Starting Over

Its over. Well, its been over, but now I'm finally looking forward instead of merely thanking the heavens that my "bad" semester had ended.

I know everyone has a bad one, and I know that life could certainly be worse, but I am just so happy to move on and enjoy the rest of my undergrad experience. This past semester was just.. not fun. I felt like I was constantly buried in my schoolwork with little to no time for leisure, and I almost ALWAYS had that nervous tummy feeling. Sure, I had built in ONE weekend where I could forget homework almost entirely to spend time with friends [hooray for Halloween in Madison!], but I was often fairly miserable.

It got to the point where my roommates began referring to me as the "roaming gnome" because they were never quite sure if I was in my room buried in books, passed out with the history channel on, at work schlepping shampoo for rent money, in class, or at Zumba taking a brief break. Because, well.. this was basically all that I did. I would come through the front door to, "We thought you were in your room this whole time!" or I would emerge from my room after a rousing paper-writing-marathon to, "You're not at work? You mean.. you've been in there this whole time?!" Clearly, my social relationships have suffered.

But now that the particular class from hell has been passed (with the lowest grade I've ever received in my life, ugh), I am ready to turn over a new leaf academically, and I resolve to spend more time with my friends, and less time worrying about.. everything.

Now that I have made my "new lease on life" proclamation, I will finally post a picture from Halloween, and promise to elaborate on my gloriously uneventful break in the coming days.

Apple Pie in the Sky

Today was a strange day. Someone actually said to me, "you look like you didn't sleep at all last night." Trust me, it felt like it.

I really hope I'm not getting sick; I can't afford to be sick until about 2012 or something. So please health, stay with me.

I don't know what it is lately, but I feel like I'm not having any fun, just working all the time, yet accomplishing very little. I do not like this. The only remedy I've come up with is to cash in my savings for Jimmy John's gift cards and time machines. Don't worry, I'm working on it.



In other news, I will be wearing a monster costume and hugging a giant banana in a week and a half.

LOP, Yeah, You Know.

After a wasted day, I have been having an extremely productive morning.

However, I feel as though I've hit a wall. APA papers, why are you so time consuming and monotonous?

Oh My Ford!

I'm not allowed to shop online anymore. At least for a while. Its too easy, and I can't afford it.

This week I have several packages coming.

Two pairs of boots:


A fall jacket (in brown):


A sweatsuit (for Halloween, but still):
And just a few short weeks ago, a mini laptop:


All beautiful specimens, but.. I need to take a break. ..After I order Windows 7..

Right at Head Level

The key to updating blog regularly is having midterms and papers galore.

!

I could be studying for my experimental exam tomorrow. I could be writing my experimental paper. I could be studying for "Hatari!" tomorrow. I do none of these things. No, instead I make noodles, a tail, and a sully hood.

A good night.

Cause Bacon is Good for Me

Sorry about the extreme lack of updates. I started this blog to help me keep things in perspective, but its become another thing that I let sit on the back burner. Life keeps getting in the way. Ah well, so it goes.

Classes are in full swing; exams are being taken, papers are being written, Badgers are being cheered for, and passive voice is being thrown around like crazy.

And while I read everyone else's blog updates almost daily, I seriously neglect my own due to lack of time and inspiration.

So now, I will ignore all of the specifics of my absence and make a visual list of Halloween ideas, because that is the next big thing I am excited for.

Last year's big winners were the Great Gazoo from the Flintstones (my friends made up the reat of the cast, it was good fun), and the first man to walk on the moon, Neil Armstrong.

How do I top these? I haven't figured it out yet, but these are my top runners:
Hurley from LOST

and Sully from Monsters, Inc.

Now I also considered Amelia Earhart, but I thought I may get a lot of "oh, you're a pilot" and too few people would make the connection, but then last night I saw a preview for this movie:
Coming out the week before Halloween. Convenient? Yes.


