Christmas Song of the Day

"Believe" by Josh Groban

Same ol' Same ol'

It’s funny how some things don’t change. Every time I come home from school, I worry about things being different, about having to readjust. I feel like at school I’m a different person than when I’m at home. I’m always amazed at how seamlessly I revert back. At school, other than the paper, I have few responsibilities. I’m rather self-indulgent. Being home is different. I stop being an independent college student and sometimes it seems, I go back in time.

I got home yesterday evening. As soon as I walked in the door, I became daddy’s little girl again. Leaving school, I put all my bags in my car by myself. Soon as I got home, in a sweet voice I asked my daddy to get my suitcase. He spoils me. I was also hungry, so I began making a sandwich. But my father can cut and toast the bread so perfectly, I got him to do that for me also. While initially it seems I return to being a spoiled little girl, I revert back into other roles as well.

I’ve always been more of a mother to my little sisters than a big sister. As my youngest sister went to bed, I checked to make sure she had brushed her teeth and washed her face. She hadn’t, so I made her get up and do it. This morning, as I was still sleeping and she was getting ready for school, she woke me up because she was concerned my father’s outfit didn’t match. I found him, and made him change his tie. By the time I did wake up, my sisters were both at school and my father at work. I had my cup of coffee and an English muffin and then got to work myself cleaning the house.

When I left for school, I wasn’t sure how my family would get along without me, but they’ve proven to be capable. At the same time, as soon as I come home, it’s like nothing is different at all. People often seem surprised when they find out I don’t desire children, and that even if I did have any, it wouldn’t be for quite some time. It’s not only that I’m just 19, but also that in some regards and to some extent I feel like I’ve been there and done that already. I’m not complaining. I like it. I like being needed and I like taking care of my father and sisters. And it’s not all bad. When I’m want a break from playing mother, I can always go back to being daddy’s little girl.

And I’m still a college student too. I have three weeks worth of dirty laundry on the floor of my room waiting to be washed. That’s right, I managed to go three weeks without doing laundry. It wasn’t easy. I’ll get to it after I make some banana bread from the old bananas on the counter.

It's good to be home.

Christmas Song of the Day

"I'll Be Home For Christmas" by Josh Groban, Michael Buble, Dean Martin...

Josh's version makes me cry (the one on the album, not this one).

Staff Awards again (Toot Toot)

I am still not above telling others about my accomplishments. Expect a post like this once a semester until I leave the paper. My Fall 2007 staff awards:

Most likely to achieve future Evergreen glory

Newsroom dweller (apparently me living in the newsroom hasn't gone unnoticed)

Most helpful

Outstanding underclassman

Most likely to find her phone dead in a ditch (I always leave my phone in the newsroom while I'm at class and everybody hates my ring tone)

Also, I am returning next semester as News editor. It's unusual to hold the same position two semesters in a row, but not really that unusual for me since I'm not a fan of change.

Last semester's awards here

Christmas Song of the Day

"White Christmas" by Bing Crosby of course.

The Chemistry Gods

The Divine Forces are working against me today.

Reason 1: Earlier this week I found out that today's hockey game was cancelled. I was totally bummed because I've only been to one and we had a whole group of people planning on going too. Plus the game was supposed to be a way for me to break up my studying. Nope.

Reason 2: I was also supposed to play in a soccer game today at 4:00. However, I found out a few minutes ago that the game was rescheduled for 11:00. I have been talking about how excited I am for this game for two weeks! Therefore, all of my special plans for the day have been cancelled.

Reason 3: Josh Groban fell on me this morning. I have this giant poster of him on the wall next to my bed. I woke up this morning at exactly 10:00. I looked at the clock then rolled back over and decided to sleep for a few more minutes and try to finish the weird dream I had been having (I'll spare you the details). Then the poster un-sticky-tacked itself from the wall and fell on me. I think this was a sign for me to get up. Did I follow the sign? Nope. I stuck the poster back to the wall and fell back asleep.

Reason 4: I wanted to meet Kyndra for dinner around 6:15. However, the bus was 15 minutes late and therefore dinner ended while I was on the bus.

Reason 5: I wanted to go to the pool after dinner, but because the bus was late and the pool closes at 7:00...no pool.

Are the forces working for me or against me? I'm expecting my computer to crash at any momen-

End of Term Quotations

Okay guys, last set of quotes for this term. Hopefully I will have some funny professors next term too!

"Little smart sperm." ~Anth. Prof. We were discussing genetic selection/engineering. I hope.

"Feel free to take the cap off and take a snort!" ~Chem. Proff. We were passing around viles of aromatic oils.

"I can't show you a unicorn. I don't have one...but...*writes on board*:
'Rhino + Horse -----> Unicorn' "So then what does a hippo + an elephant + a rhino equal? *pause* A helephino! *pause* "Hell-If-I-Know...it's a joke" ~Chem. Prof.

"What is a bond? A debonair British assassin?" ~ Chem. Prof.

Here is the best one:

"I'm already in the end of the quarter party-mode...I'm done...take me to the bar! I'm dressed!" ~Chem. Prof. today, who was wear a very Margaritaville/Aloha shirt.

Here's one that has nothing to do with school:
"I hate doors! They're stupid and awkward!" ~Christina

Christmas Song of the Day

"Here Comes Santa Claus" by Elvis.

I wish I could find a clip of this song. Sorry guys.

A Tired Look

As I was leaving my residence hall this morning, someone else was trying to enter. He was on the phone so I paid him no mind. I opened the door and exited, but then I heard, "You look tired." I thought he must be talking to the person on the phone. He was a complete stranger I had never even seen before. He couldn't possibly be talking to me. Still the sound of his voice made me look up. His phone was off to the side of his face. He had indeed been talking to me.

I was tired. Former editors can into town Wednesday so a group of us stayed up rather late catching up with them. I then got up and went to class at 9:00. Yesterday night was the Evergreen Christmas Party so I was up late again. I woke up this morning feeling tired, it's true. But I don't want to be told I look it, especially by a stranger.

Because I was in fact quite tired, I was more appalled than I would have been otherwise. I turned and just stared at this mouthy stranger. After a few seconds, "What," he sheepishly asked. "I was just making an observation."

I turned and left. But who does that? Why would you tell a stranger they look tired?

Two of Hearts

Last night I had a dream I was swimming in a pool. Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra were standing in the shallow end watching me. Then Frank said "you wanna see a card trick?" "Sure," I replied. He pulled out a deck of cards and asked me to draw one. I picked the two of hearts. I put the card back, then dove underwater. As Frank was shuffling the cards he and Dino started singing me a song.

