March 31, 2005 excellence at State I was talking to my mom last night about my meetings with my professors yesterday afternoon and I couldn't stop gushing about how wonderful they are to me. Perhaps, this is the way professors are all over the country, but usually when I've gone to professors in the past, it was to beg them not to fail me or figure out how to get out of the hole I had dug for myself. Academic excellence in college is new to me and I am enjoying the hell out of it. Teacher appreciation month is still a month away (and I've got big blog plans for it), but I just felt like I needed to put this out there. These professors have made my transition back to college so easy and seamless, it's like I never left. I appreciate it more than I can say. Prof R - Not only is he a dynamic lecturer, with powerpoint and humor, but he's a fantastic person. Seconds away from leaving on a whirlwind trip with not much time or attention to give to things non-trip related, he spent time with me yesterday, guiding me on my paper. He showed me how to use databases, searching for information and even volunteering to bring me books from his own collection to help me on my research. And all the while, he did it with a smile and humor, though I know he had more pressing things to worry about. Dean K - On more than one occasion, I've seen him sitting in the courtyard, just shooting the shit with students. Not only does he actually teach classes, but he is generally interested helping students. He has an open door policy for anyone in the college and does everything within his power to assist students with their troubles. Prof SC - Last semester, she was a godsend in my seminar class. Not only did she help me every step of the way with my paper, but she gave encouragement and advice for my oral presentation that helped me get an A and even calmed me a bit. Prof B - Knowledgeable and a leader in his field, he was dynamic and personable in the classroom. He encouraged us to be well-read and to demand more from our university. Labeled a rabble-rouser by his department, he made a 3-hour evening class into one of my favorites. And last, but certainly not least, Prof C - Oh, what can I say about Prof C that I haven't already? Yesterday, he took time out of his wretched day, to look over my cover letter for yet another internship application when I know he would have rather have done anything else. He has been such a wonderful mentor, friend and teacher to me and really helped me stay on track. His advice and guidance has been invaluable as I've embarked on this internship quest and I am so grateful. Jenn posted at 3:46 PM |

March 30, 2005 easily distracted I've been trying to figure out shipments for Fed Ex since I got home half an hour ago and everytime I go to bring up the Fed-Ex website, I get distracted by something else! Man, I wish I could concentrate and not be so scatterbrained all the time. That would really be nice. Oh, BTW, I got an A- on my Gerber paper and a 94 on my midterm for Cal Poli. I am rockin' Prof C's class and lovin' every minute of it! Jenn posted at 7:03 PM |

"One more, Ellen Sue, just one more!" Got midterm back in Comp Politics - a respectable B - and continued lecture on Brazil. Got to catch up with Dell about break and all since he was not around on Monday. Prof C had an emergency, so we cancelled class. I was able to get my errands at the bookstore done and still have time to come home for a short break before Middle Ages. That's the only class standing between me and Chavez day ;) I've got to stop by Prof C and Prof R's office hours to discuss various things, but that's not the same as going to class, so it doesn't count. After that, I'll be spending the afternoon finishing my last three internship apps and Fed-Exing them to the East Coast. I woke up tired as usual, but I still feel really great today. I think it's the sunshine. Just makes life seem brighter, even when it's not ;) Jenn posted at 2:58 PM |

March 28, 2005 "You should teach handwriting. Great letters!" I went to school today expecting to get all of my papers and midterms back that I had completed before Spring Break. My professors, I guess, thought that Spring Break meant they also got a break as well (except Prof R, author of the above quote, who gets a gold star for having them finished last Monday!). Silly profs! I think everyone was really out of it today. My classes were a lot quieter and just...different than usual, so I think everyone had SB hangover. I know I did. Even though I though I didn't switch to East Coast time, I guess I did because my body has been off all day. Nonetheless, I had a good day at school, despite not getting my grades. We got back in our higher ed groups in Prof C's class and we've got some good ideas about our project. I was really iffy about this group project before, but I think we've got a good chance to effect change. And if that happens, it'll be a nice little portfolio builder, even if it's a local issue ;) Jenn posted at 8:33 PM |

