Slouchy, But With Structure.

Experiences.

2012-01-29T23:38:00.000-08:00

One of my contacts here broached the topic of culture shock with me, then quickly added, "oh, our cultures aren't so different, you probably won't have to worry about it," and it was dismissed. On one level she was right. The similarities between the US and AUS have made my adjustment here quite easy. But there are differences, they are just subtle ones. And those differences can build up. Take how they drive on the left-hand side of the road. Yeah, its different, but its really not that big of deal; its actually kind of exciting. Like you are finally getting a chance to do something you never should do, or could do, back at home. But soon, it becomes something that can grate on your nerves, creating the itch in the back of your mind....

Honestly though, its not creating any issues, it only makes the comparisons of the cultures in your mind more realistic I think.

It also leads to an more honest examination of ones own life perhaps? We'll see. This is a big experience, and there are just so many facets to them. And because the cultures are so similar, I think I am worried that I will miss out on many of the experiences other interns may have in other countries. But i doubt that is true at the same time. All of our experiences are different, and they are all our own. As they says goes, life is what you make it. The same goes for experiences.

Cheers!

2012-01-17T01:27:00.000-08:00

Well, I've officially been here over a week now, and man, things are a happenin'!

The internship started yesterday, and I have to say, it is going to be much better than I thought it would be! I've already done some research for my work supervisor, and have gotten myself somewhat familiar with the event design industry, and she is already impressed with me! Or, so she says.....

Wednesday, I will get to accompany the team out to help set up an event. That way I can really get a feel for what it is they do. I am super excited, as it means I won't be in front of a computer all day long, haha. It will be a long day for me at work tomorrow. But it will be the end of my work week, and my first evening at the Australian Open! Haha! Everyone loves their tennis here! By the time I leave, I suppose I will be too.

But, on a more social note, there are a few things I've noticed....

For one is the prevalent use of "cheers" in the place of "thank-you." I have manners, and tend to thank everyone for everything, and I've gotten a few odd looks on the buses because it. I am slowly morphing it into my language though... I've been signing everything with "cheers"!

Secondly, I'm the only one who uses a napkin at the dinner table? What? Maybe that's just me. I am a messy eater. But perhaps that is because I haven't mastered the deft use of the fork AND the butter knife to eat everything, including salad, on my plate.

Thirdly, there is almost no Spanish/Mexican/Latin whathaveyou anything here! AH! I miss the food! However, I am being exposed to delicious Lebanese, Turkish and other Middle Eastern foods. And man, are they good. Lots of Asian influences too, but I was prepared for that.

Lastly, the people are super friendly. I have yet to run into a rude person. Perhaps it is the way they talk... "Love" is an term of endearment applied to everyone it seems. But I don't know for sure. And, I've just been in contact with some distant relatives here in Australia, and they are already offering to take me everywhere. I love them already, and I haven't even met them!

I will continue to try and post at least once a week here, keep you all in the loop, and give myself an outlet for the strange observations I make.....

Cheers!!

Melbourne!

2012-01-06T20:56:00.000-08:00

Well, I guess its about time I got back on here. Its just hard when I don't really have a special reason to... But, now I do.

After all the paperwork, and interviews, packing and re-packing, and more or less 16hrs of overall air-time, I have finally arrived in Melbourne, Australia at about 11am yesterday morning. I know where I am going to be working, and I have spoken to the mother of the family I will be living with. I even know when I start working, and what I'll be doing. Things are definitely in motion. But, the catch is, now that I'm here, I've about a week till I actually even start my internship. What?! Ha, I was so gung-ho and prepared for working, that now that I am here, and have some free time, I've no idea what to do with myself.

I am spending two nights in hostel in St. Kilda. It is very nice, but not very much of my sort of "scene." Lots of young, social, backpackers coming to and fro all the time. I'm glad I spent the extra money to get my own room and bathroom. I came here to work, and that's the sort of mind-set I am in. I mean, I am here to have fun too, but St. Kilda isn't even the area I'll be in. Rather, I'll be situated north of Melbourne proper, in Essendon and Brunswick, (which, I have been told by the kind people who helped me get my sim card for my phone, is a much nicer place...I wonder what their definition of nice is?). Nothing against the backpackers. That's what they are here for, and I'm not.

However, the hostel is like a 10min walk from Port Phillip Bay, which is just beautiful! I spent some time there eating a bit of fruit for breakfast, (grapes! fresh grapes!! Why I love summer!), before the phone store opened up at 9am. Then later, I walked a bit further, past St. Kilda West, and into what may be called Middle Park? Anyhow, on the ocean there, it was breezy and quite comfy. But I did regret wearing jeans when the sun came out on my way back.... It'll be a bit of process switching clothing gears again, from winter to summer... might have packed too many long sleeves. But no matter; by the time I leave, it'll be fall here!

Tomorrow afternoon, I catch a cab to my host family! I don't know what the internet will be like there, but I will make updates as often as possible. Part of this internship requires that I document, document, document. For my university requirements for my capstone, and for IE3, the company that got me here, they want me to write. So, this is just a good thing for me to keep up on!

I'm a bit jet-lagged by the way. Its 4pm here, but 10pm back in the states... Must stay awake! When I finally got to the hostel yesterday, and into my bed, I totally just crashed out. I slept from 2pm till 6am the next day. What is that? 16hrs? Ha.

More updates later!

Oh, by the way, I might post a few photos on here, but prolly not many. It just takes too long to load. Check out my FB often, as that's where I'll be posting most of them!

I'm In!!

2011-10-14T09:36:00.000-07:00

Howdy howdy all!

So... I thought I'd written here more recently than I actually had. Whoops!

Anyways! BIG news!

I'm in! I've gotten an internship! Now its just a matter of getting some interviews in to see where I'll actually be interning at! Ah! Can you believe it!? So much to do, so little time! But, I love it!

Also...we are three weeks into the term now. Man, for only have class two days a week, I am so loaded up on hmwk, but in a good way. So yeah, classes are requiring a lot of effort, lol, but that is quite normal, and to be expected.

Now if only the weather would make up its mind- does it want to be cold? Or hot? Its running out o time to decide.....

Look, its Fall! Oh, wait...

2011-09-14T11:39:00.000-07:00

Its that time of year again. But one wouldn't realize it, seeing how hot it still is around here. But I can't deny what the calender tells me- Fall is pretty much here, and so is school. Do you realize its only a week and a half away? In order to prepare myself, I've ordered my text books....they should be here soon.
Also, I have applied for, and been granted, an Australian visa. I was worried to process was going to be complicated.... It turned out to be the easiest thing I've done so far! Still waiting to hear back from IE3 tho.

Our garden is growing well; I've been getting quite a few tasty tomatoes in. And my jalapeno peppers are just super HOT! But I did water them a lot while they were growing, so it was expected. And my poor banana pepper plant! He is finally growing some beautiful peppers after he was nearly killed by slugs. He has made a most delightful recovery! We even made a few batches of salsa with a few items from the garden. Once the tomatillos are ripe, we'll have everything we need to make our very own, homemade, homegrown salsa!! It wont be a very big batch though....But we will enjoy it!!

Happy Days :)

2011-08-28T10:48:00.000-07:00

Well, still waiting a bit to hear back from IE3 people and school on my application. But, don't worry; the minute I find out, I'll be making some excited phone calls!

On another note, I had to change my school schedule around a bit. But I think I'll like this set up much better. I'll only have classes 4days a week, and changed one of my classes. Instead of the "History of US Foreign Relations thru the 1920's," I'm taking "Family Communications," which is one of the last required Comm classes I have to take..... Its pretty exciting to think I'll be pretty much done, (minus my graduation work of course....), after Fall term! Wow!

