Books read this year:
| |
85 / 100 (85.0%) |
Pages read this year, including books and partial book reads only:
| |
28,199 / 30,000 (94.0%) |
( Books Completed in 2007 )
( Reading Poll Anyone? )
![[info]](http://p-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small}
dark_c_designs, too. And now back to coffee.
Describe yourself using one band and song titles from that band | |
| Choose a band/artist and answer only in song TITLES by that band: | Type O-Negative |
| Are you male or female: | Christian Woman |
| Describe yourself: | Black No. 1 |
| How do some people feel about you: | Unsuccessfully Coping With the Natural Beauty of Infidelity |
| How do you feel about yourself: | I Don't Wanna Be Me |
| Describe your ex girlfriend/boyfriend: | My Girlfriend's Girlfriend |
| Describe your current girlfriend/boyfriend: | Summer Breeze |
| Describe where you want to be: | Die With Me |
| Describe what you want to be: | Less Than Zero (<0) |
| Describe how you live: | ...A Dish Best Served Coldly |
| Describe how you love: | Love You to Death |
| Share a few words of wisdom | 12 Black Rainbows |
- Music:Type O-Neg. -- Black Sabbath (From the Satanic Perspective)
The end of my semester came to be much better than I feared. I earned a 3.6 for the whole of it, which raises my overall GPA from 3.538 to 3.552. Maybe I'll be able to graduate with the 3.6 I've been wanting so badly... Anyway, I earned an "A" in Victorian Lit, "B " in Joyce in Beckett (very agreeable, concerning the whole of the semester), an "A-" in African American Lit, an "A" in my fiction workshop, and the surprise of the semester, a "B" in Contemporary American Fiction! Mooney was far more fair than I expected, and I have been refreshed for my last semester. Now, if I can finish my thesis before January 20th, and be accepted into graduate school, all will be well on the academic front.
Christmas was well, if busy. Christmas Eve we went to Gram's at 2, and were there until after 8. At first it was very uncomfortable, but the Shiffletts stopped by later in the evening, and I had a blast talking to my cousins. Keren will be in Gambrills for the summer, and I hope to see her much more than I do now. Leah and Mike are happy newlyweds, and Josh is hoping to be accepted into Salisbury. All that, and Tabitha will soon be leaving Iraq, or so Keren says. Things are starting to look up for them.
Christmas morning was wonderful. Christmas Eve Mom lost her diamonds, and so while she searched, Matthew and I prepared breakfast for the next morning. I managed to drag myself out of bed by 7:15, so I could shower before the rush, and still be downstairs by 8, when Michael, Gram, and Pap arrived. My parents spoiled me this year, and gave me everything I wanted in more. They have me the tripod I wanted most, and a fabulous new coat (the one I had pointed out to Mom only a couple weeks before). I also received new pajama pants (since I live in them), a total of six films, a lace top, rolling balls (it's a dance stretching thing, sorry), and even a table-top tripod, among many other delightful things. Matthew gave me "The Nightmare before Christmas" on DVD, and Stephen even found a pinup-esque print he was very excited to give me. And all the while I took pictures with my awesome new camera.
After getting ready we all went to Gram's. Among other things, Michael and I received tupperware, red chargers, and card-themes tumblers. I was so excited to get "grownup" gifts -- it makes me even more excited about the wedding. Fabulous! Then we visited Michael's Dad, who proceeded to argue with his children over whether or not metal is evil, and whether or not Dimebag got what he deserved. I was not happy with the conversation, and feared for the future over his opinions of our hypothetical children. Thankfully, Michael does not agree with his father's opinions, nor is inclined to want his advice. We agreed that if we have children we will go into it as a team, and will be sure to support each others, and will not allow our parents to force their own opinions on the raising of our children.
Christy's was hectic, and I felt right at home. It was good to see Grandad in good health, and I always like talking with Jill and Karen. AUnt Christy hand painted Christmas ornaments, and made sure to tell me that they were for me. After dinner we went back to my house, and ended our day around 8:30, when Michael left. We are greatly blessed to have so much loving family, even if it does make the holidays a struggle. I don't regret it at all.