random text message? I got a random txt message from a 703 area code number yesterday. Anyone want to claim it? Jenn posted at 6:43 PM |

air traffic control I love listening to the air traffic control channel when I fly. There's a great feeling of being "in the know" before everyone else when there's going to be turbulence, when we're going to climb and my favorite of all, when we're crossing above or below another plane. Though air traffic controller has never made it on my "when I grow up" list (my life-and-death-situation skills leave a lot to be desired), it still seems like a very cool job. Jenn posted at 2:09 AM |

March 26, 2005 unique perspective I got to a link to a blog from a mailing list, linking to another post. I went to the main page where I found this charming post about church youth groups. I had to stop myself several times from becoming violently angry at the gross mischaracterization of youths who have come out of youth group. Stepping back, I realize that this woman's words are shaped by her experience. She clearly states: I have yet to see one single achiever, inventor, strong family man, or a preacher with a thorough knowledge of the word of God, who was nurtured as a teenager in a youth group. I haven't seen good mothers or homemakers come out of the youth groups. I've never heard anyone say that a youth group was what they needed in order to know how to raise their children or how to behave in the body of Christ. It is obvious that she has never met the brilliant, accomplished, generous, loving men and women that were in youth group with me. I could refute her post, point by point, but it wouldn't change her mind, like her post would never change my mind about the wonderful life I have now because of my time in youth group. I feel like I am becoming reactionary and intolerant of intolerance as I become more and more immerse in politics and government. I have a hard time considering the opinion of people I condsider to be so far out there that they obviously have no connection to reality. This is a fault that I am trying to work on day by day, so that I can more productive in future jobs. Working in Washington will require me to interact with Democrats and Republicans on a daily basis and I will not have the luxury of simply ignoring the opinion of people that I disagree with. I will have to try to understand where they are coming from, what they want and how they believe that their ideology is the way to solve the nation's problems while still advancing my own agenda as the right way to do things. I don't think that I am articulating my argument effectively, but I know what I'm trying to say ;) "You want free speech? Let's see you acknowledge a man whose words make your blood boil who is standing center stage advocating at the top of his lungs that which you would spend a lifetime opposing at the top of yours." -President Shepherd (Michael Douglas), "The American President" written by Aaron Sorkin Jenn posted at 11:22 PM |

strange pride Is it strange that I feel a sense of pride when I see that TCU was in the NCAA tournament on the scroll on ESPN? They aren't my alma mater by any means. I never actually attended a class...but I still feel an affinity for the Horned Frogs. I feel my blog has become quite boring of late. No angst, no drama. I'm enjoying my life. I'm happy. Most entries consist solely of my daily itinerary that can neither be interesting nor enjoyable to anyone outside of myself (and possibly my parents). I kinda like that though. I'm not whining or morose. I'm not searching for meaning or dying for connection with the world. I have a great (clean!) apartment [that I miss!], great classmates, wonderful professors. I'm making good grades and I generally feel good about school. That's never happened to me before and I'm reveling in it. Jenn posted at 4:59 AM |