The weather here is still pretty hot. But fall will be here before we know it! In regards to work, things are pretty excellent. I've had an unofficial promotion of sorts, which I kind of love. I get better hours and a better type of job, minus the "official" responsibilites....but minus a pay raise. But I can't complain- I get free clothes, AND my boss did give me a 100$ bonus. Now how can I complain about that?

Nearly there! Oh, and the garden!

2011-08-20T11:43:00.000-07:00

Ahh! Guess what! I'm all done with the internship application! Woot!

Well, I am still waiting on a few things.... I had the on-campus interview the other day (it went very well!!), so I am just waiting for them to figure out how to log that onto my application. But that's it! Now Im kinda just waiting to hear back from them all. I guess now, I need to start on the scholarships.....

More good news! The painter and the carpenter are almost done! That means we can bring our plants back home very soon! Probably Monday or Tuesday. We've started to have tomatoes and peppers. And the sunflowers are trying to bloom! So exciting!

Stuff will be happenin'!

2011-08-13T08:10:00.000-07:00

Its a mid summer August morning here in Atown, and I am just killing time till I have to go to work. But its a pleasant day. I've been using this time to complete my internship in Australia application, and its almost complete! I've already sent in some money, so all that is left is one essay to write, and I have interview scheduled for next week! So exciting! But once one application is completed, another is waiting in line, and in my case, there are at least two more ....a visa application, and scholarship applications....

Despite the drag that applications impose, I'm pretty darn excited for everything. This summer has been slow, and absolutely chill. Very mellow. And now? Now, the excitement is about to begin...stuff is going to start happening! My friend in Iraq is coming back in September, school is starting, and I'll be travelling again!

Australia?

2011-07-07T09:17:00.001-07:00

May 17th was when I last wrote? That was quite a bit ago....

But its not like a terrible amount has happened since then.

However! I did get all A's again for Spring Term! Can you believe it! All A's my junior year! Wow. I'm not sure how I did it, but I'm not complaining.

But now, its onwards to my senior internship. You all know I was looking at New Zealand, but I had to change to Australia due to funding issues. But what the heck! They are close enough, and I am just happy to be traveling :)

But here, let me share the links with you....

http://www.professionalpathwaysaustralia.com.au/Professional-Internship.html

and...

http://ie3global.ous.edu/positions/individualized_placements_in_australia/

Ugh. Let the paperwork begin!

And this time around, I have to apply for a visa....whew. That looks intense, check out the website!

http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/working-holiday/462/usa/

So needless to say, I'm starting this adventure right now. I'm just gonna be getting the paperwork together, and working this summer. I had my "vacation" already, (thank you Dad, Lynn, Mom and Grandma!), so I suppose I should be ready to get back into the grind!

Registered!

2011-05-17T08:43:00.001-07:00

Good grief, this weather!

Just when I was getting used to it being warm, it stars raining and being cold again. Owell. Its just the weather... I can't control it...

But! I can control what classes I am taking! And this morning, I registered for Fall term next year! Right now, I'm only registered for 12credits, but I might take more. We'll see....

So, I am taking the following classes:

Advanced Public Speaking (Comm 310)

Pacific Cultures (Anth 317)

Cultural Ecology (Anth 457)

If I did take another class, it'd probably be US Foreign Relations thru 1920 (Hist 452). But yeah...

Decisions!

2011-05-15T10:46:00.000-07:00

So...hi.

Its the 7th week into the term, and things are chugging along -mostly- according to plan. There was a pretty big bump in the road when I broke my retainer/partial, and then promptly swallowed the smaller half. But now that mess has been more or less, figured out. Going in to start the implant process next month- woot. But don't worry, I'll share all the gory details.

On a more exciting note- I'm basically a senior! Only 29 credits to go! And, I've just been informed that I am carrying one of the highest GPA's in the Comm Department right now..... Pretty exciting, right? But this is leading to some befuddlement in regards to the timing of internships and capstone stuff.

You see, it looks like the internship I am most interested in isn't offered during Winter Term, which is fine. That means I could go Spring Term or during the Summer of 2012. But then, I'd have to come back to school for a class or two Fall Term, then wait till the following Spring to graduate. *sigh* I'd really like to get my degree in 4years, but that looks like its not going to happen. O-well....

Anyhow, for those of you who want to see the internship I really want, here is the link again:

http://www.australearn.org/programs/internships/placement_descriptions/communications_internships/writer's_society/

So, all of that affects the classes I need to take this upcoming Fall Term... I know I'm going to take Advanced Public Speaking, and probably an Anthro class on Pacific cultures (heh). But other than that, I don't know if I should take 12 credits or a whole 16. I've really liked the 12credit terms I've had this year.... So we'll see.

Fifth Week

2011-04-30T09:25:00.000-07:00

So.....its the the fifth week into the term now.....

This means that the shit is starting to get serious.

My online class has gotten increasingly more difficult, and takes up quite a bit of time. Persuasion is proving to be a doosey as well. Modern Mexico on the other hand, it relatively easy in comparison.

Also, got a letter in the mail informing me that I am on the President's List of Honor Students. Hhaha, not only am I on the honor list, I am on the President's Honor List. Good grief!

But thats school.

Others things are going well too.

The wedding is coming up soon- in a month! Still have to get my dress altered, and buy some shoes, and help plan the bachelorette party.... whew. At least the bridal shower is over!

And...we're back

2011-03-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

Well, thats it folks; Spring Break is officially over. Today is the first day of the term. Yay.

I have Persuasion to start the day off, then a break, then the History of Modern Mexico. Ha. Should be a good day, though I do have many little errands to run. But thats a typical first day back. And! The weather looks as though it will stay fairly nice for us today!

So... here we are.

Sandwich Queens

2011-03-21T14:42:00.001-07:00

Because I am bored, and have nothing much better to do, (other than to play Fable III, which I am finding quite hard to put down....), I figured I'd post more about our culinary adventures.

We are Sandwich Queens! So you see this sammich? Mmmmmmm....so tasty. Those are chopsticks holding it all together. We had to do that or it would fall apart. And we couldn't have that. They were somewhat difficult to eat....but they were scrumptious none the less!

Wrong Puff Pastry....

2011-03-20T10:44:00.000-07:00

So... Sabs and I have some crazy cooking adventures. And for some reason, I find myself taking pictures of all of them.... However, these photos are of something I made alone. I was craving cheap Taco Bell the other night, but didn't have the energy to walk down there. We're always making cheap Mexican food anyways, so I scrounged up stuff to make this Spanish rice/chicken/bean/tomato thing. The first night was a burrito! Second night, I wanted empanadas, but alas! I bought puff pastry things....and I had to innovate.

So, here they are. The buttery taste of the pastry actually went quite well with the rice and spices. And cheese. Allot of cheese! And when paired with salty corn chips and a coke, I was set! I was pretty pleased with myself. It could've had more flavor, but these things take practice.....and I need to practice my cooking skills for sure!

Internship Options....

2011-03-19T11:01:00.000-07:00

This Spring Break has been a quiet one; yeah, I have allot to do, like scholarship and internship applications....

Speaking of which! I thought I'd share the links of the internships with you all so you could see for yourselves:

Romania:

http://ie3global.ous.edu/positions/fulbrightromania/

Ireland options:

http://ie3global.ous.edu/positions/individualized_placements_in_ireland/

http://ie3global.ous.edu/positions/jampa_ling_tibetan_buddhist_centre/ (this one is cheap, and offers the chance to go to Mongolia!)

