Her Other Journal

If I were a different person

2009-12-03T05:41:47Z

I would ramble about my love life. As it is, I love life. Stressful at times, yes, but I'm very much alive. Jason is fantastic. We never fight, he cares about me and respects me, and I him. We have our disagreements and then make things better each and every time. Sometimes I feel like the old couple around my friends, but then there's Jason's best friend from Grad school who is married. The relationship spectrum.

We see a lot of our friends these days and all the groups are melding together into a lump of good times. It's crazy that soon I'll be done undergrad and we'll go our separate ways.. sorta.. Most people I know are staying in/close enough to Maryland to see. Heck, most of my friends don't go to my school/have already finished undergrad. I'm not terribly worried. I do feel anxiety about not knowing exactly where I'll be this time next year since I'm applying to graduate schools now.

I'm going to miss Steph the most of anyone from my school. She won't be living here next semester and it will suck. An acquaintance/friend will be moving into her room in January... I'm only living with Steph for 7 more days. =( She'll be around a lot, I'm sure, but it's not the same.

Did I say that Jason's coming down to Florida for Christmas this year? It's going to be wonderful to relax on the beaches with him. My family loves him and he'll keep me sane around them. After that, we'll be spending our one year anniversary in New York City, kissing among the craziness. And I say I'm not a romantic...

But then, maybe I am.

And maybe I like it.

I lover you. I lover you very much.

2009-09-09T05:58:21Z

*crickets chirp*

Anything I could say here would be bragging!

So.. have some pictures, some smiles, and a good day.

So I threw a party

With good times

On the love sac

Then Dave threw a party

Then Josh threw a party/BBQ

Eww whiskey

We got to go to a Redskins game, second row.

We met the founder of the Virgin Empire

VirginFest was epic. Here's Franz. JET was amazing, as was Girl Talk and gah all the bands I saw.

Franz drumstick. !!!!

I wasn't really that pink.. spent labor day weekend in Ocean City. This pic = awesome day/night at Seacrets

OC merry go round on the boardwalk

In the last month I've been clubbing a few times- this from the nightclub inside the Seacrets complex.

Mini golf on a 2 story pirate ship.

School is wonderful! I love my classes this semester. I have Majer for Major Figures in British Lit and I just got my first presentation grade back (10% of my grade)... A! I also have Majer for Creative Fiction Writing and he had nothing bad to say about my first journal. Woot! I have the head of the English dept. as my Tolstoy teacher. Who knew War & Peace could be fun? Really though, you can tell that he wants everyone to succeed in the class, it's wonderful. Also, I have Tamer again, this time for Business Writing, which is a bit fluffy at the moment (people having trouble with apostrophe usage.. yikes!) but should get into the gritty memos soon.

Up and coming fun times? I'll be meeting with the Environmental Club on Thursday. I miss my Global roots. Friday is swing and pancake-making fun with Jason. Saturday we're going to Philly with a school trip all day. Sunday is a local festival where Fools and Horses are preforming. *squee* Not much next week except maybe a Taxlo (could I be so lucky) and then the Maryland Wine Festival on the 19th followed by Jen's Howl at the Moon Happy Hour. The coming weekends? National Book Festival, Rocky Horror, Yom Kippur (we have off), Terps vs Clemson Game, Wednesday night South Park Snuggles, RenFest, Sailing, AND MUCH MUCH MORE!

When did it become 2 am? Looks like I'm hitting the gym AFTER class tomorrow. All's well that ends well =) Night

Never Want to Stop

2009-08-10T16:42:14Z

I made this!

Really Happy

Jason = Also Really Happy

Sleepy hippo a la zoo

You are an odd and rare creature

Mr Turtle had a rough day *kaput*

Yay my camera =)

In front of the Triceratops statue

Reallllly cool oceans display that was designed to look like a giant ball floating and rotating in midair.

Om nom nom

Hope Diamond.. looked a LOT bigger when I was a kid

COLLEGE haha

Smithsonian = Metal

Awkward face

Awkward limbs

Had a great weekend with Jason. Parting is such sweet sorrow. I hadn't seen him for 2 weeks. Thankfully we were able to be together before I leave for London. I leave the house at 2pm (1.5 hours from nowish) but the flight isn't until around 6. Hopefully I'll be able to sleep. Also, hopefully I'll be able to shower at the hotel because I'm setting out straight away to meet up with Rob, pretty much. I hope I don't annoy him too terribly much by talking about Jason. My family completely loves Jason and who can blame them =)

There is much epicness planned for this trip. Teaser? Revisiting some fave spots (daddy donkey's burro bunker, Platform 9 3/4), comedy club, blackcurrant, trains, nightbus, fringe festival, the Edinburgh Tattoo (OMGOMG), shows, beaches, road trip, highlands, biscuits, exploring new altitudes, GOOD shortbread, ponies... =)

And when I get back? MoCo Fair with Vicki and Emma, moving in and seeing Steph and Jason, my party, Dave's party, and Josh's BBQ (seeing Brian), and much much more!! All for the low low price of any sleep!

It's true- I don't plan on actually sleeping for the next two weeks. ^_^!

Mellifluous

2009-07-29T19:42:24Z

Relaxing on a picnic with Jason.

All is well for me indeed. Been seeing a lot more of friends this summer and tons of Jason on weekends. The job is dull but well paying and over in about 2 weeks, I think. The job search for the fall shall soon commence, as well as grad school applications/GRE taking. I'm leaving for the UK on Auguest 10th and will be coming back to the States... 1-2 days before I move in to school. Musical suitcases indeed.

It's almost August already- I can't believe how time has just been whipping by.

A plethora of photographs.

2009-07-21T19:13:46Z

I haven't posted in about a month. Yipes! Not that many people are on LJ anymore, and those who are on LJ are also on facebook and have already seen my epically awesome times in photo form. However, I like to keep posting here as much for myself as for others. This post is VERY image heavy. You have been warned.

