Bears, Beets, Battlestar Galactica

 Yesterday I busted out my colored jeans, black and white striped peplum top, and my mary-jane ballet flats. Man, I liked this outfit. I felt comfortable and cool all at once. That hardly ever happens. 

Here's the view from one of "my" offices. It's actually my professor's office but I spend quite a bit of my time in here towards the beginning of the week. How could you not love going to work? Look how pretty those books look on the shelves. 

 Today I got to bust out my Office shirt. If you've never seen this episode, please consider yourself deprived and look it up immediately! 

This evening, one of my writing center buddies, Amy, and I attended our first session of the GTA Academy. Basically, the sessions are supposed to provide teaching assistants practical skills to apply in the classroom. They provided dinner which were sandwiches of the most delectable variety, chips, cookies, etc. I ended up having two wraps and taking three with me. (Lunch tomorrow and Thursday!) Gluttony? Nah. College life.

On our break, I had to go outside because I was getting goose-pimpled. I ran back inside for my phone so I could snap a picture to capture this moment in time. The weather was perfect: high 70's, light breeze, bright sun. And the setting just called for a photo op. I'll never forget how I felt this day. 

I finally gathered enough courage to wear socks and oxfords. I like it. Just maybe with a different outfit... 

Anyway, keep it real, treat yo self, and make it through the week, baby.

Allons-y!

image via tumblr

Even though sometimes I feel like there is not enough coffee in the world to cure the tired that I feel on Wednesdays and Thursdays, grad school just keeps getting better and better. They always say that college is supposed to be the best time of your life but I don't think I ever really felt seriously about it until now. I'm so privileged to be paid to do the one thing in life that never fails to make me happy with some of the brightest and wittiest people I have ever met. You would think there would be some ego trips in a group of Master's students, but we're all just normal people who like to laugh and talk about British TV, The Office, Parks & Rec, Freud jokes, and the wonder of Modcloth (the boys not so much on that one). 

Amy says that I have a pretty good collection of work wear. I've had quite a few things for awhile and have slowly been adding tops, sweaters, and dresses through the summer. I was even told by someone who saw me for the first time on campus, "You look like a teacher!" And I just smiled and said, "I'm trying." 

I love Thursdays even though my mind is basically slush by that time. Julie and I get lunch and my writing center comrades and I all have two hours together to get dinner before our night class. We had Asian last week, Qdoba this week, and it'll be pizza next week. It's strange to throw a group of us together and have us all work so well with one another.

Yesterday I went for sushi and we decided to try the Alaska roll, tempura roll with eel, caterpillar roll, and of course, the good old California roll. Had it not been for the prodding of my company, I don't think I would have been so brave but I basically just tied the napkin 'round my neck and dug in. :)

Julie introduced me to a band that really just makes my heart smile, called Jukebox the Ghost. They played at the Waterfront this Wednesday and a couple of my writing center buddies went and liked them. They were Rachel's favorite band and they dedicated a song to her. :) I wish I could've gone but I had more work than I ever thought was possible to make it through in one night. 

image via imdb

And to all the true Whovians out there, allons-y!

Head & Heart

 Life has been really strange lately. I couldn't have ever imagined that this was how my summer would turn out but sometimes life surprises you and you have to roll with the punches. My boyfriend of a year and a half and I broke up a few weeks ago. We'd gone through a break, gotten back together, and struggled to make things work like they had in the past. I don't blame him for anything. He was a good boyfriend and a great person but sometimes people just aren't meant to be together forever. And it's not because of someone's need to feel miserable and wander the earth forever, taking on, like, a zillion sexual partners like the Bloomsbury Group, but rather something in their head and their heart. So from one blogger (or reader) to another, I am here to say I'm sorry for the hurt I've caused; the confusion; and to those of you who may still think of me as the bad guy, all I can say is that grudges really take a toll on your soul and it's better to just forgive and forget. I hold no grudges.