Australia:

http://ie3global.ous.edu/positions/individualized_placements_in_australia/

And the one I'm looking at for New Zealand is offered thru another site:

http://www.australearn.org/programs/internships/placement_descriptions/communications_internships/writer's_society/

So yeah, you all should look through those and see what you think. Some are cheaper than others, and some offer housing and some don't..... Its a hard decision. Also, I am planning on going during Winter term, and maybe into Spring term, depending on time requirements.

(PS: Those of you who are wondering about my Spanish...well, I couldn't do it in combination with all my other classes. But don't fear! I still love the language and plan on learning more; its just going to have to wait till I can focus all my energy on it. And I'd love to go to a Spanish-speaking country again, its just going to take some time.)

On another side note, I want you all to know that I am going to try and use this blog more often. There is so much I can do with it and so much I am interested in that I should take advantage, right?

But we'll see. After all, we all know I have a bit of a lazy streak ;)

All A's!

2011-03-16T21:27:00.000-07:00

A quick update:

I got all A's again this past term! Woot! I was expecting one B, so I'm happy!

A rainy, quiet, spring break

2011-03-16T11:39:00.000-07:00

So...Its pretty obvious that I can get kinda lazy, 'specially when it come to updating this... Owell.

At any rate, it is finally Spring Break. And it couldn't have come a minute sooner. I am exhausted from last term. Its nice to let my brain finally have a rest. Whew. As well, I've been feeling a little under the weather, so I am trying to re-cooperative.

So, besides from resting my brain, I'm not doing much. The roommate left to go on a trip with the boyfriend, so I home, just killing time basically. Oh, and work. But! I need to be killing time productively...

Thats why over the break I'll be working on a scholarship application, as well as starting the application process for an internship sometime next school year. I don't know when yet though. I am considering traveling over winter term '12 for the internship (which is mas o menos 3 meses), then coming back and finishing up school. Then there is the option of grad school after I graduate. Good grief! This all is a tad overwhelming..........ugh.

Something more interesting and less exhausting to think about though is where I should go for the internship.... Right now I am considering three places: Romania, Ireland, and New Zealand. They all offer something different, so its going to be allot of work, research and consideration to decided where to go. I'll share the specificities of the programs with you all at a later date.

I had more to talk about I think.... O yes, next term, the History of Modern Europe fell thru, as I didn't have a necessary pre-req. Bah. But I'm still talking Persuasion, Small Group Comm (online....) and Modern Mexico. It doesn't sound too heavy of a load, but I am anxious about the online class (and working in a group....ugh) and what kind of work will be expected from me in persuasion.....

It rainy and wet here. And, there is a bit a snow on the surrounding mtns again. Supposed to be like this for some time; the whole week I think. So, I'll be working on staying dry. Hope you all are well and dry too!

New Stuff! Woot!

2011-02-14T15:50:00.000-08:00

The internet has graced our home with its presence again!

Thank goodness! It came just in time.

I think there is roughly 3weeks left to this term, and there is so much I have to do! As well, I am closer to being finished with school than I previously thought. Which is cool, but now I have to figure out how to arrange all the stuff I still have to do.

However, I have my -tentative- schedule for next term:

Comm 342, Persuasion

Comm 225, Small Group Communications (which is really tentative because it is online....so, we'll see...)

History of Modern Mexico

History of Modern Europe

I am talking two history classes because they are the last classes I need for my international studies minor. In regards to my major, I'll only need 3more upper level classes and to take the capstone class. One of the upper classes offered is Comm 441, International Communications, and my teacher is offering it this summer... so I might take it.

Then, next year, I could go abroad for an internship during school, then come back and finish school!

I am super excited, if you can't tell, to do all this! Ah! So pumped.

But for now, I need to focus on hmwk, then I got scholarships and applications to start looking at.

Chau chau for now!

At The Library

2011-02-07T14:32:00.000-08:00

So.....the internet has been on the fritz here lately. And because of that, it feels like Sabs and I have been living on campus. Her in the art labs, and me in the library. And that is not always a good thing. But, seeing as it is week 5, (or is it week 6? I can't exactly recall...), there is just so much that needs to be done....

But! The good news is that tomorrow we should have the darned internets back up and running in the house! So no more early mornings/late nights on campus! Woot!

But other than that, there isn't too much to report on....but wait. I just remembered stuff.

My 21st birthday is coming up. I have to work on my birthday, so there won't be any wild party-ing.

Also, Sabs and I are still debating Europe this summer. We really want to go, but I have time limits and whatnot. So, we'll see what happens. If anyone has any input/opinions/ideas about Europe and all, just let me know.

Anyhow, I'm done at the lib for now. With any luck, next time I'll be typing this, it'll be from the comfort of my own home! Ha!

Meh.

2011-01-27T09:54:00.001-08:00

Things are getting pretty hectic around here.

We are having some serious issues regarding our internet, so I am trying to work on that, while still trying to get all my work done. Its proving to be difficult and makes me quiet angry. However, I do believe we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel!

School work is getting pretty crazy as well; I am currently working on two, soon to be three, research projects/papers. After this, my brain might ooze out my ears....but hopefully the oozing won't be a permanent feature....

The weather is making me angry as well. It like in the 50's all day, and freezing at night. I want things to be a bit more steady.... O-well.

Whew.

2011-01-16T21:15:00.000-08:00

Mmkay. So here I am again.

Its been a normal past couple of days or weeks or whatever.

Just going to school, going to work, and coming home. Although, to break the monotony, I did have a dentist appointment last week. In all actuality, I had a good time. This new dentist is fancy. Super fancy. I get the pleasure of returning their shortly to get some cavities filled. Fun.

Its that time of term where it starts to hit you that there is a ton of work to do. And that it needs done pronto!

Let me lay out my workload for you all:

I have 2 projects due with papers and one research paper due in my nonverbal class, and accompanying that goes a huge amount of reading.

For my Comm and Third World class, I, (of course- its a 400 level class), have another research paper to write, along with some kind of group project and another book to read.

Lastly, for Anthro, I'll have three separate papers/exams to write throughout the term. And in addition to those papers, there are roughly three books to read for this class. One of which I am supposed to be done reading after next week.

Its kinda overwhelming at times, but, hey, what can a girl do? Just got keep on working on it all. The key is organization! Ha!

And what about work, you may ask. Well....yeah. Like I said, nothing exciting there.

Though I am already having to help out with the pre-pre wedding stuff for my friend, (which reminds me, I want to take a picture of my bridesmaid dress to share with all...I got to remember to do that...).

Oh, but they are training me to do some different things tho, and that is exciting! I'm moving up!

So there you are.

Oh, and it has been raining. Alot. :D

Cold! Oh, and school.

2011-01-04T13:03:00.000-08:00

Cold! Its very cold here! Only 30 degrees right now. I had to be at work early-squirrilly, and it was even colder. There is frost stuck on everything, so it kinda looks like it snowed. As well, it is very foggy.

This weather makes it hard to dress; it seems we are all either freezing or overheating in crazy intervals. But I can't say that I am too sad. I like the winter.

So, today is my second day back in the ol' grind of school. My anthro class is at 2pm, so I have to go to that soon. My classes yesterday went well. I think I will really enjoy them. However, I have discovered that I will have to write 2 research papers this term. Granted, they aren't supposed to be 30+ pages or anything. Just 10-15 pgs. But still! Thats alot!

O-well.

Lets see what I'll have to do in the future for anthro!

2011!

2011-01-02T13:22:00.000-08:00

Wow. Long time. I know. Sorry....

At any rate, it is a new year! Woot! 2011.

This also means that it is the start of a new term. Winter term. Tomorrow.

I'm taking 2 comm classes and one anthro class.

.....Which reminds me, in case you didn't know, I got all A's last term! Yeah!

As well, I have just been asked to be a bridesmaid for one of my friends from work. Her wedding is this May. I am pretty honored that she asked, and very excited for her.

