I'm really not sure what is going on in my life right now. Nor do I know what my life is going to look like tomorrow or next week, much less this summer. I think God is trying to teach me a real lesson in trust right now. The question is whether I will let him. I try to consistently and consciously spend time with him, but it's really hard, especially now that I'm getting up around 7 AM most days. But at the same time, I feel blessed, because it's always on my mind, and I know that that is God poking me in the ribs (where I am not ticklish, btw), trying to get my attention.
In other news, or maybe it's the same news from a different perspective, my impression of my classes are now completely different than what I expected them to be. I really, really enjoy Contemporary American Poetry, particularly the professor Matt Roth. He has been so helpful and understanding to me while I try to figure out whether I really want to take this class or not. Urban History is ok - the verdict still may be out on this one. Dr. LaGrand is a definite plus, but the material is not as interesting as I thought it would be, and it is definitely lacking in the pure history that I miss from my days as a single major.
Now for English Studies. Oh, what a joy. Not. So this is definitely one of those places God is using to teach me a lesson in humility and respect for those in authority. I think there is probably a personality disconnect between me and the professor. Also, I absolutely despise the feeling that I'm starting college all over again. It sucks. (As a side note, does anyone know of a satisfying alternative for that word? I really shouldn't use it, but it's so convenient!)
Advanced Writing is very challenging, but only if I let it be that way. Haha, I love being cryptic. What I mean is if you yourself don't drive the course, you won't get anything out of it. Because it is all about improving your own writing, what you learn is very ambiguous in a sense. It's a constant challenge. Still adore the prof, though :)
So, I wish I had more to say after my 10 day absence, but I really don't know anything at this point. It's very disorienting. I guess I'm just really sort of rediscovering the possibilities.
Wow. Cryptic!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
In Celebration
(warning: there will be many ALL CAPS moments in this post)
This post is a celebration of the following things:
This post is a celebration of the following things:
- my FIRST DAY at the Writing Center
- the fact that I am typing this on MY computer
- the NINETY pages I have yet to read for my LaGrand class
- the fact that today was a much better day than yesterday, when I spent an hour and a half PHOTOCOPYING GREEK (Thanks, Dr. Pettegrew. Thank you so much :)
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
No More
As I've reflected over the past few days on my ever-changing life, I've realized that I complain. A lot. So, I am declaring a no-whining zone in this blog (at least for this entry ;)
In an effort to promote this new, positive outlook, here are some good things that have happened to me.
Classes started Monday! Wellness won't be so much fun, but right after that is my one history class of the semester with probably my favorite professor ever, Jim LaGrand. I am definitely a fan of his. His voice sounds like Kermit and his faith shines through everything he does. We haven't gotten into any course material yet, but the class (U.S. Urban History) will definitely be one of the most challenging of the semester. He is legendary for lots of reading, writing and tough grading. Woo!
I'm still deciding how I feel about Contemporary American Poetry. It's definitely out of my comfort zone, which seems to be the standard for this semester, but it could still be good. I just have to get used to the English way of doing things as opposed to the History way. It shouldn't be that much of a difference, but I do have to think about things in a different light.
Intro to English Studies is looking to be fairly easy. There is only one paper that is more than one page. Apparently we will spend all semester revising it, but I'm not too worried. Stay tuned for when I find out how wrong I am :)
Advanced Writing was the one course that absolutely terrified me. It still does, but I'm pretty sure it's going to be the best class ever. I completely adore the professor, a funny, quirky woman, and, at least in the beginning, it feels like Creative Writing in high gear.
Money is a big concern for me this semester. Philadelphia and JTerm, both with minimal employment, kind of drained the coffers, and if things go as planned, the summer won't bring much extra cash either. So, I'm the work-study in the History department. It was really hard to get hours during Jterm, but just today, I got several more things to do, so hopefully, that will keep going, and the hours are very flexible. Altogether, this semester was looking to be pretty busy, but not anything that I couldn't handle with a little stress....
