A reflection of the past month: September

It's the last day of September. So I think I'll start a new tradition. At the end of each month, I'll reflect on the past month. Shall we begin?

September began like normal-hot sticky weather. But this year was different, for I no longer was heading into another year at East. The time had finally arrived and college was about to start. The first weekend of September began with Freshman orientation week here up at UMD. I had mixed feelings going into it. I hate getting forced to know people, and those get to know you icebreakers are so damn awkward. Add myself, who is awkward at heart, and you have a recipe for awkwardness to the extreme. But freshman week wasn't that bad. I enjoyed everyone that was in my group, and I thought all the information that we got was helpful. Though some of it was common sense and not needed. But I digress. I guess my only critique of that week was that yeah I MET a crap load of people, but i didn't get to KNOW anyone. You would have five minutes to get to know someone. Not a lot of time at all. But other than that it got me excited to start my classes.

My classes are alright this first semester. I really enjoy my development psychology class both because of the teacher and the information we go over.  I enjoy my Spanish class, though it's my hardest class. Biology is just Biology. And my intro to college learning class is a complete waste of time. But hey an easy A right?


NowI feel that once school got underway and such I just got into my routine and life has been moving ever since.


I will say that it was hard when everyone was leaving for the respective (respected?) colleges this fall. Hearing them talk about dorm life and moving away was difficult to hear, but I think I made the right decision to stay here-even if it's only for a year. And plus with skype and everything, it's pretty easy to keep in touch with everyone. But I still miss a lot of friends.


Nothing too out of the ordinary happened in my life this past month. No injuries, no family drama, a whole lot of nothing. BUT I'M OK WITH THAT! I am happy to take a month with nothing big happen. Because this summer was filled with too many "really?" moments. It was nice to have an easy, chill, relaxing month.


Well I will say I stayed down with Eva in the cities for a night. THAT was an adventure.

Anything I have learned? 

I have the greatest best friend.
I have to learn to not take my family for granted so much.
I have to learn to no complain about the small stuff as much. And really, all of it is small stuff.
I have learned that I am P.O.M. (Peace of Mind). And a good one at that. Thank you very much.
I have learned how addicted to Glee I am.
I am constantly finding ways to make a better person, and to help people.
I enjoy tutoring-except 8th grade algebra does get a bit old after an hour and 25 questions later.


Overall I have learned more about myself this month, but still have yet so much to learn and grow.


Overall I would rate this month a solid 6 (with 10 being the best). Nothing too bad. Nothing too Good. Just another month.

You need to block off the lockers. Why not use some ribbon?
-Lofald

I am blogging when I should really be studying.

So day 11. The 29th day of September in the year of 2010.

That was stupid.

Let's begin.

I just got out of my two hour biology lab. A long two hours today. We were looking at various cells and I got to look at my own cheek cells today. Interesting? No.

But i got a 9/10 on my lab quiz, so I can't complain about that. Speaking of Biology, I have an exam today. I'm not too worried about it. Maybe I should be? I never know how much to study for the first exams, because you don't know how the professor writes his or her exams. But it's not that hard of material, so I feel fine.

School in general is getting harder and more stressful, with every class demanding more, but I'm feel that I'm keeping up? I usually worry and freak out more than I need to. So when I think I'm not doing very well, I usually am doing just fine. It's just my personality.

Speaking of my personality. I am passive, reserved, quiet, I worry way too much, and care way too much for some things/people. I don't mind if I'm not the center of attention all the time. I am alright with just being there. I am a perfectionist, passionate, and stubborn. It's hard for me to say no. I am a sappy emotional person, and I am always there for people. I let people walk all over me, and I would rather just not fight at all so I avoid conflict. To me fighting is not worth it. I hate conflict, and I am always consciously (i spelled that right on the fist time, go me!) watching what I say or do to make sure there isn't conflict.

