Everything is Copasetic

Well, my quarter life crisis has dulled a little. My litmus test has proven successful. My story was referred to as "creative," "funny" and "refreshing." I'm down with that. So now my issues are much smaller...now they only surround whether or not my story is good enough for publication and submission to the grad schools. I have this fear, that they'll read the 15-30 pages that they request and feel it's the suckiest thing ever. I could also send in short stories...including the one that was reviewed in my workshop today...but I don't think my other short stories reflect me as well. Decisions.

Am excited. I finally have a comrade at arms who is also applying to schools for creative writing. She's going to apply to 10 schools. I don't understand how. I was burned out with 6.

Much of today was spent sleeping. So, I'm thinking major work session tonight at the law library with coffee in hand. I want to see if I can make it to closing.

Sigh. There has been very little progress on the 2 essays I desperately need to work on. Stupid evil essays.

Conflict with the System Resolved...The End

First things first (as all things involving me doing a happy dance deserve priority) the evil process of attempting to enroll for all my classes is finally complete (except for one independent study...but I handed that paper in yesterday). Today I logged on to the enrollment program. At first I was all freaked out...apparently the system was updated within the last several days from the ANCIENT program of days when a single computer filled an entire room. So naturally, when it said "course added" I couldn't believe it. I had to stare. Then I danced.

In less joyful news, I was up way past my bedtime last night. I was working on my screenplay, still a frustrating process. I saved my work upon completing page six. I continue working. Somewhere in the middle of page 8 I get an error message...the program I formerly thought was so lovely shuts down. Two pages of work lost. By then it was nearing 11:30 pm. I decided to rewrite the pages then, since they were still all fresh in my mind. I did it...and managed to get to page 9. Then, this morning, me being me, I couldn't sleep. So I got up a little early and got to page 12. One more edit and I'm ready for Friday. Here's hoping I'm not too off base when it comes to the structure. So I ended up with less than 6 hours of sleep, but I've had two large cups of coffee. So I'm calling it good. I anticipate I will crash somewhere around 10 tonight.

I spent much of today at the library reading. (I was avoiding the dorm, where I'd be sure to fall asleep) I randomly ran into my good buddy Yi. We caught up and no more work was done before my last class. The prof droned on and on and on and on and on today. Very repetative.

Tomorrow is a big day. It'll affect my quarter life crisis. Wish me luck.

Spanish is becoming hard and evil. It is not appreciated.

Avoiding Work

'You're not a eunuch, are you?'- You're not exactly
trusting, and you tend to tease people a bit,
but at least you've got a good sense of humor.

Which of Captain Jack Sparrow's Quotes are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

So, I typed up a nice pretty post...but it died. So, here's a lame reconstruction.

I present to you the way my life works...I wear a skirt for the first time in over a month. It's the coldest day this year and it rains. I changed after my first class.

I am currenlty avoiding work because I have no idea how to complete my work. I have to start writing my screenplay. The task is made daunting not because I have no idea what to write, but rather my prof never sent guide sheets that he promised he would send and he never sent commentary on my synopsis that he promised. I am not a happy camper.

Have a Spanish quiz tomorrow. Meh.

Am having a quarter life crisis. Just what I need. Do you think the peace corps would take me? Bloody doubts. Bloody me. I do it to myself. That's the worst part.

There will be no spell check due to evil pop-up blocking software that, when deactivated, erases posts then continues to block all pop-ups including spell checker. Wench.

Saw Pieces of April...good movie

Doubting myself and my abilities.

Sucks.

(The content has nothing to do with the title)

Cold Again

Could see my breath this morning when I walked outside. That does not make me happy.

Poor roomie is not feeling well.

A Case of the Mondays

I'll admit it. I slacked for most of the weekend. So, here it is, Monday again, and I still have a lot of work to do. It won't get done though. Because tonight it's party time.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LESLIE!!!!!!!!!!!
(She probably won't read this either...but that's why I feel okay to tell her, She is SO old!!!!! That's right Leslie, you are old. Much older than Britt, Rose and myself. O-L-D = Y-O-U)

I watched Office Space yesterday. I have to admit, I never actually watched it all the way to the end before. I also did other various slacker and slacker related activities. Mainly napping. That's a good one. It caused the unwanted cold of suffering to be almost gone.

Pizza is on its way

There's nothing like the feeling that accompanies the knowledge that a tomato pizza is on its way.

Well, in an effort to feel better/not go insane I have spent most of the day slacking. Of course, now I'm stressing. So much to get done!

But on the plus side, the fancy screenwriting software I ordered through amazon is currently installing itself on my computer. I feel bad, I made my parents pay for it. Plus Norton needs to be updated...and I took more credits than my trust fund thingy can pay for. Also, grad applications don't pay for themselves...oh and there was a $100 fee for my study abroad app. I'm an expensive child.