While I am still open for suggestion, and I can pick at most two (thanks Madison for your extraordinary Halloween celebration traditions!), I am weighing heavily on Hurley and Sully, as they would both be fun and relatively inexpensive. But also, anything that allows me to utilize copious amounts of tin foil would likely top the list immediately.. its fun to make stuff that way, okay?

So.. we shall see, and of course, I will have LOTS of pictures.. or at least some.. to show off my costumes of choice.

Boys in the Hood

Now that my beloved boys are back in the apartment, I feel as though I will have enough steady material to do a regular feature on their zany antics. And so today marks the first edition of:

The Falafel Boys=Total Gentlemen

Yesterday while I was looking in my closet pantry for some good eats, I hear a knock at my door. As I open the door and say, "yeeeees?" I see Luke has a banana in the fly of his pants thrusting in my general direction. "Oh yeah, you like that? How about this?" And the banana detaches, travels upwards and (gently) slaps me in the face. I recoil and make a pouty face while the banana continues to make contact with my cheeks. "LUUUBEY! Yeahhhh! Thats a banana with a condom on it. And now its on YO FACE!"

Thanks Luke. Thank you.


I later find out that they a friend who stayed the night left some of his condoms in the living room. Not just any ol' run of the mill condom, but a more embarassing variety, known as the "Snuggerfit." For small peeps.

That made it funnier.

Rage X

Now that I have been absent for almost a month, I feel that I should at least post something to follow my last one so that anyone casually perusing new reads will not know me only as the blue suede shoe lover. I swear there is more to me than that.

So, briefly, since I have last posted all of my roommates have returned, I saw my parents twice, got a haircut, was more hung-over than I ever have been, and started classes (Habari gani, marafiki!)

Obviously there has been more going on, but that is all I can bear to brief about.

Also, seriously, from now on, interesting posts. At least twice a week. Hopefully one a day.


And just for fun, me at my finest:

It Pays to Play

I have a shoe problem. Now, I know I'm not the only one in the world with this problem, but while I was trying to fall asleep last night (somewhat unsuccessfully), I realized that if I wore a different pair of shoes everyday, weather permitting, that I could make it about a month without repeating a pair. And I'm just talking the shoes in my apartment, not in my closet at home.

And I want MORE! In fact, I saw these yesterday and fell in love:http://www.shopcuffs.com/steel-stalkers.html $48

I immediate sent to the link to my boyfriend with the line, "Buy me! Size 7 please." This never works, but I do it anyway, just in case.

Later on, however, while randomly browsing at gojane.com, I found these:
http://www.gojane.com/37252-shoes-lace-up-cut-out-suede-bootie.html $20.20

Yes, these are the same shoes. Exactly. For approximately $28 less. However, after some sleuthing and emailing, I found that gojane doesn't have my size, and will not likely get more.

Easy come, easy go.

No worries, though. Give it a week or so, and I will most assuredly have more shoes. Where there's a will, there's a way.

I Change Shapes

I want to see mountains. REAL mountains.

I want to climb them. Smile at them. Feel them.

I want to see the ocean. I want to walk in the ocean.

I want to breathe in the salty air.

I want to feel a new place. Take it in.



When I moved away from home to attend school, I felt new. I felt like I was really branching out and seeing the world. Now I feel stuck. I am stuck. Madison is a beautiful city, but it is becoming painfully familiar.

It Takes One to Know One

Lately, I have been wanting new things. Not sometimes, but ALL THE TIME.

I, of course, can "control" myself, but apparently only to a certain point. Despite the fact that I just sent the rent check in, and will have to load up on this semesters books by the end of the month, I want new things and am constantly attempting to persuade myself that its okay.. because.. you know, I deserve it.

For example, last week, I bought a new purse. Its not even like I walked into a store, fell in love with it, and couldn't walk out of the store without it. I saw it in a photo for a giveaway, entered the contest, but then decided that I wouldn't win, but still needed it (yes, needed) and ordered it from an online boutique. Say what? Yeah, I just.. did.