I stayed underwater (apparently having grown gills) trying to hide in the shadows that had appeared in various parts of the pool. When they finished singing Frank said "okay I'm done. Was this your card?" It was indeed the two of hearts.

Christmas Song of the Day

"Silver Bells" by Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, Elvis Presley...


Can you tell who my favorite singers are?

Christmas Song of the Day

"Grown-Up Christmas List" by Michael Buble, Amy Grant, and Kelly Clarkson.

This song is beautiful.

Haiku Round 2

Another day of extreme weather calls for another Haiku. Imagine adding a night of rain to six inches of built up snow.

Now the rain comes down
Slush on the ground, inches deep
Weather is unkind

Don't worry, my next post will not be about the weather.

Anthropological Word of the Day

"Assimilation: a form of culture change in which a culture is thoroughly acculturated, or decultured, and is no longer distinguishable as having a separate identity."

The first thing I thought of when I read this word..."We are the Borg..." I really hope at least one of our readers gets that. I find it really amusing.

Winter Haiku*

Snow falls from the sky
A white blanket on the ground
I stay warm inside

I felt inspired watching snow flurries through the newsroom windows. There has been snow on the ground in Pullman since I returned after Thanksgiving. The roads are maintained fairly well, but I almost got stuck in a parking lot yesterday.

Moments after I finished the Haiku, the editor walked in dripping wet. She even pulled snow out of her pockets. I was inspired a second time.

Attacked by winter
Travelers come dripping wet
Warm ice slicks the floor

*Disclaimer: I am not a poet. I don't have the right kind of creative talent for it. I always just feel like I'm trying to imitate poetry, so I rarely write it. As a child, I was however, very fond of Haiku and wrote many of them. They're simple and easy enough to be one of the few forms of poetry to which I will contribute.

Christmas Song of the Day

"Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" by Michael Buble

It's finally snowing here in Bellingham. I'm not sure if I'm happy about that or not.

Christmas Song of the Day

"It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" I can't think of a version I particularly prefer. Let me know. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year. Don't be a Scrooge.

Actually, Amy Grant's is pretty good, so here it is.

College Stress

I register for Winter term in 9 minutes and I'm really nervous. Weird huh?

Update: I'm taking three classes. Only two of them are ones that I truly need and it looks like I'll be taking math...again. I'll have to put off my Archeology class for a couple of terms. I do have two labs next quarter, one for biology and one for chemistry. This should be interesting. Hopefully I'll still be alive spring term so that I can take THREE labs! Oh boy...

Christmas Song of the Day

"It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas" - Bing Crosby

Food and Drink

As I was getting ready for bed last night, I noticed I had a little bit of spaghetti sauce on my chin. What's worse than the fact that it's gross is the fact that it was on my face all evening. In a newsroom full of people, no one said a word. Lovely.

Then I woke up this morning and as usual, went to get coffee from the dining center. Unfortunately their espresso machine was broken. I had no coffee and am a little sad.

The Line

Where do you draw the line between being nice and being passive?

What about between being honest and being mean?

Christmas Song of the Day

"Carol of the Bells" I like The Calling's version. Deanna Carter also does it well.

Christmas Song of the Day

It is now officially Christmas time. To help us all celebrate the cheer and get into the spirit I will be posting "Christmas Songs of the Day." I'll post the song and probably my favorite version and I want you guys to share your favorite versions as well! Here is the first one.

"Baby It's Cold," my favorite version in by Dean Martin.

Happy Holidays!

Song of the Day

"Are You Lonesome Tonight?" by Elvis Presley.

Home

I am home for the week of Thanksgiving. Being home means returning to dial-up Internet service. Posts will probably be light as a result.

Not Traditional, Yet Nostalgic

One of my favorite Disney movies is Lilo & Stitch. I watched it today after not having seen it for a while and about half way through the movie I remember thinking "man, I forgot how good this movie is." It truly is fantastic. The artwork alone is breathtaking. If you haven't seen it I suggest you do so. This movie is not just for children to enjoy. I happen to enjoy all (well almost all) Disney movies, but this one has a certain je-ne-sais-quoi, that allows anyone to find something special in it.

If you don't feel like watching it then I suggest you at least listen to the score which is magnificent. The best thing to do would be to watch the movie, buy the score, listen to it a bunch of times, then go watch the behind the scenes feature on the DVD. It shows the orchestra recording the music along with the movie and if you are an ex/current band geek like me you will think it's awesome.

The artwork in the movie is spectacular. The watercolor backgrounds are perfect for a movie set in Hawaii. The colors are vibrant and the shapes are indeed "soft and friendly." The design of the movie is truly different from every other Disney movie you have seen. If I can suggest one more thing it would be that you watch the movie once to understand the story, then watch it a second time and this time look at the backgrounds, and the colors, and the shapes.

Please do not just blow this off as some kid's movie. It's that attitude that keeps us from enjoying many aspects of life. I will now leave you with two very related quotes that I adore. "Never lose your childish enthusiasm and things will come your way." "No matter what happens, always keep your childish innocence. It's the most important thing." Trust me.

Fire in Pullman

I got a call at 5:30 a.m. this morning. This is what I dealt with for the next four hours.

Dinner

Sometimes I like flaunting the college lifestyle. While I suppose few would actually desire to have what I had for dinner tonight, it was definitely a stereotypical college student meal. I like knowing there's a bit of college student in me.

My dinner: Microwaveable burrito, two pieces of pumpkin pie, half a bag of Cooler Ranch Doritos, and a couple tootsie rolls.

No worries about the freshmen 15 though. I'm a sophomore.

And I end up burning most of it off at work anyways, at least that's what I tell myself.

When Taken Out of Context...

"You should be flattered I ripped your clothes off!" ~Kyndra

I've decided not to tell the story and just to leave it at that.

Anticipation

Even though chemistry makes me feel lousy and incompetent, knowing that The Holidays are coming fills me with joyous anticipation. This anticipation has led to my listening of Christmas music. I know what you're thinking Christina and I will celebrate The Holidays as early as I want. One month of Christmas music is not enough. You can wait until after Thanksgiving if you wish, but it is your loss!

Thoughts and Quotes

Quotes:
"NINE! NINE! Sorry, I lived in Germany for 3 years, so I interpret 'nine' in multiple ways." ~Chem Prof.

"So I think we've gone from the difficult to the absurd at this point." ~Chem Prof.

"We're still working on scales and arpeggios here. We're not ready to blow some bad jazz." ~Chem Prof.