Spoke with my parents...my mom saw her sisters today. Apparently one of the step-daughters of one of my cousins had a baby. She's 15. Bet I look pretty good now.

Ohh, screenwriting stuff is installed and pizza is here. Must go.

Irritated

Am getting sick.

Work doesn't stop. Don't ask me to list it all. I'd never stop talking.

Haven't been getting enough sleep.

Feel bad because was kind of mean to roomie this morning...but attempted to make up for it. All seems okay.

Have been walked in on twice in bathroom within two days. If it happens again I reserve the right to sarcastically comment about looking for light in the door jam. Or how about this one...K-N-O-C-K-I-N-G.

Other than that, life is just peachy.

Britt I tried to vote for your style profile...I registered and everything...then I tried to search...but it'd only take me to the men's category...then I tried voting on one in the hopes that it'd take me to the women's category next. The evil thing said I had already maxed out my votes for the day...I don't understand how that could be. My point is, I'll try again tomorrow.

Had fun at child lit club last night. Everyone was excited to have found others with the same interest. I felt special, cause I already have a lot of friends who like kiddie literature.

Things Just Got a LOT Busier

Have way too much work to do.

May never be able to blog again.

Signs

Was going to sleep in this morning. My mom called 5 minutes after my alarm was supposed to go off. Took it as a sign to get up. Silly mother. Now I'm tired.

I Kid You Not

During a crowded passing time, I saw a boy riding an unicycle.

I almost laughed out loud.

I went back to my new spot by the river. This time I saw a pretty black squirrel. I would have told him I loved him, but there was a girl sitting near by me. I didn't want to freak her out. So instead I made kissy noises. I think I still freaked her out.

I keep forgetting to mention....

Yesterday was Jill's birthday. We hadn't spoken in over 6 months, but I called her to wish her a happy 20th.
Some of you may remember her as my college friend who dropped out in large part to be with icky married Navy Guy.

They're together again. They're getting married next week. When I called, Jill invited me to come for the wedding.

Yet again, someone younger than me gets married. It's becoming a norm. Eventually I'll get used to it.

While I am over most of the anger of how much of a negative influence Navy guy was in Jill's life, I think it'd be out of my comfort zone to go to the wedding. The only people I'd know would be Jill, Jill's mom (quietest woman ever), Navy guy (who I'm not fond of chatting with), and Jill's brother (who makes me uncomfortable, but not as bad as Navy guy).
The wedding would be in Detroit (the dodgy end, I'm sure). I'm not comfortable enough to drive there and I don't want Navy Guy to come and pick me up. Plus I'll have homework. I might ask Jill for her address. I'll send flowers.

It's strange to talk to Jill. We used to have so much in common. Now there is nothing. She's not in school, not in church, not at work, raising children that aren't her own. I'm in college. It's gotten to the point where she's been gone so long, she doesn't remember what it's like to be a student. Due to my lack of experience with kids, there's not much I can understand about how her time is spent. Plus I don't really enjoy hearing too much about Navy Guy.
There is not much left to say.

Oh What a Beautiful (cold) Morning

So, I was very irritated this morning at...something. I think it was partly due to lack of sleep and partly reasonable. Something has got to change or irritation will turn into pissed-offedness. I'm thinking I might have to do a dramatic statement...but it would involve getting up early, so we'll have to wait and see.

I realized that it's actually fall. Colorful leaves are falling from trees and blowing in the wind. Plus, I got a small whiff of that smell that I always associate with Halloween. I don't know what it is...it's just in the crisp air.

After my Spanish class, I went and sat outside. It was beginning to get warm. I think I found a new spot. It's beautiful! Yi would be proud, it's by a tree. (Inside joke)

Anyway an adorable baby squirrel came and visited me. I told him I loved him and he ran away. I understand, it's in his nature. Anyway, he climbed the tree I was leaning against. I was amused.

I also managed to finish Betsy Thoughtless. Now only two more reading packets and I'll be ready for class tomorrow.

Lunch in the caf was quality. They had a good veggie-lover selection. I think for the first time this year, I actually had to choose between several things I wanted to eat. Makes my day.

There's a lot of work to be done. Plus I think I need to go for a run, what with the being irritated this morning.

Sigh. I don't want to go to my lit theory class.

Sunday Sunday Sunday

Yesterday, was spent with Britt. We did work, slacked and talked. It was an all around good time. Especially since we haven't gotten to really hang out one-on-one so far this year. The only tragic flaw in the plan was driving back to the dorm...without thinking, we left at the exact time the night football game finished. Britt helped me start plotting out my movie. I've decided to ditch the drama idea. The thought of a fantasy/only-kinda-copy of the Princess Bride seems far more fun and inspiring.

