To My Computer

Dear Computer,

I know we've had a rough couple of months.  I've spent hours trying to figure out why you haven't been running like you used to.  You probably don't want to hear it, but you're getting old for a laptop.  I've been trying to help you, but you still come close to crashing.  I know I've been looking at other computers.  Yes, yes, even while I'm with you . . . I'm sorry, ok?  But I would miss you if you crashed.  We've been through so much together.  Remember that time where you got the virus and I took you to the IT department on campus?  Ok, so maybe it was my fault you got the virus to begin with, but I got you better, right?  But you really should watch out about whose Ethernet cable you use . . . You never know who could have the internet STDs . . .

Anyway, please take care of yourself.  We've spent so much time together over the last couple of months; I'd be sad if you just spontaneously died.  Take care of yourself.

Sincerely,

Laurie

Ok, so I've been having some trouble with my computer, if you couldn't tell.  That on top of being completely overwhelmed by writing assignments has made keeping up with the blog difficult.  Never fear, though.  I have some posts in the works that need to be finished and polished up and the summer is coming.  Hopefully, I'll be working at a day camp in addition to my Dairy Queen job so I may have interesting stories to share.  I wish everyone luck with the rest of their semesters, if you happen to be in school.  Just remember: we're over halfway there!

Adventure in the Supermarket

I think there comes a time in everyone's life when one must go to the grocery store and run errands for one's parents.  Suddenly, you are a licensed driver deemed mature enough to wield your parent's credit card in order to do the shopping that they themselves do not feel like or do not have the time for doing.  I have reached this point in my life.

January 15th is my little brother's birthday.  Since his birthday is on a Saturday this year, my mother decided to have his birthday party on his actual birthday.  As she was running around getting things ready for this party, she sent me to the supermarket to pick up four hoagies, a carton of strawberries, a pack of hamburger buns, and a bag of ice.  After some confusion about the hoagies and wandering around the store in search of the ice, I proceeded to the self-checkout.  

At this point, I was looking around nervously and half-expecting someone to tackle me.  "You're not Penny," they would scream.  "How dare you steal your mother's credit card!!!"  And then my mom would have to bail me out of jail in order to get her hoagies.  But, I made it through the checkout without incident (except for the challenge of fitting four two-foot hoagies, a ten pound bag of ice, a carton of strawberries, and a bag of hamburger buns on the tiny bagging shelf without the computer flipping out at me).

From there, I proceeded to the parking lot where I couldn't find my car (eh . . . well . . . my mom's car but you get the point).  I realized that it was in the next aisle of cars and that there was no way for me to get through them without going majorly out of my way with a very noisy cart.  First, I tried putting the cart in the cart return and attempted to carry everything.  That didn't work.  Not a chance.  so, backwards I went, back towards the supermarket, back into the pathway of crazy weekend drivers. Then I loaded up the car and I went home.

I'm back at school now, though, trying to get back into the swing of things.  Trying to get used to getting up at a normal hour of the morning.  But, it feels good to have stuff to occupy my time again.  I realized just how much I missed the people here.  Currently, I'm typing on a mac in the library computer lab because my computer absolutely fails.  Since I got back to campus, it hasn't been able to long onto the campus wireless (in addition to a bunch of issues that it had over the course of winter break).  At the moment, I'm caught in a bit of a catch-22.  The program that we use to access the wi-fi doesn't like the anti-virus AVG (Why?  Who knows?).  AVG being my anti-virus of choice, I wasn't able to log on.  So, I uninstalled the program with the plan of downloading a different anti-virus as soon as I could access the internet.  However, now that I don't have an anti-virus, I can't log in to go on the internet.  As a result, I don't have any pretty pictures to show you.  Were I on my own computer, I would have a picture of the project I was working on at the end of winter break.  This means that you must be content with this:

All hail the heavenly ball of yarn.  That's right, be jealous.

