Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Cheeri-O

I've decided I'm moving to Britain. I came to that conclusion today, while sitting in my torturous Colonial American history class. Really, I think I'm destined to live there at some point, so why not go while I'm still young and care free (hahaha!). Teach American history or government to a bunch of obnoxious British high-schoolers. It's my dream, really. Hey, that psychic told me I was going to end up with a foreigner, and by foreigner she meant some English or Irish guy. So in reality, it's my destiny as well as my dream. Isn't it wonderful when those two colide? I think so. And I'm making Liz come with me, because I'll need someone to share my flat with. She can go dig up ancient English monarchs or teach obnoxious British high schoolers about American Indians or something.
Well, there you have it. My life plan. Maybe not as thorough and thought out as some people's plans (ah-hem, you know who) but it will work fine. And if it doesn't work? Then, fuck. I'll move back home and make my parents finish off the attic. Or live on my friend's couch while I work for minimum wage at a local liquor store. I mean, why mess with something you're good at? I'm sure the Koreans up the street from school would hire me.
Bloody hell (see, I'm practicing my British) I still have a paper to write. At this point, I actually have to work on it because it is due tomorrow.

Monday, March 30, 2009

Procrastination

Really, I'm beginning to think that procrastination is a disease. I've now spent two days doing absolutely no work. Well, that's not completely true. I did go to the library today and dig out books on revolutionary America. That must count for something. But that's the extent of what I've done. And now I need to read a book and write a paper on it by Wednesday. Fantastic. Oh well. Whatever. I know it'll get done in the end, so what's the point of stressing out?
I can't believe that the semester is flying by so fast. We've only got about 4 weeks of class left before finals. And then its home for summer. Or really, down here for the summer. Can't wait! It is going to be amazing. A couple of plans are in the works and I think its all going to be pretty awesome.
On a similar note (the one about time flying), we registered for classes today. As of 7 a.m. this morning I am a registered senior at Catholic University. Holy shit!!!! That's completely terrifying!!!! It's really astonishing how fast the time has gone by. To me, it seems like only yesterday that it was freshman move in day. About 900 degrees in that quad room in Spellman with Kara, her parents, Chrissy and her mom. Megan was nowhere to be found, but her stuff was there. I wasn't entirely sure she existed for the first couple of hours. Erin and I had a whole conversation the other day about how we wish we could go back to freshman year. If only so that we could really understand how carefree and wide-eyed we were. I think we'd have savored it more, because once you're not a freshman, you begin to look at things differently. I mean, I can't imagine us deciding one night at midnight or one (while completely drunk) to blindly follow our friend's roommate to a diner in Adam's Morgan that we've never been to. When we all have flights and trains to catch in the morning. With complete diregard for the time or whether or not we'll make the last metro train. Today, we'd bring up the idea, then realize it's late, we're tired, we don't want to walk, we won't have enough time and eventually decide to just order pizza instead. We're more mature and rational now. I guess that's a good thing. I mean, I know it is. But I wish I could go back and be aware of how much I would miss being a freshman. I'd remember and savor it more. We simply threw it away in our mad desire to be upperclassmen. And now we're registered seniors. I'm writing my thesis in the fall and everyone else is taking comps. It's all almost over. And, try as we might, we can't get it back. It really is scary how fast it has all gone by.
It's now late and I hae a book to read and a paper to write. Not enough time to dwell on the past.

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Three Guys and a Machine Gun

I had a good night. The weather kind of sucked but the night, itself, was fun. We started out at Loriol Plaza in Adam's Morgan. It was me, Molly, Marian, Erin and Erin. We got some food and some margaritas. Soooooo amazing! Oh my god! I love their drinks!! They are the absolute best in the district.
While we were there, my dad called me. It was like 11:30 and I'm thinking, why the hell are you calling me now!?!?! Well, it turns out he was watching the local news (because he was in the district for work) and they had a report about increased crime in Adam's Morgan, highlighted by coverage of a convenience store robbery that took place that night. Three guys with machine guns robbed a store and everyone who was in the store. Machine guns??? Really? Is that necessary? You could rob a store with a sharpie that you put in your pocket!! Using machine guns to rob a convenience store is like using a surface to air missile to go quail hunting. It's ridiculous and unnecessary. At that point, they were showboating.
So when we finally left Adam's Morgan, Molly and Erin Kilroy went back to school because they were sick/tired. Erin, Marian and me went to Irish Times. That is my bar!!!! I've decided that must be our cheers bar because it is just that wonderful. All CUA people, great music, reasonably priced drinks (we got 2 long island iced teas for $14, which is what one margarita cost us at Loriol Plaza). We walked in and I was stunned how many Catholic students were there. I mean, I knew it was a CUA bar, but the entire place was students. I could turn around in a circle and find 10 or 15 people I had class with. We ran into Ray, who was there with a group of people, and we all hung out for a while.
I dont know how it came up, but at one point I found out that Erin knows some of the details of the night we don't speak of. Actually, I think it was because Paper Planes came on and I naturally freaked out and said this song reminds me of a night I don't speak of. Then Erin told me she quasi-knew what went on. So I then had to explain it enough that she had the story straight. But, there are still parts that would only get discussed with Liz. Or the boys, but we've never spoken about any of it with them. Either way, there is a reason it's called the night we don't speak of. We don't speak of it.
I guess we got back to school around 2:30 and passed out. Slept till noon, woke up and made some pancakes. And now the rest of the day has been spent procrastinating and doing nothing. It has been a very productive.
Now I'm going to get ready and go to my wonderful APO meeting. The conference is in less than a week and I think Molly is reaching panic mode. Still haven't decided if this is going to be a funny thing to see or if it's going to be terrible. Doesn't matter, because the banquet on Saturday will make it all worth it. The entire section is going to go to hell in the Pryz Great Room and I can't wait.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Happy Birthday, Rachel

