Friday, October 31, 2008

There must be something to it

I find myself back on my bed, alone and sulking, contemplating my next move.

In the college survival guide that Hank gave me last summer, there's a chapter on relationships, and a sub chapter on long distance relationships... long story short, that chapter is my life.

SO... That's where I am right now.

Yesterday sucked bad, and now I am just introverted. I drug myself out today to go to the bank, and that was fun. I remember coming here for Honors weekend and taking in the shock of being a minority at Cub foods. I had the same experience at the bank, but in my last couple months here, it's not a shock anymore, and that's really cool. After the bank I walked to the Seward Co-op... I imagined as I walked the sidewalk with a troubled look in my eyes, this phase in my life as a short story. It is a beautiful day out, I wouldn't have needed my coat.

I splurged a bit at the Co-op, and bought granola, lemonade, Pirate's Booty, and a case of the kind of Ginger ale Rita had in Seattle last summer. I carried the Ginger Ale in my hand, and it looked like beer... no body stopped me on the way into Urness though. I am drinking some now, and it's delicious. I don't remember especially liking it in Seattle, but it is REALLY gingery. It warms my throat.

There were hats and mittens at Seward... I want some... but I shouldn't spend money... Maybe mom will get me a presant when she comes tomorrow.

I can't believe I have spent my whole day in my room. I went to class this morning, but when I got back I slept until twelve thirty, and dreamed of Halloween and wild bunnies.

It's Halloween... I really wish I would have dressed up. Like I always say, Next year.

Tonight I am going to St. Paul to visit Visser, and we're going to get our Chipolte burritoes.

Tomorrow Mom is coming to comfort me, and after Pep band, I am going to go with her to New London for a Party at Bill and Jenna's (Yenna?) If I DO actually get to go, it will probably be boring, because adult parties always are... I'll probably end up off in a corner of a room reading a book by lamplight, and listening to the conversations and jam music. That's what I'm looking forward to.

Then I need to get back to Augsburg so I can play in Jazz band on Sunday... even though in all of this I preached my need for weekends and "down time" that doesn't really look likely to happen no matter what does it.

I skipped History yesterday... I am behind in World Politics... I have so much to do. I didn't face it yesterday, instead Marrta, Andrew and I watched National Treasure... which, just like She's the Man was a really nice break. I'll get caught up again no doubt.

I can't find it on youtube, but I like this song by Great Big Sea. It's called "Something To It" and it feels appropriate:

I'm sorry if I ruined your day
I really hope that you'll understand
I'm a million miles away, looking for a place to land.
My father phoned me yesterday
your time has come
well done my son.
Tried to think of what to say
when words can heed already gone

I don't know how I got here,
there must be something to it
I think I need some time alone
to work my way through it

THe moon is in the sky tonight
not very warm but it sheds some light
Ask me now and I just might let
the morning come and tell me if it's right

I don't know how I got here,
there must be something to it
I think I need some time alone
to work my way through it

Initial bliss will pass
this precious time might be your last
Like dew upon th morning grass
good intentions can vanish with the sun

I'm sorry if I ruined your day
I really hope that you understand
I'm a million miles away
looking for a place to land.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Tuesday...

I wish I had the whole Avenue Q soundtrack... I only have the songs that we are using in our play... they are very beltable, in fact I have been finding myself singing about making you feel special out of key and loudly much too often...

"And now, I find what was always in my mind, was in your mind too... who knew!"

I love show tunes

Our play is so AWESOME!

Last night when I went to bed, and even this morning when my alarm went off I had great plans for my Tuesday... but instead I got up at seven, showered, and went back to bed until after nine... I had hoped to eat breakfast and even practice my trumpet before class.

Oops.

My classes went well today, but I didn't accomplish anything... Now I don't have the motivation... Obama Meeting tonight... Stitch and Bitch? Reading...

Blech.

Monday, October 27, 2008

Some have greatness THRUST upon them

The blog is being better advertized these days, and people are approaching me and saying things like, "I read your blog about the squirrel..." Now I feel obligated to be "entertaining."