Did I mention I hate conflict? It seems that some people thrive in drama, and fights, and conflict. I don't understand how they do it, and why they would want to do it. There are more pressing matters than the usual lame problems that we have.

Moving on...How did I even get talking about my personality?

OH! It's Wednesday...HAPPY HUMP DAY.

I work today, and I really would rather not, but I really need the money. I know it's hard to believe that an East kid is in dire need of money. But that's the truth. And not that it's raining, it's going to be really busy. But possibly more tips? Probably not.

I wish it were around Christmas time. I love that time of the year. Everyone just seems so much happier. I love the music, the smells, the lights, everything about the month of December just makes me happy. Not to mention, that my birthday is in December as well. So that's always an added bonus.

Just thinking about December makes me happy.

All for now, I really need to study...Really I do.

"The train waits for no man".

-Melchert


"All I could do is wave and smile".
-Melchert


"Yeah, I'll be down at the corner for awhile, waiting".
-Melchert

There is never an ideal situation.

Day 10. Now into the double digits. Here we go.

It always seems that whenever I complain about my life and how things aren't going as well as they could, events in my own life or my friend's lives seem to happen and always remind me that I really have nothing to complain about. When I look back at what made me frustrated yesterday none of it was important. Everything was superficial and I brought the problems onto myself. I mean, really what do I have to complain about? Yeah I'm a little tired, yeah I have a lot of homework, but in the end if that's all I have to complain about, I am doing pretty fine. I have a great family, great friends, I am healthy (well I could always eat more fruits), I am receiving an education that will allow me to have a good career in the future, whatever that may be. And even though my own finances are a bit low, I never have to worry about having the essentials. In other words, I live a pretty blessed life, and I need to learn to not take it for granted as much as I do. It's pretty easy to get wrapped up in things that don't matter, with the advent of Facebook. And it's always easier to complain about your problems. But I know for me, when I take a step back I have nothing to complain about. And events that happen in my friend's lives remind me of that. They are humbling, and they serve as reminders to remember to keep my life in perspective. And to remember that there is never an ideal situation, and no one ever has a perfect life, not matter how great it seems.


I guess what I'm trying to say, is that never take people or things for granted. As much as my family annoys and frustrates me to no end some days, I don't know what I would do without them. Even though I can get into arguments with friends, and it's easier to hold grudges than to forgive in the short term, always strive to work out relationships. Never take for granted the bed that you sleep in during the night. Never take for granted the multitude of food in your cupboards and refrigerator. Never take for granted how healthy you are. In the end never take for granted the life that you live. You never know what the day will bring-whether that be good or bad. We are given one life, one chance to live a life full of cherished memories, loving families and friends, and one opportunity make a difference in this world. Something pretty spectacular I think.


In other and non inspirational news:


Spanish class was pretty fun and easy today. I really do enjoy that class. AND the written analysis is moved till next week, as with the exam! So this week is definitely not as stressful as it was!
Math tutoring went pretty well yesterday. I successfully was able to help her with her homework. So I now know I am competent in 5th grade math. Go me.
I have another full day of tutoring down at the Washington Center. Looking forward to that.

In other words, life is alright.

“Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.”

-John Wooden

Just one of those days.

Day nine. Ready?

Ever have one of those days that nothing seems to go right, and everything done and said just flusters you and makes you angry for no logical reason at all? Yeah, well that day was today for me. The biggest reason most likely contributing to this problem was my lack of sleep last night. I went to bed way too late, but I had to finish watching man vs. food to see if he could complete the Kodiak challenge (which he did, in case you were wondering). So I started the day on the wrong foot (is that even a phrase), and never recovered. Add to a huge amount of stress because of multiple papers and tests, you have a recipe for a bad day. Also the person in the financial aid office did not even answer my question-even after giving me a twenty minute explanation. So now I have to go back tomorrow, to see if my question can be answered. He better not be there tomorrow. And the stupid light won't turn on at the library by where I'm sitting. Just my damn luck. I also don't enjoy when I make plans with people, and then they don't text me back saying they can't hang out. Oh no, they just decide to not call or anything. Just leave me there waiting, with no response.. It's even better when I had original plans but decided to hang out with this person, but then they just don't ever get a hold of me. So I end up doing nothing. That really makes my day.