The big Two Four. Man, it's an important birthday. And it's been pretty good so far. The party last night was a success. We all had a good time. Although, Kenny tried to get us to play some new game called Shotgun or something like that. It was not a good idea. It involved chugging a whole beer in about 9 seconds. I played one round and was like "um... no". Not for me. But, otherwise, it was a good night and I think everyone really enjoyed themselves. Chris showed up. And he wasn't high. That was a big plus.
Today, my dad called me at 11:30 and told me that I needed to go to the Barnes and Noble in Rockville at 2 because my mom took the ride down with him and she didn't want to sit for hours while he was working. Wtf!?!? Sneak attack!!!! So I drove all the way out to Rockville and then back to CUA. And then my dad came and met us at school and we went out to eat. But now I'm back at my room and a group of us is gonna go out to Adam's Morgan nad then maybe back to a bar closer to school. I think it should be a good night.
Tomorrow.... yuck. I have work to do. Not cool. I have a book to read and write a paper on for history. That will be fun. Its a book thats all about the stamp act crisis. Very compelling stuff, let me tell you.
Ok, I'm gonna go get dressed and drink some more before we got out. Yay!

Friday, March 27, 2009

Friday

The countdown now stands at under 6 hours. That's not really a lot of time. Erin and I are gonna go to the store in about an hour and grab some chinco. And I think we'll start partying not long after that. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it isn't a total bust. But I don't think it will be.
I gave a tour this afternoon and at the begining of all of my tours I tell the people to feel free to jump in and ask questions because the tour usually ends up being more fun that way. They should also feel free to ask me anything because I gaurantee that I've had a stranger question and my dad used to ask really weird stuff about alumni donation records. Usually, that means someone will raise their hand while I'm giving a part of my schpeile and ask something. But today I had this one weird guy and his son. They were strange from the get-go. The kid was asking me how the buildings are heated. With, heaters? He wanted to know if it was compressed air or steam. How should I know? Then he asked me what time the street lights around campus go on. Um, when it gets dark out? And his dad was literally interupting me. I mean, I'd be mid-sentence and he'd start talking. Wtf? Seriously, who does that?
I got into my first choice for the history senior seminar!!! Yay!! Britain and the Second World War. I'm so excited! I'm just not sure who else is in my section. I know a couple of other people who put it down as their first choice, but I don't know if they got it or not. Well, now I know my general topic and I can start narrowing it down to something specific. I've already got a few ideas and I talked them over with my advisor, who is, incidentally, the prof for this class.
I'm gonna go get ready now...

p.s. I was just on hte phone with my sister and she suggested I do a shot at 11:59 because it will be the last illegal drink I ever have. Haha. She's such a corrupt little 16 year old!

Thursday, March 26, 2009

You Look Like A Smurf

Twenty four hours and thirty three minutes. Not that I'm counting or anything. You know, just in case you are. I think it's going to be a good weekend. At least, I'm hoping it is. Party tomorrow, bars on Saturday and out again on Sunday. I wonder when I'm going to get any of my homework done. Considering I do have a paper due on Wednesday. Eh, whatever. I wouldn't have started it until Monday anyway.
The weather sucked today. It was cold, damp, raining, windy, foggy and all around gross. Not cool. And on top of that, I was beyond bored with absolutely nothing to do. I've taken to re-watching all of my movies. And watching new ones online, illegally. Hey, its not my fault they're up there. I didn't invent the internet, youtube or tv-links.eu. I simply use them.
Molly is still sick. She has been for a week and I'm becoming more and more convinced that she actually has some kind of respiratory, bronchitis chest infection. She's been coughing up a lung for a week now and it doesn't sound like its getting any better. I know I'm going to get it at some point because she's coughing and sneezing all over the living room and I've got the worst immune system EVER. But, at this point, I'm beginning to think I won't get sick until after my birthday. Then I don't care. It just means I'll be too sick to help out at the conference. Oh. Damn. I'll be so upset.
Wow, ok so they just emailed us the tour schedule for April. I have six tours so far. And I usually pick up one or two from people who have some kind of conflict. Plus we're got Odyssey Day on the 17th where we all work about a hundred hours. I better be making some serious cash this month so I won't be completely flat broke by the end of the semester. With this many tours and Odyssey Day though, I think I should be ok.
I think I have some philosophy reading to do and I should get that done. God knows I didn't do it before Grey's came on. By the way!!!! Best Grey's episode in a looooong time! I thoroughly enjoyed it!! I did not see that whole thing at the end coming. It was definitely not even hinted at in the promos last week. It was very good and very surprising.

