Friday Never Hesitate!

I am starting to get worrired about how much I thoroughly enjoy doing laundry. How can such a monotonous task bring me such a feeling of accomplishment and joy, and at the same time be so relaxing? It's LAUNDRY for crying out loud! Today I just did a small load of the pants I bought from Savers, and my fall jacket. I figured that it IS almost fall, and my jacket smelled weird, so why not.

While in the hot and empty laundry room I replied to a letter and read. I do regret not getting outside more today... but I still feel good.

I went to my eight o'clock class, which was only 50 minutes long and painless, and when I got back I finished some more letters and took a nap. THREE HOURS of a nap! grah! I spent the rest of my day being as lazy as possible, and it was FANTASTIC!

I read two chapters of Twilight, and sat on my floor playing guitar and "singing." From the floor looking at the pile of clothing, bedding, shoes and text books that is my bed, and I felt really good. Why clutter makes me happy, I do not know... maybe it has something to do with laundry? Or maybe it's just that I am finally growing comfortable enough with my environment that I can be lazy and disorganized... My desk is a disaster too... I do need to do some tidying.

Band was at 3:40, and I got there on time, only to realize that I was wearing jeans and a tie-dyed shirt when everyone else was dressed in black (don't look back and I love you... you're dirty and sweet oh yeah...). I RAN back to my dorm and threw on my black out fit that was convieniently right on my floor from Jazz band pictures yesterday. By the time I got back to the band room I was hot and out of breath. Hooray large motor movement! Pictures were painless (aside from the sun) and then we were finished.

Now, shortly, I will be off to Mortenson for the Debate with Ali, Mitch and Company. I've never actually watched a debate before, so I am excited, but also nervous that it will all go over my head. I pay more attention to politics than most... but... we'll see. Either way I'll come out of it educated.

From the looks of today, this weekend is going to be a good one.

At the End of the day, you just have to say it's All Right

I really wish that by the time I got to blogging I could be as deep and as thoughtful as I am when I'm THINKING about blogging.

So where do I begin? AUGSBURG is an amazing place, and I am in love with it. LOVE I tell you.

For one, I REALLY like the bricks here.

For another, How ELSE would Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary have kissed my forehead?

This morning when I woke up I decided I'd wear my Snape shirt. I was pretty excited, even though it makes me feel like I'm really a gloomy person. Just about everyone who comments on it starts saying, "Snape, Snape, Severus Snape," Which makes me happy. So, Snape Shirt +1 mood points.

I got up with enough time to shower, AND eat a big breakfast because I knew I'd miss lunch. Hygeine and Nourishment +2

The discussion in Christian Vocation was actually in depth and heated at times! The time passed really fast and even though I wasn't caught up in the reading, it was GREAT. I didn't chime in as much as I would have liked, but that's ok. +2.

Peter Yarrow was doing a sound check as I was on my way to Augsem. I was quite sad that I would not be able to attend his concert... BUT THEN Rain threatened, so our Augsem went to the concert.

Here's Peter Yarrow, who's played for MASSES of people, Peace Protests, Civil Rights Rallies, Anti-Vietnam Protests, out side in the rain in our little Auggie court yard playing for a scattered handful of people. I'd like to attribute my thorough glee throughout the rest of the day to him. Perhaps he just really has such great energy that It fueled my happiness. On the piece of notebook paper he signed, he drew a peace sign, followed by "love." Peace and Love. He was a hippie. It made me realize that you can spread peace and love to anyone with out having to carry out the general hippie stereotypes of drugs and promiscuity. I will pass on the love. That will be my mission.

...

I got my Great Train Robbery Quiz back, and as expected I got a 24 out of 24. (+1 Glee). We have an exam coming soon, and of that I am a bit wary. There's an exam in World Politics too. (-1 Glee). (Total: 0 Glee).

For dinner, Ben, Jenny and I walked to the Subway in the Emergency room across the street. Sadly, I wasn't craving Subway as much as I had been, so the joy was kind of lost.(+1 for subway. -1 for no craving...)

Afterwards they went to get Coldstone, but bailed because of social tensions, and instead looked at Sculptures with Andrew. One of his friends was wearing a KVSC Trivia T-shirt, so I asked him about it. He told me that he's on a team, and that they do really well. I asked if I could somehow get in on that, he said that yes, he's trying to get as many as possible! What team? Loose Meat Sandwiches. I've been hearing that name for years! Will I really be part of it? Let's just hope that my brain will be so saturated with trivia by February that I will be a strong asset... and not just dead weight.

Dust of the Encyclopedias! Sort my Mental Floss!