Trip to Solomon's Island

Fake "I love 6 am" Smile

Not even trying to look perky

I've got my flippy-floppies

Temporary Captain

Grey day, big smile

He always does this when I take pictures.

Us, genuinely

Next day? Beautiful weather (we slept on the boat)

Overly dramatic Capt. Christine

The sailor's way.

Dave's Birthday Weekend of Much Fun

Allison, Dave, and Jason

Doing a birthday shot of "The Blue Shot." Ask Frank to make any color shot of any kind of taste and he will. Here I asked for teal and sweet.

Josh! He comes up for trivia regularly now! Seen here with blue moon and beer battered fries (yummm)

Sake shots for Dave's birthday at Ra. It was Dave, Me, Jason, Allison, Matt, Jay, Vlad, Jo, Nick. Basically the beach crew plus the game night crew.

Being attacked mildly by the birthday boy

Dave grabbing Jason's tongue with chopsticks. Boys..

Take 1

Take 2

Swing Dance

Elyse attacking Andy with her new toy, a foam wolverine claw.

Absolutely deadly.. uh huh.. =P

Dave's house party.

Brought Eric and Jason. Here Jason teaching everyone new games.

Jen came! <3

I bought sparklers!

Eric is a very relaxed kind of guy.

Allison rocking it

Again Allison

I made a carrot

And a heart

Dave and Jen

Birthday cake (with single sparkler)

Fi on the grill

I swear everyone had sparklers but Jason mostly got shots of me.

Dave doesn't understand my photography. Jen puts up with it. Eric is in his own world.

Nick Al Fi.

The 4th of July

Tons of firework pics- I'll just post one. We saw them from Fell's Point.

Of course we went to Max's. Brian's $30 shot of Platinum Patrón Tequila

My boys out on the terrace of the Rum Bar

Anniversary Cruise

Too early to board yet.

The only picture of us kissing on the lips.

Great looking.

Snazzy

About to be wined and dined

REALLY delicious Cali Chardonnay.

Posh

The very top deck

Handsome

Hamming it up

Suave like no other.

Sunset hair

We can be snazzed up and still goobers

Sun began to set

Our awesome waiter/professional dancer. The waitstaff sang and danced for us like you wouldn't believe it. There was also a dance floor but I don't think I have a picture of it.

I got a themed drink for the 4th of July. It was red, white, and blue. Red on top, blue on the bottom, and a white glow stick (looked blue because of the beverage)

The cityscape of the harbor

Bourbon St (Club) for Mat's Birthday

The girls all having a cran and vodka. Left to right: Monica (Jen's friend from Texas), Heidi, Jen, moi

Miriam and Steph

Matt (not the birthday boy) having some fun with random chicks

Girlsss

The birthday boy, hammered by now.

Amber!

Mat A and Matt A

Dave dancing with Amber ! Dave.. dancing!

And then lots of high-fives were had

Steph & Jen

Why you little!!! Heh, Patrick also came.

Mat lost control of his face a little

Mat & Heidi

Josh's Birthday at Max's

Megan and the Smoking Goblet of Coffee

The boys <3 their good beer

Josh and his cake, made by his friend Danielle who couldn't come

Brian = Happiest dude ever. He got to keep the bottle for the uber tequila because some guy finished it.

Irish Car Bomb.

It's magic!

Possessive of bottle

Jason is taller than George. No doubt.

Marcy, Laura, Matt, and a disinterested Dave.

Many people doing a shot of Blonde Headed Slut

Schott was there with Laura.

OM NOM NOM

Josh's talk of polygamy and such scaring George

Allison laughing, possibly about what Josh is saying to her boy haha

Brian, Meg, Schott

Schott, Laura, Josh

Putting those open relationships to good use. Hah

It was boy girl boy girl.

A lot has been happening in the past month. I have an iphone 3GS now. It's a hot little phone and my internet addiction thrives upon it. Also, I'm going to England/Scotland (mostly Scotland) for a week in August, right before I move back to school. I get to see Rob again and all my London loves, plus I get to explore areas of Scotland I've never seen before and go to the Edinburgh Fringe festival! Fair/festival season is about to begin in Maryland as well and I'm super stoked. Jason's dressing up for RennFaire with me this year- he already has a costume that PERFECTLY matches my dress. I'm on SMiLe Crew again this year so I'll be moving in early and such. I've been reading some really great (and really mediocre) books at work. I bought the most adorable picnic basket and cook awesome food with Jason every weekend. My favorite thing we've cooked so far was a delicious spinach artichoke dip. I think next week we'll make fake tuna and have a summer picnic in the park. ^_^!

Pictures pictures text text

2009-06-17T16:50:29Z

The boys doing a shot of Patron to begin the beach weekend!

Guilty look after 'wetting himself' on the beach

Excited Dave =)

My man.

I can *almost* fit in that dryer. It was tiny!

Long-running inside joke.

Our group + Vlad and Jo, crammed into the frame. Note I'm being eaten and smooched at the same time. It happens!

I have a feeling someone said something to make me make that face.

Faith + 1

Epic crepe place. Very "fab"

LOOK LOOK LOOK! (A very excited Nick)

Taken from the balcony- close enough to the water??

Blue skies

At Seacrets.. their specialty, "PAIN IN DE ASS." Rum runner layered with pina colada. Very tasty.

Dramatic angle brought to you by Dave

Extra shot in his.. looks like a cigar but just a test-tube shot. Nick is in awe.

The super straw and the gimpy knife that made it possible

I'm happy for you, bathroom graffiti

At Seacrets, you can get drinks served in the water, at booths, tables, or floaty rafts

Dress wet from sitting on the rafts- enjoying a strawberry daiquiri and trying to take a picture without Brian =P

There was a bride there! With bridesmaids! And live music!

Wah!

Dave got drunk and liked his salty towel a little too much (taken on the bus)

Passed out on the warm laundry

*shakes head*

"Doing the Vlad dance"

Manu! Was able to meet up with some Hopkins grad students (Jason's friends)

The sweet band at Block Party (a club and band complex).