Yesterday we went to see the Mishous, since we did not see them on Christmas. Like at Aunt Christy's, I felt more at home than I had before with them. My inlaws consider me fully one of their own, and I am lucky for it.
I had considered canceling my photo shoot, simply for lack of funds. Now working, I can't help but feel very greedy and unresponsible in wanting to spend the money for it. Michael was upset by my decision, and told me he would give me the money, as he had planned on buying me another gift for Christmas, but had run out of time beforehand (a plus, he said, since he could give me the money for the shoot instead). I still am not positive, but it looks like it will still happen on the 5th.
Yesterday night Michael and I spent time together for the first time in a long time. At least, quiet time. I love him so much, and we have so much fun together. He made the comment that he thinks we're going to have fun just living together, and I couldn't agree more. I love him more and more each day, and I can't wait for May 27th... (150 Days!)
Today I didn't wake until 1:45, and when I got home from the gym, I sat down with Mom for the first time in days. I was surprised with a visit from Jenny, and it was great to see her. She gave me an awesome phone case, in the shape of a coffin with Jack from the NBX-Mas stitched on the front. I love it. Other than that, I have spent the day in pajamas (as usual), and spent the evening watching "Pride and Prejudice" -- all 265 minutes of it.
But if I stay up any longer, I'll only sleep late tomorrow, and have another day like today. So for now, goodnight!
- Mood:
awake - Music:Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice
"Dear Luxx,
You can take the exam Wednesday, 9:00 -- 12:00 in Daly 107. I'll be in my
office this afternoon to return papers; your grade is "A."
Professor Cousineau"
I wanted to scream I was so happy. Dr. Cousineau is RENOWNED for denying people A's -- on the first day of Joyce and Beckett he said that you have to really impress him in order to earn an A. And now I have an "A" on my 11-page term paper. AND he's letting me take the exam a day early, so I don't have to drive back to campus on Thursday. I couldn't be happier with Dr. Cousineau right now. Rock and roll.
My Contemporary Fiction exam went rather well, much to my surprise. I took my time answering the essay, and believe I worked to the best of my ability. After the news about my term paper, I'm trying to be optimistic. I may actually get through this with some kind of GPA in tact. d
As a testament to just how tired I am right now, on the way home I not only missed my exit, but I took the one to Michael's house. Fruedian driving slip? Perhaps. But now I'm going to go take a nap, before getting up and cleaning my room. I may even finish my portfolio tonight, if I'm lucky.
I am starting to feel like I can breathe.
- Mood:
optimistic
Take the quiz: "What does your birth month reveal about you?"
March
Attractive personality.sexy. Affectionate.Shy and reserved. Secretive. Naturally honest, generous and sympathetic. Loves peace and serenity. Sensitive to others. Loves to serve others. Easily angered. Trustworthy. Appreciative and returns kindness. Observant and assesses others. Revengeful. Loves to dream and fantasize. Loves traveling. Loves attention. Hasty decisions in choosing partners. Loves home decors. Musically talented.Loves special things. Moody.
- Mood:
pessimistic - Music:Library Typing
Also due this week: creative writing journal, class story responses (4), additional responses (4), 2-3 pages on the revision process of my portfolio, a 35-page revised portfolio, revised copy of my 10-page Beckett paper, my University of Penn application, Lit GREs on Saturday. And exams next week.
Ok, I'm done procrastinating. Again. Wish me luck -- maybe I'll resurface at the end of the month.
- Mood:
drained
Class today was tough. I managed to turn in my paper and other things, but today was still really hard, especially since I knew Grandad Brooks (Michael's surviving grandfather) was going into surgery from 9:30-11:30. Last week he was diagnosed with colon cancer, and today they planned on removing 16 inches that were effected. Well, the surgery went exactly as planned, and the doctor found no visual signs of the cancer spreading. Michael said that Grandad is currently in high spirits, and should be home by Saturday. It looks like everything is going to be just fine.
