final grades

Oh...my...gosh...I got straight As this semester!! All I was waiting on was my grade for theory, and today I finally got it! I can't believe I got an A in that class! And the best part is, I don't care what I got on my final (ok well kind of only because it will tell me how much work I have to do for the qualifiers) but I got an A...so if anyone else got an A...who cares?! It's all the same. I didn't even get straight As the first quarter of the masters program. I am so wow right now. Puts me in the mood to bake and finish wrapping today that's for sure!

stress

So today's final went okay. One of my group members made a comment about another group though that caused some hard feelings, so I had to kind of do damage control so that they knew it wasn't my opinion as well. It's always something with this group. Tomorrow is my theory final and I'm scared to death over it. I love theory and now it's just overwhelming. I'm exhausted, but I know if I lay down, I won't be able to sleep. I've been studying, as well as packing and cleaning since I'll be staying with Stephanie from tomorrow until Saturday.
I sent an email to our old secretary Dottie who just left our department...jeeze last week? no two weeks? they all run together. Anyway, she was always into the holidays, so I wished her a merry christmas and told her it was a bummer coming into work this morning and her not being there. She told me my email made her day. That's a good feeling. OH oh...and...talk about great news...Dr. Frenzel told me today that she's very happy with me, Kendra and Jen because we've had no complaints from students, and Dr. Geiver (the head of the department) took Dr. Frenzel aside recently and told her he was happy with how the advising center was running because he's heard no complaints either and by now they usually had had a few. So we are kicking butt and taking names! I wanted to tell Kendra in case she hadn't heard, but of course she's so into the clique we rarely talk now. I also got to see the floor plan of our new building and the advising center got hooked up in office space. We may be in the basement but our area is pretty large, we have a lounge for faculty and grad students I guess. All the teacher assistants share an office in the basement as well. It will be nice to have everyone in the same building, including our classes. Dang, I wasn't thinking, I should have worked wednesday and thursday since I would have only had to go up one floor to work and class. Oh well. I'll have to take pics when I can. We're hoping to be able to unpack the advising center on Jan 13th before classes start on the 14th, but we'll see. The building does NOT look any where near completion, but they swear they will move everyone on Jan. 10th.
Ok I suppose I should do another run over my theory notes and then pack up my laptop and head to bed.

almost there

I just have to get through Thursday. Of course, that means I also have to get through 2 finals. I am actually studying for theory tonight...finally. Decided to get creative and draw huge outlines on poster board. It seems to be helping. And I've been giving myself study breaks so I don't get too frustrated and quit. So that's what I'm doing now.
Anywho...I'm technically leaving Indiana on Thursday afternoon, after my theory final. My friend Stephanie (another girl in my class who isn't in the clique), is going to take me to the airport and pick me up in January. However, I have to stay at her house until Saturday, since she lives about 40 minutes out of town, closer to the airport. Friday night she has to work too, so I'll be hanging out with her boyfriend. Should be an interesting couple of days!
I get home at 5:30pm on Saturday. I have 3 books I got from the library for Stephanie's house and the plane, and plan on relaxing as much as I can. When I get off the plane, I have the boys to look forward to, who have already asked me about taking them to see Santa and/or christmas lights. My mom has already mentioned baking, and has finally started decorating, no thanks to anyone helping her pull stuff out. Gotta love the holidays. But I am looking forward to baking and decorating. I'm looking forward to watching a christmas movie without feeling guilty, or any of the movies I have sitting on my dvd player waiting to be watched. And I'm tired...so tired I'm actually looking foward to being home for 3 weeks (ish, give or take time at the Gray's) to be near my treadmill and be able to walk.
It's raining...has been since this morning. Not hard though. Rain through the week though, and clear when I leave, so no delays and should be smooth sailing.

done with snow

So by now word has gotten out about my bonehead move yesterday. I locked my keys in my car, with it running, at school. Had to call AAA, all my info was locked in my car, and I only had the number for the AAA in california. Then I went to get gas and fishtailed through the gas station, thought for sure I would hit something. This morning I got stuck in the snow in our driveway and had to get the neighbor to get me out. Then I couldn't get up to Jen's house because she lives where there are a lot of hills and I was running late, and I was supposed to feed the cat. By the time I got to class I wanted to cry, I was homesick and stressed. The good news is I nailed my book review for theory, which I needed to do. Keith ended up taking me at lunch up to Jen's house to feed the cat. Me, Keith and Stephanie are working together on our stats final and we're stuck. And I'm just flat out overwhelmed about my theory final. I talked to Dr. Lee and he advised me to make organizational charts. He warned they would be hard work and take a couple days to do (a good weekend project) but it should help. So I'm going to do that, because I know if he knows I'm trying it will help. We've been packing in the advising center to move to our new building for the next semester. It's just all piling up here at the end. And then Stephanie agreed to take me to the airport and pick me up, but I have to go home with her on Thursday, so that means I have to be packed and the house clean before then too. It's freezing here, it was 7 outside when I left for school. I can't wait to go home. I can't wait to MOVE back home. I spent some time with Jen's cat today too, which just confirmed that I could really use a pet to distract me. It's not necessarily having a boyfriend/husband or even best friend to help me get through but it something. So my mission when I get back here will probably be to get a cat.
I hope I can get out of my driveway tomorrow morning. It still hasn't been plowed and now it will be snow on top of ice in the morning. Just another week to go...

christmas lights

Tonight I'm going out to Blue Spruce Park to see the Festival of Lights with Jen and Andrew. We're going to walk if we can stand the cold. I can't wait. I love christmas lights. Then we'll be playing Life and watching a christmas movie. Sunday I'm going with them and a few other grad students from the other years ahead of me, to see Beowulf (which I don't really care to see, but socializing is cool), and then dinner at the Ironwood Grill, which I happen to really like.
I have to finish my paper, do an article review, and have a take home final for stats...other than that, it's studying for my theory final. I'm almost done. Almost completed my first semester in the PhD program...and I would say it is all pretty much a downhill slope from here.
Little worried I gave a man the wrong idea...he's in the grad program too...but he's like 45...and I don't know why, but I think I flirted with him. He's going to the movie on Sunday and just emailed me to see if I would meet there 15 minutes early. I'm wondering if that was meant just for me or what. Guess I can try to get some info from Jen. Puts me in an awkward spot though.
They say chance of snow all next week. The low tonight could get in the low teens. I'm doing okay though. I should get ready to head over to Jen's though. 2 more weeks and I'm home again. Yay!

tomorrow tomorrow!

I leave for home tomorrow afternoon! I cannot wait! I just have to work in the advising center until noon, and then I'm leaving straight for the airport. Kendra told me she didn't have much trouble getting there, and she's always afraid of driving here, so if she did ok, I should be ok. I still have a little more packing to do, and a little bit more cleaning so that I can come home to a clean house and I'll be ready on that front. Today I want to get as much reading done as possible so I don't have to take a stack of books with me. My mom seemed a little upset yesterday when I mentioned bringing homework. Uh I can't just take 10 days and do absolutely nothing. Well...maybe had I been a little more constructive...but I also don't have a ton of stuff I HAVE to do either. Friday I'm having lunch with Tibbetts so I can finally pick up my thesis (I'm a dork, I can't wait to see it bound). Saturday or Sunday Brian wants to go to the Hunnington Library. Tomorrow when I get in we are going out to dinner for Twylla's birthday...I think Tuesday my mom, Evan and I are leaving for Phoenix and Twylla and my dad will come out on Wednesday...it's going to be busy, but I can't wait!
Over the weekend I went to Greensburg, which was about a 40 minute drive. They have a mall there that is about the size of the Montclair mall. Also there is a best buy and toys r us, and a Barnes and Nobles! I had lunch at Primanti Bros, which is famous for sandwiches that are 3 inches thick because they put french fries on the sandwich. It was alright...nothing I would crave, but I can check that off my list of "1000 things to see before you die." I think when I get back from cali I'll try to do a day trip, either into Pittsburgh and check out a museum or maybe something else. I just know I'm better off starting to do things on the weekend to get away from school life.