Sculptures: +1
Trivia In: +1
Loose Meat Sandwiches: +1

Then, at the end of the day I went to the Augsburg Feminist meeting. At first I was apprehensive, because ALL of the groups here are so small, but the people there were a lot of fun, and I think it will prove to be a good time.

I am not going to tally my points, but I think it goes without saying that my Mood Is Great.

Homework Woes and Laundry Loads

As I sit in the laundry room drinking one of my last Dr. Peppers, waiting for the 27 minutes to tick down on my drying laundry I realize I left my basket in my room... a lot of good that is going to do me... but that's not what I originally intended to say. What I wanted to say is that I am taking a twenty seven minute respite from my reading to blog, because it's something I haven't been very good about, and that I simply SHOULD do.

I did TWO loads of laundry, and I felt cool because I divided it up between delicates and not so delicates. I felt like a mom. The last time I did laundry it was a dreadful experience in which the water did not drain... this happened to one of my loads, but I didn't fret, I just started over and kept reading "A Year of Living Biblically."

I am sorry that the most exciting things that I have to share about are my adventures in the world of laundry.

There was a homecoming Soccer game last night that the band was going to play for, but with just three trumpets, four flutes, a guitar and one drummer, it didn't make for much of a sound. We bailed, and the outcome was bittersweet. On the one hand I would have loved to play my trumpet and have a good time, but on the other I knew that I would only be wallowing in how much homework I could be doing in that time.

Marrta and I went to the Library basement and I FINISHED THE QUESTION OF GOD! What a burden lifted from my shoulders! I often get an awesome feeling after finishing a book, especially a lengthy one, and in the last week I've finished two without the chance to even soak it all in. There's a bunch in the bible that I have to read, "The Year of Living Biblically," World Politics text, and because I REFUSE to get behind in it, nearly two chapters of The Modern World text.

Last night on the way home from the Library, Jason-dressed in black- peeked out from behind a wall in a very frightening manner. It gave me a start, but then I realized that they were playing capture the flag... Just now I read Adam's blog and he talked about it too... and I got sad. It would have been a lot of fun had I not been burrowed down in the library with so much to do...

The patterns in my lifestyle don't look like they will be easing up any time soon.

But right now I am not too worried about it.
I am hoping to get a big enough chunk done tonight so that I can go to Savers with Jenny without too much guilt and get some pants. Then I'll solve the mystery of the missing Rockstar Energy drink, and stay up a little later than I should reading.

This morning on the way to World Politics, I tripped up the stairs in front of at least three people. And not just a minor stumble! I tripped, and tried to recollect myself gracefully, only to fall again, and then AGAIN! By this time I was hanging on to the handrail for dear life. A man asked if I was ok... I mumbled at him and hurried away. It's a good thing I am not that easily embarassed, for that could have been very traumatizing.

! So little time!

Brand New Key

Unfortunately there are no Rollerskates that come with that deal...
Now that song is stuck in my head. I suppose that's All Right.

Though my back pack weighs as much as my fat dog Sparky, and I have at LEAST 200 pages of reading assigned just today (so I am not even behind!) For Christian Vocation, not to mention pep band obligations and mental health time, I am in a GREAT mood.

Auntie faye sent me a big envelope today filled with awesome frog pajamas, (Frog Pajamas? I ask... Do you reckon I'll ever be Half Asleep in Frog Pajamas? ... tee hee hee... ! I didn't even bring that book!) FUDGE, a card, and THREE gift cards to Starbucks, Wendy's and Pizza Hut. Now THERE's Love. :) In her card she said that she's reading Twilight and nothing else is getting done... It's so true. Luckily I've been controlling myself quite well.

Music, Fudge and History. What else could I ask for?
Today I went to History at it's new time in the SMALL music class room. I got there really early and talked to some of the others there about the Great Train Robbery. I am still experiencing a high from having finished that entire book in such a short amount of time. After a bit of review, I was confident for the test. I even had the slang words I was going to use!
Romer Vokeny: Sailor accent, criminal Jargon
Dunnage: Clothes
Dolly Mop: Prostitute
Nose: Police informant

YESSSSS.
We got our geography quizzes back. I wasn't nervous at all, and when I saw my perfect score of ten I was not surprized. There was a back to the study sheet that I didn't even look at... it was physical geography, but luckily it was mostly politcal on the test. The part I am most proud of is the Pyrenees. Thank You Mrs. Cekalla's Geography class, Nicole and Sara, because remember, Brittany has Risque Pyrenees. I forgot what Brittany stood for, but Risque was the Bay (or Gulf?) of Biskay.
Mnemonic Devices rule.