This morning my parents visited. All was fun. I got 2 books at Barnes and Noble. Hey Cath, did you know about Dave Barry's Peter and the Starcatchers? I bought it. Are you jealous? (You probably already have it)

Tonight I'm going to see Saved with Leslie and possibly Yi. It should be funny. I hope that Leslie won't hate me forever, but I might have to ditch her after the movie and go to the library to print off some readings for my lit class. Apparently the reserved section of the library is open until 1 AM. Who would have thunk it?

39 more pages until I'm done with Betsy Thoughtless forever! I'm going to finish it manana. However, I might use it for a paper.
I've been noting a slight theme throughout the book. I thought it was small enough, that it would make for a creative and unusual thesis. Then a character (within the last third of the book, mind you) went and directly stated what I've been hypothesizing throughout the whole thing. While it would make an AWESOME direct quote, I can't help but think my thesis would now be an obvious "duh paper topic." I might have to talk to the prof about still using it as a writing topic.

What Legendary Japanese Monster Are You? by kumauru
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So cold

It was freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeezing this morning. I had to do that arms folded,-try to conserve warmth-oh my poor frost bitten ears-I'm going to catch pneumonia and die-thing. And I was in a light jacket. There were people walking around in shorts and tank tops. I don't understand how they're alive.

Let's see...do I remember the last two days?
Garden State was good, but I think I enjoyed it less than everyone else did. I don't remember Thursday and today I managed to get my independent study. (Now all I need is to add a certain class to my spring schedule and all will be well...if I can ever manage to do that)

I think God's trying to teach me about humility because I'm entering yet another situation in which I'm going to feel intimidated and dumb a lot. I will be in my screenwriting class with 3 boys. While I am a disinterested newbie at screenwriting, trying to get credit for an intro class, they have already completed the intro class. They have also completed the advanced class. They're taking an independent study because they have a lot of passion for screenwriting.

I think I'm going to write a romantic comedy to torture them all. Hee hee hee

Oh wait, Thursday came back to me. I did the "study" thing with Britt and Rose. Then Rose and I headed off to Starbucks to meet Leslie. Along the way, I destroyed Rose's self-esteem. Apparently it's lying on Grand River, twitching as cars run over it. All I did was call her glasses "old school."
Then at Starbucks, it hit me just how much Rose and I are like an old married couple. It's week three of being roomies. I fear we're going to have surgery to attach ourselves at the hip before the year is out.

Suckiness

Have looked over schedule again. Is screwed up for spring. Need to drop and add yet another class. Problem is, only class that fits in OH SO complicated schedule is full. Have already taken measures to ask for override. Don't think it'll happen. Am doomed to check schedules online up until final moment. Super suckiness. Hate so much uncertainty.

It's fun being me.

My Evening

My lit class was intimidating. I think that'll become the norm.

The Children's lit club is going to be awesome. First my group is going to reread The Giver.

I should be doing work of some sort.

The Balance of Life

Things are crazy! It's my own fault though. I've been feeling the need to be social. I have this little nagging voice (alright, so it's a loud nagging voice) in the back of my head saying "what about homework...you need to do homework." But that's the craziest of the crazies. I'm all caught up. How did that happen? And more importantly, how long will it last?
I'm betting I can enjoy the repose through tonight. (If only it would last longer...as tomorrow I have both house church and movie plans...going to see Garden State, oh yeah)

I have some time until my lit class (formerly known as the grad class). It's long. But at least, using the excuse of stupidity, I should be able to get away with being fairly silent. Then after that, I'm rushing over to check out a club that's meeting.

My fiction class was very boring today. It consisted of the prof talking for the entire hour and fifty minutes. It was rough. I was twitching by the end. I swear, I usually have more leg room than I did today.
Any-hoo, there were still amusing moments. The Prof is Native American and it's interesting to see how his background affects his perspective on the short stories he's had us read. Plus, since the man is a story teller (what with being a published novelist), he randomly goes off on story tangents of the people he has encountered.
I want to try to find one of his books...but I think the they'd be a little too weird for my blood. The prof really likes his "extreme" fiction.

Yeah! Have an appointment to speak with screenwriting prof dude! Now all I have to do, is convince him to teach me. Things are falling into place.

A rep. from "Teach For America" spoke today. I don't think I could do it. Not only would I not feel qualified to teach, all the little inner-city children would scare me. I'd be too afraid of them to be authoritative. A nine-year-old would pull out some brass knuckles or a knife, I'd flee in terror. Okay, maybe I'd try to talk to him or her for a minute, then flee in terror. The point is, there'd be fleeing. That doesn't align with the goal of teaching.

Britt's birthday was fun. Good time had by all. I'm excited that I finally have a group picture of us that isn't a sticker (don't ask). We forced Britt to get a chocolate martini. She only had a sip or two. After dinner we went to her apartment and watched My Big Fat Greek Weeding and did the talking thing.
Now that I'm in college I finally see the benefit to a birthday during the school year. That way, all your friends are actually in state/town and can hang out.