But I suppose I can't try...

Anyway, I will talk of my Augsburg weekend... and Monday.

Phil, Becki, Jens, Kathleen and I got back to campus Saturday night at around eleven. We all marvelled at the wonders of technology and how just hours ago we'd been in the sun.

Speaking of the sun, I BASKED in it. I even got a little burned on Saturday... and on Sunday, I was watching the snow flurries out side my window...

Just like that, the trip was done. I really liked going to the Honors Conference. Some day I hope to be Phillip. I aspire to fill his shoes, over work myself, and talk in a language that no one can understand, of Kant and Locke, and Existentialims... And of course there is the desire to simply be known... the same desire that fueled my dreams of politics.

We saw the Alamo, and as I have been telling people it was kind of disappointing. Here is this national monument, smack dab in down town San Antonio, all nice and paved with landscaping, and a Ripley's Believe it or Not across the street. It's hard to fully embrace the history in these circumstances...

I also went to the San Antonio Museum of Art which was fun, and then on Friday we went to sessions. Personally, I really enjoyed the sessions. There were some that were sub par, but as a whole, I thought it was a really educational. I was inspired by the rattlesnake presentation to go out Herping some time again, and I learned that Gusav Mahler was not a very nice man. His wife was an amazing composer herself, but he told her that HE was more important, and that HER job was to support HIM and that SHE should stop composing.

Luckily, he died and she went on to have a productive life.

Saturday was relaxed, after lunch, and the final speaker, We layed out on the Sun Deck in 80 degree weather... and then it was Good bye San Antonio.

I really like flying.

All Right, So yesterday I devoted all day to working on my World Politics Paper. By last night, still not finished, I fell into the pits of despair... I printed off what I had and resigned my self to mediocrity... Then, I get to class and find out that the part I was fearing was actually really simple, and that I didn't have to turn it in until FIVE! Joy!

My Birth Certificate came in the mail from my mom today, so I promptly set out to the Hennepin County Government building... I felt very sleek having been there before and knowing exactly where to go. This time I was prepared, and was helped in a very timely fashion. Now, $114.50, and one bad picture later, I'm set to travel!

In Claire's Passport, she said that she couldn't smile, so I wasn't sure that I could smile, and even though the guy said that I could do what ever I wanted to, I settled on an awkward smirk... It makes me look less like Tina Fey and more like Lily Morris...

Lesson, Brass ensemble, band... My playing is sounding better, even though I haven't practiced much at all... and I found out today that in December I have to get juried on my solo!!! EEEK!

After band, a quick dinner, shower, and "singing" Avenue Q songs in my room, it was time for SCHOLAR CITIZEN PLAY PRACTICE! WHOOO!

I was very pumped.

Someone came to help us and we did some work with choreography. We Rock.

On our way back to Christensen I had every intention of hitting the library for a couple hours and doing my History reading, but instead Marrta suggested we go to her room and watch "She's the Man" instead... so that's what She and I and Andrew did... I had never seen it before, and I learned that it was based off of Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night." I am not sure if I should be taken aback at the defacing of Shakespeare... or impressed.

Towards the end they had the greatness quote, and it made me think of Sara because that's her quote in the yearbook... Ah Sara...

Shakespeare!

!!!

I wonder if Ms. Swenson has her poster of him hanging up somewhere! I hope on the door! ... I hope he has someone to talk to... with me gone and all... When I visit I will have to inquire.

Now I am in my dorm on my bed feeling very relaxed, and only a little guilty about not doing anything productive... considering I missed last Thursday I should be scrambling... I'll just tell myself that I needed the break.

And Remember,
Some Men are born great, some men acheive greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Jesus was a Hippie

I just wasted a good 10 minutes watching a squirrel in front of Christensen.

As I walked back from the music building, I saw three boys standing in a row staring intently at something. Seeing the squirrel, I walked around it from a distance as to not scare it away. They told me to be careful, that squirrel just killed and ate bird!