Beyond all of that, I've been knitting up a storm, hanging out with my friends, preparing for school, going to orientations, and I just finished season 4 of Breaking Bad on Netflix and it was a pretty explosive ending!

I have another grad school orientation to go to today and I'm excited to go because it puts me one day closer to actually immersing myself in academia. I feel like this feeling has been a part of my life for so long and it's something I trust. And if there's anything I've learned this year, it's to trust your heart. Even if that means letting go of things you care about.

Good luck and best wishes.

Tassel Anticipation

This pic is of me from last Saturday after Scott's family's Derby party. I was feeling pretty classy in a simple black dress, coral necklace, and turquoise ring. What looks better in summer than coral and turquoise?

{dress & jacket: ae//jewelry: kohl's}

Sorry I've been on another blog hiatus but it seems like there's something about your last semester in college that kicks your butt in gear. You don't have anymore classes ahead or semesters to cushion your GPA. Thus, I spent most of my time doing a ridiculous amount of writing, reasoning, sleeping, working, and watching The Office and Downton Abbey for relief.

After a 41-page paper in my ridiculous history teacher's class, which was a 300-level, non-writing focused courses, I got an A. An almost impossible feat from RateMyProfessor.com's worst-ranked teacher EVER.

I'm trying to finish up cleaning our house to the bare bones, top to bottom. Both sets of grandparents are coming into town for my graduation in two days... which I imagine will infold something like Christmas Vacation of Sixteen Candles. Which by the way, if you've never seen them, go make your life better by renting them.

I'm looking forward to flipping that tassel so I can finally just say, "I graduated." 

De Donde Eres?

 

{dress: modcloth//sweater: ann taylor loft (sale)//green & blue pearl earrings: v&a museum in london}

Today marks exactly one week until the final day of classes! Hold steady, dear friends.

Credit 

Okay, I've found another television show to obsess over: Downton Abbey. Set in the early 1900's in an elite England manor, I am drooling. My favorite characters are definitely Mr. Bates and Anna, not only because of the relationship they have but because of their loyalty to the Crawley family. I also adore Mary, even though she can be a bit of b-word sometimes. The actress who plays her is brilliant. And who doesn't love Mr. Carson? And I think it's safe to say we all despise Thomas and O'Brien (but mainly Thomas).

This weekend, Scott and I went on a double date with Julie and Todd to see Titanic in 3D. We got dinner at Jason's deli and I had a sandwich on a buttery, flaky croissant with fresh fruit. Tres fantastique! Afterwards, we went for shakes at Steak 'N Shake. The chocolate chip cookie dough one hit the spot. And of course, Titanic in 3D was all I hoped it would be. Three hours of me dorking out over Leo and Kate and all the great lines. "No, Titanic go to America--in five minutes!" 

I had a group presentation in Spanish today that I hope went well. We'll see when grades are posted. 

And at work, I finally spoke to the floor cleaning/janitor guy at work in Spanish. I found out he's from Veracruz in Mexico which is the dialect I studied for my presentation! No wonder I understood him so well. He's so nice, I can't wait to speak to him some more. He always seems so lonely since he can't speak English very well. 

Until then...

Are You Afraid of the Dark?

 

 Let me just tell you. Are You Afraid of the Dark? was my favorite 90's TV show. My friend Jacque (really 'Jackie' but she decided she was special and could spell her name Jacque) and I used to rush to my house after we got off the school bus and plant ourselves on my family room loveseat. We would curl our legs underneath us because you can't be scared out of your mind with your feet on the ground. The opening sequence would come on and while most people would be scared by the attic or the clown, I was most taken by the creak of the lonely swing set.

 The scariest episode by far is the one with this guy. Apparently a high school thought it would be a good idea to build a swimming pool over an old cemetery. Unfortunately, they forgot to 'move' a few bodies. There are a couple of kids that seem to run around the high school at night when no one else is there and the bloody monster guy just bubbles up through drains and appears. The nerdy guy decides it's a good time to get the heavy-duty chemicals to throw on the monster because we all know poison kills skeletons with cobweb drapes on their face.