Surprise! The Writing Center just had a position open up today, and I guess I was next on their list. I'm not sure what the hours will be, or the pay, or anything really, but I'm going to try my best to make it work. I've wanted to work here since the first semester of my freshman year, and I'm certainly not going to let it go now.
Ok, so the movie Suzanne (my roommate for those of you who don't know) [edit: the movie Suzanne and I are watching (thank you, Jackie)] is nearing completion, and I have must get some sleep before tomorrow. Lots to do, lots to do!
In an effort to promote this new, positive outlook, here are some good things that have happened to me.
Classes started Monday! Wellness won't be so much fun, but right after that is my one history class of the semester with probably my favorite professor ever, Jim LaGrand. I am definitely a fan of his. His voice sounds like Kermit and his faith shines through everything he does. We haven't gotten into any course material yet, but the class (U.S. Urban History) will definitely be one of the most challenging of the semester. He is legendary for lots of reading, writing and tough grading. Woo!
I'm still deciding how I feel about Contemporary American Poetry. It's definitely out of my comfort zone, which seems to be the standard for this semester, but it could still be good. I just have to get used to the English way of doing things as opposed to the History way. It shouldn't be that much of a difference, but I do have to think about things in a different light.
Intro to English Studies is looking to be fairly easy. There is only one paper that is more than one page. Apparently we will spend all semester revising it, but I'm not too worried. Stay tuned for when I find out how wrong I am :)
Advanced Writing was the one course that absolutely terrified me. It still does, but I'm pretty sure it's going to be the best class ever. I completely adore the professor, a funny, quirky woman, and, at least in the beginning, it feels like Creative Writing in high gear.
Money is a big concern for me this semester. Philadelphia and JTerm, both with minimal employment, kind of drained the coffers, and if things go as planned, the summer won't bring much extra cash either. So, I'm the work-study in the History department. It was really hard to get hours during Jterm, but just today, I got several more things to do, so hopefully, that will keep going, and the hours are very flexible. Altogether, this semester was looking to be pretty busy, but not anything that I couldn't handle with a little stress....
Surprise! The Writing Center just had a position open up today, and I guess I was next on their list. I'm not sure what the hours will be, or the pay, or anything really, but I'm going to try my best to make it work. I've wanted to work here since the first semester of my freshman year, and I'm certainly not going to let it go now.
Ok, so the movie Suzanne (my roommate for those of you who don't know) [edit: the movie Suzanne and I are watching (thank you, Jackie)] is nearing completion, and I have must get some sleep before tomorrow. Lots to do, lots to do!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Evil
For those of you who reside in PA, OH or anywhere in between, please see this entry for any future encounters with snow.
I HATE IT.
I HATE IT.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
How is this possible?
Such a day I've had. Please be warned - the following can only be described as whining.
In the past week, I have had a total technology meltdown. All the days run together now, so I can't remember exactly when, but at some point, my computer display quit working. I am now fairly certain that the hard drive also quit, because I tried to connect it to a monitor, and nothing showed up. As a direct result of the computer death, my iPod must find another source of power. Also, at some point this week, my phone died even though I had charged it up the night before. It's better now though, so I think it just wanted a short break.
Saturday night, on my way back to campus, I noticed the the engine of my car was not too quick on the draw. I parked it (illegally) in front of my dorm and didn't think much of it. This morning, however, when I faithfully made my way outside in order to go to church, it refused to start at all, and the noises it made with each succeeding attempt were progressively more dismal. I called Campus Safety, who said I had to go sign out the battery jump start pack thing (I don't remember what they called it), so I walked to the Safety House. "Oh no!" they said. "You get those at Dispatch." Laughing (quite sincerely) at my mistake, I walked to Dispatch, where I obtained the slightly heavy thing and started my car without much difficulty. I parked the car in D Lot, where it's supposed to be, and continued on with my day. In a later conversation with my dad, we decided to just replace the battery, considering I'm going on a trip later this week and the current one happened to be nine years old. Definitely time for retirement.
