The Polar Express

Ok, so generally children's books don't actually need reviewing, but this may be my favorite book of all time. The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg is primarily a Christmas story, but to me it is so much more. Van Allsburg is a two time winner of the Caldecott Medal (once for Jumanjii in 1982 and once for The Polar Express in 1985). To put into perspective how important this book is to me it was the basis of my college admissions essay. While I loved the book growing up for its Christmas theme and the idea that if you believed long enough you might just get to see Santa, it has, over the years become something much more. Belief is one of those funny things that is really had to hang onto. It sticks with you for a very long time, yet always seems to disappear when you need it most. At least for me. But, somehow the ringing of a bell always seems to bring back my belief in the good that happens in the world.

I think I really need that today. The events in Aurora, Colorado Friday morning have left me really shaken. Maybe I am associating it with Columbine (one of the first major tragedies that I remember) or maybe it is just not being home and with friends that I can turn to and talk about everything... all I know is that even just staring at the picture of the train in the snow has somehow left me comforted.

Where Have I Been?

Wow! It's been forever. There has been a lot of drama going on around here. I've been reading some really good books lately, though. I finished Eyes in the Mirror and am reading The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer. I'll hopefully get around to posting reviews of them. But for now I've got papers to write and stuff to do!

Boy Scouts Saturday

Dealing with 30 screaming boys after getting less than 4 hours of sleep? It is interesting to say the least. After 3 hours of memory games and basketball I was ready for lunch and a nap. An hour of sleep later (I really dislike sleeping when other people are awake, I've decided) I tried to get some homework done. Eventually I just decided on reading and fell asleep watching Holes on Disney Channel. Seriously, that movie is always on Disney. Too bad the nap made sure I wasn't able to fall asleep until about 1 Sunday morning. I can't say if me hermit-ing in my room and not talking to anyone until lunch on Sunday was sad and depressing or not. I think after the week I had it was exactly what I needed.

Fabulous Friday

Given my post about Thursday, it should be no surprise we just needed time to rant/chill on Friday. I just wanted to get out of class as soon as possible on Friday. MIS was a waste of my time because I had already done the lab we were working on. The only upside of this particular class was that I got 5 points extra credit for helping people with the work. Maybe. And I need it after that test grade. Senior Sem was less a waste of my time, at least. I mean, we spent half of the class ranting about security issues  on campus. (Ranting will be the theme of the day). Lunch, homework, and chilling. Then I hung out with my big and my twin for a while after dinner. We don't do that enough so it was interesting. Went up to S's with the twin, V, T, & A to relax. And talk. And hang out. Too bad we didn't get to sleep until 4 in the morning and had to be up at 8 for APhiO stuff... the life of a college student.

Now Remember to Put Your Weight Behind It

Monday, there is a reason I hate Mondays. I'm not exactly sure what it was that went wrong. My classes were both ok. Notes and a presentation in MIS and notes as well as discussion in Senior Seminar. We did get new chairs for Senior Sem. They are brightly colored, white, orange, and green, they roll, and the desks swivel (not enough to be truly "left-haneded" unfortunately).

But anyway,  I was all good until lunch and then asked one simple question. Just one, out of curiosity. Who gets twins if people said they would take littles if they needed? Does anyone. It's Thursday and at this point I either want to drop letters to escape it all or just curl up in a ball and ignore the world.

Already Over

This song is one of my favorite songs by Rie Sinclare. Who also happens to write the music for some of my General Hospital couples, including Jason and Sam. Who apparently were getting married. I wouldn't know. I have no time to watch at school. Thursday was especially fun. I was super busy. IDS was actually really interesting and not completely freezing! We're still talking about the Soviet rocket program and the beginning of the Cold War. For once International Management was interesting as well. We got to hear about some of the study abroad and internship resources here on campus. Which was great, but made me realize that I should really look into that soon. Crap. Real life sucks sometimes. Returning tutor meeting however was not so much fun. An hour of having to deal with people treating you kind of like idiots (well as specific someone, but I was trying not to be mean). Went up with V to S & SB afterward before letter making activity for APhiO. Stupid left-handedness I couldn't really do anything. At least I got fellowship credit! And homework. That was my night.

