For me!!

I found my Christmas present.

I love this book. And I found the author's website that offers SIGNED copies! For not too much! I want! :D

Feeling rotten today. Might be a day for donuts and cookies. Some sort of fattening goodie. Work is terribly boring today for some reason, and I can't bring myself to start another book right now. I also only have pop tarts for lunch. Sigh. Anyways, a couple of things for your viewing enjoyment:Does anyone else remember these? I LOVED them! They were on a list of the 10 worst drinks ever...so apparently not everyone did. But they fascinated my elementary school self! I remember drinking them at slumber parties and begging for them at the grocery store. Yumm.....

And....

The most frightening picture I've ever seen.

Favorite Things

I attempted to look cute today. Who knows if I succeeded. Thanks to a combination of a generous boyfriend and a credit card that will take me forever to pay off, I managed to pick up a few new (used) things to wear. Plato's closet is great, but being the size I am...not so many choices for me. I did manage to get a few nice things though. And goodwill! Got new jeans! I love old clothes! \

Work is starting to stress me out. I enjoy quiet environments, and it is decidedly not quiet here anymore. Too many people! I don't do large groups. Hermit, loner, what have you. I don't like it! I've been applying for other jobs (along with being noisy, my hours are getting cut. Humph) and heard back from one. Cross your fingers? I feel like I should have a better paying job by now. I'm still making minimum wage, and that irks me. Does almost being graduated from college really count for nothing? The boy sent me an interesting article about how four year degrees are really a stupid idea, and I'm starting to agree. Why is it so important for my future that I take four (or more) long years of required classes? Why does being in a huge playpen of undergraduates who have no love of learning = good employee potential? I'm at the point where I'm counting up my loans and thinking that perhaps I should have gone to community college, if at all. I love to learn, please don't misunderstand, but I hate college. I hate being forced to take math when I have no interest in it. I find it disappointing that there are only a smattering of interesting history classes to take anywhere (at least for undergrad). I don't like the drinking culture, I have no interest in school spirit, and I'd much rather have read history books on my own for four years (and probably have learned more!). College is a good option for some people. In my household, it was required. It just wasn't for me.

Enough of that! The two pictures are of a neat pop-up card I found on etsy...and of some nom-worthy cookie monster cupcakes courtesy of this blog. Delish!

Iowa!

I'm awfully excited right now. My dad (and family) decided that finally, FINALLY, we will be visiting our extended family in Iowa. We haven't been up there in about 4 years, so I'm super excited. That part of the family is a great deal of fun, and anyways, it's a free vacation for me! Interestingly, I just happened to read an article on MSN about European-style little towns in the US. One called Pella, Iowa was on the list. And it happens to be in the same area that we are going to. It apparently has a distinctly Holland-esque theme. I'm going to see if I can convince my parents to make a short stop there on the way to Cedar Rapids from the airport. :D We missed the tulip festival by a couple of months, but I still think it could be worth a visit! It looks adorable,

This weekend was nice, I finally made it to Caffe Capri with James, and it was fantastic! The decor was wonderful, not something you would expect in B/CS, and the service/food was wonderful. We were stuffed by the end. Definitely going back. We had the mozzarella squares, tortellini (me!) and seafood ravioli (james), as well as mousse cake for dessert. Nomnomnom. :)

And we bought 4 new video games this weekend. lol. At Hasting's there was a 3 for 20$ box...so we got three. And then happened to find an Age of Empires multi-pack sitting on top of the Coraline display at Best Buy...so that came home with us too. There goes my free time tonight!

Beer as a metaphor

I'm writing twice today because I'm trying to formulate ideas in my head that are better served being slapped down in a blog. Organization is easier when I can see what I'm thinking. Someone at work today asked everyone what they did to dunk their ring. At Texas A+M, dunking your ring, or more specifically, putting your ring in the bottom of a pitcher of beer and chugging it, is quite the tradition. One I did not partake in. At the time, I was somewhat more into partying and alcohol, and was fully aware that an entire pitcher of any sort of alcoholic beverage would send me to the hospital. However, when thinking about it today, I began thinking about the fact that in all actuality, I don't drink anymore. Sure, there's beer in our fridge, but it's entirely the boy's domain. I can't actually remember the last time I finished an entire beer.

So, why? About a year ago, I could be said to have enjoyed partying, getting tipsy and/or wasted. Now? No way. In fact, I don't see the point. I like my brain cells, thank you very much. I felt like such an old woman when I chastised this particular co-worker for wanting to take 10 shots (IN ONE SITTING). But honestly, the things college kids do to their bodies for the sake of some booze is pretty horrific. Just look at the dunking tradition. An entire pitcher. As fast as possible. And then let's drink some more! No, thank you. I'm good. I don't think I'm superior to anyone because I don't drink, so don't get that opinion. Mainly, I'm realizing that my aversion to alcohol can be seen as somehow, me growing up? (To be fair, many adults never grow out of this alcohol obsession) I no longer have interest in hanging out with the same group of friends that I did a year ago. They all party. All the time. On the other side of the wall, I get up for work at 8am and read books the rest of the day. And I like it. I don't want stupid pictures of me all over the internet, I'd like to be able to remember my nice nights, and to be completely candid, I don't think that strong, lasting friendships are formed over a beer pong table.