No Kidding. I stood around watching it for a while. It couldn't walk normal and was very wobbly, occaissionally it would take a punch at another squirrel, but to no avail.

The remains of the bird-it's head and wings- are still under the plants by the burning bush sculpture.

The squirrel probably has rabies.

~~~

It was weird going back to school today, a Tuesday. Due to the joys of mechanics, I had to take the bus home from Montevideo yesterday, and by the time I got off the light rail and made my way back it was five thirty. So I missed nearly all of my busiest day. I am not upset at all though. The bus ride was very pleasant, and I got to take in much of the beautiful autumn country-side, plus, I got nearly a whole extra day with Josh. I was also caught up in all my classes, so it was no bother at all. Now I just need to get caught up with what I missed.

This morning my alarm went off at 6:40, because I told it to, but later I regretted it. I would have been just fine with getting up at 7:45am... Over a breakfast, that for some reason I was very proud of (Oatmeal with raisins and brown sugar, a piece of coffee cake, a banana, and CAFFEINATED hot cocoa. Pretty freaking awesome) I read the first part of Mark for Religion. Quanbeck had said it would "Only take 2 hours," and he was about right. After an hour of reading, I was about half way done. From this reading, I have come to the conclusion that Jesus was in fact a pretty cool dude.

I don't know why I never came to that before, being raised Lutheran and attending a fair share of bible camps. It simply never struck me why Jesus was so awesome. Maybe it was because everyone shoots right to his crucifixion, and the forgiveness of all our sins, which is something that I squint at questioningly. Looking at it as if for the first time however, and reading it like a story, I was blown away. I mean seriously, raising the dead, healing lepers, making the blind see, feeding thousands, and walking on water?! Not only that but he was just an all out cool guy.

Just like in all the hippie movies I sigh over (Forrest Gump, Hair, Across the Universe...) he just strolled about, loving, healing and telling fun stories, and people just started following him!

"Yo, toll booth guy, everyone hates you, but come me and we'll have a good time!" And the toll booth guy would go!

And my personal favorite- what sinches his hippiness- is that he gave people new names.
Yeah. "Lily" already is a pretty good hippie name, but you know how when you think of stereotype hippies, you think of names like, "Sunflower," "Bumblebee," "Muffin Stuffin'" etc. All right, so here we go, this is what is in my imagination:

A calm, gentle man with long hair, a long robe and sandals. When he talks, it is soothing, and you can't help but be enthralled by it, you become so entranced, you just follow him for no particular reason... Perhaps it's because you need help, want to find the Truth, or just have nothing better to do.

Forrest Gump running across America. Lucy and Jude in Bono's Walrus Hippie bus. Stereotype Guru.

"Simon, my brother?"
"Yes Jesus?"
"I've chosen a new name for you...You seem more of a 'Peter' to me, so I will now call you Peter... Yo James and John... your name right now is SO boring... how do you feel about being called James and John, Men of Thunder?"

You see where I'm coming from?

Anyway, it has appealed to my grieving nostalgia for not being born in the Ninteen forties... but dang, it sounds like the twenties were the place to be!

Well, I am procrastinating. Soon I need to get some real food in my belly (combos and diet pepsi aren't the greatest you know?) and then Plant myself in the Library basement to read and work on my Romania paper until an unpleasant hour... Then I need to do laundry, because you know what? I am going to Texas tomorrow!

Yeah! I've known about it for a while, but I don't think I've expressed it. Tomorrow, Phil, Becky, Jens, Kathleen and I are hopping on a plane for San Antonio TEXAS for an Honor's Conference. I'm pretty excited. If I can I'll blog from the road.

But alas, if I expect not to go insane upon my return, I must get to work.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Feats of Engineering Genius

Soua and I just conquered her bed frame. HA! It did not stand a chance! She wanted it higher so that she could fit stuff under it. We had some shaky moments, but we came through. Now if we ever do my bed we'll know how. Later this year we're going to bunk them so we'll have an entire living room, it will be great. My bed corner is clean for the weekend... but I can't see my desk.