So, I walked to D Lot once again, ready to drive to Sears, but alas, my poor Honda Civic couldn't even handle that. I headed back to Dispatch to get the thing, carried it back to D Lot, and started my car. From there to Sears was another adventure, as it involved returning the thing to Dispatch, and getting gas, so I wouldn't kill my car twice over. I didn't shut the car off at Dispatch, but I had to at the gas station, and there was a slight moment of fear when I turned the key. But no worries, as my car performed one last service for me and started with no trouble. I proceeded to Sears, where they kindly installed a Diehard Gold battery, and I successfully drove back to campus without the nagging fear that my car was going to suddenly shut off.
I should mention that during this week of technological failure, I have had relatively no entertainment. My computer is also my dvd player, and I have been shamefully deprived. I did read Northanger Abbey, though, and I think, with some reflection, it will become a favorite of mine. Tomorrow, I send the devil computer off to HP, with a whole list of maladies. Good riddance, say I! The only regret I have is that my iTunes library is slightly in jeopardy. I have it all on my iPod, but still, it makes me nervous. All my documents are safe, however.
I am now completely worn out and ready for this ordeal to be over. I think my next entry may be from the great state of Ohio (go bucks :)). Until then!
In the past week, I have had a total technology meltdown. All the days run together now, so I can't remember exactly when, but at some point, my computer display quit working. I am now fairly certain that the hard drive also quit, because I tried to connect it to a monitor, and nothing showed up. As a direct result of the computer death, my iPod must find another source of power. Also, at some point this week, my phone died even though I had charged it up the night before. It's better now though, so I think it just wanted a short break.
Saturday night, on my way back to campus, I noticed the the engine of my car was not too quick on the draw. I parked it (illegally) in front of my dorm and didn't think much of it. This morning, however, when I faithfully made my way outside in order to go to church, it refused to start at all, and the noises it made with each succeeding attempt were progressively more dismal. I called Campus Safety, who said I had to go sign out the battery jump start pack thing (I don't remember what they called it), so I walked to the Safety House. "Oh no!" they said. "You get those at Dispatch." Laughing (quite sincerely) at my mistake, I walked to Dispatch, where I obtained the slightly heavy thing and started my car without much difficulty. I parked the car in D Lot, where it's supposed to be, and continued on with my day. In a later conversation with my dad, we decided to just replace the battery, considering I'm going on a trip later this week and the current one happened to be nine years old. Definitely time for retirement.
So, I walked to D Lot once again, ready to drive to Sears, but alas, my poor Honda Civic couldn't even handle that. I headed back to Dispatch to get the thing, carried it back to D Lot, and started my car. From there to Sears was another adventure, as it involved returning the thing to Dispatch, and getting gas, so I wouldn't kill my car twice over. I didn't shut the car off at Dispatch, but I had to at the gas station, and there was a slight moment of fear when I turned the key. But no worries, as my car performed one last service for me and started with no trouble. I proceeded to Sears, where they kindly installed a Diehard Gold battery, and I successfully drove back to campus without the nagging fear that my car was going to suddenly shut off.
I should mention that during this week of technological failure, I have had relatively no entertainment. My computer is also my dvd player, and I have been shamefully deprived. I did read Northanger Abbey, though, and I think, with some reflection, it will become a favorite of mine. Tomorrow, I send the devil computer off to HP, with a whole list of maladies. Good riddance, say I! The only regret I have is that my iTunes library is slightly in jeopardy. I have it all on my iPod, but still, it makes me nervous. All my documents are safe, however.
I am now completely worn out and ready for this ordeal to be over. I think my next entry may be from the great state of Ohio (go bucks :)). Until then!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Not Quite
Nope, I haven't forgotten you just yet. Here's a list of important things I should talk about but need sleep too much to do so right now.
- Barack Obama was inaugurated today as the first black President of the USA. A big deal.
- JTerm is almost over (that's code for "Ohio is almost here!!!!!!!!").
- I was working on my book list for the spring semester and my computer screen went all kinds of crazy. (MACBOOK??!!)
