Sick and grumpy

Yep. That's me.  I missed church today.  I missed ultimate frisbee.  I missed yoga.  I missed flirting with cute boy at ultimate frisbee.  I have a fever and feel like crap.  My face has so much pressure it wants to explode.  Despite all this I did accomplish things today.  Here's what I did.

1. Sleep in until 10am.
2. Email all of my Tuesday students about their first big report due this week.
3. Email random students with questions they could answer if they read the syllabus. 
4. Learn how to use Refworks (a handy online tool for organizing scientific references).
5. Finished and turned in the homework for my online class.
6. Put away part of my laundry that I did yesterday.
7. Did three of four homework problems for one class.
8. Talked to Melissa for an hour or so on gmail chat.
9. Took a 3.5 hr nap.
10. Ordered pizza and watched a Meg Ryan movie.
11. Watched a lecture for class.
12. Paid my credit card bill.
13. Paid my rent.
14. Bought a desktop computer and screen and speakers.
15. Found a desk chair on craig's list (finally!).
16. Figured out where USbank is in Tucson so I can yell at them and then close my accounts.

Ok. So the only one that needs explaining is the last one.  Apparently, if you don't actually use your accounts, US bank charges you $7 a month as a maintanence fee.  And since my other account is way better and way more convenient.  I haven't been using them pretty much at all since I got to Tucson.  Now I have a negative balance in one of the accounts despite keeping track of my spending.  Lame!  So, I'm closing my useless stupid accounts tomorrow after class.  I'd much rather earn interest in my other checking account than pay random fees for these two.

Oh and as for laundry.  I went to a laundromat for the first time ever yesterday with my friend Christine.  It was an experience.  Certainly not as terrible as I imagined.  They even had the same laundry machines as Lawrence.  How weird.  And I should mention everything is folded nicely.  It's just still in the laundry basket instead of my closet.  And I'm trying to buy a dresser to be able to keep things in a dresser instead of a suitcase and random boxes.  One step at a time.  This month: computer.  Next month: couch.  Hopefully I can get a dresser on Craig's list cheap as well as the desk chair.  I am so tired of sitting on the uncomfortable wooden chair at my desk.  Especially bc it's supposed to be at my kitchen table.  And it makes it more difficult when people come over.

Ok.  I'll stop complaining and go take a shower and get some more healing sleep.

It's been so long, I forgot my password

So, after eight tries, I have officially logged into blogger.  Why google won't let me use my gmail account for this is beyond me.  Anyway, I realized that I haven't blogged in a really long time.  Well, that's I lie.  I've known this whole time.  But when Nikki and Christina hadn't blogged in forever, and I was the most recent.... it was like I was still better than the alternative which was still bad.  Not the blogging is some massive part of life or that not blogging is a terrible sin.  You know what I mean.

Let's see... General updates.  I got an A and 2 Bs in my fall term classes.  I'm taking 4 classes this term.  One is only 1 credit and online.  I'm taking Physical Optics, Optical Design and Instrumentation II (I took the first one last term.), and Biomedical Imaging.  The online course I'm taking is through the library on how to use their resources to help your research.  This is super helpful for two reasons.  One:  I have no idea what this library has to offer and Two:  I've never really had to do research in this topic before.  I've had no assignments handed back yet.  So, I have no idea how I'm doing in the classes.  It's too early to tell, but they seem to be making sense.

As for work.  I love my new job.  I'm a TA for the Mechanics for non-majors class in the College of Physics and Astronomy.  It's a couple blocks away from the Optics building.  Basically, I run two labs a week, have two office hours and one consultation hour.  The consultation hour is just my answering questions in a designated room with other grad students.  I haven't seen anyone ask a question yet.  So, it'll probably be homework time in a special room.

Other parts of life....  I went to court for that ticket finally.  The other lady lied about my blinker being on, which is key to determining fault.  And the Sheriff and the Judge took her word over mine.  So, I get three points on my license and I'm down 183.50.  As my mom said, Karma will come back to bite her in the butt later.  I do have a feeling that if her 2 month old hadn't have been in the back seat that they would have been a lot more likely to choose my side.  Oh well.

