Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Madness?

THIS IS...

No, it's really madness.

Well I hope everyone had a fantastic holiday! I know I really enjoyed seeing the family and all my friends. Still, it's been stressful. Thursday I worked all day, Christmas Eve I had family over, Saturday family came over again, Sunday I worked all day, Monday I worked all day, and today was the first day that I got to myself and a guy I know only wanted me to come out and see him.

Admittedly, he's in town for a little while but this is really the first day I've had to sit and relax (and I didn't do that, since I ended up doing laundry and trying to fix the Xbox). I feel like he just wants me to drop everything and amuse him.

Work (SnS) called before I left for karate telling me that I'm supposed to work tomorrow and Thursday. I'm working my other job on Thursday so I told my manager, and she told me we'd have to work it out. What is there to work out? They had a schedule, and I will be there. Honestly, you couldn't tell me I'd be working when I came in on Sunday? I thought it was good of me to say that I could go work on less than 24 hours notice.

To be honest, I'm tired. I'm just tired and feel sick and all I want to do is sleep. I feel like crying just from stress. This job has never done anything for me and it's not worth it anymore. I want to quit, but I don't know what to do. They keep me on despite being at school and it's half decent money but everything else sucks.

I just don't know what to do about this.

Song of the Day: All I Do is Dream of You by Michael Buble

<3 Erin

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Winter Wonderland

So finals are over! I've returned home and am enjoying the idea of not school. So far it's been busy, but in a good way. Seeing friends, family, the like.

Christmas is coming up and my uncle asked if I would be bringing Jim since my family is hosting this year. Still not sure how to bring it up with the parents. I don't know if it's too soon but I'd really like to have him there...awkward situation for me at least.

And while I'm on that subject, this article made me laugh. Sorry boyfriends across the world, it's not you, it's science.

I'm tired. Going to sleep so tomorrow Jim and I can make an epic gingerbread house along with some cookies. Yaaay.

Song of the Day: Forget You by Glee Cast featuring Gwyneth Paltrow

<3 Erin

Friday, December 10, 2010

Announcements

To all you friends of The Box, here's something new!

As some of you know, I'm something of an artist. I've finally decided to search for commissions. I'll do a piece for you and you pay me. I'm in college, so any money is good money, right? There are some pieces of mine already available for sale on my Deviantart account, which you can check out here. Towards the top of the page there should be a little tab that says 'prints' and that will show you what's available.

Also, while this is not going to be something that will happen soon, the script I wrote for National Novel Writing Month will be turned into an actual book! After serious editing occurs, of course (which is where you all come in. Thank you.). NaNoWriMo teamed up with CreateSpace to let anyone who 'won' NaNo to get a free copy of our novel. However, the site also says that it will sell copies of the book to anyone who wants it. More news on that as it happens.

Song of the Day: Fidelity by Regina Spektor

<3 Erin

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

And Miles To Go...

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer

To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake

To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.

But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep. 

 - Robert Frost

Welcome to December everyone! Kicking it off with a classic from my favorite poet....I remember when I had to memorize this in seventh grade. Good times.

For my part, I've been keeping busy. Today was the last day of class for me (woo hoo!) so that means tomorrow is Reading Day, and my first final is Friday. Well, it's not technically a final but it's a test I'm taking during the final exam hour. The schedule is as follows:

Friday 10th - IB 106 exam @ 1:30
Saturday 11th - SHOPPING!
Sunday 12th - Revise EPS 202 Final Essay
Monday 13th - Last day of tutoring, more essay work
Tuesday 14th - ENGL 202 Final @ 1:30
Wednesday 15th - EPS 202 Final Essay due by 12:00
Thursday 16th - ENGL 209 Final @ 8:00 AM, head home around 12
Friday 17th - Monday, Jan. 17th - PROFIT.