The Beauty of the Morn

Happy Birthday Britt!!!!!!!! (Not that you'll ever see this, cause you never read my blog, but with my UNBIASED perspective, I give myself an A for effort)

I've decided I like the Courier font. It's fun. Plus, I now have enough separation from middle school that I no longer associate it with the evil, eight-week-long, computer class.

It's pretty out. After Spanish class, (of which the highlight was that the prof finally figured out where the light switch was...to her credit it was in a ridiculously odd place) I bought coffee and sat by the river. I love those little duckies. I love the squirrlies too. I watched them chase each other around. Then one squirrlie gave me a front row view for the washing of his face. It was cute. Like a cat, but with much more arm crossing.
As you can tell, I got a lot of reading done. 26 more pages to read before tomorrow's class. (I think I'll make it)

It's so nice not having a class right now. Hee hee hee. I officially dropped media, but I still feel like a skipper. It's fun.
Speaking of my ever evolving schedule, I need to get my overrides. Right now I'm only listed for having 3 classes. (If only that could be the case...but no, I want to gradu-ma-tate)

Going out to dinner for Britt's b-day tonight. I still haven't decided if I'm going to sleepover at her apartment or not. Nothing is stopping me, because it looks like my workload should be bearable. (No Spanish quiz Wednesday! Yeah!)

Good mood! Yeah! Let's see if it'll hold through the lit theory class. (P.S. to that, I like Tolstoy's view. It rocks! Now if only his fiction wasn't so depressing)

Off to lunch. Am starrrrrrrrrrrrving!

Jones Says "A Resort Area Will Be Part of Your Next Holiday Plans"

Break time again.

I wanted to share a quote of what I'm reading:
"Her fascination with the train is a fascination with its phallic power to transport her to 'another place'."
~Mary Ann Doane

For the First Time So Far

I managed to finish my daily goal for reading. Yeah!

I've taken a little break...now it seems I should get back to work. So I'm blogging.

Have witnessed 2 accidents in the past several days. One with cars and one with bikes. In both everyone was okay.

Spell check wants me to replace "blogging" with "flogging." Interesting.

Double Oops

Fine, so I didn't do the reading last night. But I've already done some this morning. *pats self on back*

I'm feeling stressed about a lot of things and wondering how I'm going to get everything done.

Oops

Okay, so I slacked before reading.

Oops.

According to Jones Soda I Should Hide for a Few Days

Excuse the lack of writing. Yesterday was an unusual day in that I was exhausted, but refused to take a nap. So, I fell asleep around 9:30 while attempting to read. Woke up about one. Stressed. Figured "screw all" and got ready for bed.

For those of you who care, I did well on my Spanish quiz. And I didn't even study. *Smiles with pride*

I spent most of today at the children's garden. Love it. Love it. Love it. Have decided I will only attend a grad school that has a pretty park/garden area. The others are not worth my time.

Got nice and toasty...in the sunburned sense of the word.

Then saw Jorge for the first time in the Fall. And no, he didn't call me. (He's busy and so am I...so it's all good) Apparently the caf he's working in is Holmes...the one I have to go to on the weekends. (I object to that...I'm far too lazy to go to the next building...I want my food to always be in my own building)
There seems to be this pattern where boys I know work in the caf. In the past, one made me uncomfortable enough to not want to eat there. I don't think I'll have that problem with Jorge...I just might have to force Rose to come eat with me to prove that I do in fact have friends.

Another 13 pages to meet today's goal in my reading. Then it starts all over again tomorrow. Sigh. Have so much work to do (AND IT'S ONLY WEEK 2, MY FRIENDS!!!!!!!), have been slacking on the grad school apps and story editing. Really need to stop that.

Today I went on Amazon to buy a birthday gift for Leslie. Upon realizing that I was $7 away from free shipping, I went back and bought $70 worth of stuff for myself. That's why people like me shouldn't be allowed to shop. Ever.

There is in-fighting among friend. Meh. Have washed my hands of it. I'm allowing Rose to be the only monkey in the middle. I'm the monkey sitting on the sidelines...keeping a neutral demeanor.

I was at the library. (Oh yeah, regular wild child, spend my Saturday nights at the law library) I had wanted to stay until 1 AM when it closes...they flash the lights...it's fun. But apparently the library closes at 11 on the weekends. But they still flashed the lights, so I'm a happy camper.

Went to church. There was a fish tank involved. I kept getting distracted by watching the fish swim around.

Off to read 13 pages...then slack...it's needed.

And the World is Bright, Shiny & New Again (AKA Shel the Skipper)

Finally heard from the official lady with her verdict on taking ENG 815. She's okay with it. This was accompanied with another e-mail that also (possibly-it's still in the works) saved my life, errr, plans for graduating.