Of Wool and Teapots

Not to be confused with woolly teapots . . . Yeah, I don't know either.  As you can see, I'm trying to live up to the "blog post a week" plan.  Or trying to, anyway.  I go back to school a week from now and classes start up again on the 18th.  My first batch of textbooks came in today.  Part of me is looking forward to a new set of classes and getting back into the swing of classes, homework, and friends.  I start my education classes this semester, too.  It's going to be an interesting semester . . .

In other news, I got a teapot.  My sister and I took a trip to the local Goodwill a couple days ago.  I went in search of a teapot, and came up with this pretty little thing:

I also found the mug behind it, which is also kind of cute.  You probably can't tell in the picture, but each stripe has a different kind of tea written on it.  And they're sitting on my cleaner-than-normal-but-still-cluttered desk.  With the bonsai tree and a sculpture I made in high school.  Anyway, I'm very satisfied with my thrift store prowess.  Over the summer, I found my Brita pitcher at another local thrift store. 

On another note, I started knitting another hat.  Unfortunately, I haven't gotten the chance to take an in-progress picture yet, but I will get a picture eventually.  This time, I'm trying my hand at designing.  I'm going patternless, but I will say that cables are involved.

Have a splendid week and enjoy the snow!

10 Big Things That Happened in 2010

I was just looking at the list of things that happened in 2009 (you can see it here).  This past year hasn't been nearly as eventful as last year, but it has certainly had its ups and downs.  Let's take a look, shall we?

1. Second year of college- I made it through an entire year!  They say that one in four freshmen drop out of college.  I've beaten the statistic.
2. I continued working at Dairy Queen- It's a great place to work.  I almost wish we were open all-year round so I could work there over Christmas break.
3. I've met more awesome people while at college- Who knew?
4. I met my awesome boyfriend- They say it sneaks up when you're least expecting it.  I most certainly not looking when we met.
5. I took on some really challenging classes and came out on top- There were some times I didn't think I would make it, but I pulled off a B average and a B+ in my first 400-level class.
6. I started the process of getting an apartment for next fall- Me and a couple of friends.  We're going to have an awesome place next year!
7. I got my ears pierced again- I've been thinking about it for a while, and I finally got a second set of ear piercings with my roommate (she got her cartilage pierced at the same time).
8. I cleared two bags-worth of stuff out of my room at home- and gave away more stuff.  I'm such a pack rat.  I'm still trying to let things go that I don't really need.
9. I discovered my love for tea- And I have taken steps to provide myself with tasty options to drink.  I do have to credit my mom and the person mention in #4 for giving me a lot of it for Christmas.
10. I started running over the summer- By August, I could run a mile nonstop.  I've lost it after sitting on my butt for the last couple of months, but I've learned that I can do it.

I've learned a lot over the course of the last year.  But, this is all behind me with another promising year ahead.  I'm not really one to make New Years' Resolutions, but here are some goals that I would like to set for 2011:

1. Go to the gym three days a week
2. Read more
3. Work on accessory and jewelry designs
4. Edit and submit a short story to be published
5. Write and draw more in general
6. Write at least one blog post per week

Usually, my resolutions go out the window in a matter of days, but these are things that mean a lot to me.  Hopefully, I can make them last longer . . . I hope everyone had an awesome New Years!

Coming to a Close

Alright, I know I've abandoned you all over the course of this semester (if anyone still reads this blog).  But, I have returned to say that I am alive and have managed to retain some of my sanity (if I had any sanity to begin with, that is . . .)

Anyway, I survived my 17th Century Literature class with the crazy old lady professor and got a B+ out of the deal. I made it through my other classes alright, as well.  I survived some rocky times with a few friends of mine.  However, hopefully most of it is in the past.  I'm looking forward to another set of classes in a few weeks.

I can't believe that we've come to the end of another year.  A lot has happened in twelve months.  This will probably be my last post in the old year.  Tomorrow is New Years' Eve; I get to spend time with my family and friends.