It was a rough morning today. Last night, I was in the library for no less than five and a half hours. It took me FIVE hours to read the chapter for World Politics... That seems like a long time... provided I was on the internet for a little while, and I took a break in between to read about Richard and Bunny in The Secret History. Bunny's a dink, and I don't care that he dies (not a spoiler, the first page says so) but at the same time I really really like him... I like that book so much better than Twilight! MmmmMMmm Brain food!

At a little after Eleven, Jenny and I decided to go to Hard Times because I was most definitely going slightly mad. We played checkers, ate a muffin and drank orange juice. I really like that place. Even at midnight it's filled with all kinds of cool looking patrons (And the Barrista looked like Bob Dylan.) By the time we got back, and I'd finished talking to Nicole, it must have been past one, I had planned on doing some Romania research, but I conked.

My frog pajamas are awesome.

Normally I would have woken up at 6:40, showered, gotten ready in time for break fast and gone to class, but instead I just pulled on pants and a sweatshirt and went to class five minutes before it started. I was TIRED. Luckily I was still pretty alert in class.

WEEKEND!

I sat in the coffee shop area until a little after ten reading International Relations. It took me about an hour to read 10 pages... Why does that seem so ridiculous? It's Just TEN pages! After that I started writing down terms and definitions for chapter 6. I WILL come out better on the next exam. I WILL.

Now I need to go to the Honor's Lounge where we're meeting about the trip to Texas (another reason why I need to stay caught up.) Then I am going to walk to the passport place on the U campus and apply for a passport. I've already put that off for too long and now I just hope it will go through in time.

Hopefully I'll be back in time to do some more reading ("Don't worry, it will only take you about 2 hours to read Mark!" Good thing we've got to read Luke too...) Then at three thirty I get to relax in the Women's Resource Center for a showing of Persepolis (woo hoo!) and then at six I am off for the weekend to Montevideo.

Hooray!

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Buyer's Remorse

Egads! I am using the my sacred Library Basement Study Space for something that isn't getting anything DONE!

And with my two page letter to Ms. Swenson after practicing, I am not coming out ahead work wise... But you know? ... Let me live my own life ok?

Today I was able to go to Shipping and Receiving to get my two packages. I knew what they were and I was excited; my lap top sleeve, and a metronome. When I ordered the lap top sleeve I was already wary, because it said it would fit a 15" computer... well... Computers don't generally come in 15" they come in 15.4" like mine, so I figured they were just rounding down for space's sake. WELL... It is in fact a tight squeeze, and I wish it wasn't so. It will certainly do... but I am kicking myself for being too superficial to settle on a cheaper, plain case that I knew would fit... But no, I wanted polka dots.

The metronome was a sound purchase, though it's a cheap, flimsy one, it will serve it's use well for now.

The back pack wasn't necessary though. I bought that on Monday. I figured that the one I had was too big to be practical. It was good for weekends, but papers got lost, and book corners got crumpled in it's gaping mass. Also, the zipper had come loose from the bag itself, so I was concerned about my books' safety in the rain... SO, I went to the bookstore and bought an aesthetically pleasing back pack, simple in design, practical in size... AAAAAND... I should have gotten the brown one... yes, because I am vain. "I don't OWN anything purple!" ... but I guess purple is a nice, happy color... whatever the case, I'm going to have to live with it.

I liked my morning. My alarm went off when I set it to, FIVE minutes earlier than usual (I wanted to see if 5 minutes could make a difference) and it caught my dreaming mind off gaurd. Thinking about that now, I really do wonder if it was because of the five minutes or not... I had been dreaming that Marrta and I had joined the Coast Gaurd, and it was our first day... it was in Ogilvie. It was really hard, and I was doubting my sanity, and at the end of the day they gave us all a Truth Serum. Knowing I had nothing to hide, I was ok with it, but it was still interesting. In the dream it caused crazy hallucinogenic effects, and I couldn't drive home.

ALARM!