Just figured I try and make a quick update cause I know how some of you wait patiently (dad) for these. :)

Heart.

November! When did you get here?!

2010-11-02T20:33:00.000-07:00

Man, I have a hard time staying on top of keeping this thing updated.... Owell...

Anyhow. I have been busy. Very busy. My zombie paper is keeping my stress level pretty high, then add on all the other school work, and I've been a bit of wreak sometimes. But heck, thats school. Whats a girl to do?

Halloween was this last weekend. My roommate and I were Wayne and Garth from "Wayne's World." It was pretty frickin' awesome and we had a great holiday. We are already getting prepared for next year: Bill and Ted!

In regards to the radio, starting next Monday at 7pm, we'll have our show! This upcoming Monday will be our first airing....wish us luck! I am so nervous!! And pumped!

And...I'm sickish

2010-10-10T17:45:00.000-07:00

Blergh...cough...cough...

I'm sick.

My voice is kinda gone....and I'm all snotted up...

Just a head cold.

I've been so busy and trying to do and be a part of everything...

I suppose I should slow down...yeah.

But I'll be better soon.

Besides all that, all is well.

I am working on a zombie in the media paper topic for my history and media class, which should prove to be entertaining.

I am still working on internship stuff. I am leaning towards Chile at the moment. I was figuring that this summer, I do my capstone for my Human Comm capstone. Then graduate. Then, if I wanted too, I could continue with school and get a major in International Studies and go on another international internship.

So, thats kinda the really rough plan at the moment. We'll see how it goes. There is still a lot of time between now and then.

Its Official

2010-10-04T08:07:00.000-07:00

Its official; I've gone in a spoken to all the correct people: I am now a Human Communications major, with a double minor in Spanish and International Studies! And now! I must find an international internship for my capstone.....

*sigh* Its only the second week of school and I am feeling a little overwhelmed..... So much to do, so little time....

Junior year and I'm back in action...

2010-09-29T20:54:00.001-07:00

Holy cow...... It has been a helluva long time since I've written on here.

Part of the reason is just that I've been lazy, but the other part is backed up by a viable explanation: I haven't had reliable, steady access to the Internet since I returned from Argentina. That is, up until a few days ago. And now, I am now fully connected and wired up once again!

But you might be asking yourselves, just what have I been doing since my return? The answer is quite mundane: work. A few days after my return flight, (which was in-and-of-itself quite a fiasco...), I moved into a new house. The house is SUPER amazing and I love it to death! But, right after I moved in, I started work again. So for two hot months I worked, read, ate, and walked everywhere. Not too exciting.

However, my junior year at college started on Monday, and I am now running a tight, tight schedule.... Here are my classes:

Comm 471: The History of Mass Media (which requires another of my infamous 30+ page papers.....)

Comm 210: Public Speaking (Its going to be my easiest class... I think...)

Spanish 310: Hispanic Culture, Composition and Conversation

And last but not least...

International Studies 399: Chocolate Global Perspective (This is my favorite class! I love it so much!)

So yeah, those are my classes. But at the same time, I am working 20-25hrs a week. So needless to say, I am one busy girl....

Oh, don't let me forget to mention that I am also going to start planning my senior capstone and/or an international internship... I am so very excited! By the end of this term I hope to be a Human Communications major with a double minor in Spanish and International Studies!

Thats about it for now....although, I would like to leave you all this article I found on an Earth-like planet just discovered. I find it fascinating and amazing; I hope you all do too!

http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/earth-like-exoplanet-possibly-habitable-100929.html

Chau from Argentina!

2010-07-22T13:15:00.000-07:00

Hello all - again.

I am sorry that I have not kept up with this as much as I promised or would have liked too. Life here has been totally different and has kept me off the computer for more or less a month- haha!

As of right now, I have roughly one day left here in Rosario, Argentina. Saturday/Sabado, I will catch the bus around 1pm here to Buenos Aires, and my flight leaves at 9pm-ish that night. Then, my trip back to the states will commence.

Time went by so fast, I can hardly believe it. When I arrived, I was figured a month would be a long time, but in reality, its not. I don't think I am quite ready to leave yet. There is so much that I still want to do, and many of the friends I have made here are staying for another five weeks. They will continue to learn Spanish and have a good time, and I'll be back in the States getting back to my normal life.

Pero, esta bien. Esta todo bien!

So, chau for now, until I am back in the States!

Half-way Through

2010-07-08T09:12:00.000-07:00

Hola everyone!

Lets see...Its Wednesday, July 8 2010. Roughly, I have about 2weeks left here in Argentina.

Its really hard to believe that I am halfway through my trip here. But seeing as this week has been full of parcials (midterms), I have the proof.

Everything here is so much different than I had anticipated. I almost wish I were staying longer, just so that I could acclimate better, and more fully, to the way of life here. The way the people live there lives here is almost opposite of the way in the States.

For example, I had to catch a bus at 6am for our journey to Buenos Aires last weekend. I was going to walk to the meeting point, about 15min away, but my mother wouldn't let me because at 6am, it is dangerous for a single woman to walk alone on the streets. Yet, it is safe for me to walk around alone at 10pm. It is nearly the opposite in the US, in that, I'd start being careful walking alone at 10pm, yet feel perfectly fine at 6am. Its dangerous because at 6am, all the young people are leaving the bars and boliches intoxicated. At 6am!!! Craziness.

This begs the discussion of the sleep pattern of the Argentine people, which I don't understand. I'm exhausted at 11pm. Yet they wait till 2am to go out and party. How do they survive? As well, hey eat alot of dulce de leche, which it really sweet, for breakfast. And the give it to the ninos all the time. One of my professors said that when it comes to sweets, they know its bad for the teeth, but they don't make the connection between sweets and hyper-ness, (which I appreciate..)

But, I am still being responsible. But thats probably because I have been on the cranky side and have been having to put up with some incorrigible Americans. But, most of them will be gone this weekend, so hurray! As well, it is a three-day weekend! Finally! Five-day weeks have been killing me!

The House Where I am Living!

2010-06-29T09:40:00.000-07:00

Keys!

Views from the balcony

Bathroom!
My view

My room

Pictures! Finally....

2010-06-25T08:35:00.000-07:00

Pictures from Argentina! Just our hotel room and view from the window.

I'm here!

2010-06-22T11:37:00.000-07:00

Todos mi familia y amigo, hola!

So, most of you know, my flight here went off without a hitch. Though, we did experience a 1hr delay in Dallas/Fort Worth, but we still arrived in Buenos Aires in good time. It was a ten hour flight, but the time difference isn't that much....that seems to odd to me.

Anyhow, there is so much I want to tell you all, but it is so hard to know where to begin. As well, my brain keeps trying to translate everything into Spanish. It is only my third day here, and I am already loosing my English, and my Spanish sucks....argh.

So, lets start with my host mom. She is really nice. She doesn't know much English but that is okay. She lives on the twelfth floor of an apt building. Thank goodness there is an elevator! I have my own room, but we share a bathroom. Which, by the way, has a boudae...you know, all those things that women use with the water...all places seem to have them....

But, the apt has a great view, and she cooks great food. Plus she has this awesome dog. We live right close to the Parque de Independencia, which is HUGE. And we are right across from a super mercado which is also great.

I had my first classes today. They went well. Please, don't be disappointed in me, but I am retaking 200 level, but it will still count for my Spanish credit, as I am living in the language here; it totally counts for more. I have used more Spanish in the past day than I have my entire life!

The town is big, and crossing the street can be challenging, but it is fun and full of life. Plus, the buildings are beautiful! The town, or maybe Argentina in general, seems to be this crazy mix-up of classic European-ness and what typically pops into your mind when you think of Latin America. I like it.