"If Thomas loves it it's gotta be awful." ~Davielle

"Sweet is definitely not the right word." ~Davielle [about describing me and she's right. I was thinking bitter.]

Thoughts:
Why do painters wear white outfits?

I've decided that I'm hopelessly something. Just what exactly we might never know.

Three-day Weekend Summary

Friday - I went to the midnight Nuthouse show. A left particularly pleased with many of the references made. Yes there were the traditional excrement, sex, and Star Wars jokes, but there were also references to 1984, The Great Gatsby, and The Scarlet Letter. My favorite was an entire steam of dialogue about Operation Market Garden. My final group HOTA project was an over the top Operation Market Garden sock puppet show. There were parachute men, dry ice, and fake accents. It was marvelous.

Saturday - I had a strange dream where my house and family were in the middle of a war zone. I don't know who we were fighting. It might have been my uncle's family on the hill, but that doesn't make sense because my family would win that war no problem. My father and I escaped the war scene only to begin a hunt for a white Bengal tiger in our forest. We found the tiger but my father didn't shoot it fast enough, so it attacked him. I woke up just after I started beating the tiger on the head with a big stick.

Sunday - I watched a show on Animal Planet about a theme park/zoo called Tiger Island. Aren't coincidences fun?

Monday - No school because of Veterans Day but I had work for newspaper. My news meeting went well and other than that the day was rather uneventful.

Today's Funnies

"I thought about copyrighting myself..." ~Anth. Prof.

"It's been a while since I've read the Book [The Bible]." ~Anth. Prof.

"In the future the grade you got in chemistry is not going to mean as much as the time you spend with the ones you love." ~Chem. Prof. A little weird, but it made me feel a bit better.

Failure is Imminent

I am a smart person. I know this. However, in chemistry no matter how hard I try I do poorly. I have never struggled this much with a class before. I don't like feeling unintelligent. I like to be in the middle or above the curve not below it. I feel like I'm trying to swim up a raging river and every time I get a breath I get pulled down even further. Once I think I've got things under control and grow a little bit of confidence the test backhands me and I fall to the floor. This is a new experience for me. I wasn't very good at HOTA or H2O, but I got by. I'm worried that I will actually fail this class. I must be missing something, but what? I need to pass this chem series in order to take ANY other science class. Pray for me, please.

Song of the Day

"Let Me Fall" by Josh Groban. This is one of my all time favorite songs and is very fitting the the bad day Christina and I both seem to be having. This video isn't great, but it gets the job done.

One of those days

It's going to be one of those days.

First, I slept and hour later than I would have liked leaving me less time to study for my Philosophy test before class.

Then, as I was getting ready, I completely missed my eyelashes and put mascara directly into my eye. It stopped watering and I expect the redness to go away soon.

One of my previous writers who I kind of fired but not really because I simply haven't spoken to him in many weeks, is working at the dining center. I know this and usually just try to avoid him, but today he stood between me and breakfast.

O, and remember how there are two main doors into the newsroom, but one was closed due to asbestos? Well now the other door is closed for the same reason. First door has reopened though.

Maybe it will just be one of those mornings and not the whole day.

What do you dress like?

Yesterday, one of my coworkers/classmates told me I always dress like an adult.

What does this mean? Is it good? Bad? How was I to respond?

I think I said,"Oh."

I have recently developed an aversion to pants, leading me to wear lots of skirts and dresses, but I'm not sure I understand the connection to adulthood. Maybe it's because I don't wear jeans as often ...

Contradictions

When asked to describe myself, I like saying my character is full of contradictions. The better one gets to know me, the truer this becomes. To list only a few of them:

I hate talking to strangers but am a journalist.

I have high expectations for people but don't expect them to be met.

I like working hard, especially if it involves getting nice and dirty, but I also love getting all dressed up.

I think of myself as a confident person, but constantly ask for reassurance from others.

One of my worst traits is that I'm a judger, but then I spend too much time worrying about others judging me.

I value reason over emotion but get worked up rather easily.

While on the one hand I hate unpredictability, I'd like to be more spontaneous.

I realize that contradiction in character is not unique to myself, but it's something I like to keep track of. These are only a few of my contradictions. Sometimes I astonish myself because of my conflicts in values or ideas and wonder how I manage not to be in a constant state of cognitive dissonance.

Another newsroom insight

The Managing Editor and I wait to hear the Russell verdict. The jury found him guilty on all counts. More Evergreen coverage of the case can be found here.

Song of the Day

"Merry Unbirthday" from Alice In Wonderland

Happy Birthday Mom

I love you!


No. She doesn't read this. It's the thought.

Quotes, Quotes, Quotes

Most of these are last week's. Some are from today.

Student: "Should I give you the goggles back?"
Chem Prof: "Um, well, how do you feel about explosions?"
Student: "Well, I like explosions..."
Chem Prof: "Then you should probably hold on to them for a while."

"I wasn't gonna pass up a chance to blow some stuff up...especially on Halloween." ~ Chem Prof

"We're gonna kill this pickle. It's been a bad pickle." ~Chem Prof

[This is terrible (two nails with electric currents running through them were stuck into a hanging pickle, one at each end)] "I don't want that nail to come flying out and hit me in the chest like that crocodile guy." ~ Chem Prof [I told you.]

"Photons...you know like Star Trek. Photon Torpedoes?" ~Chem Prof [I totally knew what he was talking about. As soon as he said "photon" I said "Tuvok! Arm the photon torpedoes!" to myself. I would never say it out loud.]

Science thought of the day: Isn't "quantum" an intimidating word?

"Trick or Drinking or whatever goes on." ~Anth Prof obviously talking about Halloween.

Quick little story:
Today in Anth lecture I glanced over at the TA who was sitting in his chair cleaning his nails with his switch blade. He did this for a couple minutes then he folded it up and put it away. Normally, where I come from this would be no big deal, but I found it slightly amusing today in the middle of a university lecture.

Song of the Day

"Dream" by Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble, Ella Fitzgerald, the list goes on.

PS This is our 300th post.

What Do You Do?

Who are we to say that what one culture does is wrong? When I see things like this though, it makes my heart hurt. But as a biological anthropologist I need to be neutral. Things that may seem cruel to us might be perfectly normal in another culture and vice-versa. I can't help being conflicted inside. Should we, people who can create change, interfere with the practices of other cultures if we view them as wrong? Or, should we do nothing because every culture is different and we do not rule the world? But, aren't cultures supposed to change and evolve? What do we do? What is right?