What else.... Ah yes.  My grandma and mom will want to know about boys and what happened with Tyler and the girl.  Well, Tyler and Christine decided to take things slow and are seeing each other now.  They're basically my best friends now that Ellie has moved.  So, this has made a number of awkward situations that we all laugh at and get over with ease.  It's pretty entertaining at times. I used to play card games with Tyler, his roommate Aaron and Aaron's girlfriend Katie all the time.  Now, when Katie wants to hang out she tells Tyler, "Invite... ummmm.... one of them?" lol.  I am the one invited for card games now.  And I don't have to sit through the basketball games because that's Christine's girlfriend duty.  I really appreciate that. haha.  As for boys for me, there's a few that I find attractive and seem like nice guys.  But, I really don't want to pursue anything.  I have this feeling that God's been trying to tell me (through my past choices in men) that I'm really not that good at picking them out.  So, I will wait for God to send me a guy that will doubtlessly be a million times better than anyone I could have rounded up.  But since I know you *cough grandma*cough mom*will ask, I'll tell you a little bit about them.  Cody is in Optics, from Utah (no he's not Mormon), and is an Olympic weight lifter.  Jered is in Education and I met him at bible study.  Rex is in Optics, from Ontario and I also met him in Graduate Christian Fellowship.  That's all you get for now... mostly because I don't really now much else. lol.  Hence, the waiting thing.

Let's see.... Is there anything else new.... Well, Pistachio's doing great.  He's currently trying to escape as always.  I've officially started season 5 of Greek (which I was on season 1 during break).  I started taking classes at the rec center.  I'm mostly doing Zumba. But I'm also taking yoga, kick boxing, core and a class called Butts N Guts.  It works on just that. lol.  It's actually really fun... Pause. Woah. forgot I got two packages in the mail today!  I've completely ignored them!  I got two different work out videos I ordered on ebay.  But one is on VHS, and I'm pretty sure it didn't say that.  Guess I will have to check.

Considering, I clearly have nothing else useful to say. Bye!

As for pictures... ummm... sorry?

Moving in

I know I promised pictures, but my camera is packed away in a box somewhere and has yet to be discovered.  I'm almost completely moved.  I've got some dirty dishes, breakables, dirty laundry and my futon left.  I plan on hanging out at my old place and doing laundry and dishes while doing homework tomorrow.  It sounds like a plan.  As for my new place.  I still need to buy some sort of a dresser, and more chairs.  My bookshelf won't get there until sometime next week, probably Wednesday, and my desk should be delivered on Friday.  Other than that, my stuff's all there.  The only problem is the heating.  It was about 63 when I woke up this morning.  As I've been keeping my apt at 83 to save on AC, it was REALLY cold.  I have to call tomorrow to get them to turn on the heating.  I also need to call to get the gas turned on.  I have  suspicion that my water heater is run by gas instead of electricity because it's definitely not working.  Shower was quite cold last night.

As for other news.... I'm pretty sure that "date" I went on today wasn't a date.  At least it didn't feel like one.  It felt more like hanging out with my brother, Shawn.  I really hope he didn't think it was a date, because there's just nothing there.  Purely platonic.  Also, the guy that I've liked since I got here is no longer dating that girl, and hasn't been for a while.  He's really starting to flirt with me a lot, but I'm not sure if it's just a friendly flirting and him joking around or what.  It's super frustrating.  I ended up ranting about it to my friend Eric last night.  He even though something was going on between me and Tyler, and Eric and I don't hang out that much for him to catch on to things that aren't obvious.  Grrr...  Why are boys so complicated?

Ok. Class.  Let's see.... Not too much to report since midterms.  We haven't even had any homework due yet.  Oh wait.  That's not true.  I had all three homework assignments due last thursday.  I guess I just blocked that unpleasant experience.  Unfortunately, I haven't been able to get any work done since Thursday because of moving.  Oh well.  I'm about to start on the homework that's due this Thursday.

As for friends, I made a new friend, and got involved in the graduate Christian fellowship.  Her name's Gabrielle, she's a fellow student's wife.  Her and I get a long so well!  We met on Thursday at dinner, and ended up hugging afterward because we just fit.  I can tell we're going to be great friends.  I'm going to church with her and her husband next Sunday.  Their church sounds exactly like what I've been looking for.

All right.  Time to quit procrastinating and do some homework!

Halloween and other goodies.

Well, I never made it to Rocky Horror.  The add online said it was at 11pm, but when we got there it said 8pm. Lame.  But we went to the Optical Sciences party instead.  It was about the perfect size party.  Nothing special, but good to meet some new people.  The party at Ellie's on Monday was very low key.  There was only one trick-or-treater.  So, we ate a lot of candy. We played a new game called Dominion.  Well, it's not new.  It's just new to me.  It was pretty interesting.  I think I could get hooked.  I don't have too many good pictures.  My camera isn't the best, and the lighting at Ellie's kinda sucks.  But here's what I got.

Yes Pistachio was the Flash.  I thought it was quite fitting.  Though credit for the idea must go to my friend Melissa.