Manu and.. MEGHAN!!! =)

Caught off guard

My love! Very hot when he got all macho in the club.

Mini golf with dinos!

Doing whatever it takes!

Note the resemblance

I'm a dinosaur!

Looks like a t-rex but has wittle baby fins.

Nick got some tail =P

Brian's constant pose apparently

*squeeze*

Face cut-outs rule

Brian using 2 holes at once

Aw

Huge Rita's

Insincere

Watching the air show

Car

The boys

One last Wawa stop! =)

Needless to say, I had an awesome time at the beach this past weekend. I didn't take any pictures of when we went swimming, playing frisbee, and hanging on the beach because I didn't bring my camera. I didn't get sunburned!

This week I finally started working on my own at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) job site. My job? Basically.. when you look at a building that has stone on the outside.. big slabs of stone.. there are spaces in between every stone called a joint. All joints need to be caulked (caulk - the somewhat squishy stuff that's white or grey). There are also other things involved (primer, backer-rod) but I won't bore you. In any event, one of the NRC buildings needs to have all the caulking redone. I'm the General Services Administration (GSA) Inspector. I make sure that the supervisor does his job, that the crews are following the safety codes, and that the crews work and don't work as needed. I also write up an inspection report every day about what work was done, job site information, weather, all that fun stuff.

It's not that hard of a job. I'm not afraid of asserting authority or paying attention to fine detail. Also, I get to read a LOT on the job, and am paid well for mostly just being a presence on site.

This weekend I'm (hopefully) going sailing with Jason's family for Father's day. What an idea! Christine the commitmentphobe hanging with the parents. I guess I just had to meet the right person. Also, his dad's a really cool guy. Not looking forward to hanging with his half nephews and niece, not because they're bad kids, just on principle.

Finally.. a point of annoyance! I love the sound of the Taylor Swift song "Love Story," but the lyrics really get me. They're rife with contradiction and an assumption of cuteness under false simile. The song begins with Juliet saying that her dad was telling Romeo to go away, "And my Daddy said, 'Stay away from Juliet.'" Okay, makes sense. Daddy doesn't like Romeo. Happens. Then she talks about how she sneaks out to the garden to see him, "We keep quiet 'cause we're dead if they knew." Dead? Wow. They would both be dead if anyone found out. SERIOUS BUSINESS. Very similar to Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet. So what happens? At the very end Romeo pops up to Juliet after disappearing for a while and he says, "I talked to your Dad, go pick out a white dress." They're getting married??? But.. somehow "I talked to your Dad" doesn't seem to be enough when just them seeing each other before was a murderable offense.

One last thing on the Taylor Swift lyrics... "'Cause you were Romeo, I was a scarlet letter." Scarlet Letter? That's another great piece of writing. Back in ye old forming-America's-colonies days, Hester was punished with a big letter A in scarlet fabric sewn to the front of her dress for adultery. The scarlet letter is a symbol for sin, shame, punishment, adultery.. and not a single good thing that Juliet could possibly be.

britishbroccoli @ 2009-06-01T16:18:00

2009-06-01T20:43:00Z

T-shirt surgery with Claudia =)

Not really in the mood to post piccies, more in the mood for life updates!

School: I finished my second internship on time and get a cute little intro and picture on the College Prowler website. Yay cred! I got a lower GPA than I would have liked (3.6) because my internship, even though for-credit and highly dedicated with a full portfolio and paper at the end.. was only Pass-Fail. Oh well.

Work: I had a job interview planned for tomorrow but instead got a job for Ivory Associates as a safety supervisor for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. I kinda have a Homer Simpson job, except outdoors and with hard-hats. I'll make about $1K a week for the summer and can bring a book to read. My other job interviews were for canvassing (aka clipboard interrogating) for an environmental non-profit or secretarial work, but this pays wayyyy better for a summer job. My only concern is sunburn. I'll be stocking up on SPF 50+.

Friends: Got to see Claudia before she started jet-setting all over the place! Always good. Actually got to see Emma, Vicki, and peeps quite recently. Living in the ville will be quiet this summer, but I can afford to leave town a bunch.

Romance: Jason and I have been together for 5 months, I can't believe it! It feels like we've been together much longer and at the same time like we just met (the honeymooner phase). About a month ago, a friend of a friend who neither of us knew was guessing how long we'd been together. "Two years? What, no? Three? Four? No no no I'm guessing two years." It was incredibly sweet.

Fun: Went to the US Air Guitar Championship with Jason over the weekend- so much fun! Much more awesome than I thought was possible. This weekend who knows what is in store! We're going to Hershey park one of the coming weekends, that's for certain. Dave, Jason, maybe Vlad & co are all going to the beach two weekends from now, which will be a blast. Live music on the beach cannot be beat.

Health: I feel great. I've lost 3 lbs since I decided to get healthy after seeing the scale at the doctor's office. My weight is almost too easy to change (up and down though). My goal for the summer isn't a number, but rather I really want to fit into this cute skirt from high school.

Family: Everything is merry on the home-front; finally emptying out the old house, throwing out a lot of junk. Really. The dogs are doing well, loopy as ever. Heather's 13 now and Missy is 12, which is awesome, the breed normally lives 12-15 years and they are as healthy and happy.

=)

Summer Breath

2009-05-27T22:57:10Z

Jenny Owen Youngs and Jukebox The Ghost at UMD

Jukebox the Ghost had a cute drumset

Lead singer extraordinaire!

Swing dance- themed

Yeeehaw

I made it so only our eyes colored but you can't really tell.

Tricking the Chiquita the chinchilla.

Cute

Evil!!!

On guard for evilness

Slightly demented

Close up of Chiquita.. sadly not looking evil

There we go.

Last weekend was INSANE. Swing dance was a blast, even if it started out kinda blah. I love themed dances. Saturday, Jason and I finally went to THAI RESTAURANT together, a place that looks cheap and crap on the outside, but is crazy cute on the inside. Vegetable tempura heaven! That night we went to Sarah's for a party and a last chance to see her before she leaves for Wyoming until October. =( It was a "use up the alcohol" party and I was the only sober person who was there. That turned into a crazy adventure that involved PJ's Bar, campus police, and strong arms. What a night!

