Saturday, December 19, 2009

Friday, December 18, 2009

According to Urban Dictionary

1) Your name?
Lisa:
An extremely smart and sexy female with great hair and a great face. Nice, sweet and generous are words that go along with Lisa. She is funny and giving. Not a slut by any means but does like to have a good time. Always ready to party and her phone is always ringing. She will even fly to another state for a house party. She is self confident and blessed with good genes. She just has it all; all other girls are extremely jealous of her.


2) Your age?
twenty dollars worth of marijuana


3) One of your friends?
Abby:
The girl who always has a good time. The girl who is always making people laugh, and who is easily loved. The girl who is beautiful on the inside and the outside. The girl has slammin hips. The girl whose dedicated, and has a rockin family. The girl who is the best best friend ever, amazing all around!!


4) What should you be doing?
Sleeping:
1.Gaining one's confidence and luring them into a desired area to kill or beat them because of something they have done.
2. To masturbate furiously in your room while praying that your grandma doesn't come in.


5) Favorite color?
Purple:
Extremely potent marijuana, specifically marijuana buds that have a purple hue to them. Also accompanied by a fragrant, usually fruity smell and mad perma-grin.


6) Hometown?
Vienna, VA:
Names the 4th best place to live in the country, also in the richest county (fairfax county) in the country, you can imagine how rich people are. The cops fucking suck and spend their time pulling over madison kids because they have nothing else to do. Madison is the town's school, vienna inn the the best restaurant ever (especially for a hangover), wendys is the spot to be if nothing is going on, dont drive on 123 past 11:30, town curfew for minors is 12 its fucking gay, 5 minutes from the new and improved tysons corner (what a bitch) biggest mall on the east coast, all i can say is more fucking traffic, SUPERNOVA biatches


7) Month of your birthday?
December:
The month in which the hottest women are born

8) Last person you talked to on the phone?
Michele:
1.A girl who does not try yet always gets attention.
2.Musical girl with a modern siren like vibe.
3.A girl always causing men to "crash" due to her beauty.
4.Highly attractive female who could care less

9) Favorite sport?
Badminton:
A very dynamic, fast-paced game. Badminton requires a lot more agility and strategizing than most people probably think. You have to see it played competitively to really understand the energy and reflexes needed to be good at this sport.


10) Your last name?
Preville:
No entry for "preville" has been created. Create it now!




I should sleep.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Wizard Smoke

I want to do something like this.


Wizard Smoke from Salazar on Vimeo.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

With Zane's help I ended up having a video of a campfire and I brought smores for my class! SUCCESS.


I should be reading, and because I'm not I'm going to be in trouble when this paper is due. At least I'm working on other projects instead...

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Fack.

I've decided to abandon studying for the rest of the night and get some sleep. Tomorrow consists of cramming for my modernism exam at 1 and then working on a death and burial presentation. I'm just going to be telling Richmond Ghost stories, so I hope that's cool. Maybe I should bring a campfire and s'mores for everyone? That's a great idea, I just realized, but way too labor intensive.

Thanksgiving weekend was weird/fun/and predictable. It was nice to see the new house and toutes mes soeurs.

I also spent a good portion of my night cleaning/sweeping/straightening/organizing my room. Now I have a great study space for Exam week and a pleasant bed to dive into when I crash. Currently Carrie Bradshaw is looking down on me from above my bed and I find this almost comforting (I'm moving on up!) but also depressing and kind of creepy. Carrie may be banished to a corner of the apartment trop vite.

The weekend can't come soon enough!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Boom Rocket

I just found out that I won't be a TA for Dr. Brooks next semester! ARGGGGG. His classes conflict with mine, so that's super sad. This also means that I need to pick up another class. I should probz consult with mom on this.

OR.

I can switch my classes around so I can TA on Monday or Tuesday nights.... OR... he can let me TA his Intro to African Societies Class.


ANYWAY. I gave what I thought was a doomed lecture today, but it ended up going pretty well! I was sufficiently interesting (meaning mildly boring) and managed not to flub-up too much. Success in my book!

Tried the peppermint White Hot Chocolate at "Rev it Up" (Where they apparently have coffee, wine, and beer, all at the same place. Extremely tasty, even tastier because Zane paid for it.
I'm self-admittedly a huge fan of hot chocolate. it's just so tasty. I'm bummed that this hot chocolate Idea won't be happening.

