So, the first week of J-Term is complete and I already have a test. It really isn't that bad. I'm learning some new things every day.
I'm taking Intro to Chinese Cinema, which I took mostly because it was easier to schedule work hours then and because it sounded like an easy class. I wasn't into the whole effort idea while all my friends were still at break. I actually like my class though. Sure, there are times when I get a little homesick for the Japanese class, which was basically the same thing, but it'll give me something to tell my teacher when I go back to visit her between breaks.
Meanwhile, there is forever drama in my life. Last semester, I worked in the cafeteria for one shift and that shift was the dishroom. Everyone loves working there. It's my worst enemy. All the steam and the hot plates and the wetness--I hate wetness. I always ended up smelling like a garbage can and my skin all oily and gross when I got back to the dorm. So, I hate the dishroom, and when I was scheduling for my j-term hours, I avoided it at all costs. I even took a lunch shift on Friday when I already had a closing shift at Marty's to avoid the dishroom.
So imagine my surprise (and intense misery) at walking into the clockroom Friday morning and finding out that I had to work dishroom.
Little to say, I did not bring clothes to change into because I didn't think I was working the dishroom and went straight to class right after. It was the worst. I smelled like a garbage can. My hair went limp (which is a tragedy within itself) and I was wet. Ew...
So, I officially am not a big fan of the Fridays. Luckily, I only have two more Fridays.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Monday, December 8, 2008
Keep on Singin' My Song
I now have a new favorite Christmas tradition. Christmas at Luther.
I really wasn't big on the choir because of all the time that was put into just practicing when I could be doing something more productive... like facebooking. But after this week, I saw just what happened because of the all the practicing and it made me smile, just a little bit.
On Sunday, it was the worst rehearsal ever because it lasted forever and we had to come back from break early, but every other rehearsal after turned less and less into a hassle. We had a dress rehearsal on Wednesday and we wore our robes and make-up and went through all the individual choir songs and I felt kind of giddy. The lights were in full view and there was even a little audience. Sure, we had to go back and forth a few times, but it felt almost like the real thing with the running up the stairs to the balcony and the coming down and running into Aurora.
We had our first performance on Thursday and that was where all my friends and my roommate were (my other roommate was in choir). Overall, it went very well for having messed up a few times in the dress rehearsal. I was definitely feeling the spirit because of the song selection. I was pretty much on a high the entire time because not only was it a really good Christmas performance, but it was the first time I was on a stage like that in years. So afterwards, at the dorm, I had a dance party with my friends (even though we probably should have been studying for the biology quiz) and we popped, locked, and dropped it until we were sore.
Not a good idea.
On Friday, there were two performances and I was still aching sore from the dancing the night before. It was the most unpleasant, hardest, painful-est recital to go through. Standing the on the risers did nothing to curb the pain in my legs. I was fairly certain that all people saw on my face was clear agony and pain. However, it was still a better performance than the one on Thursday (in my opinion). That was just the first concert. The second one was a little worse for me, so I might have gotten a little overenthusiastic when we were singing the last song (which I was already enthusiastic about because it's my favorite) and raged out of there to change into my jeans and warm boots and then proceed to collapse in my bed. We didn't get out until eleven that night, but it was totally worth it.
Saturday was, what I thought, the best performance. Everything went perfectly and I wasn't in as much pain as I was the night before. It was great. I wished it could have been Sunday that was the best performance because that was when my mother was going to be there, but alas, it wasn't. Sunday was one of the top because of the candle-lighting, which is my second favorite part of the concert.
Because the concerts were being recorded by public television people, we couldn't have the stage completely dark during the lighting, so the effect wasn't as powerful. But on Sunday, we had the lights off and I quickly scanned the room looking at all the choirs (even though I probably wasn't supposed to) and got kinda happy. I'm a sentimental person--it gets me every single time.
Really, that was the best experience ever. I probably wouldn't repeat it right now and I'm kind of happy it's over, but I would do it again next year in a heartbeat. I was happy to be a part of it, no matter how painful, time consuming, paper failing, test failing, hot, and crowded it may be.
(Yes, I did fail my paideia paper that was due on Wednesday [I think] and it was partly the reason I failed my quiz) -- but it was totally worth it. And I just suck at time managment.
Marcie
I really wasn't big on the choir because of all the time that was put into just practicing when I could be doing something more productive... like facebooking. But after this week, I saw just what happened because of the all the practicing and it made me smile, just a little bit.