Who We Are

Lifehouse. Wednesday. MIS lab day. And we didn't do anything. Surprise. Even prep for the test on Friday. Go figure. Senior Sem was more notes, but my professor complimented me on being so detail oriented! I think that might also be code for annal retentive, but I'll take it. Tutored again for psych for the first time since finals week last year. It is amazing what I still remember after 2 years. More ice breakers tonight. Played the I'm Special game. I really dislike that game a lot. I actually don't like any games that we play at ice breakers. And I missed the Criminal Minds premiere. With AJ Cook tweeting live. I was really sad. But, I watched at 11 when I finally got back! It was amazing! I love this cast more than words. And Paget Brewster's Emily reciting the FBI oath at the end practically had me in tears! Soooo good and I'm so happy the team is back together!!!!!

Bleed Red

My favorite Ronnie Dunn song ever. I LOVE it. So much.

Friday. Yay! It was a no pressure day. Turned in my senior seminar paper and went to classes and didn't care about a thing. I probably should have though. I did spend like an hour looking for my camera charger, though. I can't find the dang thing. I am almost positive that I packed it to bring back to school. Pretty positive. And I can't find it anywhere. Or my change purse. Though that is slightly less important. I really want to do a thank you post for all of the books I've been lucky enough to receive. I am so excited to read all of them. They are a great stress relief and escape from the pressures of college. Hopefully I can find it soon. Other than that the night was spent at Gamers Guild, attempting my homework, and quality bonding time with the twin.

Fight Agains the Hours

Lena Martin, and  I actually think it is a rather fitting title to what Thursday was like. I felt like I was running everywhere and getting nowhere. I spent all morning trying to take notes and learn for International Business and feel like I didn't get anywhere! Went to IDS and talked more about rockets and STRUGGLED to stay awake during the documentary we were watching. It was just so dark and easy to fall asleep. Lunch was as crazy and hectic as ever. And the food isn't getting any better which really stinks. I'm really not into either eating pizza or grilled cheese ever day. International Management was a review day which meant that we got out early because no one wanted to ask questions. Fine by me. More time to work on my Senior Seminar paper which felt like it would never get done. Tutored after class and then went back to my room and never left. Just locked myself in. Upside, I finished my paper! The angels should have started singing. I'm about halfway through The Namesake again and I think I am more into it this time then when I read it the first time. Hopefully I can finish and review it soon!

Brave Face

Delta Goodrem is an Australian pop artist and singer-songwriter. I am kind of obsessed with her music (hence the title of the blog post). I needed once of those brave faces today. It was just a rough day. I just didn't want to get up. Probably stayed up too late reading (again). Went to MIS and had to present about Netflix (which, while not difficult, not easy when you want to curl up and sleep). Senior Seminar was spent talking about what should be in our papers which isn't making me any less nervous about getting it done by Friday. See, rush has been keeping me kind of busy. Tye-dye rush was interesting. At least I got to see both my big and my twin! And we got a huge rain storm with flashes of lightening that light up the entire sky. It was very pretty, but also very loud. Also working on reading more of the Von Braun biography and attempting to learn all the definitions for International Management. More Namesake and hopefully a better day ahead tomorrow!

Honey Bee

Blake Shelton this time. It rained again today. I'm getting quite tired of it, actually. Especially all this humidity, it's just gross. Two more classes today. Things really start to blend together after a while. IDS was interesting. We finally got into talking about Van Braun and the German rocket program. The Neufeld biography is actually pretty interesting. Some parts of it are really dry, probably because it is about science which isn't really my thing, but they aren't too bad and those sections don't really last long. I'm actually really interested in seeing what this guy is like when we meet him in November. International Management is still a strange class. At least I actually took notes today, along with writing some Castle fanfiction. It's really bad, but it was better than being bored out of my mind during class.

Castle Cast Photo Season 4

Milk and cookies rush. I really wish more people had actually shown up, but at least I got to know one girl a little better, which is good. Homework is always interesting these days. Working on the introduction for my lit review in senior seminar. Reading all these research journals really makes me miss my novels and escapist literature. Probably why I started reading The Namesake again. At least it's better than the 20 page journals that just give me a headache.

This Love Is Ours

Taylor Swift. If you wanted to know where that came from. It's on. Sue me. What to tell you about my Monday? It was actually relatively productive. Learned how to do a mail merge in MIS in word (which despite doing everything else in word I had never done before). Senior sem & freaking out about my outline which was due Friday. Good times. I've really got to learn to let go. 

Game night rush is always interesting. And there is always bound to be one giant game of Apples to Apples. Always. And you know what? I'm not even that big of a fan of the game. It has to be the right group of people or I just can't play. I think we had a grand total of like 5 potentials. I guess that's better than it has been. Oh well. Worked on my senior seminar introduction some more & talked to C. Always good to get to talk with the little sister. 