I had a meeting about Internships today and in 20 minutes of conversation I became extremely self-conscious about the fact that I am applying for some of the most competitive internships out there. I'm still going to, but damn.... I need a back up plan. Like, I need a back up plan REAL BAD. hollly crap.

Monday, November 23, 2009

my (nonexistant) hip(s) don't lie.

1. Recently I've found myself crestfallen when I see I have no new email. What happened to getting 20+ messages by Noon?
2. I was right, that was a mistake.
3. Put off French homework because I was in a funk. Mom would be so upset.
4. I jump to conclusions, and I run with it. I shouldn't. I do. I'm sorry. I can't help it.
5. I also over analyze.
6. Need to email my teachers about my internships
7. I need to get to Special Reserves sometime tomorrow or wednesday
8. I need to call my rep.
9. I need to get a grip.
10. I'm looking at my old roommate's pictures on facebook, and I am amazed at how all of her friends look so similar. Same hair, same clothes, same flawless makeup. I wear makeup, but I never look as well rested/well kept as these ladies do. Turning green....


I shouldn't be so glum. I could be like Demi Moore, whose apparently missing a hip....

Sunday, November 22, 2009

SHEEP.SLEEP.HEAP.HELP.KELP.FELP.FELT.FEEL.HEAL.MEAL.DEAL.DEAD

1. I need to suck it up. Jesus Christ. Divulging emotions to the exact wrong person might have unforeseen consequences. goddammit.
2. Currently listening to the Glee soundtrack. Awesome.
3. IMs from a guy I was in a show with over three years ago are totally awkward.
4. I've mastered the elusive "Vrksasana" (Vrik-SHAHS-ana), otherwise known as "Tree Pose":
I used to only be able to do the modified version, which has you balancing with your foot on your calf muscle, rather than high up on the thigh. But I've been practicing before bed, it's a good relaxer if you're interested in trying it. Full details here.
5. My anthro paper took a much shorter amount of time than I thought it would!
6. Currently listening to a podcast on Picasso's Guernica, if you're interested.
7. I'm poor. But it's okay, I have my health.
8. Cleaned my computer with a Magic Eraser. WORKED WONDERS.
9. You know it's been a while since I worked out when I hurt myself attempting child's pose. BIG YOGA FAIL.
10. Freddie Mercury had it right on a lot of things. but not on safe sex. (Sorry Freddie, too soon?)


Music I'm currently listening to/can't get enough of:
1. Hate on Me- Jill Scott (covered by the Glee Cast)
2. Nantes- Beirut
3. Battle of Bongo Hill- The Herbaliser
4. Jungle Drum- Emiliana Torrini
5. I Will Possess Your Heart- Deathcab For Cutie
6. Ya Mera Divanapan Hai- Nitin Sawhney (From The Namesake; the music in this movie is gorgeous)
7. Light Bulb- Rachel Goodrich (You might recognize this from a Crayola Crayon commercial).


I
think
it's
time
for
me
to
go
to
SLEEP.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Brutally Honest.

God how lame do I feel?

I spent all day working on homework, and only just finished part of it. Now I'm researching for my archaeology paper. What a wonderful way to spend my Saturday night. I feel like I've had more boring weekends than exciting ones lately. Maybe once all my exams are over it will be different.Mmmmmm.

Last night Zane and I made stir-fry, and I thought it turned out really well! You can find the recipe we made here. We used a wok I nabbed from my house last time I was up in NOVA, but I think a regular pan would work just as well!

As for tonight, I decided to use up the rest of the contents of my freezer/pantry, so I made bowtie pasta with shrimp sauteed in garlic and olive oil. It was good to eat something filling, but I wish this had been more flavorful, I'll have to do something different next time!

But now I'm sitting catatonic on the couch, my eyes burning from looking at my computer all day, pretty much beat. I wanted to at least read my chapter I'm lecturing on, but that might have to be something I do tomorrow.

Tomorrow's agenda?
1. Get up EARLY and head to the Richmond Public Library for some hardcore research on my archaeology paper, because this google-ing thing just isn't doing it for me.
2. Anthropology paper on Amazonian Indians (This is going to take a ridiculous amount of time to complete, ohmygod.
3. reading my chapters for my lecture!

Tryn'a get back to yoga (as I have mentioned numerous times), I think I might do some breathing before bed.


hopefully this weekend doesn't mark the beginning of an anti-social period. That would be pretty terrible timing, I have to say.


dammit. I've just spent the last 30 minutes getting myself into a weird mood. Now I have to try and sleep feeling like this.... I need someone to cuddle with.

scratch that.