Today I had nothing to do. Nothing planned whatsoever. While I did manage to keep myself fairly busy, I also had enough free time to rack up a cart full of shoes and negligees on Target.com.

Sure, I "online shop" all the time, throwing things into my "cart" and then closing out the browser before things get to serious. But for some reason lately.. I can't click the close button, and instead hit "checkout."


Earlier this week, I even put a dress into my "cart" that I wish to be married in someday. I am 20 years old, and, while I am in a very serious relationship, I am not engaged. Yet, I clicked "checkout" and nearly bought the damn thing. No, it wasn't expensive, but still, I certainly do NOT need a wedding dress. No ma'am. Not now. Not yet.

What I'm saying is:

Dear School,
Could you please start soon before summer swallows my life savings and turns it into a pile of ballet flats, cheap accessories, and ill-fitting tube dresses. I would really appreciate it.
Thanks in advance,
Sam

Call Me

Do you ever feel like you are going to wake up one morning and find that the past several years of your life were all a dream?

I'm not sure why this has been happening to me, perhaps watching a lot of Lost, but I can't shake the feeling that something isn't.. right. Its not real.

I don't quite know where I go from here. I just lay awake at night and think about the past few years and whats in store for the near future. Maybe this is just a mid-journey crisis? Of course I don't want to wish away the remainder of my undergraduate years, and of course I'm terrified about life after college (money/career-wise anyhow), but I really just want to move forward. I'm ready for a new challenge.

Its not that I'm "done" with these years; I think at the moment I am just confident that they will roll along fairly uneventfully, so I am eager to see what lies beyond them.


Will I really move away from my beloved mid-west? Will I finally get to see my boyfriend more than once every month or three? Will I get a puppy? Will I find a job I love? Will the documentation of my students loans disappear in a freak misfiling leaving me debt free in my twenties?


I don't know for sure, but I can't wait to find out.

Polar Blast

What is this world coming to?

A popular ice cream shop two blocks from my (parents') home was robbed at gunpoint over the weekend. Although I was home at the time (I am usually about 2 hours away), I was too stuffed from Tom's birthday lunch to pout until I got ice cream (yes, this does usually happen). So, there I was alone in my room, a short two blocks away, hearing pops and sirens, seeing blue an dred lights from my bedroom window, and not knowing what exactly was happening until nearly an hour later.
One teenage boy was shot and killed, while another employee, a 42 year old man was shot and released. Four other female employees were there, but, fortunately, the intruders did not harm any of them.


While I am not reporting this to get sympathy (although I remember him working there, I did not actually know the boy who was killed), I am mostly writing to attempt to put things into perspective.

Most of my time now is spent in Madison, where I work and attend school. This means that I am often found walking home alone late at night from work or friends' apartments in the downtown area. Now, I always walk with a friend or another person if I can, and at the very least I call someone while I walk so that, if something should happen, at least SOMEONE knows. Anyway, I often rationalize walking alone because, after all, its only a few blocks. Now all I can think about is that this happened only a few blocks from where I was sitting.. a most chilling thought.

Luckily, our campus does have a program called SAFEWALK which I could call if I felt threatened, although I'm not sure if they operate during the summer season. Anyway, despite this particular crime having been committed over a hundred miles from where I now sit, all I can think about is: If this can happen where I grew up, in a place I have always frequented.. it really could happen anywhere. Of course, this also brings back memories of a girl who was brutally murdered in her apartment, about 18 months ago, in an area heavily populated by UW students. This crime, to my knowledge, has not yet been solved.

I guess what I wish to say is: we all tend to become comfortable in our surroundings, perhaps artificially so, and, while I'm not suggesting we all live in fear, I would like to say, be careful, pay attention, and if something/someone seems out of place in your neighborhood, be extra cautious and report it.

Stay safe, everyone.

Fly me to the moon.

Two days off.

I feel like all I've been doing lately is (1) waking up and thinking 'I have to work this afternoon, (2) getting very little accomplished while anticipating my work day, (3) going to work until 11, and (4) getting home and thinking 'I'm so sleepy, I should do nothing.'