p.s. Happy Kenny Chesney's Birthday! his b-day is 2 days before mine. clearly ::slight shoulder shrug:: it's fate

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Birthday Hazing

Having your morning class canceled is really, in my opinion, one of the greatest things that can happen in college. Therefore, not having media today was splendid. Absolutely glooorious (to quote Kara). I got to sleep for an extra hour and take my time getting ready for the rest of my classes. It was very nice.
I'm convinced my politics in the media class has turned into a history class. All we do is discuss different types of failed governments in the past half century. Perhaps, in passing, we may briefly discuss how the ruling group did or did not effectively use the media. Today, we talked about the establishment of the People's Republic of China for the first hour of class. Then in the last 15 minutes we discussed the media coverage of Tienanmen Square in 1989. Honestly, this is not the class I signed up for.
After politics I went to my actual history class. There we discussed the movement patterns of North American Indians in the 1600s. If the topic wasn't boring enough, it was about 80 degrees and dry as an August desert in the classroom. I'm amazed I didn't fall asleep. Although, I did consider trying to get in touch with Ben Stine to ask if I could borrow some Clear Eyes. I'm not sure I comprehended or took notes on anything that was said in the last 20 minutes of class. Other than when the prof described some French guy as a bad ass who disobeyed authority and had his initials tattooed on his chest. That I wrote down.
Towards the end of history class I got an email and jumped at the chance for a distraction (I really do love my blackberry). My cousin Brian emailed me about getting together for drinks sometime this weekend for my birthday. That's nice of him. He always takes me out for my birthday. But the subject of the email was "birthday hazing". Hence the title of this post. I'm slightly frightened by that. I mean, he's been talking about my 21st birthday since freshman move in day. I think I should be both concerned and prepared. It should be interesting. Haha.
Right. Well. Yay laundry time!

Hmmmm...

I've had a very interesting night. I'm not quite sure how else to describe it and I can't get into it. But just know that it was very interesting. I learned a lot and gained some valuable insight into a couple of different things.
In other news, because of a civic responsibility to report for jury duty, my media professor has had to cancel both class and our night screening for tomorrow. Oh darn. Instead, we have to watch trailers for all the different movies that we're going to vote on as our last documentary. Seriously? That's our assignment? What a bunch of youtube clips? Sweet.
Also, Operation DR may in fact be a success. It is not official yet, but things are looking promising and we have made some progress. Hopefully we we learn the outcome very soon. In which case, some (if not all) will be revealed. Probably only some. For my own well being.
Ok, off to bed because media is canceled and I can sleep in, which I intend to do. So I need to go to sleep to gain the extra time. Otherwise the staying up later and sleeping later cancel each other out. Very pointless.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Post Party

So Molly has been planning this APO conference that is going to take place here at Catholic. It's in just under two weeks and she's been working on it, probably for a year. Honestly, I've tried to stay as far away from it as possible because I just don't want to get involved in the insanity that will be her life in the next two weeks. And it takes place the week after my birthday. I plan on being drunk. But anyway, I've just been informed that on Saturday night of this conference, after it is essentially over, there will a post-conference party. To be held, most likely, in our trailer. Sweet, I could go for a party. And if there is one thing Zeta Mu knows how to do right, its drink. Maybe the conference won't be so terrible after all.
You know, I'm becoming slightly concerned about something. It's pretty trivial when you look at the grand scale of things, but still. My 21st birthday is on Saturday and I'm becoming worried that (like the rest of my semester) its going to be a let down of a weekend. I mean, I've just got a feeling that it's become so hyped up that it's just inevitable that I be disappointed. And I don't want to be, ya know? I mean, I think that, other than turning 16 and 18, this is the last major birthday you have until you turn 30. And the fact that that is less than 10 years away is slightly frightening. But I digress. I guess I'm just worried that I'm gonna try and have my friends over and half of them will be too high to show up or be any fun and everyone else will have something going on. And then on Saturday, it will turn out that no one wants to go out or do anything and I spend my 21st birthday like I've spent the majority of my weekends this semester. Doing absolutely nothing. Sober as a reformer at an AA meeting. If that happens, that might be it for me. I may actually lose it at that point. Maybe its the pessimist in me, but in any event, I've begun mentally preparing myself for a not-so-spectacular birthday.
Well, I'm going to attempt to get some work done while I contemplate ways to justify a less-than-stellar birthday.