There is so much more I want to share, but my battery is dying and I have plans with my friends.

My Current Life in Six Paragraphs

2010-06-17T21:42:00.000-07:00

I know its been a long time since I have written an update to you all. Its just that so much, and so little, has been happening all at once.

I have been home with Dad and Lynn for the past two weeks since school has been out. Together, last weekend, the three of us put on a yardsale for to raise spending money for my upcoming trip, as well as to just get rid of all our accumulated stuff. It was a refreshing and slightly heart-wrenching experience. The fact that we get so emotionally attached to items is an odd concept that we human contain. And to think that just because a certain object is special to us due to the memories we have of it, we consider it a more expensive. To think that we readily exchange money for memories; its a compelling thought about the human condition.

But I digress; the yardsale was an overall success. Afterwards I went and spent a day with mom and Laura, and making a point to visit people I hadn't seen in a long time. Went to lunch with old friends from work, (who I miss immensely. It makes me miss my younger years working with them...ah, nostalgia), and just caused as much general chaos as I could. I know I won't be back there for a long time, at least for not any great amounts of extended time. I will miss it.

And during all this hullabaloo, I found time to see Bianca and Pete for a dinner or two. As well, after the trip to mother's house, I began packing for my trip to Argentina.

Now, there lies only one day before my adventure begins.

I now know who I will be living with, and how and when I will be getting there. Everything is planned out, and I am looking forward to it all.

As I have previously stated, I am crazy anxious, nervous, and excited, as well as more than a little apprehensive and frustrated.

Mostly, I am nervous and apprehensive about the language. Spanish has never been my strong suite, so find myself asking "what am I doing?!" And I usually don't have an answer. But I know that does not mean I am making a wrong choice about all this; about the trip to Argentina and my choice to be a Spanish minor. This will be an experience unlike any other. It is what I need in my life right now. This, I know.

As well, I am concerned about the fact of my fellow travelers to Rosario being much more versed in the language than I. I don't want to be left behind, in the dust, struggling.

Lastly of course is the issues that arise every time anyone travels anywhere: packing. I always pack to much. But I am concerned this time about packing too little...argh! And, I have been having nightmares about loosing my luggage....not cool. I know that, eventually, it'll all be alright, but that doesn't stop me from freaking out every once in a while....

So, I am crazy ecstatic for Argentina, but I am also excited for when I return. I have a week after my return to the states to pack up again, and move back down to school. I have to be back at my job in August. And as well, I will be moving into a new condo, which I will be staying in for the duration of my education. It is such a nice place, I cannot wait!

So there you have it. My current life in roughly six paragraphs.

End of the term

2010-05-28T09:44:00.000-07:00

Spring Term is coming to an end. Finally.

Its strange to think that my sophomore year of college is already over. But in all regards, I am glad that its over. There were some good times, but mostly, it was a rough year. Good riddance.

Right now, my big Comm paper is done, and I'll I have left to do is complete my Spanish workbook and study for finals. Then comes the packing and traveling. Its crazy to think, but once I return home, I only have two weeks till I leave for Buenos Aires.

Speaking of which, my tickets for the trip have been booked! I leave the 19th, have two layovers in the U.S., and then I'll be in Argentina the morning of the 20th. Gonna be a long day, but I am super-stoked! The realization that I am actually going to another country is finally hitting me, and I can't wait!

Fall Term

2010-05-22T10:26:00.000-07:00

So, I've registered for classes for fall term:

Comm 225, Small Group Communications

Comm 210, Public Speaking

Spanish 310, Hispanic Cult, Composition, and Conversation (Hopefully, I'll be at this level when I return from Argentina...)

International Studies 399, Cocoa/Chocolate Global Perspectives (I had to take this class! The prof is the one from my World Politics class, who I loved, and it sounded interesting!)

And lastly, I am taking a PE class with some of my friends. A Zumba class. If you don't know what Zumba is, I suggest you YouTube it.

As well, I've gotten more information in regards to my trip. Its so hard to focus on anything else; I am just too pumped up!

Wow.

2010-05-18T10:32:00.001-07:00

Wow.

Thats really the first word that come to my mind when I think about all that is happening right now.

I had my orientation meeting here at school for my exchange program yesterday. I left it feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and incredibly excited. At first, we were just discussing generalities that are part of all exchange programs, then at the end, I had a chance to talk to a girl who actually went there. The whole money, documents, packing issues were, and still are, completely insane- I find myself asking if I am organized enough to handle all this...but I will be. Though, talking to the girl calmed me down, and helped me re-remember that this trip is going to be amazing. Despite the language barrier, despite the crazy travel issues, this is going to be completely and utterly incredible. Now I am concerned that I am not going to be there long enough! Ha!

Also, soon, I will be receiving information about my host family. This is one of things I am most anxious about; I can't wait to meet them!

I am going to email the other people going on the exchange soon, and introduce myself, see if maybe I can travel together with someone. I hate to admit it, but I am nervous when I think of traveling all the way to a foreign country all alone... I mean, I know I could do it, but that doesn't stop me from being nervous.

As well, here at school, things are going crazy. This has been the term of insanity. I haven't been this busy since senior year of high school. I love it! I have homework, work, planning for Argentina, packing - for Argentina, and for to go home, and a million other tiny little things!

So, needless to say, I have a ton of energy at the moment; a ton of anxious, jittery, pumped energy!

Uber Busy

2010-05-08T11:03:00.001-07:00

Sorry it has been so long; I have been uber busy as of late, which is, in my opinion, a good thing.

Class-wise, I have a group presentation to do on Monday, which shouldn't be too bad. I just want to get it over with. Spanish is Spanish....O, that reminds me, I have to give an oral presentation in that class as well.....Better get a hold of my partner....

Work is work; they decided to hire another girl to sorta fill in my spot when I am gone for the June and July. So, I've been training her. She is cool. But other than that, nothing much to report on.

This upcoming Monday, I have an orientation meeting for my exchange to Argentina....Kyaa! I just realized that on May 20th, I'll only have about a month left before I leave!!! Wow. My brain just implodes a little bit whenever I think how near the date is....I am so nervous!! Also, I found out another girl from SOU is going on the Argentina program this summer as well; I guess I'll meet her this week.

Lets see....what else has been going on....yeah, thats about it.

Peanut Butter PIE!

2010-04-21T14:52:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd tell you all about some delicious PIE that I made for my friend in Chile. You see, the peanut butter is expensive down there, so I told her I'd make it here and report back to her. The PIE was amazing! Just remember to let is set up overnight, that way when you cut it, it will hold its shape. Enjoy!

No-Bake Peanut Butter PIE

1pkg (8oz) cream cheese

1 cup Peanut Butter

1pkg (16oz) frozen whipped topping

1&1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 cup milk

2 graham cracker pie crusts

Combine cream cheese and powdered sugar; beat until creamy. Then add peanut butter and milk; mix until smooth. Fold in the whipped topping till there are no more peanut butter streaks. Pour mixture evenly into the two pie crusts. Refrigerate and enjoy!

http://visualrecipes.com/recipe/peanut-butter-pie/ (where we got the recipe from...)

Our finished PIES!

Still Here

2010-04-19T18:52:00.000-07:00

I'm still here. Just chugging along.

This is the third week of spring term, and things are as busy as ever. But in reality, I am quite enjoying it. Just can't allow myself to get distracted...you all know how I am...so easily distracted.

Sabs and I are going to apply for "family housing" next term. Its like, appts here on campus. Granted, seeing as that her and I are neither a family nor a couple, we are given third priority, but we know a lot of people that got into them this year. Yeah, we have to pay rent, but its pretty reasonable, and we'll still be on campus. We are gonna go down there and check it out tomorrow. I'm pretty excited.