March 25, 2005 really good day I suited up in my Sac suit and played grown up all day today. It felt totally natural and so, so right. I only hope that I will continue to feel this good as life progresses. I interviewed for an internship today. Though the interview was short (15 minutes), I thought it went well. I felt like I was articulate and mature. I should find out in mid-April whether I got it. In the meantime, I shall finish my other apps and cross my fingers. If you feel so inclined, cross yours as well. After my interview, I called HT to make plans for tonight. Turns out he works two blocks away from where I interviewed, so I went over to meet him for lunch. We had a fab lunch (which might be a standing invite should I get the internship). It was so great to see him again. Despite everything that we've been through in the past few months (and before that), we're still incredibly close friends and I truly treasure that. It's rare. I got the Metro back to meet my parents and ran some errands. I e-mailed HT directions to church and then took a nap. We went to the Maundy Thursday service (HT joined me) and then HT and I went to dinner. I ate too much and talked too much about policy and government (something that is becoming a habit with me), but all in all we had another fabulous time. It was nice to peel off my suit after a productive day and pull on my yoga pants. I'd forgotten what that felt like - to be a working stiff. I'm so into my college kid persona now. Then it struck me that it's Thursday and in a few days, I've got to head back to the grind. Sigh. I guess it's true - all good things must eventually come to an end. Jenn posted at 3:19 AM |

wishful thinking And I wanted to be giving you everything that she's not giving And I wanted to see 'Cause I didn't believe what i'd been hearing You turned out to be more than I bargained for And I can tell that you need to get away Forgive me if I admit that I'd love to love you We both realized it way too late "Hotel Paper" by Michelle Branch Jenn posted at 3:03 AM |

March 24, 2005 love the internets This is why I love blogs and the internet in general. We have planned our gathering without talking to each other or otherwise interacting - simply by commenting on Caryn's blog. Fabulous! Jenn posted at 4:50 AM |

lazy day Got my hair done and my brows waxed. Made interview appointment for tomorrow. Took a nap. Helped my dad program phone numbers in his new phone. Had dinner. Watched "America's Next Top Model." Watching "The West Wing." Jenn posted at 12:17 AM |

March 23, 2005 right coast update It's been a busy few days since I touched down at Dulles on Saturday. I sat with Kimber at church on Sunday, where there was a lot more gloom and doom than I'm used to on Palm Sunday. Afterwards, Erin picked me up to go bridesmaids' dress shopping. We had a couple of false starts, but we managed to pick something that we all liked and that Kristin also approved of! Yay! On Monday, I slept in (until Kristin called ). After my parents got home from Holy Week service, we went shopping. I got curtains for my bedroom finally at Pottery Barn Kids in pink. We also got a new hair dryer (since my dad's keep eating my hair!) and my mom got a new Shark for her classroom. Last night, I went out to dinner with Kimber after we ran some errands for her trip to Vail. Today, I slept in even more before having lunch with Eugenia that turned into a four hour gab fest. I just got back from quiz night at a pub in Old Town with Anna and some of Eugenia's volleyball friends. We came in 12th. Better luck next time! Tomorrow, I'm getting my hair done and hopefully will have a job interview, but that remains to be seen at this point. The rest of the week looks just as busy as what I've experienced so far, but it's all good ;) Jenn posted at 3:46 AM |

March 19, 2005 locked and loaded I had to pack the big suitcase to get everything to fit and I'm still leaving things behind. How is that possible? I blame DC's unpredictable weather, but it's probably more likely that I just an obessive packer. Spring Break here I come! Jenn posted at 7:00 AM |

March 18, 2005 going on 33 hours of wakefulness That's certainly not a record for me, though it is for this early in the semester. I came home to grab some lunch before hitting my errands, but the longer I sit here, the more I want to just lay down on the floor and pass out. Unfortunately, that is not an option at this point ;) I made my Comp Politics midterm my bitch in every way. I met up with D at 6am and studied with him and two other girls until test time. I so rocked it! Then D stayed after for a couple of hours to help me cram for my Middle Ages midterm, which was totally sweet. Unforunately, I misread one of the essay questions when I was making my outline and of course that happened to be the one he chose. Sigh. Lots to do before I can go to sleep, I best get to it! Jenn posted at 5:46 PM |