The Snow is on the Mountain

I've always imagined that those words would be used as some kind of single for the green light of some covert operation. Like the sleeper cell terrorists I have living directly across the street from me. Well, actually they live across the street from the side of my house (I'm on a corner) but I can see their house from my kitchen window. They're very creepy. Some kind of Middle Eastern. There are about 15 of them living in this house, which wouldn't be so strange cause it looks like its just one giant family with the parents and grandparents and kids and aunts and uncles. Not so strange. In fact, during the day they look pretty normal. But every so often, in the middle of the night, they act really weird. An NYC taxi will show up and double park in front of the house. Or one of the guys will be outside on the phone yelling in some strange language. In the summer, when people show up late (and I'm in my backyard hanging out so I can see this) the garage doors will come up and all of a sudden the women are all outside with the children, who are only between 2 and 5. And this is at like midnight. I'm telling you, there is something not right about them. Our neighbor who is a DEA agent checked them out and allegedly they run a check cashing business out of their house, which is bullshit. I don't believe it. And when they do something and they interview me on the news about whether or not I suspected anything, I'll tell them absolutely and they should look at my neighbor who investigated them.
Wow, ok. That was waaaaaay off topic. Victim of the stream of consciousness, I guess. Anyway. In my case "the snow is on the mountain" is codeword for the launch of Operation DR. And, while I doubt many people know what Operation DR is, it was put into effect about 5 hours ago. We're just awaiting the result and we're hopeful that it will be positive. If it is, then I will post and let everyone know.
But for now, I think I'll keep the details to what I've already said. Which is virtually nothing. And that's how it will stay.
Cherie-o!

p.s. I've been having a Hugh Grant marathon today since I'm completely bored and love Hugh Grant movies. Although, I've come to realize that a Hugh Grant marathon is also a Colin Firth marathon because they're in several movies together. It's all good, I like Colin Firth too!

Thursday, March 19, 2009

I've Got a Plan!

To win back the fresh clean smell in my new Opus room. If you don't already know, one of our roommates next year has a slight odor problem. But I've got a plan. And I think it has a good chance of working.
This weekend, Erin and I will draft up an email, gain Liz's approval, and send it off to this person. In it, we are going to simply tell the truth. That we drink copious amounts of alcohol, that we party excessively. That we have several slightly obnoxious, womanizing guy friends who may or may not use drugs (joking!). That these guys may crash at our place one or more nights a week due to alcohol or a sheer lack of desire to travel. That our room is going to be the party room and we will probably blast loud music all afternoon and night. That we felt it important to tell her about this early on so that if she wanted to maybe request a quieter room, she'd have time while there is still space. Honestly, we'd understand. No hard feelings. You think it will work? God, I hope so.
If it doesn't, then Liz and I created a backup plan... the house rules. Ahem! I will now read you a short preview of the house rules:

Rule One: everyone living in Opus 713 will be required to shower daily, using both soap and hot water.
Rule Two: any visiting friends must also shower that day with soap and hot water, but showers will not be provided for them.
Rule Three: in order for friends to come over, they must first be able to successfully hunt and kill an "iso".
Rule Four: if they don't know what rule three refers to, then there is no hope of them being invited over.

I think that is a pretty good start. We're just laying down the law, especially concerning numbers one and three. It's my senior year and I'm not letting a roommate's potential hygiene issues ruin my good time. Especially since we've decided that we're going to get some stuff to decorate and match the new modernish furniture that Opus has. As opposed to just posters. Those can go in mine and Liz's room. (ahhh!) I will not have my stuff infested with the smell of B.O. There will be glade plug ins up and down the hallway and I will make our apartment smell like a tropical oasis!! hahaha.
Ok, bed time. I'm exhausted from the history quiz I had today that the prof then followed with a 45 minute lecture about Bacon's Rebellion. Seriously? Seriously?

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Oper-, Opus: Housing

We officially have housing for next year. Opus 713. Top floor. Where there is cell phone service and a view of.... something. After a mad dash to get into a room, we finally made it and quickly discovered that a ton of other people will be living in Opus as well next year. I think it's going to end up being almost all seniors, which will be cool. If we just had kitchens, it would be great.
Earlier today I had a meeting with my adviser to talk about my schedule for next semester. As usual, the classes I want to take are fine and fit into my schedule. After we went over my classes we talked about my senior thesis and how it was almost time to graduate. It was kind of terrifying because she asked me what I was planning on doing next May and it realized I've only got a year to figure something out. But I've been seriously looking at Teach for America and I think I'm going to apply for it in the fall. It's extremely competitive though. They only take about 20-25% of the people who apply, so I'm going to need to come up with some kind of back up plan. But right now I need to focus on making sure all my academic and extracurricular activities are in order and ready for the fall. I'm going to need to start organizing this stuff over the summer. Basically I want to kick ass in my classes this semester to give my GPA one final boost before I apply to TforA and start looking at other jobs in the fall. God, that's terrifying. Especially in this economy.
Oh well, right now I've got a history quiz to study for.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

The High Holy Day

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!!!

