O Christmas Tree

My x-mas tree for the dorm. I made it outta the ball-n-stick kits we use for organic chemistry. Sorry for the blurry picture, but trust me, it's a cute lil' craft I must say.

Tis finals week, and all through the dorms, not a student was partying, not even the sluts. Ha, but seriously, it's been pretty rough. It's almost over though. Tonight I have my second to last final (MCB251), then Philisophy at 8am on thursday. My finals schedule kinda blew since there was no real good way to prioritize my study time. Take my final tonight- I spent all weekend on Chem and my take home essay for Anth. So I had Chem yesterday, leaving me a day to review for 251... haven't even started to think about Phil either.

Earlier today I had to go and teach hs kids how to make ice cream with liquid nitrogen for my chem volunteer program. Pretty enjoyable, but the kids were a little too 'Dangerous Minds' for me (check it out- Michelle Pfieffer is a badass).

I like how I complained about needing time to study by blogging. I suck.

-Peace and Pleasant Dreams

Three Week Run

I See You... that picture was taken the thursday before break. I covered my glasses in foil- trust me, it looks freaking sweet on photobooth, thermal camera setting.

...and I'm back on campus- Yay and meh at the same time. It's always good to be back in Chambana, but the coldness and impending finals really does put a damper on the situation.

Break was nice, an unorthodox Guillet Thanxgiving as usual, and overall, spending time with the hometown pals was quite the welcome treat. Did some black friday shopping at 5am- never agian, but I did come out with the 30Rock Season 1 DVD, so not all was tragic. Biggest crapshoot was that I got sick...thanx dad.

I have two tests this week, both chem, both freaking me out. Having tests right after break- not cool. Then finals all next week. Home the 19th.

Just wanna skip to friday, as we all do.

-Peace and Pleasant Dreams

My Future's So Bright

I Gotta Wear Shades.

Well this week (and weekend) was carazy. After getting through my test wednesday (which I rawked), and the labs on thursday, it was smooooothsailing. Went to a surprise party saturday- very classy indeed. Pasta dinner, (crosstraining), and some ole fashioned charades. Twas very fun, so fun that I ended up crashing in the fetal position on my friend's bed for a good hour and a half. Then friday I went to a shades party- also quite enjoyable. I just love when you can go someplace, hang and talk to random people.

Today though, I just took it easy- twas supposed to go to a sports themed party, but I just couldn't do a three-peat. Leave that to the Chi-town Bulls in their heyday. A shame, I woulda rawked the knee high sox, sweat band and shorty short shorts. Tonite is for working on my philosophy paper (kinda), and chillin' in general.

MCB251 test next wednesday, so back to the books tommorow.

Ughm.

-Peace and Pleasant Dreams

"Here in These Deep City Lights"

I went around the other night taking pictures of random lights with my friend's camera, but it ran outta batteries pretty quickly... I got this nice shot though.

Another crazy week spent on giving my life up to biology and chemistry. I had a test yesterday that I studied a lot for, hopefully that pays off. Then today, I had a quiz and labs due in chem, ughm. However, that is all over and behind me. Time to relax...kinda.

I need to start looking for a place to live next year...about that...I'm such a procrastinator.

Jess is back in the states- that makes me happy.

Going out tonite- I deserve it.

Next weekend is thanxginving break- 9 days of pure unadulterated awesome (hopefully). Just in time too.

O and I have a mohawk again. We once again did not have electric clippers, so we resorted to scissors and half a bag of disposable razors...again.

-Peace and Pleasant Dreams

V is for...

Happy Guy Fawkes Day. However, V stands for Victory this time.

I have seriously never been more proud to be a part of this country.


...pic sent into Threadless for street team pts... (GOBAMA)

-Peace and Pleasant Dreams

A Festive Time

Halloween(ish)- I didn't know what I was that night, but looking back, I'm gonna go with the love child of Cruella DeVille and Brett Michaels...asian style.

Happy November folks- enjoy the spring-like weather hwhile it lasts.

This past weekend was quite fun. I had to go home for Halloween weekend, but I didn't mind. Got to hang with the hometown friends and the siblings and their friends. Fun times indeed- inebriated kareoke and a soccer mom straddling a giant whiskey bottle sums it up quite well. As for me, I was a sailor- a sexy sexy sailor.

Then on saturday was my sis's engagement party, also enjoyable. It was like something outta My Big Fat Greek (scratch that, Filipino) Weddding, especially since the only guests from Jon (the fiance's) side was his parents. Meh- they fit in just fine, especially after a few dranks ha. Very nice addition to the family.

vOted tOday. I capitalized the Os for a reason...

-Peace and Pleasant Dreams

Chirality

Chiral- it sounds derogatory, but tisn't.

As you may have guessed, I have another test this week- CHEM232 exam deux. It's gonna be epic...in a bad way. O well, that's what a curve is for (hopefully).

This weekend was pretty nice. Went out on friday, stayed in saturday, and studied today. The weather is starting to take a turn for the brisk, but I'm good with that.