I need Zane to cuddle with.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

downward-facing dog chasing a pigeon pose?

So begins:
1. Saving money. I need to stop buying food and stick to my goddamn meal plan until it runs out.
2. Eating healthier: My fall back into a pasta binge has done absolute wonders (wonders!) for my figure. Too bad it's negative
3. exercising more. I want to get back into yoga hardcore. Time to break goal #1 and buy a quality yoga dvd.

bleck bleck bleccckk

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

The Beginning Is The End Is The Beginning

This whole "ending a relationship because one person is leaving the country 2 months from now" and still having feelings for that person is kind of hard to deal with. During the day it's great because we still see each other and will continue to hang out, but at the end of the day.... it becomes very clear that we're...well... not together anymore. Things have evidently changed, and moreover, they have changed literally overnight. We don't hold hands while we walk anymore, we've swapped goodbye kisses for goodbye hugs, no more sleeping side by side..... and it all stopped with a hug and kiss at my front door.

We decided to end things because it was logical, but how far does that hold? The reasons are clear, once you put an expiration date on a relationship it's bound to go sour, so you might as well end things sooner rather than later.

I guess a logical approach to relationships never promised easy transitions.
It is strange ending a relationship when both parties still have feelings for each other....

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Maybe you're the girl whose mother ambushes you at student health and demands to go into the exam room with you.

Maybe you're failing out of school.

Maybe you're having more days that are bad than are good.

Maybe you're struggling with addiction.

Maybe your family has fallen apart.

Maybe you have trouble making friends.

Maybe you've lost your job.

Maybe you feel isolated.

Maybe you're unsatisfied with your life.

Maybe you've deserted someone.

Maybe you're missed.

Maybe no one misses you.

Maybe you're tired.

Maybe you don't know what to do when you graduate.

Maybe you've realized you've been setting yourself up for your future life so long that you suddenly realize that you've been missing out on it the entire time.

And maybe you're sick.


but I'm here.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

The Sorest of Times

I made a new studying mix, the only problem is that it includes just 10 songs. If anyone could recommend some great studying jams (No lyrics I can find myself singing to, please) that would be awessommme.

Abby fucking Leventhal visited me this weekend and we had a blast. I miss that girl like crazy.

stress with school has been completely overwhelming this week.
1. nails were nice, and now all completely bitten.
2. long nights.
3. taking it out on other people (sorry).
4. not hanging out with certain people (so sorry).


but today is the day to end all this stress from the weekend. I finished my archeology paper (ugh) and emailed it to my professor, and I have my french exam in half an hour. I hope I do well. The great thing about French exams is that I don't have class afterward like some classes I know (Modernism).

That modernism test was hard but better than I thought it would be.

I forget that even though I have some free time, that's doesn't mean that other people will.
bummer.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Monday, November 2, 2009

CROOZ

Plans for a 21st birthday Cruise to the Caribbean are officially set! I think is going to be frightening to be traveling without my parents for the first time, but also awesome to spend much needed quality time with my sisters drankin' margarrrrritas and getting smiggedy in style. I've always had lame birthdays, so this is going to be awesome! I plan on taking a billion pictures and hopefully snuba-ing through a sunken shipwreck! (I am completely excited about this)

As for now, however, I'm in the library working on Grave analysis of some Monongahela sites. It's kind of boring, but also interesting. I can't complain, I would be in Modernism right now if my class wasn't canceled.

I'm officially applying for a scholarship for next semester! I've never done that before, but I think it's worth a shot. It's a scholarship offered just for Anthropology majors who have written archaeological/anthropological papers. I have a couple, so why not enter them? Who knows if I'll get it, but I'll have a pretty good recommendation under my belt if I apply.

Still thinking about applying for Internships at The Met, just not sure what department I want to apply for. I'm thinking Egyptian Art, obviously, but I have to choose a back up. Ancient Near Eastern? Be fully advised I don't plan on signing up for Modern Art, Jesus. They have a costume Institute, which would be fun, But I doubt I have any real skills that would apply. I think I'm probably going to choose Egyptian and Conservation.

So, 3 internships, 1 scholarship, and maybe an internship abroad. I just emailed a woman in charge of Education Abroad to see if she can hook me up with any advice about interning abroad. So many things up in the air!

This week is ridiculous, I can't even think about everything I have to do. I have an art history paper that I haven't even started and it's due Thursday! oh my goodness.