As far as actual exams go, I've got it pretty easy. Still, there's a lot that needs to be done. Plus I'm going to get started on my application to the secondary ed program, which is pretty intensive. But I'm just looking forward to going home at this point. I'm so ready for it. Making cookies, enjoying hot coco, sledding, warm fireplaces, all that jazz...well, I will be working both my jobs as well but that's beside the point.

Also, if you haven't received a copy of Confessions of a Fast Food Waitress, my manuscript from NaNoWriMo, let me know ASAP. I know many of you are busy with finals as well and probably won't get to look at it for another week or so, but I just need to know. Honestly, I'd like as many people looking at this as humanly possible. I've done a rough edit, added about 3000 extra words and now am ready to burn it out of existence. Considering I've been looking at it for the past month straight, this is a very good time for me to step away and let the public see what I've got.

Plus, December is a GREAT time for reading. It's so bitter cold outside that nobody wants to go anywhere. Trust me, I walk everywhere on campus and there is NOTHING blocking the wind. For those of you unfamiliar with the geography of central Illinois, go look at the nearest flat surface. Go ahead. I'll wait. ...Back? Imagine that surface covered with corn and congrats, you have just seen the geography of central Illinois. Cold I can stand, but wind is miserable. And of course all my finals are far away from my dorm.

But to fill the extra time that I've had since NaNoWriMo is done I've gotten back into knitting. I would say running but I pulled a muscle in my side (I have no clue how, since all I was doing at the time was writing a paper...) and I've been taking it really easy. When I do run it's kinda tough, since it's not fully healed and still fairly tender. Lately I've been able to work on my knitting though and I'm learning how to purl and knit! Knit two, purl two...it's nice and monotonous. I'm making what Hannah calls a 'stress scarf' which is where you basically knit until you're out of yarn. Seems like a good idea to me! See how long this scarf can get.

Otherwise just trying to stay warm and pass my classes so I can go home. Just a little over one week!

Song of the Day: I Could Get Used to This by The Veronicas

<3 Erin

P.S. - New design for winter!

Monday, November 29, 2010

Your God


 


WHERE IS HE NOW?!

That's right children. One minute before midnight on November 29th, 2010 I reached my goal of 50,000 words. And I'm still not quite done.

I've got to finish up the manuscript, then there's a massive amount of editing left to be done. Characters to flesh out, ideas to expand upon, etc. But bless it, I REACHED 50K!!

Thank everyone who stood by this month and just let me do my thing. Super thanks to anyone who listened to me rant and rave about this book and how frustrating it could be at times. Once again, if you want me to send this to you when editing is done, please let me know. Currently the list is as follows:

  • Jim M.
  • Anzer H.
  • Kathleen R.
  • Kamila G.
  • Matt S.
  • Anthony P.
  • Rachel P.
  • Janelle S.
  • Jessie S.
  • Beth D.
Again, if you are not on this list, let me know ASAP so I can make sure that I don't forget to send it to you.

Now if ya'll will excuse me, I'm gonna go die a little. I am one very tired author.

Song of the day: Just The Way You Are by Bruno Mars

<3 Erin

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Finish Line

National Novel Writing Month is almost over. That means regular updates will come back soon, I hope. Finals and huge papers lie ahead. Do not want. Winter break coming soon. Do want.

Word Count: 44,815/50,000

Currently the list of people who are in line to read this when I'm done is as follows: Anzer, Kathleen, Matt, Jim, and my dad. If I've left you out, just let me know in the comments.

Song of the Day: Kiss Me by Sixpence None the Richer

<3 Erin

Sunday, November 7, 2010

NaNoWriMo

For those of you who are in the know, that stands for National Novel Writing Month. And yes, I am participating.

My manuscript is called "Confessions of a Fast Food Waitress" and so far it has just broken the 13000 work mark. So much happy. It draws heavily from my own experiences working at a fast food restaurant but it's sort of a realistic fiction about a girl trying to make her way through life. If anyone has suggestions or something they thing would be cool to see, let me know.