Aside from the test on wednesday, I need to meet with my advisor to pick my next classes. That's gonna bite- I don't really wanna hear about all the stuff I need to do for my major. There's just so much to think about right now- schedules, classes, james scholar requirements, housing (haven't even started looking), lollipops, unicorns, narwhals, penny candies...yup, lots of stuff indeed.

Home next weekend for the sis's engagement party. Watch out CL, I'm-ma comin!

-Peace and Pleasant Dreams

*Update: So I just got back from a review session that went an hour over schedule, and we were told the average for this test is a 28%....2-8...twenty-eight...percent. Bogus. I mean, why give a test when it's that hard? Obviously, we are all decent students here at the u 'o' i. There's no point in giving a test when you know half of it will make no sense whatsoever to basically all the students. Rant over.

(28)

Sea Cow

Me and Maria Bamford! Gosh durn I heart her. So. much...<3

So it's Saturday. I'm in for the night- at first with the intention of getting some homework done, but to no avail. Whatever- it's all good- just spending a relaxing night watching some South Park, Office, Criminal Minds, etc. It feels good.

Yesterday, besides seeing the comedy show, I stopped by a friend's place and we played Mario Party- old school N64 style...what up, step to this. Very fun night indeed.

"I'm like a sea cow. Yea, I see the motorboat coming, but this is where I F*@!ing swim!" -MB

-Peace and Pleasant Dreams

"Sound of Settling"

Death Cab! On Sunday a bunch of the hometown crew came down to Chambana to see them. I swiped this pic from Agnes...meh, I was the one who got the shots for her anyway. They were so good live and we had such good spots on the floor. Sorry I quoted their most known song (minus indie cred points for me). Honestly though, I haven't heard much of their stuff 'til the concert, but they were such good musicians, it didn't matter. They rawk sox.

So yea, the weekend was thuroughly enjoyable- hanging with the CL-ites is always a blast. It kinda sucked that the concert was on Sunday though, cuz it really messed me up for the start of the week. But I think I'm fine now. I had my second MCB250 exam- difficult of course, but I didna leave crying so that's always a good thing. O and I got my two shirts in the mail today- one from ashley bedore and the other from threadless, both quite facemelting.

Coming home Halloween weekend for my sister's engagement party. Bitersweet- Halloween on campus was awesome last year, but I'm sure I'll have lots of fun hanging with Lugo and the rest back home for the holiday. And o yes, family is always a pleasure.

Maria Bamford on Friday- getting excited. I hope she stays around after the show and I hope I get to at least say hi...she and Tina Fey are the best comediennes hands down.

-Peace and Pleasant Dreams

Autumn is for the Awesome

Happy October! This is a photo from last year, but it gets the job done. So this weekend I got to go home. Just chilled, hung with some pals, and got away from the craziness of campus life. But now, as always, my week is packed, but I do have reason to celebrate soon. For now though, tonight I have a MCBlab test. Wish me luck. As for last weeks CHEM test- 57%- ouch...but wait! With the curve... a respectable B, ha- gotta love those kinda classes.

SUNDAY(10/12)- Death Cab Concert
TUESDAY(10/14)- Sarah Silverman Program Vol2 comes out
FRIDAY(10/17)- Comedy Show with MARIA BAMFORD!

-if I just keep those dates in mind, I won't go crazy

-YOUTUBE video to watch: Homage to the Rabbits (from SYTYCD)

-Peace and Pleasant Dreams

Bonus!

O aren't you lucky- and extra post today!

It's a poem...so, yea...don't laugh...out loud.

Looking back, I kinda got a patriotic vibe from it, but my take was a little more "we did it all for the glory of love"...whatever, take as you will...

(MEDIC)
Let's show them
Let's show them our cuts, our wounds;
our bumps, our bruises

Let's show them our gashes and scars;
broken ribs and bloody knees

Let's show them
show them all

Take off the sling
unwrap the bandages;
let the blood fall.

Let's show them
just how hard we fought...

just how God damn hard we fought.

A parade?
F*ck that.

Malfunctioning

Taken on my friend's Mac. photoboof: a waste of time for a whole lotta narcissism. Anywho, I read my last couple posts, and it seems like I talk about my science classes alot...and today will be no exception.What can I say, it's my major and it's a pain in the Alanine-Serine-Serine (or Angle-Side-Side for all you math majors). So yea, MCB and CHEM are really starting to kick in, which bites b/c I am so not in the swing of things yet. In fact, I missed a whole online hw asignment last week in 250. O well, I think we get to drop some of those so it'll be fine. Aside from that- or better yet- on top of that, I have a very big CHEM test tomorrow which I don't feel too confident about. I'm gonna do a lil' bit more studying tonite, but after that, I can only hope for the best. So yea, 232 test tomorrow, 251 test next week, labs, more labs, and o yea...labs.

As for non-scientific news, I gots my two papers done for PHIL and ANTH, which is a miracle considering how much I spend actually focusing on those subjects. Writing the PHIL paper just made me hate the class more- two revisions, and a whole lotta cursing on my part. ANTH was pretty straight forward- short, sweet, and painless.