It's that time of year again. That time when everything becomes a just little greener, bagpipes can be heard in the distance and it is suddenly acceptable to drink Bailey's and Jameson in your morning coffee. That's right ladies and gentlemen, The High Holy Day is upon us. It is St. Patrick's Day once again.
As I'm sure you all know, today is one of (if not my absolute) my favorite holidays of the year. It's always back and forth between today and Christmas (with 4th of July close behind), but as I get older I think today is starting to win out. I look forward to March 17th all year and usually have a countdown going by early January. The days leading up are spent blasting the Boondocks Saint's theme and all my other Irish music. You can feel the excitement in the air.
On any given day, there are a million reasons why I love being Irish. But today, I love it even more. What other nationality has a holiday (a religious one, no less) dedicated to drinking? It's amazing. I don't think it is possible for anything to ruin my day today. I may get annoyed at things, like the fact that Molly washed exactly half the dishes today and left the other half in the sink. But on a whole, I cannot be brought down.

Next year, our Spring Break ends on the weekend of the Washington DC St. Patrick's Day parade. Therefore, when planning our vacation, I will find it imperitive that we come back Saturday night so that we can go to the parade and get really drunk afterward. And the entire day of St. Patrick's Day will be spent at the Dubliner next year. Liz. Erin. You are on notice!
Now, if you will all excuse me, I'm going to go back to drinking my Miller Lite and listening to my Irish music while I celebrate this final hour of St. Patty's Day.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Deep Breath/My Housing

So after several near sleepless nights, hours of stressing and talking to just about every person I have ever known on this campus, we finally have a good fourth to live with. And on top of everything else, she has number 148! We can get our nice, quiet trailer and not have to worry about anything. Liz told me not to stress because it would all work out at the last minute but (me being me) I've stressed out about it compulsively for the past two weeks. I swear, I think I'm going gray or something. But it all seems to be working out. Maybe I won't be homeless next year. The only hurdle left to clear now, is My Housing...
I know it's a lot to ask for, but just once, just one time, I would like something at this school to run the way it is supposed to. No problems. No rescheduling. No massive emails to address the issues. But, like I said, it's a lot to ask for. So I'm not very optimistic about that ever happening. Today's problem is the CUA Housing program known as "My Housing". The idea behind the program is great. It lets people log on, check their lottery number, select their roommates and chose their rooms. All in one place. The execution however, in typical CUA fashion, sucks. The program is now three years old and the school still cant get it to work properly. This year, the problem is that people cant select their friends as their roommates. Also, we had to agree to some Resident and Dining Services form and if we didn't then we couldn't participate in selections. Well, we all signed it and it still says we're "ineligible". It is so bad, and Housing was so incapable of addressing the problem sometime in the past three week, that they had to delay the start of room selections. The lottery was scheduled to begin today at 4 and at 4:30 we got an email from the Housing director saying they were pushing up back at least a day to try and deal with the problem. So now, on top of not being able to select our roommates, we all have to scramble to try and reschedule who is going to pick the room, because God knows the person with the number is in class during their time. Great! Thank you CUA. To quote Daniel Craig in Road to Perdition (it is St. Patty's Day week after all), "It's all so fucking hysterical". I think that sums it up pretty acurately.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Application Submitted

I officially applied to two more summer jobs today. One at the International Trade Commision. The other at the Department of Education. I still have to fax a copy of my transcripts to the DoE, but thats it. Maybe one of them will work out and I can get a summer job. I'll have to keep scanning the goverment jobs websites to see if anything else pops up. Also, Liz gave me this website that lists jobs and internships with non-profits so maybe there will be something on that site that I can apply to. I think if I haven't heard anything from anybody in the next few weeks then I'm going to start becoming concerned. I cant go back home this summer! I'll go crazy! Besides, Liz and I have our summer 2009 bucket list that we need to complete. We can't do that if I'm in New Jersey.
I've decided that I'm done with certain people. I realized yesterday that I'm friends with a person or two who are just not worth being friends with, for any number of reasons. I finally realized that it's not worth putting up with the bi-polar, hypocondriac, high drama, ultimatum type of friendship. It's too much hastle and I have more important things to worry about. You're friends shouldn't make you that stressed. You shouldn't feel like you have to walk on eggshells around them and watch every little thing you say or do beause it may upset them and send them into a tailspin. That's not a friend. That's a project. So I'm done with people like that. And you know what? I'm ok with that. I'm better off without them.
So I've been in Leahy for the past three hours applying to differnet jobs and now writing a wonderful 3 page paper for my media class. Clearly, I'm being productive because here I am, posing on my blog. Whatever. As long as I get it done by tonight then I'm good. Molly and I were supposed to go out to BWI to pick up Hersh this morning but he missed his flight (car broke down). now he's on a flight that gets in at 8 so we're going out there after her Mission Jamaica meeting. Even better, I get to leave the APO meeting early!!!! Shaaa-weeeeet!!!!!!
I should probably finish my paper so that I can go back to my trailer and clean/relax before APO and BWI. My paper is supposed to be about 3 pages and right now I've got 2 lines. Time to work!!