Tonight includes possibly thrifting with the boyfriend, salvaging my self-respect in French class/preparing for the exam, reading about Russian Constructivism, Outlining trends in these burials I'm looking at, and drafting out my paper on The Warka Vase and the destruction of the Baghdad Museum.


ugh I am freezing and need coffee.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Harrowweennn
















Photo credits: Michele Lombardi

Happy Halloween/All Saints Day!/Day of The Dead/ All Souls Day/ Samhain/ETC ETC ETC

Best Halloween ever!

Because:
1. My costume came out perfectly, I loved it! Special thanks to Michele who cut my wig and bought the blood, John who gave me the syringe I needed, and Sid for the white shirt!
2. Didn't have to walk/bike in the rain
3. Chatted up with people I haven't seen in a while
4. kara had a blast and taught us all her signature dance move
5. So many great costumes at the party! Inspector Gadget, Tron, Barack Obama, Zombie Housewife, Ganesh's Dad....

Pictures coming soon!

Thursday, October 29, 2009

ALPZZZ

I've decided to retire the whole "The Way I See It" title... I'd rather just make something up on the fly.

I haven't blogged between classes in a while, so here goes. Today started out quite wonderfully, and considering my state of stubborn chilliness in this fall weather, and my lack of adequate footwear/clothing at this exact moment, I would love to be back in bed snuggling and hitting the snooze button. That would just be the cat's meow, let me tell you. I can see that it's drizzling now, and I'm going to regret my walk to Art History in an hour or so, especially if it starts to rain a little more steadily.

I don't know what I'm going to do for Halloween. It sounds like people are headed to UVA, Zane included, but I wasn't planning on leaving Richmond for good old "Samhain" (pronounced: Saw-ane). I especially since hadn't asked Kara about it. Now I don't know what to do. If Kara doesn't want to go, I'm not sure I will either. And yet, I want to spend Halloween with Zane. I guess we'll see what happens.

Next week is comprised of full-blown studying. I'm taking the week off of work and focusing on academia for once, instead of the mighty dollar. Which reminds me, I need to check my Mint account.

Zane has me hooked on this financial website "Mint" where you can set up your accounts and see how much money you're spending. I'm currently $60 under budget, which is good.... right? I never knew how much I was spending in one month! I think I'm going to adjust my budgets. Definitely check it out if you have as much trouble managing your money as I do.

My Winter break has been neatly and precisely sorted out: I'll be working 2 weeks in RVA, Home for three weeks (including our cruise birthday extravaganza) and then back to RVA for a week of work before I get into the full swing of the semester. Estimated profit from working the 9-5 at $7.50= $900 for winter break. Not that bad, and probably the best I'll do considering how busy I will be.

I am going to love and hate winter break. I'm going to love working and being home, but that also means it's closer to January 5th, a date I'm not looking so forward to....

But having no school work to worry about will hopefully be as relaxing as I imagine it to be.

However, until winter break comes, I have a lot of work to do!
1. 4 internship applications to turn in for Summer 2010 (and maybe more...)
2. Finishing up all my classes
3. Saving monneeyyy
So many other things I can't think of....


Also, Halloween this weekend, kara's leaving the next weekend, Christina visits the weekend after, and then it's thanksgiving!

Plus!:
1. Archaeology paper due in 2 weeks
2. Art History paper due.... really soon!
3. Andean paper rewrite!
4. Modernism Test!!
5. French exam!
6. Ethnography paper!
7. Lecturing a class on Kinship in Anthro!
8. Possibly submitting a paper for the North American Archaeology conference?


SO BUSY.
I don't know how I'm going to handle all of it!

Friday, October 16, 2009

I'm The Girl That....

1. Takes too much pleasure in the feel of soft bed sheets
2. Occasionally washes her hands for 10 minutes just to relax.
3. Dislikes coffee/tea but loves hot chocolate
4. Worried her childhood dreams won't meet their expectations.
5. Frequently forgets her aspiration to be thinner, until she's halfway through a bag of Kitkats and can't seem to see the need to stop.
6. Wants to be effortlessly flexible
7. Is realizing that just because she is studying anthropology, it doesn't mean she is chained to a life of archaeological digs and begging for grants.
8. Wants to get into an Ivy League... and do well.
9. Spends way too much energy on school.... It's a little scary.
10. Is joining an honor society (besides Thespian society) for the first time in her academic career. For the discounts....
11. Think that she's probably going to end up going to an Arts school for Graduate study... In New York City.
12. Wants to sleep, literally, for an entire day(s)
13. Can be both ecstatic and sad at the fact her boyfriend is studying abroad in the middle east next semester.
14. Can be confused and certain at the same time

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Vogue Korea: Robot Meets Girl










Via Vogue Korea

'Untitled'




what my modernism class reminds me of.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

The Way I See It # 597

2 posts in one night, but I needed to post this.



