Half relieved

Grades were due Tuesday (I think). Tried checking after my friend sent me a text asking what I got, and Broncodirect (piece of crap that it is) wouldn't let me log in. After failing four times I gave up for the day. Checked last night and I got a B- in the lab. Which given how I did on the first lab midterm was theoretically impossible (or was it? I'd have to do math and screw that, I'm on vacation from school). Ok so maybe it was possible that I earned it on my own. Eh, I'll take it. Lecture grades weren't up last time I checked. It had an Rd, which freaked me out at first and then I had to go searching for what it meant. It seems that everyone in the class has a missing grade for lecture so not just me.

I'm just very relieved that this quarter is over. I seriously think it has been my toughest quarter, even with all the other quarters where I had personal stuff to deal with. This class was the most draining class I have ever experienced. If I would have known the hell I had to go through for ten weeks I would have never signed up for the class. It really makes me question the level of professors that a school is willing to have just for the sake of having someone do research. Shows that they really listen to students opinions when others have complained before. And people will continue to complain in the future.

I feel like I should start to write more blogs like I used to on myspace. Just sometimes I don't feel like sharing my thoughts (actually most of the time), guess I'm introverted that way (according to my bff anyways).

Anywho, I am almost done with Christmas shopping (yay!) Pretty much did online shopping so just waiting for everything to arrive. Will be baking a bit next week, pies and cookies most likely. Possibly some cupcakes. We'll see what I'm in the mood for.

Still have to buy shoes for the wedding (two weeks away!). Need to find an outfit for the bachelorette party (which should be kind of fun). I'll post details after the fact, well should it be as fun as it sounds.

Tips?

So I have an unwanted guest in my house. His name is Gus. He's been here for over a year. Why do I want him out? Because he's a f*cking genius mouse that knows what traps are. We've tried five different types. He will either shove them out of the way when he runs by (heard him do it) or he'll eat the food without setting off the trap. How the hell does he do that?

He also hoards dog food, so it's fun to discover his collections in random places throughout the house. The dogs have no interest in him whatsoever.

Gus is a bold mouse. He will take the time to stop and stare at me for a few seconds before he goes on his way.

So please offer some advice to me for how to get him out. Shannon has offered her cat Pumpkin, but I don't want an offering of a half dead mouse that can still run away.

I'd prefer to use a live trap so I could set the genius free but he won't go in them.

Double Gah

Me thinks I should give up on school.

I hate professors that are very nit picky with what they want in an answer to a midterm. Even if what you wrote is technically right, if it's not exactly how they wanted it they will mark you wrong. Seriously, I hate school.

Guilty Pleasures

Had a small discussion on guilty pleasures today. Some I have no problem admitting to.

Here are some I have no problem sharing with you.

1. Teen shows. Never got into them as a teen but love watching them now. One of my favorites is One Tree Hill because of how craptastic it is. They do whatever they want on that show even though it is out there most of the time.

2. A cappella music. Love it. Can spend hours finding stuff on youtube to watch. Just read a book on it.

3. Wearing the same pair of pajamas all weekend.

4. Eating a whole package of anything in one sitting. It's not sad it's an accomplishment.

My true guilty pleasure has been admitted to possibly two people (I know one for sure because they shared a like for it too). And no you will never find out.

Gah

I'm not liking a professor right now. I don't think anyone in the class does very much. Have to suffer through it for another five weeks. But I don't plan on taking a class with this person ever again.

I also burned my finger today.

Had a midterm as well.

Halloween is swell.

At least the bridal shower invites are out. Games are planned and we sort of know what supplies to get.

Ten things you didn't know about me.

It seems that most people don't know the real me, my bestest friend has even told me that. So I thought I'd share some random things about myself.

1. I have an anti-foot fetish, meaning I don't understand how some people are into feet and find them erotic. They are dirty, gross, and if you even think about putting them up on my dashboard I will find a way to chop them off and throw them out the window. Ew. Even if you just washed them, they are dirty. Seriously it's feet.

2. I do sudoku puzzles every night in pen, and yes I have solved the hardest ones.

3. I had a babysitter until I was 11 (had to do with the school I went to in elementary).

4. My first kiss was in kindergarten with a boy named Tony.

5. I think being a chef would make me happier then being a scientist. But I would never want to pursue it as a career.

6. I have only lived in one house my entire life. Until a few days ago I had been in the same room, I just recently took the master bedroom.

7. I get jealous of people who have relationships with grandparents and get spoiled, I never had that opportunity. I had part time grandfathers. Although I really only had one who seemed to care. I wish I could have met my Granny and have a real memory of her.

8. If I could only take one thing from my house to keep for the rest of my life would be a teddy bear my dad got for my when he went to Baltimore when I was a baby.

9. I took tennis lessons as a kid and the instructor wanted me to be on his private team because I showed promise, but I never went through with it.