Like I said, just one of those days, where it seems that its the world's duty to make you miserable.
For the record, I am still annoyed that this light isn't working. But I refuse to move.

I really should start to study for Biology, but I have no motivation or intent to start. Not yet.


Anything good about today? Well I managed another A- on my Spanish paper, so I can't complain about that. Except all the mistakes I made were ridiculously stupid, and I even proof read it!!! So I guess I will find a way to complain about it. Stupid relative pronouns...


I haven't been home in about twelve hours. And I plan on being her for another couple of hours.


So I'm trying to think if there is anything happier I can talk about. 


I'm drawing a blank. So this blog has just been a much needed rant and vent.


I am currently missing:
Too many things to name.

Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate, but rather that we are powerful beyond measure. We ask ourselves who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, handsome, talented and loving? But actually who are you not to be. For you are a child of God. As we let our own light shine, we give people permission to do the same. And as we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
-Marianne Williamson

We vow instead of I do?

I don't know what blog number this is..and I'm too lazy to check right now, so I'll just begin.

Yesterday I went to a wedding down in the cities. Elisabeth and I went together-Her uncle (one of too many to count) was the one who got married. I didn't know what to expect with the wedding. It was the first one I have gone to in a good 7 or 8 years, and I can count the amount of weddings I have gone to on one hand. But I was excited nonetheless. I guess one thing that struck me, was they they didn't say "I Do", but rather "We vow". I don't know why I found this interesting, but I do. However I couldn't really understand the priest and what he was saying...He happened to be very old. So I could have totally missed out them saying 'I do". Other than that, I'm glad I had the opportunity to be at such a coveted ceremony. The father of the bride was trying his best not to cry (which wasn't working) while he walked his daughter down the aisle. I found that very touching and seeing him cry, made me get choked up. I didn't even know the man and he had me tearing up. Did I mention that I'm very emotional? I found the wedding to be very peaceful and all of these positive thoughts and emotions were instilled in me. What a great way to bring two great families together to celebrate one of life's cherished moments. I can only hope the best of luck and wishes for the new couple. I hope they beat all the odds and be like all of those cute old couples sixty years from now. And it got me thinking about my brother getting married and that he could easily get married within the next 5 years. Sorry Rand-still too weird to think about it. I hope some day I'll have the opportunity to experience this, but we'll see what the future beholds. I'm glad I had the opportunity to be apart of it.


I'm currently in the library. I have so far studied for:
 Biology
 Psychology
 Spanish
 Finished my Biology Lab

So I could safely say that it has been productive studying in the library. You would be surprised how much easier you can concentrate in a silent place. Without your dogs barking, cats scratching furniture and four televisions blaring around the house. I like silence. I think I take it for granted too many times throughout the day.

Ironically I am listening to music right now, so I can't say too much about silence right now.
BUT, I was not listening to music or on facebook while i was studying. I promise.

It is currently 3:30. I have been here for three and half hours.


This week is going to be a busy and a long week. I have:
 Bio Exam
 Spanish Exam
 Psych Paper
 Written Analysis of Spanish Poetry
 I math tutor on Monday
 I tutor/mentor at Neighborhood Youth services Tuesday.
 I work Wednesday
 And...within all of this time, I have to figure out when I am going to study. No more facebook in between classes. Let's just see if that will last...



Now that college is well into the semester, things flying like crazy, and the amount of homework is steadily increasing.
And now I have blogging to distract me to doing that homework. Lovely. Add this to the already extensive list of distracting things.


By my calculations I have burned 244 calories just by studying. Go me.