I hope everyone has a very happy and safe New Years'!  Let's make 2011 as great as 2010. :)

10 Random Facts About Coming Back to School

Once again, I find myself sitting at a college desk in a college dorm room with a massive load of homework hanging over my head.  I've been back on campus for almost two weeks now.  Classes started on Monday, so I've officially survived almost an entire week's-worth of classes (I have one class left tomorrow).  Then, I'm off home for Labor Day weekend.  It's such a weird feeling being back on campus after being home for a few months.  Here are some things I've realized over the course of moving back onto campus and once again dwelling in the dorms:

1. I realized how many people I actually know on campus.  
2. I've also realized how many people I don't know.
3. I forgot how much walking you do in a day while on campus.
4. The first day of classes the second time around isn't nearly as scary as the first time.
5. I love getting textbooks really cheap on Amazon.
6. Having an elevator in the building makes moving in so much easier.
7. English classes require a lot of reading.  So do history classes.
8. I love my cork board.  I don't know how I survived without it last year.
9. No matter how many times I check to make sure I brought everything, I still manage to leave something at home.
10. Did I mention that I have a lot of reading to do?

 So, those are my thoughts on the first week of my sophomore year.  Tune in next time to hear me ramble about . . . I don't even know yet.  Have a splendiferous Labor Day weekend, everyone! 

The Conundrums of Life

It's reached that time of the year when it feels like everything should be winding down.  There are two and a half weeks left of the school year, three more classes and the final exam for my twice-a-week classes, and (relatively) sunny, spring-timey weather.  Yet . . . everything just seems to be speeding up.  Classes are coming to a close, which means final exams and final assignments.  English Club is having its final meetings, which means that elections are coming up (Am I running for an office?  Yes!!!)  The leaders for next fall's Getaway Weekend have been chosen, which means that we're meeting to get things organized for that.  Some jobs on campus are getting ready to hire people for next year, which means that I have an interview with the admissions department to become a tour guide.  Stress is high, energy is low . . . and the smells of summer vacation and a summer job are calling me home.  There's so much to do, yet all I really want to do is curl up with a novel and spend the afternoon being swept away by stories of knights and dragons and damsels in distress.  I mean, who wants to read about DNA and phonics in this kind of weather?

Reasons Why I Like School (Because I Really Need to Be Reminded Right Now...)

1. I enjoy learning; I really do.  Reading a book for a class is fun to me because it means that we're going to take it apart and discuss it.  The problem lies when I don't get anything out of the discussion as a result of a variety of reasons.
2. I like being with a group of people who also want to learn.  When you actually have a good group (like I have with my Early American Literature class at the moment), I feel useful and we actually get something done.  In the end, I think we all come out of it understanding the topic more thoroughly.
3. The professor has a certain amount of expertise in the subject you're learning.  As a result, being in a class taught by that person means that you get to hear an expert talk about their field of study.  The issues only begin when that person cannot effectively communicate that expertise in an understandable manner, which is disappointing because, and I said in #1, I enjoy learning.
4. I've had the opportunity to meet a variety of different people from all different backgrounds.  When we all come together to work in a group, that means everyone has something to contribute, even if it's simply a different perspective on the assignment.
5. I have some awesome people to call friends.  Between the groups that are or were in my classes--such as my Art Ed peeps--or the people who live in my building or from Getaway Weekend, I have some fun people to talk to and hang out with outside of class.
6. I have fun stuff to do outside of class.  No more hanging around at home for me.  If I tried, somebody would probably drag me out to do something fun.

Unfortunately, I must cut this short as I need to finish some things for the aforementioned Early American Literature class.   Don't stay up too late tonight, peeps.  There's places to go and people to see tomorrow.

10 Things I've Learned at College

College isn't just about what you learn in class . . .

1. The world does not revolve around you.  Period. Some people just haven't learned this yet.
2. Life would be miserable without good friends there to pull you up when you're down.
3. Courage and perseverance are necessary if you want to get anywhere in this world.
4. Being drunk is overrated.  Being able to go up the stairs without stumbling is such a good feeling.
5. Overthinking only makes things worse.
6. Crying doesn't solve any problems, but it definitely makes you feel better.
7. If you want something to happen, you need to make it happen.
8. Life's tough; get over it.
9. There are some people you can be friends with, and there are some people you can life with.  These two groups don't always overlap.
10. Enjoy where you are in life; you never know what may happen tomorrow.