Going home this weekend- twill be grand.

But for now, I've just recently hit the ground, and now I'm running...

fast.

I am Jack's white knuckles, gripping the stress ball.

-Peace and Pleasant Dreams

All Work & No Play?

I think not.

About last post... I guess I didn't get to stay in and chill as much as I had first planned. Meh. The weekend was enjoyable nonetheless. I went to a sweet dance party saturday- haven't been able to dance that much (or that epicly ha) in quite a while. Twas very stress-relieving.

Anywho, school's going well, but there is just SO MUCH to do. Between labs, papers, and a group presentation, these next couple weeks are going to be a trip. In fact, we figured out in lab on tuesday that people in MCB250/251 and CHEM232/233 have tests every week starting next wednesday until THANXGIVING BREAK. Errrrrgggggg. Not to mention the other two classes I barely have time to pay attention to, yet need just as much focus on.

Hopefully it'll all work out.

Mkay, now I need to work on my labs. Ughm.

-Peace and Pleasant Dreams

Made it. Count it.

I got bored last night and this is what came of it.

This week was unbelievably and superfluously laborious for it being the fourth week of school. I had a test in MCB, labs in both my science classes, really confusing online homework... the list just goes on. I think I met up with friends to study or do homework at night 5 outta the 7 days. Lame. Anywho, that's all done with now. The weekend's here and that's all that matters- I made it! I think I'm gonna take it easy tonight and saturday- let myself unwind from the stressful week and just coast. There's a lot more weekends and plenty of time to be a college student, in the most debaucherous and stereotypical ways that is.

Tonight I think I'm going over to my friend's apartment to have a nice "home"-cooked dinner. That'll be fun if it goes down. Other than that, I'm just gonna bum around :)

O and I did pretty well on my test, if you must know- no thanks to my TA. That's right, my TA for MCB cannot explain his way outta a paper bag. (If you ever read this Quin, I'm sorry, but...yeah.) Actually come to think of it, most of my TAs are none too helpful. Good intentions, bad pedagogy.

Mkay, vent over.

-Peace and Pleasant Dreams

Amino Acids

So I am (trying) to study for this crazy hard test in MCB. It sucks b/c all the stuff we were given in lecture is all basically review (proteins, dna, pH, etc), yet the test and hw questions are very abstract and take a lot of "application" and "sythesis" of knowledge- ughm. Anywho, so now I've decided to stay in tonite to at least put a small dent in the material. However, I get easily distracted and end up on the computer, for example...blogging. I decided to take a break for a bit, but I'm not gonna let myself fully shut down. Right now, I'm trying to learn the amino acids, so I'll compromise between work and play by reviewing all 20 amino acids (by memory) in this post! Here it goes:

HYDROPHOBIC: Leucine, Isoleucine, Methionine, Proline, Valine, Alanine, and Glycine; HYDROPHILIC: Glutamine, Cysteine, Asparagine, Threonine, and Serine; ACIDIC: Aspartate and Glutamate; BASIC: Histidine, Argniine, and Lysine; AROMATIC: Phenylalanine, Tyrosine, and Tryptophan.

Woot. That wasn't so bad. However, we need to also know each amino acid's 3-letter abbr, 1-letter abbr, and overall structure. This would explain the picture. It's kinda fun drawing all the compounds- there is some sort of aesthetic and geometric beauty when laying all the intricacies out, but it's still a b*tch trying to memorize them...

Tyrosine, an Aromatic. Tyr. Y.

-Peace and Pleasant Dreams

Scientifique

Funny Pants Party- the most fun one can have with one's pants on!

I told you I would try and keep updated.

Anywho, so this week has been fine so far. I'm really starting to get down and do some actual homework, a majority of which is for MCB and CHEM...and their respective labs. I just had my MCB lab yesterday- first of all it was four hours long, and this particular lab was a complete clusterfark. Even our TA was cognizant of the fact that both she and the class were totally bombing and butchering the info at hand (genetic regulation and the lac operon, intruiging I'm sure). Whatever, it's not like this course is too important... it's just a requirement for my major is all ha. Yea, so that went down, and now I have my CHEM lab tomorrow- no biggie, just check in, so that's kinda nice.

Too much online homework, plus I really don't trust technology. It feels like the computer is learning new stuff and getting smarter without me when I turn it off at night... yea I stole that joke from somewhere, don't know where tho...

-Peace and Pleasant Dreams

Proud Mary Keep on...

Well hullo again. It's been a smidge since last time, but I'm trying to be good about keeping this thing updated- aiming for at least thrice a month. Anywho, yea, things have been going well. School's...well, school. Classes are starting to get down to business ("raw and dirty" as my chem proffessor would say tehe). It's only been two weeks, so there's a lot more to come...darn.

It's no surprise, but I have been enjoying the weekends here much, much more than the actual week. Also, I think I'm enjoying the weekends much more than I did as a freshman- probably because I actually have things to do. It's nice not having to be conscious of "looking" for friends and wondering what you're gonna be doing at night. This year it's more about establishing those solid friends, and taking it from there, apartment parties and all ha. Case in point, the pic above is from labor day weekend, spent with some very cool people.

