It's Christmas time....and what does that mean, the last Harry Potter book title is now known.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
I hope that means she is just wrapping up the end of the book. So maybe we'll get the book next Christmas time, I think the summer may just be too soon. Not to mention that title sounds extremely ominous...
hmmm harry potter and death rites...i suppose that ties in with the horcruxes- voldemort is trying to bypass death and harry must find the ways (holy rites) to send his soul from this earth. Or I would propose that something big happens at halloween, when the spirits of the dead can return to the earth and possibly help harry defeat voldemort. those are just my initial thoughts on the new title. Anyone have something good?
Little Update
Hey kids- I just wanted to say a little hello. It feels so good to be done with the first semester. Much to my surprise, even with the extremely poor showing in analysis, I still did really well in both linear algebra and numerical methods classes. So well that I get to keep my assistantship and am not on academic probation. Hurray. Now for some much needed r & r.
Scott got me started on checking out this little comic strip. it's amusing- my life in a nutshell pretty much.
I wish everyone a really happy restful holiday season and happy new year. I'll probably catch you all on the flip side- lots of parties and baking and storing up energy like a battery, and yeah...a bit of missing someone (2 months complete...well just about, I can do it.)
Scott got me started on checking out this little comic strip. it's amusing- my life in a nutshell pretty much.
I wish everyone a really happy restful holiday season and happy new year. I'll probably catch you all on the flip side- lots of parties and baking and storing up energy like a battery, and yeah...a bit of missing someone (2 months complete...well just about, I can do it.)
Wow
If we aren't being technical, today at 2:15 I have completed my first semester of graduate school (granted I still have 3 finals I have to complete in the next week, but that is okay). I am slightly amazed that we are here now. I remember the move to Columbia, the first days of orientation, the complete insanity of the beginning of classes-as if it were just yesterday. It feels surreal. In comparison to what I would have been doing- I feel totally accomplished. Not that I'm knocking being back in Jersey or working at Brookdale, it just seems like all of my talents and energy were well spent. I will be so happy to spend the next couple of weeks relaxing and storing up my energy for another round in January.
Oh as super happy news- my third analysis exam...oh this is so exciting, I'm so happy about it. I got a 94. After the disaster at the beginning of the semester, I feel like I have redeemed myself somewhat. Now just have to make it through the finals.
What else has been going on- besides exams- well this evening I am heading out for fun with the crew- dinner at Carolina Wings, the Lights at the Zoo (has anyone noticed that fact that I love the Zoo), and then a movie. My last little respite before major studying.
Anyways...I probably need to find some super warm clothing for this evening seeing as it is- I'm finally saying it- COLD here in Columbia. Catch ya later.
Oh as super happy news- my third analysis exam...oh this is so exciting, I'm so happy about it. I got a 94. After the disaster at the beginning of the semester, I feel like I have redeemed myself somewhat. Now just have to make it through the finals.
What else has been going on- besides exams- well this evening I am heading out for fun with the crew- dinner at Carolina Wings, the Lights at the Zoo (has anyone noticed that fact that I love the Zoo), and then a movie. My last little respite before major studying.
Anyways...I probably need to find some super warm clothing for this evening seeing as it is- I'm finally saying it- COLD here in Columbia. Catch ya later.
Domestic Traveller
I am typing this while sitting in the Newark Airport. I am too cheap to buy the 7.95 access to the internet to do this post live in real time. You would think that this is such a heavily trafficked airport that the internet access would be free. Hell the Columbia airport has free internet access.
I have been sitting around the airport since about 11:30 am. My flight doesn't leave until 2:55. Talk about being here early. But I suppose that is understandable- my parents wanted to attend the last Rutger's home game of the season. So I get the short end of the stick and have to sit around the airport by myself for like 4 hours. I really wish I was traveling with someone. So many families and relatives all moving around in large groups that it is somewhat depressing. I know who I would like to be traveling with but ... yeah not going to happen for a while. I feel kinda bad to be complaining. But the holiday would have been so much more fun.