SNOW

that's all I have to say...it's snowing...just enough to see flakes in the air, nothing sticking and nothing hard. Exciting stuff.

what a day

So I had big plans for today, to be more productive...didn't totally happen, but at least I was more productive than yesterday.
I got up late, and ended up on the phone for awhile. Finally got out to shop for a gift for Noah's birthday around 11. Got him a shirt, got me 2 cotton dresses to wear over jeans. Went to Walmart in search of something else for him. I am also searching for reasonably priced already made sammies. Even walmart is ridiculously overpriced. Anyway, as I'm looking at the deli, this guy starts talking to me about my harry potter jacket. Then starts chatting me up about if I work here or what. Really nice guy...then he asks if I wanted to have lunch! Uh...awkward...he was like 40, not very attractive...nice but not for me. However...that is the first time in a long time I've been asked out...haven't been hit on at all since I've been here...so hey, I'll take what I can get. Helped boost my confidence a little bit.
So I bought a bunch of stuff I shouldn't have at Walmart, then went to the grocery store and found a toys r us gift card, yay for the grocery store, and I've decided to just start eating the salad bags, cause for $2.50 I'll eat a whole bag of salad and hopefully I can start making some changes in my diet cause I'm tired of feeling tired.
Went for a walk at the YMCA and now I'm hoping to finish my stats midterm tonight. Get a little more cleaned up around the house. It's amazing how I just cleaned off my coffee table and put everything on top of my tv, but it makes me feel better to not have the clutter on my coffee table...so now i have to figure out where to put all that stuff on top of the tv. Tomorrow is a free day again though, so I might try the gym at school, and work on some homework. At least i'm feeling a lot better today.

there's nothing to see

Not much to report. I went and saw Caroline Rhea last night. She was great, and it was great to laugh like that. She ragged on Indiana quite a bit, which was great. Of course, it's such an easy target. Halloween was fun. I was the only person dressed up on campus, but at Jen and Andrew's just about everyone dressed up. It was great. I was the only one from my cohort, so that worked to my favor, since I haven't been up in Sutton shmoozing everyone. I'll be glad in January when we move to our new building because then the dynamics of who knows who will shift. My office should be near all the other TA offices, and certain other folks will be up on the top floor away from us. Anyway...they were talking snow this week, now it's back to just rain, so that's good. I am rapidly losing my motivation to do anything. I think semesters are just too long to hold my attention span. I have a nice stack of reading to do, and I just don't want to do it. I have a stats midterm to do, same thing...don't wanna do it. An article to review...nope. When I read it doesn't sink in. I can't wait to go home. I'm hoping it will help and not hurt...but I'm thinking it will help because it will be like a rejuvinating experience. Ahhh...ok, now I can go back to school and work because I've had a does of happiness...sort of thing. Oh and I might be getting a cat. Jen and Andrew's cat, who I love, and who makes me happy when I see him. I had him on my lap at the party and one of the guys asked me if he was apart of my costume (because I was Hermione). Anywho...I suppose I should attempt to read...

literally frozen

ok so now I know in the mornings to go out and start my car early. Stupid me...I had time to kill before I leave, which is usually at 8:30. So I stick my head out the back door and see the neighbor's dog shivering to death, and then hear a kitten meowing. I heard that kitten when I was waking up and thought, man it's too cold for a kitty to be out this morning! So I saw that I wasn't hearing things, started calling it, and he started coming to me. Then I noticed, oh wow there is frost on the grass! So I walk closer to the kitty, and he was a cute little guy, really playful, but didn't trust me enough to pet him, so I finally figured, eh it's time to go to school.
I open my front door and see there is ice on my car. Crap! So I get it, start the car, sit for a bit, and realize, this isn't going to work. So I went back in the house, found my ice scraper, scraped some ice while the car was warming up. It totally threw me off. At least tomorrow I don't have to be up to school until noonish. I forgot I have papers to grade. I wanted to go early enough though to get my flu shot early.
Other than that, I have to call Kaiser about my coverage again, and still working on getting my car registered. Plus I'm thinking about checking out a yoga video on netflix, see if anything is worth working on.

freezing!!

I'm sitting here getting ready to leave for school and oh my god is it cold! It was SO hard getting out of bed this morning since it was dark AND cold. It's 32 outside right now. That's freezing. That's cold enough to snow. We have a freeze warning until 9am. I was doing ok, but oh man this is going to take some getting used to. Yesterday I went up to school to do some homework and with the breeze, I swear to you, it felt like snow should have been on the ground. It was funny too, because Dr. Lee was there working too. I got quite a bit done. I only have about half of one more article to read, and technically one more book, and I'm done with theory for the week. Plus I got some work done in the office, cause I'm a nerd like that. I'd rather be filing then sitting at home staring at the tv.
So this week should be an easy enough week. Stats today, a meeting about my paper tomorrow afternoon, and a free flu shot, wednesday is a long day...loooooong day...with work, class, studying and a halloween party...but then Thursday we don't have class, yay. I think I might go see the flight 93 site this weekend, maybe see if Jen and Andrew want to go. I want to do something since I would have been going home this weekend.
I have 4/5 classes left this semester. I'm almost done with the first semester.

tired

Not much to report. I'm going to Pittsburgh with the crew...although this time James is going and Jason is bringing one of the masters students, so we're going to be crammed in Kendra's tahoe...and James made the comment that since I'm the last one to get picked up, I'm last dibbs on seats. I will NOT ride in the back without a seatbelt I'll tell you that right now. And I'm so going to enjoy a 2 hour trip to Pittsburgh squished 4 in the backseat. Not to mention, 4am when we get home, and work tomorrow afternoon. Luckily homework is tolerable so I'm not worried about it. I'm just dragging right now though, I don't know how I'll stay up that late tonight. And then next week they want to have a study group after class on wednesday...again another night I'm not at my best. Can't say I'll be much use.
Anyway...it's cold here today. Rainy tomorrow. No plans for the weekend except a little homework, watch some movies, relax. I think I might be able to extend my thanksgiving trip home by 2 more days now, if I can get Kendra to work my Thursday shift.
I'm getting ready to start my shift in the advising center, and afternoons have been hectic this week...not looking forward to it, because I'm SO tired. I should stop complaining and get ready for the rush...

spaghetti mess

today I'm making spaghetti and I'm making a huge mess in the kitchen. I hate cooking on electric! Plus my pot isn't as big as what I'm used to, so I've made it too thick. So it between stirring I'm watching Psycho and as soon as it's over then I'm going to start cleaning the house, top to bottom and work on my car some.
Yesterday I went to Bedford with Kathy's sister Loretta and her dog Thumper, to go to the Old Bedford Villiage and see a bunch of covered bridges. I had a great time. The drive out there was beautiful! The fall colors are unreal. We don't have as much here in Indiana, just a few trees here and there. And it was nice to get out of Indiana, nice to drive my car over 30 miles an hour and nice to talk to someone who isn't in Indiana, PA.
I just got an email from Jenni, who is organizing a trip to Pittsburgh next Saturday. That'll be fun. I did enjoy last time.
You know I really can't complain about my life these days. Seems like everyone I know has gone through a break up...from your 2 year long relationships breaking up over things that aren't so drastic, to break ups right before the wedding, and worst, to losing a lover to death. Makes me thankful to be single this year since it doesn't look like the best year for relationships.
Psycho is almost over which is just about perfect timing because I need to get started on cleaning. Oh and I'm going to work on compiling a care package for Twylla, so I have to spend some time in my office at the desktop.

still seems unreal

so by now I'm sure the word has spread...but Twylla and Aaron aren't getting married now. I still can't believe it. I still haven't talked to her either, because yesterday was a long day for me, and then she had a lot to deal with too. It would really suck to find out that the person you thought you'd spend your life with decides they don't want to now. The worst is that he actually admitted he thought about just leaving her at the alter. That's low. I wish I could be there for her. It's hard for me to believe it because i'm so far removed from it. So now I'm trying to decide if I should change my flight for thanksgiving now, or what. It's going to cost me a pretty penny to change my flight though, but I'd so much rather go home for a week then for 2 days.
I got my midterm back yesterday in the midst of all of this...I got an 84%. It's a B, i'm ok with it. Today will be busy because students can come by the office to get their PINs to register, and there's probably 500 or so that have to stop by, so I'm going in early to relieve Dr. Frenzel. At least tomorrow I'm getting out of town.

oh yeah...

my friend Kathy is doing her thesis defense tomorrow, I'm so happy for her. It's such a relief to have it almost be over. And my friend Kim is having surgery on Friday to remove a baseball sized cyst in her ovary. All this time she's had cramps they told her it was diverticulitis (I know I probably spelled it wrong Sarah). Wish I could be there to support them both.