The Way I See It # 596

Hamburger/fries
Pasta
KitKats
Ice Cream
Mac N Cheeze

Today has been a fatty-foods kind of day.


I've been feeling uninspired lately. Maybe I'm jealous of all of my friends who are studying art. I wish I had more excuses/motivations to be more artistic. I kind of miss theatre. I really miss reading plays and designing sets and lighting, and putting together inspiration boards. I kind of want to buy a large cork board and go to town. I think that having an inspiration board might be nice. I have a notebook that is slowly being filled, but I might like having something that I can see when I wake up.

I also want to paint a wall with Chalkboard paint. I might settle for the back of the door to my room....

I also have this desire to find dropped notes from people around campus, but I'm not sure how often this happens. I also kind of want to take a few hours and write notes to stick into the books at Cabell.

I also realized that I really miss singing. I wish I had more musical soundtracks to sing along to. My friend Michele recently put up her own piano recordings on facebook and myspace, and I was really impressed! I never pegged her as a musical person, so it was really cool to see that out of the blue. I wonder if I could take a singing class with VCU....

In other news... I need to step up my game. I feel like I am in a rut looks wise. Not to complain or anything, but I used to really care about the clothes I wore and how I look, and something happened since last year, and now I think I look like hell.

Description unavailableImage by dno1967 via Flickr


In my french class this morning we listened to "Victime de la Mode" by McSolaar, which is a song about this girl Dominique who struggles to keep up with the fashion of being thin and beautiful. We talked about peer pressures that people my age face, and body image came up. I think everyone has insecurities. I do, every now and then. My french teacher said "L'enfer, c'est les autres" (Hell is the others), which is actually a quotation from Sartre. She asked us if MCSolaar's advice, "L’essentiel est d’ĂȘtre vraiment bien dans sa peau" (It's essential to feel good in your skin) was easy to follow, and we all agreed that it wasn't. Every time I look at a magazine I feel bad, and I'm not even overweight. I think that this super-thin image the media feeds us is really detrimental. I remember writing a paper on appearance discrimination, and for research I looked through magazine and advertisements, and even though I knew the images had been retouched, and I knew that they were spreading falsities, I still wanted to look like that. Even though I was writing about how the media is wrongly persuading girls they aren't good enough, and that it should be stopped, it was affecting me just like everyone else.

However, that was a long time ago, and even though everyone once in a while I feel doubtful, it quickly vanishes... probably just like everyone else in
the world.


Things that have been keeping me occupied:

Modern Art
(above: "Lorette Reclining" by Henri Matisse 1916-1917)


Chocolat Chaud (pour les soirs froids d'automne)
Hot Chocolate for cold Autumn evenings


Candle light
(to blog by...)



The need for a new school bag
(But a persistent lack of funding...)

Working on my Pigeon Pose
"Eka Pada Rajakapotasana"





Images via: Google, Getty, Yoga Journal
Reblog this post [with Zemanta]


Now, off to bed!

Thursday, October 1, 2009

The Way I See It # 595

1. I woke up at 5 AM this morning to work on a photoshoot before class. It was fun, and they offered me a job as an actual photo assistant, but I had to turn it down.... I have so much going on already! +5 points (for flattery)!

2. I had lox for breakfast and it may, or may not, have been worth the $9 I spent. Alpine Bagel you tease me so... -3

total= 2 points

3. French class was a success, and my classmates complimented me on my accent. +5 points! However, if that talent only translated into my writing abilities. looks like I'm going to have to do test corrections... -5

total = 2

4. The Death and Burial presentations went well, all I need to do now is start on my exam paper. +3 points!

5. I may, or may not, but probably will fall asleep in art history. -3 points. i missed last class, so I'll need to talk to my teacher about getting onto the blackboard group. BUT I think I did well on my test the class before +4!

total= 6 points

6. I watched Glee last night! <3 Kristen Chenoweth +10 points!

total=16 points!

7. Tonight consists of catching up on my reading for art history (Modernism) because I think I have a test on Monday. I need to look into this further. +2 points

8. I think my Mac battery charger is officially dead.... -10 points and -$80.

9. I have +20 hours on my schedule for this week, and next week will be nearly 14 hours! +5!

total= 11 points.


okay, so not bad for this week. I still have a ton of work to catch up on.