Here's the three of us that dressed up.  Ellie is on the left.  She made that dress in high school!  How cool.  Tyler's supposed to be the Hubble Telescope.  Yeah.  I have nerdy friends.  I have gorgeous makeup on, but no one will ever know.  I did my makeup like Twiggy.  It was awesome.

As for other news, I am moving in tomorrow at 10am.  At least, that's when I do the inspection.  Then I sign contracts and pay first month's rent!  So exciting.  I already packed my car!  I'm not really sure what to do with some of my stuff.  I think I'm going to end up donating my bedding.  I'm moving up in the world to a full size bed.  I'm pretty sure I'm old enough for that now. haha.  I found really pretty purplish bedding.  I'm excited.  Also, I'm officially getting rid of a few pairs of fat pants.  I have lost about 15lbs so far despite the month that I'm not allowed to lift more than 10lbs and being bed ridden from the appendix for about a week.  And I fit into my skinny pants.  I'm still working on the really skinny pants, but those will still take a while yet.  But perfect time for swimsuit season!  Oh wait....  perfect time for sweater season?  Is there a sweater season in Tucson?  To tell the truth I've gotten super used to the weather.  I've been wearing jeans if the high's only 80.  That's cold here!

Well, the plan is to take pics of my current place soon, and then my new place when it's all set up.  There will be a lot more pics of the new place just because it actually has rooms!

So Frustrated!

Ok.  First of all, sorry mom bc you're not going to like that I didn't call you to tell you before I put this up, but I was waiting for you to get off work.

I am sooo frustrated right now.  I got in a car accident on Wednesday.  As some of you know, I got in a really bad car accident when I was 16.  I just got to the point where I can watch car crashes in movies and not have flashbacks.  Then I get in a car accident!  I guess I should start off by saying no one was hurt.  There is a sizable dent in my driver's side door, and a few scratches on her car.  Here's what happened.  I was driving into the sunset (romantic? no) in a part of town I've never been to in a poorly labeled construction zone.  I was trying to turn on the next street on the left.  I thought I found where to turn, which needed to be a rather sharp turn due to cones and such.  So, I turned on my left blinker, slowed down and moved slightly to the right for leverage.  I was still partially in the lane.  I'd say 1/4 to 1/2 in the lane.  The lady behind me tried to pass me. (God knows why!) and ran into my driver side door.  Now I was so shook up after this I was unable to articulate to the policeman what had happened.  So not only did I get a ticket, but he kept accusing me of being on illegal drugs and drunk driving.  It was insulting. He did nothing to attempt to calm me down to get a clear story from me but was accusatory and demeaning, making matters worst.  I got three hours of sleep that night and missed two classes the next morning because of it.  Perhaps if I had a sympathetic or more competent policeman I would have been better.  Anyway, in AZ you get an automatic court date.  So, I'm going to challenge my ticket then.  The ticket is for "unable to control vehicle to avoid accident."  If you ask me that sounds like the lamest excuse for a policeman who just wanted to give a ticket to the nervous girl.

I've also been trying to meet new people.  So, I hung out with my neighbor last night.  We played some Wii games.  He's 18 and a freshman.  Then after he left he made a very inappropriate joke via text message.  I wasn't even sure if it was a joke at first.  We've been fighting via text message essentially all day about it.  I told him that I barely know him and he was making me uncomfortable.  He yelled at me for overreacting but eventually agreed not to make those jokes around me.  Maybe I just shouldn't hang out with people 4 years younger than me for a few years when they're a little more grown up.

Top it off, my only girl friend here is out of town this weekend.  So, I'm stuck hanging out with the guys.  Normally I wouldn't mind this, but the one I'm closest to is starting to act weird.  I have no idea why.  I'm certain he doesn't like me as more than a friend, but it's possible he thinks I like him and got uncomfortable for no reason.  And, I don't get any of my midterm grades back until next week.  And my date that was supposed to be last Sunday  and got postponed to this Sunday has been postponed again until next Sunday.

Basically I'm in a waiting game.  Waiting for my court date.  Waiting for people to grow up.  Waiting for my grades.  And waiting for a date that may or may not ever happen.  grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Oh. Perhaps I should tell you about this guy I'm going on a date with.  He's 24, and he's a technician at the University of Arizona, and does his work at Biosphere 2.  And he's going back to school to be a pastor.  On Sunday we're going to check out a new church, go to lunch and then play board games.  Sounds like the perfect date to me.  Too bad our schedules suck being at different schools and a town apart.