So yeah...work is work. We are so busy, they are hiring another person! School work is school work. Spanish may very well be the death of me. Comm 201 requires an insane amount of work, and I am loving Comm 460. I think I may be a teacher's favorite in that class....heehee.....O well! I think I even thought of a topic for the paper for that class! WOOT!

Who Is A Spanish Minor? I Am!

2010-04-06T17:43:00.000-07:00

So, I went in and declared my minor today. I am now an official Spanish minor. Wish me luck, I really am no good at it. But talking to my new profe de espanol- who is also my minor advisor- really made me feel good about this and that I can do it. I am really looking forward to Argentina now. All I have left to do is sign up for classes and attend some orientation programs. Crazy, huh?

The job is going well; did I tell you all I was getting a raise starting with my next paycheck? A 25cent raise! Haha! This weekend is our 11yr anniversary sale, so I'll be working a lot this weekend, but thats okay. I am mainly excited 'cause I am making new friends and connections here. A really cool thing is that all the employees are invited to a play that my boss's daughter is in, and then afterwards, she is taking us all out to dinner! And anyone who invites me to be entertained and buys me food is an absolute hero in my book! Hahaha!

Classes so far, I have already mentioned. I am really enjoying Comm 460; the profe even likes me. He told me that "I crack him up." Win for me! So yeah, things are cool...so far.

Love to you all.

The Sun is Out Today

2010-04-05T08:20:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update: we are one week into spring term. That leaves...8 more to go? I'm not sure....

Anyways, its gonna be a busy one. I have a lot more assignments in Spanish this term, and in COMM 201 there are quite a few assignments as well a group work- blech. COMM 460 is interesting so far and I am really enjoying it, even though in that class I have another 20pg paper to write as well as 5blue book essays.... Geog 107 will be easy though, thank goodness!

The weather has been so cold and miserable; just the way I like it. But as of right now, the sun is out and it quite nice. But its 8:20am, who knows what might happen later in the day.

But thats about it.....

Starting out right!

2010-03-28T12:10:00.000-07:00

So, Spring Break 2010 is nearly over; classes start tomorrow.

It was an uneventful, nondescript and unexciting break; therefore, I loved it!

Dad and Lynn left about a half hour ago and I already miss them. We all had a good time and got alot of stuff done that needed to be completed. Plus, I was able to show them around town more and so their trip was quite productive and fun! Woot! Yogurt Hut was an absolute success, as was the Thai place....*drools*..... and Father finally had the opportunity to try some delicious doughnuts!

Classes start tomorrow, as previously stated, and I am actually looking forward to them. They should be interesting and good classes. I also work again tomorrow, but I had a good two days off....

While we are on the topic of work; starting the 16th, I'll be getting a 25cent raise! OMG! I've never gotten a raise before, so I am totally pumped!! Goodbye minimum wage! Also, my boss gave me $30 to use at the store! Kyaa!! I have so many clothes now; and I LOVE it!!!

So yeah, this term is starting out on the right foot!

Continuation of Spring Break

2010-03-23T20:19:00.000-07:00

Spring Break is going well. Nothing exciting though. I've just been working, sleeping, eating, and taking a lot of showers. Since T-Dog moved out, Sabs and I asked our RA if we were getting a new roommate for the upcoming spring term; he said he was going to try and fill all the empty rooms....

So, I am taking advantage of having the bathroom all to myself while I can! Haha!

I haven't been feeling too spiffy as of late; I think it is because I haven't been eating too well. Its kinda hard when there isn't much food in the house, the caf is closed and when I am really lazy to go grocery shopping and make some real food. So today, I went out to eat with Sabs. Went to a British-like pub/restaurant for lunch and one of the best burgers of my life! Sooo tasty....and had it with a delicious salad! Haha! Protein and vegetables! WooT WooT!

Anyhow, I am reading the Ender's Game series by Orson Scott Card over break, and I am almost done with the 'third' book, Xenocide. These books are amazing! If you like science fiction, I highly suggest you read at least on of the books. They are very good, and make you think. I've always loved Card's work, (Enchantment was one of his novels that I read in middle school that has stuck with me as well), and this saga only furthers my love of his work.

Lets see...thats about it really. Tomorrow, Sabs and I are gonna hang out after I get off work and watch the second show of Ugly Americans. Then Dad and Lynn will be here on Friday afternoon. I am so excited to see them! I am having a wee bout of homesickness, so seeing them will be great! We are gonna go eat at a fancy Thai place, and I will introduce them to bubble tea and delicious doughnuts, as well as Yogurt Hut! Hooray!

Grades

2010-03-17T13:17:00.000-07:00

Received my grades for this term; I did pretty damn well!

COMM 300; Research Strategies (the one with the big paper): A

COMM 125; Interpersonal Studies: A

World Politics: B

Spanish 202: B+

So yeah, I am pretty proud of myself!

Spring Break Is Here!

2010-03-14T12:29:00.000-07:00

Spring Break has officially started! I had a stupid Saturday final, but that is over now, and all that is left is the break! Many people have gone, so its just me and Sabs; though she does go home every so often. Tawnee moved out and will be living in an apartment next term, so we might be getting a new roommate next term. I'm a little bummed about that; I've gotten attached to not sharing a bathroom..... We do have some neighbors that are staying though too.

Last night we gathered some of the neighbor boys up and played badminton in the dark in the parking lot at like, one in the morning.....odd, I know. But we had too much energy, Sabs and I. That was because we went to a 3hr Shakespeare play last night;we were there from 8pm till 11:30pm. We saw Hamlet for free thanks to Levi and his girlfriend who works there. It was my first Shakespeare play and I throughly enjoyed it!

Here is the link:http://www.osfashland.org/browse/production.aspx?prod=170

Today, I don't work, so I am going to do a bit of shopping with Sabs, then come back and clean my room and the apt. I work quite a bit in the upcoming weeks, but not more than like, 20hrs. I am actually starting to like it. The busier it is, the better. I've also been praised for my friendliness and my personality! WooT! Nothing like praise like that to make your day!

Hope everyone is doing well!

Hell Yeah!

2010-03-09T15:17:00.000-08:00

Just got my paper back from COMM 300 with a grade; 49 out of 50! Thats right, I got myself and A+!!! Hells yes!

Doodles

2010-03-06T19:36:00.000-08:00

So, these are some of my doodles I've done during *cough* class. But don't worry! I am listening and learning! Promise! I'll prove it with my grades! I just need to do something with my hands while the teacher is talking. And you can see with some of them, that I am still taking notes! Anyways, yeah. Sabs and I were talking that perhaps later in my higher education career, I'll have to take some sort of art class; as a break from all my writing classes and whatnot. I don't know if I'll have the time before senior year, but I might take a drawing class, that might be fun. It'd help me gain skills to broaden the depth of my scribbles. Or maybe a pottery class, that might be fun... I don't know. Just thoughts. We'll see when the time comes.

Final Installment of the Molds!

2010-03-04T23:00:00.000-08:00

Here are pics of the final installment of the molds of Paul's and mine's faces. Very cool, I think.

Paul's face is the one of the left, and I am the one on the right with the complete hands. The close-ups are of my mold too.

Snow...

2010-03-03T15:52:00.000-08:00

Some of the snow we got this morning.....

Winter Term is almost over.....

2010-03-03T13:09:00.000-08:00

The paper is DONE! Woot! It ended up being thirty-seven pages long. The longest paper I've ever written; however, only 16pgs are actually paper, the rest are my appendices, works cited and annotated bibliography. I really like what I have done, and I am confidant that I'll pass. (This paper is like 3/4 of my entire grade for this class.....)