This Weekend:
1. Modernism reading/studying! Test on Monday!
2. French Corrections
3. Finish "The Hold Life Has" for South American Ethnography.
4. Grade exams for Intro class. (mark attendance)
5. Read for Intro class.

now to read!

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

The Way I See It # 594

Law and Order SVU seriously distracts me. It has taken me so long to rewrite my paper on the Inca... but I am finally done, and it is a lot better than the last one!

Tomorrow's activities include 8AM yoga with Christina, coffee date after, work at 10:30, and then class, and some major studying for my french exam.

I think it has been decided that due to lack of funds and ridiculous scheduling, a previously planned venture to Philadelphia to visit my friend Abby will have to be pushed back to possibly early next year. Harrumphing ensues. Although, this will give me some time to actually save up some money for the occasion. Plus I will then be 21 and this might make Philly more interesting.

I am in love with the leggings I bought. I want to wear them everywhere. Except that I understand how terrible that would be.

I'm excited for yoga tomorrow morning, but this means I need to get to sleep!

Monday, September 21, 2009

The Way I See It # 593

So even though I managed to do pretty well on my last test in Modernism, I'm determined to crush this class, and so I'm in the library diligently taking notes on my reading.

I'm usually a hi-lighter kind of girl, reading and gliding my pen across important points, but it looks like this subject is too tough to gloss over (literally). Today is one of those days where I know I am going to be an enormous wreck at the end of the day. I will probably stay in the library to work on all of my school assignments because within five minutes of this morning, my room is a disaster area. I pulled everything out of my closet to find my beloved pair of black boots (which don't agree with 85 degree weather, and so are not gracing my feet at the moment), and I was too lazy to put everything back. I need to do laundry. I need to do a lot of things.

I need to ( in order of importance)
1. get my burial plot slides from Zane and do analysis
2. read up on Modernism
3. catch up on Ethnography reading
4. french
5. rewrite ethnography paper before the end of the week


I need to start working faster. I do well, but I spend hours on everything, it's time to start speeding things up.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

It's a photobooth kind of day.







Found out:
1. I just so happened to find clothes I like. Now I just need a credit card to purchase them with because they are obscenely expensive.
2. I got an 81 on my heinous art history exam! Suck it!
3. Today is shaping up to be a better day than yesterday.
4. 6 months! wowiewowiewow
5. I'm going to Fair oaks and Target today, and if I don't find something I will blow a fuse.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

The Way I See It # 592

I made the odyssey to Tysons today with no avail. This sounds whiny and petulant. I'm going to stop there and not complain about my day.

Friday, September 18, 2009

The Way I See It # 591

I'm home in Northern VA for the next two days and I feel like a momentum was picking up, but some things have reached a screeching halt. I've been researching internships/studying abroad for the past month or so, and allowed myself (stupidly) to get excited about an internship abroad in London for summer 2010. When I came home tonight all I had to mention was "internship abroad" and "It only costs..." and my mother threw my idea out the window. She says that paying for the opportunity to work somewhere, as an intern, is wasting money.
I guess I can see that. That would be a financial strain on me and for everyone.

But I brought up another program for studying abroad and actually earning school credit, and she basically shot down any thoughts of studying abroad due to financial reasons.
I don't have the money to study abroad, I have a hard time earning money, and I shouldn't assume that my family can pay for it. Needless to say, I was crushed.

So I will have to re-focus my efforts on finding a [paid] internship stateside and put my wanderlust behind me (for now).


I need to make a serious effort in saving my money. I need to get more hours at work, I need to diligently divide my paychecks and save a half of it every 2 weeks, I need to stop spending money on food and use my meal plan, and I need to prioritize where my money goes.

Things to think about/plan for:
1. Trip to Philadelphia
2. Internships
3. working more hours
4. Golden key?

I've been accepted into an International Honor society called Golden Key. I'm not sure if I should apply or not.... thoughts?

Friday, September 11, 2009



Karla has been NAILING it. Damn.

I want new clothes like it is my job.




photo credit: Karla's Closet

Thursday, September 10, 2009

To do:

1. Talk to Art History professor about missing classes? No one showed up for class today....
Also talk to her about possible study abroad programs for next summer. Possible Digs? Need to look into this further

2. Begin studying for HUGE art history blue-book exam on Monday. I'm scared out of my mind about this.

3. Independent Study, is it possible to do it twice in a row? My TA position covers it, but I would actually like to do an actual independent study... Maybe I should have just taken the money for the TA thing.