gold star

Today was a long day...made even longer when you take a call at 3:30am (the things I do for friends). Anywho...turned in my paper, yay. Had a meeting with the committees who grade the qualifier exams, and they fed us pizza and brownies. I had pepsi though...and I swear my stomach feels like acid now...anyway...I was the only one to ask a question, which made Dr. Merlo, my policy teacher next semester, just totally thrilled. She thanked me half a dozen times for being brave and asking a question. Too funny...she told me if they had gold stars, I'd get one. Always great to be teachers pet...I was starting to have withdrawals.
I'm exhausted...I'm going to bed EARLY.

the latest

well I'm feeling better than I have in awhile. I think stress of the midterm really took it's toll. Of course...I get my grade Thursday...so we'll see.
I had soooo much fun with Jen and Andrew Saturday. It was sooooo nice getting out of Indiana. We spent all day shopping, it was great. I got 2 clocks for my place and a red carpet runner for my bedroom. We went to Ikea, Costco, Target, a halloween shop, petco, toys r us and had lunch at Cracker Barrel. So glad Jen drove, because Pittsburgh is crazy...just as bad as LA, except you're driving on bridges. Pittsburgh is pretty, kinda, during the day. At least looking out on the rivers.
When I got home I had to spend 3 hours on the statistics homework. I just got our assignment that's due Sunday...and I don't get it at all. Not good.
Today was a good day. I went to school to do the advising meeting and got some homework done. Then I went and finally got my PA drivers lisence. Decided to go buy a pair of jeans at old navy, and bought 3 shirts, and a pair of halloween pajama bottoms as well as my jeans. Then I went and bought shoes for the wedding, and ended up buying boots for the winter too. Then I went to Kmart and found the winter jacket everyone's been telling me to get (has a zip out fleece liner) on sale....cost me $39! I'm so happy. So now I'm almost set for winter. The lady at the shoe store was really helpful with the shoes, and told me to get gloves with this special liner. At Kmart they were $20 so I'm going to check walmart.
Went to starbucks to do some reading, and on the walk back, Jen and Andrew drove by. They thought I was stranded. So we ended up doing our chicken exchange, because at Costco they bought breasts, and I bought the strips, but ended up with the wrong ones when we unloaded. It was pretty funny.
Enchiladas for dinner. They are in the oven just waiting for me to turn them on. My enchilidas don't even come close to the ones you can get at home, but they are way better than Cozumels.
So I'm off to shower, have dinner, and then write my article review. If I get on it, I might be able to finish watching teenage mutant ninja turtles (I was too tired to watch the whole movie last night).
Tomorrow is a long day too. Advising center, with another meeting in the morning, class tomorrow (crap I have to put the final touches on my paper that's due tomorrow!) and then a meeting about our qualifier tests we take in August, at 5pm. And Thursday is a long day too. Ah well...keeps me off the streets.

costco!

Wow I haven't blogged in awhile. It's currently 39 this morning. I actually have been testing my heat system here.
I'm so excited because in a couple of hours I'm going shopping with Jen and Andrew to costco and Ikea!! It's very sad when you are very excited about getting out of Indiana to go have a hot dog at costco. I'm going to have to watch my spending at ikea though, because I'll want to buy SO much stuff for my place! Can't wait!
Backing up some...I had my midterm thursday. It wasn't too bad, and I think I did alright. However, I know where I need to work to improve, which is by memorizing these stupid articles. I know my theories, but I don't know who did further studies to prove or disprove the theories. I'm pretty sure I won't have gotten anything lower than a B on this midterm.
Ended up going to lunch with the group, which I was glad things seem to be settling down. Tension over the midterm I think was a problem.
Went to Jen and Andrew's for dinner last night. It was awesome. I made my first pie ever, which was a deep dish apple pie...it was good but for some reason, the pie was runny like soup instead of sticky. I'll have to ask Amanda what I did wrong. I think maybe more cornstarch...or I don't know what.
I absolutely LOVE their cat though. He and I bonded.
So I'm heading over there at 10:30...and I have to figure out how to get there around the homecoming parade. I'm missing out on that...but that's ok, there is always next year. I'm getting "indiana cabin fever" so I'd rather get out off this "island."
Tomorrow is major homework day though, because next Saturday i'm going on a covered bridge tour that will have me gone all day. So I have to get a good jump on homework. Have to work on stats later when I get back too.

racing the clock

So I'm trying to grade papers before 4, so that I don't have to worry about getting them to Dr. Martin on Thursday before my midterm. I'm actually on a roll, and this is the fastest I've ever graded. I was worried because the first few were really bad, so it was taking awhile to get through.
It started pouring a bit ago, and now the rain has stopped. It was raining the hardest I've seen it here yet though. They say that is typical fall here.
I'm not on a baking spree...but I do have to make an apple pie for Friday night now. I got suckered into it because I bragged about my baking skills. I have a recipe I've always wanted to try, so now is my chance. I'm looking forward to friday dinner.
Studying for theory is not going as well. Maybe I just have to wait until I'm under the gun to feel like I'm absorbing anything. That or I feel like it's too hard to tell what I should be studying or concentrating on, so if I know it, I do, if I don't...oh well.
They don't necessarily pile on the homework for the weekend, it's just when I usually get around to it, plus it's crunch time with midterms, so everything is due around the same time. After next Wednesday, things will relax a bit.
Is it sad that I'm looking forward to having couscous for dinner? Oh the highlights of my life...

monday morning

the weekend went by too fast. I did realize when I woke up this morning that at least tomorrow I'm "off"...but I have 2 advising meetings to attend. However, most of the day can be dedicated to theory work.
Just felt like updating because today is record heat day...high of 88. The normal temp around this time of year is 66. On Wednesday we'll be normal, and then for a week after that we'll be around 58. BRR!!! I have got to get into pittsburgh to get my winter gear. I'm sure I'll be okay until it starts to snow.

soon to be monday

just a quick update, because I have GOT to get up to school or I will never find the motivation to get work done.
I went to Yonick's farm yesterday, got a pumpkin and some fresh produce. Even got kielbasa sausage from the local slaughterhouse, I'm going to have some of it tonight. I got to see my first covered bridge! Those are so neat. Driving through it all I could think was, wow this would be cool to go through in the winter time on a sliegh. I think they do that too. I took some pictures, but again...I'll have to upload them later. I ended up only doing that yesterday and grocery shopping. I had the worst headache ever, so I laid in bed most of the day. When I finally decided I had better study...I started making flashcards for theory, and my head starting hurting worse. So I just gave in, watched a movie, and now today I HAVE to work hard. Thankfully my theory midterm is open notes, but we're supposed to use it as a crutch...so yeah. But more importantly, I need to get on my paper! So I'm going to work on that and save studying for the week. Maybe.
Hey Sarah, Slyvia Brown is going to be in Vegas the next 3 months. Work on getting mom to go see her. I'm debating flying into Vegas on the 15th of December to see her myself. I told her try going during the week and then you could go with her. It's a chance of a lifetime.

evening

he asked them to pick a side I suppose...I'm not for sure though. I talked to Tibbetts, my mentor at CSUSB, and he said he's proud of me too, and that what is going on is normal, just to hope for some new major dramatic event to happen so people move on.
The leaves are starting to change a little here and there. I know one day I'll blink and miss it. I think it was thundering earlier. I'm still at the office, but about to leave because I'm getting creeped out being alone here.
Dr. Frenzel told me to go to Younix (sp?) farm instead, and that they would have herbs, so I think I'll go there tomorrow instead. I got my theory binder in somewhat of order, but thanks to Keith emailing me, I forgot all about my stats assignment due today, so I have to rush home to get that done. Thank goodness he emailed me!
I think I'm going to go home and have ravioli, some hot tea afterwards, and get my stats done. I'm SO tempted to curl up and watch a movie, but I can't. Maybe tomorrow night, and then Sunday will be a day of studying. I almost forget starting monday I have scheduling meetings to attend, so that is going to eat into my homework time. Ah well...at least I don't have mom and dad and the boys bugging me...well not much anyway.

Friday

so I took Sarah's advice, and deleted everything mentioning names, and I'll avoid bulk email as long as I can.
So I should be more productive, but i'm cleaning a little bit and watching the clock to go into work. I'll work this afternoon and then I'm going to stay up there to study for theory. I need to get my binder organized and start reading through some stuff. If I don't work tonight, I'll never get anything done. Tomorrow I want to go to Reegers Farm to get a pumpkin, enjoy the outdoors. I'm looking forward to a weekend of spending quality time with me and my books.

so long blog

I've decided to just start sending bulk email so nobody intercepts this. The last update here is...James pretty much hates me...asked Kendra and Jason to pick a side...and Dr. Myers told him not to compete with the undergrads. I'm apparently great at making friends! oh well...I'm enjoying a weekend of solitude and the pumpkin patch.