A Question For The Audience

Do you have a happy movie? I suppose it could also be referred to as a sad movie. What is the one movie you watch when you are sad or sick or depressed? That movie you watch when you want to feel happy. It might be the movie that makes you cry and get it all out or the movie that makes you laugh hysterically and forget about what's troubling you. Is it The Fox and The Hound? Is it Gone With The Wind? What? Tell me.

This is mine.

Werewolves

I know this is my second post about my weird dreams, but I've finally been able to sleep due to my now sick and therefore quiet suite mates. One of last night's dreams was about Remus Lupin. He and Sirius had just saved my life and we were standing in the skeletal remains of a Gothic style building. Suddenly the moon came out from behind the clouds and Lupin turned into a werewolf. I spent most of the dream running from him and at one point ended up in a boat trying to head back to the building. I had to try to mix dangerous chemicals in a beaker while in the rocking in the boat. I was frustrated at the situation but managed to properly mix the chemicals and turn Remus back into a human. One person in our group was scratched but not bitten.

I think the chemicals might have something to do with my chemistry exam on Friday. As for the werewolf thing...it's Halloween.

Song of the Day

"Ghostbusters" by Ray Parker Jr. Happy Halloween!

My List Book

I have this book that I keep all of my lists and favorite quotations in. I also have a really cool Effexor pen that I use with it. When I moved up here I accidentally left it at home. I remembered to grab it when I went home last weekend and I didn't realize how much I missed it!

I am a chronic list maker and not having my list book was really buggin' me. Yes, I have already made a list. It is for something I will be doing on AH in December. My point is when list makers don't have a place to make their lists it is quite bothersome. But now I have my list book and am happy. Yay me.

*Insert Clever Dream Pun/Alliteration/Play On Words*

I dreamt about Josh Groban last night. Big surprise right? Actually, I don't believe I've never had a dream about him before.

I was going to his concert, which happened to be on campus, and was in line to purchase some concert memorabilia. I paid for whatever it was I got and turned to see Josh standing on the sidewalk looking at me. He smiled. I smiled. Then this older woman ran over to him to ask him for an autograph hysterically. As he was signing he looked back up at me as if to ask "why aren't you running over here?" I just shrugged and walked away.

Then I was at the concert with Kyndra, Mom, and Dad. We had bad seats, but I obviously didn't care. Suddenly we heard music next to us and looked over the side of the bleacher like seats we were on and saw Kelly Clarkson warming up on a boat right next to us. She finished up her song, then told her people to adjust the mic. As she did so the little boat/barge thing she was on started to sink. She didn't seem to mind and when the water got up to her chest I decided to go to the bathroom.

Then my reoccurring dream started. I was in a hurry to get back before Josh came on, so I quickly ran into a stall. As is common in my dreams all of the stalls were incredibly short and everyone could see everyone else doing their business. Luckily, at the time I was alone, but then two of the girls from the clinic walked in dressed in Halloween costumes (they were little farm girls) and sat down. They just giggled and watched me, as is usually the case. Then another girl from the clinic came in and sat down, also in costume, with her camera talking excitedly about the concert. I don't think she took any pictures, but I just sat there waiting for them to leave. Like always.

Song of the Day

"Thriller" by Michael Jackson

The best video is here, but this one is good enough.

Song of the Day

"Superstitious" by Stevie Wonder

Time for some whine

I went home this weekend. It was absolutely perfect. I had forgotten how nice it is to feel safe and comfortable where you live. I don't get that when I'm here at school. I hate waking up in the morning and not knowing if there is going to be a stranger sleeping in my living room. I hate not being able to fall asleep because my suite mates like to yell while I'm trying to sleep. I hate having to get up for an 8 o'clock class on less than 5 hours of sleep (this can complicate one's entire day). I hate making agreements with my suite mates and then finding out that they don't respect those agreements. I hate having people knock on my window at 6 in the morning. I hate being constantly afraid that I'm going to get in trouble for living with people that drink excessively. And most of all I hate feeling completely helpless in this situation.

Song of the Day

"Somebody To Love" by Queen.

Song of the Day

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End. The entire soundtrack.

Today's Annoyances (thus far)

As I said before, I'm in a bad mood today. Truthfully, it's probably hormonal (sorry boys), but it could also be because I didn't sleep much last night. I kept waking up, looking at the clock, rolling over, dosing off, waking up, looking at the clock, rolling over, dosing off, etc. all night long. Anyway, this mood has heightened how easily I get annoyed. Let's look at a few things shall we?

Anthropology:
The girl behind me was tapping the back of my seat all through lecture. I don't mean randomly kicking my seat, she was tapping a four four rhythm. Did she not think I could feel it? Couldn't she hear her foot hitting my seat? I could and it was pissing me off.

Then while my teacher was in the middle of teaching (imagine that) my coffee mug slipped out of my hands and went crashing down to the floor. Naturally it made a huge ruckus as plastic normally does when it hits concrete, AND I had failed to securely fasten the lid therefore coffee went all over the floor and I did not meet my coffee quota for the day. Bummer.

Between Chemistry and Math:
I was hurrying along to get to my math class in time, when I kept getting shoved into the bushes and trees because the people coming at me could not grasp the concept of staying to the right. Five or six of them would take up the whole path. I wanted so badly to stop in my tracks and say "WHERE AM I SUPPOSED TO WALK WHEN YOU DO THAT?!?"

10 Minutes Ago:
My plan for the day was to do my laundry and read for anthropology before meeting Kyndra for some soccer practice. When I got back to my room I gathered up my laundry and my book and walked over to the Service Center. Before heading down to the laundry room I was going to put $20 on my laundry card. As I turned to insert my card into the laundry card money putter on-er thingy I saw all these signs that said "OUT OF ORDER." Which is how it was last weekend too. Dang it. Good thing I'm going home this weekend.

Quotations to lighten up my mood

"Are you okay with that? You can say no! I'm okay with no. I have a 16 year old daughter. She says no all the time!" ~ Chemistry sub.

"It takes a while to eat a giraffe." ~Anth. Prof.

Anth. Prof: [to TA about English infixes]"I'm thinking of one. Are you?"
TA: "HOLY FUCKING SHIT!"
Prof: "Oh...I was gonna say FAN-FUCKING-TASTIC!"

Disappointingly Average

I'm in a bad mood today, and as I sat for an hour between my last class and when I meet my friends for lunch I reflected on my world, which is never a good thing especially when you're in a bad mood. Here's what I came up with.

Being average is annoying. I can't find one thing about myself that isn't average. I'm athletic. I have tried most popular sports and am decent at most of them, but I stuck with swimming because comparably I was better at it and I enjoy it. BUT in comparison to other swimmers I'm smack dab in the middle. I won some races and lost some but I was never THE BEST. I was a captain of the high school team...by default. There were only three seniors at the time and that's how many captains we needed.