Good things about yesterday? I got 4 (two prizes) from my giveaway spree. The three books in the Unbound series and The Namesake. Very happy. More should be here soon. I hope. Short post for tonight. Mondays are never that interesting anyway.

Finally the Weekend- Friday & Saturday

Friday! And it wasn't raining! The two thoughts I had when I got up. Turned in my first Senior Seminar assignment (complete with nervous breakdown). MIS presentations still feel like a waste of my time, but at least it might be a grade booster. Let's hope. Senior Seminar always makes me laugh. Maybe its because it stresses me out so much, but I always find at least one thing that is absolutely hysterical. Hanging out with SB, S & J afterward helps too. Best part was we got to get off campus and actually go out and not eat dorm food! Albeit, its dinner food, but anything is better than dorm food at this point. First tutoring session (that was interesting) and gamers guild. I find that watching people play Killer Bunnies is actually much more interesting than actually playing. The sociologist in me likes watching people's reactions to things.

Saturday was ranting day. Not that it is a bad thing. Crafty/decorating trip with S to a bunch of different stores & lots of ranting is always entertaining. The one thing Saturday wasn't? Homework day... that may be a problem. Maybe.

It's Thursday and It is Still Raining

Thursday + rain = lack of motivation. Well, except to curl up with a good book. That's was what I wanted to do all day. Walked all the way to class only to find out it was canceled because all of the major roads were shut down due to flooding. What is it with flooding and us this year? And hurricanes and tropical storms in the Northeast? Second class wasn't canceled, but nothing particular ventured or gained in that class.

I spent most of the day trying to convince myself to do homework and looking at all of the flooding damage going on at home. As bad as it is here, I can get everywhere I need to go (admittedly not while I am dry, but I can get there). Both parents had road closures trying to get to and from work. And Hershey Park is under water! Granted, I am not Hershey Park's biggest fan, but it is amazing how much water there is. I hope everyone stays safe and doesn't do anything stupid in the water.

Wednesday Washout

It's raining as I type this (at 10:30 at night) and it has been raining ALL day. It rained yesterday too, and I am sick of it! The campus has legitimate rivers running through it and my sneakers are soaking wet.

New water feature on campus. Nice right? I haven't left my room since I got back at 2:30. I just couldn't even think about going out in rain tonight for dinner. Or rush. Not that I think a lot of people went. They've posted delays for a lot of the high schools around here & at home. Too bad I don't have class until 11 so it wouldn't affect me.

Speaking of class, not much to tell. Went to MIS. Took notes. Alura called me a bitch again before class (well she called karma a bitch, but in reference to me). It was loud. And hysterical. Went to senior sem. This outline makes me nervous. I have no idea if I am doing any of it right and it's due Friday morning. Oh well.

Giveaway updates: The Namesake & Unbound are in the mail! Won Samauri Zombie Hunters through librarything and an e-book of Children of Chance as well as In the Sea There are Crocodiles from A Bookish Affair. I'm a happy girl for that!

So Much I Never Said... About Pottermore

Tuesday I wasn't so happy to see you. Homework until 11 when I went to class. My IDS is actually very interesting, but the room is SO cold that I have trouble concentrating. We learned about rocket technology today. It was actually much more interesting than it sounded. Lunch was interesting. We had live music, which is great, except when you can't hear the person sitting next to you. International Management came next. I wish that was fun. We finished watching Gung Ho and I'm all for movies in class, but this one just seemed to drag on. And I feel like I haven't learned anything. We'll see how that goes. Maybe its why people say the class is so hard, because you have to teach yourself.

Now, the afternoon was MUCH better after I was done with classes. I won another e-book from Librarythings called Facing the Son, A Novel of Africa. And my last textbook for MIS. Which wasn't as cool, but at least I have it and don't have to worry. Also tonight? First APhiO Rush of the semester! We were watching Wall-E, but I was so distracted because I got my POTTERMORE LETTER. Ahh!!! I was so freaking psyched.

 

So, I rush downstairs (after telling my friend that I am no longer a Muggle) and log on. I anxiously race through the first few chapters to get to the sorting. And I am..... any guesses? 