Pittsburgh

Well it's going on 1pm and I just got out of bed. I didn't get home until 4am! However...I had a really good time.
So we left here at 5:30 to go to Irwin, which is just outside of Monroeville, where Jenni and Kevin live. They have a townhouse with a garage, lucky! Got to see some of Kevin's artwork, and meet their dog Charlie. Started the night there with a shot of vodka...
We all crammed into Clinton's truck, 4 of us in the backseat, and went to Pittsburgh, which should have taken about 20 minutes, but there was some traffic, and Pittsburgh...wow. You can't drive anywhere in the city in a straight shot. When you get off the freeway, you drive way up and out of your way to the right, and then shoot over the river to get to the other side. It's a lot of out of the way driving. I'm so glad my parents let me borrow Cliff because I need to go to the city to shop for a winter coat and I would get so lost by myself!
We went to Carson street, which has a bunch of bars and places to eat. Went to this place called the City Grill. Really small, but good atmosphere and good food. I had the best clam chowder there, mmmm. We left there around 10 and went to this place called the Library. It was 2 stories, and we went upstairs and outside, which was like sitting in an atrium. The menus are pasted into books, and we had a waitress with a great personality. So we drank there until 2am. During that time, I just really enjoyed myself and everyone's company. I really like spending time with Jenni and Kevin, and Kevin is always really chatty with me. Like we took a group picture, (which I'll try to upload soon) but the background was the green wall we were sitting by, and Kevin said we probably look like we're practicing to be weather people on the green screens. He and I had a really good laugh over that and everyone else was like, what did we miss? Oh yeah, it was Kevin's 30th birthday, so that was the occassion.
Leaving the Library, we experienced some interesting things. They sell pizza on the street, $1 a slice, and everyone is walking down the street eating pizza at 2am. Then when we were trying to get out of there, we found where everyone hangs out on that street. It was crazy! No place to walk because there were so many people. However...the people there...are not so attractive. I'm so doomed to be single.
Needless to say, I got home at 4am, and I'm just getting going now. I need to do laundry today, and do some grocery shopping. If I do homework today I'll be lucky. Oh no wait...I HAVE to...I have to write up the stats results. Between me, Kendra and Jason yesterday, we spent most of the day on our stats homework, came up with 4 different answers...and finally decided to go with one that basically means we did this for no reason because it is interpreted as nothing. I have to write a lambda poem still too, because it's due by 9am tomorrow. Fun stuff. I should attempt to get moving and I'll try to upload the pictures later.

start of another week

Can't believe I've been here this long...
Anyway...the picinic was cool. A little lonely the first hour or so because people were playing volleyball and I was sitting watching...but no one chose to sit near me. Finally I got up to get a beer and mingle, and then I enjoyed it more. The faculty kicked our butts. They never lose! Then after we ate and people started leaving, we started up another game, and this time I played. I'm so proud of myself for playing, even though I suck. However, I did score like 3 points out of all our games, which was probably half of what our team scored total. Dr. Geiver and Dr. Myers are no joke when it comes to volleyball. My right arm hurts so bad today where I actually returned one of Geiver's serves, which no one thought I would actually get. Everyone is sore today. But it was good fun. Stayed until 8 and had been there since 2.
Today, we actually started learning statistics in class! Amazing! Then he went off for about a half hour on how we are a teaching institution. So much for that. Baby steps I guess.
I just got back from Walmart. I hate that place. So packed and I always spend way more then I intend to. And forgot those stupid trash bags I have to have that cost me $16.50 for 5 of them. Still need to go to the bank, and the post office...but I need to put in some research work on the computer since I keep putting that off. Have to find out what other people know about criminal motivation. Woohoo...this is one of those times when I'll start and 3 hours will go by in the blink of an eye and I'll still have nothing.
Tomorrow is just the advising center in the afternoon. Oh no I have to go pick up papers to grade finally tomorrow too. Ah and the weather...totally winter weather here! It was 66 when I drove back from walmart, at 2 in the afternoon. I wore a beanie to class today and a sweatshirt. I need to take my a/c's out of the windows because my house is already cold. There is still one more week of summer!

kathy's visit

It's raining here today. Not hard and it's not exactly cool, so it's kind of miserable actually. At least the humidity doesn't feel as bad as it did this morning before it rained.

Kathy's visit was nice. I got to meet her sister Loretta, who is very nice and her dog Thumper, who is just too cute. It was so cool being able to show off my place to a friend. We just drove around town and then went to lunch at Hoss' Steakhouse. It was a short trip, but they had a long drive to get here, and besides, a short trip is better than none at all! I really appreciated it. Plus Kathy's sister likes to go see places, and wants to do Hershey Park and a covered bridge tour, so I think we'll end up getting together to see some sites, which will be great.

Last night I drank iced coffee way too late, so I was up until 1am singing and dancing, doing homework and working on my puzzle. What a combo. So my sleeping schedule is all off today because I got up late and then took a nap! I'm still tired too. Hmm...but I have to finish the criminal man today and still have about 80 pages to read. Luckily it's a quick enough read...but I keep dozing off.

whoa baby

Sarah is going in to have the baby. She's 3cm and 50% effaced (or whatever). She's early, but should be okay. My mom is on her way and Nicholas is super excited. Sarah called me, and then Nick called, and then Ryan had to talk to me. I'm so bummed out now. I was before this and now it's just worse. I don't want to sit here and start crying though, but I've been there for all 3 of her other boys. At least Ryan isn't off playing softball this time. I won't get to see Owen now until he's 2 months old. By then he'll probably be about 20 pounds :(
So much for my favorite class. I seem to grasp theory on a very basic level. Class was just very deep today. James is starting to get on my nerves too. He intimidates me to no end. Then again, he's had Dr. Lee for theory before. My presentation went well I guess, by the time it was time for me to talk, we were almost out of time, so I rushed it. Might not have been a good idea. I tried to be vocal in class, but I just seemed to barely scratch the surface of what he wanted. Blah...just a very frustrating and disappointing class today.
However, the advising center went very well today. I had a freshman girl in there that was so on the ball. I told her to come back anytime. Had another guy on academic probation and he was really nice. Got a lot of paperwork done too, so I'm beginning to think advising might be a good angle to work on the job market. We'll see.
It's only 7:30 and I'm ready for bed. I did a tiny amount of reading, but really should do more. I have to clean tomorrow too because Kathy is coming on Saturday! Yay! It'll be so good to see her! Especially since I'm feeling so blue.
Homework and the advising center in the afternoon tomorrow. They say a chance of rain this weekend.

labor day

I had every intention of finishing up my reading for this week today...
Last night I weeded my flower bed. I took out everything but 3 tomato plants (which will go as soon as the tomotoes turn red and I can pick them) and I had one purple flower. Of course, I did this at almost 9 last night and got ate up by bugs. I think I also screwed up my sinuses, because I woke up sneezing and with bad sinus pressure. Although, it could have been my neighbors massive fire he had going last night. I had a horrible night of sleep because of him. The last time I checked it was 1:30 and the fire was roaring. He kept hacking, and then they were all talking out there. I put on headphones to drown them out, but then couldn't fall asleep because I was too into the music. But I could smell the fire all night. So between weeding the flower bed and the fire, my sinuses hurt today. So I took some medicine around 11, and fell asleep until 2. Oops, so much for being productive!
So I'm actually down to finishing the reading for the undergrad class I'm graded papers for and reading in the book I am supposed to review for class next week. I'm doing alright I guess.
My official holiday on my own. I made potato salad, minus celery because I forgot you need that. I have some eggs ready to make deviled eggs, and I bought hot dogs, so there's my labor day feast. I just wish I could stop yawning...

nicholas

Hey Nick, this blog is for you.
What did you think of Harry Potter? Were you happy with how it ended or do you still wonder about what happened to certain people. Are you sad that there won't be anymore books? I'll have to call you and we can talk about it since there is no one else really to talk about it with. I'm glad you finished it though. What are you going to read now? I really don't have any suggestions for you since you've read just about all the books I have and I don't think you want to read any girlie friendship books or love stories.

sunday morning

Well I rested yesterday. I got up and cleaned the house, top to bottom, then Kendra called and we went up to school to set up our fridge. When I got back, I had every intention of doing some reading, but ending up couch surfing most of the day and napping on and off. So today I am determined to get some reading done, I have quite a list of readings to do for the week. I think I might go to starbucks though, because I have too many distractions at home. Like right now I'm watching Gone with the Wind when I should be getting to my laundry and the few dinner dishes I have to do.
I might go over to Kendra's tonight to watch a couple scary movies. Well not "scary" but thrillers, that I really can't watch now by myself. Other than that, homework is on the agenda.