On Sunday, it was the worst rehearsal ever because it lasted forever and we had to come back from break early, but every other rehearsal after turned less and less into a hassle. We had a dress rehearsal on Wednesday and we wore our robes and make-up and went through all the individual choir songs and I felt kind of giddy. The lights were in full view and there was even a little audience. Sure, we had to go back and forth a few times, but it felt almost like the real thing with the running up the stairs to the balcony and the coming down and running into Aurora.
We had our first performance on Thursday and that was where all my friends and my roommate were (my other roommate was in choir). Overall, it went very well for having messed up a few times in the dress rehearsal. I was definitely feeling the spirit because of the song selection. I was pretty much on a high the entire time because not only was it a really good Christmas performance, but it was the first time I was on a stage like that in years. So afterwards, at the dorm, I had a dance party with my friends (even though we probably should have been studying for the biology quiz) and we popped, locked, and dropped it until we were sore.
Not a good idea.
On Friday, there were two performances and I was still aching sore from the dancing the night before. It was the most unpleasant, hardest, painful-est recital to go through. Standing the on the risers did nothing to curb the pain in my legs. I was fairly certain that all people saw on my face was clear agony and pain. However, it was still a better performance than the one on Thursday (in my opinion). That was just the first concert. The second one was a little worse for me, so I might have gotten a little overenthusiastic when we were singing the last song (which I was already enthusiastic about because it's my favorite) and raged out of there to change into my jeans and warm boots and then proceed to collapse in my bed. We didn't get out until eleven that night, but it was totally worth it.
Saturday was, what I thought, the best performance. Everything went perfectly and I wasn't in as much pain as I was the night before. It was great. I wished it could have been Sunday that was the best performance because that was when my mother was going to be there, but alas, it wasn't. Sunday was one of the top because of the candle-lighting, which is my second favorite part of the concert.
Because the concerts were being recorded by public television people, we couldn't have the stage completely dark during the lighting, so the effect wasn't as powerful. But on Sunday, we had the lights off and I quickly scanned the room looking at all the choirs (even though I probably wasn't supposed to) and got kinda happy. I'm a sentimental person--it gets me every single time.
Really, that was the best experience ever. I probably wouldn't repeat it right now and I'm kind of happy it's over, but I would do it again next year in a heartbeat. I was happy to be a part of it, no matter how painful, time consuming, paper failing, test failing, hot, and crowded it may be.
(Yes, I did fail my paideia paper that was due on Wednesday [I think] and it was partly the reason I failed my quiz) -- but it was totally worth it. And I just suck at time managment.
Marcie
Sunday, November 30, 2008
That's Not My Name
So, Thanksgiving break has come and gone. Unfortunately, it is gone and there's school tomorrow. I'm not sure what's more depressing; the fact that for the rest of this week, there will be no rest, that I won't get to see my friends forever, that I didn't get into the class I wanted for J-Term, or that I have class tomorrow. I think they're all pretty equal.
It's Christmas at Luther week. The dreaded week is here. Today we had a six hour rehearsal (five hours plus an hour long break for some) and my voice is dying. I had to leave home, my warm, amazing, awesome home at seven in the morning. Not only that, but it took double the time to get here because of the weather. Then I'm here for an hour and I have to go to choir. Me? I'm not a big choir person. I like to sing and I like the songs, but I have extremely mixed feelings about choir. It's just always been an 'I hate choir, but when I'm there it's ok' kind of thing.
Let me tell you, there was none of that today. This break, I was meaning to catch up on all the things I had fallen behind in other classes and start the paideia paper that I thought was due on Monday (it's due Wednesday). Didn't happen. I did get caught up, but only in one class. Bad times, but they were oh-so enjoyable (seriously, biology or dinner party with friends you haven't seen since July? I think we all know the answer). So, since I didn't do diddly squat during my break I was freaking out the entire five hours to the point where I made myself sick. It was the worst choir rehearsal/day/life experience ever. I was seconds from crying.
Kids, I am not a good role model, I'll say that right now. I'm stuck in high school where I never studied for tests and never actually read the material (can someone say sparknotes?), but I'm learning. And everyone is going on a learning experience with me. I had learned before, but then I got lazy, which happens a lot. But I need to remember that I am 18,000 dollars in debt so that I can study. So I should study and get off facebook. I'm getting there. Slowly, but surely. And next semester is going to be so much better.