Went to dinner with Emma and Vicki. I feel super lame coming back to Pville, but seeing other people trapped in the black hole that is this town, I feel better. Also, I can't believe we ate all that pasta. Also, Chiquita is evil. heh.

Trash Trash Trash

2009-05-15T00:03:50Z

I'm sure I'll grow up some day.

Beard made from the cushioning for the commemorative scissors that I got at the ribbon cutting for our new School of Business (SOB.. teehehe)

Steve Forbes came to our school to cut the ribbon

A great moment in history! Not really.

May Day.. Mandy painting a broccoli on my cheek

Roomies for life

Looking fly, Stang

Steph rocking the pixelated hummer

I suck so badly at velcro walls

Sometimes so does steph

But mostly she rocks at it

Hers said something like "courage"

Supa Model =P

Sweet as sugar

Howl at the Moon for Cinco de Mayo

COWBELL SOLO! For "Don't Fear the Reaper"

Always a good time going out with these girls

The second bucket o' booze was apparently not as good as the first

After the ribbon cutting for Steve Forbes they had a reception for the trustees and such... for which they blocked off the dining hall (and students) from view. Here is steph lookin's sneaky by the curtains. SU, I roll my eyes at you!

I did really well this semester. A, A, A-, B+, P. The P is for Pass for my internship. For the amount of work I did, I really wish it was on the grading scale. I was surprised about the A- (Brit lit, of all things) and very happy about the B+ in Shakespeare. I still have to finish my College Prowler internship, which is due May 25th.

I'm still unpacking my bedroom. I still have stuff/paperwork/doodads from elmentary and middle school clogging up my bedroom, so I have my work cut out for me. Tomorrow I have an uber-date planned with Jason: hiking the Billy Goat Trail (it's been too long, Global) and then Rio for the Star Trek movie. He also pinned me with his undergrad frat's pin, which is incredibly sweet. I can't wait to see him. I hate being away from my loved ones for the summer.

Random Goals:

-Get a summer job to start in June
-Have bedroom cleaned and minimized by May 20th
-Read 15 books this summer (there're at least 40 unread on my bookcase)

=]

Paper Procrastination

2009-05-04T19:37:08Z

Jason + Moi at Vicki's 21st Birthday

Emma @ Vicki's 21st

Birthday girl and boyfriend Tal.

Lots of people I knew and.. lol high school peeps

Baseball game with the English Department

Odd combo

"Yes I'd like 2 orders of nachos and a fan fare please" What?

The row of teachers.

Loving the fists in the air

Class (and legality)

Tigerfest.. lifesize fooseball! ZOMG.

Distrust

Chris (brian's friend), Brian, & Dave. =)

Neerrrp!

Shiny Toy Guns!

"Youuuu areeeee the oneee"

Fantastic trousers, madame

While waiting for All-American Rejects, right before they announced the field/concert is under evacuation for a severe storm warning. Mass chaos ensued.

The sky was beautiful and dastardly

When they let people back in, there was a stampede. I somehow ended up at the frontish. This is the view behind me.

All-American Rejects

AAR

Nice shorts

Pwoar.

Great show

Of course.

Life is pretty awesome but also irksome. I still have quite a bit of work left to do for finals, not to mention I need to find a summer job. I could always work at Calleva, but that's not ideal. If I did decide to work there, it would be with the stipulation that I don't do overnights because of health reasons.

I still have a lot of fun up my sleeves, tucked in with all the work to be done. Tomorrow, for cinco de mayo, a ton of us are going out and good times will be had. Wednesday is the Alpha Chi induction ceremony. I'm very excited and proud. My mom's coming up for it and I must begin the sad process of sending my possessions home. Then, Saturday (final move out day) there's the Gamer Symphony Orchestra (with Brian) performing, as well as a Rocky Horror in the evening.

I just got back a little while ago from Don Pablo's with my Brit Lit class for drinks and unwind time. It was pretty awesome. Oh, randomly I am now the Information Specialist (Secretary on the Exec Board) for Sigma Tau Delta. Marie Sparky is the chair, and Katie is the vice-chair, so it's going to be fantastic.

As for Jason, we'll be seeing each other a lot this summer, despite the hour-or-so drive. Necessities include camping, the beach, hikes, sailing, maybe some horseback riding, picnics.. can you tell I want some fun in the sun? =)

Ends up. Up ends.

2009-04-23T19:00:20Z

Picture of my birthday bunch .. oh.. over a month ago. Oops.

Let us see.. what have I been up to? Had the etiquette dinner, trivia night at Max's (bar in Fells), lots of swing dancing, a few game nights at Dave's, went down to the Cherry Blossoms with Jason, went on a field trip down to St. Michael's, sailed a skipjack, celebrated Allison's birthday (Brian buying me the long lost shot: Redheaded Slut), Easter brunch with my family and Jason, volunteered at Lisa's library, went paintballing, celebrated Vicki's birthday, saw Willy Wonka shadow-casted, celebrated Mrs. Leggett's birthday, saw Jane Goodall speak, saw David McCullough speak, was pinned for Sigma Alpha Pi, got in to Alpha Chi, got published (third year running) in Spectrum Literary Magazine, made 3-4 publications for the Office of the Public Defender, hosted a potential student, and just... had a blast.

To come? Baseball game with the English Department tomorrow, pizza party for student hosts tomorrow, Pearl's party tomorrow, All-American Rejects & Shiny Toy Guns (with others) Saturday, scholarship lunch Sunday, dinner with the Leggett's Sunday, English Dept. cookout & May Day next week, finishing my internship next week, Alpha Chi (*SQUEE*) inductions week after next. ^_^

The only negative is that school is nearly over and that means moving home, finding work, and being far away from Stevenson awesomeness. It's looking like I will have an indoor job this summer, but I don't want to jinx it so I'll keep that info to myself.