This probably isn't making much sense. Hmm. I guess I'm just surprised at how much a person can change in their interests and social life in the span of a year. However, I don't quite see it as a change. This is just who I used to be, before college peer pressures got in the way of reading books and eating cupcakes.

I get a raise...sort of

I haven't written in a while. I know you're devastated. I actually wonder if anyone reads this. I don't think I have any followers (I never bothered to look, but I assume they notify you) and although the link to this is posted on my facebook, I doubt there are many who are curious enough to click. Truly, this is fine by me. I am not writing for the anonymous masses in cyberspace. Writing is therapeautic (clicheeee) and I enjoy putting thoughts down. Anyways, there hasn't been much to talk about. My diet, well, went down the toilet when cookies and cupcakes got brought home from the grocery store (not me!!). I have no self-control. sigh. I was thinking about it though, about my weight and dieting, and even though I'm not happy the way I look now, I sure wasn't happy when I was skinny. I had problems with eating disorders, and truly thought my little 110-lb frame was grotesque. So..why should I be striving to be skinnier, when clearly I can never be skinny enough? Why not just eat what I want and be ok with the extra pounds? I'm not obese or anything. I could use some more exercise for health reasons. But really, why do I need to be skinny? For you? Just a thought. I'll be eating a cupcake when I get home.

I've been reading books quite a bit lately, a product of my extra free time and lack of cable tv. Currently on The Historian, by Elizabeth Kostova. Huge, long, wonderful historical fiction. I love it. It's a vampire book for anti-Twilighters. No sparkles anywhere, just beautiful settings and wonderful characterization. I found it funny that the reviews I read on the book said it was too long, dragged on, etc etc. The longer the better, please! I read too fast for most books, this one has actually taken me a few days. Keeper! Speaking of Twilight...I read the Midnight Sun manuscript a few days ago while at work, and it was interesting. Made it an entirely new story. Still a poorly written, overly emotional story, but a new one. Heh.

Other than reading, I've been looking for a second job. My hours are getting cut due to budgetary restraints at the library, and I can no longer pay rent. My guitar is up for sale on craigslist and facebook, which I hope will bring in enough to cover my car insurance. I'm not trying for pity, it's just a fact of life that minimum wage isn't enough to support oneself on. I am glad that it's getting raised, but the 50 or so cent upgrade I'm getting isn't going to make much of a difference. It makes me curious as to how the general populace survives. Many work at the minimum wage level, and have families to boot. How on earth do they eat? I am lucky enough to live in a city where the standard of living (by US standards, at least) is fairly low. I pay about 335$ in rent, which is quite low compared to many of my friends in more expensive cities. Most of these friends/people I know are lucky enough to have parents supplementing their housing costs. Me, not so much, and I'm realizing how important it is to get a good, decent paying job. An on campus library job is great when mom and dad are paying the bills and you ned some extra going-out money. I'll be very glad when I graduate and am able to take on a full time job. Not living from paycheck to paycheck is definitely something to be treasured.

Wagon

Day 2+3....let's just say James bought a box of cookies. 0_o

Heh. This weekend was nice, if a little boring. Sat around reading books (Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman is really good) and watched Spirited Away. I'm on a Studio Ghibli kick now. Rented Pom Poko and Nausicaa, two I haven't seen yet. Spirited Away remains my favorite.

I really don't have anything interesting to say today. Might play Halo tonight. Yah de dah.

Owwieeee + Glitches

Day 1 went well. By well, I mean that it hurts to move and I'm hungry. :p Signs of progress, no? As for today, I have a shy body. As in, I don't work out in front of people. Boyfriend home + no tv in bedroom= probably not going to work out. Yes, pathetic. I know. I know I'm not the only one. Attempting to contort my body into awkward positions and failing is not something I want an audience for....

Realization that I don't have enough money for cake decorating classes was a bit of a blow. Can't sign up for WoW again either. Yes, WoW. Judge away. To remedy this depressing situation, I'll be picking up extra hours at work.

James has been playing Fable 2, which is the glitchiest game I have ever laid eyes on. People float in air, wives disappear, a dead dog remains on the map...etc etc. Did they even play the game before they sent it out?
It's really surprising how bad the game is, since Lionhead Studios seems to have, in the past, cranked out some pretty good games. Black+White is one of theirs, and I enjoyed it without cursing the glitches at every turn. I should look into this.

Speaking of technology, I apparently have the black thumb of death. Both my laptop and my tv have decided to bite their thumb at me (hahaha....). My tv has some sort of striping that = no tv watching, and my laptop is basically a lost cause. James has tried to fix it twice, but it froze yesterday and...POOF. No more laptop. I'm on his right now. Considering that my desktop doesn't work either, I'm considering requisitioning this for myself.