Marcie
And all the titles lately have been titles of songs that I listen to while I write these SPECTACULAR AMAZING blogs, in case anyone was wondering. Look them up. They're pretty good.
It's Christmas at Luther week. The dreaded week is here. Today we had a six hour rehearsal (five hours plus an hour long break for some) and my voice is dying. I had to leave home, my warm, amazing, awesome home at seven in the morning. Not only that, but it took double the time to get here because of the weather. Then I'm here for an hour and I have to go to choir. Me? I'm not a big choir person. I like to sing and I like the songs, but I have extremely mixed feelings about choir. It's just always been an 'I hate choir, but when I'm there it's ok' kind of thing.
Let me tell you, there was none of that today. This break, I was meaning to catch up on all the things I had fallen behind in other classes and start the paideia paper that I thought was due on Monday (it's due Wednesday). Didn't happen. I did get caught up, but only in one class. Bad times, but they were oh-so enjoyable (seriously, biology or dinner party with friends you haven't seen since July? I think we all know the answer). So, since I didn't do diddly squat during my break I was freaking out the entire five hours to the point where I made myself sick. It was the worst choir rehearsal/day/life experience ever. I was seconds from crying.
Kids, I am not a good role model, I'll say that right now. I'm stuck in high school where I never studied for tests and never actually read the material (can someone say sparknotes?), but I'm learning. And everyone is going on a learning experience with me. I had learned before, but then I got lazy, which happens a lot. But I need to remember that I am 18,000 dollars in debt so that I can study. So I should study and get off facebook. I'm getting there. Slowly, but surely. And next semester is going to be so much better.
Marcie
And all the titles lately have been titles of songs that I listen to while I write these SPECTACULAR AMAZING blogs, in case anyone was wondering. Look them up. They're pretty good.
Monday, November 24, 2008
An Honest Mistake
Alright, it's officially the week of Thanksgiving Break. That's three days of no classes, no work-study, no cafeteria food, no choir rehearsal, no Rigoberta Menchu, or common quizzes. However, break starts Tuesday and I still have Monday and my 8:00 class on Tuesday. My heart, however, doesn't know that.
I have a paideia rough draft due tomorrow.
It's three in the morning.
I haven't. even. started.
In fact, I'm watching 2Fast 2Furious.
See my problem?
And I honestly don't know when I'll get it done! I only have an hour and a half between calculus and bio and I have a really big topic! I'll be one of the shame-faced losers that walks into class and hopes they don't get the one girl that would turn them in to the teacher. I mean, I'm not a big fan of the misspellings, but that does not mean that I shouldn't write the paper! *panics*. Oh boy. It's not like I can write it during biology either. That would be WRONG (I'm sure it wouldn't matter if I had read the chapter last night, but I didn't).
Now, I am not a hypocrite. I DO learn from my mistakes... but this is a new one. I'm in break before break actually happens. But no worries, I'll manage.
Now... I'm going to write my paper on the Guatemalan Civil War in regards to Rigoberta Menchu and the speaker we had come into class (I would probably write about that, except that we signed a form that said we couldn't repeat what he said in class outside of class, since he's testifying in court).
That's all for today. I'm going to make an outline of my paper.
Marcie
I have a paideia rough draft due tomorrow.
It's three in the morning.
I haven't. even. started.
In fact, I'm watching 2Fast 2Furious.
See my problem?
And I honestly don't know when I'll get it done! I only have an hour and a half between calculus and bio and I have a really big topic! I'll be one of the shame-faced losers that walks into class and hopes they don't get the one girl that would turn them in to the teacher. I mean, I'm not a big fan of the misspellings, but that does not mean that I shouldn't write the paper! *panics*. Oh boy. It's not like I can write it during biology either. That would be WRONG (I'm sure it wouldn't matter if I had read the chapter last night, but I didn't).
Now, I am not a hypocrite. I DO learn from my mistakes... but this is a new one. I'm in break before break actually happens. But no worries, I'll manage.
Now... I'm going to write my paper on the Guatemalan Civil War in regards to Rigoberta Menchu and the speaker we had come into class (I would probably write about that, except that we signed a form that said we couldn't repeat what he said in class outside of class, since he's testifying in court).
That's all for today. I'm going to make an outline of my paper.
Marcie
Monday, November 17, 2008
Under the Gun
Again, another busy week ahead of me. Not as busy as the last two, but who knows what unexpected things will happen.
I facilitated last week in my Honors class. I sucked. Everyone said it wasn't that bad. Everyone is a liar.