So just a recap of the last two weeks: classes- three day weekend/ four day celebracion- classes- celebracion- funny pants party-

Within that recap was a lot of Jimmy John's...a lot.

(Rolling)

-Peace and Pleasant Dreams

Sophomore

Wisconsin- one of the las hurrahs for this summer :)

Ello- so here I am back in chambana. Summer was fun, but I sense it being one of the last summers which I'll remember later on as being grouped in my 'young and fun' days. sigh. Anywho, so I'm just starting to get back in the swing of things- must start focusing...thinking...being an adult. It's overwhelming for sure, but I believe in providence unfinished. If you don't get that last figure of speech, it's because it's new and I'm starting it. You are welcome to use it; Avant garde of me I know ha.

Until again...

-Peace and Pleasant Dreams

Chicago

Last Sunday my pal Lisa and I decided to meet up in Chicago for the day, so right after church I hopped on the train to the city. I forgot how relaxing and fun the train is. O and also another friend of mine, Emily, was also on the train by coincidence, so that was another plus.

Anywho, Chicago was pretty cool- no real plans, just a lot of walking in the hot summer sun. Hit the predictable attractions- Millenium Park and whatnot, and shopped a smidge on State St. Next time, we'll have a better plan and hit up some more interesting spots.

Moving on to today- hung out with Lauren D. We ran some errands, then got some people together for a kithcen sink at Colonial- noice.

As always, work is lame, although I'm done in one week, which is just lovely. I'm looking forward to actually trying to get some trips together (Wisconsin and whatnot). Hopefully that will all work out.

It's almost over kids- get your tans on while it lasts.

-Peace and Pleasant Dreams

Let Them Eat...

Cake. So yea, a couple of days ago, we decided to bake, something which I haven't done in quite some time. Back in the day, it seemed liked we would bake cake and other treats just about everytime we met up- yea we were tre chic ha. Anywho, instead of the usual yellow cake and choco frosting, we went with a something different this time. Twas vanilla cake with butterceam frosting and a layer of strawberry jam- the recipe was on the side o the box, however our cake didna come out quite as perfect as the picture on said box.

I'm guessing that any remnant of my coolness just went out the window with this last post...all about cake... meh.

-Peace and Pleasant Dreams

A Midsummer Recap

Downtown CL Clock- all hail to the quiant pleasant suburb.

Yup, it has once again been a-hwhile, but...meh. Things have been good- not overly awesome, but fun and relaxing nonetheless. I'm watching Ace of Cakes right now, so it's all good and dandy.

Anywho, work's been fine- I'm working a little more than planned right now since one dishwasher was fired and another (the fired guy's brother) quit. Now that's some sibling love. Well at least I'm making bank...bitches...ha.

Other than work, there's not much more to speak of. Just doing the same old with the amigos- it's nice because I get off work at 6PM at the latest, leaving me the night.

So yea, now you know.

-Peace and Pleasant Dreams

Crzzzystal Lizzake

It's been ahwhile, but with good reason. My brosef got a new laptop and took the internet hub with him...down into the basement. Therefore, my computer -on the second floor- has now been temporarily handicapped netwise.

Being home has been fine. Things are pretty slow, but are speeding up- Jess and Shai are home today, so that's a plus. The band's starting to come together- relearning the piano is tough sometimes, but fun.

As for a job, I got called in yesterday to start at Finn McCool's- it was kinda haphazard. They had just fired someone and called me in to replace him. Although it's less hours and the same position I had than last summer (dishwasher), I got to start earlier this time around and now for higher wage.

M'kay then, until again.

-Peace anf Pleasant Dreams

Outtie

Greenhouses- won't be walking past these again until August.

Done with finals- made it out pretty well. I think I salvaged a B(-) in chemistry, knock on wood. Yup, so my parents will be coming in aboot 12 hours- hopefully I can just sleep until then so I don't hafta wait. Pretty excited, but not for moving back in- lotsa shat I gotta move...ughm. It's been a good year indeed. Let's hope the next will be even more splendid. That would be prime.

Next post from the CL :)

-Peace and Pleasant Dreams

Last Few Days

So I haven't had a final since friday, and my last one is tomorrow, which means that I spent the last couple days doing absolutely nothing. Actually, I did do some stuff on the weekends- bar and party, blah blah blah- but SunMonTues was one big blurred and boring mesh of lethargic mornings (1PM mornings that is), haphazard studying, and urges to do something outdoors. I've been running just so I can say I did something with the beautiful days, and to, well, just get out of the room in general ha.

Anywho, chemistry final tomorrow- been studying, but it's still gonna be a photofinish grade wise (B-/C+). I took the practice final and did pretty well, but then again we were told that the practice final was not a good measure of readiness for the actual final- I think that's effed up. I mean, for kreest sake, give us something a little more pertinent. Whatever, just thinking positive, aiming for that B- and the chance to stay a James Scholar.