This is also a busy time since I'm starting Tech Week for A Few Good Men, so it's a lot of late nights coming up. But on the plus side I've found an apartment to live in and hopefully we'll sign a lease this Saturday! VERY excited! In the meantime, there's a lot to do. Two annotated bibliographies, a rough draft of a paper, a final paper, two tests, the play, registration for spring semester, training for a 5K, signing the apartment, and NaNoWriMo.

Support and love is very much welcome. Call, facebook, comment, text...something. I miss home.

Song of the Day: Hold My Heart by Sara Bareilles

<3 Erin

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Como Se Llamas?

...I've got about seven, how about you?

Just got a call that my friend Janelle put that on a t-shirt. I'm pretty sure I know what I'm getting for Christmas. Seriously, how awesome is that? Makes me smile.

So far it's been a good week. Although today I just found out that I was cut from the RA process because I missed a step that I didn't know about, but surprisingly I'm okay with it. It gives me more time to look at an apartment. It's nice to finally know what I'm doing. Also, got GREAT news Sunday night! Instead of coming the first weekend in November, Jim is coming to visit THIS weekend! I cannot explain how happy this is making me and yet, at the same time how distracted I've become. Still, very happy.

I've been getting more sleep, which is great, but my brain has been supplying me with some weird dreams...How weird you ask? I am glad to tell you!

The dream started out I was in a car with my family going to a hotel for my wedding reception. I was in this beautiful white gown but I was so confused. We got there and it was beautiful and my husband was there (three guesses as to who it was). It felt like a whirlwind of activity and strangeness...our families were there and most of the senseis from our karate discipline. I was talking to one who then informed me that they were late because they were fighting evil popcorn kernels from space and one had shot him in the shoulder. I woke up just as my husband and I were going to cut the cake.

Thanks for the entertainment brain! Same time tomorrow night?

Song of the Day: My Life Would Suck Without You by Kelly Clarkson

<3 Erin

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Pie

I like pie.

This is very unfortunate since all the Baker's Square resturants near my house have closed. And thus I have devised a plan: Pie Delivery by Attractive Members of the Opposite Sex.

Imagine; the doorbell rings, you approach the door and open it tenatively only to find a supermodel at your door with a box containing your favorite type of pie.

Glorious.

Also, you may have noticed I changed the look of the box. I figured it's a more fall-y look.

Song of the Day: Basket Case by Sara Bareilles off the album Kaleidoscope Heart

<3 Erin

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Busy Busy Busy

Well hello world! It appears I've returned. These past few weeks have been nuts for me...midterms just ended so that was a few weeks of my life spent stressing. My phone died so I had to go on adventure that culminated in me getting a pretty sweet new phone (full keyboard and touch....I feel so fancy). Same number, so nobody freak out.

This past weekend my uncle got married, so that was a ton of fun. I'm very happy since the wedding was beautiful, but I love his new wife, my new aunt. Once again, congrats!

Also, I'm very happy to say that my cousin finally had her baby! Morgan Joan was born on October 18th at 4:47 PM. From the pictures I've seen, she's absolutely beautiful. More congrats to my cousin and her husband for bringing such a beautiful young woman into the world!

As for me, my business hasn't stopped since coming back to school. I ended up dropping my Poli Sci class since my first test was a 66/100 and the professor doesn't believe in curves. The kicker? Class average was 68/100. Yeah, I got out at the last moment, thankfully. In the meantime I've been trying to decide to live in an apartment or take a post as an RA. I put in the application for RA yesterday, but I'm looking at apartments in the meantime. Trouble is, I'm not sure what to do. A friend of mine is in the same dilemma so we're waiting to find out what happens at the end of the semester before we make any decisions. Should the situation arise, we'll find an apartment together, which is nice. I honestly think I'd like to live in an apartment, but we'll see.