But now I have two days to stretch my legs and reunite with some friends. So, its 2 o'clock in the afternoon, and I'm still in my pajamas.

I did however get a chance to check out Maxwell Street Days here in Madison, which is a giant tent sale that extends from the capitol square to the end of State Street. I wish I hadn't worked all weekend so that I would have had more of a chance to scope out some fabulous deals, but all in all I think I picked up a few nice things (thank you Urban Outfitters 'Extra 50% off all markdowns' sale). Really I ended up with some housewares items and a few scarves; I didn't really even look at clothes, it was waaaaaay out of control around those bins. And honestly, stuff was either whacked out and already in the 'DON'T' column, or still too pricey for a printed tank top. Overall, though, I was pleased.
Now I will take a break from the couch and the numerous NASA programs airing today (LOVE) and get some "fresh" air. (Why must it be so gloomy lately? And also, how long will I have to breath in the pulverized concrete that has been straining my lungs since spring?)


p.s. not my photo! in the frenzy of the hunt I failed to snap a picture, so I was forced to borrow this one. Thanks, althouse.

Win some, lose some.

Oh my. What a week.

Tom was in town all last week while I was back to work. It was really fun to play house and to come home to a loving smiling face. And now he's gone. Fast forward, please?

My weekend was lonely: work. work. .. work.

And today.. well today started off great, but has since become increasingly frustrating.

1) Wake up to two texts from Tom about cute dogs he sees on his walk to school.
2) Sneak in some extra sleep.
3) Wake up again (for good) to a call from Tom raving about his new classes.
4) Set up shop to wait for most-anticipated package that is "out for delivery."
5) Decided to make lunch and feed Lenny.
6) Find that roommate's mother has thrown away Lenny's lettuce. (WTF!?)
7) Cook pasta, but cannot open jar of vodka sauce. Try for 10 minutes, almost breaking hand in process.
8)Wait for package.
9) Decide to check email.
10) Find out UPS man came. and left. 2 hours ago.
11) Upset that half the day is wasted, rage-shower/blog and decide to go thrift/buy new Lenny food.

And that brings me to now. Let's hope that this afternoon's activities can bring me up before I slip into a deep black hole of "day off depression."

Happy Birthday, Lady Lib.

In the true spirit of America's B-day, I decided to consume like crazy. No, not food, that would be too.. typical. No, I decided to blow about $100 today on things I didn't reallllly need. I could say it was my gift to the economy and justify it right there, but that's not really true. Mostly, I was just bored. So I went shopping. And then I got home and shopped online. And I actually spent this time. And lots.

The good news is I am the proud new owner of two tees, and tank, a coat rack, two pairs of knee high socks, a navy cardigan, a grey vest, two tubes of acrylic paint. And soon (shipping this week!) I will also own two new pairs of sandals (one black, one brown), a summer dress, two wooden bangles, and another tank.

What the hell was I thinking?

I may never know, but at least the damage was only a hundred.. it could have been much worse. On that note, I will do my damnedest to keep my card hidden from the world for several weeks. Groceries only. And maybe a little fun while Tom is in town.. but maybe if I'm lucky he will feel generous and foot the bill while I give him a place to stay. I can only hope..

And now to post my first outfit pic.. here is one from a few weeks ago. I always forget to take pics and am lazy about uploading them in a timely fashion. But now, I will try a bit harder to be more prompt.


Cardigan: Target
Striped Tank: Gap
Jean Shorts: Pacsun
Belt: Thrifted
Clock necklace: Garage sale
Jeweled sandals: Target

Where: Grocery shopping with pals, movie on couch, and walking around downtown Madison

Planes, Trains, and Canes.

Officially, I have a new bike. Yes, it is Mom's, but she's willing to hand it over and find herself a new one since its what I really want. Hooray! Two bike rides in the past two days! Woop! She's a bute, but she will need a little spiffing up/TLC.