I'm trying to think if there are any other pressing matters in my life at the moment.
(Brief moment of pause while I think)
Nope. Can't think of any.


I am currently missing: 
Sleep.
Weekly allowances.
Not having to pay for gas.
Birmingham.
Las Vegas.
Getting on buses in Barcelona w/o Senora Melchert-not having the slightest of clue where we are going.
Summer sunsets on Lake Superior.

We need a nickname for the speech team. Why not the Duluth Streakers?
-Lofald

How to succeed at losing in one easy step: Just do it.

Since I am extremely tired and have to get up rather early for a store meeting for work, I'll just re post a note that I put on Facebook back in March.

I have found that venting and writing helps me out when life doesn't go the way you planned it. So why not use Facebook as the happy medium of exchange to express the thousands of thoughts and emotions that are currently buzzing around in my mind. So come a long for the ride and continue to read on. And if you don't? No worries...
This weekend was the national qualifying tournament for speech. Words such as excitement, stress and overall happiness do not do justice to the emotions that I had been feeling. This was the one tournament, the one weekend, that one big event, that I had been working towards. I felt confident with my prospects of qualifying. I loved my piece (and still do), was feeling that I was hitting my groove at the right time, and I had put my blood and sweat and tears into my articulation and performance.
The long and strenuous tournament started Thursday afternoon. Round one was a bit shaky but overall I felt good and relieved that the first round was finally over. Round two, and the last round of the night, was also good as well. Day one over? Check. With little sleep and a light breakfast, if you call dry cereal and a banana a breakfast at all, I started day two. Rounds three four and five I felt were great and I was ecstatic that I felt I was improving each and every round. After a grueling eight hours filled a double shot vanilla star bucks energy booster, trail mix, and TOtally awesome jokes, it was waiting time for semi finals. After an hour I learned I broke into Semi finals. I felt that it was finally coming together - the end was finally in sight. I walked into semis feeling confident and with the mindset that this was my round. However luck was not on my side for I was placed to speak last. And in between when the round started and when I spoke the one person that could beat me did. Myself. In the small span of 60 or so minutes my insecurities, my regrets, and my nerves bubbled up and into one moment where I completely blanked and forgot my speech towards the end. In one simple moment my hard work, persistence, and growth didn't mean a thing. Not surprisingly I didn't break into finals. The tournament was over.
No single word in our vast English language can describe the pure anguish that swept through my body when code 189 was not on the list for finals. I felt without justification and sound reasoning that I let all of the coaches down, my teammates down, my family down, and myself down. Words can't describe the sadness that those emotions instilled into my mind, body, and soul.
Coincidentally, my speech is about the lessons that we accrue from losing and failing, and that in it's most basic form success is derived from our failures. However I don't believe in coincidences. So as I reflect what can I look back upon and gain from this weekend? A good start is to see that I am human - and I make mistakes. I am imperfect with many flaws. I can't beat myself down for what I could have done better, or what could have happened. I can only control myself. Moaning and groaning about the unexpected twists and turns of life gets you nowhere. I shouldn't expect anything different. Watching the final round of Oratory was extremely tough for me to watch today. But what would it say about my character and who I am if I thought I was better than that round and didn't feel the need to watch the round. I think a lot, and not in a good way. Another lesson I have learned the hard way is to not value the extrinsic materialistic objects, but rather what I have gained intrinsically. It would be awesome if I had qualified, but ten years down the road I am not going to remember or really care whether if I qualified or not. But I will take the intrinsic life lessons that I have learned with me for the rest of my life. I have gained so many friendships from this team that I value with such high regard, I have learned leadership skills that will benefit me, and I have become confident with who I am and who I can't be. Something that I couldn't say before I joined speech. The final lesson I feel i have gained from this weekend is to value my growth in the last year three years of being on the speech team. Three years ago as a sophomore I couldn't even speak in front a small group of three kids without huge anxiety. I have learned not to value my speech career on this one small tournament. But rather on the journey that has taken me to this point. I relish in the exponential growth of my public speaking skills, my writing skills, and the relationships that I have built both with the coaches and my teammates. I am proud of the foundation I have helped built at East for a strong team along with Sam, Anna, and Kai. I am most proud of the fact that I had the guts, the drive and the fearlessness of joining the speech team three years ago.
So if I have tagged you, i hope to share my story only for the simple fact that I hope I have instilled a seed of inspiration in you, to not look at your losses, failures, or shortcomings as endpoints. But rather as markers to point and direct you in the right direction in this puzzling, and sometimes ridiculous game we call life. And that you have helped me, some way or another, in a little or big way, to achieve that goal.