On my way home from campus (no traffic, for once), I stopped at the Annapolis Mall to have my ring cleaned and to hand-deliver my letter, so as to make sure the manager (who is the one that sold me the ring, I found out) received it. She actually read the letter while my ring was being cleaned, and the first solution she offered was to special order me a new ring, made in my size. I was both surprised and delighted over the ease of the situation, and she is going to call me on Friday to tell me when the ring should be in. Yet another stressful situation done away with, which allows me to concentrate on other things. I told her that I also sent a letter to the company, but would be sure to follow up with them to make sure they know the situation has been successfully resolved.
But now I need to do some schoolwork, since I have seem to have a never ending list of things to do. Of course, I can hear my new camera calling me from across the room, which is quite distracting. I was so excited to get it last night! Poor Michael, he went to the store before coming to my house, trying to surprise me, but was sent away because he didn't have the confirmation e-mail. So, he had to print it at my house, and we picked it up together. As soon as I finish a book or so tonight I'm going to indulge myself and read the manual. I can't wait! At least for now things seem to be heading in the right direction...
- Mood: cheerful
As of one hour and fifteen minutes ago, it is Angel's birthday. I love her, and I only wish she didn't have to be in class all day on her 20th.
Life has been ... going. Actually, it hasn't been that bad. I have yet to mail my letters out because I only had one stamp and two letters. So, just tonight I decided to mail the one to the company, and hand-deliver the letter to the manager of the store I actually went to. Now I just have to see if anything is actually going to happen, or if my rings are simply ruined.
Thursday was a good day. Class was a bit boring, but Colum McCann (author of Fishing the Slowe-Black River, This Side of Brightness, etc) was on campus. He came to my Contemporary Fiction class, and gave a reading at 4:30. He is absolutely fabulous. Being an Irishman, his accent was a pleasure to listen to as he read, and he was completely laid-back and human about what he does. He even signed my copy of Fishing the Slowe-Black River: "For Luxx -- A pleasure to meet you. Best Wishes, Colum McCann." Fabulous. When he asked my name I told him "Luxx," to which he said, "That's fabulous! Where did you get that?" I then admitted that I gave it as a nickname to myself, and owned up to my given name (which, mind you, I actually do like. I just needed a separate identity, I guess you could say). He told me he liked Luxx better, and even complimented my outfit (an all-black Ren-type affair).
After the reading AJ and I decided to go to the dinner given for McCann at the Lit House. On the way there I actually got to meet Mrs. Gillin, who instantly refused to admit that is who she is, and then asked to see my ring when I introduced myself (Dr. Gillin must have told her how excited I was). Then, at dinner, AJ and I decided to sit with the Gillins, and were joined by Professor Olsen, Dr. Mooney, and McCann himself. It was absolutely delightful, and the food was surprisingly good. Olsen is the new medieval lit professor, and he actually made me a bit sad that I'll never get to take a class with him -- he is witty, intelligent, and not at all as high-strung as, say, Mooney is about his classes (not in personality, mind you -- strictly class). The rest of the evening was pleasant, and I even managed to turn in my African-American lit paper without a second thought. Now I just need to see if it actually made any sense ...
This weekend has been very calm, and I've enjoyed it thoroughly. I spent most of it with Michael at his house, reading in bed (with the hot water bottle he is sweet enough to fix me, because I tend to freeze) while he played computer games. Geeky and boring, but it was perfect. Last night (Saturday) we went to Best Buy so Michael could pick up a game, and I of course wandered over to the cameras. When he was done Michael came over, and started asking me about what features I liked, if anything had caught my eye, if there was a particular one I wanted. He finally admitted that the money for my grad applications isn't actually going to be my Christmas present (which is what I had asked for), and that he had been trying to decide whether to buy me a camera or a laptop. I chose the camera, and we looked at them more closely. When we got home we actually started looking online, and finally chose a Canon: http://consumer.usa.canon.com/ir/contro
I spent last night at Angel's. It was nice to relax with her, although around 2:30 I was really ready for bed, and she wanted to watch another movie. I don't know how she does it -- I don't necessarily need eight hours, but I prefer to get at least 5-7.