Jim was supposed to come visit this weekend but something came up so he's coming the first weekend in November instead. I understand completely that school comes first and in some ways it's better that we put this off. Gives me time to write the assload of papers that I need done, get my stuff in order, the usual. Still, it's been a stressful week and I could really use his company right now. I think I kinda spoiled myself by seeing him two weekend sin a row. Once again, I feel really left out from all the couples I know here since their significant other isn't too far away.

Maybe I just need a week off. I'd love that. Thanksgiving break is just about a month away, but it feels like FOREVER. Blargh. But it'll be worth it...at that point I should be done with a bunch of work, the production of A Few Good Men should be over, my RA interview will be done, and I can relax and go to karate with my friends. Also, see the gang! If we're lucky, we can see if Jim will come and meet you all at last (I'm talking to you, Anzer, Julia, Laura, and Janelle-face.). If not, well we can wait till New Years.

Man, this semester is both flying by and going super slow. Not sure how that's possible, but it is. On one hand days seem to drag on and on but on the other I've never got enough hours in the day to do everything I want or need to do. Just have to take it one day at a time.

Oh, I started tutoring high schoolers last week! It's a ton of fun. Sometimes frustrating, but that's all right. It comes with the territory. Here's hoping I can put in 25 hours before the end of the semester.

Song of the Day: Gonna Get Over You by Sara Bareilles on Kaleidoscope Heart

<3 Erin

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

That Dream

I had this dream a while ago. It was cold and there was at least three feet of snow around me. I was in jeans and a t-shirt but it was like they were all made of super thin cotton. I was shivering outside my house because my parents had kicked me out for some reason. Standing there in the bright gold light from the windows Jim appears. I turn to him, hoping that he of all people would offer some comfort. He stands at a distance and tells me that he doesn't want to date me anymore, then turns and walks off, leaving me alone in the snow.

This is the second time I've had that dream. I don't know why it bothers me so much, even though I know it's a dream, but it stresses me out and just makes me down.

Overall not a fantastic day. Here's hoping tomorrow will be better.

Song of the Day: Uncharted by Sara Bareilles off Kaleidoscope Heart

Monday, October 4, 2010

Halfway There

And cue midterms. I've got two this week which isn't as bad as some other majors but they're both English so I'm going to be burying my nose into some texts for the next few days. It's been a while since I posted but I've been kinda busy. I can't even remember if it's been one or two weeks since I last went home. Argh. That's usually how I judge how long I've been at school...when I lose track of how long it's been since I've been home.

Days seem to be going so fast and so slow at the same time. Maybe it's because I've been distracted or what, but I just seem to be losing all track of time. I know that in two weeks I have to go back home for my uncle's wedding, which I'm super excited for. Rehearsal for A Few Good Men is going well and we're on track to be ready for performances November 12th and 13th.

Hint hint.

My friend Katy came and stayed with me this past weekend, which was nice to see someone from home, but it sucked because as soon as she went home I got really homesick. It was nice to have someone who knew what I was talking about when I referenced a specific thing from high school or home. I went to Tae Kwon Do with my friend Adam and didn't like it at all. Side kicks should be to the SIDE, not behind you. Silly martial arts.

October should be pretty fun though. The weather is getting colder, the leaves are starting to change colors, my cousin is having a baby in a few days, my uncle is getting married, I'm applying for RA, Jim is thinking about coming to visit at the end of October, and we're slowly moving towards Thanksgiving Break.

Also, my old phone gave up and decided to hate the world so I have a new one now. It's shiny and pretty. And it hates me too, but in very different ways. We just haven't learned to work with each other just yet. Play nice phone.

Song of the Day: Sweet Pea by Amos Lee

<3 Erin

Monday, September 27, 2010

Goals

So I've been doing a lot of work lately and I feel like setting some goals would be a good idea. Here's what I've got so far:

  • Run a 7 minute mile
  • Make Dean's List
  • Get into the Education program
  • Get all A's and B's
  • Keep doing well in karate (Orange belt, here I come!)
I know there are more that I have, I just can't quite recall them right now. I was sorta inspired by seeing someone say that they hate having someone tell them that they can't do something for a stupid reason and I totally agree. In a lot of cases that just makes me more determined to do it so I can prove them wrong. 