- After I relocated to the computer lab, I scoured the Internet and succeeded in being a thrifty person and keeping the book list for 3 English classes, 1 History class and Intro to Wellness around (slightly under) $225. This is a ridiculous achievement, and I am, accordingly, ridiculously proud of it.
- I'm about halfway through Northanger Abbey. It's a good book, but not matching up to Emma, Pride and Prejudice, or Sense and Sensibility. Good news though - I am enjoying it far more than I did Mansfield Park.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Fun day
But before I get to that, two things.
1. I am an oddly amusing person. Or maybe I'm just odd. I was reading something I wrote a while ago where I used the word 'indescribable.' For about ten seconds, I thought that I had misspelled the word, and I cannot describe the thrill of terror that went through my veins.
2. Today was a fun, semi-busy day. Today, however, is the exception in Jterm. The rest is always monotony. For example, either Sunday or Monday afternoon - I can't remember which - I took my keyboard apart. My laptop keyboard. Although I did get an OCD-kind of joy from cleaning it, the fact that I actually have time to do this is testament to how much I am telling the truth when I complain about Jterm.
Okay, so today. I got a few minutes extra sleep because I subconsciously chose to ignore my alarm. Also my phone fell under my bed and it was on vibrate (accidentally), so I really couldn't help it. I wasn't very late to class, but it was nice to not be stressed about being late, particularly after a certain 8 AM theology class last semester. I spent the class kind of floating around doing random things that people needed me to do. I painted, I used the chopsaw, I power-stapled, and I retrieved shoes from the old schoolhouse which is, in fact, used by the theatre department as storage. It was nice to do different things, rather than spend all day on one project.
Also (wik), I met a few people from Philly for dinner, and it ended up being a kind of reunion, which was great! You always kind of associate people with the environment you met them in, and it was nice (and kind of weird) to hang out with some elsewhere. But we were in the union for close to 2 1/2 hours, and laughed a lot.
Also also (wik), American Idol is back! If you are a music major or if it is a serious part of your life at all, feel free to criticize the show, but for me, I love watching it, and its return was a great surprise. The auditions section at the beginning of the season is always the most awkward and uncomfortable, but I will gladly get through that to see the rest of the show.
Also also also* (wik), I have a two liter of Diet Coke in the room and it is all mine.
*Maybe three times is a little much. Apologies.
1. I am an oddly amusing person. Or maybe I'm just odd. I was reading something I wrote a while ago where I used the word 'indescribable.' For about ten seconds, I thought that I had misspelled the word, and I cannot describe the thrill of terror that went through my veins.
2. Today was a fun, semi-busy day. Today, however, is the exception in Jterm. The rest is always monotony. For example, either Sunday or Monday afternoon - I can't remember which - I took my keyboard apart. My laptop keyboard. Although I did get an OCD-kind of joy from cleaning it, the fact that I actually have time to do this is testament to how much I am telling the truth when I complain about Jterm.
Okay, so today. I got a few minutes extra sleep because I subconsciously chose to ignore my alarm. Also my phone fell under my bed and it was on vibrate (accidentally), so I really couldn't help it. I wasn't very late to class, but it was nice to not be stressed about being late, particularly after a certain 8 AM theology class last semester. I spent the class kind of floating around doing random things that people needed me to do. I painted, I used the chopsaw, I power-stapled, and I retrieved shoes from the old schoolhouse which is, in fact, used by the theatre department as storage. It was nice to do different things, rather than spend all day on one project.
Also (wik), I met a few people from Philly for dinner, and it ended up being a kind of reunion, which was great! You always kind of associate people with the environment you met them in, and it was nice (and kind of weird) to hang out with some elsewhere. But we were in the union for close to 2 1/2 hours, and laughed a lot.
Also also (wik), American Idol is back! If you are a music major or if it is a serious part of your life at all, feel free to criticize the show, but for me, I love watching it, and its return was a great surprise. The auditions section at the beginning of the season is always the most awkward and uncomfortable, but I will gladly get through that to see the rest of the show.
Also also also* (wik), I have a two liter of Diet Coke in the room and it is all mine.
*Maybe three times is a little much. Apologies.
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