About all of that Turkey-Day goings-on It was surprisingly uneventful. Outside of the fact that grandma is really losing her head, it was a good day. I made a massive load of mashed potatoes - lately each time I've been doing it I make it just a tad bit differently. Thank goodness it has tasted good each time. It would have been horrible if the masked potatoes turned out really yucky and disgusting with 18 people around.
I probably should be studying right now. But I just can't do it. Studying sucks all the life out of me. When I get back to Columbia I only have a couple of more weeks to deal with- only 4 more exams so it seems, one this week and 3 finals. Then a long drive back home with Happy Car. I haven't decided how long I will stay in Jersey...probably from Christmas through New Year's, then make the trip back to Columbia again.
I have been sitting around the airport since about 11:30 am. My flight doesn't leave until 2:55. Talk about being here early. But I suppose that is understandable- my parents wanted to attend the last Rutger's home game of the season. So I get the short end of the stick and have to sit around the airport by myself for like 4 hours. I really wish I was traveling with someone. So many families and relatives all moving around in large groups that it is somewhat depressing. I know who I would like to be traveling with but ... yeah not going to happen for a while. I feel kinda bad to be complaining. But the holiday would have been so much more fun.
About all of that Turkey-Day goings-on It was surprisingly uneventful. Outside of the fact that grandma is really losing her head, it was a good day. I made a massive load of mashed potatoes - lately each time I've been doing it I make it just a tad bit differently. Thank goodness it has tasted good each time. It would have been horrible if the masked potatoes turned out really yucky and disgusting with 18 people around.
I probably should be studying right now. But I just can't do it. Studying sucks all the life out of me. When I get back to Columbia I only have a couple of more weeks to deal with- only 4 more exams so it seems, one this week and 3 finals. Then a long drive back home with Happy Car. I haven't decided how long I will stay in Jersey...probably from Christmas through New Year's, then make the trip back to Columbia again.
Jersey here I come!!
Wow, it has been quite a while. So much as gone on that I should share. I probably won't remember all of it anyways.
Two weekends ago, the now dubbed "crew" went out camping for Greg's birthday. Yes camping. I went out camping. I haven't been out camping since I was in Girl Scouts. Girl Scout camp was a disaster. Not that I did not have a good time, but it was the unfortunate time and place where I learned of my inability to stand the sight of my own blood. That's right - don't ever let me do any cooking when I am camping. I have the tendency to cut myself, see blood, and faint at the drop of blood. You will all be glad to know that no such happening occured this time around but I am still weary of the whole experience. Saturday afternoon into the evening was absolutely gorgeous (pictures are up on facebook). But at about 9:30 it decided to rain. And rain it did. So after spending about 4 hours in a sopping wet tent in near close freezing weather, I sucked up and asked Trey (who was so kinda as to offer me a spot to sleep in his tent) if I could sleep in his very dry truck. In about 3-4 hours time I had nearly dried myself up in his truck when low and behold Trey comes to join me. So of the group of about 8 us, I think we were the only two that woke up and were dry. But the rest of the time was quite enjoyable.
I had a linear algebra exam, which didn't go over so hot. But the professor said not to worry, everything should be okay. I've been doing a lot of grading for my calculus sections- exams and reports. I would be delighted if I never had to read a project report ever again. I only have one more big exam before finals kick in. Can you believe it, after Turkey-day I only have 2 weeks til the end of the semester and then finals. It has been moving along quite quickly.
In other news, Andrew is settled in Iraq with his platoon - which means I get to start writing letters to him. I've been really holding off on them because I know if I get started on one I might kill a good portion of a day writing it. I probably won't have lots of time to do it until I get the semester over with - but I am going to try anyways.
Tomorrow morning bright and early I should be hopping on my plane back home to Jersey for the big T-day. Huge family gathering will ensue, and I am quite certain that I will get no, I repeat, no work done for the next week.
Oh I promised Suzer Laurie's Baked Potato Soup recipe but Theresa's little twist.