Lenny is also movin' on up! He has a new, gigantic house! At first he was a bit shy, but he is finally settling in like a true champ.

[pictures to follow soon.. for both!]


And now, in a few short days, I will be trailin' the train rails back to the Windy City for some Shedd Aquarium visiting! I have seen most of the sites to see in Chicago throughout my life, but somehow this one has slipped through the cracks! But, finally, I will get to smile and wave to all the baby belugas, sharks, and sea turtles!
And if I'm really lucky, I will soon be back at my beloved Disney World to see the BEST musical ever. Yeah, I have the soundtrack on my iPod. What?

Buzz Aldrin=Gangsta

This weekend, I shopped my little heart out, made some delicious food, hugged my bebe, finally saw UP!, and spent ample amounts of time sleeping (a little too much on Monday, which foiled my football ticket dreams).

Today, my mother and I painted the kitchen a glorious citrus yellow. Of course, until my mom replaces the 70's pea green flooring and tan wheat printed backsplash, the yellow will not quite reach its full potential.

Hilariously, though, my father refused to help with ANYTHING, because, well, he is a HUGE baby. He hates change, and unfortunately, I have inherited a touch of his disorder. Although I am all for a new coat of paint and personalizing one's environment; also, I at least have the ability to recognize when something is "broken." Sigh. Poor mom, schlepping the furniture around with little 5' nothing me. Luckily my prince came over to help. Taunting us with his ability to paint the ceiling without necessity of a chair.

So now, we rest. As I type, Tom is asleep in my bed. And Lenny has just retired into his blankets (i.e. washcloths) for a long nap.



And soon, I WILL have a fun bike ride; today was just toooo hot. I escaped the painting madness for a bit to buy some substrate for Lenny's new house from Petco. And it was BRUTAL. Almost 100 degrees! I love the warmth of the sun, but with scorching humidity.. I'll take the A/C while I can.

(This is what my house will look like someday.)

D____e

HOME FREE!

I am officially on vacay at mom and pop's house for 2 weeks! I could not be more excited!

Yes, we pulled into the drive promptly at 7:18, with Big Star to go! Oh, how I have craved thee. Of course, as usual, shortly after consuming my grilled cheese, fries, and 2 jalapeno poppers (with ranch), I developed an excruciating stomach ache. It persists. Ah, vacation.
I was also so excited to be home that I already gave my dad his father's day card (one of those "talking cards" with Tom Hanks and a quote from 'A League of Their Own'.. I've been trying to locate the VHS all night. No luck.)

(swoon swoon swoon)

And finally, as I near the end of a great book, Youth In Revolt, I must confess my infatuation with Nick Twisp. We both appear to have a unexplainable love of robots. And finally, after years of searching for an appropriate answer to the question "why robots?" I can now quote NT in saying "It just feels right."

(swooning a little more.. or a lot more, whatev)

No Dogs Allowed on Beach

I have been alarmingly uninteresting lately. I am so focused on my "vacation" back home that all I can do is make lists and deliciously simple food, go to work, and read away all my free time. I suppose there are worse things I could be doing..

So, anyway, here I am, just hours away from neverending naps, breathtaking bikerides, and stolen smooches with my beloved.. alliteration is probably the easiest and most underused literary technique, plus it makes this description even more mind-numbingly sappy.


On to less nauseating things, once at home, I plan to take the advantage of having a car and THREE weekends off to continue to improve myself. Item number one on the list: purchase a bike. Sure, I have an old mountain bike at home, but it is missing a few important parts (i.e. rear breaks) and it is not very "road friendly." So, my first full day in the 'nosh (I hate that abbrev. so why did I type it?) will be spent garage sale/flea market hopping with my parents to find a sweet new ride.

The bike, besides being an easy and obvious mode of transportation, will be a chance for me to explore new territory, as well as a fun means of exercise! The freedom a bike would provide is immeasurable, and I cannot wait (!) to begin my search.