Today I managed to get through my entire workout routine, which was very exciting. I also did all my laundry (a couple weeks worth), and cleaned my room a bit. I even went to see Michael again, and we just hung out and then got dinner at Red Robin. If I hadn't gotten physically ill after my first cup of coffee, I'd say it was a near perfect Sunday.
Michael's boss is giving him a $700 golf set for free, which completely threw my gift idea out the window. Which I told him. So, he gave me the idea to buy him the new "World of Warcraft" special edition game thingie that comes out on the 23rd. I took the idea, since he really wants it and I had no other clue, and I'm actually going to pre-order it tomorrow and let him have it as soon as it comes in. He is really looking forward to it, and it seems only fair since I get my camera early (although, I had planned on letting him have the game as soon as I bought it). I may even wrap it, just to be a geek. Which, of course, I am.
Oh! Michael's dad is also giving us a wood bedroom set that includes a 4-poster raised bed with a new mattress, a dresser, and 2 nightstands. He had just bought them before he moved in with his fiance, and therefore no longer needs them. Which is excited for Michael and I, because it's awesome furniture and is just one less thing that we need to buy. Yet another thing to be excited about. (10 more minutes on these damn strips...).
Then, there are some not-so-good things. Mom is really sick right now. I had to take her to the doctor on Saturday, and although they gave her an inhaler and antibiotics, she was actually feeling worse today. Poor thing. She's not very good at being sick, and I feel bad for her.
Grandad Brooks (Michael's Mom's Dad) goes into surgery next week, I believe on Tuesday. The doctors are going to remove 16 inches of his colon, but believe that may just take care of the cancer. However, they are worried about the surgery because of his age (84 on December 26), but Michael and I are confidant because we know he is in such excellent heath. I do know Michael is worried -- especially about the effect on his Mom -- but I have a feeling things will go fine. He's not leaving us yet.
And speaking of leaving, I heard terrible news today. Peter Shirley (AJ's fiance) is being sent to Iraq in March. I randomly called her to gush about my new camera, and she said that she just found out this weekend, and spent most of the time crying and worrying. I feel so bad for her -- it makes my heart hurt. But being sent is not a death sentence, and he'll be back in no time. I mean, it'll be hard for her having him so far away (especially in Iraq), but things will be fine. Who knows -- maybe he won't even be sent! You never know with the military, and I'm keeping faith that things will work out one way or another.
And I'm taking these damn strips off four minutes early so I can get to bed to do what I need to do tomorrow...
- Mood: sleepy
The rest of today sucked. I actually managed to make it to my appointment with Moncrief on time (10:30). But after arriving at her office I was then treated with a 25-minute wait while she was with another student. Always a joy. She did give me some good information, though, and is going to help me with all the paperwork I have to send in.
I then got to hang around campus until 2:30, which is when my fiction workshop begins. Always a joy. Especially when he begins by adding to our classwork. Since no one does the readings, he's going to start giving quizzes on them. This would usually be fine, except for the fact that he's the kind of professor that demands you know the main character's best friend's dog's flea's name. Also, he told us that he is going to New York on the 17th, and therefore moved class from 4:30-6:30 on Tuesday the 16th. Which means that in addition to the quiz in Victorian Lit, and the 10-page paper due for my Contemporary Fiction class (taught by the same professor as the workshop), I get to study a short story, read two instructional chapters, do a written assignment, journal assignment, prepare the third short story due for the class, and then not get home until after nine due to Bay Bridge traffic. I utterly refuse. I'll do the work and turn it in, but I can't stay for the class. It's not my fault he's going to New York -- I don't feel like I should be the one to suffer.