1st day of school

I am more exhausted in the brain then anywhere else. Today has been a long day, and every day this week promises to be just as long.
Got to school at a quarter to 8, so I had a lot of down time. Finally went into the class at a quarter to 9, and met Kendra, the other advising center grad student. She is an absolute doll! She has truly made my first day a good experience. She missed yesterday's meeting as well, so we at least both started on the same foot. She's from Texas, is married, and is 24 and she's very friendly and a talker.
Our teacher is goofy. Barely ever mentioned the word statistics. I think everyone here is brainwashed by meditation and these abstract concepts I've never heard of. We'll see how that goes. He's yet to post our syllabus online though, so I have no idea what I have to do for homework. I am trying to get a jumpstart on my reading for Wednesday's class though. But I'm so ready to go to sleep.
Anyhow, the room was freeeeeeezing cold, and it was hard to concentrate. Afterwards, Kendra and I walked up to the department together and basically got thrown into this advising stuff. We were told to read up on the manual and come back at 2, and expect to be there all week whenever we aren't in class.
So Kendra and her hubby, Clinton, drove me home AND picked me up, and took me home, and are picking me up tomorrow! She is my saving grace I tell you. So we came back, and things were running behind. We met a couple 3rd and 5th year students who were really nice. Everyone is pretty nice here. Well...Dr. Frenzel who we work for in the advising center is kind of...stand offish. Reminds me of Dr. Famega. She's really young though, and I think that happens with women in this field who look too young to be teaching; they put up a tough exterior that comes off as rude.
So tomorrow we'll be there all day, 9 to 12 and 1 to 4. (wow...side note, I'm totally having deja vu right now! I moved my couch, and wow...I've seen this in a dream, I swear!) Anywho...by Friday, Kendra and I might be advising on our own. Basically we tell students this week, "classes are full, sign this and we'll e-mail you if we can get you in." It's a lot of paperwork and memorizing the requirements for graduating.
Like I said, my saving grace is Kendra. I really like her, and she's super nice, and has taken me under her wing (since she's more outgoing). I won't really get to work with her, because only one of us works in the center at a time, but we have all the same classes.
I plan to do a little reading, and then head to bed. I get to sleep in though since I have a ride :)

last day of freedom

Boy that's odd to write, because it is so true. For the next 3 years, the pressure will almost never be off. Yippee.
Last night I had pizza with the neighbors, Jeff and Debbie's treat. Then I got my banana split and made myself about sick eating all that ice cream. But it was worth it, well kind of. I probably could have bought two gallons of ice cream for what I paid for it. I'm tempted to go get a cone soon though.
Got my place cleaned up. Realized I can do a bag of trash a week, so my bags will last me over a month, thankfully. Found out that my tomatoes have tomato worms, so I might be pulling those out soon. They gross me out looking at them.
Also found out that my ID card is also my ATM card, how weird is that? Bit scary too. Too much information and power within one card.
Tomorrow is my first class. Statistics, oh fun. Why is statistics always a Monday class? As if Monday's are usually bad enough.
Tomorrow is also the deadline for the car shipping company to give me a shipment date. I have a feeling I'm going to have to work the phone tomorrow. My caller ID and call waiting is still not working. What is with this place?!
The Steelers play tonight, which means the town will shut down at 8. I will be watching however, so I can keep up with "current events." Until then I'll just be watching tv or a movie, possibly reading for fun and working on my puzzle. Basically doing a whole lot of nothing. And making something with hamburger for dinner.

orientation and exhaustion

I'm back from orientation. I can't say it was very informative, but then again, I've been through the masters program already.
I missed the bus this morning, so Jeff took me to school, and I was way early, but a lot of people were there early too. We sat at tables with our cohorts. I overheard someone say there are 10 PhD students new this year. I met 4 of them, so only half of us were there. Something a bit odd, but I was the only girl! Not used to being outnumbered by men in class. Nice guys though. Keith is a retired prosecutor, James is ex-Navy, with a newborn son and got his masters at IUP, Jason is from WI, and Avbi (or something) I didn't hear too much about. Met one of my teachers, and another PhD student who is also a teacher's assistant. Apparently there is a party for us crim students tomorrow, but I won't be going since I have no way to get there. On September 14th, Dr. Myers, Tibbetts friend and the doctoral advisor, will be throwing us students a lunch party. The masters students seemed a lot more lively, like they'd be more fun to hang out with, which makes me wonder if I'm less mature than my cohorts. I found myself somewhat dreading being in a room with a bunch of academics because it becomes a big show of how many big words we can use, and big egoes.
I found myself a bit homesick again, mainly because I miss my school friends and actually miss my school, and my teachers. As much as I complained about classes and administration there...it is so different here, so less organized. At least only 1 of us so far has the advantage of knowing the faculty here.
Then...I don't know what the deal with the busses is today, but apparently they weren't running to the stops inside the school. So after talking to a bunch of girls at the bus stop who had been waiting for an hour, I decided to walk home. Now the walk itself isn't too bad, but combined with the humidity, I'm wiped out. Not to mention I've been awake since about 3am. I plan on laying on the couch for the rest of the afternoon with the a/c on. I think I'm going to treat myself to a banana split later on though. We might get some showers around 5 or so though.

update

The weather here today was warm and humid. The neighbors said we have 100% humidity, but no rain. It's supposed to be cooler tomorrow, high around 88, and continue to cool down through next week. Yesterday we had a tornado warning, but I didn't know that until today. Chance of thunderstorms, but for now, the sky is clear.
I have orientation tomorrow from 9am to probably 2ish. It's going to be a draining day. I remember orientation for the masters program, which was a lot shorter, but it's stressful when you know no one (at least last time I knew the teachers!) and you have to be friendly. At least it is stressful for me. Everyone here says I'm really nice and friendly though, so perhaps I'm changing my ways. Sunday I plan to be super lazy, as it is my last day of freedom. Then tuesday or wednesday next week, I'll be going to the fair with Debbie and Carroll. And of course, starting my classes.
This heat is absolutely killing me. It's just after 7 and I'm ready for bed, although I know sleeping will be uncomfortable tonight.
I will write tomorrow after orientation. Hopefully I meet some nice people. I'm sure I will.

day with the neighbors

I missed the bus this morning, but Jeff happened to see, so he offered to take me to the Dollar Tree because he was going there. So I went with him, Carroll and Debbie, and because I had a vehicle I could use to transport things, I shopped for more than what I would have, but that's ok because I still needed it all. Just stocked my pantry some more, got some school supplies, and a couple of frames. Then we went to the Goodwill, and I found a platter and a smaller tea jar. I found a black metal rocking chair I really liked that would have gone great in my room, but they wanted $40 for it, which seems like a bit much. Then we went to McDonald's and I treated, because they've really helped me make the transition here. They were so thankful and told me "we were just being neighborly!" How different from California!
So then I showed them my place, since I had managed to clean it all yesterday, and today, now actually, it is a mess again. They liked it.
Finally told the landlord my oven wasn't working, and he told me to watch Debbie and Jeff and not to loan them money. Uh..thanks for that warning. Then I met the old man in number 3, and his wife Margaret. They talked my ears off, but they are sweet. He's got lung problems and she has dementia. And then they told me to watch out for Carroll, because she can be a trouble maker and not to tell her too much about myself. Great...small town politics. So now I'm a bit worried about being too friendly with everyone. I'm friends with everyone though.
Met Tracey and Jeremy too. They are my age, yay! She's a math teacher, and she and I started talking about teaching right away. I think it would be a good idea to get to know them better.
My plan was to just relax today, but that has yet to happen. It's going on 5, and I have been doing this and that around the house and chatting with neighbors all day. Just wanted to check in though.

sad news

Today started out as a scorcher. 83 and humid by 11am. I was dying. Ended up cleaning upstairs though. I like my neighbor Debbie the grandma, but she's a lousy cleaner. I had a lot of wall scrubbing to do in the bathroom. But I got it all clean (except the floor, never did do that), and finally, FINALLY got my bedroom clean, so now all that is left up there is to vacuum. Which I was going to do, along with the kitchen, until I got some sad news.
I went onto myspace, and had a message from someone I didn't know, but I read it anyway. She is a friend to a friend of mine, Gina, who I worked with at Ned's for awhile. She moved to Chico in 03 I believe, so I haven't seen her for awhile and she was always difficult to track down. Well, apparently, her fiance, and the father of her baby, passed away just recently. I never even knew she was pregnant! I had heard about the fiance though.
So I called my old boss and friend, Diane, and she said, "oh funny you should call, Earl was just in here with some shocking news." Earl is Gina's dad and a longtime customer at Ned's. He was upset and crying, but told them the news. Apparently he went to bed one night, and just didn't wake up. The baby is a month old. The funeral will be in Chico, but then Gina's moving back to Rialto. I just feel sick about it. Poor Gina. So Sheryl said she might go by, and my mom said she'd send flowers. I have her number, so I might call, but I don't want to bombard her.
I just don't feel like finishing my housework now. It started to rain, and it's a hot rain. Lots of thunder too. I just feel so blah now.

my new boss

Today I met Dr. Martin, my advisor and boss.