I'm pretty sure I aced the book test... he didn't even ask me about the slang...

The Modern World with Professor Gus, Tuesdays and Thursdays. 'Tis there that I find the inspiration to pursue my other obligations with a smile...

After that I went to the Music hall, thinking jazz band was at three thirty. I practiced until Three 25 only to find out that Jazz band started at Three ten... so I was late. They still welcomed me warmly though. Jazz Band!!!! This is so Great. I love band. Even though I am having tone issues with my trumpet... it's probably not his fault but my own face's.

Now I am back in my dorm with my very own key, so that I am once again perfectly independent of others for my happiness. Soon I am off with Marrta to dinner, and afterwards there's Pep band for the Homecoming Soccer Game. Though taking into consideration the WALL clouds and threatening winds, I don't know if that is going to happen. At least for the band... However, I am drawing my own conclusions... ooh! now it's raining!!

If you ever drop your keys into a river of molten lava...

... let 'em go, because man, they're gone.
Jack Handey

You can't imagine how helpless one becomes having lost their keys. Unable to get into Urness, Your room, or even the bathroom... Oh so very helpless indeed!

I got a new access card to add to my bill. I think it's something like $30... But hey, It's college... what's thirty dollars? I'm still feeling foolish about it however. The one time I decide NOT to fasten my keys to my belt loop, and they jump ship. Conniving Scoundrels!

Luckily, my room mate is AWESOME and is letting me use her key for now.

It is just past twelve thirty, meaning that I have four and a half hours before Josh is finished at the Youth Power Summit to read at LEAST chapter eight in "The Question of God," the Lewis reading, and the questions associated with it. Also there's the second HALF of "The Great Train Robbery" to finish by tuesday. I'm not behind, not yet.

"The Great Train Robbery" is a really fun book. I would have not picked it out on my own but it is really fun to learn about the Crimea, the Glass Palace and the Railway system, and then be able to read about them in a novel and have this great intellectual understanding... ah yes.

My parents visited on Thursday. My dad had to bring some pottery to a guy here, and Mom came with. They picked me up on their way and then we went to Green Mill. I wasn't wild about the food that I got... It's sad that I am already so put off by noodles... but it was awesome to be with my parents. My Dad Joked that they're not seeing me any less than usual... and that's kind of true when you think about it. I've been so busy lately I haven't had time to mull over how little I've seen of them. However when I DID get to see them I was overwhelmed with home sickness. I only wished to stay in the car, sleeping on the drive, to arrive in the gravel driveway in Ogilvie where I'd be greeted by bounding, squealing dogs, and a slinking cat too dignified to show that he missed me.

Away from this dorm, away from this city, away from all my books and reading. I can see how dropping out in the first ten days wouldn't be that out of the picture for some!

I like it here though. I've already become used to this life, and I don't especially want to leave it behind yet... Strangely all that comes to mind right now as to WHY I don't want to leave is, "Ice Tea." Ice Tea in association with coffee shops of course, and coffee shops in turn associated with friendships. Happy.

The City is good.

I'm considering taking up "Everybody's free to wear sunscreen" in that I should, "Live in New York once, but leave before it makes you hard. Live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft." I like that. Maybe as a reknowned...archivist(?) I'll have that opportunity.

I should try to get to a book store tonight and get a book of short stories for speech. I need to find SOMETHING!

Ice Tea sounds fabulous right now.

Well, Not much else of importance to note at this time. My conscience is eating at me to get back to reading...I'd rather be reading Twilight...

Oh Goodness... did I just say that!?

What has become of me!

Destructive Habits

I've got it. Armed with a clipboard, my tool of choice, I am ready. Pen poised, smile fixed, ALL I have to do is approach them and say, "Hey! Are you Obama Supporters?" and they'll say, "Yes!" Then I'll write down their names and move on to the next.

All I have to do is make the first move. After that it will be cake right? It always is. The first number on the call list, the first door to knock, it's always the hardest.

But my three weeks of inaction have left me soft. Polichick is weakened by the fear of judgment. I told Max that I would. I have to else I face the relentless guilt put upon me by my own self.

My ego has been up and down today. I got up early to go to the other Honors Religion class in hopes that I could take that instead, moving History to One Thirty, leaving three thirty open for Jazz band. Simple as that. Quanbeck complied, and then it was off to Gus' office where I was informed I could not switch because the room is too full. He'll get back to me next week...

Plus because I put it off this long I feel lousy for Bob through all of this.
UGH!

So... Yesterday when I went to academic advising to register for Brass Choir, the lady at the desk said, "Wow! This looks like two semesters worth of courses!" I'll never know what it's like to "Take it Easy." Never.