4. Independent study topic? Urban bike culture in Richmond, VA. I've been taking notes and collecting applicable sources, and this sounds like an interesting topic. Possible application for an ethnography? That might be stretching it a little bit.

5. Possible dig opportunities with Jordan, I need to get back to her so we can do a dig together. I also need to pump up my School of World Studies passport.

6. find research topic for Art history paper: Possibly the destruction/certain artifact at the Baghdad Museum?

7. Chop my handlebars and buy break-levers/new grip tape.

8. Clean my room (this is an ongoing battle that I'm just not winning)

9. go to French class, except that my teacher doesn't want me around if I'm sick. Phooey.

10. Begin looking/applying/getting recommendations for internships for next summer.

11. don't worry about the future, worry about the present.

Monday, August 31, 2009

Peux-j'ĂȘtre honnĂȘte pour une minute?

I haven't been able to shake my feelings from this weekend.

Je suis perturbé.
J'ai hĂąte.
Je suis fatigué.
Je suis inquiété.
Je suis fragile.
Je suis inconfortable avec me.
Je suis irritable.
Je vais en toute probabilité claquer.
Je suis désolé.
Je n'appelle pas assez.
Je sur-analyse tout.
J'ai faim et je suis dérangé que j'ai faim.

Les choses sont bonnes, je suis sur-analyser encore.

Ce weekend devrait ĂȘtre amusant. Je ne sais pas pourquoi je suis souciĂ© de lui. Ceci sera amusant. Ceci est que j'ai besoin de.

Je pense que je me rends compte, de nouveau, qui les amis que j'ai fait sont que je n'ai pas pensé ils étaient. Je suis effrayé cela, de nouveau, j'ai fait des jugements pauvres. Ce weekend me dérangeait. Je comprends que c'était une farce stupide pour dégonfler mes pneus, mais je devine je prends ce type de chose personnellement. J'essaie de ne pas tolérer de foutaise. Quelques gens ne comprennent pas cela, malheureusement.


I hate the fact that when I realize one problem, I make a habit of having all of my other insecurities compound on top of each other. Ceci est pourquoi je n'ai pas serré votre main quand vous avez serré ma main. J'étais serrer trop occupé mes déchirures loin.

Je n'étais pas le premier l'un s'endormir. J'ai été dérangé aussi pour me déplacer. Ce n'est pas votre défaut, vous ne pourriez pas voir que j'aie dérangé. C'était un nombre de choses que mon insécurité a éteint de proportion.

Je promets de serrer votre main la prochaine fois.

I wish I was wearing...



Urban Outfitters

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Currently Loving: Old World Charm





Restoration Hardware

SILENCE.AND.NOISE.HOODED.DOLMAN.TUNIC
$42.00


Just looked at Seigle Center's line up of classes for this semester. Yoga, Tae kwon do, and possibly capoeira? New challenges await!

Friday, August 28, 2009

The Way I See It # 590

If I am at a party with friends, not drinking, I would really appreciate it if one of you straight-edge kids didn't TAKE THE AIR OUT OF MY BIKE TIRES. THANKS.

Goddammit. Who does this? I understand that those who are straight edge don't like people that drink, but I don't understand why you would specifically go to a party where people are drinking and flatten the tires of a random bike. MY tires. I wasn't even drinking! Totally unappreciated.

I also don't need people from my past haunting my present. That might sound harsh. Sorry, but I have a good thing going, and the last thing I need is for you to come around more often. I think I made this pretty clear.

I also came home to a cockroach. WHAT THE FUCK. I'm going to raise hell at Metro properties on Monday. The light in the bathroom also went out, and the fixture is impossible to figure out. the kitchen faucet still leaks, and the stove is about to blow up.

I am also completely broke until Tuesday. This makes me uncomfortable, and I'm not sure I am going to like paying for things that aren't my responsibility, which I have to so I am grateful for, when I can't be reimbursed right away. I realize that this sounds whiny and petulant. I should stick to the fact that I'm not "really" paying for the bills. I think what I'm made about is my situation with Dad. He infuriates me about everything.

bleck.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

The Way I See It # 589

Still debating between bags, I'm afraid that I'll choose one and then immediately regret it! Still waiting for some money to roll in... I know I had a pay period end rather recently.... hmmm.

I've been getting emails from my students in the class I TA for already, and it is kinda crazy to be answering students' questions.