Baked Potato Soup
3-4 medium sized idaho potatoes
1/3 cup of flour
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp salt
4 oz of light processed cheese (Velveeta Light is quite yummy)
1/2 cup of fat free sour cream
14 oz can of fat free chicken broth
Normally one would bake those potatoes, but I don't enjoy burning myself so much. So instead I peel the potatoes and cut them into 1/2 inch-3/4inch cubes. Throw that in a good sized pot and fill the rest with water. Just enough to cover the tops of the potatoes. Bring the water up to a boil. Check the potatoes to see if they are done by making sure that a fork pierces them without any effort. Strain out the water and put the potatoes off to the side in another bowl for a moment. In the same pot, add the flour and whisk in about half of the chicken broth. Once it is blended, add back in the potatoes, pepper, and salt. Cook over medium heat until it is thick and bubbly. Add the cheese; stirring while it melts. While you stir it is best to add the remaining chicken broth until the soup is as thick as you would like. Remove from heat and mix in the sour cream.
Yum Yum Yum. Just so you know that beginning part is exacting how I start making mashed potatoes. (always mashed by hand, none of the using a machine works with me).
I suppose I better go get a little bit of relaxing in before I go to bed early and then awake up super early. Catch ya on the flip side.
Two weekends ago, the now dubbed "crew" went out camping for Greg's birthday. Yes camping. I went out camping. I haven't been out camping since I was in Girl Scouts. Girl Scout camp was a disaster. Not that I did not have a good time, but it was the unfortunate time and place where I learned of my inability to stand the sight of my own blood. That's right - don't ever let me do any cooking when I am camping. I have the tendency to cut myself, see blood, and faint at the drop of blood. You will all be glad to know that no such happening occured this time around but I am still weary of the whole experience. Saturday afternoon into the evening was absolutely gorgeous (pictures are up on facebook). But at about 9:30 it decided to rain. And rain it did. So after spending about 4 hours in a sopping wet tent in near close freezing weather, I sucked up and asked Trey (who was so kinda as to offer me a spot to sleep in his tent) if I could sleep in his very dry truck. In about 3-4 hours time I had nearly dried myself up in his truck when low and behold Trey comes to join me. So of the group of about 8 us, I think we were the only two that woke up and were dry. But the rest of the time was quite enjoyable.
I had a linear algebra exam, which didn't go over so hot. But the professor said not to worry, everything should be okay. I've been doing a lot of grading for my calculus sections- exams and reports. I would be delighted if I never had to read a project report ever again. I only have one more big exam before finals kick in. Can you believe it, after Turkey-day I only have 2 weeks til the end of the semester and then finals. It has been moving along quite quickly.
In other news, Andrew is settled in Iraq with his platoon - which means I get to start writing letters to him. I've been really holding off on them because I know if I get started on one I might kill a good portion of a day writing it. I probably won't have lots of time to do it until I get the semester over with - but I am going to try anyways.
Tomorrow morning bright and early I should be hopping on my plane back home to Jersey for the big T-day. Huge family gathering will ensue, and I am quite certain that I will get no, I repeat, no work done for the next week.
Oh I promised Suzer Laurie's Baked Potato Soup recipe but Theresa's little twist.
Baked Potato Soup
3-4 medium sized idaho potatoes
1/3 cup of flour
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp salt
4 oz of light processed cheese (Velveeta Light is quite yummy)
1/2 cup of fat free sour cream
14 oz can of fat free chicken broth
Normally one would bake those potatoes, but I don't enjoy burning myself so much. So instead I peel the potatoes and cut them into 1/2 inch-3/4inch cubes. Throw that in a good sized pot and fill the rest with water. Just enough to cover the tops of the potatoes. Bring the water up to a boil. Check the potatoes to see if they are done by making sure that a fork pierces them without any effort. Strain out the water and put the potatoes off to the side in another bowl for a moment. In the same pot, add the flour and whisk in about half of the chicken broth. Once it is blended, add back in the potatoes, pepper, and salt. Cook over medium heat until it is thick and bubbly. Add the cheese; stirring while it melts. While you stir it is best to add the remaining chicken broth until the soup is as thick as you would like. Remove from heat and mix in the sour cream.