Those who learn to loose, learn to succeed.

We learn more from those who lose, than those who succeed.

Life is the pursuit, not the capture.

A twenty minute nap always does the trick.

Start time: 11:25

I'm not really sure why I wrote the starting time. But oh well. New tradition?

So today, writing my blog a little earlier today. Because I have to work all night.

So where shall I begin? How about Spanish class...like I always do.
Spanish class was pretty uneventful. I can't even really remember what we did in that class today, and it's only been three hours. Give me a second to think...Oh we got our papers back, a solid A- for me. (Loud cheers in the background). And then we did some really boring grammar exercises (I hate spelling that word). Other than that it was a long 50 minutes. He says we are behind in learning our grammar. But that really doesn't make sense, because we have been following along the syllabus and have worked on grammar every day so far. So I don't understand how we got behind... It seems that teachers always feel that we are behind. Last year Van always complained that we were so far behind and we didn't have any extra days. But that didn't make sense, because last year we didn't have 6 fricken snow days like we did the year before!

Speaking of snow days, we better have a snow day this year. Or I'll be mightily disappointed.

I hate my laptop's battery life. I have been only using this for a mere 15 minutes and the I only have 90% remaining. It's ridiculous.


I really want to listen to my Ipod, but I am too lazy to get up and get my headphones out of my backpack.
Listen to music or enjoy the comforts of sitting down? That is the real question.
Actually I'm not that comfortable sitting right now, sitting by the window. My legs are starting to fall asleep.
My legs are completely asleep.

I just knocked my laptop into the window. Whoops...

The sound of squeaking shoes, because someone didn't wipe off the water off of them, really bothers me.

If you can already tell I'm not really saying anything important right now. Just the random musings and thoughts are currently whizzing through my brain right now.

I like the word musings. I have no clear idea why, but it's a fun word. Musings.


I took a twenty minute cap nap today. In the library. It was epic to say the least. In general, naps are the best thing ever created only behind furping. Kidding, I find furping oddly disgusting. But naps are awesome. They can be so refreshing and rejuvenating. Though I have found that a nap more then 3 hours, actually does more harm then good. Because then you can't fall asleep at night, and it's just a vicious cycle. But like a good hour and a half nap is the best thing in the entire world. And I usually have good dreams while napping. Which is always a plus.


Napping is good. End of story. And whoever came up with the idea for daily afternoon naps. I love you.


I have been currently blogging for 22 minutes. Pretty exciting huh?


And now Kayleen is leaving for her class.
I don't have class till 2..I have my biology lecture. I really want to skip class today. But I most likely will not. Not because I would feel guilty, but rather if I don't go to class, then I will have no idea what's going on in class. So unfortunately I will be going to class.

But I guess i can't complain too much. Because I only have two classes a day. Which is definitely manageable.

Things I am missing:
Sleep.
Sleeping in.
Staying up late.
Staying up late and sleeping in.
Weekends where I don't have to work.

Blast from the past. Junior year.


"Determination. The will to endure to the end, to get knocked down seventy times and get up off the floor saying, 'Here comes number seventy one'".
-Richard M. Devos





 

I struggle immensely at coming up with creative blog titles

I can't remember what blog this is? Number five...? I believe so...