First I started my day exhanging the shirt I bought for Noah at the Hub. Then I hiked up to Dr. Martin's office, and just sat in the oak grove for awhile cooling down from my hike and reading a book. A girl walked by and asked me for directions, and I had to tell her I was new too. I must look like I belong though, which is great. Finally went inside, and got added to payroll, yay for paychecks! That took awhile because the guy helping me didn't know much. Then I made my way to the 4th floor to see Dr. Martin. What a beautiful building, with chandeliers and big oak tables to sit at to study, it's awesome.
So then I went to his office and my first impression was he is a jolly looking man. When he smiles he purses his lips together, it's just funny. He's probably around 50, bald like my dad, wearing shorts and a t-shirt like Tibbetts would wear. And the grad student, Jeff, that I met earlier, was there too. I'll be seeing him a lot I guess.
So first he gave me keys to his office and the building that the department is in. I'm a geek, but I was so giddy over that! Then he ran down my job really quick. Ready for this? I get paid for 20 hours of work a week...to mainly grade discussion papers for ONE of his classes. Big wow. Although...I didn't check to see how many students are in this class...but I don't think it's one of the large ones. I also have to photocopy some stuff to put in the library on reserve, and I might be helping with his research on ethics (not fun). That's about it so far. He told me, some weeks he'll not have 20 hours of work for me to do, some weeks, he'll need 25. I think I can do that. And no advising center, woohoo! So I'm pretty darn happy with my job.
As for Dr. Martin, I think he's pretty cool. I would say a lot like Tibbetts, but even more friendly. He's into animals, like Parsons, and is looking for a pet sitter. Can't say I would do birds and lizards and a snake though, ick! He told me places to go see, and eat, and do. And he's known for supporting the "odd" dissertations, so he's probably going to end up as my mentor. I couldn't be happier.
I went to financial aid, and boy they aren't organized here. Then I went to the health center, which isn't free like cal-state. $30 for them to give me antibiotics for this staph infection. Then I missed the bus and had to hang out for an hour. Needless to say, I was exhausted when I got home.
I was just about to go over to the Meadows to get ice cream for the first time, and Carroll called me over to see her place. Wow...it is jammed packed with knickknacks. Stuff on her walls though, so I decided oh yes, I'm hanging things in my place. Her kitchen is yellow too, so I'm tempted to paint. She gave me her number, and we've decided to go to the fair together next week. Then I got to see Jeff and Debbie's house, much less crowded, and Jeff gave me a peach scented candle as a house warming gift. I have really great neighbors.
Haven't gotten to the Meadows though. Debating going there now before dinner. Made tuna casserole in my little toaster oven, and froze half for another night. I think it'll be an early night tonight. At least it was a good day :)

solo walmart trip

Highlight of my day today was going to walmart all by myself on the bus without getting lost. I bought myself a toaster oven, since my oven isn't working and I've had the urge to bake. I got screws so I could finally finish putting together my dresser, and got some more hangers, plus some food supplies, oh and a phone and phone cords! When I got home, I plugged in the phone, and it worked. However, when I called home, a different number came up on caller ID so I'm going to avoid using it until tomorrow.
It poured all night, but luckily this morning it stopped. It just now started to rain again around 1:30, so I got to do my errand without getting wet. Tonight I'll work on getting my room straightened up, and tomorrow I get to meet my new boss/advisor. I'll finish up my school errands tomorrow too.
Had my first experience of homesickness this morning. The rain woke me up and for some reason I thought it was my dad getting ready to leave for work, and I thought, oh it's a good day to sleep in...and then realized, oh yeah, I'm not at home. I've been having a lot of dreams about Christmas too, so obviously my subconscious is feeling it. But really, I'm okay and I'm surprised at how good I'm doing.

new home pics

Well here are pictures of my living room and the kitchen (which is dark I know). That's as good as it will get until it stops raining and I have better light. Bedroom and office will be awhile, although my office is almost "clean." I have little stacks of things in my closet that until I get some more organizing drawer things, they will be piled on the floor.

Got some mail today. You have no idea how thrilled I was because I got a school book, all 3 of my netflix and stuff from my new bank. So now at least I have something to watch tonight, and I could technically start reading this book, because it's a novel, not a textbook.

the bus 2 continued

Back from the bus!
My neighbors are really sweet. Having them ride the bus with me was so wonderful and helpful! Now I feel 110% better about everything, especially getting around town. The bus does stop right here, and I think it takes about 15 minutes to get to school. It takes about an hour to get to walmart though, which I need to go up there. Mainly for an umbrella!
It is storming here. I mean sheets of pouring rain and I just heard a huge clasp of thunder! Kind of neat though. I have my front door open and am just watching it come down. Of course, my tv is going in and out, and I have laundry in the laundry room. My neighbors say our basements flood too, so I have to keep an eye on it.
It really is hard to believe it's August!

the bus 2

I'm so excited right now! Jeff, Debbie and Carrol are going to take a bus ride with me! I'm sooooo happy, it's such a relief! Jeff knows the bus schedule by heart, so it will help me out so much. And it does stop right in front of my house, thankfully. It's been drizzling on and off still. So it will help that I won't have to get drenched walking places. Woohoo! I won't be house bound for long!

Is it winter?

This morning it is drizzling and cold. Well not cold, cold, but enought to snuggle with a lap blanket and know I can drink coffee all through the day. Bums me out though because I was going to walk down to the grocery store or attempt the bus again. It'll have to wait until tomorrow, if it's not raining then, which I think it might. I'm already bored with the tv, so I guess I'm going to have to work upstairs today. One more week of free time though and then it's back to the grind.

Neighbors and Gossip

Well, you all should be proud of me. I got out of the house today and talked with the neighbors. People around here are either named Debbie or Jeff it seems, so this will get confusing.
Debbie, who is Sandy's (18 year old) grandma, and the neighbor Michelle's mom, who is Sandy's step mom (confusing right?)...anyhow she came over to introduce herself and ask if I needed a ride to the grocery store. So then we started chatting and I came out and sat on the porch. She told me she wished she knew what there was to do around here, but there is nothing. Ron and Carrol (married, and Carrol just turned 51) were out, and so was the other Debbie, plus Sandy and Sandy's niece (3) and nephew (5). Found out the boy, Riley, found his daddy's playboys and had them under his bed. So I got to know my neighbors a lot better. Then Debbie (grandma) apologized for the fight I heard the other night. She was so embarrassed. But then she asked if I wanted to go for a walk, so I agreed. How about that?
So we walked Sissy, the community dog, up to the cemetary, which butts up with IUP and the old dorms. I could see the grocery store and my new favorite store Ollie's, so it's an easy enough walk (especially on days like today, nice and cool). We got up near the old dorms and someone kept whistling, and Debbie was so excited, "oh you're first whistle in Indiana!" Of course, I couldn't see who was doing it, darn it. But we also heard the marching band practicing. I enjoyed the walk a lot.
People around here like to talk. They are also very nice and helpful. Apparently they say it's going to start getting cold now, so I have to get on getting a jacket. I'm actually wearing pajama pants right now.
So I had an eventful evening. I'm trying to make dinner right now, but my chicken isn't going so well. Never been a good chicken cooker. That's all for now!

Tomatoes

Just checking in. Not too much to report.