Anyone out there have goals? Let me know!

Song of the Day: Let The Rain by Sara Bareilles (Kaleidoscope Heart is out! Such a good album!)

<3 Erin

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Hi Dad

So I suspect (Okay, let's all be honest, I don't suspect, I'm pretty positive) my parents are reading this.

Hi Mom and Dad! Love you! <3

It is far too hot for end of September. Stop that nature. Stop that right now.

I'm also starting to look at apartments, just in case this RA thing doesn't work out. You never know.

Being super productive makes me happy. In the past four days I wrote two papers, revised said papers, took my first test, did my poli sci homework on Monday when it's due Friday, knit an absurd amount of scarf, started working out after beating my cold to a pulp, cleaned my desk, did dishes, and generally rocked out.

Going home this weekend. Can't wait to get home and see the family and play some Reach. Woooo. But first, to completely decimate school work.

Battle plan for the rest of the day: Call my homie Michelle, meeting about looking at apartments at seven in the main lounge, wash my horribly disgusting gym clothes, then live in the education library for a few hours.

Because I'm just that awesome.

Song of the day: Hey Soul Sister by Train

<3 Erin

Friday, September 17, 2010

Ugh

So a week or two ago I had a cold. Nasty bugger. Took a ton of Nyquil and Dayquil, but I recovered and went on my merry way cursing allergies and generally being awesome.

The cold, not content with being defeated so easily, has returned for round two. And this time, it's personal.

But in all seriousness, I've been coming down with a cold for the past few days and now it's struck in full force. Which sucks, because tomorrow (today, I suppose. Problems of writing this at 1 AM...) I'm locking myself in the room and cranking out two papers so help me god. But in the meantime, UGH. This SUUUUUUUCKS. It feels like my brains are attempting escape through my nose.

In other news, I became the Governor of a small southern state today. Well, not really. In Poli. Sci. we're doing a simulation of the constitutional convention and we needed a governor for our 'state' so I volunteered. Who knew it was that easy? Otherwise the day was pretty lazy. I was going to work out but wasn't quite feeling up to it so I walked around campus taking pictures. Considering the size of U of I, that's quite a decent walk. I went all the way from the South Quad to Beckman (aka Ass End of Nowhere) and then to a study session for my first test before going to the floor cookout.

The coming two weeks are going to suck and rock at the same time. Monday is my first test this year in my bio class, so that's why I had the study session today. Thursday and Friday I have papers due before I head home to get a dress for my uncle's wedding and then Saturday is reserved for Halo Reach with Jim. Sunday I'll head back for a week of insanity. Two tests, two birthdays, and the RA application will come out. Excuse me while my brain explodes.

All that and I'm still not including homework and readings and other things I want to do. Lawd have mercy.

So I took advantage of tonight and chilled with Kathleen, Jenna, Ben, and Timmy. We watched Ghost Adventures, which is like Ghost Hunters but with about five hundred times more douchebags. And I swear to all things holy, if Valve does not ride their ass about using the sound effect for the Witch in L4D I will have issues. Seriously. Not cool. Then we watched Shawshank Redemption, which was cool since it has Morgan Freedman. Awesome. Also knitted a ton for the scarf I'm making. It isn't pretty since I accidentally added stitches and then had to bring it back (I went from 35 across to 42. How did that even happen?!) but now it looks pretty decent. Besides, it'll get folded so people can't tell anyways, right? I hope.

Ugh. Feel like I got hit with a bus. Time to take some Nyquil and continue the fight against this cold. Wish me luck and drop me a line. I love phone calls/texts....makes me feel less lonely and homesick.

Song of the Day: Overrated by Thriving Ivory

<3 Erin

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Wait, WHAT?

So I woke up today and looked out my window....