Off to the shower I went. After turning it on, I waited for it to get warm, and waited, and waited, and waited... I got out to check another shower stall, and Megan (I think?) came out and said, "Nope, they're all cold." AWESOME! Everyone was highly irked by this, but I thought it was swell. I got in and out right quick, and afterwards was highly refreshed and rejuvenated.

Even though I was already alert, I had one of those caffeinated Hot Cocoa drinks at breakfast, and was nice and jittery by Scholar Citizen.

Before heading to the library, I'd planned on stopping by the Center for Counseling and Health Promotion, because though I am feeling fantastic now, I want to accustom myself to the place so that when I am freaking out, it will be easier for me to get help. It worked into my schedule perfectly; Stop by, and then go to the library until band... but a sign on their door said, "Back at One." That works wonders for one's mental health doesn't it! Good think I'm not having a bad day, or that could have been disasterous.

I am sure it would be fine.

Now I sit here... contemplating my next plan of action... I don't really WANT to take action, but i know that I must. The only reason I brought Dante here was so I could use his new sleeve... and to blog... but now he's going to be here as a portal to Facebook, and the rest of the universe. Bad? Maybe I can look up Romania on the UN site, and realize that Romania was a poor choice, even though I want to learn more about it before I go there this spring, from what we've looked at in class, it doesn't do all that much as far as the Commission on Sustainable Development goes.

Hopefully it actually does, and if it doesn't, I'll do Tanzania, because that's where Freddie Mercury was from.

Speaking of which, I made an accidental pun at breakfast this morning:

(After I didn't know that a guy was from System of a Down)
Lily: Oh, he's just a guy from a band, if it had been a famous world ruler I would have felt inadaquate
Mike: JUST a band??? It's System of a Down!
Lily: Meh. I don't pay that much attention to them... ask me anything about Queen on the other hand, and I might be more sucessful!

Evan: Oh Really?! (He ponders a question.)
Lily: Oh no, now I'm Under Pressure.

HAHAAHAHAAHA!

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Red Dye #40

Like a hen drawn to ripe tomatoes, I feel that anything red in color MUST be delicious... particulary Red 40, which I've heard is bad... in fact it might even be a carcinogen. I really like red Tootsie Pops, Cool Aid, Star Bursts, Rockstar, Jolly Ranchers, Skittles, Laffy Taffy, Now and Laters... Red... Today I had a whole bottle of my raspberry flavored off brand Crystal light. It's awesome. (THAT even has aspartame.)

Anyway, I thought I'd share some of the negative effects of Red 40:

Temper tantrums, hyper activity, aggressive behavior, uncontrolable crying, screaming, kicking, nervousness, dizziness, inability to sit still or concentrate. Maybe this is where my problems lie...

Of course, these are all symptoms observed in children, so maybe as a young adult I am exempt.

That aside, it is late and I must go to bed if I plan on waking up early tomorrow. I didn't study for the quiz, and I didn't print off the questions on Einstein.

Our study group consisting of me, Jenny, Sarah and Andrew was highly uneffective. I read TWO pages in my International Relations book. TWO! Though we were able to cover a wide range of topics unrelated to our studies AT ALL! It got a good laugh out of me though... Yesterday too. I noticed when I was home on Sara's floor, it was the first time I really fully all out laughed, and since then it's come easier. YESTERDAY in scholar Citizen Theater Lab I laughed until I cried, and today while studying... I am happy that I can laugh again.

Earlier, I went to Jenny's room and listened to Jonathan Delehanty and colored. THAT was a beneficial experience. I am feeling good. This morning I slept in really late because we had no Christian Vocation class... but it turned out that I slept TOO late and didn't get anything done. It still made me feel good. When I was home my mom pointed out how I see time differently now. One hour is not "A whole hour" it's "Just an hour." I measure time in the amount of work I could get done, not in the actual time that passes. So in that I feel lame... Coloring killed time too, but it was healthy.

I also went to John Bul Dau's speech, which was awesome, but I am not going to elaborate because I am not wearing my glasses and my brain is tired.

May the Force be with You.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Skin Graft

I guess it's been almost a week since my last blog, for this I appologize. This last week has been one jam packed with all kinds of things, particularily tests. On the upside, throughout this last week, I was able to come through to Sunday CAUGHT UP! Now of course there is more to do, but at least it's CURRENT work, and not last week's.