Ravenclaw Welcome Banner

RAVENCLAW! So freaking excited! I knew that's what I HAD to be. It's nice to be right. I love all the graphics in Pottermore and the insights into J.K. Rowling's head, but the actual game itself leaves a little be desired. It doesn't seem as interactive as I thought it would be. Hopefully once the site fully opens in October it will have more content. Yet, I still can't wait for the rest of the books to open! Oh, and A thinks I'm a bitch because I got in. She screamed it at me actually. Good times.

Monday, Just Another Maic

I'm already really behind on blogging. And it was a holiday. Blame my college, the only one on the face of the planet to have class on Labor Day. Ok, not really, but still I would very much like to have off classes for things that aren't legitimate close-down-the-college-breaks.

Today all I really wanted to do was sleep in. Like passed my alarm not up until 8 (which is late for me) sleep in. My body knew it was a holiday. Went to MIS. Other than general "fun" with Mike not much happened. Surprise. Went to talk to my Senior Seminar professor and figured out a topic for my paper! I can't decided if I think that is good or bad. I mean, its good that I have a topic, but it also means that I am that much closer to having a topic for my honors thesis... and you know GRADUATING college. Can't quite say I am ready for that yet. Went to senior sem class next & talked more about said topic idea & various other senior things. LUNCH! That was how hungry I was by the time I got to lunch. Too bad the food sucks. I don't think I've brought up that particular rant yet, but we outsourced the dining hall and I think the food has actually gotten worse. It's the same food (supposedly) but it has way less flavor. Like its either spicy chicken or plain baked chicken all the time. No marinated chicken ever which is kind of annoying. And the switched to COKE products. Grr. I'm a Pepsi girl and always will be. Ok so done with the why college food sucks rant for now.

Back in my wonderful dorm room (more sarcasm) I did nothing except enter (tons of) giveaways and watch a little show I happen to be obsessed with called Criminal Minds.

 Criminal Minds Cast: Thomas Gibson (Aaron Hotchner, Team Leader), AJ Cook (Jennifer Jareau, Media Liason and possible profiler), Matthew Gray Gulber (Dr. Spencer Ried, profiler & genius), Joe Mantegna (David Rossi, senior profiler), Paget Brewster (Emily Prentiss, returned from the dead profiler), & Shemar Moore (Derek Morgan, profiler & mussel). Not pictured tech goddess Penelope Garcia (Kirsten Vangsness)

JJ, Reid, Morgan, Hotch, Rossi, Prentiss, Garcia

Catching Up- The Weekend

Weekend? Weekend? Where did you go? It always seems like the weekends fly by. Saturday morning consisted of sleeping in (I made it all the way to 9AM!), showers, and homework. Lunch with J. Homework. And more homework. Saturday night... now that's where things get interesting. And not like that. Spent the night with SB & later Jaz just talking and hanging out. Watch 3 episodes of Millionaire Matchmaker in a row and see how you feel about humanity. And then spend 3 hours in the campus center playing ERS and drinking coffee. Oy. haha. What can I say? It's what we do. Sunday. More homework. Lunch. Reading The Namesake and APhiO meeting/hanging out. And guess what? Then it's Monday again.

Catching Up- Friday

Oh glorious Friday! I was quite ready for you to come. Day 5 of classes and I was ready for it to be over as soon as I got up! MIS just seems like busy work to me still. Hopefully I will end up learning something. Senior Seminar makes me nervous every time I walk in. At least I did decently on the first quiz. After class & lunch I hung out with SB, J & E in someplace that shall not be named since I'm technically not allowed in there. We always have a great time. Maybe too good of a time, actually. Friday night = just chilling in my dorm room like a loser and doing homework and entering giveaways, obviously. 

I also found out that I was lucky enough to win the first three books in the Unbound series by Lori Devoti! And even cooler news is that they're signed. I'm quite happy. They ship soon and I can't wait to get them!

The Broken Clock is a Comfort

Ok, so the title has nothing to do with anything, except that I'm currently listening to Lifehouse. Today is day 4 of classes and I am already completely exhausted. I'm totally out of practice on the whole reading textbooks thing. Classes weren't so interesting today. Masters was freezing (of course) so I spent an hour and half shivering in my IDS class. We watched part of Gung Ho in International Management. So much for the theory that you aren't going to watch real movies in college...

I won a copy of The Namesake from one of my many giveaway entries. Of course. Because I just bought it. Not that I don't want it, but that always seems to happen to me. Maybe I  can sell it on Amazon or ebay or something and make a little bit of money. Poor broke college student. She needs more books, just not the ones she already owns