Oh.. there's one more negative: 6 papers due, all of which are in the 5-10 pages range, all of which are due in the next week or so. EEP! I shall prevail.. but it ain't fun.

And now, some spring pics.

In DC

Framing

METALLLL

Jefferson. Epic

Crowded

Love it

Shot through the heart, but you're too lateeee darlin you give looove a bad nameee

That's right

Perfect day

MOOSH

Hollisterrr haha. That's what I get for dating a former frat boy =P

EASTER

Fave

Fave of us

Always Global.

And, last but not least... Dave at a club

DANCIN!

We didn't really get tan.

2009-03-18T03:56:38Z

Taken by Steph as we flew down to Florida.

Over South Carolina, maybe?

Cool horizon

Steph climbing into the 'stang. Also, the sign is turning her into SUPER [Steph].

Hot tub!

I look alarmed

Cute 'n armless

Dunk!

Top model?

Trying to be freaky

Serious

Very serious

Ooooh fountain!

Endless amusement, right here!

Cute

This bathing suit top later snapped on the beach.. yeah.

Found some cutouts at the beach

Yarr

Pirate Pooch

I am so manly.

A wee one.

Jask Sparrow rip off

Day one at the beach

Gulf of Mexico

I have a bitterness towards this bikini top.

The water was a little chilly, but the weather was around 83F all week

Leapin like a fish

Splat!

Smiley

Yes?

Greeen

Hark!

Tired of posting pics. Too many more. Last night went out with friends for my birthday.. so much fun! I made it to 13 drinks. Pictures to come later. Much craziness was had.

Here it goes

2009-03-15T18:39:51Z

BJ (friend, not my brother) at The Recher for Ok Go!

Brian and Dave

The 4 of us

Brian eating ma head.

They shot confetti canons at us. PWOOSH!

Setting up for the Handbell Solo (aka they played an entire song on handbells)

BONG!

Moved back in to my apartment today. Birthday tomorrow. *squee* Homework in excess now. Ciao!

tcejbus

2009-03-13T05:47:34Z

Boyfriend on chopping duty

The makings of vegetarian Philly Cheesesteak

Jason's splendid work.

I think I underestimated the amount of potato that little carton would produce.

Oh baby!

My boyfriend sometimes eats soy things with me. Awwwww! (Actually, in this case, he was too lazy to defrost and cook his steak heh)

Emma's 21st Birthday- rollerskating style!

Rollin with a homie

As much of the group as could be gathered (Jason taking the picture, aw)

Tal and Vicki, looking glam, m'am

Ma skates

Emma taking a breather

Taking a break, myself.

The Next Edition: Pictures from the concert with the boys.

Florida's been awesome. If I could redo this week, I would change very little. 1. I would have applied a bit more sunblock. 2. I would have never bought the green bikini that ended up snapping. We've had a wild time here, that's for sure ;). Who knew my mom would be cool with so much. Tomorrow is our last full day here, and I want to be a lazy bum about it, so I will.

I'll explain what i've done this week with the pictures. Saturday morning I fly back. Saturday-day, going to Jason's, hanging with his family (and him, of course). Sunday I move back in (easy-peasy this time) and need to crank out some work right away for Monday, but I'm not stressed. After all, Monday is my birthday!

Froggieee

2009-03-06T17:48:41Z

Why hello there, good chum.

Oldified

There's a union jack in my eyeball.

I wish they were greener.

Spring is coming!

Cut from white paper, color fun with photoshop

"Yes, but is it ART" Someone must remember this.

Hairs straightened in work outfit

Cut and dyed a wee bit darker

Innocent of the fluff. Admittedly, I begged her to fluff it

As big as we could make it without additional materials.

Pfft.

The sun decided to give us a nice transition- the weather is going to be warmish leading up to Florida. So I dropped one of my classes. Thus, this semester just got 80X more awesome. Really. I was busting my butt for a class that I didn't even need.

Still unsure about who we're living with next semester, which scares me a little. We have 2 potentials, I think- a junior named Brianna and a senior named Erin (though I don't know if anyone has talked to her about it).

In other news, I decided to NOT take a single piece of homework to Florida. Florida is for fun. =)

Strawberry snow

2009-03-03T02:04:07Z

Smiling strawberries in the snow.

A little chilly to be wearing sweatshirts.

Beyond the flakes...

A jump!

Not that into it.

Wah jump!

Heh heh hee

Snow angel.. not enough snow just yet

Static.

The quad now covered in snow

Avalon, also comfortably snow-covered

Today we had a loverly little snow day. I wouldn't have minded classes, to be honest, since I was going to be watching a movie (Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead) in one of the classes anyway.

This week is midterms so busy bee time. Friday the school closes and I'm going to Jason's and then out for Emma's 21st Birthday. We're all going rollerskating. Ironically, last weekend we meant to go skating but ran out of time because we needed to go to Manu's 21st birthday at an epic Indian restaurant. So tasty! Anyway, Jason promised me we'd go skating the coming weekend and by some awesome coincidence, Emma's party is to go skating.

Saturday I'm going to an Ok Go concert. SO stoked. Going with Brian, Dave, BJ (Ben's friend, not my brother), and then Melissa and her peeps are coming there as well. Sunday Jason is a saint and is driving Steph et moi to the airport. The week we'll be there is going to be 80 degrees every day. We'll be gone for a week, back on the 14th. Then, the 16th, my 21st birthday, pub crawl in Fells. I hope things warm up a bit here by then.

4 days until school closes for spring break
5 days until the Ok Go concert
6 days until we fly to FL (can't wait to see the puppies!)
14 days until my birthday

And first.

2009-02-24T04:36:43Z

One 21st birthday girl

One friend from high school.

One friend from college.

Shaken, not stirred. =P

Global Ecology Studies Program for life.

2009-02-23T06:38:17Z

Soldier's Delight hike

Some parts of the trail had ice- this bit had twigs making pretty swirls.

Other parts of the trail had little creeklits.