Soua is still sleeping! I am so proud of her. Normally she doesn't come back until late (after I go to sleep) And she's usually awake not long after I go to class at eight, which I don't think must be very pleasant. I'm glad that she's getting all the sleep she deserves.

That all aside now, I must tell of my weekend.

After 41 solid days as an Auggie, I went back to my old stomping grounds... and I found out that it was very very strange. Dad picked me up after World Politics Friday morning, and we "Ran Into" Anthony at Hard Times. It was nice to see Anthony, even though there wasn't much to talk about... at least on my part. He lives around here, and he gave me his card so I could contact him, but I haven't done that yet. Then Home.

The ride was full of beautiful changing leaves, that I am glad I was able to see. Upon arriving in Ogilvie, I drove to the school (I still remember how to drive!) Unbeknownst to me however, it had been an early out, and all the teachers were in meetings. I was only able to talk to Mrs. Erickson and Mrs. Dixon a little before I had to go. Being in there though was enough for me to see that life still goes on, and everything exists without me. The teachers teach, the students are asses ("Lily! Did you go out with Chris?!" Stuff like that... kids making out, being insensitive... all of it.) There was so much I wanted to tell all my teachers, but I didn't get to a fraction of it. It was still fun to answer all of their questions, "How is college?" "Do you like your teachers?" "Are your classes hard?" "How about your room mate?" "What's up with Speech Boy?"

After Homecoming Pep Band (I guess we won) Sara, Megan and I went to Sara's house for free pizza and nostalgia. Sara's living room... my oh my... We didn't have much time, because Megan had to get home to sleep before her swim meet the next day, but all of the sudden everything clicked back into place.

That's where I feel like a skin graft. I've been removed from my original body, and placed on a new one. My stitches aren't even off on the new one, and the wound is still sensitive and fragile, yet already the spot where I came from is healed over enough that it is impossible for me to be part of it again. ... though it's still where I want to be.

Especially after working at KBEK on Saturday. Just going in there and Seeing Scott and Colleen had me nearly in tears! I WAS in tears! I love it there, I love my home! Everything about it is familiar and comfortable, I want to go back. How easy would it be to just slip right back into that mode; working, volunteering, reading books, living, just like before! But because it's already healing behind me, I can't.

Saturday night-or early morning, whatever you think 12:15am should be- was weird too. I was at Sara's after watching Hair (which is NOT a feel good movie) and it was time to go... there I was, in Sara's kitchen just like always... but I knew that soon I would be going back to my new world, and Sara to her's, where we are both starting to have new friends and lifestyles, unknown to eachother. Sara doesn't know Ben, Jenny, Marrta and Andrew, I don't know Ian, Julia, or Cullan... She doesn't know the glory of Augsem Q, and I cringe at the thought of music theory... What worries me the most is that after going back and seeing my old life, it will be easier for me to fully disconnect from it... which is necessary... but when will I realize that I don't need Sara anymore? Or my parents? Or the teachers who were awesome?

Or Gravel, or rat snakes, bunnies and obnoxious pets?

But just the same, when I got back here yesterday morning, THIS clicked back into place. Augsburg. It isn't fully my natural habitat yet, but it definitely is right, so that gives me comfort.

Things are going well.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

I see a Rainbow!

I just ate a bowl of sweet and sour chicken with rice, a salad with noodles, a bowl of cereal, AND a burger... Given the opportunity, I'd probably eat more.

Significance? Uncertain... but right now I do feel pretty satiated. My room is cool, Beethoven's Minuet for Piano in G is playing, and I am sipping some of the "Morning Blend" Juice that I bought at the Seward co-op yesterday (To ward off Scurvey.)