I can't wait to get back into yoga, I'm so pumped.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

The Way I See It # 588

I've been thinking about getting a new bag for school, and as I'll be riding around more frequently, going to and from class, and also running around for work, I have decided that getting a bag suitable for biking is the way to go.

Chrome Citizen Messenger Bag
$140

Everyone and their mom seems to have one of Chrome's "Citizen" messenger bags, and while I must admit I was (and still am) smitten with Chrome's numerous color options, the truth is that I will be carrying way more this semester than I think has ever been required of me, and I am not too certain that I will be comfortable with a bag that hangs diagonally. Not only does Chrome offer an array of enticing colors, but their bags are also lifetime guaranteed and completely water proof.

They offer other styles of bags, such as the "Pawn" roll top backpack, which offers the same lifetime guarantee and waterproofing, but letting it sit squarely on your shoulders. Several of my friends have told me that these bags are wonderful to have, and are extremely durable. The roll top allows for expandability for larger documents and packages, which would be useful for my job making deliveries for VCU. I also like the shape and style of this bag, despite the lack of cool colors that Chrome makes available for its messenger bags.


Chrome "Pawn" Roll Top Backpack
$180

But I wanted to make sure I wasn't missing out on any other popular bag brands, so I researched some sites and found some other bags that I liked, and disliked for several reasons. Because I don't have access to most of the bags, as they are custom made and shipped out independently, I can't test them myself. So these reviews are rather preliminary.


Ortlieb "Velocity" roll top bag
$130

Ortleib gets rave reviews from several bike forums I looked at, and the bag that received the most praise was the "Velocity". I have to say a major reason why I like this bag so much is the color- it matches my bike perfectly. But practically, this bag is made of nylon fabric for water resistance. This bag is NOT water proof, but "splash resistant"; and it is "dust proof" described as impenetrable to dust. I don't think dust is a major concern in the Richmond area as much as rain water is. However, the "Velocity" has a slimmer shape than some of Ortleib's other bags, and has been reviewed as a better buy, and a safer buy, due to the fact it won't obstruct your vision when looking behind you. Personally, besides the color, I don't find the "Velocity" all that aesthetically pleasing, and over all a bit took bulky. I prefer Chrome's "Pawn" if only for the fact that its pockets help break up the strong lines, and give some shape to it. However, Ortleib's price is certainly sweetening the deal.

Freight Baggage Roll Top
($230*)

Freight Baggage is a retailer based out of San Francisco, CA and takes orders through email only. A ball park estimate of the bag pictured (size medium) is about $230, *but depending on the colors you want, and shipping, that is subject to change. These bags look more manageable in size (for my girlish figure) and have ample storage space, unlike Ortleib's "Velocity". Freight's bags are water proof and are almost completely customizable, however you don't have any clear pictures available on the site of what the colors look like. The customization is ideal for my situation, but the price tag and possible shipping costs from CA aren't.

Seal Line is offering a true bucket bag here. I imagine I could take all my laundry without struggling, and also pack for a train ride home quite comfortably. A guy in my Religious studies course had one of these bags and I had always wondered what brand it was. The only draw back I see is its bucket shape, but the color selection makes up for it. The material used is a PU-coated polyester with urethane detailing. From what I saw of the bag in person, and from this material's description, I can only imagine that this bag is ridiculously slippery when wet. I'm not sure how I would like that. However, the roll top provides the water proof seal, and the closure is simple and effective. The price isn't too shabby either.


Timbuk2 "Hemlock"
$100.00

Tibuk2, another popular brand among VCU students, just recently came out with the "Hemlock" bag, the first roll top in Timbuk2's line of messenger bags. A friend of mine has this bag, and it's.... in a word... really cute. I'm drawn to the orange, but being me, I can't bring myself to buy the same exact bag as someone else. I wish Timbuk2 would come out with a customizing feature for this model, or just some other colors! The bag looks great, the price is right, but it doesn't carry the lifetime guarantee like Chrome, or the waterproofing like Seal Line, Freight, and Chrome. And it seems like that is something I just gotta have.


Timbuk2's other new arrival is the "Swig". It isn't a roll top, but the colorful flap sure is nice. This bag is also customizable, so the price is subject to change*, but their color options include cool tones, warm tones, reflective materials for night riding, and also blank artist's canvas which opens up a bunch of creative options for you artsy types. I, for some reason, have my heart set on a roll top, but this bag is nice in its own right. And the price isn't sooo bad. Even if it doesn't have the water proofing or the lifetime guarantee.


So which will I choose? I think I'll wait until my next paycheck arrives to tackle that debate.

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