Done for the school year tommorow, home on Friday. It's been really good, really fun, really quite noice. I'm gonna miss the people, the atmosphere, and the parties ha. But seriously, I will never look at a plastic solo cup the same way ever again.

(post "Hang In There" kitty here)

-Peace and Pleasant Dreams

Lullaby

Sing me the song that will bring eternity;
Show me the song of the stars.
Make me a lullaby from the sparrow's call
with the wind as the harmony high.

Sing of the dew drops on green grass this morn;
of the dancing autumn leaves.
Turn bubbling waves into lovely ballads
with lighting a heavy bass.

Paint me a picture of the world as it is
as it was
as it will be,
and I will be forever greatful.

Sing me the song that will bring eternity,

and I shall ever love you.

Laceration

Our eyes met when you passed,
Yours blank and cursory; Mine digging into your soul.

Your stride left a sublime rythym,
Each beat each step banging against my heart.

I turn in love struck compulsion,
but alas, my mouth dry,
my voice stolen,
my heart sinking.

Yes that day when our eyes met,
Yours blank and cursory;

Mine misty and teared.

For you'd never know.

-for you'd never know-

Monochrome Men

I know it isn't monochrome, but I was studying for my dance final and a piece called Dead Dreams of Monochrome Men by Lloyd Newson came up. It was a dance inspired by some homosexual serial killer in London- very romantic I know. We watched some of it in class, and I must say, for me at least, the title was the best thing about it. Anywho, yea, so now you know...

Today was relaxing. Woke up around noon and had breakfast with Shai and a friend who is thinking about coming here next year. So after eating, we walked to the Arboretum and Japan House. We found these two red tulips growing in the middle of a bunch of trees, practically at the root of one of them- both strange and beautiful (yea Aqualung).

So I gots some more studying done for geology and dance. Other than that, it's been chill. I need to actually go to my geology lecture tomorrow, seeing as it's the last one and I haven't been since the last exam...oops. Also tomorrow, I think I have to meet up with my group to finish our dance...lovely.

Fin.

-Peace and Pleasant Dreams

Old Man Riley

There is a picture I wanted to post here, but its pretty old (or at least old enough to be not have been taken on a digital). So let me just describe it: In front of the Alma Mater at night, 15 middle schoolers are grouped. We're in our awkward transition phases, aka braces, shabby clothes and an altogether grungy look. I'm still thin here, with a buzz cut and my favorite longsleeved red shirt. I miss that shirt...and those days.

The reason why I wanted to post this picture today was b/c this weekend was the annual Science Olympiad State competition here at U of I, an event I participated in almost 6 years ago. Seeing all those kids in the quad today just brought back some good memories of 8th grade. Memories of our team freaking out at Regionals when we found out we had made State (something our school had never done prior to then- count it). Memories of me and my friend Steve competing in 'Science Crime Busters' in Noyes Lab, not knowing how to do a damn thing. Of me sprinting through the quad b/c I was late to one of my other events ha. Anywho, it's just a trip thinking that now as a collegiate, I regularly walk the paths that my 8th grade self unfamiliarly scurried through years before. Incidently, right now I'm taking ATMS and GEOL, and those are two events which I got medals for- hweird.

Yes, time has certainly pulled a fast one. Of course, I'm still a youngin', but there are just some changes which are really making me feel old. Case in point: my sister getting engaged. Once again, hweird (but also very cool).

Alright then, back to studying geology...damn.

-Peace and Pleasant Dreams

On the Quay

Last summer- downtown for the Decemberists concert at Millenium Park. It was blazing that day, but twas worth it...especially for The Mariner. If you can't tell yet, I'm looking forward to summer.

So yea, things are going...well they're just going. Not horrible, not super awesome. Yesterday I got owned by my chemistry test (which by the way there is also a final for a mere week later wteff)- missed the whole front page, and got -32pts over all ha. Scaled up, it was a solid C. O , and did I mention that this class is where I'm supposed to get my James Scholar credit from? That means I need a B- or better in the class...well so much for that. Meh. Screw this noise- I'm doing so much worse this semester, which baffles me. Last semester I had 16 hrs, taking two sciences for my major- I did fine. This semester I have 13 hrs, taking 3 level 100 gen-eds, and I'm totally fecking up. Lame- I should just drop everything and become an Australian street performer...that would be prime. But seriously, Aus roks.

Anywho, finals are coming up soon. First two on wednesday (Apr30). That day is gonna blow- DANC100 final and group performances at 1PM (yes we have to actually dance as part of our final) and GEOL100 final at 7. I wanted to attend the PDP banquet (6PM), but if anything, I'll try to catch the last like half hour.

I'll be done with the rest of my finals by wednesday (May7). Then heading on home that friday/saturday. Then finding a job ASAP (Potbelly or Jamba?)

Derp-de-der.

-Peace and Pleasant Dreams

Bring in the Funk

Ello there.

So right now my life is in sort of a doldrom (vocabulary points for me). Anywho yea, been in sorta a funk. Dunno why, just am.