I consider myself a smart person, but once again nothing extraordinary. I haven't received any scholarships for anything and I've applied for many. I almost got a 4.0...once. I was never in the top 10 or received any special recognition. I was just okay.

I work(ed) at Big 5 and was proud of that for about a week when I realized that the only way you can't get hired at Big 5 is if you don't show up for your interview. I, since gaining valuable retail experience, have applied for many jobs and haven't been able to get one.

I have never won a raffle, an auction, a drawing, a contest, or an election. Although I have never actually run in an election I have participated in each of the others multiple times and never won a thing.

Let's not even discuss my love life, or lack there of.

I know it may not sound like it, but I'm quite happy with my life. It just gets annoying when I can't get a job or financial aid that I desperately need because I'm so damn mediocre! It's even more annoying when I feel confident about a job interview or a scholarship essay then don't get it. That is one of my biggest down falls. I always set myself up for disappointment, even though I know...

PS Christina is not allowed to comment on this post (not that she usually does).

A lovely work environment

There are three ways to get to the newsroom. The most convenient way is through this door. Alas, the route is no more.

Before it said delicious fresh-baked muffins (managing editor's idea), it said Asbestos.

Song of the Day

"Monday, Monday" by The Mamas & The Papas. This song really sucks. I hate it in fact. Tomorrow is however, Monday. Now I have to go listen to another song to get this painfully awful one out of my head.

Power to the People

I was channel flipping Friday night when I happened upon a channel where Laura Ingraham was being interviewed about her new book. I did not know who Laura Ingraham was, but her book title caught my eye, Power to the People.

The title was the same as my campaign slogan when I ran for ASB senior Senate. It made me think I should have trademarked the slogan. My use of the phrase at the time was much more creative.

I suppose the slogan has probably been used many a time before me, but it's entertaining when I notice others using it, because I shall always associate it with light bulbs and little pipe cleaner people. My posters were impressive.

The difference between a T and F

I did not want to pay attention in Philosophy on Thursday. I wanted to read the paper. I don't like to be rude and read the paper right in front of the teacher, so I sat in the back, something I rarely do. But, as is often the case in my stories, I forgot one crucial detail during my decision making process. I was wearing my glasses which don't have my updated prescription.

It just so happened that in class that day we were working on truth tables. The entire board become covered with Ts and Fs, letters which with my poor vision, I could not distinguish. The Ps and Qs were a little easier to see, but the Os, Cs, and Ds blended together.

I can't decide if the moral of the story is don't read the paper during class or always get your glasses prescription updated.

Another sad coffee story

I've haven't posted in a while so I have some catch up posting to do. There are several things I meant to blog about during the week but didn't, like ...

On Wednesday, I had a rough morning. Wednesday's are my sleeping in day, but last week it was also the day of our special Best of Pullman section. I had a profile for Pullman's favorite police officer due by noon, but had yet to speak to the subject. I knew he started work at 7 Wednesday morning. I set my alarm for 8, figuring I would give him some time to get settled at work, wake up and call him, and schedule an interview for later in the morning. Unfortunately, at 8:00, while I'm still in my pajamas, he said then was a good time for an interview. So I quickly got dressed, put myself together, and drove to the Pullman police station. I had no time for breakfast or more importantly coffee, and it was very cold.

The early morning interview finished, I immediately went to get myself some coffee. It was going to fix my desire for coffee and warm me up. But I was tired and running on auto pilot. I mistakenly ordered an iced latte. By the time I realized it, it was too late. I ruined the thing which could have saved my morning. I was sad. And still cold.

The Anthropology of Match.com

In my Anthropology book there are little "Think Outside the Box" boxes placed on about every other page. They have little questions in them or mini-assignments to allow you to relate personally to what the text book is trying to communicate to you.

The section I read today was about kinship and domestic life. One of the boxes said go to Match.com and see how other people's cultural interests in their partners relate to yours, basically. How interesting. When I read it I was fascinated by the fact that my book is so up-to-date (if you will). Now I'm thinking it would be cool to conduct an anthropological investigation on people who are successfully "matched up" vs those who aren't and if their cultural views and interests have anything to do with it.

A Girl and Her Fish

Diego and I are playing right now. I was sitting here on my bed reading for anthropology and for an unknown reason I turned my head and saw him looking at me.

"Hi Boy."

"Blub." (That means "Hola Mama.")

"Whadda ya doing?"

"Blub blub." ("I'm bored Ma.")

So, I reached over and bumped my tiki man bobble head that I have sitting next to him. Ooh he liked that. It slowly came to a stop then Diego turned his little head slightly towards me. "Do it again." I did. This continued for about five minutes. I tried to do it again but accidentally bumped the whole desk. This was exciting and he swam around in three lightning quick circles. Then he stopped and looked at me again. I put my finger to his bowl but he doesn't like that. I do it anyway even though I know he doesn't like it. That's what mothers do.

"Now what?"

No response.

Then I decided to blog about our 5 minutes of bonding so I picked up my computer and put it on my lap. This got his attention again. The Don loves the computer. I had forgotten about this. His new home is above the computer on my little shelf so he doesn't get to surf the web as much as last year. I put the Little Mermaid soundtrack on because that's his favorite and started playing around. He was mesmerised.

He's a little bored now because blogging isn't all that exciting for a fish...I'll have to visit YouTube next.

This Week's Quotables And In Class Happenings

• "They have translated the Bible into Klingon." ~Anth. Prof. That's actually more of a fun fact, but hey.
• During Anthropology early this week I was paying close attention to what my professor was trying to communicate to us, when I felt some one's eyes on me. I looked to my left and saw the girl sitting a few seats down from me staring at me intently over her glasses. It was one of those Christina, painful, melting your flesh with their eyes stares. Startled, I quickly looked away. "That was scary," I though. I still can't figure out why she was trying to kill me with her eyes. I was honestly just sitting there.
• One of the boys behind us however, had his foot resting on the empty chair next to me and was bouncing it like mad. All the seats are connected in that lecture hall so as I was trying to jot down my notes they kept getting all squiggled up because of that darn foot bouncer! I wanted so badly to turn around and yell "STOP THAT!"
• "It's like when you go to the store and you can't just throw the box of pearls in there! So what else to you get?" "CHOCOLATE!" "OH CHOCOLATE! They should just tape that right to the box!" ~Anth. Prof. discussing taboo words in culture and our taboo with menstruation.
• "There are eight different kinds of Oreos! Have you ever had decision over load?! They have mint, and peanut butter, and inside out, and double stuffed, and double chocolate! JUST GIVE ME THE GOD DAMN REGULAR ONES!! What was wrong with those?!" ~Anth. Prof. She has a point.