ONLY TO DISCOVER THAT FALL IS A NINJA.

The maple tree a ways off has quite abruptly begun to turn the most spectacular shade of red, which is cool but it DEFINITELY was not that color yesterday. Or the day before.

Of course the more logical idea is that I just was too busy to notice but that would be silly. What with my two papers and three tests coming up I totally have time to sit around and watch the trees change colors.

And before ANYONE says ANYTHING about this not being productive, this is being written at 8:41 in the morning, so that is way before my first class and thus, outside the realm of procrastination. So take that.

But honestly, time seems to be going really fast and really slow at the same time. On one hand, it's been a while since I've last been home (which is how I usually judge time here) but then I realize that days are moving so slowly...

Aside from the tests and papers coming up, I've been keeping busy. Possibly getting a stage management job with the New Revel Players for A Few Good Men, gearing up for my tutoring hours, working out, swing dancing, and working on knitting. First project: A scarf. I figure that's pretty hard to mess up, right?

But the next few weeks are busy busy busy for me. I've got things to do and look forward to. I return home on the 24th to find a dress for my uncle's wedding, then on the 25th it's going to be a Halo Reach Marathon for Jim and I. He has been so incredibly awesome for waiting until I come home to play. If you're looking at this, you are the absolute best. Then the weekend after (first weekend in October) my friend Katy is coming to visit since she's hoping to attend in the spring! Yay! People are coming to see me!!

If you're curious about how/when you can visit me, you can just give me a call! I love phone calls. Yep yep yep I do.

In the mean time, I will amuse myself with work, knitting while watching season three of Dr. Who (David Tennant FTW. Sexy, sexy Time Lord...), writing, and drawing. If you have a request, let me know and I might just draw it for you!

Song of the day: Lucky by Jason Mraz featuring Colbie Caillat

<3 Erin

Monday, September 13, 2010

Growing Up

I think today, for the first time, I felt like a college student.

It was an odd feeling. It just came out of nowhere...I finished my bio class and had to take the bus to Wall-Mart so without a second thought I just hopped onto the bus. The one I jumped on wouldn't take me all the way, so I just transferred to a different one. I was just sitting there and I realized that had you asked me to do that a few years ago I would have flipped out. Funny how things change, I suppose.

As a kid you always think growing up is going to be this horrible scary experience that just sort of happens...like it all comes at once. It's not. Slowly, oh so slowly you move into a more mature role. Tonight at dinner I was talking with some friends about moving into an apartment like it was no big deal. So strange...it feels like just yesterday I was a freshman in high school. So much I've already done and seen and in the whole scheme I'm just getting started.

Not sure what really made me start thinking about this.

Also, if anyone can teach me how to knit, that'd be awesome.

Song of the day: Come What May from Moulin Rouge

<3 Erin

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Sugar Sweet

So I don't know what's been going on around campus, but it feels like it's couples week. I've seen so many people holding hands or cuddling or kissing that it's insane. Part of me says "Aww, that's so cute" but another part is yelling "OH SURE RUB IT IN".

Okay, let's all be honest. Anyone who's been in a long distance relationship (if it worked or not doesn't matter) can attest to this fact: it SUUUUCKS. Majorly. Still, someone did say that absence makes the heart grow fonder and I can't argue with that in the slightest. Distance and leaving suck, but when you get to see that person again it's so awesome.

My roommate this year has a boyfriend (who coincidentally lives a floor down from us. That's about how long distance they get. Lucky.) and they're adorable together. We often joke that they're trying to give us diabetes by being so sweet. Still, she's awesome enough to joke back that my boyfriend and I are giving them a run for their money. It makes me think...every relationship can be different.

For example, my roommate and her man have matching hoodies that they like to wear on occasion. It certainly has a certain 'awww' factor to it. My boyfriend and I play Halo together, which is kinda nerdy but cute in a nerd way. They have the same classes and similar majors. We don't even go to the same school (Yet. Hopefully.). They will on occasion plan to wear similar outfits (the hoodies). Us, not so much. Hell, an AC-130 flew over my head the other day and I told him that it made me think of him. That's sweet.