Next time, I'm getting a Mac. PCs seem to have a shelf life of 3-4 years before they conveniently break down and force you to get an upgrade. Hmmm...shifty. James's Apple laptop is just as old as mine, plays more programs, and shows no signs of breaking. Mine is a giant paperweight.

Pudge

Well, I need to lose weight.

Over the last year, due to too much inactivity and too little healthy food..I've gotten a bit on the hefty side.

Which is not all that fun. I used to be quite tiny.

So I think I'm going to start exchanging pizza for healthy choice and slimquick.

I have a workout DVD that I can use (can't use the gym during summer, not taking classes)

My theory is that if I do this publicly (HA! cause anyone reads this) it might give me some more inspiration to work harder. It is nice to be able to say to the world that you've dropped some pounds.

Here we go :)

Day 1!


I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.
- J.R.R. Tolkien

Cupcakes

I realized today that looking at fancy cakes can keep me occupied for hours.

Mmmm......

I stumbled upon Crave Cupcakes today.....How is it I never heard of this? An entire bakery of cupcakes! Next time I go home....


I'd like to add on that I will be trying to partake in some cake decorating classes at Michael's. Anyone want to join? :)

Matrimony

Why is everyone getting married so young?

Honestly, growing up in SL I was taught that you have a career before you get married, that you should be able to support yourself before getting attached to someone else...

so...

every time I look at facebook, another one of my high school friends pops up as married!
WTF?

(yes, i admit that as a previously engaged woman I am being hypocritical. don't judge. I'm not getting married til after grad school.)


I'm probably mostly jealous.

Grad School Inadequacies (Sp?)

Haha. Title says it all.

I've been looking for grad schools in History and/or Museum Studies to apply to for Fall 2010. Seems a long way off, but in reality I need to start making a list of places to apply and the supporting materials. I've taken the GRE, convinced three faculty/boss to recommend me, and I think I've narrowed it down to about 4 or 5 schools that I'd like to try for.

Unfortunately, I don't have the GPA. Don't get me wrong, the first 2 or so years of college, I rocked it. Dean's List, all the good stuff. Unfortunately, I've been sucking big time. My history (major GPA) is a 3.5; I'm hoping that since I want a grad degree in history....it will make up for my pathetic 3.2 overall GPA. I'm so embarrassed by it. I could have done so much better. I suppose my only chance now is to kick massive collective ass this last semester and hope that it pulls it up enough to get me in.


Hope hope hope....

I have no idea what to do if I don't get in. I need a contingency plan.
Sigh.

I'm panicking pretty obviously over this.

In interesting news, A+M is offering an introductory course in Museum Studies this fall. I'm going to take it and see if it is truly something I am interested in applying for. If not, history it is.

I need advice.

Unfortunately, I'm not sure what kind of advice to ask for or where to get it from.


The H is from the History Channel. After looking at it again....HOGWARTS!. haha. You better believe I have my midnight (well, 12:25) tickets!

Just Add Butter!

I'm a lobster. The sun does not agree with me. And a strangely spotted and striped lobster, at that.

Harrumph.

Well That's Ironic

Huh. I was aware that I had previously been on blogspot, but it was to my immense surprise when I started this one just now that my three (!!) other blogs from high school are still on here. I suppose it is linked to my e-mail.

I just read through the previous blogs. I'd like to apologize to anyone who has read them. I don't blame you for gouging your eyes out.

Not exactly the way I intended to start my new blogging adventure. I have commitment issues when it comes to blogs. Not sure how many I've had over the years. Apparently 3 (now four) just on blogspot. blogger. what have you.

Well. That threw me off a bit.

Anyhoo. I got tired of Xanga being so....competitive? Is that the right word? If you have one you might understand. People fighting for the limelight with their problems and misery is not my cup of tea.


Picture? Went to New Orleans last weekend. Good thing too; I had been considering Tulane for grad school. Not so much anymore. How did I survive those drivers??


Speaking of grad schools, it hit me yesterday that I might, hopefully, cross-your-fingers, graduate from college in December. I hate that. I hate that I took an extra semester rather than graduate in 2.5 years like I had planned going in. But...eventually I got there and none of your business why it took me so long. I'm not lazy or stupid.

ALTHOUGH! I just have to interject that my work environment lately has made me realize how entirely infuriating know-it-alls are. You know, the ones who have to tell you what offices they hold, what countries they have studied in, their SAT scores.....(this is college now, right?) I like to think of myself as an intelligent, well-rounded individual. I will not shove it in your face.

Poor non-existent readers. I go off on tangents. I applied (started applying) to grad schools today. On the board are UT, A+M, Rice, Baylor, and UofH. No idea where I will get in.




if you haven't already, go to etsy.com ....happiness of my life. if i had more money.....ohhh the vintage dresses and yummy looking soaps i would buy!