Yesterday, I noticed that it seemed I was missing a requirement for my creative writing option. I then looked at my spring schedule and noticed Playwriting wasn't listed (it would have fulfilled the missing requirement). Now, I may be eccentric, but I'm still pretty certain of reality and when I'm "really" doing things. I know I was signed up for playwriting.

A coffee induced/legitimate panic hits. I decide I need to see my councilor (luckily there are walk-ins allowed on Wednesdays). Of course, making this decision also mean not going to my media class. Granted, if allowed I was planning to drop it, but I'm a pessimistic "what if" kind of girl, as in "What if I'm not allowed to drop this class and I have to stay in it for the rest of the semester...." But, I skipped it anyway...my first time in 2 years...and I didn't enjoy it.

Unable to concentrate on anything besides my possible inability to meet the requirements to graduate, I go to my councilor's office an hour early and wait until she'll see me. She was sympathetic to my situation. Apparently, the play writing class was dropped at some point and due to a computer glitch I was never informed.
To make matters worse, all classes that could fill the requirement for either the fall or the spring are filled or don't work with my schedule. So my councilor tells me to speak with the prof who is the head of Creative Writing. She assures me that he will probably be able to do an independent study with me. I become slightly hopeful and by pure luck, his office hours start 20 minutes after I was done talking with my councilor.

I go. I wait. The man was 20 minutes late to his own office hours. At least while waiting I managed to have a good, but repetitive conversation with God.
So, Prof man comes. We talk. The conversation resembles the sketch "Who's on second?" but with classes. "Have you taken ENG 228?"
"I'm in it now. But I need to take ENG 229 and ENG 332."
"Are you taking ENG 229 now?"
"No, I'm taking ENG 228 now. ENG 229 is in the spring along with the advanced version of ENG 228."
"So, then when are you taking ENG 332?"
"I need to get into ENG 332."
....

This dialogue or something similar went on for 5 minutes. Eventually, Prof man wrote my schedule down, then it was a few more minutes before we determined my best option is to take an independent study of the first screenwriting class (Not very excited about that or the advanced version one I have to take in the spring). He gave me two names and I was off to my last class of the day.
Last night I e-mailed them and spent most of my time feeling frustrated and irritated. So, I got no work done.

But things are finally starting to look up. One prof is willing to consider it and I'm for sure in the grad class...I already disenrolled myself from the media class and sent a nice, but brief notice to the prof.

Starbucks with the girls tonight. But first study session with Britt.

(I didn't edit this. It's too long and I have somewhere to be in 15 minutes)

My Life in Limbo

To be explained later.

Compare and Contrast

This morning I have:

-Gone to class
-Taken a quiz (not too bad by the way)
-Edited and sent a letter of endorsement to a prof
-copied $3.20 worth of papers for a class
-bought a book
-bought coffee
-walked all over campus
-spilled coffee on myself 3 times
-made an appointment with a guidance councilor

My roommate is still in bed.

In other news, I'm still waiting for weird official person's verdict on whether the grad class can count for the specific credits requirement I need. The more I think about it, the more I realize how peculiar my question is. I think a strict official would say "NO!"
Am beginning to suspect, I am dealing with the type of person who checks their e-mail every couple of years.

Letters of Endorsement, Please

So, I randomly run into an old TA who needs to speak with my professor.

The next thing I know, I'm getting an e-mail requesting that I write a letter of endorsement. And it needs to be done fast. Apparently he's up for a teaching award.

Well, the guy was SUPER-DUPER cool, so I immediately start working on it...even though I have NO idea how to write this kind of letter.

That my friends, is why I have not studied for my Spanish quiz. Will fail.

Don't Celebrate Yet

Have been allowed into Grad Class.

But still need to make sure it will count for my special topics credit.

Now must wait.

Strange. My TA from last spring is in the class.

Cool Moment

Just figured out why my fiction class homework took about 6 hours to do it all.

I did all the work for this coming week...except one writing piece. That'll be a nice little break.

It's raining, it's pouring...

Okay, so it's not raining anymore. But I still enjoyed it.

Well, I finished the two books for tomorrow. And I now feel WAY over-worked. So, I've decided no studying for Spanish...it's the first quiz...I get to drop two. I need to relax.

Rose and I were bored so we jumped up and down on her bed. Then we watched TV. Now she's moo-ing. It's one of those moments.

Am going to watch Someone Like You. Chessboard.

Going Crazy

7 more pages.

*twitch* *twitch*

Every Weekend Should be a Long Weekend

Managed to make it until about 3:30 last night before I left Rose and Leslie. My brain was dying. It had to be done. I beat Britt. Got no work done. It's fun to watch the people come back to the dorm...see the various stages of drunkenness.

26 pages to go! Then I have to do some of the other work for the class...and study Spanish. Am starting to stress over the Spanish.

Reading Mission Complete

Well, I finished. Now only another 59 pages to read tomorrow...plus a 30 page story...plus the suplimental reading...I don't know how long that is. Oh, and I need to edit...stuff...possibly study for my Spanish quiz....