I thought that today was really good, I am calm and I know that I shouldn't be. How much better life would be if all classes started after 9. That ONE hour would work wonders. Before class this morning I called my dad because I was really excited for my first performance. It had just struck me that it was a "performance" and that was really neat. I got out of Christian Vocation early, and then played with the brass choir for the opening of the Colloquium. I then stayed after our playing to hear the speaker, Martha Stotz. My mind did wander (it has been doing that a lot lately) But from what I did listen to, it was a good presentation. Very Lutheran.

In my small bit of downtime then, I went back to my room and read some of Twilight and cleaned. I didn't want to set myself to any task that would require time and concentration only to be interupted by History at 1:30. ... Upon arriving to class I was informed that it was cancelled for today... So I COULD have been doing something productive... Instead of wasting time going back to my room, I sat in the band locker area and read the history reading for Thursday.

Jazz band was fun, but it felt like it lasted a lot longer than usual.

Later tonight I am going with Jenny to Stitch and Bitch, and from there it's off to the student lounge to watch the debate.

I still have quite a bit to write in my paper, but like I said, I am a lot calmer than I should be... which is worrisome.

Sorry that this blog isn't one of rollicking adventure.

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Comfy Pants

It was most definitely a comfy pants day today... Indeed.

Sadly however, since returning from the library I have lost the inspiration to blog... funny how the thought of it distracted me for the hour and a half I was there, and now that it's available I'd rather go to bed.

My weekend started on Friday after our rescheduled Scholar Citizen class. That was at ten ten am, and because I am not part of the Rhapsody in Blue group in band, I didn't have to go. Instead of starting to work on my masses of homework, I fell into despair and took a nap. Josh called at around four, and after joining him we went to the Mall of America. We then embarked on a fruitless quest to find a winter jacket for him. A winter jacket that at once was practical, warm and still sleek and professional.

No avail. There were some prospective winners, but to buy anything new at a mall is $200 plus. My own jacket/coat obessession is easily satisfied with frequent trips to thriftstores. Despite our ill luck, the Mall was still an adventure. Sometime maybe when Sara and/or Nicole visit me I want to go back to Ragstock and try on ridiculous Halloween costumes.

On Saturday... Oh Yes! Saturday was the DFL Founders Day Celebration, and though I hadn't originally planned on attending (I was going to be studious) I went anyway. It was a lot of fun, with a whole bunch of prominent speakers that re-vamped my love for community action (even though I still have no outlet, and don't plan to for the sake of my mental health.) Mostly it was a big plug to get Al Franken elected as State Senator, which I'm all right with. The icing on the cake of course, was Al Gore, who spoke last. Al Gore! I was just a few rows in front of the "Best President we should have had" in Northrop Auditorium... I was there.

It was cool.

And Josh was on Tv... Just him and not me... which is strange.

On the way back to Augsburg we went to the Weisman Art Gallery. I hadn't been there before and it was really neat. My favorite part would have to have been the Citizen exhibit. I forgot the actual title, but they had pictures of people. People. You know? Especially two photographs of women, one was a Share-cropper's wife, and the other a wife of a miner. Things like that really get me. I like photography.

There was also a HUGE Painting of a Chicken production barn, that as you walked towards made you feel as if you were actually walking down the aisle. It was done in the sixties, and I thought that it was pretty awesome.

From there back to Augsburg, and from Augsburg Downtown. We made it just in time for "Eagle Eye," which was highly enjoyable. Even though they don't allow trucks in tunnels, the armed van truely was there, (no way?!) F isn't the same on a trumpet and a saxophone, and that boy would have DEFINITELY noticed that there was a sonic transmitter-bomb detonater- lodged into his lead pipe. He couldn't have played an F if he'd wanted to! That's my rant... It was still a good movie, I just had to share.

Finally today was much slower. After sleeping in we went to Target, and finally found a good warm coat. Then we ate lunch at Pizza Luce (It's no wonder I've gained 5 pounds!) By this time it was mid afternoon, and I had work to do, so Josh went on his way and I bent under the pressure.

Luckily, it didn't take me long to pull myself together, and the study session with Kathy and Catia was highly productive. At least I think so. It helps to speak things out loud and connect the ideas in your head. Hopefully I'll remember. I don't want to reenact my History Mid-term.