I still need to figure out my Stafford Loan.

It is a dangerous habit to put things off. At least this time I am mostly caught up with my homework.

I wish I didn't have Jazz band to deal with. I WANT to do Jazz Band, any chance I can get to play my trumpet, I want to take, but I wish that I didn't have to move my whole schedule around, just as I am finally getting used to it!

My Barack Obama Clip Board is sneering at me.

Right now I am going to read a chapter in the Question of God so as to not have as much tonight.

AT LEAST I did everything I was supposed to for History. Gus WILL remember me, just like he remembers Bob Stake. History is Love.

An angel with a lily in his hand... tee hee

There are times when I really appreciate the sheer frigidness of our fridge, for example; cracking open an ice cold Mountain Dew, or pouring a glass of refreshing water. Right now however, as I gnaw through chunks of frozen rice trying not to hurt my teeth is not very pleasant.

Of course, I could just leave the left overs out in the sun long enough for them to thaw, but I do not have that patience. My leftovers are Thai, and quite delicious, despite their temperature. (Note: "3" on a spicy scale of one to five is just about unbearable.) Jill, Alan and I have decided to become renowned(sp?) food critics and bloggers, traversing the whole of Minneapolis/St. Paul, never eating at the same place twice. "Off the Eaten Path" (if that highly clever name is not taken yet) will be up and running soon in the coming weeks :D

On Friday night I was able to hang with Alan and Jill. It was a really cool experience. Since getting here, it was the first time I just got to "hang out" in Minneapolis. Jill lives right across the street, and that's cool to know. We went to a used bookstore where I gazed upon the glorious bounty of books, but did not buy any. I had a cold and was feeling quite miserable. Then we went to a coffee shop and I got some peach ice-tea. I felt like I feel that I should feel here in Minneapolis as a college student. I mean, how collegiate can you get? Sitting in a coffee shop sipping tea with friends discussing literature, pop culture and social issues? Glorious.

Afterwards we meandered back to another UofM building and sat in the squishy chairs discussing ethics.

Saturday marked my first Weekend on campus. I WAS able to accomplish things before Pep band, even though I did sleep in too late. LAUNDRY I must add, was a horrible experience. I'd done laundry before, I was expecting it all to run smoothly, but I was lucky enough to choose the washing machine that was broken... The water didn't drain so I had to haul sopping wet clothing to the dryer, which in turn DIDN'T GET DRY! Ugh. I still have pants draped over various surfaces in my room.

We had our first Pep band Saturday night. Sadly, the turn out was no more than an Ogilvie pep band gig, but the word is that we were greatly appreciated. I had a lot of fun, and managed to read all of chapter four in "The Question of God" despite the cold and wetness.

Josh and some of his friends were in town for a concert, so he paid a relatively unplanned visit, which was awesome.

He left on Sunday before the Honors Banquet. I am in Hesser house, and inspite of my nomination, I was not elected house president. It's ok, I'm only a first year. One cool thing that I am quite excited about is the Memnos Cup. I don't care so much for the cup itself, but the idea behind it is very cool. The idea is to encourage memorization. You get points if you can memorize the posted 120 word piece, and if you memorize it first you get to choose the next piece! Upon hearing this I thought, "Oh yes, Oscar Wilde!" And then, I see that the starting piece is "Ave Maria, Gratia Plena" by OSCAR WILDE! I haven't put much attempt into memorizing it yet, but I will. I HAVE TO! Now it might be weird for me to challenge with more Oscar Wilde... as oftentimes the too resplendent sun hurries the pallid and reluctant moon back to her cave ere she hath won, a single ballad of the nightengale... I LOVE that Man!

Monday is coming together to be a very full day. A day who originally started off being rather relaxed is going to be a challenge. Between Scholar Citizen and Band Iused to have nearly six hours, but now I only have a bit more than two. Good things though; Trumpet lesson at twelve thirty, brass ensembles from one twenty until band at three forty. I hope I hope I hope I will grow as a trumpet player.

I still need to figure out my schedule to fit in Jazz band. I keep telling Bob that I will talk to Quanbeck, and continue to neglect those promises... *whine

Now I have more than an hour to spare. I've eaten my Thai lunch with a Mountain Dew and a square of yummy chocolate. I've blogged... I don't want to read. One of the things I've learned is that I NEED to read what I'm supposed to, else bad things happen... but... the warm sun through my window is telling me that I should take a nap.

Even though I went to bed reasonably early last night, I was still unbearably tired half way through Scholar Citizen. Something must be done.

Well, if the day is going to be as big as I think it will be, a nap will be HIGHLY beneficial.