Wow I feel so much better now that I ranted to my audience of say 5? 6?  lol.  You may also be interested to know my Halloween weekend plans.  I'm going to see Rocky Horror live at a theater near the school on Saturday.  Afterwards, I'm going to stop by the Optical Sciences grad student party, where costumes are required!  Then on Monday, I'm celebrating Halloween with board games and dinner at my friend Ellie's house.  I'm not sure if her husband and daughter will be able to make it though.  Ellie hit a deer with her car a few weeks back.  It's drivable, but not so pretty.  Then, last week, her husband's transmission went.  So his car is not drivable.  We already made pumpkin pie and pumpkin cookies last time we were there.  The pumpkin pie was from a fresh pumpkin too!  The trick is to blend the pumpkin really well so it doesn't turn out stringy.  I'm not quite sure what to make this time.  I do have a recipe for shortbread cookies that look like witches fingers.  They use a chocolate dipped almond for the finger nail.  I thought that was pretty clever.

Well, that's all for now.  I'm going to continue getting ahead on my homework, and possibly go to the Friday happy hour event that Optical Sciences puts on.  It'll be my first time going, but they are having it at a place that has soy-free pizza.  Woohoo!

The Triplex is mine, and being employed is in the future!

A place to live and a way to bring home the bacon I wanna eat there. "What? When did this happen?" you ask.  Well, on Monday, my application for the triplex was officially approved.  The tentative move in date is Nov 3rd, but it will probably be sooner.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will be before the end of October.  I don't want to pay the whole month of November at my current place!  My parents also graciously offered to buy me a bed, basically the only big ticket item I needed to buy.  Awesome!  Now I need a desk, chair, couch, tv.....  Craig's List here I come!

As for the job, I found a group that I really like.  They work on fluorescence microscopy, and developing a new technique that will make data acquisition faster and more accurate.  Think CT scan and tomography, but faster and better quality.  Unfortunately, she does not have an opening right now.  She's working on some grants, but she doesn't think any of them will come through until the beginning of next year.  But she will contact if she does get an earlier opportunity.  She did say that I don't have quite enough physics background yet.  Clearly only a person who did their undergrad in physics can work for her!  But, she said if I get an A in my electricity and magnetism class and my physical optics class that she will consider that enough.  I need to talk to my professor to see what my grade looks like!  Granted, I haven't taken physical optics yet.  I guess I'll sign up for that next semester.

Oh, I tried out a new church last weekend with my brother.  He came to visit while he was in Phoenix.  The church was a bit showy.  It kind of felt more like a concert at parts, but the pastor was very animated.  I couldn't not pay attention.  I'm trying out another church with my friend Nick on Sunday.  So, we'll see how that one goes.  It's farther away, but who knows?  It might be worth it.

Classes are super busy right now.  I have three classes, and I have a homework due Thurs. and Mon and midterms Thurs. Fri. and Tues.  So, I've been studying like crazy!  In fact, that's what I should be doing right now!  Time to hit the books.

Moving time and other craziness

In case you haven't heard, I got appendicitis.  My appendix is officially gone and no longer bothersome.  It was probably the worst pain I've ever experienced, and if you've known me for long, you know that's saying something.  Minus childbirth (which i'm sure is worse), I've had quite the list of painful experiences.  Anyway, the go through your bellybutton now, which I think is really weird.  So, I won't have too bad of scars.  I'm feeling pretty much completely better.  A little sore still, but lots of energy to go around again :)

As for moving.  I hate where I live, and I applied for a new place on Thursday.  It's this cute little Triplex that's a bit older.  It was built in the early 70s, and even has a gas stove!  It has a very tiny back yard.  Certainly big enough for Pistachio, though!  It's a two bedroom, one bath and 750 sq ft.  And this is the best part.  It's only $450 a month!  How crazy is that!  On the other side of the triplex is a single mother with her little five year old boy.  You can tell he doesn't get a lot of attention at home, but he's a nice boy.  The living room is quite spacious, and there are lots of windows in the bedrooms.  Basically I get a bedroom and so does Pistachio.  Really, I get a bedroom and an office that Pistachio will live in.  But my friends think its funny that I'm basically giving Pistachio his own room. haha.  Anyway, I find out if I've been approved on Monday. So, keep your fingers crossed, pray, do a ceremonial dance... I'll take what help I can get!