"She'll be a much better friend when the market closes." Substitute "midterms are over" for "the market closes" and you'll get where I am about now. I've got good answers for two of the three essay questions and an okay answer for the third question for my Middle Ages class. I'm starting to go through the terms, trying to memorize who goes with which event and which Henry, Alfonso or Louis did what. All the info is there in my notes, I just have to figure out how to memorize it in the best fashion. I really need the "easy" 60 points on this one. In about an hour, I have to switch gears again to really get my Comp politics stuff nailed down. I've done about 80 flashcards for the key terms, but I haven't gotten to India. There's just so much information to know so that I can complete the test in 50 minutes. I'm trying not to get bogged down in details, though with my luck, that's really what she wants. Actually, I'm trying not to get bogged down at all and just trying to stay awake and alert. Even though this test is worth 40% of my grade, I'm trying not to put too much pressure on myself because then I'll start freaking out, which helps no one. Hopefully the study session I'm having with D will help me fill in the blanks in my notes. Jenn posted at 7:51 AM |

marathon day, part two I am still up, taking a short break from studying for my two midterms. My hand hurts from writing, so I am now typing, hoping to work out the kinks. I will be so glad in ten and a half hours when both midterms are done and I can concentrate on Spring Break once and for all! Jenn posted at 6:33 AM |

lyrics for the night Never gonna be a Charlie's Angel Never gonna be a saint But you love me for all I am And everything I ain't You make me feel like a star, oh baby You say stay, baby stay Just the way you are And tell me girl, you're fine And you will shine Forever in my heart That's why you, yeah you You make me feel like a star "You Make Me Feel Like a Star" by The Beu Sisters Jenn posted at 12:18 AM |

March 17, 2005 Is it really only Wednesday? As indicated by my earlier posts, today was a long day! I went to Comp politics early and just kept reading over my questions and my notes and the books. I ended up sitting next to Dell and we commiserated on the lack of sleep and our general feeling of crappiness. He borrowed my review sheets and left class early. I was trying to review and pay attention in class since it was the last one before the midterm for *that* class. At quarter of, I just left because I wasn't paying attention and I was getting antsy. As I walked up to my Cal Poli classroom, I ran into Prof C (who didn't recognize me at first - makes you feel good. LOL.) and told him about my good interview news. He's going to DC the following week for a conference, so unfortunately, we won't be there at the same time (though that would be totally weird). I crammed with a few people from class in the hallway and once we got into the classroom. Prof C walked in, handed out the test and then headed out. I don't want to be too confident, but I made that test my bitch! My mind blanked on a couple of things, but I still knew the answer to every question on the test (except for one), so I feel good about how I did. I think the paper turned out well as well, so I feel like my grade is secure so far. Halfway through the test, he came over and dropped some stuff in my backpack. When I left class, I realized it was the recommendation he was writing for me. So now, I can finish my internship apps. I went down and voted in the school elections (Yes on Student Athletics!). I had a lot of time between finishing the midterm and my next class. I wandered out to the HSS courtyard and ran into some classmates. They were discussing the test and I jumped right in. We talked about spring break. George and I ended up walking down to the library together. Cal Poli's such a weird class because we've bonded so well, but it's only MW, so today we were wishing each other a happy spring break. We finished up the lecture in Middle Ages and reviewed for the midterm. I came home, fully intending to study and run some errands. Instead I fell asleep on the couch, sleeping through my cell phone alarm and completely missing The West Wing. I'm still exhausted, so after The Daily Show, I'm headed back to bed. Jenn posted at 1:29 AM |

March 16, 2005 paper done The paper is done. It is currently printing as I type. I think it is better than my Schrag paper since this truly has an argument, but I guess only Prof C knows the truth, right? I'm ready to shower and continue cramming for my midterm. As I started reading over the questions about the Schrag book, I realized that they go into much more detail than I remember off the top of my head, so that's what I'll be reviewing until test time most likely. I hate midterms because they just like finals without the consideration of finals. I have a class before and a class after this midterm that don't care that I have a midterm and a paper due today. They expect me to be my regular studious self when in reality, I probably have enough energy to write the exam without passing out. How in the world am I going to get through this day? Jenn posted at 9:52 AM |