p.s. there is a girl sitting next to me for the past fifteen minutes printing stuff and talking on her cell phone. I can hear her over my headphones. Can you get any more annoying?!?!?! Does she not see the hundred signs that say you are not allowed to be on your cell phone in Leahy???? At this point, I think she ranks up there with the obnoxiously loud girl who used to be in the pryz during breakfast last year. you know the one I'm talking about. don't pretend you don't!

Saturday, March 14, 2009

George Clooney

On Thursday, I watched ER for the first time in about four years. It's really sad that 90% of the original cast is gone from that show. But I also think its awesome that they are figuring out ways to bring everybody back for the final season. They even figured out a way to bring back Dr. Green (and he died of a brain tumor). But I think this past Thursday was the most highly anticipated return of the season. George Clooney as Dr. Doug Ross!!!!! So exciting!! And I think it was awesome how they did it because he was there and he had a huge impact, but he didn't even know he made this impact because what he did didn't take place in County General Hospital. Very well done. Thursday also saw new episodes of Bones, Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice. It was an intense night.
In other news, it's St. Patrick's Day Weekend!!!!!! The High Holy Day is upon us and I, for one, am very excited. Even though St. Patrick's Day isn't until Tuesday (and we'll drink then too) this is the official celebratory time. This is one of my favorite weekends and I'm not gonna let it go to waste. Although I think it will always be impossible to top last years 18 hour marathon, I have hope that this year will also be good. We kicked it off last night with a little B.P. and hanging out in my trailer (Molly's mom is in town and she was spending the night with her). After a while we all headed over to the boy's trailer because Alec was having his belated 21st birthday party. I'm pretty sure we're partying again tonight too. Well, we better be because, I mean, I'm planning to. This weekend only come's once a year. We need to enjoy it!
Ya know, for the first time in a while, I had a really good time last night. Everyone actually got together, hung out and enjoyed ourselves. We need to do that more often. It was very reminicent of what our weekends used to be like and, in a way, it reminded me of just how different this semester has been from every other one. Last night was almost like the last couple weeks hadn't happened. I'm almost worried that it's the only good weekend I'm gonna get this semester. But my birthday is two weeks from today and Chris has already promised me that we will have a big party. So I'm gonna hold him to that! Maybe this can be the time when the semester starts to turn around and I can get my friends "back". Not that I ever lost them, but when they act completely diferent, it's like you don't really know them anymore.
Ok, I think it's time for me to stop writing and go celebrate being Irish!!!! Hapy St. Patrick's Day everyone!!!

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Housing Again

I'm on the phone with Liz right now. It's amaaaazing. Finally, someone who understands me! She needs to come back so I can stop being all stressed about everything. This housing situation just keeps getting worse and worse and I may choke someone before the week is done.
On top of my housing stress, the junior history majors had a meeting today to talk about our senior thesis class. We have to come up with a general idea for what we want to write about and pick our professor based on the different section topics being offered. AHHHH! I think I'm going to try and do something about Ireland's involvement in World War II or i don't know. I think my back-up (in case I dont get the WW2 section) is going to be a comparison of American Revolution rhetoric and ideals compared to that of the French Revolution. I'm not sure. I think I'd be more interested in the Britain during World War II class so I think I'm going to try and come up with a topic in that general area. Suggestions anyone? I've got a week before I need to meet with my professor.
God, i'm so completely stressed about so many different things. There is the whole thesis thing. That is slightly overwhelming. Then there is the housing thing. I feel like I'm beating a dead horse at this point but it has literally become the bain of my existence. I can't even get into what is going on. I'm not entirely sure I understnad it either. Thank god this is the last year I have to deal with this. I don't think I could do it again next year.
In other news, I have rediscovered my love of The Mummy trilogy and I'm currently watching the third one online for free. I love these movies. They're kinda cheesy and unbelievable and this is probably the only decent thing Brendan Frasier has ever made. But I love them. In fact, I'm going to go finish watching them. I'm up to the part in the third one where Rick, Eve, Alex and Johnathan (with the help of the Yeti) are in the Hymalayas trying to prevent the dragon emperor from finding the path to Shangrula and the pool of eternal life. So great!