Yum Yum Yum. Just so you know that beginning part is exacting how I start making mashed potatoes. (always mashed by hand, none of the using a machine works with me).
I suppose I better go get a little bit of relaxing in before I go to bed early and then awake up super early. Catch ya on the flip side.
Infestation
I woke up yesterday morning to what must be the oddest thing I have had to deal with since I moved to Columbia. It seems a fairly large portion of the SC ladybug population has decided that my balcony/apartment would be a great place to start a colony. Yes, a colony. I really don't mind it if they are chilling out on my balcony, but when they just started walking in through the cracks in my door (the door doesn't sit flush against the doorjam) I hit the breaking point. I'm not going to house those critters when they aren't paying any part of my rent. :oP on the lady bugs. My first attempts at trying to capture them and throw them out the door did no good. They just keep tcoming through the little crack again. *Mind you, I had slated my morning for studying.* I then consult the father. What sort of bug spray? What sort of regiment to keep them out of my apartment? I then make a trip out to Publix (my favorite place to be) and pick up some all natural bug spray. I start spraying the crap out of them. I mean I know that the ladybug is a good bug. Not good though when I find them dead all over my apartment. Who knows what sort of diseases they may be carrying and such. But I suppose the good news is that I have decreased the population of ladybugs chillin' out in/out of my apartment. The only thing is I have exhausted my can of bug spray and need to make another trip to Publix to get more.
In other super big news, Rutgers...you know the state university of NJ. You know that football team, which I've watched games for god knows 8-10 years now, just beat Louisville (#3 ranked in the nation) in convincing underdog fashion. I guess they just needed me out of the state to do something big. Very very excited. They are 9-0. Bowl game here we go...maybe even BCS game.
I made yummy baked ziti and garlic bread for Wednesday night dinner. It was a hit. Hurray. That was a good feeling. I do have lots of leftovers though, so I'll be eating that for quite a while. But that is cool.
I am doing pretty well. I've gotten used to things now, so that is good. Still unhappy with the situation, but I'm okay with it. It is almost Thanksgiving, so time is moving (although this past two weeks have felt like an eternity). Just gotta keep plugging along.
Well I need to get my butt back to studying for my Linear exam on Monday. This is going to be nuts.
In other super big news, Rutgers...you know the state university of NJ. You know that football team, which I've watched games for god knows 8-10 years now, just beat Louisville (#3 ranked in the nation) in convincing underdog fashion. I guess they just needed me out of the state to do something big. Very very excited. They are 9-0. Bowl game here we go...maybe even BCS game.
I made yummy baked ziti and garlic bread for Wednesday night dinner. It was a hit. Hurray. That was a good feeling. I do have lots of leftovers though, so I'll be eating that for quite a while. But that is cool.
I am doing pretty well. I've gotten used to things now, so that is good. Still unhappy with the situation, but I'm okay with it. It is almost Thanksgiving, so time is moving (although this past two weeks have felt like an eternity). Just gotta keep plugging along.
Well I need to get my butt back to studying for my Linear exam on Monday. This is going to be nuts.
sheesh
I thought I was the only crazy person who did laundry on a Monday evening. Evidently this is not the case as all of the wash machines in my building are full. Who does that?!!?!?
I psuedo remembered what I wanted to write about yesterday. My parents came to visit me for the weekend. It was great to see them since well..it's been 3 months. I suppose though that I really am starting to feel like my apartment is my space- since after a bit... my tiny apartment just didn't seem like it was big enough for all three of us to occupy it at the same time. I almost wanted to scream out and say, "All this mine...no invade space." But I'm a good gal...I guess I'm just used to all this space and having if for myself. I couldn't operate normally in my own apartment for the day they were here. It was weird just having to make a comment on ...i'm going to do work now...I haven't done that in three months...i just sit down and i do it. Maybe I'm rusty on the social skills now - being by myself and all. oh well, it was a fun weekend though and I got no work accomplished so this week just feels :oP.