Start time 8:45

So where to begin?

Let's being with how my day began..with what else? Spanish at the lovely hour of 8AM. I think I'll be complaining about the time for that class for the ENTIRE semester. I have already vowed for next semester, nothing before 10AM. I need my sleep. Anywhoo.... Class was not that bad today. We talked about the two stories that were supposed to read. I actually read the second story. First story? Well I read the first paragraph... Yeah...
We also talked about the Spanish Civil war, and then we get talking about Martin Luther, and random facts about the Catholic Church and how corrupt it was back in the day. I'm still not exactly sure how we got to that topic in class....but interesting nonetheless. Anything else in that class? It's definitely my hardest class...which is the complete opposite of what I thought going into the class. I have to spend the most time working on homework for that class. I had this two page paper to write? Oh only took me a good two hours...But I really do enjoy the class. Other than how damn early it is. Other than the obscene amount of homework. But I digress...


Jersey shore is on right now. I read somewhere online...that they call thursdays, "Jersdays" Or something to that affect. Effect? I think effect... I never know what to think about that show. Well for one, I think it lost the one small oz of validity it had, once they left the jersey shore... Their stupidity does have it's comical moments though. But I hate when they use the word smush. And the public smush room or whatever they have in the house..
Enough talking about that show,


Today is Thursday. Which means tomorrow equals Friday. Which then amounts to the weekend. My weekend includes work all Friday. Wedding down in the cities. A mandatory store meeting for work at 830 Sunday morning. And then studying all day Sunday for my exams this upcoming week. Pretty busy.


I find it odd that for the last few nights I have checked the time it's always been 9:11. Mean something? Probably not. I just over analyze everything. One of my foibles.

I am currently on the phone with Elisabeth.

Yesterday I heard someone use the term "furping". Farting/burping at the same time. Must be really painful.


My cat is really annoying me right now. Well actually she's not even my cat. She's my brother's, but then he left for college. And since I am the only one who was nice to her, she became my cat. Unfortunately.


Anything else on my mind tonight... Nada. Estoy cansado.
There I whipped out some of my Spanish.


Things I miss:
Professors/Teachers who actually know me.
Small classes, not 200 people lectures.
Graduation night.
Being able to read for pleasure. Not for school.
Certain People.
Innocence.
Christmas.
Flaa for a psychology teacher.
Caribou Runs with Hanna Durfee.

A non inspirational quote tonight.
 Well, its better to have dirty pants than a dead face.
     -Mr. Van

Insert witty title for blog number four.

Well here we are at night numero cautro.. Let's delve in shall we?

I had a lab quiz today for my Biology class. And the first question was as following: "What do we do in case of a fire emergency"? Have we lost all common sense? I am so glad that I'm paying for 4500 dollars a semester to learn stuff that I already know because, oh I know, it's COMMON SENSE. Common sense would tell me to leave all my belongings, go with the group, out the emergency door, and get out of the building. And if that door is blocked, we go out the second emergency door. And if both are of those are blocked? Well I guess we're screwed. So let's just hope that doesn't happen.

But other than that the lab was alright. I learned that I had 530 colonies of bacteria on my index finger before I washed my hands with antibacterial soap. And after I only had 280 colonies of bacteria on my index finger. Pretty cool, huh? No, not really, but oh well...

We also learned in my biology lecture, that having "vigorous sex" for one hour, you will burn a total of 102 calories! But only 68 calories if your sexual activity is "light". You might be surprised that you actually burn more calories by studying. You would burn 122 calories in one hour. So would it be optimal to study about sex? Interesting question..

Next week is crunch time. I have both a Spanish and Biology exam. And I'm pretty sure I have a Spanish paper due to.. And I'm sure I have something to do my psych classes. So next week will be a studious week. Or at least I will attempt to be studious.