pay it forward I slept for 3 hours because I simply couldn't keep my eyes open anymore and I was writing actual gibberish sentences. I woke up ten minutes ago, feeling like crap, but ready to power through after checking my e-mail. I got an e-mail from The Overnight informing me I had a donation. Chandra, who has never been to my blog and found it through a webring that I don't even belong to anymore, donated to my fundraising effort for Out of the Darkiness. Someone I've never met, never will meet, never even heard of before who had never heard of me made a donation "for surviving." It's times like these that I am reminded that there are good people in the world, doing wonderful things without being asked purely out of the goodness of their hearts. And somehow, that makes today, with all of its pressure, seems little more bearable. Jenn posted at 8:40 AM |

all-nighter I was tired when I got this morning, but here I am, still awake. I'm stuck in the middle of my response paper for Cal Politics. I decided to take a pessimistic approach and criticize the hell out of the book and the authors, but halfway through I've just run out of steam. I had hot dogs for dinner and they are not agreeing with me, which is so *not* helping matters either. I really want to finish writing this stupid paper so I can get back to study for the midterm. I feel good about it, but I haven't really looked at the book study questions, only the general ones. I really want to do well, but I'm sure this lack of sleep isn't going to help. Here's hoping I make it to Friday without passing out! Jenn posted at 3:52 AM |

March 15, 2005 MUNI madness Dealing with public transportation is always an adventure. No two trips are ever the same, even though I go to the same place, using the same route at the same time, every single day. This morning the train I got on switched lines after one stop and we all had to get off and wait for the next one. Then when I came home, a bus had hit the fire hydrant in front of the station and there was a 15 foot geyser of water shooting out of the ground, flooding the bus lane. I documented it on my new MoBlog. Enjoy! In other news, I got an interview request from one of the internship apps I submitted yesterday. Go me! Jenn posted at 9:40 PM |

March 14, 2005 better person I am a better person now. Poor KB called just as I walked in the door this afternoon and caught the brunt of my Nervous Breakdown, Part One. I have two internship applications due tomorrow, one of which had to be in Fed-Ex's hot little hands by 4pm to have it in DC by tomorrow morning. I had another meeting with Prof C (who, I'm sure, is totally sick of me coming to his office hours!) and went over the statements I wrote over the weekend. While I wasn't completely happy with them going in, he helped me shape them, giving buzz words and coaching on the most strategic (and yet still truthful) answers. I am quite happy with the way they both turned out and now I just have to wait for the phone calls to come pouring in. There are still 3 applications that I need to turn in, one of which needs a rec from Prof C, but I feel much better than I did when I woke up this morning. Now, I only have to write a 5 page paper and study for a midterm for Prof C's class, as well as study for midterm's in Prof S and Prof R's classes. Oh and of course, I have two paper proposals that I have to go over with the respective professors before Wednesday. But other than that, it's just a quiet week before Spring Break at State ;) Jenn posted at 7:16 PM |

facing the week with optimism a way to start Monday: 80 degree weather in March this fish t-shirt clean apartment productive study group beautiful Sunday drive American City midterm succesfully completed A- on Schrag paper B on American City neighborhood paper Matthew Perry's Hanes commercials The West Wing season 3 DVD new shoes and shirt from Kohl's internship applications going well (for the most part) finding the Taco Bell on Mission, even though it's not Drive-Thru like the website said cute pink bra from Nordstroms - finally spending some of my gift card from my aunt and uncle leftover fried chicken that G brought to study group Spring Break in FIVE days! flashcards for Comp Politics midterm FINALLY finishing Stealing the Initiative! the love of my friends and family Jenn posted at 3:25 AM |