This week you ask:
1. lots o studying for linear algebra exam next Monday
2. no class tomorrow (election day)- but i have to make up classes for DE...so i'll be in the math building for several hours
3. Wednesday night dinner this week is on me - baked ziti and garlic bread, yum
4. See the bro row in Augusta??
5. some birthday party action- no not mine...someone elses
It has been a week since Andy left. I still ache on the inside - and I really haven't given myself the time to get lost in all of it. I don't think graduate school really allows you to get lost in anything other than your work. It makes me feel guilty- since I feel like I'm avoiding those fears. So i know it will all come back and bite me in the ass when I least expect it- probably during Thanksgiving with my entire father's family gathered for the first time in like 10 years, yeah that would be superb.
oh well I guess I should get pick out some laundry now...catch ya later.
I psuedo remembered what I wanted to write about yesterday. My parents came to visit me for the weekend. It was great to see them since well..it's been 3 months. I suppose though that I really am starting to feel like my apartment is my space- since after a bit... my tiny apartment just didn't seem like it was big enough for all three of us to occupy it at the same time. I almost wanted to scream out and say, "All this mine...no invade space." But I'm a good gal...I guess I'm just used to all this space and having if for myself. I couldn't operate normally in my own apartment for the day they were here. It was weird just having to make a comment on ...i'm going to do work now...I haven't done that in three months...i just sit down and i do it. Maybe I'm rusty on the social skills now - being by myself and all. oh well, it was a fun weekend though and I got no work accomplished so this week just feels :oP.
This week you ask:
1. lots o studying for linear algebra exam next Monday
2. no class tomorrow (election day)- but i have to make up classes for DE...so i'll be in the math building for several hours
3. Wednesday night dinner this week is on me - baked ziti and garlic bread, yum
4. See the bro row in Augusta??
5. some birthday party action- no not mine...someone elses
It has been a week since Andy left. I still ache on the inside - and I really haven't given myself the time to get lost in all of it. I don't think graduate school really allows you to get lost in anything other than your work. It makes me feel guilty- since I feel like I'm avoiding those fears. So i know it will all come back and bite me in the ass when I least expect it- probably during Thanksgiving with my entire father's family gathered for the first time in like 10 years, yeah that would be superb.
oh well I guess I should get pick out some laundry now...catch ya later.
oops
I had something meaningful to say. I swear I did. But I lost it. I seem to be doing that a lot lately. Losing my head mostly. I guess when I find it again, I'll have a few minutes and enough mind to actually type it out and post. In the meantime, I'm going to head to bed - another long hard week is fast approaching, and at the moment I can't bear sitting up late in the evening (my mind wanders).
check back in sometime soon I think.
check back in sometime soon I think.
Study Break
Well, I'm going to take a little while to stop my studying, even though I know I really need to know this stuff. I figured I would write a little bit about my fall break and all that has ensued from that point on.
I spent most of the start of my fall break on an airplane- Yes cramped between people...or cramped in a tiny seat- even tiny by my standards. I guess the cool story I have from my plane flights is the trip from Dallas to El Paso. I guess the usual deal is that I end up being seated with some soldier or officer in the Army. I spend my time chatting with them for most of the flight. Not this time. El Paso was in an uproar, because the Rolling Stones were coming to play at the Sun Bowl on Friday evening. So this plane flight I actually got to sit next to a group of the sound engineers/roadies for the Rolling Stones. The poor things seemed really exhausted. But the guy I sat next to seemed to open up really quickly- talked about all the places they went to, and showed me pictures of the stage setup at different venues. Then proceeded to tell me he really didn't like the job at all, cause he was away from his son in Germany for like 5 months out of the year every year. It was an insightful trip.
The time with Andrew was really good- could have been better if his commander had been a bit nice and given him a bit of time off. But I have no control over that. I got a bit of work done while he was at work. We went out to a couple of nice restaurants, smoked some cigars (yes, they are growing on me quite quickly), went up high on the mountain, to the museum of science and the art museum. It was just so good. I love the rhythm we just fall into. Leaving on Sunday was...very difficult.