I need to figure out a better morning routine. One that involves eating breakfast and being awake BEFORE the end of World Politics.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Good day? Bad day? It's hard to tell.

My Oh My! Is the Laundry Room hopping tonight! Seriously, this has got to be the hottest new hang out! The chairs and couch is full, people are sitting on the machines, and I am by myself in the corner... on the floor. I've been looking forward to this all day, though I am concerned that I put too many clothes in the machine at one time.

Enough of that. Today had it's fair share of ups and downs, and now I just feel bland.

Last night I put off writing my paper until late, and then I talked on the phone until even later, by which time I was plenty tired and went to bed. My reasoning was that the paper wasn't due until 5pm anyway, and I could study for History before class too. Oh wait... I have solid classes from 9:40am till 4:30pm... That definitely leaves enough time to do everything! I did manage to scrap together a really basic paper, and I scanned a few terms in the History book.

Augsem was really fun today. We walked across the foot bridge to Franklin Avenue, and then explored Seward Neighborhood. Andrew and I mapped Franklin yesterday, so I was at least a little bit familiar with the area. We went down Milwaukee Avenue which was where the workers on the Milwaukee Rail Line lived. All the houses are really pretty, small, and early 1900sy. Cars can't go down the Avenue, and it's very wooded and well kept. It's a nice dream to live there. I'd sit on my porch and read, and pet my cat. I'd have a hasta garden, and a dorky number sign on my door.

We also went by a house that had a bed sheet on the outside wall proclaiming that... "Freedom is just a system of ..." I forgot. Something to do with money... or socialism. Something. The woman in the yard said it was her neighbor's but we should all go home, get bed sheets and write things on them to make our own public blogs. Quanbeck suggested she put up Janis Joplin's idea of freedom up on her wall... now it's stuck in my head:

"Freedom's just another word for nothing left to lose..."

I really can't wait to live in a house... in a neighborhood... Four more years... Where will I be?

It has been over a month since I've cuddled with a cute soft animal. It's getting tough. I told my mom to bring me a bunny when she visited today... but she didn't. When I go home next week I am going to get a rabbit and carry it with me everywhere I go... the whole day and a half.

After Augsem I went to History, and did a sub-par job on my exam. I am sure I did ok, but what gets me is that I KNOW I could have done SO much better... and I chose to be irresponsible.

In Jazz band I feel like I am starting to get some of the music, after numerous repetitions. I need to practice.

Mom and Colleen stopped by at five, and they brought me a foam pad for my bed. It is kind of small but I CAN'T wait to sleep on it. Mom also brought another one of my blankets, and some more granola/fruit bars to eat... AND she bought me a smoothie. I really wish they would have hung out longer, but they were off to the Irish Fest Volunteer party. Luckies!

When they left I joined up with Marrta, Lauren, Courtney, Lauren and Andrew and we went to Pizza Luce. I remember having gone to the Duluth place, but I don't remember much about it. Andrew, Marrta and I split a "Baked Potato" Pizza, and it was glorious. I wouldn't have thought so, but it was great. We ate the whole thing. THEN, after already stuffing ourselves, we got a HUGE Peanut Butter Brownie Sundae. We split that between four of us... but still. I was gorged.

Upon returning to my dorm I was feeling apathetic. I didn't even watch the Biden/Palin Debate. Instead I cleaned my room and listened to the other people on my floor laughing at the tv. My room looks even bigger when it's clean! I also wrote out three checks this evening, Phone, Credit Card, and a Mental_Floss subscription renewal (I opted for TWO years this time!) I felt grown up, but at the same time I felt crummy for all the money I spent.

Then I did laundry...

My work load is really heavy, and I am feeling actual physical symptoms of stress. It might be in my best interests to check out the CCHP soon... I need to relax a bit. But when will I have time?

Tomorrow Josh is coming and we're going to go to Mall of America, and then to Hamline to visit Visser. Yay! That will be interesting.

Hopefully I willl be able to still get things done.