I finally left campus around 5:10 ... and made it over the Bay Bridge at 7:06. Traffic began right before the Kent Narrows Bridge, and it was painful. But today was the big ring day, and before going home I went to Annapolis Mall to pick it up. Only to find it worse than it was before. The diamond was replaced, but both rings are filthy -- the fact that they didn't clean them after doing the work shows the disregard they have for their customers. Also, the jeweler was supposed to fix it so both rings fit together (something he screwed up when sizing them). Well, now they are worse than they were before, with the wedding band sitting considerably lower than the engagement ring. Not only that, but the tool marks he left on the band are atrocious. And, to put the icing on the cake, the salesperson is incredibly condescending to me, and only calls me "sweetie."
Can you tell I'm pissed?
"XXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
November 10, 2004
Ms. Debbie Nicodemus-Volker
Executive Vice President of Merchandise
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
RE: Annapolis Transaction # XXXXX, and Following Repairs
Dear Debbie Nicodemus-Volker:
On 10/23/2004 my fiancé Michael Mishou and I purchased an engagement ring and wedding ring set from Jane Chetty in your Annapolis Whitehall Jewellers. The item number for the ring set is 2251XXX, and contract number for the service plan is 44900XXXX.
On 11/01/2004 I took both the engagement and wedding rings back to the Whitehall store in Annapolis to be resized, and returned on 11/03/2004 to retrieve them. At that time I noticed that the wedding band and engagement ring no longer fit together as they had previous to the resizing, and while I brought this to the attention of Jane Chetty, decided to return at a later date to have the ring repaired.
On 11/04/2004 a diamond fell out of the engagement ring, and on the fifth I once again returned the rings for repairs. However, when I picked the rings up this evening I noticed that the damages are far from corrected. While the diamond was replaced, the wedding band now sits approximately three millimeters lower than the engagement ring – a significant difference when the two are supposed to fit together. Additionally, the jeweler responsible for the repairs left a significant number of tool marks on the wedding band, and both rings were filthy when returned to me.
I am currently debating whether or not to return the rings for repairs, as I fear they may be further damaged as a result. Alternately, I am considering simply returning the rings and purchasing another set elsewhere. Please inform me as to what you believe would be the best course of action at this time.
Sincerely,
XXXXXXXXXX"
- Mood:
infuriated
Before the movie, I more or less got done what I needed to. I dropped off my ring (bastards), and won't be able to pick it up until Wednesday. Did I already say "bastards?" Good. I also managed to pick up the forms for my bloodwork and sign all the little sheet things so that maybe sometime in the next month I can go on acutane. Because if my skin doesn't clear up soon, there will be more issues than you can imagine ...
But anyway, I'm getting up at 7 to get my bloodwork done before the Saturday rush, and then Michael and I are going to pick up the couches Aunt Rose and Uncle John are giving us. I forsee a nap in the near future...
Xo
- Mood: ecstatic
</center>
So no matter what name I use, I'm completely nuts. Fitting, eh?
Oh! So on Monday I took my ring in for sizing, and picked it up Wednesday afternoon. Only to find that the engagement ring and wedding band no longer fit together like they're supposed to (and yes, I had them sized together). Then, to top it all off, I noticed today in my last class that a diamond is missing. Needless to say, I WILL be making an early trip to Whitehall tomorrow...
I want to move to Europe.
After the doctor I went to the mall and finally dropped off my engagement ring (and the band that fits with it) to be sized. I've been putting it off since I got it, but it was just so hard to part with! When I told the lady that I thought the size of my old ring would be best, she was very surprised -- there is a size difference between the two, and my new ring needs to be taken from a 7 down to a 6. Oops.
I then went home, chatted with Mom, and started dinner before going to my second doctor appointment (I sound sick, don't I?). Michael came over around 6, and by then the chicken and rice was almost finished. I really wanted to do something nice for him, and Mom suggested cooking. And as he put it, "It's much better than the CheezIts I had planned on eatting for dinner..." Such bad eatting habbits.
