you to bring one or not, I would have to say yes, you should have one. Personally, I loved having one. This is mostly because I eat cereal all the time and like to have my milk for it close. Plus, it's good if you want to have some Cokes or bottles of water handy when it's really hot. There will be a community fridge available if you decide you don't want a fridge, but you're taking a risk by using it. People could easily just take your stuff. As far a size goes, mine is on the larger side. I'm pretty sure they won't allow anything bigger than 3 cubic feet and mine is just about that. Mine worked out really well for me because every now and then my friends and I would go grocery shopping (for real food ;)) and all my food (plus some of other people's) fit really well. My neighobors had a much smaller one (1.5 cubic feet I think) and that worked well for them because all they really had was a few juice boxes. I guess it really depends on what you think you'll need.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