Not only is this part of the trail barren, it's actually called a serpentine barren because of the soil type and such

The breeze gently rustled the grasses into a soft whispering calm that was not at all lonely.

There is a mine! It used to be the largest producer of chrome(ium) in the US!

Standing in front of one of the shafts

The old entrance.

Blue jay!

One of the pits

... which is also fenced in.

Baltimore Historic Society, represent!

View from the overlook. Yes, there are power lines

Vanity at the overlook.

Macroberry

Beautiful day. I'll be back here again in the proper spring, for sure.

Thursday a bunch of us went out to Bourbon St, a Mardi Gras themed club that is quite epic. Steph was celebrating her 21st at midnight, Jason came as well, and good times were had by all.

Then, Friday, went to a Rock Band party, strangely sans-Ben. The other guys convinced me to go and so I baked cookies and kicked some serious butt singing AFI.

Saturday I hiked part of Soldier's Delight (as seen in photos) as part of a Maryland Heritage (History) class. It was a beautiful day and the tramping about in the woods and such took me right back to Global. Ah, the salad days...

Then, went to Jason's and out with his friend Eric, who is hilarious. We all went out, had fun, went back to Eric's, and threw paper airplanes at a beautiful twinkling Baltimore skyline. Jason and I also made potato leak soup and chocolate chip cookies. Yum!

This week should be pretty ok- no bells and whistles during the week. Then, the weekend.. oh man... talk about too many options. There are a few parties, rocky horror, and other shenanigans to be had. Chances are that most of it will be spent with Jason, since we're both social butterflies (he can be a manly monarch, I'll be a girly gatekeeper). Except that gatekeeper butterflies are not girly and have fake eyes intended to scare predators.

I'm a geek.

auspicious aubergine

2009-02-18T03:32:02Z

So my dad stopped by my school to drop off a pair of shoes (yay my old tennis shoes!) and to pick up the spare keys and he brought by a ginormous thing of chocolates. Steph featured here helping me out.

Being a sketchball

For Valentine's Day, we went to a little tea shop cafe called Teavolve. Pure class. It was very modern but cozy, with a live musician singing and playing acoustic guitar. The tea was amazing, and the little tea pot was set upon a stand containing a wee tea light. Our first pot of tea was "rooibos w/ vanilla," a smoooth South African tea that tasted the way you wish scented candles tasted. More on scented candles later.

I don't think I was ready for this photo.. I think I was absorbed in cooling the tea.

My gentleman and scholar boyfriend. HIIII JASON who apparently skims this.

We also went Ice Skating! Taken before/after going, didn't bring my camera there. Yes, I wore this. No, I am not good at skating. It was still a blasty. There was a balloon artist and free fruit and vitamin waters because they were doing health screenings and it snowed lightly as we walked across the park hand in hand (aw).

Then Jason & yours truly cooked an amazing recipe. We made "Eggplant Parmigiana" out of my EVERYTHING VEGETARIAN COOKBOOK. We added the broccoli, breadsticks, and breaded fake chicken, just cus we're cool like that.

We are by candle light.. which was brighter than this.. I couldn't be fussed to mess with my settings- was too keen on eating as it was 8:30pm by the time we'd finished cooking.

Proud and drooling, boyfie is ready to dig in.

We also made pumpkin rools! that... did not look right at all. We neglected to add the baking soda (but added the baking powder... way to go team haha) so the cake didn't roll. It sliced just fine, though, and tasted divine. We used some raw pumpkin frozen from last Halloween. Only one bag left! Oh no!

And of course, Jason gave me roses. A beautiful bouquet of freedom roses. Yes, that's what they're called.

Mildly manipulated photo

So those were the main bits of Val's Day sweetness. Other highlights include Jason covering his bedroom with vanilla scented candles. Also, he really liked what I got him. This weekend was 100% awesome. Before the weekend, I had a little swing shindig and had a blast, though Emma had to leave early and Andy left almost right away, sick as a dog. Still, had a blast cavorting with Meghan and Manu, Jason's friends who came for the fun. The dance was Valentine's themed and so everyone was in reds and blacks and it was a great slash of fun, teaching the peeps random little swing tricks. Meghan even got a fan club from a bunch of singles on the wall. Good times!

The week to come, oh my, oh my. Thursday is going to be a bit of clubbing with some friends from the past/NRHH. Steph turns 21 at midnight, so that should turn interesting. Friday is maybe Rock Band Party, maybe swing, maybe other plans? I'm not right sure. Saturday I'm going hiking, which should be fun, even if it's colddd (which it will be).

As far as extracurriculars go, I'm all about the greek these days, it would seem, except for NRHH. I'll soon be done with Sigma Alpha Pi, a leadership society. I'm just 2 meetings and 5 hours community service away from being inducted and the excellence in leadership award. Next comes Alpha Chi, an honors society I was nominated/approved for, though I still have to apply by submitting a huge paper from a high level class and a teacher recommendation. I just need to pick the paper and run it by the teacher, who I already asked. Next is Kappa Theta Epsilon, the National Cooperative Education honor society. Basically.. for people with internships for credit. My roommate just took it over and so that should be fun. Then, last but not least, is Sigma Tau Delta.. which has been the hardest to join because it isn't much of an organization these days! I was nominated while I was in London and decided to wait on it, and now it's just a shell of an organization. Still, it's the English Honors Society, so I want in.

Oh! I also just made the Dean's list again. Woooo. And I planned out my spring break and 21st birthday. Lots of fun to be had for both, more on those later. I can't believe it's almost march (sorta.. Feb is short..). Midterms soon. I'm loving my classes, and not because they're easy because they certainly aren't.

Anyway, I've rambled on quite a bit here. Summary: Christine's life is busy. A busy life is a happy one. Therefore, Christine is happy. AAA Fig IV Valid Syllogism!

britishbroccoli @ 2009-02-08T17:29:00

2009-02-08T23:17:50Z

Rock.. not war.

Nu-wave

Prancity

Angsty ballerina in boots.

4 feet tall

Stretching

High stepping.

The lean

Graceful lean

Angular

Pondering the location of my right leg.