Last night was the first Christmas at Luther rehearsal and it was amazing. All the choirs were together and it was just really awesome to hear. I'm in Cantorei--I'm not going to say anything negative about it, but we were just a little unprepared for the mass rehearsal. There were two songs where everyone just looked at each other, smiled, and faked it. I almost died because I tried to hit the notes. It didn't work out so well.
My godmother, she works here at Luther, tried to scare me about Christmas at Luther. She said that I'd have to start getting ahead because I'd for sure fall behind because of all of the rehearsals. I'm going to have to call her out on that. The mass rehearsals are on Sundays, which isn't a problem for me, until the week of Christmas at Luther in which case the rehearsals are when I'm usually doing my work-study, so it's not like I'm doing homework then anyway.
But Christmas at Luther is probably going to be the most amazing Christmas event ever [besides going back home and seeing my friends and going to the Kris Kindl Market] and I seriously can't wait until the performances. There are going to be candles and we get to be broadcasted on national television, which is always a plus. I can't wait.
And now, it's time for Bio. T_T
I facilitated last week in my Honors class. I sucked. Everyone said it wasn't that bad. Everyone is a liar.
Last night was the first Christmas at Luther rehearsal and it was amazing. All the choirs were together and it was just really awesome to hear. I'm in Cantorei--I'm not going to say anything negative about it, but we were just a little unprepared for the mass rehearsal. There were two songs where everyone just looked at each other, smiled, and faked it. I almost died because I tried to hit the notes. It didn't work out so well.
My godmother, she works here at Luther, tried to scare me about Christmas at Luther. She said that I'd have to start getting ahead because I'd for sure fall behind because of all of the rehearsals. I'm going to have to call her out on that. The mass rehearsals are on Sundays, which isn't a problem for me, until the week of Christmas at Luther in which case the rehearsals are when I'm usually doing my work-study, so it's not like I'm doing homework then anyway.
But Christmas at Luther is probably going to be the most amazing Christmas event ever [besides going back home and seeing my friends and going to the Kris Kindl Market] and I seriously can't wait until the performances. There are going to be candles and we get to be broadcasted on national television, which is always a plus. I can't wait.
And now, it's time for Bio. T_T
Monday, November 10, 2008
Die Another Day... Cause Imma busy!
Oh my goodness. It has been a crazy week. Let me tell you. With the paideia paper, the bio exam, my birthday, the elections, and all the events that I had to go to for my political science class, I don't think I've had time to even sleep, let alone feel homesick!
It's crazy and half the time I have no idea what takes priority. It leads to stress, but then you're always relieved the next week when there's nothing to worry about. That's clearly not the case this week because my weekend was stress-filled as well, but I'm sure I'll feel a whole lot better next week.
Obviously, I got through the last week and I have no idea how. Not only was the Bio exam a slap in the face [even though I knew about it two weeks earlier], but my paideia paper was much harder than I remembered it being the first time I read the prompt. It was as if college came full speed in all my classes all at the same time -- I was getting run over from every direction. Even calculus was getting hard!
Normally I'd write a list of how I got through it all, but I have no idea how it happened. At all. I stayed up until two writing that paideia paper that I did not understand how to do, studied for the biology exam for 45 minutes before the class [not a good strategy if you want to get anything higher than a C, but I have to say I only passed because I went to lecture], stayed up until two writing all the one-page responses for my political science class and managed to find people to cover two of my shifts so that I could go to the events I needed to go to and so that I could spend time with my family during my birthday. It was hectic. I can't even keep track of it when I write it down, as I'm sure no one else can either.
On the plate for this week is.... On Tuesday, I have to facilitate a class, big deal. I'm freaking out mostly because I don't know how to be a teacher, I never even wanted to be a teacher. It should be interesting and I hope it all goes well, but we'll have to see. The final draft of the paideia paper is due on Wednesday [oh crap] and that's a big event within itself. Usually my whole Tuesday nights are dedicated to that after I finish my calculus and biology, but I have a lab group meeting on Tuesday because we have to give an oral presentation on Thursday in lab. What is it with all the public speaking? It's a crazy week!
Anyways, I hope everyone else has a nice calm week.
Marcie
It's crazy and half the time I have no idea what takes priority. It leads to stress, but then you're always relieved the next week when there's nothing to worry about. That's clearly not the case this week because my weekend was stress-filled as well, but I'm sure I'll feel a whole lot better next week.