Then you've got the one where the beautiful blonde lady recruits young girls into being her 'beauties.' Whenever they look into the mystical mirror, they become entranced by the beauty they can attain if only they sip a drink prepared by the blonde lady in an ancient goblet. Basically, whenever she looks into a real mirror, her true appearance is revealed--she is actually a bajillion years old! Long story short, the girls become wolves, the ginger throws the mystical mirror into the fire and saves the girls who are locked in ornate wooden cages in the woods. Oh, and the evil lady turns into bone dust.

 I spy with my little eye a baby Gosling? Is that redundant? That would make him Ryan Goose, as in his youth he would be Ryan Gosling. Whatever. Are You Afraid of the Dark? produces stars, people! Before Ryan Gosling was making it rain all over my face as Noah Calhoun, he was an awkward child in a flannel cut-off! There truly is hope for the rest of us.

Okay, then we've got little boy blue here who just repeatedly stands there and says, "I'm cold." A different little boy is being babysat by Melissa Joan Hart before her Sabrina the Teenage Witch days and they have to deal with this frightening glowing child who clearly could benefit from a space heater. Or a Snuggie. 

 There was an episode where a girl's best friend went missing but it was because she turned into a doll! Watching this episode made me totally jealous because you could just tell by looking at her that this girl was going to grow up to be a hottie--doll or not. Ignore the awkward eyebrows. They go away after her friend rescues her.

Then there was this crazy girl Dora who HAD TO FEED THE HOUNDS. I don't know why the girl in the vest decided it would be a good idea to follow Dora (or to wear that vest). But behold, a cemetery surrounded by dry ice awaits. 90's chicks...

The second scariest monster by far has got to be the movie vampire. He would just crawl out of the black and white movie with a face that not even a mother could love. Poor guy looks like Uncle Fester and Steve Buscemi had a love child. But don't let the jokes fool you--I could easily pee my pants watching this in real time.

And to end things on a happier note, who could forget Gary, the president of The Midnight Society? I couldn't. As a child, I was drawn to his huge glasses, accountant haircut, and seemingly adult swagger. He carried the mysterious bag of magic dust to throw on the fire. I mean, what was that stuff? Magnesium? I did an experiment in 7th grade where flames did crazy stuff but how does a nerd like Gary get his hands on top-notch chemicals? I smell a future uni-bomber. Unfortunately, Gary didn't have the fate of Ryan Gosling in growing up. He is quite ugly from what Google images tells me. Sorry Gary.

I now declare this meeting of the Midnight Society closed...

 All images from here, here, here, and here.

I Walked Around Home Depot for 3 Hours With a Shopping Cart

Today's pictures look strange to me--I feel like I don't look like myself or something. Maybe it's the weather. Nothing too exciting happened today except for work where I had my first day of hands-on training. I went on a one hour scavenger hunt that was supposed to take 40 minutes and a 2 hour shopping trip that was supposed to last 50 minutes. Needless to say, I'm not particularly oriented to Home Depot just yet. But everyone is so nice there--it's like the Stepford wives except real. Like people genuinely want to help you and know about your life. I've never worked at a place where people are so genuinely friendly and welcoming.

The Style Quo

Jacket: The North Face

Tee: Kohl's

Jeans: AE

Boots: DSW

Earrings: Charlotte Russe

Necklace: Online

Watch: Timex

Credit 

 I think I might go watch some Walking Dead. Scott introduced it to me last night and he described it as "your typical zombie apocalypse." I've never really been much into zombies because I'm like what's the point? You shoot them and they die. That's not scary. But for some reason this show has me shouting at the screen like a fat woman in a movie theatre going, "Ruuunn fooooooo yoooooo liiiiifffeee!" Anyway.