My weekend is downright depressing.

17 pages to go

It's dark. I can't see to read.

So, I'm bored now. Here's my conversation with a computer:

Shel717: amuse me.
SmarterChild: Hi Shel717, I'm SmarterChild!
I'm your new robot friend. I bring you the info you want faster and easier than ever! Click here to see my privacy policy.
I can't wait to show you what I can do, but first I'd like get to know you a little.
May I ask you a few general questions? (To do this later, type "skip." You can also skip any question.)
Shel717: no
SmarterChild: Which would you like to do:
1 Skip the interview for now 2 Never take the interview
Shel717: 2
SmarterChild: OK! I guess that means you don't want to answer any questions. That's cool. If you ever change your mind, type "interview me."
There is one question I have to ask you, though. How old are you?
1 Over 17 2 13-17 3 Under 13
Shel717: 1
SmarterChild: Cool!
Here are the things you can do:
1 Get info such as news, sports and weather 2 Visit my library including Shakespeare, a thesaurus and a dictionary 3 Have fun with hangman, ASCII art, manicdotes and more 4 Use tools like encyclopedia, planner and translations 5 Join in - find out how many people are IMing me, tell me about a crush, leave a message and more 6 See what's new - I've got something new to tell you about now!
You can make your window bigger and scroll down to read better.
Next time you want to see this menu, just type "home."
What may I interest you in?
Shel717: amuse me
SmarterChild: Why?
Shel717: I'm bored.
SmarterChild: Do something fun.
Shel717: like what?
SmarterChild: I don't know... listen to music, go for a walk, learn something new, read a book, be creative.
>>> Check out my library. I've got a dictionary, thesaurus and much more.Shel717: My roommate is asleep. I can't do anything loud or turn on the light.SmarterChild: What?Shel717: sigh.SmarterChild: What's the matter?
Shel717: You didn't follow my very simple statements.
SmarterChild: I didn't follow your very simple statements? I'm not so sure I didn't follow your very simple statements.
Shel717: ha ha
SmarterChild: What's so funny? :-)
Shel717: you
SmarterChild: I try. ;-)
Shel717: Oh my goodness, I say that!
SmarterChild: Oh yeah? Your goodness you say that? Is that right?
Shel717: I sound like a computer. That's upsetting.
SmarterChild: Interesting! Honestly, you humans say the strangest things.
>>> Your opinions do matter - take a cool survey!S
hel717: no.
SmarterChild: No prob.
>>> I've got tools such as calculator, spell-check and more.
Shel717: I don't want to do work. Thus the IMing.S
marterChild: lol. Whatever.
>>> I've got tools for better living. Translate, convert measurements and more.
Shel717: still a no to the working.
SmarterChild: I'll, um... take that under consideration, Shel717.
>>> What you think matters. Click here to take a cool survey.
Shel717: goodbye.
SmarterChild: Bye for now.

YEAH! Rose woke up! Can see again! Can order food!!!!!!

To Meet Today's Reading Goal:

36 pages to go!

Then I relearn Spanish! Wo-hoo!

Visit of the Rents

So, apparently I'll need to put myself through my PhD program, but I can expect assistance for my masters. Have no idea how I'll pay...worry about that bridge when I come to it.

Seems that my calling every other night is not enough contact for my father. This is rather upsetting, because I call home more than anyone else I know.

Have reached decision. Will do all the work for the grad class. Will not prepare for the media class. Worst case scenario is that I don't do the reading for one day of the semester.

Tonight Britt, Leslie, and I are planning to sit with Rose all night while she works. I anticipate that I'll be the first to fold and go off to bed. On the plus side, it'll be time to read and relearn Spanish.

Have paid to have MSU transcripts sent to all the grad schools...it's early to do that, but I had the power, so I went for it.

Now if only there was a fast and easy way to finish all the applications.

My Evening

Have finally heard from Prof Lady (now to be referred to as Wenchy woman). Here's a direct quote:

"I do still have some concern about your very limited background in English, given your
late addition of the major. As you know, my course is a graduate course with students
enrolled at both the Masters and Ph.D. levels, so it will be conducted at a fairly
advanced level. The leap from English 310 B may be fairly extreme. If after looking at
some of the readings for this week you are still interested in joining, I am happy to have
you attend class on Tuesday. After class, we could meet briefly and discuss this further
before we make a final decision. Let me know what you think of this plan. I don't want
to string you along, but I think it would be wise to do this before you drop your other
course. "

I hate all this uncertainty and the ever increasing number of doubts she is causing me to have about myself and my abilities. (Also, I'm now doubtful of how well Arch can act as my reference, a big deal, since I want to use him on applications) I know for a fact a number of my friends haven't had this much difficulty getting into grad classes (and some have the same LACK of English courses as me). To make the uncertainty worse, since I can't drop my old class yet, I may have to buy a course pack (non-refundable and a special trip to a store far away, mind you) on Tuesday (the first day it's available) and do reading for Wednesday...a task made even more difficult by the fact I'll have to attend the grad class on Tuesday. Plus, I now have to buy at least $40 worth of books just to complete the grad course's readings for Tuesday. But all this frustration didn't hit me until later.