Oh! I was invited to apply to a graduate school in Spain. Interesting, huh? Even more interesting is the fact that Michael actually asked me if I planned on applying. He says that he'll support me no matter where I want to go, and I was surprised. How many people would be comfortable having their new wife live in a different country during the school year? He's so wonderful...
But I'm just rambling so I don't have to do my school work. I'm getting up early to go vote, and hopefully make it to class on time. But I also have a paper treatise due in my Contemporary class, so I dunno.
Enough procrastinating... school calls.
- Mood: Procrastinating
- Music:David Bowie Whining For Attention
- Mood: drained
- Music:The Nightmare Before Christmas
Despite the fact that it now takes me approximately two hours and twenty minutes to drive home from class, I am doing extremely well these days. In attempt to prevent seemingly imminent ulcers, I have actually been trying to calm down. I calculated a few things, and realized that if I'm smart I'll have more than enough money to do the things I need to. I was upset about three bad grades in two classes, then realized that while I like to do well, the grades will in no way effect me -- my grad school applications will go out before the semester is even over, and therefore my GPA will not be altered. Speaking of which, everyone I've asked (save one) has said I should claim my earned GPA of 3.65 as oppsoed to my Washington College Institutional GPA of 3.53 (WAC accepts transfer credits, but not grades). Not even the traffic I have to sit through upsets me anymore.
Moncrief, Gillin, and Lamond are all writing me letters of recommendation for my graduate applications. While Hopkins is still my first choice, I have decided to also apply to George Washington and Georgetown (possibly others, if I can make up my mind as to whether or not to simply start with a Masters). I am also going to apply to MICA. I have a general idea of what I'll be doing next fall (school), but at this point it's merely a question of where.
There's good news for Michael, too. He was just given a raise at his present contract, and it looks as if he'll be making a move to the Pentagon contract sometime in December. It's about time is what I say, but Michael has been very patient. I am so proud of him. And I'm also very excited for him -- he wants this job so much, and I just know he'll do fabulous.
But my most exciting bit of news for last ... Michael bought me an engagement ring! My original ring is a family ring, and I never felt like it was really an engagement ring. But on Saturday we went and shopped for two hours, before decided that the perfect ring was the one I had seen at Whitehall. It is white gold, and the center diamond is a marquise surrounded by twelve round diamonds (all in the shape of a larger marquise). There are then five small diamonds on each side of the band, and the wedding band fits underneath, mirroring the band of the engagement ring.
Although my Mom tried to convince me to let Michael pick it out by himself, I really wanted to go, and so we shopped together. We went to five different stores, and didn't make a decision until we saw them all. Each time it was "We want white gold, marquise cut diamond, and rings that interlock in some way." The first store had a pretty ring, but after seeing it in three different stores I realized that it wasn't me in terms of style or popularity.
But this ring -- this was it. It was original and beautiful and antique looking and I fell in love with it. I came back to it three times, and on the third we bought it. As soon as we stepped out of Whitehall's, Michael got down on one knee, smiled up at me and said, "Hi honey." I almost died. I just kept saying, "Get up, please get up," but he refused to until I gave him my hand and he put the ring on my finger. Looking back, it was extremely sweet and I'll treasure the moment forever. At the time, I wanted to melt into a blushing puddle.
I have been showing absolutely everybody. Angel, Jessie and I screamed over it in Red Robin just minutes after I got it, and Mom cried when I showed her. Gram and Pap and Dad all approve, and Brandi was very impressed when I stopped by to show her. (Oh! On a side note, Mom and I found the wedding favors on Monday -- glass frames with cool designs. Hard to explain, but I'm excited). I even showed Dr. Gillin when I went to sign up for classes on Tuesday, and he (very sincerely) said, "Wow, that is truly beautiful. It's very Victorian -- very you." It made me happy.
It's perfect, I swear. I love it.