Sorry for the cleavage.

Angela & Hodgins

I was pleasantly surprised this morning when Scott opened my car door and handed me a rose saying, "Happy Eleven Months!" I had completely forgotten. This whole past weekend I was confined to coughing on the couch. Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to live in a mainly warm climate all the time--I would probably be sick a lot less. But I know I'd miss seeing my breath and wearing cozy scarves, boots, and coats and catching snowflakes on my tongue. 

The rose today reminded me of Angela and Hodgins from 'Bones.' God, how I love this show. I have mad love for all the characters but I have a strange affinity towards Angela, especially her relationship with Hodgins. One time Brennan states: "Technically all of us are geniuses...besides Angela." Angela just looks down and smiles at Brennan's inability to be anything less than literal. 

Angela is funky, open-minded, a little bit taller than Hodgins, which I find endearing, and understanding. On Valentine's Day, Angela tells Hodgins not to get her anything because they're married and married people 'don't have to do that stuff.' The rest of the lab tells Hodgins that just because he and Angie are married doesn't mean he can skip being romantic. He ends up giving her a mold spliced with a rose...giving it a rosy scent--named Angelicus Montenegrus. Angela is thrilled. 

And I just wished that I could be like that. Thrilled with mold. And then Scott brought me that rose today and it was just like Hodgins-- minus the mold. 

Sometimes I wonder why I fear marriage so much. I guess it's just because I believe marriage to be forever. When I get married, I want it to be forever. I see people my age getting engaged, married, having babies and I just feel too immature to handle that right now. So how can they be juggling it all? I'm almost afraid I'll get married too late in life. I haven't lived on my own yet. How can I live with another person for the rest of my life? 

I've been giving my future some thought lately--mainly because I should be filling out grad school applications. I plan on applying to UofL, UK, and IU indefinitely. They are the closest to me and with my GRE scores and GPA I'm likely to get in. Out of the three, I think I'd prefer IU the most because it's the strongest English program and ranked #19 in the country. Plus, I'm sure my parents would be more apt to have me move to Bloomington than say, New York City.

I also want to apply to some long-shot school like NYU, perhaps Columbia, and London. I really think my decision will be based on what each school has to offer me. If one school will give me tuition reimbursement over another and it's further away, I'm going to have to go with that one. I've never really been away from my parents and I thought grad school would be the best time to do it. But thinking about it, how lonely would I be in New York or London? I'm sure it would one of the greatest experiences and I would grow into it, but is that really what I need? My emotions have been hard enough to handle with a secure support group around me. I'd hate to leave that behind. :(

Keep taking that Vitamin C, ya'll. It's going to be a long cold/flu season. I can feel it. 

Comfy Socks & Blankets Are What I Need

The Style Quo

Tank: Express (gift from mom)

Sweater: AE

Jeans: AE

Earrings: Kohl's, Christmas present

Necklace: Online

Watch: Timex

Flats: AE

Sunglasses: borrowed from mom (Target?)

Today was one of those terrible days... okay it wasn't really terrible, but I had a bunch of stuff to get done when all I wanted to do was snuggle up in bed and forget how bad my throat, eyes, nose, and head are bothering me. I went to class, had a meeting with a couple of my professors, then I went to my new job location to secure a drug test form and sign a background check form. After that, I had to back track to the testing center and pee in a cup and hand it to a Latina woman in scrubs. 

Yes, I finally got a job; pending my drug test and background check. After facing rejection multiple times, I am finally a Home Depot cashier. Here to ring up your home improvement needs with a smile.

Mom and Dad had barbeque from Mark's Feed Store when I got home so at least I didn't have to worry about sucking down a hot bowl of soup tonight. None of my usual remedies are working to fight this illness! Blergh! 

I really just want to watch Jeopardy and Suburgatory tonight and go to sleep early. Suburgatory is so good! Go check it out! I promise you won't regret it.