March 13, 2005 Who am I kidding? I've been sitting here for about six hours (off and on) trying to compose 3 one page answers to the essay questions on one of my internship applications. And everything I come up with is crap. Everything. Which is fine except for you know, I'm applying to be a part of the COMMUNICATIONS department. I like to think of myself as a writer (in my head...you'd never hear me say that out loud!), but then this sorta stuff (I'm trying to cut down on swearing too, which this little exercise is totally not helping!) just flips me out. All I want to do is write three pages so I can e-mail it to Prof C, who will tell me how to fix it before Monday afternoon at 4pm. Why is that so freakin' hard for me?! Jenn posted at 4:45 AM |

March 12, 2005 Snapshots from a Cordova family vacation I've talked about this extensively before, but I found this mix CD on my shelf before my shower yesterday. It was the first mix CD that KB made and it was of all the songs we listened to and loved during our first summer (June-August 2001) together. It's a combination of David Gray, Playing By Heart soundtrack, Jack Johnson and other great stuff found on Limewire. I couldn't believe the memories it brought back: Driving to the ocean at night to run around by the water and scream, "I LIVE HERE!" Talking in the car about life and love - he was the first person I told about Mason and that I had a crush on him Watching the Lakers win the Championship in my professionally decorated living room Having my wallet stolen at a skate shop, but going blading anyway because there wasn't anything else to do Playing darts at Molly Malone's even though I was underage and trash talking the show (a trend that continues to this day!) KB pushing me out onto the set when Dido was doing her soundcheck and getting a "private concert" in the middle of my work day All that from a CD and so much more. Even though I've talked to him a bunch recently, I really miss KB. I'm not sure what brought it on, but I just feel a pang in my heart when I think about him or things that we would probably share if we were together. It never would have worked in the long run, but I think we made really good friends. And perhaps, that's the most important thing anyway. Jenn posted at 2:10 AM |

March 11, 2005 wife beater It was 72 degrees today and it's supposed to go up to 75 tomorrow (possibly 80, depending on what forecast you look at), but I can't wear a skirt or shorts. My legs are just covered in bruises. I've always been a klutzy person, but it's getting kinda ridiculous. If I were married, people would probably assume that I was being beaten because no one would actually believe that I really ran into a door. I've got a bruise the shape of a the doorknob on the first floor door near the laundry room from where I tried to catch it with my back and miscalculated. There's a bruise on my left shin from when my laptop hit it. And then there are the bruise that are ugly, but I don't remember getting. Sigh. I took my American City midterm, so I've only got three more left before Spring Break. I hosted a study group for California Politics, where we spent more time discussing policy and the Sac trip than the study questions. It was a blast - is this what I've been missing all these years? Because of the study group, I actually cleaned, so I think I'll take some pictures of the apartment to post tomorrow. Jenn posted at 2:28 AM |

March 10, 2005 What I Should Have Said Theatre You guys remember that Saved By The Bell episode where Kelly and Zack and Jessie and Slater get into fights, so the guys put on a show to apologize, re-enacting their fights with the things they should have said. Of course, it all gets lost when Mario Lopez rips off his clothes to reveal a black spandex unitard and pirouettes around the Max. When I'm trying to feel confident in a less than confident situation, I try to embrace my inner Carrie Bradshaw. But like a friend of mine once told me, I have to remember that "she has a script and a team of writers! Nobody can be that clever and charming all the time!" Anyone who knows me can attest that I am neither clever nor charming all the time -- actually I'm usually the opposite. So, why, then, do I torture myself for hours after an event or conversation with the things I should have said, the witty comments that would have livened up the banter? The past is past and all that, but it still bothers me when I think of things that would have been better than giggling or nodding or the ever present "that's crazy!" One day, I'll get it all right, but until then, I guess I'll be spending my nights at the What I Should Have Said theatre. Jenn posted at 2:00 AM |