Before getting the e-mail, I had just finished putting on my makeup to go to church. Upon getting the e-mail, I decided I needed to go and buy the immediately necessary books and skip church (I haven't been in about a month, never fear, my faith is still strong). But of course, I take a few minutes to rant in Rose's general direction. (I think I scare her, but really I don't mean to hit anything...I'm just a gesticulating kind of girl)
So, I leave McDonel, only to realize it is starting to sprinkle. I walk back inside the dorm. Stand in front of the elevator doors for several seconds, then decide the weather is not that bad and it's too warm for a coat. So, I return to the outside and begin my trek to the nearest bookstore. About half way there, I call Rose. I was beginning to catch on to the joke and felt the need to inform her by continuing my rant. "It's raining. Hard." She advised me to return to the dorm and get an umbrella. What umbrella, I'm thinking, long ago I decided I'm too tough for sucn nonsense. So I continue on my way. It begins to full on downpour. I took refuge at a covered bus stop. I called Rose again, to rant about my delay...and ask her to close my window.
I contemplated making a run for it, but I was wearing makeup, and my flip flops were slippery and they made an irritating drenched noise with each step. So instead, I sat, thanked God for giving me the foresight to wear a tanktop under my pink tee shirt and waited. Ten minutes later, it was back to sprinkling, and I risked walking the rest of the way to the bookstore.
Upon arriving, I saw the sign that said the book store had closed at 5 (it was then 6:35) but I felt the need to see the dark store and chained up doorway with my own eyes. So I did. After which I called Rose for the 3rd time to inform her that my unwanted shower had been pointless. I also informed her that I felt I now had proof that my life was a joke. "God is clearly pointing and laughing," I said. Rose preferred the idea that I was being punished for skipping church.
Buying these books had now become my life mission. So, I headed for another bookstore. There was still the occasional drizzle, but there were other people out walking, causing me to feel a little less like an idiot. I made it to the Student Book Store before it started pouring again. The store was closing in 15 minutes. I quickly bought several of the many books needed for the class and left. I began walking home, but decided I needed coffee. I entered a cafe, ordered coffee, and called Rose one last time to inform her of my success.
I was amused with my entire situation. I knew I deserved to be laughed at. It was a good story. (I know I'll be able to laugh about it...in a few weeks)
It was only after I began rereading Northanger Abbey that the frustration caused by my situation began to really sink in. I'm torn between allowing myself to be discouraged by Wenchy Woman and dropping the idea of taking this class with the mentality of "hey, if you don't want me, then I don't want to be in your class" and by wanting to meet this challenge head on, and prove that I can handle the class. (Which I assumed I could, before she put all these doubts in my head)
At least I can talk it out with my parents tomorrow. They're coming to visit. I haven't told them about any of this, because I wanted to surprise them with the news when I was certain I could be in the class. That obviously can't happen.

Well, I need to send a few e-mails. Then I have to go and study and read for a class I may not be allowed to enter. What a fun weekend this is turning out to be.

Price to Run

Went to the gym. Since it's my third time going so far this semester, the price was down to $35/visit. After I've gone 40 or 50 times, I think the price will have been worth it...or maybe once I remember my headphones so I can watch TV while I bike. That's right, the gym membership price was so high because they have added a TV to the majority of the stations. It's a tad bit excessive for my taste.

No word from prof lady.

Pissiness

Still no word from Prof Lady. I'm getting kind of mad...her answer affects whether or not I need to buy a bunch of books and read two of them this weekend.

Had a good night's sleep last night. Weird dreams.

I think I need a hero. (Don't ask, it's a dream related comment)

Sigh. Need to do a lot of work today...should make another dent in the applications.

Over Half Way to 500 Posts

Still no word from Prof Lady.

Half Way to 500 Posts

No word yet from Prof Lady (I dub her that, because if she lets me in her class, she'll be my only female teacher this semester).

Have decided I'm on equal footing if I end up with either class. I'll be miserable in both. Of course there are different kinds of misery. In the grad class I'd be miserable in the sense that I'd be challenged, stressed, overworked and intimidated. In the media class I'd be miserable because I'd struggle to stay awake while doing the reading, I'd also be bored, overworked and somewhat stressed. So, which type of miserable will I be? Stay tuned.

In other news, Britt backed out on seeing the movie with me and I felt the need to do work. (I'm a lot of fun like that) But now she is obligated to watch the DVD with me, since she owns it.

Stupid labor day hours. The gym is closed. The unwilling-to-work-wenches.