I also was inspired by Craig's list and my sister-in-law, Nikki, to go garage sale shopping today. I've been out shopping since 7:30am today!  I spent a total of $90, and here's what I got:  2 nice etched martini glasses, 3 glass bowls, 9 children's books (all classic Disney stories for my nieces), a book for myself (October Sky), 3 mini face masks, Candy Land, The Lion King, a food dehydrator, a vase, a huge pot of irises, a make up bag,  2 belly button rings (new. no worries), a microwave (quite large and semi-new), a large cherry wood bookshelf (in great condition), a cabinet (that fits the microwave perfectly on top. bought separately and with my guessing!), and a night stand.  So, basically I half way furnished my new place and updated the kitchen for $90.  Awesome!  Big ticket items I have left to get:  bed, dresser (x2?), desk, kitchen table and chairs.  I've found most of these on Craig's list though.  I can get the kitchen table and chairs for about $30, and a desk with office chair for $25.  Maybe I should ask Shawn when he comes to visit if his friend is selling any of his things before he moves from Pheonix.  That would be too convenient!

Well I think that's all for now.  I'll make sure to post if I get the place!

Apartment hunting!

In case you didn't read two blogs ago, I hate where I live.  The neighborhood is sketchy, the place is small and overpriced.  And there are very young and annoying neighbors.  So, I've been apartment hunting for a couple weeks now.  I went to see three places on Wednesday, and I've picked my favorite.  It's a lot nicer than what I was expecting to get.

Right now, I live in a tiny studio apartment with a kitchen and bathroom and laundry down the hall.  I get electricity, internet, water and cable included for 725 a month with parking fee.  This new place is 2 bedrooms, 750 square feet, slightly smaller bathroom, small kitchen, huge living room, huge closets and a small back yard.  It includes only water, but it's $450 a month.  Add electricity and gas, that's an average of $577 a month.  So, get a place about four times as big, in a much better neighborhood, that is closer to campus, and save 173 a month.  I'm kinda thinking this place is a steal.  I'm visiting again today and bringing a friend for a second pair of eyes.  And if it feels right, I'm going to apply!

By the way, the other places I've looked at are smaller, farther away, and either more expensive or only 10 less a month.  So, I really think this place is worth it.  We will see though!  Updates to come!

And the pictures begin

Here are the long awaited photos.  They are ridiculously out of order because of my camera restarting the time and date all the time, but whatever.

Me at graduation.  I have a diploma!

Most of the family at my graduation.  Nikki was home with the girls, and she was missed!

My friend Amy and me.  We danced together for a couple of years.

The physics department.  Well, actually most of us.  A few students missed the photo.

Here's me hugging Yuki.  I nannied for her family for about six months.  She's adorable and extremely smart.

Here's Sarah and Yuki and I.  Such a loving family!

This is quite a bit older.  This is my 21st birthday in the Netherlands.  We were at a bar and saw a leopard print hat hanging on the wall.  The bartender let me wear it the rest of the night.  Eric and I are acting like typical American cowboys.

This is Simon.  He was Eric's supervisor.  We were on our work retreat.  He's driving one of the three boats we used to go around the rivers.

And here's my supervisor, Martin.  He's a lot more outgoing, if you can't tell.

And here's a great picture of my boss.  He's also a little crazy.

Here's a lot of people from my work.  We were playing a trivia game.

And here's Eric and Martin on a two person swing.

We were playing Farmer's golf.

Here's my two bosses in a very animated conversation.

Here are Alex's friends from Apeldoorn.  They were really nice, and kind of excited to have to use their English.

Not sure how to get this right side up.  But this is Halloween.  Eric happened to me making an extremely attractive face. haha

And here's Martin in his favorite pink chair getting ready to watch the Blair Witch Project on Halloween.

My boss and her kids carved pumpkins!

Here's the room I stayed in when I took the GRE in Brussels.  It was kind of nice

And here is the school I took the test at.  It's so pretty.

This was a random piece of artwork in Brussels.  Not sure what it is though.

And a clock with the 12 Disciples.

This is one of the Zwarte Pete that helps Sinta Klauss.

Me with Alex's family.  A little weird to put that up now, but they're cute.

A huge Zwarte Pete.  Note it's about a story tall.

Sinta Klauss's white horse.

The Musee d Orsey.  I don't think I spelled that right.  Deana and I were visiting Susannah.

The Eiffiel tower sparkles every hour.

Notre Dame

And here starts Rome, and less captions.

Now, we've gotten to playing with the girls last Christmas?

My old roommate Carol and I all dressed up for the president's ball.

Melissa and I dressed up for a funny party.

And now the road trip!
This is Maitland  

Pistachio near the Sinclair Dino. lol

The graduation party at the end of the road trip.

And the pretty dogs!

Vegas.  With the fake effiel tower.

Me with Miss Atomic Bomb

Basically a slide rule, but for radiation.

More of the graduation party.  This is my fave pic of KaeLee.

The best picture of my parents.  On our road trip in AZ.