March 9, 2005 making progress I met with Prof. C this afternoon to discuss internship options for the summer. I've got 5 places that I'm applying (one of which is due on Tuesday...ack!), so hopefully I'll get at least one. Cross your fingers! I've got to clean up around here because I'm hosting a study group tomorrow for our Cal Poli midterm. I made the comment that I didn't want to head back to campus in the afternoon and somehow I got drafted into hosting ;) I've got my American City midterm tomorrow, so I've got to study for that as well. Only ten days until Spring Break! Jenn posted at 7:15 PM |

March 8, 2005 have a smile, it's on me It's a good, good life, we got the good life Falling in love under the raspberry sun Turn up the stereo, baby have some fun It's a good, good life, we got the good life "Good Life" by Leslie Millis I slept for almost eight hours last night and I was still tired when I woke up this morning. Ah well. I was late to American City this morning because the bus was late and then the train was delayed (so what else is new?!), but I got most of the review, so no big deal. I went to the bookstore to stock up on blue books since midterms are starting. I've got one on Thursday, one next Wednesday and two next Friday. Latin American class was pretty good and then I was off to the train again. I met up with a guy from my Cal Poli class who had my professor for American City last semester and he gave me a good idea of what to study for the midterm, which is fab! It's currently 64 degrees and sunny, with nary a cloud in the sky. It's going to up 70 tomorrow and it'll be 74 degrees Fahrenheit on Friday. Whoohoo! Jenn posted at 5:44 PM |

March 7, 2005 the elevator smells like Chinese food I got my first paper of the semester back. And I got an A-. Not too shabby considering I thought I totally fucked it up. The parts that I thought were bad were the parts that were bad (big surprise) and I now have a really good idea what he wants for the next paper, due next week. I just finished going to the post office, the dry cleaner and Lenscrafters to pick up my contacts. I've finished with classes and my errands. The only thing left on my to-do list is laundry and finish cleaning the apartment. Then I can sit down and do my reading for tomorrow. I was productive today and I feel great. Go figure. Jenn posted at 7:43 PM |

Lurker check! In the past few days, I've had visitors from: University of Hawaii University of Rochester University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Claremont McKenna College UCLA Oberlin College And I don't know anyone who goes to these schools (with the exception of UCLA, but I doubt she was the one reading my blog). So comment and identify yourself ;) Jenn posted at 2:55 AM |

project: decorate, part two! Here's my latest decorating idea. Taking a cue from my postcard idea, I grabbed one of my 2004 decoration calendars and put the pictures up in my "hallway." Here are the results: Cities: Los Angeles, CA; Seattle, WA; Denver, CO; Austin, TX Cities: Panama City, Panama; Miami, FL; Boston, MA Wall #3, part one - Cities: Madrid, Spain; Cairo, Egypt; Tokyo, Japan Wall #3, part two - Cities: Tokyo, Japan (same); Wellington, New Zealand And due to my anal retentiveness, if you haven't already figured it out, they are arranged in order starting with the closest city to me and moving further away (though some are approximate guesses). Jenn posted at 1:50 AM |

March 6, 2005 project: decorate! Two weekends ago, I bought some curtains during my trip to Ikea and I finally had a chance to put them up this afternoon: I'm still looking for some solid "regular" curtains to put on each end, but I just fell in love with these sheers when I saw them. I originally wanted them for my bedroom, but they were WAY too long, so into the living room they went ;) What do you think? Too cute? (is there such a thing?!) Jenn posted at 10:31 PM |

America's Next Top Model Okay, I watched the first episode and I think I'm addicted. I've been trying to avoid reality television, but I got sucked in on the encore of the premiere on Friday night. And I know this is probably pretty "duh" of me, but some of the girls are really, really skinny. Like I expect models to be tall and skinny, but some of them just look too thin. It's kinda scary. My current picks: Noelle, Tatiana, Rebecca, and Tiffany (if I can get over how skeletal she is) Jenn posted at 6:38 PM |