Yesterday was really a relaxing day. I spent most of it sleeping. I did attempt to put together my dresser, and then realized I had screwed in 40 of the wrong screws, so I didn't really get too far. Also, my phone never got hooked up yesterday.

Today has been about cleaning, yay! My living room is ALMOST clean. My poor coffee table is just piled high with stuff I really don't know what to do with. Also my kitchen is coming along nicely. Washed a lot of my dishes and things, since I made pasta last night and forgot to wash my pot I used, so I could taste the new pot taste.

Hey I see some neighbors out riding bikes in the parking lot. I've never seen them...

I saw the postman out doing the post, so I ran down to get a couple letters in the mail, but missed him. I thought today I'd have mail from Netflix, and was disappointed. So since it's such a nice cool day today, I weeded my flower bed. Ryan will be upset, but I left a patch of clovers until I can decide for sure if they really are harmful. I pulled 4 tomatoes off my tomato plants too.

Neighbors on the other side came home today: Ron and Carroll. Nice people, really chatty. They are happy to know I won't be causing problems.

I get my phone turned on Wednesday. I have to go to the store to get a phone cord though, because I didn't pack mine. The only thing I left at home that I wanted was my sunglasses too, so not too bad on forgetting things.

That reminds me. My mom called yesterday after she got home. Can't leave Todd and my dad alone. The grass out back is dead, my mom's roses in the front are dead, there was a sink full of dishes, the a/c was on a timer, no remote in the house worked...and apparently Todd thinks now that I'm gone, he can rule the house. He took out the swamp cooler finally, but left a gaping hole in the side of the house. So heat pours through it, and you can see through the little shutters my mom put in front of the cooler. Then, his room is sparkling clean, but he threw all his laundry in my old room, which of course they didn't bother to clean. My mom was mad! And then Todd had the nerve to tell her when he got home "I'm leaving, I don't want to hear it!" My poor mom. Oh and lastly, my dad's idea of grocery shopping was to buy 6 microwaved country crock mashed potatoes and 2 cases of diet green tea. How will they ever function without me?

So nothing exciting to report. Trying to decide what I want for dinner tonight, even though I'm ready for lunch and it's going on 4. That's what I get for sleeping too much.

the bus

So I'm having the same problems a lot of you are having with this thing, which is frustrating. I posted earlier today, but it obviously didn't post. That's ok, this one will have more details anyway.
Today I woke up feeling a lot better, and more energized. That was until I went nutty looking for my open coffee, so I thought, hmm my hip feels okay, I'll walk up to Starbucks. So I found some other coffee (thanks to Kim and Kathy's box o'stuff) and went up to work in my office. Got the computer hooked up and my chair put together, and then decided, you know, I should just try to ride the bus today.
I walked up to the mall, which only bothered my hip a little bit. I saw 2 buses drive by me though and realized, I don't know WHERE in the mall the bus stop is! So I hike through the mall, turn towards KMart, and lo and behold, there is the bus waiting outside. However, by the time I turned the corner, the bus pulled away.
I called Pops to kill some time and tell him about my adventure, but while I was sitting in the mall cooling off, another bus drove by and I missed it too! So I decided I had better wait outside. I had to wait 45 more minutes for another bus, and was on the phone with Sarah when it arrived. I told her, OH the bus, I gotta go! Even though I wasn't even sure it was the right bus.
Rode around town and freaked for a moment when the bus went to residential parts unknown, but then saw downtown. Finally some guy in the back pulled the cord to stop and luckily it was right by school, so I hopped out too. Even better, it was right by the HUB, grand central station for us students. I was able to get my ID card, so now I can ride the bus for free, and got my other required books, plus some other knickknacks.
I decided, so far so good, let me try to find my building. Found it relatively easily enough, and the oak grove, so I stopped there to have a snack and chat on the phone some more with my sis. I ventured into McElhaney Hall, through the Economics department and Sociology, and thought, maybe I'm wrong, until I realized there was a 3rd ground floor. There were the double doors to the Department of Criminology, my new home away from home. I walked in and met Jeff, another PhD student (kind of cute) and saw where I'll be working (he said with probably 2 or 3 other students). So I'm feeling good about finding my way around campus, kind of. I meet my new boss on Wednesday, so at least I won't be freaking out.
Had to find another bus stop, and by then the humidity was killing me. Finally found one, and ended up on the phone with Twylla. Same thing with Sarah, I had to jump off the phone when the bus pulled up, but this time I at least rode for free.
Again, I started to freak about how I would get off, but figured most of the schedules I looked at stopped at the mall, so I should be good there. This bus however, announced each bus stop, or at least most of them. Around here, not all the bus stops are clearly marked (maybe it's like that at home, I have no clue). We headed down this street, Lilac and I kept thinking, that's right across from me and it had a stop. When I got to the mall I got off and asked the bus driver what the best way to get to school would be. He wasn't too helpful, but his relief ended up being nicer which coaxed him into being a little more friendly. So now I know I can walk across the street, and when school starts, there will be a bus every half hour that goes up to campus. Until then, it's hit or miss on the bus for me, yippee. I have to get on transporting my car!
Back at the mall I decided to run into Kmart for a tub stopper which they didn't have, but bought some more supplies for home. I couldn't wait to get in the door and turn on the a/c.
That was my big adventure in Indiana today. Ryan and my mom seemed impressed with my motivation. I guess maybe I am a little too. So I think I'm really going to be okay, and hopefully time goes quick enough.

mom and Ryan update

I talked to Ryan awhile ago. He had to call me to tell me that he and my mom have been on the road the entire time! They stopped at a rest stop or some place for about an hour, and then Ryan started driving again. My mom barely started driving this morning, and they are already in New Mexico! They should be to Ryan's by this evening.
So far I've been working on my office, getting my computer set up and desk chair together. Been hunting for my coffee all morning, which my mom swears is in the pantry, but I couldn't find it, so because of that, I've decided I'm going to walk to Starbucks today and get some of my other bags of beans ground. I'm also going to attemp to ride the bus, so wish me luck. I figured if I spent today lost on a bus, I wouldn't really be hurting anyone or any plans. Better to get lost now, then do it when I have to be at school. I have a meeting with my boss on Wednesday at 10, so I have to figure this out by then, or walk. My hip is doing much better today, but I have a feeling if I pushed myself today, I'd do more harm than good. So...therefore, the bus it is. And in the event I actually make it to school, I'm buying books and getting my ID card so then the bus will be free. I'll update on how that goes after my adventure.
I've heard from a few people that comments are getting lost and not being posted. I know that has to be frustrating. I did get your comments Meemaw, and got Suzy's today. Poor Erin got so tired of it, she just emailed me. But I appreciate it, so thanks!

home aloney on my owny

Direct tv guy is here setting up my tv, but other than that, I'm on my own. My mom cried pretty hard, and I haven't checked in with her yet. They just might be in St. Louis by now, or darn near close.
So today I've taken a nap, talked to Brian, watched Elizabethtown (which started me crying, and luckily the direct tv guy called, so I stopped), paid my rent and sent out some post cards. I so badly need to clean, but today is all about rest...probably tomorrow too. I have to figure out the bus schedule so I can go down to school and get my books, and go to the driver's liscence center and get that taken care of. Other than that, everything is ready to go.
I am so so exhausted. I don't think homesickness has set in yet, although my stomach is all yucky. I guess it still feels like vacation. We'll see how I sleep tonight though.
I know a lot of people are excited for me, so that really helps. I appreciate all the support everyone is giving me. I love hearing from everyone, so don't be a stranger.