10. I always thought I'd be married by 22 so I could someday celebrate a 50th anniversary. But now I can't even see myself getting married and it makes me a little sad.

Wait, was that a penis?

File this under in case you missed it news, I'm a sports fan. There are some sports I can watch on television (football, soccer, hockey) while some you have to actually be at the game to enjoy it. Baseball falls under this category.

I've been to multiple games in my lifetime (from minors to majors) seeing the California Angels (none of this Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim bullshit, they are in Orange County, LA should not be in their name) at Angel Stadium (formerly Edison Field and apparently Angel Stadium of Anaheim now, wow the owners must hate the organization to give them such horrible names). I have also seen the San Diego Padres at Jack Murphy Stadium (now Qualcomm) and most recently at Petco Park last year. My family also used to go somewhat regularly to see the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (1994 winner of the California League) since the Epicenter is two seconds from my house.

When I go to sporting events I'm a vocal person, I enjoy cheering and jeering as much as your typical fan. I like being surrounded by people who really support their team. Either in good or bad.

Kevin invited me to join him and some other friends when the Dodgers took on the San Francisco Giants last Friday night. I was game because I had never been to Dodgers Stadium, and I like going to sporting events.

And this was before they lost.


Shannon showing off her new glasses.


Trying to get a picture of the bird that was flying around (it was so not the pigeon we saw) and half a player between first and second base.


Barry Zito (of the Giants) in motion.

After going to the Dodgers game with a team that is going to make it to the playoffs and last year seeing a mediocre (if that) Padres team there is really a difference among their fans. It was quite surprising to me because I was under the impression that Dodger fans were hard core and very passionate. But there were only half-hearted attempts at cheers, the wave attempt was horrid (though no one loves the self satisfaction of doing the wave as much as the San Diego crowd). They do love hitting around beach balls (and inflatable penises). Maybe I went on an off night, but come on support your team even when they lose 7-1. Show emotion.

It was funny though how they went from cheering and chanting Manny to booing him at the end of the game. They are a very polite crowd, didn't hear anything too negative except when they were harping on their own team (that's to be expected).

Oh and thanks from San Diego for taking yet another aged pitcher of our roster. Seems to work out for you when they play.

Foodie

Now I'm sure most of you know that I enjoy cooking and baking. I also enjoy trying out new food types (within reason of course). I'm also someone who will just toss stuff together without following any recipe (tonight I made a fajita/stir fry type thing with green onions, red bell peppers, mushrooms and chicken, then warmed up some corn tortillas and the meal was complete). If it seems like it would be good together I'm willing to try it. What do I have to lose?

If I see a recipe that sounds good I'm willing to try it out the same day (although depends on if I have all the ingredients, I hate grocery shopping). I'm a bad baker because I am not precise with measurements (oh how Martha would hate me). I hate taking the time to do that so I always eye it and call it a day. Hasn't failed me yet so I shall continue doing it. I'm happy trusting my instincts and knowing what will taste good to me.

Lately I've been into Indian food. I have an Indian cookbook that I've had for a year or so and I've only made chicken tikka and my version of naan from it. So after visiting the local Indian restaurant with my parents I decided to try to make something they had from the buffet called somosas. Luckily it was in my cookbook and it was pretty easy to make just some self-rising flour, butter, potatoes among other things. Roll out some dough fill it with the mashed potatoes and deep fry. How can that not be delicious?

So here is how they turned out.

Solid reviews from my mom who had them hot from the oil. My dad also enjoyed them as leftovers the next day.

I'm lucky to have a friend who is willing to make new things with me as well. Last football season we made onion rings and fried zucchini. Both were awesome as well. A few weekends ago I asked what we would try and he said to come up with something so with the fair going on I said funnel cake. And make it we did. His family and I were eating them as soon as they were out of the oil and dusted with powdered sugar. So good and crunchy and made me think of Magic Mountain.



And then to make the meal just a little healthier we also made caprese skewers, and we learned it's best to put the basil between the mozzarella and tomato.


I've made them a few times since them for my mom and I, and she loves them.

Tomorrow I'm planning on making creamy penne pasta. It's a favorite of mine and I can finish off a whole pot of it in one sitting. But alas I'll have to share with my mom since she's spending the night again.

Politics and Religion

Call me old-fashioned if you'd like but I like to keep my political (and religious) views to myself unless someone brings about a discussion where I feel compelled to participate. I don't like to advertise who I am voting for because why should I? When you vote you go in your cubby anyways so that it can be done anonymously. I just find it really annoying to see celebrities whoring themselves for candidates. Congrats on being passionate about someone you think will do swell at leading the country but don't belittle the opponent, otherwise you're turning into a politician yourself. Hearing you blather on about why so and so is going to be sooo great for this country is bullshit. No matter who is elected nothing will get better (if it does it will be marginal). Here's what to remember for election day, who will fuck up our country less? No one is going to make our economy better over night, the housing/mortgage problem won't go away with the snap of your fingers and other countries will continue to hate us.