I got paid today. But it's just enough to cover my cell phone bill. So I'll have no money for another two weeks.

Did I mention I really hate my cell phone bill?

It's currently 11:11. I never make wishes when it's 11:11. Maybe I should start? Nah...

And why do we make wishes at 11:11? Why not 12:12 or 10:10 or 5:55... what makes 11:11 so special?

I'm probably making no sense. But this how my brain works. It just goes one from one thought to another.

Tomorrow is Thursday, which equals nothing too spectacular.

I wish people would respond back to my texts. It really isn't that hard...

I really hate politics, especially when I watch Hannity, Olbermann, Beck, and every other political commentator. I just hate how people turn so negative when it comes to politics. I hate the sweeping generalizations that people make. If you are this, then you obviously must be that. I hate how everything gets so damn politicized that you can't even have a good substantive debate about the issues. All the politicians are crooks in both parties. They always promise us so much, but it's the same broken promises, just with new people. And we never seem to learn.

That will be my only political rant on this blog, but watching Hannity right now, I had to say something about it.

Moving on... Hump day is nearly over.

I had an interesting conversation about air quotes with Rachel and Kayleen at lunch today. Interesting I think is a good word.

I am Nostalgic thinking about (changing the verbiage. cool, huh?):

Theater camp.

Speech Banquet.

M*A*S*H

AP World Corner

Short list tonight. Good thing?

A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.
-Winston Churchill

The third time's the charm

Well here I am blogging for the third day straight... Shall we begin?

On the plus note... I do not have Spanish tomorrow morning. (Loud cheers in the background) Yay for no 8AM class. But I replace that class with a Biology lab at 9AM. And I have to get to UMD at the same time because if I don't, I don't have a parking space-which would be a problem. So I really don't gain anything by this, and it's a lose lose situation.


Keeping with my thoughts about Spanish I could have had a perfect on our quiz today, but no.... my eyes decided to fail me and I didn't the second part of the question. AND IT WAS THE EASIEST ONE. So much for glasses...


I do like my Spanish professor. He teachers more of the idioms and the nuances of the language, and the differences of the language between the countries. Which I find really interesting... Like yesterday we learned the word for ink sucker, or a bureaucrat. And just my luck I can't remember what it is....But when I remember it, or whenever I have enough muster to get out of my bed to look in my notebook I'll let you know. Don't expect it anytime soon.


I started my service learning project today at Neighborhood Youth Services. It was fun, interesting, and a little overwhelming to say the least. I met my men-tee. He seemed really nice and excited to have a mentor. I played school where we drew circles and lines with a six year old girl. And I helped a kid out with his math homework. Who knew sixth grade math could be so confusing? I mean really?


Example question: You have a total of 312 coins in two stacks. One stack is 15 inches tall. The other is 9 inches tall. Please find the width of the coin to the nearest thousandth of an inch. First of all...who the hell cares? Secondly, it stumped me. So much for getting through Calculus through High school. I mean if the kid needed help with integration techniques or derivatives I am your man. (Well maybe not with u sub problems..but that's for another day...) But ask me math that I haven't used in 6+ years? You stumped me.
I think that's the problem with math. They always give you these theoretical questions that are full of jibbersish. Why can't they make questions that would be more relevant to our lives...? It would make math a lot easier to understand. But I digress...


It's Wednesday tomorrow. Happy hump day.

Wednesday always means payday. Which makes really excited. Until I realize i have to pay my 102.83 dollar cell phone bill, and a 45 dollar gym membership fee to the YMCA...that I never use. So basically, I will have no money for another two weeks.


Glee was awesome tonight. Enough Said.


I have a biology lab quiz tomorrow. I really don't want to take it. But I will say my lab TA is really nice.

People/things I am nostalgic for:
Cheaper cell phone bills.
Birmingham.
Old cartoons: Rugrats, Hey Arnold, Recess (The list could go on).
Walks on the lakewalk with good friends.
Simplicity.