Moving in and up

Well, I'm moved into my new place. I have to admit, I was worried when I first saw the place. It's yellow and brick, and my neighbors all came out and looked at our car when we drove by, and I just thought, great I'm moving into the ghetto. I should not judge a book by its cover.
We met Carl finally, who is like any of my old Ned's customers. My mom shmoozed him by talking about his antique collections, and his one of a kind car. He gave us the keys and we went to check out #5. As soon as I walked in I felt a whole lot better about this move. You walk into my living room, and the stairs are on the left. You walk straight and go into the kitchen, which is bigger than my parents kitchen. A nice surprise is that my townhouse is actually 3 stories! I have a full basement which is HUGE! Too bad I have nothing to put down there, but if I ever want roommates, I could have a bunch.
Upstairs is my 2 rooms and bathroom. The rooms have an ugly gold carpet in them, so I might be getting a rug for my room. I can't believe how much space I have and it's all mine! So we went back and signed the lease and got to unloading the car.
We unpacked a heck of a lot quicker than it took to pack up the car. After that, Ryan and I left to go shop for a car, bed and couch. We stopped at Big Lots and I got a nice, comfy, oversized couch for $300, and a serta full sized bed. Had trouble with my credit card though, thanks to chase not authorizing out of state purchases, and ended up writing a check, which I did all over town after that. We looked around at some car lots, and the 4runner we had seen on a corner, but after awhile Ryan mentioned that everyone here mainly drove cars, not trucks and suv's. So I called pops and he said my car is running so nice now that the struts are fixed, so he said he didn't see why I couldn't ship my car here. Ryan talked to some guy in the bathroom at JC Penny's and he said his daughter drives 11 miles in an old car to get to school, so I should be fine in my mustang. So that was that, I'm getting my car shipped and I'm so so so happy, because I just love my car.
We ended up at Kmart and bought my pots and pans, more stuff for my kitchen, lamps and a window a/c. Found a verizon store so Ryan could get his phone fixed, and they said they'd give him a new one, so we had to go home to write down his numbers.
Got my electric put into my name and they were also able to do my phone and internet. I get my phone on friday, and 6 days after that, my internet (I'm currently using someone's wireless around here).
Went out again, and this time Ryan was on a mission to find someone to take my couch and bed home, since the guy Big Lots recommended couldn't do it until the next day. The second attempt, Ryan found a guy at the closed hobby shop with a truck who said he would do it. People are nice around here. You know in California nobody would do that, and if they did, they'd probably take off with your stuff.
Went to lunch downtown. Oh...when Ryan and I found downtown I was sooooo much more happier about where I was living! It's like walking in downtown pasadena (except not the nice expensive shops). I know I'll be spending free time walking around down there. Ryan could even tell I looked happier when we drove down there. So we ate at Murphy's II, famous for wings, and they were so good. The whole kitchen staff had to come out and look at Ryan though.
Opened my bank account. The lady I had, had been working at PNC for 35 years, so she was on the ball.
Got some stuff unpacked and boxes put into the rooms they needed to be in. Then Ryan and I headed off to downtown again to go to the Coney's, and Irish bar, for a drink and to mingle with the locals.
Walking in, I loved it. However, it was kind of dead, and I thought, great there's no one to mingle with. There were 4 older people sitting near us, and across from us, 2 young guys. Monday night football started, and finally the 4some started talking to us by offering us some of their chicken wings. I had 2, and they were so good too. Found out 2 of them were from Tuscan. One of them also happens to be related to the owner's of Vince's spaghetti back home. What are the odds? Such a small world. Home follows you where ever you go.
Got pretty tuned up there, and went to Walmart to shop some more. Pretty much have everything I need, besides food now. Found out the trash bags I have to use are $16.50 for 5 bags though. Have to find out where my neighbors dump their trash, because for as many of us as there are, the trash isn't very full.
Oh yeah, found an outlet store called Ollie's. It was awesome. Found my dresser there, plant hangers for my porch, sheets...it's an awesome store. Wish we had gone there first, but oh well.
Met some neighbors. Jeff and his sister walked over as we were unloading. She told me there is a stray cat my neighbor feeds, and Jeff asked if I was ok with him practicing his southern rock band. Told him about Pops and his band and equipment, and later we heard him practicing. He's good. He said sometimes the band comes over and plays for the neighbors, so that will be cool.
Next door is Jim and his 18 year old college bound daughter. Not IUP, some other school. Jim rides a motorcyle, and sometimes parks in my extra space, but Ryan told him if he looks out for me, it won't be a problem. Also found out the couple that lived here before me was a real pain, staying up all hours of the night, being nosey, and putting rocks in the dryer just to break them for the fun of it. Jim also keeps a community dog, and the old neighbor stole him and they had to put an ad in the paper to get him back. So I have a cat and a dog to play with that I don't have to take care of.
Today we got my a/c installed and my entertainment center. Got direct tv to come out tomorrow, which I'll need, since they are leaving in the morning.
I think I'm going to be fine here. Maybe not as homesick as I thought, and maybe it won't be so hard. School will probably be harder.

Indiana, PA

Well...we made it to my new "home." Let me fill you in on the last 2 days before I launch into what my new home area is like.
Saturday was family day. Honestly, it was fun. Met a ton of family members from my mom's side of the family. What was really cool for me, was that my mom's uncle's family is Irish, so I heard lots of stories about Ireland and his family coming here. Plus he knew stories of my mom's grandparents coming here, so I learned more about my heritage. Uncle Marty is 86 and Aunt Dolores is 80, and they've been married 61 years. How crazy is that? And uncle Marty is a funny old guy, and he's quick with the jokes. They all wished me luck and invited me to spend the holidays or weekends with them. So I'm thinking perhaps Easter I'll go to Cleveland. We even saw my great grandmother's old house. Oh and who knew there was such a huge population of Irish people in Cleveland? And it really is beautiful. So very green with so many trees!
Saturday night we were so exhausted. I talk to Pops and he started crying on the phone about how he missed me. Even Todd said it was weird without me around. Pops ulcer is acting up he thinks, and I worry that it's because he's worried about me.
Today we got up and went to breakfast with Uncle Marty, Aunt Dolores and Patty, and we were 20 minutes from the place they love with is around the corner from them, and we STILL beat them there! We heard the story of their wedding, and how Mimi's friend's sister let Aunt Dolores borrow her dress and they pieced her together by borrowing things. Even heard about the tradition European custom of the money dance.
My mom is so happy to have gone. She cried thinking it would be the last time she saw them, but I told her she may be back sooner then she thinks. You never know.
We went to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It was so awesome! I'm so happy we got to go there. It's amazing to see the costumes these people wore, they were so thin! And so many guitars. I kept wishing pops was there. He would love it. Of course, we'd never get him out of there and he'd talk our ears off and probably annoy the crap out of everyone around him drooling over the guitars...but he would love it. Bought my mom a tie-dyed shirt since she wouldn't buy it for herself and has only bought herself magnets on this trip. Then we were off to Indiana.
Uncle Marty had told us Pennsylvania is a lot like Ohio, only hillier. He was so right. We didn't get to drive through Pittsburgh, so I'll have to try to do that once I get a car and hopefully before school. It will suck not having Cliff to navigate me though.
The whole drive out along this windy, hilly road, Ryan kept saying things like, "there's your house!" as he pointed out a leaning shack, or how date night is at the Lick 'n Putt ice cream/golf course. I wasn't too hopeful about my new home as we kept driving and saw tractors and cars on blocks and nothing but trees. We dropped our stuff off at the hotel and I had grabbed some menus from the lobby. At one of the local chinese food places you can get "comblination dinners" and "beveryas." No joke, that's what the menu says and I'm so sending a copy to Ned's for Pete to see, he'll love it.
So we got back in the car and drove to my new place, and saw the actual town. We found my townhouse first. It's yellow, and I think my apartment number is number 5, and the address I have right now is wrong. My neighbors all came out though, so it could be good that they are noisey enough to watch out for who is coming and going, but they were old. Went down to the college. I have to say, as soon as I saw the campus I felt more at home and at ease. It is such a beautiful campus. 10,000 times more beautiful than CSUSB. It has been a dream of mine to go to an old school where the campus was old and brick...and that's IUP. We found where I'm supposed to go for orientation, and we found the bookstore and the library and I have a general idea where my building is. Saw the oak grove that i've been watching online for months. Really beautiful.
We ended up eating at the Ponderosa Steakhouse, which is a lot like sizzlers...or at least Sizzlers back in the day. Then we went to Walmart. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that just about everything is closed on Sundays, or closes super early. So I'm thinking, no excuses for not doing my homework. Even the waitress told Ryan, oh she'll have plenty of time to do homework.
Remind me to kick Tibbetts for getting me into this. Just kidding....like I said, school makes me feel comfortable and I'm looking forward to shopping tomorrow for stuff for my very own place. But tomorrow will be busy. I sign my lease, have to find a bed and a couch and a car. The car might be tough, however we saw a 4 runner for $3800 just behind the park behind my place, that Ryan says a mass murderer probably lives in. So as long as I find my checkbook, it's all good.
Have I mentioned that mother nature is really loud here? I mean like...I'll be calling you all back in Cali and telling you how I can't sleep because mother nature is too loud! It's a little scary. But you know, it's almost like living in Crestline, so it shouldn't be too bad. Ask me how bad it is once it snows though. ;)