Perhaps it's because everything is winding down. It's all just a mellow blur right now. Also, I'm kinda still torn between wanting to be home and wanting to stay here. Meh.

Alrighty then, gonna try to snap outta it- on to something less melancholy (agian, vocab points for me). This weekend was once again quite enjoyable. On saturday, I joined up half way through the PDP apartment crawl- candle wax, spiked watermelon, and the indelible keystone. The PDP group is quite the cool bunch- kinda regret not finding them sooner. I believe I will be trying out for more plays through them next year- damn you theater, you (or better yet, I) just won't let go. Anywho, fun night indeed, with a bit of the awkward. Whatever- awkward is my life, chill is my game (ha lame).

Sunday I celebrated the day yea and verily- celebrated in a cemetery of all places, then at Britt's place. That was cool, although my celebrating could have easily been a contributor to my funk. Anywho, I'm done for awhile with that stuff.

Finals coming up. Chem test tomorrow. Should have studied more.

Instead Lisa and I gave me a mohawk today.

There I go again with my wonderful prioritizing.

Closing time...pack it in...hit the showers...

-Peace and Pleasant Dreams

Frankly Scarlet

So Lauryn called me today with the idea of starting a summer band. I think it'll be cool, and I hope we can actually do it. So yea, we talked for awhile, and already came up with the name Frankly Scarlet- a snipet from the famous Gone With the Wind quote. And being the lame-o that I am, I got bored and started to design stuff. So here is a sketch that would be cool- even if we don't form the band I still wanna make a shirt outta it ha. I drew it based off a popular movie still...it still needs some work, mostly with the lettering and making the woman look more womanly, but yea you get the idea.

Just a couple more weeks- very excite. However, I've basically checked out- can't function- lost all motivation. I'm just really looking forward to summer...I believe it twill be most awesome. All I've been doing is thinking and planning stuff to do (instead of focusing on homework ha). But yea, I'm itching for the end-(May 7).

Take it easy folks. We're at the homestretch.

-Peace and Pleasant Dreams

Back to Normal

"Sweet Wounded Jesus!" -Bat Boy Cast...we hots <3

So the musical was this weekend, and might I say it rawked a couple sox off. This whole experience was such a blast- it's really hard to see it come to an end. I enjoyed myself through every second of the process, and I can safely say that my cast (and crew) mates had some of the greatest chemistry that I have felt in a show in a while. Being in this production made me realize just how happy I am to be in college...it's all good right about now...

So now it back to old routine. I dunno, it's gonna take some time getting used to not seeing the same people every night and having a lot more freetime again. As effed up as my schedule was for the last month or so, I really got used to it and hardly minded- it was all too fun to care about the late nights...and the missed classes... Anywho, to sum it up this weekend was marvelous- hometown visitors, two facemelting performances, and some great times at the cast parties. Hope to keep in touch with the BB cast/crew- cool people indeed.

Now for homework...maybe not...

-Peace and Pleasant Dreams

Tech Week

...And commence of the hitting of the fan with shit. This week is really going to be a clusterfuck, but hopefully one which will end with an awesome show. There is a whole lotta stuff, both for the show and school, that needs to get done this week. So instead of actually putting a dent in my massive to-do list, I'm gonna tell you about my upcoming week. I am such a great prioritizer.

MONDAY- class registration, practice

TUESDAY- ATMS 100 online hw due, REACT meeting 10AM, practice

WEDNESDAY- CHEM 104 thq due, DANC critique due, cast dinner, CHEM 104 test, practice

THURSDAY- GEOL 100 hw due, CHEM 105 online hw pt1 due, practice

FRIDAY- CHEM105 online hw pt2 and write up due, performance

SATURDAY- performance

Practices this week are going from 6/7 to whenever we finish. Long nights every night, which suck considering my test and mandatoy (8AM) lab this week for the one class that I really should be caring about. A lot, a lot, A LOT to still iron out, but I'm still thinking that we'll be able to put something pretty sweet together. Whatever happens, it's all good- we hots. Alrighty then, class at one tomorrow (I'm skipping GEOL (9AM) again- lovely).

BAT BOY: The Musical
April 4 and 5 - 8PM
Gregory Hall (112)
tickets $8 at the door

-Peace and Pleasant Dreams

Deux...

Another one from last saturday...we fit a lot of people in that kitchen

Anywho, so you know how every other week has gone by shreally fast...well of course this one is painstaking slow. It sucks so diddly-damn much.Two more days- here's what they look like:

Thursday: 10AM GEOL- 12PM CHEM- 1PM ATMS
8-11PM BB dance rehearsal

Friday: 8AM CHEM LAB- 12PM CHEM
3PM- heading on home :)

Very excite for friday, mostly since I don't have to take a bus (thank you Schaefer). Done with midterms as of today- lovely. The weather is getting a lot better...warm enough for me to wear the cutoffs.

Makes me smile...

I miss home, but once I get their, I'll remember why I like college so much. I think a week is a perfect time to be home- not too long (like winter break). Don't think summer won't be too bad, though, seeing as I'll (hopefully) have a job, and therefore money. Meh...