As well, this is the last actual week of class for Winter Term! And I am done with all the assignments! All I have to do now is just study for final exams; only two of them will be difficult (Spanish and World Politics) But I am so excited for a break! This term has worn me out a bit, but things are definitely looking up! Over break I plan on hanging out with Sabs a lot, and just relaxing. I will be working on the weekends a bit, but that'll give me structure, you now?

Uhm. Yeah. Thats about it.... Oh, it is snowing here. Not sticking, but I still see white flecks falling from the sky...thats March for you, isn't it?

Had to Share

2010-03-01T01:05:00.000-08:00

My friend Andrea is in Chile right now. I think she was in Santiago when the earthquake hit. We were all very worried, but she is okay, as are the other people she is connected to down there. For that, I am very thankful.

My first day of work was yesterday. I haven't had to be on my feet for 5hrs straight since this summer so today my legs are sore! I didn't work today, but I'll be back there tomorrow after class. Its okay; not my favorite. I don't like having to work in such a small place. There was allot of space and allot of different things to do at the grocery store - now I am in a tiny place, surrounded by clothes....and allot of girls. Too weird. I have to dress up for my job even; my boss said that since I am the "face" of the store, jeans are a no-no. So, I had to do a little shopping today for another skirt and a pair of slacks. As well, I got some more shoes....

Lastly, I know it is super late to writing this, but I am up this late because I finally finished my COMM 300 paper! AAHHH! WOOT! Its thirty pages long; 15pgs of actual paper and 15pgs of annotations. Granted, I need to proof-read, but for the most part, it is finished!

So, I just wanted to share all that with you all!

Wonderful News!

2010-02-26T13:11:00.001-08:00

O my goodness! Great news everyone! I got a job! Its part-time at a high-class consignment clothing store really close to campus! I am so excited! I start tomorrow! Ayayaya! They even know about Argentina, and are really cool with it! This is a busy time in my life (so much schoolwork, and paperwork for everything, as well as social stuff), but being busy is what I need! As well, this job really centers me in Ashland. I guess I better start calling this place 'home.'

As well, I registered for classes for Spring Term:

Spanish 203

Comm 201: Media Across Cultures

Comm 460: Comm, Culture and Technology

Geography 107: Intro to Human Geography (my last required lower-division class!)

I am really looking forward to all these classes; they are interesting and I am starting to really get into all the serious, hardcore Comm classes. And, I'll be taking Span 203 with the man who is in charge of Spanish minors, so I'll be able to declare my minor and schedule my classes in Argentina! Crazy, huh?

I am so pumped at the moment! Doing laundry, gonna make some lunch, then work on my Comm paper for the rest of the day! Hooray!

Hope everyone is doing as good as I am! Love!

A Better Day

2010-02-22T15:27:00.000-08:00

This paper is eating my life......

So far, 10 pages worth of annotated sources and 2 pages of actual paper. Spent all day, from 11am to 5pm yesterday on it. And its due a week from this Friday. Blergh. And did I tell you all? I had to change the thesis statement. It is now "The ISS creates a platform for effective global communication." I enjoy writing and doing all this (I have to! I'm a COMM major for pete's sake!) but I am going to complain the whole way through.

On another note, had my interview in regards for my exchange program today! So much excitement! And so much paperwork! They just keep asking the same questions over and over. But it just makes me realize that I can't turn back now; I am going to another country this summer! Wow....

Lastly, I got my new frames today! I love them so! They are basically just what I wanted! Tell me what you all think! Do you like?

Plaster-Time!

2010-02-20T10:10:00.001-08:00

Haha, so like I said, my birthday was not very exciting, but that is okay with me. I got some money for music (thank you Courtney!) and I bought some music I've been wanting for some time now ('Robyn' thanks to Andie!). I am supposed to have another package in the mail from Dad and Lynn, so I'll go check on that soon.

Anyways, in regards to the molding fiasco yesterday...wow. Poor Paul. None of us had much of an idea of what to expect, and he went first so it was quite the adventure. It was super weird because our faces had to be slathered with Vaseline before the plaster was put on....bleh! But the end was result was cool. We had some problems with the fingers, but they can be easily fixed at a later date.

Birthday

2010-02-19T12:12:00.001-08:00

Wow....I am 20 today. Its hard for me to believe, just as its probably hard for all of you to believe as well. But I suppose its not that big of deal. I don't have any plans for much of the day. Sabs is going to mold mine and Paul's face for a sculpture project and I'll hang out with my friends tonight. But thats about it. If we take any pictures, I'll be sure to post them :D

Starting tomorrow, I am getting my ass in gear in regards to that comm 300 paper. My outline and new thesis statement was okay-ed, so I have no excuse to not work on it now. Its really my only hmwk I have left, beside the day-by-day assignments assigned in Spanish.

Its unbelievably nice outside. Its strange to think it is February; I mean really? People are wearing shorts and stuff! Crazy. I am not ready for warm weather yet. I want it to stay cold and miserable for a bit longer! O-well, might as well go out and enjoy it anyways- but I'm still gonna complain! Lol!

Melting Weeks

2010-02-12T15:14:00.001-08:00

My my, another busy week. The schedule hasn't really changed, and the weeks start melting together. This weekend should be pretty good though. Today is my chilling and chore day. Also, the movie 'Wolfman' comes out tonight, so I am planning on going and seeing that with a few friends. There is Valentine's Day on Sunday, but I don't have any plans, just homework. I have allot of homework this weekend:

Spanish vocab and composition
World Politic readings and book/article review
Be prepared for my presentation in Comm 125
*Continue to work on paper for Comm 300*

I am lucky in that I only have one class on Mondays, so its almost like I have a four day weekend! Haha!

Also, my birthday is coming up soon. I am going to be 20. I can't believe it. I already feel too old.... But I don't have any plans to celebrate. I just want it be a normal day. Although, I do have a few things I want... would it be considered uncouth of me if I listed them out here? Lol! I don't want much, just money for music (iTunes gift cards) and a surge protector. Thats it.

Now, I'm off to check on my laundry and whatnot! Hope everyone is doing well!

Is it Spring Break Yet?

2010-02-05T10:02:00.000-08:00

Whoa, what a week. I am sure glad it is over. Not a good week in the slightest.

Didn't get much sleep, as well, I had allot of stuff to do. Not a good combination. O well. It is over now, and I finally got some sleep last night (12hrs! AH!) so I am feeling better today. Also, Mom and Mike are nearby, so I am trying to get them to come up and have dinner with me today. That'll be nice.

Have a meeting with my advisor/professor today in regards to the giant research paper; I talked to her briefly the other day about it and I might have to change my thesis statement pretty drastically. Ugh. Thankfully though, I have ton of good sources and all I need to find now are two non-scholarly articles or magazines to use.... It can be done. I also created a rough outline last weekend, so I think I am a little ahead of the class in regards to that.

Also, going to to meet with the travel abroad lady, because I want to talk to her about some stuff. AHA has finally received all my reference letters and whatnot, and I have begun to fill out medical records and questions regarding my lifestyle (for to better fit me with a family). Also, I need to discuss and figure out what level of classes I should take and how many credits will transfer over and what they'll count as.

I am really looking forward to Spring Break; this term has been a tough one. I'll be able to just chill and re-cooperate, as well as work on more of the stuff that I need to complete to go to Argentina this summer. Dad and Lynn will hopefully be over during the last week of break for a little bit, so I am excited to see them too!

Hope all is well with the rest of you!>

Maintaining Order

2010-02-01T16:36:00.000-08:00

O my goodness! The Argentina trip is proving to be very time-consuming as well as frustrating. Have to send in copies of this, pictures of that, records of those.... Copy of my passport to send in, more pics of myself so they can recognize me, figure out that last reference letter that got sucked into the black-hole of snail mail, and figuring out all the finAid....whew...