An Adventurous Night Strait From A Movie

Saturday was quite a day for Kyndra and I. It included shopping at Target for Josh and JoAnn's for flowers and Rite Aid for Neosporin, exploring, eating, hockey, soccer, then no soccer, and a train. Yeah, a train.

After the hockey game (which we won) we were driving back to campus and decided to do some late night exploring. The night was still young and there weren't very many other cars about even though it was a Saturday night. We ended up in Fairhaven and decided to drive down to the water to get some photos of the brilliantly lit bay. We pulled into the public boat launch and parked in the lot. We carefully crossed the two sets of train tracks that lay just before the boat launch. "I hope this isn't illegal," I said, then proceeded to the water's edge. Two Coast Guard boats were docked nearby, glowing of yellow and red lights. We snapped a few pictures when suddenly we heard a train coming quickly towards us.

"Crap the train," I exclaimed. Then I hurried across the tracks so as not to get stuck on the other side in case the train was a long one. I hopped over both sets of tracks being silly because this was something I would normally never do. The I heard behind me "oh sh-! ARIEL!" I turned around and saw Kyndra sprawled across the tracks. A little stunned that she had actually fallen down when a high speed train was coming towards us, I managed to say "Get up!" She got up and ran to me and the car. About a minute late the train flew by. I, shocked at the situation, looked at her and said "what happened?" Then we started giggling.

"I fell down."
"Yeah! But how?"
"I tripped."
"Well DUH! What did you trip on?"
"THE TRACKS! IT'S PITCH BLACK OUT HERE!"
"Oh...jeeze look at your shirt! and your pants!"
She had dirt all over her sweat shirt, pants, and face. Then we got in the car and fled the scene...a few blocks up Kyndra pulled over.
"Are you okay," I asked mid-laugh.
"I think so," she replied laughing also as she pulled up her pant leg to check out her knee, which was completely skinned.
"I didn't realize you fell so hard."
"DUDE! I totally biffed it at full speed!"
Then my laughing became uncontrollable and I exclaimed "GOOD THING YOU GOT NEOSPORIN!" Then we just sat there for about 5 minutes laughing so hard it hurt.

"That was like a scene from a movie gone wrong," I said when we started driving again.
"You mom's going to hear about this tomorrow isn't she?"
"YUP!"
"Don't tell her the train was coming..."

"I hope this isn't illegal."

Coast Guard Boats

Kyndra's knee

Noel

As of today I am the proud owner of Josh Groban's Christmas CD. I know it took me a few days, and I really have no excuse other than laziness. I didn't want to drive to Target. In fact, my mother got the CD before I did. Did hers have a bonus DVD? No. Does mine? Yes.

Fly or Fly Paper?

When I'm bored in class, along with critiquing people's hair cuts, I find myself creating analogies and metaphors. I think it all stems from several weeks ago when my editor shared one.

This is my newest:

Sometimes I feel like fly paper, but I don't want to catch flies. I'll notice one beginning to come a little close and I'll try to warn it. I mean fly paper gives out signals that it's fly paper. Alas, the silly fly will ignore all signals and come too close. Then it's stuck. I keep trying to brush it off, but it's no use, completely stuck. I've caught an unwanted fly and now have to deal with it. It's annoying.

All kinds of people can act like flies: the overly friendly stranger, an acquaintance who thinks you're close friends, and the most obvious and worst kind, which I prefer not to mention explicitly. It's not that I don't like people, but I like my space, and don't want them to be stuck to me. Everyone has a few unwanted flies.

But then I begin to wonder how many people think of me as a fly on their fly paper and decide maybe I shouldn't be so dramatic.

If you must ...

If you must canoodle in my presence, at least have the decency to do it out of the way of the entrance/exit. People have places to be. Tapping a canoodler on the shoulder to ask them to scoot aside is awkward for all involved. Let's try to avoid it in the future.

Song of the Day

"Gardenia" by Mandy Moore

This is such a change from her old stuff. I'm liking it more and more.

One step forward, two back

One of my worst traits is that I tend to judge people. It's something I'm aware of and am trying to improve upon.

This morning on my way to class, I was walking behind a girl wearing a T-shirt promoting alcohol. I saw her, but mentally checked myself to not judge. Then I saw said girl point out a smoker to her friends and then purposely walk by the smoker coughing.

I then felt justified in judging the girl for her questionable apparel since she judged another individual for her lifestyle choices. (I think smoking is stupid too, but going out of your way to let a smoker know you think that, is ridiculous.)

Two wrongs don't make a right, but my path to being less judgemental requires baby steps.

October

Doesn't it smell like October? I love this time of year. Truthfully, I love all parts of the year. Except for that transition between winter and spring when it's just soggy all the time. I especially enjoy autumn. I love walking outside and feeling the warm air with the slight breeze, seeing the leaves tumbling around, and smelling the damp ground and coming rain. I love when it's cold and dry, but knowing it could rain at any second. I love starting to wear my sweaters and scarves again. I love being warm and cozy in my room and listening to the roaring wind and trickling rain outside. I love knowing that Thanksgiving is just around the corner, but I still have a little time before my mom's birthday. I love going to the pumpkin patch with my sister and grandparents. I love that my mom starts to make her amazing soups. I love apple cider and hot chocolate at night when it's too late to drink coffee. I love it all.

Swimming Etiquette

After 14 years of swimming I have come to learn that there are some unwritten rules for proper lane sharing procedure. Today I encountered a girl who was unaware of the "rules."

This girl didn't even give me a chance to like her. We (my two swim buddies and myself) were in the middle of a set when we noticed an addition to our lane. She was cruising along behind us like she'd been there the whole time. When we stopped at the other end she popped her head out of the water. I assumed she was going to say something to the effect of "I hope you don't mind that I jumped in?" or "Do you mind if I share the lane with you guys?" Instead we got "Are you guys on a club team or something?"
"No," we replied honestly.
"Well, I'm doing a 500 warm up."
"Okay, well we're in the middle of a set," I said. And then she took off. Strike one.

The next offense was just a lack of common swimming knowledge I would assume. She was circle swimming correctly, staying always on the right, but when it came time to do a flip turn she needed the entire wall to accomplish the task. Now a true swimmer can do a flip turn in whatever amount of space is given or not given. I would say she was given at least a foot and a half, which is WAY more than enough, but pushed us over more needing the entirety of the wall. Ridiculous. Strike 2. If she had done this during warm ups at any club meet she would have bruises all over her. No mercy.