Just another quick sidenote -- I signed up for classes for next semester on Tuesday. However, I made a mistake and signed up for a DeProspo class instead of the last class I need for my minor. Sticking to my new goal of not freaking out, I went to the registrar during my class break today, and a lovely woman fixed the problem for me. I will be taking Great Trials in American History, The 17th Century (Lit, Moncrief), Abroad in America (the class I had to fix -- finishes my minor in creative writing), History of Photography, and International Film Experience. And then I graduate.
But now I need to stop and do some reading before I go to bed ...
xo
PS. James and Heather's reception was excellent. You can see photos of it here if you're interested: http://redpens.net/gallery/album44?p
PSS. I love Michael. And I love how sweet he is, and I'm dying all over at the though of him kneeling down in the middle of the mall in his biker jacket and that huge glorious smile, looking at me. I can't wait to marry him.
- Mood:
content - Music:Let's Do It (Let's Fall In Love) - Ella Fitzgerald/C. Porter
Other than that, I've been relatively productive lately. I managed to clean my room and the bathroom yesterday, and just now finished my laundry and put all my clothes away. As soon as I manage to shower, I am then going to work on my annotated bibliography for my senior thesis, and do some reading. It's gilrls' night tonight, and Angel and Jessie are going to come over (maybe Jenny, too!). We're going to make cookie dough and watch "The Craft" and be horrible geeky all over the place. I can't wait.
Yesterday Michael and I went to Red Robin for dinner, and Jessie and Angel hung out the whole time we were there. It was great. Afterwords we went to the bookstore, and Michael bought me Vanity Fair. You have no idea how excited I am about that. We then went to play pool with Alex, Jesse Curtis and Evan, and we all left just as Jenny showed up. But I had to get home to do laundry and get to bed, to make sure I could make it to class this morning ...
Michael and I also decided yesterday that 1) I need to spend more time with my friends (such as going to get coffee with Angel on the 19th, and possibly going to Alchemy on the 21st) and 2) Angel and Dug are going to end up living with us, and we are resigned to the fact.
Thursday morning I spoke with Aunt Rose, and she's going to give Michael and I a Dansk couch, and two restaurant booths! How exciting is that? It's very cool.
I also managed to make preliminary transportation arrangements for the wedding. I'm doing something that I happen to think will be really cool, and I'm surprising Michael. I just hope he likes it.
Oh! A couple things I've been meaning to mention, but kept forgetting ... If you look at the latest Ren Fest pictures, you'll see one of a random little girl. And yes, it was a random little girl. Mom and I stopped an "Ahhh"ed over her at fair, and asked if we could take her picture. That is her mother sitting next to her. The father and the girl's little brother were also dressed up, and when I showed the little boy the picture I took of his sister and mom he got so excited. It was really cute. Also, a random guy asked me to pose for a picture that day, and I'm trying to find it ...
I took out my tongue ring on the 8th. It had been bugging me for awhile, and I was just sick of it. Now I'm down to 14 piercings, and I don't know what I'm going to do ...
But I MUST shower and study. My cat is staring.
- Mood: cheerful
Michael, Dug and I went to Faire again this weekend, and we saw Mom (who took her youth group), Casey, Justin, Mike and Diane there. It was a very nice day, and I felt damn cute, so I was actually in a good mood. As soon as we got there I bought myself a gypsie-esque scarf, and my butt jingled all day. I loved it.
I finally met Larry's girlfriend today, like he's been dieing for. She actually wasn't that bad. Pleasantly surprised, I guess you could say. Anyway, while standing with the two of them a random female approached me, apologized for her bluntness, and told me I was beautiful (acutally, she made have said hot or sexy, I don't remember the actual word. But it was positive and related to the fact that she thought I looked nice). That made me feel good. And then a few girls she was with all determined that they had heard plenty about me, which made me kind of wary ... I also met another friend of Larry's, who kept trying to figure out who I reminded her of. She finally narrowed it down to one of Larry's ex's -- Angel. Ironic, don't you think? I've actually never gotten that one before ...