-Peace and Pleasant Dreams

One Week...Shit's Weak

Apparently I like to climb things at times when I probably shouldn't in the least. O and that wet spot tis not pee- I guess I "let" Hania spill her rum and coke on me after I spilled mine on her...so I guess that's why my pants smelled really sweet in the morning ha.

So anywho, this week was pretty fun, mostly due to the last part of it aka the weekend. Yet another fast one- paid my March bill, did some homework, took some quizzes, the usual. Friday I had to watch a danse recital at the Krannert for my DANC100 class- pretty cool and pretty creepy at the same time. I guess you really can do anything on stage and deem it modern dance. Then I went to a friend's place to watch some TV, specifically Legends of the Hidden Temple <3.

Saturday was a real trip. Started off with working on some set pieces for the musical at my director's haus- paper machéd a huge rock and sewed a few animal tails for the orgy scene ha. Then back to the dorms for a bit- skipped on dinner, then back to the aforementioned apartment for some cast bonding. Twas fun to the utmost- apples to apples, circle o death, never have i ever- all with the requisite booze. Safe to say that it was a pants-shittingly drunk night (if you didna guess, that's where the pic is from). Like unofficial all over again, except better- schwasted by like 10:30, and the night wasn't over. After bonding/liver pwnage, we jumped on the 22 to yet another party, where we continued to drink up. So yea, good night all in all...great friggin' night.

Alrighty folks, I'm realy cutting into my midterm-studying time...right...

...one week til spring break...yip

-Peace and Pleasant Dreams

Defrosting

Engineering Quad- Orange Sculptue Thing.

So anywho, it is starting to warm up down here, although we can just as easily go back to our perpetually frigid phase- let's hope not. The weather today was maravilloso- not too hot, and a light breeze at that. Liz and I sat at our regular spot on a cement-slabbed heater and I finished my lunch while we talked and soaked up the loverliness of spring.

This week was pretty fast, like all others. Unofficial was this weekend- ha. Jess came down to visit, but she gave up drinking for Lent, so she drove while Eliza and I wet our whistles. Yea, so it was cool, but I could have easily gone for a movie and cake baking night over mingling with the inebriates on Green Street any day :). I actually enjoyed the day after unofficial more- breakfast at Bob Evan's (at like 2PM). Then later that night, I went to a party with the theater company. That was a good time- not too drunk, but right at that perfect buzz.

Anyways, two more weeks 'til Spring Break (CABOOOO!!! lol). I can wait, but I do indeed miss home. O and it's me berfday soon, so that'll be fun.

Just gotta keep it goin'. It's all good right now. Still smiling.

-Peace and Pleasant Dreams

"I'm King, and They Know It"

Don't mess- I can and will let heads roll. Anywho, once again, it has been quite awhile. Nothing real new though- crappy weather and crappier classes. Musical practice is going, but I'm really curious as to see whether or not we can get everything done- it's a really complicated production for such a small cast. Whatever, it'll all be fun no matter what.

So yea, haven't been home since the start of the semester, and I won't be making it back for the CLS musical. Guess I'm coming home next during Spring Break. Meh- my parents aren't even home anyways (trip to egypt- pretty sweet I must say).

O and the picture is from saturday- party at the frat next door. First time throwing up, but it was fun up until then I guess ha. Perhaps I'm just getting ready for unofficial...Alrighty then, until again folk.

-Peace and Pleasant Dreams

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3

Last week of school senior year. My friends, they shall be my Valentine.

So nothing momentous since last time we met...Basically the tests are starting to roll in. Had ATMS today, GEOL on thurs, CHEM quiz and lab on fri, and test next week. Lamestix.

The pops still hasn't entered funds into the account to pay for tuition. I want to pay it soon, though, because I waited till the day before last semester and the line sucked. Also, I just wanna get cutting a check for 11 grand over with ASAP- writing out a check that big really makes me feel paranoid. O, and another thing...I just need money in general- need to buy, well, stuff...

Practice for the musical started up recently. It's been cool so far. If anything, the cast is pretty cool, and that's all that matters with me- just make me laugh and we'll be fine. I think this show can really be quite the hit...the music is campy, but catchy. So yea, hope that turns out facemelting-ly.

Anywho, long day...need to study...need to sleep more though.

-Peace and Pleasant Dreams

February So Far

Once again, I am without camera, so it's time for another trip down memory lane...but not too far down. Cake making with the gang...baking- it just seems to be our go to thing. Now if we only found a way to drink AND bake, then we would be on to something.

So yea, not much going on. Voted on tuesday- OBAMA!, (meant) to get ashes today, and giving blood tomorrow- damn I feel like an American. So yea, just getting into the flow of things again- trying to get back on track in chemistry, and I think its working (knock on wood). Meteorology lame, geology boring, and dance marginally enjoyable. It's a good stress releaser, but I always end up getting called out to perform in front of the class. I guess I move pretty contemporarily when it comes to some things, but most times, I really have no idea what's going on. Therefore, it usually ends up with the teach calling me out for "good" form, and then me proceeding to make an ass outta myself when I eff up the choreography. O well, it's all in good fun anyhow- I really don't care about messing up, 'cause basically the whole class is in the same boat as me.