Credit

It kind of reminds me of Mean Girls and Tessa reminds me a bit of Emma Stone, especially in Easy A. As long as the show doesn't try to be one of the two and pushes forward to be its own unique entity, I have high hopes!

Fall TV Premieres

I'm not usually a big watcher of TV. I prefer to get a season of a show, skip the commercials, and not be left hanging at the end. But I've noticed that this fall a lot of shows are branching out of the cop, law, CSI genre (which is so tired). Here's what I think so far.

Credit: http://www.fox.com/new-girl/

New Girl, Tuesdays 9PM FOX

It's not surprising that I loved this pilot because I am a sucker for any and all things Deschanel. I love Zooey and I love her sister Emily in Bones. The main character Jess is just so cute, relatable, and funny. I laughed out loud numerous times and my heart melted for her room mates. So sweet.

Credit: http://perezhilton.com/2011-09-20-the-playboy-club-ratings-slump-unimpressive-five-million-viewers

The Playboy Club, Mondays 10PM NBC

Awkward? Maybe. Although I hear it didn't do very well ratings-wise I felt surprisingly drawn in. I'm not a Playboy culture fan in the least but I thought the idea for this show was interesting. It takes place in the 60's so I naturally loved the costumes. The story is nothing like I expected... murder in the first five minutes? Mayhem! I feel really awkward for admitting that I actually liked this pilot but I did. There. I said it. 

Credit: http://www.cinemablend.com/television/NBC-2011-Fall-TV-Premiere-Up-All-Night-32015.html

Up All Night, Wednesdays 8PM NBC

Maybe I just like all the horribly cheesy shows? Sue me. I love Will Arnett and Christina Applegate, especially together in this comedy. The second episode featured them trying to be the cool neighbors and the subtlety of the humor had me chuckling. 

Credit: http://sharetv.org/shows/revenge

Revenge, Wednesdays 10PM ABC

It was my mother who was interested to see this show. I'm glad I decided to watch it with her though because it was better than I expected. Emily VanCamp is so beautiful and innocent-looking that it's hard to imagine how cunning and vindictive she is. And knowing that, you'd think you would hate her. But she's seeking revenge to vindicate her father's death--it's almost noble in a completely fictional-TV-sort-of-way. The setting is beautiful as well.  

Credit: http://www.poptower.com/pan-am-abc-tv-show.htm

 Credit: http://tvlistings.zap2it.com/tv/hart-of-dixie/EP01420283

I'm also excited to see Pan Am & Hart of Dixie. Pan Am's plot is pretty obvious but Hart of Dixie is supposed to be about a successful doctor in New York who accepts a job in Alabama. She's culturally shocked and has to adjust to her new life. I love Rachel Bilson and have had withdrawals since The OC so it will be nice to see her again. 

What are your favorite new shows?

Spring Break

Blog posts are always more fun when they have pictures.

On our four month anniversary, Friday, Scott and I went fishing.

 

We didn't catch anything but umbrellas.

 

But the scenery was lovely and more importantly, we got to spend time together.

Julie and I had a girl's day Monday. Food, shopping, and the general goofiness involved with photo-taking. 

I watched a few old episodes of Ghost Whisperer today. It's usually a tradition to watch the first three seasons during the summer but I'd missed JLH. She's boss.

"I've Seen All Good People" by YES was my pick for song of the day. It just makes me so happy and reflective. It makes me want to go somewhere I've never been before and write it all down so I never forget. And it kind of reminds me of Almost Famous which always makes me insanely happy.

I washed off a few pairs of muddy shoes and it reminded me of all the places I'd been in them. And all the places I intend to go. All the shoes I prepare to mess up.

I had a big batch of papers I needed to shred. So I did that today.

Sometimes you need a day to perform arbitrary tasks because it clears your mind. I now intend to start the homework I've put off the entire week. But I'm reeeaaallly trying not to stress over it too much.