I have no idea why I end with a picture and a quote. But I like it.


Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the Life you've imagined.
-Henry David Thoreau

Since I made a blog, I should continue to keep blogging.

Well here is to my second day of blogging. I oddly enough, found blogging gratifying. I don't have the slightest of clues why I found it gratifying, but I do. Because I'm normally a private person. And nothing about blogging is private. But here we go.


What's on my jumbled mind tonight?


I once again do not want to go to my 8AM Spanish class. I really hate getting up so early for a fifty minute class, where I can't speak English, I don't understand my professor's humor (I can't decide if it's because i can barely understand his Spanish, or he just tells really bad jokes), and I am usually on the brink of falling back to asleep.
IT ALSO doesn't make sense to me why I have that class on Friday mornings but NOT Wednesday mornings. Really? Can you just give us a three days off? Of course not...


What else, what else...

Back to Spanish. Even after studying Spanish for five years now (High school and college) there are these few damn words that I can never remember what they mean. And I have no idea why I can't. For some odd reason I can never remember:


Sin Embargo (after looking in the dictionary: However)
A menudo (Often)
Aunque (Although..And I actually remembered that one this time, ironically).
Those are just a few that I can never remember... and it frustrates me to no end.

It's only Monday...but I feel like it should be the weekend already.

I took (or should I say attempted) a 20 minute nap in the library. I was just about to fall asleep, I was in the state where you not really awake, but not really sleeping, when a huge and cacophonous sneeze (yes I just used cacophonous to be overly dramatic) abruptly woke me up. Now my neck hurts from sitting up so quickly. I was pretty disappointed that I couldn't nap for any longer.

My blog most likely seems jumbled, random, and that it has no coherent thread of thought. That's usually how I think. I don't think I have ADD or ADHD. I just have a lot of mind. I hope....


Did I mention my favorite movie of all time is Inception? But I digress...


People/Things I am currently missing:


Speech.
Jazz Band (but not Solos).
Taking my dog to the lake.
Walking my dog.
Not having homework.
The innocence that entails being a child.
Old neighborhood night games.
Big family reunions.
My grandparents.

All for now I think.

"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is that little voice at the end of the day that says: 'I'll try again tomorrow'".

-Mary Anne Radmacher 

I guess since I made a blog, I should blog

Well it's a Sunday night and I thought since I made a blog, I should actually start to blog.


So...things on my mind right now.

I don't want to go to my Spanish class at 8AM tomorrow morning. I just wish it weren't so damn early in the morning. Why would someone make a class at 8AM...don't people know that sleep is important? But then I again it is my fault for taking the class at 8AM...but it was the only time that I could take it with how my schedule worked out.


What else...


I spent four hours at the library, and I was surprisingly productive and got a lot of homework done.

I really hate having to pay 102.83 dollars/month for my IPhone bill. I find it really unnecessary (It took me about five minutes figuring out how to spell unnecessary). I mean I really like it, and I needed a new IPod anyway, but 100 bucks a month is a lot of money. Especially when you are only working two shifts a week. Too bad money really doesn't grow on trees.


Speaking of Apple products. I really want an IPad. Do I need one? Of course not. I'm not sure what I would even use it for. But Apple makes very convincing commercials. But their products are more aesthetically pleasing if anything...

Chicago is winning and the twins lost today. This isn't making me happy.
Detroit just tied Chicago. THIS makes me happy. 
Detroit just took the lead. THIS makes me even happier. (more happy?)


I am really excited to start my service learning project this Tuesday. I am mentoring/tutoring a fourth grade child, whose name has yet to be revealed. It should be fun. Also excited to help out with teaching some Spanish culture and phrases. It should be a great learning experience.


Things/People I miss:

Vantastic Jokes
Summer
Spain
People who left for college
My cats
Warm weather
Van
Grindy
Senora Gullicks
Tami

Well I think that's all I have for now.