Life in General . . .

1. is unexpected, random, unplanned.  I try to live day-to-day because every day brings its own challenges I need to handle.  Every day has its ups and downs, from an inside joke brought up at breakfast to a bad test grade in the afternoon.  The future will take care of itself until I get there.
2. is crazy, frustrating, confusing.  People give mixed messages about what they're feeling.  I'm never really sure where I stand with certain people.  I think we're on good terms, and then something happens and they seem mad.  In a single day, one must make many decisions from what to eat for breakfast to what kind of studying should be done.  Even though I try not to worry too much about the future, I still worry about career options, classes I need to take next semseter, the money I need to pay for said classes.
3. is a whole lot more pleasant when you have your knitting.  I haven't had much time to knit lately, or blog, or write, or anything other than homework, really . . . I'm looking forward to having time to pursue my hobbies over the Christmas break.
4. is much better with good friends.  I don't know where I'd be without my friends.  We've had some rough days this semester, but we always pull through in one way or another.  They get me through the stressful times and know how to get a smile on my face when I feel like I want to cry.
5. can be lived long and happily without psycho professors.  I think everyone I know has had one in one class or another.  All they do is make life more difficult in the long run.  But hey, passing their class means that you can get through anything, right?
6. could use more socks without holes in them.  No, seriously.  For the last month, I can't seem to put on a pair of socks without a toe poking out or my heel, or feeling the floor through the bottom . . . The world is a much better place when your socks are whole and hole-less.
7. is very fun during Christmas-time, in spite of finals.  The cheerful music, the festive atmosphere at the mall, the bright decorations.  I couldn't imagine a world without Christmas, even in it's sickeningly-commercialized state.  But I love making/getting presents for my friends.  I like making people happy. 
8. is good.  I've survived my finals with one left to go.  The semester's officially over tomorrow, for me anyway.  I successfully made it through my first semester of college, I've made awesome friends, and I've discovered that I can (for the most part) make it on my own.

Random Lord of the Rings Quote of the Day

"I like that!" said Sam.  "I should like to learn it.  In Moria, in Khazad-dûm!  But it makes the darkness seem heavier, thinking of all those lamps.  Are there piles of jewls and gold lying about here still?"

I'm presently working my way back through The Lord of the Rings for probably the millionth time.  I wish more people were able to appreciate the amount of literary genius that went into the writing of that trilogy.  I've read it multiple times and I still find that there are details that I've missed.  I actually went and sat by the pond to read for a little while before dinner, but didn't get much reading done.  There's just so much general activity there, between the people walking by and the ducks and geese . . . It's ok, though.  I really just needed to get outside for a little while.  It was a beautiful day today and I spent 90% of it inside.  In class.  That seemed to last forever. 

Now on to Psych.  I can't wait until 12:00 tomorrow because it means that I will then be done for the weekend.

Nerves

Classes start today. I'm not sure whether to be happy or sad. Orientation just seemed to drag on and on forever, but I'm still not sure I want classes to start. I'm really nervous. Of course, I don't have anything better to do right now than just sit here and think about it because all of my friends have left. Of course they have. I'm the only one in my wing (that I'm friends with, mind you) that has an eleven o'clock class. That may work out to my advantage later in the semester if I have to pull an all-nighter--meaning I can sleep in later--but that doesn't help me now. So let's talk about happier things, shall we?I've decided that I need an easy project . . . well . . . I have a lot of easy projects going right now. What I mean is the kind of project that I can do while sitting in the dark watching a movie. We were watching Howl's Moving Castle last night with a couple of other girls from our wing and some random guys and I couldn't knit! They insisted on having the light off. Since I was working on this:

And since I need to be able to see the stitches so I can knit without dropping any, I need the light on. So, I need something like a sock or a scarf or something of that sort . . .