I'm getting it all done, but man, its insane. Reminds me back in high school when I was applying for colleges and scholarships; I had to jump through a million holes!

I am trying to get most of it done now, but some of it will have to wait till have more time during Spring Break. Trying to juggle everything is getting to be a bit much. And seeing as though I am planning on just staying in the dorms over Spring Break, I should have plenty of time to get everything in order! :D

Also, the other night I sat down and did a rough sketch of what classes I need to take in order to graduate. Not counting next term, and if my calculations are correct, I only have 20 classes left to take, (more or less; I need to figure out exactly how the Argentina credits will transfer over), that is only 80 credits to go!

Junior Year-Fall Term= 4 classes, 16 creds

Junior Year-Winter Term= 4 classes, 16 creds

Junior Year-Spring Term= 4 classes, 16 creds

Senior Year- Fall Term= 4 classes, 16 creds

Then all DONE! Between Junior and Senior Year I actually plan on traveling again, this time for and internship in order to complete my Capstone Project. You see, my overall educational plan is to major in Human Communications and double minor in Spanish and International Studies! WooT!

Hopefully all my calculations are more or less correct.... I'll let you all know when I do :D

Goodbye to Week 4

2010-01-31T00:27:00.000-08:00

The weekend just got here, and yet, it already feels like it is over.... Isn't that crazy how that works out? O well. I can't complain much, seeing that is weekend has been a decent one. Didn't do much homework yesterday, but I did make a trip down to the post-office to mail my little sister her -late- birthday gift. And as well, I sent my Grandma Laura her late Christmas present.

After that trek, went back down to Safeway with Sabs to pick up the ingredients for peanut butter mochi. Sabs makes a killer cocunut mochi which is to die for. I'll eat it till I make myself sick, thats how good it it. And the peanut butter mochi.....O man....it is amazing.

For those of you who don't know what mochi is, it is a Japanese rice dessert. I wish we had taken pictures, but seeing as we didn't, I will find some on the 'net for you all. They look sorta like ours...but we don't cut ours up, we just eat it straight from the pan.

Anyways, thats been about it. Worked on a paper/presentation for Comm 125, as well as made an outline from my Comm 300 class's research paper. I sent it to the teacher to have her check and make sure I am headed in the right direction before carrying on with my work. I have allot of sources now, (but I'll need more), so I am going through and organizing them all right now. So much work!

Tomorrow will be reading for world politics, as well as continuing working on my research, and most importantly, I'll be studying for a Spanish vocab quiz on Monday.

So, as you can see, just po-dunking around, nothing too exciting, as usual.

Fancy Coat!

2010-01-27T11:20:00.000-08:00

The weather here has been quite horrid as of late; windy and rainy one minute, then freezing yet sunny the next. But I suppose it is to be expected seeing as though it is January, and January is always quite a hectic month.

Thank goodness I finally got my winter coat! It is so beautiful and warm and wonderful! Lynn was wanting pictures, so here are some! They aren't the best, but I think you can still see how well the coat fits and how classy/modern it is....

Asian Movies and Research Papers

2010-01-24T10:57:00.001-08:00

Hello again all!

This past week has been, like many others, rather uneventful. However, because last Monday was MLK Day, we didn't have any classes and therefore only had a three-day school week! That is always fun, but it puts more pressure on us to get our work done quickly since this term is a week shorter than last year. We now have less time to get the same amount of work done. O-well.

The weekends have been fun; we've been over at the neighbors watching movies. And the movies we have been watching have been pretty odd. Last weekend was "Big Man Japan." Its so weird that I don't even have any words to describe it. We also started this other Asian movie, I don't remember its name, but it is described as "the Von Trapp family meets Dawn of the Dead." The disc was scratched, but I think we fixed it and will finish it soon. Haha!

For my Communications 300 class, Research Strategies, we have to write a big research paper that would be good enough to be read by scholars. The biggest problem there is trying to decide on a topic and formulate a research question to work from. I think I got it under control and might even be ahead of the game in that I think I have formulated a, albeit rough, thesis!

"The only way/An excellent way/One way to create/promote better international communication is by continuing/pursuing/investing in cooperation with the International Space Program and/or continuing space exploration."

As you can see, it is very rough. I haven't quite decided on whether to focus on the Station in general, or exploration. I think I'll focus on the exploration, with the Station included. I chose this topic in part because it deals with the international aspect of communication, (one of the key requirements of choosing a topic was that it had to have some sort of communication connection), and I am seriously considering working in the international field in the future. And it has to do with space! Haha! How could I pass that up? I will have to dig harder to find the information I need, but I'd rather have to dig than sort through piles and piles of information. After I am done with this post, I have to go through some books I checked out at the library the other day concerning my topic. The assignment for class right now is to write annotations; one on a book, one on a scholarly article, and one on a non-scholarly article (magazine or internet source). So, I need to go through the books and find out which one would contribute the most to my topic. Ugh. I've never written annotations before, so this should be fun! Haha!

Here are the books:

"The Case for Space: Who Benefits from Explorations of the Last Frontier?" by Paul S. Hardenson (1997)
"Frontiers of Space Exploration" by Roger D. Launius (1998)
"Pale Blue Dot" by Carl Sagan (1994)
"Our Cosmic Future: Humanity's Fate in the Universe" by Nikos Prantzos (2000)

They are a little older, but they'll do for right now. There are actually allot of government documents that I'll be able to use as well. My only trouble right now is finding scholarly articles related to my topic..... Better get to digging!

I have a chapter test in Spanish tomorrow that I better studying for, and I need to read for World Politics. So, I better get to work!

Argentina!

2010-01-20T15:06:00.000-08:00

The weather here has been quite horrible as of late; windy, rainy and cold. It feels like we are on the coast or something. But thanks to my new coat, I can go out, brave the weather and return unscathed.

Class-wise, I have been staying busy. Interpersonal Comm and World Politics are pretty easy. The professor for World Politics is German and has quite the accent. He also looks like a grayer-dad, which cracks me up. Spanish is difficult, as always. And Comm 300 is going to eat up my life!

Oh, and for those of you who I have yet to inform, (although I do believe I mentioned this in my last update...), I am going to Argentina! I'll be there for one month, June 20th till July 24th and I'll be staying with a family. I am hoping in a few days I'll get my program packet, and I'll be sharing more info with you all.

For those of you who want to know more about the program here is the website:

http://www.ahastudyabroad.org/index.cfm?FuseAction=Abroad.Home

Just click on the "Argentina" link under programs on the left-hand side, and there you go!

I am so excited I can barely contain myself! However, I am also very nervous, but that is to be expected I suppose.

I'll be staying in Rosario, Argentina which is located northwest of Buenos Aires up the Rio Paraná. Here is a map:

View Larger Map

Breaking in the New Page

2010-01-20T00:29:00.000-08:00

Hello to all my family and friends! So, this is it! I have started my blog.

What do you think of the title? The reason it took me so long to start blogging was because of the title; I could not come up with a proper one! I finally decided that I had a to make an executive decision, and here we are!

It is late at night, as you maybe able to see by the time...but I'll be going to bed soon. I just had to get this all down right quick. Also, in order to break-in the new page, I thought I'd post some doodles I've drawn. I'm no artist, but I thought they were pretty and that you all might like to see them!

In time, I'll post more interesting things, I have no doubt. They'll probably be more pertinent to what I am doing than just this little doodles. Also, I am in the process of making this page look like what I want it too look like like, so check back frequently; I'll be making allot of changes in the upcoming days.