On to the financial news of the hour:
Tuition for Spring 2008 at UIUC: $11,631.00- holy bejesus.

Well I guess it's off to the national bank of...(mom and dad). You know, sometimes I forget how good I gots it. My sis told me about how her friends are still paying back loans. Neither of my bro or sis ever saw a single loan in their whole college stint, and they still got new cars for graduation (it's kinda a tradition now I guess...(insert dream car here)...so yea, better make someting good outta myself- nobody likes a middle class suburbanite who can't make it in the real world.

Anyways, I just wrote a whole damn lot...

-Peace and Pleasant Dreams

Jesus H. Tapdancing Christ

A recap of the weather today:

10AM- relatively warm. The ATMS TA said there was an expected high of 50 that would end at before noon. Then there would be a sudden dropoff. Didn't know how sudden...

12PM- still pretty nice. A little damp, but just fine for me.

2PM- hard, hard, HARD rain. It was also pretty dark.

7PM- crazy ass, cold and windy weather. I had to walk to the quad and it seemed like the wind was against me with every turn.

-so now I'm back in the dorm, defrosting.
DAMN YOU MOTHER NATURE!!!

-Peace and (Warm) Pleasant Dreams

Damn Damn Damn

So I never got to showing off my new do 'til now... so there you go. I've finally gotten used to it, but my hair grows so fast, so I guess I'll be on my way to my normal hair in about a month or two.

This weekend was pretty damn sweet. I didn't get home Friday night until like 5AM, (which I guess was technically Saturday morning- meh). Good thing I was just next door at the frat house. Anywho, this weekend was cool, which just makes going back to class tomorrow extra sucky. I did most of my homework today (begrudgingly), and now have a couple of LONG-ass readings for Dance lecture. Grr- must focus- I basically failed my first two quizzes in Chem, so I really need to get my shit together.

Wish me luck, and ditto to you all :)

-Peace and Pleasant Dreams

Lame Poetry Corner

So I just watched Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Confusing at first, but a damn good movie overall. During it, I got the impulse to write a poem- yes I do occasionally write poetry, wanna fight about it?!? Anywho, nothing too deep, just felt like writing.

'Clementine'

We were nineteen
Too young for romance
Too old for puppy love

Too young for marriage
Too old for prom

Too stupid to think straight
Too naive to care

We were nineteen
with tattered jean
and a pack of cigs

Too young for romance

Too young to care.

Never leave me.

You like? Well nobody asked you! Wait, I just did...damn. Alrighty then. Take care of yourselves folks.

-Peace and Pleasant Dreams

<3 3-Day Weekends

There is no better way to start off the semester than with a three-day weekend the very first week back. And to sweeten the pot, the hometown friends came for a visit.

Friday- Sarah Silverman Program, 8AM Chem Lab, Noon Chem Discussion, four hour nap, Tony and Ryan, dinner, Wonder Showzen, Moonstruck, Agnes and Sam, Lisa and friend, Shai and friends, friends of age, Circle of Death, 22N to a bathroom.

Saturday- Lunchtime, Julia, bookstore, Moonstruck, bowling, Chinese, Pictionary, Scatergories, locked in a closet, TKE, dancing, mass confusion, Jimmy John's, lies and a turkey baster.

Sunday- Day w/o Shai for a while, Chipotle and Za's, Gamestop, Walgreens, Pictionary and Hair Dye, Mohawk, late night, bowling, Moonstuck, Scatergories, Insomnia Cookies, the first ten minutes of Mean Girls.

So Jules, Ry, and Tonz just left after lunch today. This weekend was really one of the funnest times I've had here on campus. Good times indeed. So now I guess it's back to the books. Meh.

-Peace and Pleasant Dreams

Back to School

I gots the hoodie from my sister for christmas. H&M organic cotton and such-the zipper is a cool 'concept', but a tad impractical.

Break was just peachy. I don't remember the 4 weeks in detail, but that's probably 'cuz I didna do that much- just relaxing, hanging with friends, and catching up on some good times. It was cool because I got to 'rekindle' some friendships, some that I didna think I would. So here goes a quick recap of the break (to my best memory):

-Woodfield- Jamba Juice- purple cardigan- Christmas with family- sledding- friends- friends- more friends- smokin tokin not takin authority too seriously- New Years: bloody cieling, rice, and ponytails- thumb master- puppy chow and kite runner- professional looking cake- photoshoot (see Ryan's photoblog)- Wonder Showzen- *Mexico*- sleep- more sleep- too much sleep-

So now I'm back at college. I came a day early- paid like a $20 fee to stay in my own room. There was no one here last night- just me and Ping Pong (I named him that since I assumed he was a foreign exchange student). Slept til like 10AM when my roomie came back. Then I went to buy my textbooks- $540 aka too much.

Here's to a New Year and a new semester.

-Peace and Pleasant Dreams