March 5, 2005 spring break Despite all my lofty plans for spring break, I bought my plane ticket back East yesterday. Eugenia and I have talked about making a day trip to NYC, pretending to be real New Yorkers, which would be awesome. Other than that, I have no plans. And you know, I'm started to think that's even better. The things I don't plan usually turn out to be the best things. Jenn posted at 9:35 PM |

March 4, 2005 kid in a candy store When I turned the calendar to March when I got home from Sac, I realized that my Middle Ages was discussing our next primary source reading on Friday and I didn't have the book. I went to the bookstore yesterday, but they were sold out. So, today, I went to Borders on my break. I got the book I needed and another book for one of my research papers, but I also ended up taking advantage their "Buy 2 Get the 3rd Free" sale. I don't have time to read the books I already own, but now I've got three more! Jenn posted at 1:41 AM |

March 2, 2005 letdown Getting back to the grind was pretty tough today. It was kinda weird to be back in the classroom after my "misplaced" weekend, but on the bright side, it's already Wednesday ;) Jenn posted at 10:38 PM |

March 1, 2005 back from Sac but ready to sack out! I have arrived home from my conference in Sacramento and I had the best time! I can't remember the last time I laughed so much. It didn't start out great though. On Sunday afternoon, it started raining. I was running late as per usual, but I left at 4:45pm. We needed to be in Sac at 6 to check in and have dinner. Long story short it took me an hour just to get across the Bay Bridge, so I didn't get to the hotel until 7:20. There was obviously no one around and I couldn't figure out where they were having dinner and I didn't know where the night's panel was at either, so I sat at the hotel. It was pouring, but I was happy to be inside. The group came back about 9:30 and I met up with Prof. C, who was quite sympathetic and gave me my room key, introducing me to my roommate, with whom I instantly bonded. I got my stuff and then met up with the group who was going out for drinks. We went to a pub, but almost got kicked out because one of the girls was underage. After we left the pub, we stopped the store for more alcohol and moved the party back to the hotel. I hung out for a while before heading to bed at 12:45. Monday morning came really early, when the alarm went off at 7am. My roomie and I made great time to the Capitol, actually beating everyone from the whole conference to the hearing room. The first panel was about lobbyists and it was pretty cool. They ran long though, so there was no real time to stretch our legs, which sucked. The second panel was about the budget, which might have been fascinating, except they were explaining in a less entertaining matter what Prof C has been teaching us for the last few weeks. We left that early to meet up with Prof C's dad and his associates for lunch, who did a great little discussion group with us about higher education (our focus for the class). After lunch we had some free time, so my roomie and another girl went back to our room to chill out. We had thought about shopping (since we didn't really have clothes for going out that night), but were too lazy. Then it was back to the Capitol for a panel on the different Caucuses, which was highly entertaining. We headed to dinner as a group, finally deciding on the place they had eaten the night before. Poor Prof C didn't get to eat anything because they were slow serving us and he had to go meet the panelist for his panel that night. His panel wasn't very lively, but we sat in the front row and supported him. We took pictures in the hearing room as a group and then headed back to the hotel to get changed. About 12 or so of us headed out (Prof C included) to a great bar where we hung out until last call. It was really fantastic! Not getting back to the hotel until 2am, when the alarm went off, I was exhausted. I really wanted to skip the panel this morning, but Prof C started knocking on doors, so I felt compelled to go. The legislators were mostly articulate, even though some of them made me want to tear my hair out. I guess it takes all kinds, but really! We tried to catch some of the Governor's press conference at the Capitol, but he finished before we could get over there. We headed back to the hotel to grab our stuff and hit the road. It only took me an hour and 25 minutes to get back, which was fabulous. I was totally pumped after the session today, but I'm starting to fade fast. My roomie and I were saying that we wished the conference hadn't been so short, but we agreed that would probably wouldn't have made it through that long! We all had so much fun and totally bonded. I think tomorrow's class will be interesting, since half of us are going to have a trip hangover. Jenn posted at 5:06 PM |