I guess it's different for everyone. And that's totally okay. ^_^

In other (Less mushy) news, I went to a bar for the first time last night. No, I did not get drunk. I only danced with some of my friends...It was okay. I'm not sure I enjoyed it too much and don't think I'll go again too soon, but it was a good thing to do once. Since it was a gay bar I got to see some interesting stuff...like my first Drag Queen. That was kinda fun. I also scared off a creepy guy just by giving him a glare. See, I can be scary!

Battle plan for today? Laundry, writing some letters, and maybe Tae Kwon Do with Adam later but I'm not counting on that. XP

Song of the day: Missing You (the new version by Orianthi. Youtube it.)

<3 Erin

Friday, September 10, 2010

The Truth

I cannot handle it.

But seriously. Auditions for A Few Good Men went as expected, meaning no part for me. I'm fairly certain this is a sign from the theatre gods that I'm meant to hang out backstage for the rest of eternity. I'm not sure if I'm upset or okay with this. On one hand, I'd love to be recognized for something (honestly, how many of you look for the Stage Manager in the program? Exactly.) but on the other hand I love love love being backstage. Oh well. That's quite a ways off.

Been in a bit of a funk lately. Getting over my cold and not being able to exercise has something to do with it (I freak out about my weight way too much) but I guess it's more a personal thing.

How often is it okay to want to talk to the same person? I don't want to be clingy, but I don't want to screw this up. I've had enough relationships that went down in flames and I'm determined not to let it happen to this one, but long distance is new to me. Sometimes I can't help but wonder if he'll just decide he wants something closer to home. Otherwise I worry that I'm the one always wanting to talk and that I'm too pushy. Augh. This is another one of those things I shouldn't freak out about but do anyways. Anyone have any sort of advice? Is this normal or bordering on creeptacular?

In other news I'm trying something new. I've decided that I'm going to try eating at least one salad a day. This way I get my veggies and stay healthy. But that raises an interesting conundrum for me. See, thing is, I love meat. Steak and chicken and fish and pork...awesome. Currently my meal schedule is such that I eat breakfast in the dining hall, do lunch in my room, and eat dinner in the dining hall again. Many of you fans of breakfast will acknowledge that meat is scarce on the ground that early in the morning (save breakfast sausage and bacon, both rare and or gross when it comes to the dining hall) so I go with fruit and a bagel or something like that. Lunch is usually something light (Let's be honest, I'm a college kid. It's probably pop tarts or granola or something) and dinner is the only time the salad bar is open for me, so there's my salad.

You will note the disturbing lack of meat in this scenario. Not that dining hall meat is any good to begin with (It's quite shifty. Steak is not supposed to be gray, rubbery, and swimming in it's own grease university! Pull it together!) but every now and then you get a winner. But my diet as of late has been increasingly vegetarian. I have nothing against vegetarians, but I love meat! Honestly I'm not quite sure what to do with myself right now. I'm not going to go full vegetarian, I know that, but I'm not exactly getting the option of decent meat. So what does that make me? Fake vegetarian? Sorta vegetarian? I don't know.

I'm also discovering that I might like the awkward transition seasons more than real seasons. Like this transition between summer and fall where it's cold enough to wear pants but not cold enough to warrant jackets just yet. Or going from fall to winter when you get the first snow. My favorite of these is of course going from spring to summer where it's cool enough to wear jeans but warm enough to pair it with flip flops and a t-shirt.

So many changes this year. It's good. I remember thinking on New Year's "This is going to be my year. I just know it." And so far it has been. Good and bad, it's been an awesome year so far. School, karate, family, Jim...everything.

Song for today: King of Anything by Sara Bareilles off her newest album Kaleidoscope Heart. It's not out in stores yet (that I know of) but check out the song on youtube. It's awesome.