Glamour(less) shot

Twisted.

Yessss?

Pouty destruction

Checkin out a magazine

This is how I read a magazine, apparently.

In ze window from jumping times past.

Elongate. She's all limbs

Love the table.. BE the table!

Woe is me and my hyper-extended leg

Show me ugly!

Learning by imitation

Why do I open to this spread? Oi...

REACTION

So very busy! So very happy! Been to Dave's a few times for game nights (board games, card games, good fun). Went to a house party with Jason (very crowded, but yummy snacks) and a Superbowl party at his friend's place. We cooked this amazing Greek dish and I got to know a few of his closer friends, who are all cool and hilarious to bounce off of for laughs.

This weekend I went to a Study Abroad conference and am excited to rework the abroad experience into my resume. Then I went on a triple date.. Me & Jason, Liz & Carl (7 months), Jenn & Keith (4 years). They were awesome and good fun, but I get easily intimidated by lots of couples all around. Still, we went to Dave and Busters. There wasn't anything vegetarian on the eat&play deal, so the waiter substituted in veggie burgers for this doublestack burger deal. Thus, I had a double stacked veggie burger. Pffffft. Then we went back to Jason's and had a bit of a party with other friends of his, Rock Band and Little Big Planet.

Sched (for my own organization):

Monday: blood tests morning, police interview for internship after class, Dad stopping by @ 5. Swing dance with Andy.

Tuesday: CP for food, movie, karaoke

Wednesday: NRHH meeting.

Thursday: Doctor's appt, ballroom dance with Jason & co

Friday: Valentine's themed swing with all Gf's

Saturday: Awesome Valentine's Day Date.

I feel like there was something else on Wednesday... hm.. if so I guess (hope!) it comes back to me. Dinner time now... coming soon: funny pictures with my car!

Orange Apple Orange

2009-02-03T23:42:32Z

Dahllling

Way out there.

Work it

Love the wall. BE the wall.

Own it

Messing with photoshop

Ooops i was going to update some more, but looks like I'm going to a game night. Pwah! Laterrr

Elimiates Odors and Freshens the Air

2009-01-31T07:19:37Z

Face mask/cream party. Steph has mask, I have cream, Stef has half and half.

Skeletal grin

"I look like twoface!"

To be fair.

Steph's mirror... hard to photograph.. it wasn't really in double.

This turned into playing with my Burt's Bees coloured gloss

How do the models do their hair?

They do that shoulder thing!

More photos from that day later... random laziness tiredness and disinterest in posting the rest tonight.

Tonight was swing. It was PACKED. Also, there were far too many girls. I looked adorable and a half in that obnoxious plaid dress, but I still asked about half of the guys I danced with. Steph and Allen came too, but left early. They had a pretty neat time, but Steph was knackered. I spent most of the night trying to avoid an overeager freshman who would not leave me alone. It was kind of ridic. OH! This one guy who looked kind of average, skillwise, asked me to dance. The first time, I'm kind of clumsy with following a few moves, and he has to explain one. Then, later, we danced again and he went all out. We were doing lindy kicks and hops (he made us go down low and then hopped into the air. At one point even, he spun me around and I somehow ended up in the air, on his hip, knees bent, and he spun us around! *squee* This one very quiet guy who mostly speaks with his eyes (which are quite haunting) taught me 5 or so different ways to dip. Fantastic!

Hahah sidenote... a guy and girl at swing kept just sitting and making out and being all over each other grossly and Andy went over and asked the girl (who he had danced with earlier) to dance... she said yes! bahahahah

Hm so what else does this weekend have in store? Tomorrow, during the day, I'll probably do a spot of homework, read for fun, go to the gym. At night there's a "Slumber Party" (oh la la). After that, cruising down to Jason's and going to a themed party with his gradschool friends. The theme is "Bailout" to be interpreted however. I'll probably go looking like a realestate agent/lawyer... just throw on some business clothing. Sunday is ze Superbowl. Jason and I are going to Burt's (Bar & Restaurant), maybe catchup with some of his friends.

This entry has gone on for long enough. When did I become so chatty with posts? I guess I'm just happy and wanting to share it. Also, I have been using this to keep track of my wild weekends of many activities, reminding myself of stuff to come.

Hot Chocolate Kisses

2009-01-29T04:22:31Z

2-5 inches of Christmas all over the place

My blue man group- Brian and Dave by monitor's light.

The big obvious thing to talk about here is how this weekend my purse was stolen. After a sensual, romantic, amazing, dreamy dinner with Jason, we went to the ESPN zone. We were playing a racing game, slightly reclined. We put our two coats on the ground with my purse on top, between his knees and mine. After the first game, I used some chapstick from my bag. After the second game, my purse was gone. There are no security cameras upstairs.

I lost my: school ID, wallet, medical card, credit card, drivers license, misc cards (red cross, safeway, a spencer's punch card that needed one more punch), 2 gift cards worth $170 total, $35 cash, digital camera, memory card, camera case, GPS, GPS case, cell phone, thumbdrive, sunglasses, car keys, apartment key, mailbox key, keychains from London, pill tin from london, the purse itself, a concert ticket, and my house key.

There was a small chance I could get some things back if they weren't stolen, but that small chance went away. Because it was a case of larceny and not robbery (aka.. I didn't see a person take it, no one took it by force), Baltimore City does not send out detectives.

I've replaced most of the things that were taken. People have been incredible to me- the school didn't charge me for the new ID or keys- a few of the security dudes are cops and they felt for me.. that I had information to get the guy who did this.. but that I'm helpless here. My mom's a clever lady and will be able to cancel the $150 gift card, hopefully. I canceled my credit card immediately and the thief didn't access it at all.

My family and boyfriend were the big heroes here. My brother did so much for me, trying to contact the right branches of the police, looking at my cell logs, and just being amazing. Jason drove me 3 hours total at midnight to get to and from pville so that I could get the spare keys for the mini and move her to his garage so she'd be safe.