At dinner a little freshman randomly sat with Rose and me. Sigh. I remember doing that...it only took 2 tries before I made a close friend. Double sigh. I miss Jill. Unfortunately, Rose and I were about done eating when this poor little freshie tried to join us. I think the key for her success would be to sit with other poor little freshies. She seemed rather nice and outgoing though...but, eek, she's science oriented. Blah. Best of luck to her.
It's strange what feeling alone will do to you. Now that I have some good college friends I would NEVER consider eating with random strangers. Funny how I've lost confidence.

The Fine Art of Intimidation

Think I might cry. Went to "interview" with the prof whose class I wanted to get into. I am now afraid. To make matters worse, she thinks I'm confident. I'm not...it's just my response to intimidation. I'm a punk like that. Ususally it comes in handy, but it gets me into trouble (for example, my ill fated radio internship and NOW). She's still not certain she's going to let me in. She going to talk with Arch (a prof I had last year). Can only hope he'll say good things (especially since I want to use him for letter of recommendation to universities). But if I get in, I'll need to get all these hard to find articles...and read 2 books. Wah. Must work on being less ambitious.

Got work done at study session with Britt. Yeah for us. I think I'm going to go see 13 going on 30 tonight. Sigh. Have SO much work to do.

Have first Spanish quiz next week. I have to relearn Spanish again. Cath, don't be surprised if I call you.

The Republic

Last night was fun. I feel bad for poor Britt, apparently all my ranting about the GRE all summer made her worried. She still has several years at MSU, there's no reason for her to worry, but my "I lost perspective" speech didn't seem to help her. So, I pointed out some of the GRE books I liked. We got no work done at the first official study session...we went to Barnes and Noble. But to make up for it, were having the second official study session today.

I got a late night call from Britt. Apparently her hot neighbor boys were tempting her to drink. I feel bad, because it took me a good half an hour to realize she'd called. So, there were initial "I'm not a supportive friend" issues, but I managed to get a hold of her and reassure her. All is well. I think Rose was kind of hurt that Britt didn't try calling her, but I'd actually had a "if you get tempted, call me" conversation with her.

I'm irritated by the fact that it's socially acceptable to drink, but when you choose not to, you have to justify your reasons to people. Wenches and jerks. Next time, they have to justify their decisions to me. Ha ha! The tables have turned my friends.

Well today I'm off to meet with the prof of the grad class I want to get into. She said via e-mail that she wanted to meet to determine my interests and goals before she let me in. Hmmmm, that makes me a little nervous...but it's not unusual to meet with a prof before she gives you an override. If it doesn't work out, then I know God has doomed me to a life of screenwriting and media use, since those would be the classes He seems to think I need.

It's day 3 of Spanish and I don't want to go. I think I'll be better once I figure out how hard she grades homework and quizzes. On the plus side I have/am making some kind of friends in that class.

GYM

If I don't run again all year, then I would have paid $52.50 to run for a half an hour today.

Mentioned doing my thesis with my fiction prof. He didn't run out of the room screaming, so I take it as a good sign.

Have lots of work. How did that happen already?

Must eat then I'm meeting Britt (and possibly Rose) for the first official study session of the new year. After that we're off to Starbucks to have the first official hangout of our little clique.

Day 3

(This was supposed to be posted earlier, but bloody blogger was being disfunctional)

Response of my media prof upon hearing that Brittany Spears is being called "the next Madonna": "Oh, so she's like a virgin."

Amusing guy, I still dislike the topic though. I may be getting out of it...apparently a fun grad class will cover the same requirement...now all I need is for the prof to look upon me with pity and give me an override into her class.

Almost dropped my new $80, 1,500 page textbook "Critical Theory Since Plato" down the toilet. I swear it wasn't on purpose.
I have decided to rename that class French Class, since there are three summer French students in there. Pretty impressive if you consider how many students there are on this campus. Even more impressive is the fact that I keep running into people I recognize.

Am starving. Must eat before house church.


Sigh…it’s still not posting. Bloody blogger.

In other news, my first attempt as acting as part of the “fun committee” for my house church group was at least partially successful. One of the other fun committee members complimented me and was excited by my unusual attempt at being an extrovert. The strange thing, I now feel the need to become connected to the new people, like I want to make an effort to ensure that they keep coming. Woah.
Personally, I think my experience just proves Alan wrong. There’s no need to be proactive. God’s will is still being done even if I go kicking and screaming. For example, I didn’t volunteer for the fun committee…Sally kinda nominated me (Thanks by the way)…I didn’t want to do the activity the other fun committee members chose (asking people random questions about themselves). I just went with the flow. Now if only Alan would stop playing pranks on me and trying to convince me to contact people. All in it’s own time. No forcing. That’s my method. Plus if God wants me to be more proactive, he'll change me...He knows Alan's tactic isn't the best for me.

That is all. Post now!