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Dark Days

If any of you have ever been interested in the lives of the people who live underneath the train tunnels at Penn Station in NYC, then might I suggest you watch "Dark Days" by Marc Sadler. I, however, like most people, have never given really any thought to those people. So I found this documentary interesting, but mostly weird and creepy. It was just dirty people sitting around cursing, using crack, playing with stray dogs and trying to catch rats. Not really my cup of tea.
I'm becoming more and more stressed about this housing thing. People are so two faced sometimes and this is one of the few times each years when we get to see people's true colors. You have people telling you one thing, telling your friend another and what they're telling both of you is something completely different than what they were saying last week. Then there are people who stalk you and won't give you two minutes to quietly make up your mind. I don't know which type of person is worse. I really hope this works out soon because I don't know how much more of this I can take.
On top of the housing stress, I'm now working on paper number three for the week. It's only Tuesday!! This week, in fact this whole semester, needs to just be over. I can't handle it anymore. If I make it to May with any amount of my sanity intact it will be a miracle.

Monday, March 9, 2009

"There's no such thing as unpaid experience"

I went up to the hill today. Very exciting stuff. Everyone I talked to seems to want to tell me that I should get an unpaid internship for the summer and then get a part time job at Union Station. Shit, son. I've already got a part time job. Its called Harry's. I think my best bet is going to end up being the things I apply for at the different Departments. I found something at the Dep. of Ed that I'm going to submit for. And something at the National Labor Relations Board. Hopefully something will turn up. Otherwise I'm completely screwed.
I hate school work. Its Monday and I'm already in the process of writing my third paper of the week. God this sucks. And I'm still all screwed up from daylight savings time. I'm convinced it take you a week to get over the time change. I have to read "half" of a book tonight. (and by half, I mean effectively skim). I've started but I've got a decent amount to go.

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Back Again

Back at school after a very uneventful week at home. I drove back today and made the (normally) 4 hour trip in just over 3 hours. I left Bayonne at 2:30 and made it back to Catholic between 5:45 and 6. I think I drive a little fast. But in my defense there wasn't any traffic and you can do up to 80 on the Jersey Turnpike without almost no fear of getting pulled over. Most states give you 10 mph over the speed limit. Jersey gives you 15. So while it usually takes two hours to get out of Jersey, you can do it in one and a half.
Tomorrow I get to go up to the hill to meet with this lady, finally. It should be tons of fun. I cant wait. :::sarcasm::: I'm sure it will be fine. I just really never enjoy doing this type of thing. At least its not going to be too cold out tomorrow so I can get away with wearing my lighter coat.
Well, I need to finish writing this paper that I was supposed to do over break but (shockingly) did not. I've only got to finish the paragraph I'm working on and write my conclusion. Then I'm gonna get to bed because I've got a lot to do really early on and this whole daylight savings, while I think its great... it really throws me off.
I'll let you know how everything goes tomorrow. : >)

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Temporary Crown

I hate the dentist. I spent the last two days there getting a cavity filled and getting a temporary crown put on my one tooth. Yesterday, the whole bottom of my mouth was numb for about 4 hours and when the Novocaine eventually wore off I realized I had been chewing on my lip the entire time. It is now swollen, cut and sore as hell. I tell this to Mike cause, ya know (as he later put it) we're like best friends. He finds it hysterical. Honestly, the sympathy is just overwhelming. Haha, joking.
Well my week at home has been sufficiently boring. I didn't get nearly enough work done but I guess that's not such a big deal. I'll just skip the APO meeting on Sunday night and quickly do everything that I should have done this week. I'm so productive and well-organized, I know.
Oh, there was one tiny bright spot in my week though. Yesterday afternoon, I stop in the living room while on my way upstairs. My mom was watching tv and a commercial for match.com came on. After it was over, she turned to me and goes "you know, you should go on match.com, Kaitlyn. I think it really works." After I was done starring at her is some kind of shock and surprise, I was like "why don't we focus on my getting out of college first? Now if you'll excuse me I have to go pack and drive back to school." What. The. Fuck. No words. Non what-so-ever. I haven't even been able to comprehend it. She must have been high on Sudaffed. Or maybe she's been secretly drinking.
So that brief exchange yesterday was the most exciting part of my week. I guess that's why I haven't posted anything. I haven't done anything. Back to school in about 36 hours though. yay!!