Obviously, I got through the last week and I have no idea how. Not only was the Bio exam a slap in the face [even though I knew about it two weeks earlier], but my paideia paper was much harder than I remembered it being the first time I read the prompt. It was as if college came full speed in all my classes all at the same time -- I was getting run over from every direction. Even calculus was getting hard!
Normally I'd write a list of how I got through it all, but I have no idea how it happened. At all. I stayed up until two writing that paideia paper that I did not understand how to do, studied for the biology exam for 45 minutes before the class [not a good strategy if you want to get anything higher than a C, but I have to say I only passed because I went to lecture], stayed up until two writing all the one-page responses for my political science class and managed to find people to cover two of my shifts so that I could go to the events I needed to go to and so that I could spend time with my family during my birthday. It was hectic. I can't even keep track of it when I write it down, as I'm sure no one else can either.
On the plate for this week is.... On Tuesday, I have to facilitate a class, big deal. I'm freaking out mostly because I don't know how to be a teacher, I never even wanted to be a teacher. It should be interesting and I hope it all goes well, but we'll have to see. The final draft of the paideia paper is due on Wednesday [oh crap] and that's a big event within itself. Usually my whole Tuesday nights are dedicated to that after I finish my calculus and biology, but I have a lab group meeting on Tuesday because we have to give an oral presentation on Thursday in lab. What is it with all the public speaking? It's a crazy week!
Anyways, I hope everyone else has a nice calm week.
Marcie
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Different Air
I'd be lying if I said I wasn't homesick. I am terribly so. Decorah itself is so different from Elgin (where I'm from) in population dynamics and mentality. I'm used to walking down the street and receiving glares for being in the way or the awkward look away, but here everyone smiles or says hello. I'm getting used to it, but there are those days when I really miss the cold nastiness. It makes me feel like a better person sometimes.
I miss my house. I used to live in my basement and it was my Lair of Darkness, as my friends and I coined it, and I'd have my air mattress right in the middle and my couch right next to it. Sure, there were bugs, but there are always going to be bugs. I could turn off the light whenever I wanted and do whatever I wanted. With two roommates, it gets really hard. There's always someone there, which can be nice, but it can also drive me crazy. Everyone has their individual mess and everyone touches things [like my outlet where they "kindly" unplug things] and there's just no escaping the cramped-ness of the room. In my room particularly, I cannot turn on the lights, not even a desk light, after one of my roommates go to sleep. It's REALLY hard. I went from absolutely independent in my basement to sharing with two people.
Of course, I miss my friends. No one drives up five hours to see me, which is alright. I haven't seen a good lot of them in over three months, but hopefully that will change over Thanksgiving. I miss having them around me. The people here are amazing, but it's four years vs. a few months. It's just a lot of turmoil.
I'm not condemning roommates or college, for that matter. I love my roommates to death and I enjoy college, really, but everyone has their days and the more homesick I get, the more I have them. Part of college, probably, is overcoming it and finding your strength. Prioritizing and focusing on what you need to get what you want. Homesickness is going to come along, but it'll also pass.
On that depressing note, I will announce something happy. As in, Happy Birthday to me... on Friday. Woot! 19!
I miss my house. I used to live in my basement and it was my Lair of Darkness, as my friends and I coined it, and I'd have my air mattress right in the middle and my couch right next to it. Sure, there were bugs, but there are always going to be bugs. I could turn off the light whenever I wanted and do whatever I wanted. With two roommates, it gets really hard. There's always someone there, which can be nice, but it can also drive me crazy. Everyone has their individual mess and everyone touches things [like my outlet where they "kindly" unplug things] and there's just no escaping the cramped-ness of the room. In my room particularly, I cannot turn on the lights, not even a desk light, after one of my roommates go to sleep. It's REALLY hard. I went from absolutely independent in my basement to sharing with two people.
Of course, I miss my friends. No one drives up five hours to see me, which is alright. I haven't seen a good lot of them in over three months, but hopefully that will change over Thanksgiving. I miss having them around me. The people here are amazing, but it's four years vs. a few months. It's just a lot of turmoil.
I'm not condemning roommates or college, for that matter. I love my roommates to death and I enjoy college, really, but everyone has their days and the more homesick I get, the more I have them. Part of college, probably, is overcoming it and finding your strength. Prioritizing and focusing on what you need to get what you want. Homesickness is going to come along, but it'll also pass.
On that depressing note, I will announce something happy. As in, Happy Birthday to me... on Friday. Woot! 19!
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