Here's strike 3. She refused to yield to us. We were there first and in the middle of an actual set with a send-off, so per the swimming rules we get the right of way. She was to be considered a guest in our lane until we left, but no. She apparently thought she was the Queen of the pool and had us yield to her. If I was still on a club team and still had some swimming gumption I would have pushed off on our send-off no matter where she was. But unfortunately it has been too long and I have become too polite.

I finished the set, pissed off, took off my cap and got out of the pool. I didn't want to take the risk of accidentally kicking her or deciding to do butterfly the moment she swam by me, so I got out and put the kick boards away. My friends decided to do a warm down but I was annoyed, so I sat there and waited. When we were stopped one of the lifeguards, who had apparently noticed our irritated looks and mumblings, came over and said "Don't worry she's a bitch to everyone." Later in the locker room Kyndra asked "How was I supposed to respond to that?" Nod and smile.

If you are going to the pool to do laps, learn the rules. If you don't know the rules, establish them with those who are sharing your lane. Believe me, it will save you some bruises.

Josh News

Josh Groban's first Christmas CD, "Noel", comes out tomorrow! Target stores will be selling the regular CD and a special CD with an extra "making of the CD" DVD. Guess which one I'll be getting! I could have ordered the regular one online through WB and received a special Josh Groban Christmas Ornament, but I chose to go with the special edition/DVD one instead.

I'm totally excited. Are you totally excited?

Listening to the rain

One of my favorite activities is to sit on my bed, crack open my window, and listen to the wind and the rain. To some it may be boring, but I love it. It gives me time to think and enjoy the quiet as I do so often.

Earlier this morning the wind was howling and the autumn leaves were tumbling along the ground and now the rain is drip dropping and I am loving it as I sit here, warm and comfy. I hate it in the summer where it doesn't belong, but in the autumn when it smells like October and I have reading to do it is lovely.

I love being in the Pacific Northwest. Don't you?

A Day of Adventure

Today I expolred Bellingham with my friends. We walked from campus to Fairhaven. Fairhaven is old downtown. It's a quaint little area with funky shops and cafés. You could spend hours exploring all the side streets and surprise alleys full of places to see.

From Fairhaven we walked down to the water. Along the way we were fascinated by bricks in the ground with interesting facts about the area imprinted on them. I will post pictures of my favorites soon.

We then walked back up to Fairhaven to the gelateria. After enjoying some delicious Italian delightfulness we walked up to the nearest bus stop to make our way to the Bellis Fair Mall. We made our way down to the bus station in downtown Bellingham, then caught the next bus to the mall.

At the mall we went to Target, one of the best stores of the planet in my opinion. Then wandered to Macy's at the other end of the mall to catch the next bus back downtown to catch the next bus to WWU. Before going to the bus stop however, we swung into Big 5 and wandered around to kill time.

Thank goodness for the boys because I don't think we would have made it around on our own. Once we made it back to Western we went down to Haggen to grab a few needed groceries. Then got on another bus, stopped at my apartment to drop some of the groceries off and walked up to Fairhaven (different from the Fairhaven we visited earlier in the day) to eat dinner.

Now I'm home and resting from a nice long day of good ole fashioned fun and mastering the Whatcom County Transit System! Cheers!

Sirena

Sirena is the most fabulous gelateria I've ever been too. Well, it's the only gelateria I've ever been to, but I'm convinced it's the best. Situated right next to a moped/Vespa shop, it's like being in Italy.

I had pistachio and cappuccino, while my friends had chocolate, forest berries, raspberry, lemon, and cappuccino. The list of choices also included: mango, dark chocolate, green tea, tiramisu (not served today), panna (like whipped cream and frosting), watermelon, hazelnut, caramel, green apple, banana, mixed berries, vanilla, and cheese cake. I was upset that they didn't have tiramisu today, but that seems to always be my luck. I did end up expanding my horizons by trying the pistachio. I'd never had it before and have always been told that it is good. It was.

If you ever find yourself in Bellingham make sure you stop by Sirena. Maybe I'll be working there!

Song of the Day

Because we were singing at the bus stop...

"L-O-V-E" by Nat King Cole

Crazy Quotations

Here are more quotations from my professors. Enjoy.

• "Ear viruses" ~My Anth. Prof referring to bad songs that always get stuck in your head.
• "Remember in 4th grade history when they made you remember all those dates? I hate that. Why do they do that to children?" ~Anth. Prof
• "I know you're probably thinking of some south sea island & a lecherous male..." ~Anth Prof while discussing sexual relationships during field work.
• "Are there really that many Is in 'divisible'? I used to know how to spell then I became a chemist."~Chem Prof
• "It would be as if I would go running at this wall and go right through it. Which would be totally cool. I wouldn't be here. I'd be a very rich man." ~Chem Prof
• "My knowledge of this part of the periodic table is pretty limited because frankly...I don't care." ~Chem Prof
• "Guys, this is how a general chemistry course works. I wake up in the morning and think 'what lies am I going to tell my general chemistry class today?" "...I keep track of the lies and test you on them during the exams." ~Chem Prof

Finally Finished

All it needs is a name.

Song of the Day

"All I Ask of You" from Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera

The trouble with doors

While my counter-part appreciates their efforts, I find their antics sometimes complicate the simple matter of passing through a door.

On my way to class today I was trying to leave a building just as someone else was trying to come in. He opened the door, but neither of us could pass because we stood on either side of the threshold. I would have preferred to simply step aside, let him through, and then operate the door myself for my exit, but it would not be. He gripped the door up higher and stepped aside so that I had to pass underneath his outstretched arm. I'm short, but not that short, so I still had to duck down. It was awkward. I do not like awkwardness.

Moments later, another fellow and I sought to enter a building at the same time. Again, the number of options complicated the simple task. I could wait expectantly for him to open the door and let me pass, open the door myself and let him go through first, or do what I did and open the door myself and go through, then kind of toss it back so it remained open for him to pass through. I felt rude for not allowing him to go first, but it would have been a role-reversal if he had gone first and just as awkward. Still, I was embarrassed by the escapade so I hurried away as quickly as I could. Just inside the doors was a flight of stairs. I scurried up them a bit too quickly for someone wearing nylons, so of course, my shoe slipped off.

I had succeeded in making a perfectly ordinary situation awkward and then even more so. I kept my head down, retrieved my shoe, and decided in the future I would try to strategically time my arrival at doors so there is no competition for passage.