I really hate election years, well the two-year period before presidential ones because it drags on forever. And everyone acts like children. Presidential campaigns are like junior high/high school elections. Lots of empty promises. They say this and that so that you will vote for them but they don't do a damn thing they promise. And all these stupid attack commercials that are released two seconds after they say something the other doesn't like. Maybe they should fight like grown ups and quit with the attack ads. Have the balls to say it to their face and not through your campaign manager who spends minutes furiously making the clips in the back of a bus.

Why do we still have a two-party democracy? I think most people aren't strictly left or right. I know I'm not, and why would I blindly follow the political party that I'm affiliated with? I'm not a puppet and just because you vote for this or that means I will. I can and will think for myself. Don't think that I will follow my party with everything they do. It doesn't work that way.

Good to know that politicians aren't underestimating the general public that will be responsibly for electing the next president.

Side note: I have been registered to vote since I was 17 (they get you early in San Berdo County) and I have only missed one election since then.

Just me?

Went on a quick run to Lowes this evening and while I was there I saw a couple that was sort of cuddling as they were walking around. Really? Lowes? Power tools make you horny? First of all ew, and second of all just because you are soooo in love doesn't mean I want to witness it while buying house supplies. You can't shut it off for the five minutes you are in the store?

Does anyone else watch hgtv? Specifically House Hunters? Oh my god I want to kill those people. I want this, that, this, that, huge closet, but I only want to pay $1 for it. Seriously I want to slap them. Maybe you should focus on having less crap before you want a bigger place. I grew up in a house that is less than 1,000 sq, it's not that small. A family of four survived in it for over 20 years.

Seriously though, how hard is it to own less crap, and that's all it is...crap. I'll admit that almost all the stuff I own is crap that I don't necessarily need. Get rid of stuff you don't use, wear, or need. Too much consumerism nowadays. Oh if only we lived in a simple time.

I'm hoping that when I move into my new room I'll be more organized because I won't be crammed into the smaller room.

Day 4: Chaka Khan Chaka Khan

Woke up before the buttcrack of dawn at 1 am (pacific time) to leave the house at 1:30 to drive two hours to Dulles to catch my 4:45 am flight.

Got there at 3:30 am maybe it through security fine, and rode the weird shuttle to my terminal. Went and bought The Washington Post and then sat down at the gate. I noticed there were a munch of musicians (had their guitars and such) but didn't think much of it.

The plane that we were going to take out was late in arriving, and then because the first plane out has to go through all the security checks we were an hour late in leaving. When we were boarding I was behind someone who was on her phone telling someone that Chaka Khan was on our flight. So I had an honest to goodness celebrity on my flight home.

The flight seemed extra long because I still wasn't feeling well and had to go to the bathroom a few times. Luckily Shannon was already waiting for me at the baggage claim. So we just had to wait for my one bag and then we were on our way to her house so I could grab my car and head home and sleep.

By the time I got home and fell asleep I had been awake for almost 13 hours. I was super bummed because I had to miss the concert at the Hollywood Bowl. I fell asleep at 9 and slept for 10 hours, and waking up feeling like crap.

Awesome way to end a trip. Just like my trip to Hawaii (I came home and was sick for three weeks).

Day 3: Fight On! in Charlottesville

Thursday: September 4th

Today consisted of me waking up with my throat hurting like a mother. I seriously think something is wrong with my tonsils. So I tried to suck it up as best as I could because we had some errands to do.

Headed to Charlottesville to go to Target, picking up some household things (and lozenges for me). Since we were close to the University of Virginia I made my brother drive me by the campus. UofV was founded by Thomas Jefferson in the 1500s, just kidding it was sometime in the 1700s. Don't know when, I hate history. I like visiting historical places but reading books on wars, boring! It was a nice looking campus, that was pretty spread out. I'm used to Cal Poly being on a lot of land and just having minor streets spread out through the campus.

Painted on the roads.


When were out and about in Charlottesville I made sure to wear my USC hat (who had been in town the weekend before playing at UofV and beat them 52-7). Sadly, no comments were made to me.

After we left Charlottesville we headed to Costco in Harrisonburg(?) can't remember the name. They have different products then we have here.

It's so green, and full of trees. Very pretty.


What was really surprising about Virginia, was all the Indian restaurants they have there. I'd be happy to try a few next time I'm out that way.

When we got back to John's apartment we started cleaning all his dishes and utensils and everything. He mopped up his flooring and vacuumed and put away his laundry. And then I cooked some pasta for him so that he would have food to eat the next night when I would be back home.

Day2: Podunkville and finding the dump

Wednesday: September 3

We woke up early (I was on west coast time the entire time), we got dress and I took some pictures of the inside of the apartment and then also the outside where the "farm" is.