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Home Front

The mystique that surrounds coming home and seeing the town you grew up in has worn off. Now I'm just bored. Know what I did today? Absolutely nothing. I drove my sister to school, went back to bed, made a dentist appointment and watched the first hour of 24 that I missed last night. That's it. I mean, 24 was the most thrilling part of my day (not that it isn't usually the most thrilling part of my Mondays). But on the excitement scale, it was followed closely by the scheduling of my root canal follow up visit. That's just pathetic. I'm ready to get back to school at this point.
I think the rest of the week might be a bit more interesting. I'm going to get new tires on my car, go read to my mom's class for Read Across America week, get a pedicure and babysit. The excitement is almost too much to handle. But speaking of my car tires.... my g-ma called today and while I was talking to her she asked how I was getting back to school. When I told her I was driving, she said "Oh, so that's ok with your parents, obviously?" No. Actually I was planning on getting up really early on Sunday and leaving before they woke up. Maybe they won't notice my keys are missing. What the hell? Yes they know I'm driving. Then she tells me to make sure I leave early because, ya know, last time I hit traffic. Duh. It was the Sunday after Thanksgiving, it was pouring rain and there was construction through all of Delaware. Did she expect me to fly down 95?
Well, the most interesting part of my day (24) did not disappoint. If you don't watch this show, you should. This week, a bunch of African terrorists infiltrated the White House and took the President's daughter hostage until the President and Jack Bauer surrendered themselves (they were in a lockdown room). Next week, there is going to be a huge explosion at the White House, Jack is going to try and save the President and the FBI is gonna go rogue after a direct order from the Vice President to stand down. I can't wait! Overall, it's a little far fetched. You have to just go with it and not ask too many technical questions about the realistic posability of things. If you can do that, it's a great show.
I don't know why but it sucks me in every week. I've been watching since the first season in 2001 (when I was in the 8th grade!). Honestly, its not a show that I could see very many liberal democrats being a fan of. It's all about storming buildings, guns blazing and interrogating the shit out of the bad guy until he tells you everything. Really, I think it probably had a big influence on the initially formation my conservative views. Which is sad I know, but it had a lot to do with the time (october 2001) and being able to see America physically and literally kick the crap out of the terrorists. My views aren't based on 24 or Jack Bauer anymore (obviously) but at 13 it was something that caused me to become more aware of the world and take a stance on issues. That... and The West Wing. But everyone my age who is interested in politics watched that show.
I think I'm getting sick. Oh, and I hurt my shoulder yesterday. That is always fun. It's been over a year since I hurt it last, so I'd almost forgotten how it felt. I've felt terrible all day. I've got a headache and I'm getting all achy. Damn it! This needs to be done with. I don't have time to deal with being sick. There is homework to be done and car tires to be bought!!
Perhaps I should take some Sudafed and go to bed early. Haha. Yea, ok. That'll happen. But I am going to go take something and hope to fight off whatever it is that I'm getting.

Monday, March 2, 2009

In Like a Lion...

New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg said last night "March is the month that comes in like a lion an goes out like a lamb. So while it may not yet be time to start counting our sheep, the lions are definitely roaring". I'm not sure I remember that last time we got a major snow storm in March but yesterday afternoon they were calling for something between 8 and 14 inches. New York closed the schools for the first time in five years. I think we ended up getting around 6 or 7, but that is still a lot for this late in the season. I mean, on Friday it was 63 degrees in DC, then yesterday it snowed for upwards of 6 hours.
Saturday night, after spending a thrilling amount of time wikipedia-ing things, my parents called to say they were leaving this fundraiser dance at hfa, that they were at they were going to The Starting Point for one drink and did I want to join them. Sure. So I go meet them at The Starting Point and the entire town is there. Which is normal, but they are all already half trashed because everyone was at this fundraiser, including the owner of The S.P., and they had an open bar at this thing.
The Starting Point is great because it's a locals type place. The guy who owns it is a fireman. It's not a high maintenance place. You could go there for a drink after you've been out to a nice dinner or you could go there in a sweatshirt to get a pizza with friends. The crowd is usually a mix of some young 20 somethings (who dont feel like going to hoboken), 30 and 40 year olds, families with kids, couples, singles, groups of friends. Everyone knows everyone, even the younger people. They play great music, which is usually a mix of 80s and 90s stuff. On game day, you're lucky to get a seat three hours before kick off. They've got a tiki bar in the back for when its warm out in the summer. It's basically your everyday "regular joe" type of bar. I love the place. Anyway, back to my story...
So I go meet my parents, who havent really drank that much. Most other people there were drunk though. We were going to stay for one drink and go because my parents were tired. Well, I outdrank my mom 2-1 and kept pace with my dad. I think he was impressed. By the time we got home it was waaaay later than we had thought we would be out. It was so late that before I went to bed I was talking to Liz online because she had already woken up for the day (she's 6 hours ahead of us). That's pretty late.
Then yesterday we did nothing. My sister made me watch this weird MSNBC Reports special about these two college girls who were in a terrible car accident. One died and the otehr was crtically injured but the hospital apparently mixed the girls up and told the families that their daughter had lived/died when it was actually the wrong thing. So this family sat with their "daughter" for five weeks while she was wrapped head to toe in bandages and in a coma and the other family buried their "daughter". Then they find out it as all backwards. Crazy. That was about the extent of my day.
Well now I'm in my house doing absolutely nothing. It snowed and my parents both have off of work and (shock!) good ol' HFA cancelled school today. Now we're all in the house together and we'll probably end up choking each other before the day is done. I think i'm going to start reading my English Civil War book so I can write my paper on it before I go back to school. Or maybe I'll start my media paper, because that'll be much easier. I'm going to go find some way to entertain myself...

p.s. that's a pic from my sister's bedroom window. it looks out on the backyard and garage (which aren't in the pic) and our neighbor's houses on Humphrey Avenue