Resistance is Futile

Cyborg Anthropology. It does exist.

"440 CYBORG ANTHROPOLOGY (3)
Prereq: ANTH 201 or permission of instructor. The cyborg is a life form that is part human and part machine. This course examines the shifting conceptual and physical boundaries between humans and their tecno-scientific creations through theoretical works, ethnographic accounts, and popular cultural artifacts such as film."
-Western Course Catalogue

I'm almost tempted. Holy Borg.

Lost in transcription

Today's academic quote of the day comes from my chemistry professor. I have a feeling although the class is going to kick my butt, the teacher is going to be quite amusing. Hopefully the comedic quality of this quotation does not get lost in transcription.



"What's the one thing every student hates about chemistry?"

*Long pause*

"STORY PROBLEMS! THEY SUCK! Sooooooo, let's do some!"



Yes, I will admit that it's not quite so funny reading it. Hopefully the truth of it makes a couple of you laugh.

You are what you eat

I went on a food run with most of the ed board to Safeway yesterday evening. It was a chance to get something to eat other than dining center food. I went with a loaf of sourdough bread and several cheese sticks. I also got two giant cream puffs.

The bread and cheese lasted me through Sunday dinner and today's lunch and dinner. Similarly, I had one cream puff yesterday and one today. I bring all of this up only because I only just finished eating the last cream puff. They really were giant size and difficult to eat. The plastic fork wasn't cutting it, literally. I suppose I should also have picked up a plastic knife.

The puffs were filled with chocolate cream and had chocolate on top. I ate today's while wearing a white jacket. I managed not to get any chocolate on myself, a rare event, so kudos to me.

As we left Safeway, we discussed what our food options say about us. I was teased for having a bourgeoisie dessert while the copy chief's organic cream cheese was deemed elitist imperialistic oppression food.

I am fond of saying my character is full of contradictions. If what was said about my dessert is true, then even my food options contradict one another. The cream puffs may have been bourgeoisie, but bread and cheese is the meal of a peasant.

Song of the Day

"Bring On The Rain" by Jo Dee Messina

Question of the Day

What would you tell and anthropologist about your life?




A question from my text book.

Week one done

Week one of school is done. Lots more to go. Here are some things I've noted this week.

Anthropology - 8:00 AM - 8:50 AM
~Anthropological is one of my new favorite words.
~My professor was forced to teach "extemporaneously" yesterday and thanks to debate I know what that means.
~"Don't trample each other, it's tacky." A quotation from my professor about evacuating.
~Lesson of today - be careful what you say in front of an anthropologist.

Chemistry - 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM
~Esoteric - another word I like the sound of.
~"I'm typically not such a tricky bastard on exams." One of the things I love about college is that teachers don't have to tip toe around the truth. This quotation is from prof. I believe it was in reference to Sig Figs.
~Contemplation--> Teachers must have incredibly strong shoulder muscles. All that erasing...
~Observation --> Chemistry professors/instructors seem to hate Sig Figs as much as students.

Math - 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM (Yes, you read that right. I have three classes in a row, MWRF. Tuesdays are my only exception when I don't have Chem. lecture and an added lab on Thursdays.)
~Extrapolate - an over used word in mathematics.

Other
~There is a guy I see frequently on campus "ducked" out in UO green and yellow. Every time I see him I happen to be wearing OSU orange. Why is that? I want to know his story.
~Apparently all the elevators in the Environmental Sciences Building get stuck from time to time. Yesterday on my way down this happened. I looked to the girls next to me, one looked equally concerned, the other looked at the two of us and said "oh don't worry all the elevators in this building get stuck." "You're kidding," I replied. "No, just give it a sec and it'll start again." Sure enough it did, but why isn't anyone worried about this?
~Spaghetti still remains the perfect meal after swimming.
~How many calories am I burning everyday between biking, hiking, walking,stressing, swimming, while schleping my backpack (excl. swimming)?
~To schlep is probably one of the coolest verbs in Webster's Dictionary.

More observations from yours truly

I like my TA's old haircut much better than her new one. (The class has me so engaged that this is what I think about.)

Today, a discussion turned debate about the best way to raise children, seemed a bit irrelevant when the class is an introduction to communication technology.

Further extending the metaphor about newspapers being like eating ice cream cones, constantly seeing phantom drips coming off my cone is like having newspaper dreams.

If the class understands what the informal logical fallacy of division is after two examples, the class probably still understands after example five. Stopping after example two would have been appreciated. (Not to mention a better use of class time.)

The newsroom fish, Woodstein, does not seem overly fond of the rubber ducky I put in his bowl.

Lesson Two

There's really no reason to be in a rush for dining center coffee.

Situation averted: another college skill

I knew there was going to be trouble.

The nicely dressed old man may have looked innocent enough, standing in the middle of the sidewalk, but I'm no longer a freshman. I saw the cardboard boxes at his feet, noticed the small green book in his hand. He was not out just to enjoy the sunshine.

I was on my way to get coffee and had no wish to be deterred. I put my head down, wore a stern look, and quickened my pace. But he would not be deterred either.

"Good morning," he said, as I walked by.

Torn between my annoyance and desire for coffee and distress at the thought of being rude to a nicely dressed old man, I said, "Good morning," but compromised by continuing to walk.

"Would you like a copy of the new testament today?"

"No, thank you," I replied over my shoulder.

Situation averted. I've learned much since I first arrived at college.

Problematic Prepositions

There are several phrases I use while typing that puzzle me. I am not a grammar expert, though I know my co-author and several AH readers are, so I have some questions.

"Into" VS "in to" - Should you use "in to" in certain cases or always use "into"?

"By" VS "from" - I was given your contact information by/from Christina Watts. Or does that sentence not work at all?

"So" - I realize so is an adverb not a preposition, but is it grammatically correct to use it at the beginning of say a blog post?

College Stress Update

Officially as of right now I only have 10 credits (2 classes). I couldn't get into the math class I need so I'm just going to show up tomorrow and do anything (almost) to get in. I also have to attend the biology class I dropped, just in case I can't get into the math class.

I also think I'm going to change my major, again. It's actually more of an alteration. I think I'm going to do the Bio/Anth BA instead of the BS. The BA is only 89 credits and the BS is ~105. I could still go to medical school if I wanted and I wouldn't have to take a full year of math this year. Only one term is needed. SWEET.

Right now I'm in the process of weighing my pros and cons for the BA vs the BS. Thoughts anyone?

I can't wait to get off this roller coaster, but that's life isn't. I should write a song.