Living room


Kitchen


Laundry room


Upstairs room


One of the three cats that hangs around.


His new bed.


Horse.


Looking up to his landlord's house.


Then we got cracking on putting together John's new bed (which again we got the same bed (this time in different colors and sizes) and the same mattress) from IKEA. It wasn't that hard but when you are limited with the tools you have it makes building go that much slower. But we got it down, rolled out his mattress and we were good to go.

After building the bed we built some bookshelves for the living room. Then it was time to rest a bit before we loaded up the trash to take to a dump before we could drop off the moving truck and take Paul to the airport. And the trip to dump was eventful because we couldn't find it. So we drove around for quite awhile (I rode with Paul in the moving truck so he wouldn't have to be stuck by himself since he had to make the drive to IKEA by himself the night before). And I snapped some pictures of the scenery.

It is pretty will all the trees surrounding the roads.


After we realized that we couldn't find the dump we just headed to find a store that would have a dumpster, and we did. Paul and I emptied out the truck and then I swept it out. We turned in the truck and then headed towards Dulles. We dropped off Paul and headed back so we could do some household chores. We started to do laundry so that by the time I left everything he owned would be clean and then went to bed. It was another long day.

Day 1: LAX to Dulles

Tuesday: September 2

To make the trip easier to LAX, I spent the night at Shannon's house on Monday so she and I could wake up before the sun to head out to the airport.  So on Monday night we watched some Arrested Development (season 1) and we saw our "blind" friend being an extra.  And we had some klondike bars.

I can't even remember what time we woke up (4 am?), I had an 8 am flight so I wanted to be there I think by 6:30 because you never know how long going through security will take.  And of course it didn't take long.  Went to my gate, bought a bottle of water ($3.19!)  And just waited to board the plane.  

My goal for the flight was to read some articles I had printed out on ants, but of course that didn't happen, it's just too awkward to try to hunch over with a highlighter and read on the little tray.  So I basically watched tv the whole time.  Towards the end of the flight the person sitting next to me was watching CNN and I saw a thing about a plane that took off from LAX had blown a tire from their landing gear during take off so they had been burning fuel over the ocean for like four hours.  So glad that wasn't my flight because I definitely would not have wanted to get on another plane and fly to my real destination.

Because of the time difference I landed at 3:55 pm.  And let me just tell you if you've never been to Dulles International Airport, you need to experience it one day.  The terminals (gates) are not apart of the main airport where you check in and go through security.  So you have to ride a shuttle to go between the two.  And they are straight out of the space age.  Or NASA rejects. Here is a picture I took with my Black Berry when I flew out on Friday morning.

I had to wait for my brother to show up because he thought I would have landed late rather then earlier. So he wasn't prepared for me to already be outside waiting for him at 3:55. After he picked me up we headed out to the IKEA in Woodbridge (I think that's where it was) where his friend Paul was waiting for us with the moving truck. We had to buy his new bed and whatever else we could think of (the kitchen kit so he has a pot and pan and utensils should he ever decide to cook). We got done super late and it was still a two hour drive back to BFE, Virigina (no that's not where he really lives now, but I don't really want to give out the name over the internet since it is a tiny town. Though I think I would call any town in Virginia small. I need towns to have at least 100,000 people). I think we got back at like 11 that night, we put on Aqua Teen Hunger Force on his laptop and then crashed in the living room.

And that was the end of my very long first day in Virginia.

"Vacation"

I was going to try to actually write blogs while I was on the east coast, but that didn't happen because they don't like the internet apparently.  In my brother's place there were two spots where I could get one bar for my signal.  So alas no way I could write a blog.  I tried from my cell but it kept telling me there was an error.

And now I'm sick, so who knows when I will feel like uploading my pictures and telling my "fun" tales.

Excuse me while I go take a nap or pass out or something.

Paid Vacation

I booked my flight for next week.  Going to Virginia.  My brother is officially moving Thursday, that's when he'll leave good ole California to trek across the country to live in the south.  I'm flying out Tuesday to help him get settled in and make sure he has everything he needs.  I fly back early Friday morning to make it back for the concert at the Hollywood Bowl that night.

Best part of the trip is that I get paid for it.  Since I've been at my job for over a year, I now get paid vacations (in addition to paid holidays).  That's awesome right?  Ok so I get like one week paid, but still that's better then nothing.

Every two years or so

I wash my car.  Well today was the day I did it.  When people start making comments about how you need to clean your windows, well I figure that's a big enough push to do it.

Right now my car is somewhat shiny, looks like it has horrible paint, but hey I can see through the windows so much easier.  Maybe I should wash it every 18 months or so.  Or at least clean my windows every few weeks.

Sheep

Well it looks like everyone else is starting up a blog away from myspace, so why not join the fun too?