The past week brought me back to reality- huge tests, quizzes, and project that needed to be worked on. The test is tomorrow evening, quiz on Wednesday, project due Thursday. Not exactly pretty but I should be able to relax a bit after that.
Yesterday Andy left. It was not a good day. We spoke 3 times during the day. I have come to accept the fact that I haven't been able to be near him in the continental US. I've come to terms with that pain. But this...it hit me like a ton of bricks. Emotional hurt for me translates to physical pain and illness, cause that is just how I am. Last night was horrible- how quickly after that last phone call- I was immobile, unable to breathe, stand...function like a normal human being. I was violently ill. I've really only felt like that one other time in my life, and that time was/is just as difficult. No control over anything.
I hope that this can still be a place that I can outlet all of this without it seeming like "i'm that girl whose guy is over there". I think this helps a bit. Thanks to everyone who dropped me a line...or I talked too, it really really helps. I can't wait for this year to go flying by and Andrew is back here.
Hmm happy thoughts- my parents are coming this weekend, hurray!!! Only two weeks until the huge Sparacio family Turkey Day shin dig takes place- oh that will be..interesting.
Crud- I've spent to much time with my feelings and such. I need to attack this analysis stuff now. I will try very hard to post a bit more often so you all know I haven't fallen off the face of the earth.
End transmission.
I spent most of the start of my fall break on an airplane- Yes cramped between people...or cramped in a tiny seat- even tiny by my standards. I guess the cool story I have from my plane flights is the trip from Dallas to El Paso. I guess the usual deal is that I end up being seated with some soldier or officer in the Army. I spend my time chatting with them for most of the flight. Not this time. El Paso was in an uproar, because the Rolling Stones were coming to play at the Sun Bowl on Friday evening. So this plane flight I actually got to sit next to a group of the sound engineers/roadies for the Rolling Stones. The poor things seemed really exhausted. But the guy I sat next to seemed to open up really quickly- talked about all the places they went to, and showed me pictures of the stage setup at different venues. Then proceeded to tell me he really didn't like the job at all, cause he was away from his son in Germany for like 5 months out of the year every year. It was an insightful trip.
The time with Andrew was really good- could have been better if his commander had been a bit nice and given him a bit of time off. But I have no control over that. I got a bit of work done while he was at work. We went out to a couple of nice restaurants, smoked some cigars (yes, they are growing on me quite quickly), went up high on the mountain, to the museum of science and the art museum. It was just so good. I love the rhythm we just fall into. Leaving on Sunday was...very difficult.
The past week brought me back to reality- huge tests, quizzes, and project that needed to be worked on. The test is tomorrow evening, quiz on Wednesday, project due Thursday. Not exactly pretty but I should be able to relax a bit after that.
Yesterday Andy left. It was not a good day. We spoke 3 times during the day. I have come to accept the fact that I haven't been able to be near him in the continental US. I've come to terms with that pain. But this...it hit me like a ton of bricks. Emotional hurt for me translates to physical pain and illness, cause that is just how I am. Last night was horrible- how quickly after that last phone call- I was immobile, unable to breathe, stand...function like a normal human being. I was violently ill. I've really only felt like that one other time in my life, and that time was/is just as difficult. No control over anything.
I hope that this can still be a place that I can outlet all of this without it seeming like "i'm that girl whose guy is over there". I think this helps a bit. Thanks to everyone who dropped me a line...or I talked too, it really really helps. I can't wait for this year to go flying by and Andrew is back here.
Hmm happy thoughts- my parents are coming this weekend, hurray!!! Only two weeks until the huge Sparacio family Turkey Day shin dig takes place- oh that will be..interesting.
Crud- I've spent to much time with my feelings and such. I need to attack this analysis stuff now. I will try very hard to post a bit more often so you all know I haven't fallen off the face of the earth.
End transmission.
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