I'm done talking about this though. I feel sick inside that people did this. The security at ESPN Zone said that someone was probably watching us, waiting for a moment to snatch it. I have a ton of regrets. I was going to empty out the nonessentials from my bag at Jason's, but then I shrugged and put my bag on my shoulder. I was going to leave the GPS in Jason's car, but then I didn't want it to get too cold.

So to talk about slightly something else-- Jason met parts of my family! The first boy to meet more than one member since... high school. I think my sister met one guy in the past, but, because of the whole crazy weekend, Jason met my brother, sister-in-law, and Dad, however briefly. I was too drained to care much for "meet the family" anxieties, and I think Dad liked Jason for taking care of me, driving me so far, so late at night.

Obvs, things are awesomesauce with a cherry on top with Jason. I got the most awesome pie for him evarrrrr for this weekend. Friday will probably be swing and meeting Steph's dude from NC. Saturday is Stef's "Slumber Party" and then over to Jason's for pie, gaming, and perhaps going to the club (it's been a whileeee). Sunday is the Superbowl. Not sure what Jason has in mind yet, but I think there are 2-3 places we could go for the game, which is sadly Ravens-less.

Then, Monday is Brian's birthday. They grow up so fast! I wonder if a road trip will be necessary...

Greetings, Earthlings- I come in fleece.

2009-01-15T04:03:10Z

Strawberries dipped in chocolate

Tongue tattoo fruit roll ups = delicious fun. Here I sport a blue molecule.

18 Credits! Woo! So this semester is looking to be challenging and productive and fun! I'm a little behind at the moment (taking a reading break typing this) because I had epic problems obtaining textbooks. We have Monday off for MLK day and Tuesday off for the inauguration though, so I'll be good soon enough. Anyway, as a tradition, here's what I think of my classes so far:

ENG-343-01 (1905) British Period: Contemporary
This class is going to be a ton of fun, except for the first book, which is the much loathed Lord of the Flies. Otherwise, we're reading some excellent books, some I've read, some I haven't. The teacher is new this year, enthusiastic and hilarious. The class is just 8 of us, all female. Not to mention Kayla is in the class... as well as almost all of my English classes. Aw jeez. Heh.

ENG-231-01 (1886) Hist & Structure of Eng Lang
This is going to be a hard one that I really need to kick ass for. I've had the teacher before, she loves me, and I like her teaching style, though the textbook for this pretty dry, her spazzy personality will liven it up. Again.. Kayla the compadre. Also, two of my "posse" (long story), Matt and Lisa, are in the class. I think this sucker might just be harder than some of my 300 level classes.

ENG-360-01 (1906) Shakespeare
So far, so Shakespeare. I'm a little disappointed with the plays we're reading... I wish we were doing some of his lesser known work that kept cropping up in the textbook like "Measure for Measure" or "The Comedy of Errors." However, the teacher is well known to be awesome and difficult and off-colour, so he will probably bring new light to the plays I'm gettin' a bit bored with. Also, we'll be doing a lot of work with random sonnets. Sweet. I can't remember who I sat with in this class, but that the same 5 friends/classmates happen to be in almost all of my classes.

HIST-312-LB1 (2686) Topics: Maryland Heritage
Funky little history class- the textbook is a coffee table type book called "Weird Maryland." We'll be doing 4 big projects on who knows what, but options for the projects include "photo essay" and "video," so it should be a lot of fun. Our end work is going to be going on a University website for Maryland Heritage. Marie is in this class! Sparky forever! Shame no one reading this will ever understand *dramatic flourish*

ENG-329-01 (1904) Argumentation and Rhetoric
This will be, by far, my hardest class. I've learned that if you take a class in the teacher's passion, it's bound to be extremely difficult and rewarding. Last time the class was offered, only 4 people lasted until the end to take the final. This is the same teacher who I have for Shakespeare... but this is clearly his favourite class to teach, however much he loves the old bard. Sparky & co are also in this class. Good stuff.

ENG-420-I (1911) Internship for English Majors
My internship is pretty awesome! I'm working at a public defender's office as an unpaid intern, though everyone tells me to write "Law Clerk" on stuff. My current project is researching and interviewing people and calling up places... all in order to make a pamphlet from scratch for clients about how to file a complaint against the police. I'll be making a companion for attorneys. I'll be making some other publication later as well and then if I have extra time, working on the database of dirty cops, so to speak. I'm out of my comfort zone and reading up FAST on all the legal matters at hand, but everyone at the office is really cool, very nice and helpful, especially with my 20 questions involving the use of the very complicated office phone system. Apparently, we all have a secretary who routes our calls. Cute!

Long entry. Wrapping it up! Life is fun, life is fast. Tomorrow going to see Gran Torino with Andy, his friend Austin, and maybe Steph. Friday there's a movie on campus, Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist- which I've been wanting to see. Saturday I'm going to see Chitty Chitty Bang Bang with my lil sister. ^_^! Might be picking up tickets to see a show while in the area too. As I said, Mon and Tues off. Later in the month, Stef's throwing a "slumber party" for her birthday at our place. Should be hilarious, even if I'm probably not allowed to take pictures.

Zoom Zoom!

2009-01-11T21:36:27Z

Andy and his brand spanking new zoom zoom aka mazda.

He loves the car

Jason and myself at swing

He snuck a kiss just as the picture was taken.

Dinner in progress- tofu with rosemary and spinach, garlic and herb sauce, and rotini pasta.

Jason likes tofu! I've struck gold.

Back at school, feeling cool. Jason's going on a family trip/celebration to San Diego for a week, but it's my first week of classes, so I'll be pretty busy anyway getting settled. I've got a little bit more stuff to unpack, but not much.

What does the future hold for meee... week after this is the inauguration and Martin Luther King Day, so no school, will hopefully get to see Brian's new place off campus. Jason might do a superbowl party dealie which would be fun, or we'll go out for it. The Ravens actually have a change of making the Superbowl this year-- craziness.. I remember how crap they were freshman year.

Aieee Steph just got here so time to go help her carry janx in. Laters!