<3 Erin

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Wanderlust

So today was the Study Abroad Fair, which was kinda cool. I got to wander around and take a look at some of the different places I could go. To be honest I'd love to go to England or Ireland but I'm not so sure about studying abroad. First of all I'm not sure how it'd fit in my schedule if I want to graduate in four years (I might be pushing four and a half as is because I got into the program a little later. Oh well) and I'm not so sure how well I'd do away from home for six months. I normally go home every four or five weeks and being only 300 miles away is really handy since I CAN go home. Across an ocean? Yeah not so much.

I will keep the idea in mind. If it doesn't work out that's fine too. I can always save up and take a vacation there too.

So this is the third week of school and I'm finally settling into the daily routines of my classes and other things I can do. I've had a cold for the past few days so that's thrown me off but otherwise I'm happy to be back. Today is Thursday, so by 12:15 I'm all done with classes for the day! Plus tonight is usually Swing Dancing (Foellinger Patio tonight! Woo hoo!) but I'll be late because I've got my first audition for college theatre!

The other day I saw a poster for a stage version of A Few Good Men, which happens to be my sister's favorite movie and I thought why the hell not? If I don't land a part I'll see if they need a stage manager. It's been way too long since I was involved in theatre so it would be really awesome to get back to it.

So until then I will be attempting homework. I feel like I should be doing things, but I'm not. I know that there's stuff to do but I just haven't looked it up yet. I might be starting to get over my cold but that was a doozy and I'm still not feeling too motivated. Ugh. I hate being sick away from home. The first night I got back with this cold I wanted three things: Jim, my mom, and my bed. I got one of three. I felt kinda bad since I was asleep by ten (super early as far as college students go) and my roommate didn't know so she apparently walked in, turned on the lights and flipped thinking she'd woken me up. She didn't, but still. Thankfully my appetite's sorta returning and I'm feeling much better than usual. Yesterday was the 'let's hack up a lung' day, which I suppose means that it's getting better. Today my brains seem to be trying to escape through my nose.

And this just in: There is a huge bee buzzing around by my screen. I think he wants my plant. Too bad.

I wish I hadn't left my iPod at home. Then I could go work out and not listen to the awkward hum of machines.

<3 Erin

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Blogging? What's That Taste Like?

Well, I suppose this is my first foray into the wild world of blogs. Not quite sure how to begin this... An introduction might be nice, but most of the people looking at this already know me.

Purpose, that's always good. The purpose of this blog is to chronicle my adventures here. Where is here, you might ask? Here is where I am. Where am I? In the wonderful land of corn, also known to most of the general public as the University of Illinois at Champaign/Urbana.

Why am I here? One of life's big mysteries, isn't it? Are we just some cosmic-oh, what? You mean why am I at the university? Be more specific fool! I'm here to study English Secondary Education, which means that I'll be hopefully teaching middle to high school students once I graduate. Right now I'm a sophomore but credit wise I think I'm closer to a second semester sophomore. Woooo. Big difference, I know, but it matters. I'm looking forward to next year when more people I know will hopefully be transferring out of MCC and into the same university as me, specifically my brother and boyfriend.

This blog is going to serve as a more public outlet for my adventures here. I have many friends scattered across the country as far as colleges go and I would kill several forests just trying to write to them all. This is honestly easier and more environmentally friendly. Not that I won't write to them, just that this is sometimes easier.

This will also serve as an outlet for my personal opinions on certain subjects like movies, music, video games, and general happenings. And trust me, there will be plenty for me to rant about.

If any of you are bored with this, might I reccomend reading my girl Emma's blog? It's a diary of someone living with POTS. What's POTS you ask? Aside from a cooking utensil? Head on over and check it out!

Stronger on the Other Side : http://emma-stronger.blogspot.com/


I actually should be going to eat something right now...I'm on lunch break from my hellish Wednesday schedule. Oh Wednesday...the worst day of the week.

<3 Erin