Side note -- Cliff called me to tell me he loves me. I miss him so much, and I love him too. The message really made me happy. Also, apparently Michael really found me attractive today, because he couldn't keep his hands off me. And what can I say, I thrive on the attention. I should pull off that look more often (mental note -- Juliette Skirt + Shift + Corset + Striped Thigh Highs and Garters + Red and Black Makeup + Gypsy Scarf = Giving Michael Fantasies All Day). But all in all, the day was a whole was pretty good. After Faire Dug, Michael and I went to the Lenz house to see James and Heather, the newlyweds (as of yesterday). They are so happy and so fabulous and I love them both so so much. The five of us went to Friday's for dinner (where Dug got even MORE drunk), and it was fun. James kept telling Michael and I how much he loved us, and was so excited about the idea of hanging out as married couples. Fabulous.
Putting a very drunken Dug in the backseat so he could scream at the cars behind us, Michael then drove to Mike Elliott's house. I actually played nice, but wasn't feeling well and had Michael take me home. And for the past hour I've been putting pictures on my computer, and then on my website. NOTE: All pictures from this weekend and last can be found here: http://redpens.net/gallery/Snapshot
Yesterday was the big day for my cousin Leah, as well as James and Heather. I of course went to my cousin's wedding, and Michael made the trip to NJ to see the Lenz wedding. Both were beautiful. It was so touching to see Uncle Roy walk Leah down the aisle, and it was great to see the whole "Cohen Clan" in one place. It gave me high hopes for my own wedding going smoothly, and made me even more excited. But really, Leah and everybody else looked stunning, and everything was a fairytale. It was very sad that Tabitha had to go to Iraq and miss the events, but we filmed the ceremony and reception and took tons of pictures to send to her. The Army owns you once you enlist, and it couldn't be helped. At least we got to see her the week before.
Speaking of which, I just realized no one will have any clue what I'm talking about. Tabitha is one of my cousins, and she was supposed to be her sister Leah's maid of honor. However, the army pulled her leave to send her to train MPs in Iraq, and sent her back to MD a week early to see her family. So, on September 26th the Shifflets made the trek to my house, and we all got to see her (http://redpens.net/gallery/album31
The following Sunday Michael and I met Angel, Jay, and Dug at Ren Fest. We had such a blast hanging out, and I actually think I may learn to like Jay (smile, darling). Michael and Dug had far too much to drink, and Michael made lots of drunken friends (and yes, I took pictures, as always). It was a side of Faire Michael had never really seen -- and he loved it. Next season we're going to get season passes (ohmygods, we'll be married then!), and he even wants to et a kilt to wear. He also informed me that there were lots of females less attractive than me wearing less, and determined that I should show them up. So, I'm going to start taking belly dancing lessons, and will put together both a belly dancer costume and gypsy costume for next season. I also think I'll take the opportunity to put together the perfectly-period gown I've always wanted to make, as well as a few new pieces to shuffle into the mix. It will be a great year.
Other than that ... Life. Dug leaves on the 13th for his LAST 6-month tour in the Navy, and we're all going to miss him very much. I made it through my first due date of the semester alive (the 7th), although I wrote 3 papers -- 22 pages -- in one night, and didn't get to bed until 2:30. I'm terrified of my grades, but I made it through, and will plan better next time. Lots of school is going on, and preparations for grad school applications are following through.
I could probably say more, but my brain isn't functioning very well tonight. If I missed anything, I'll fill in later. Right now I'm going to go scrub my face and go to bed, so I can get to the gym to work out at 8:30 (so I can observe the belly dancing class).
Loves! (at exactly midnight. I'm good)
However, my thesis proposal concerning Victorian Sex in Bronte Literature went through, and so that's a huge load off of my shoulders. Now if I could only catch up on the reading I'm ALREADY behind on, things would be fabulous ...
I got my first tattoo on Sunday. It was great. Matthew went first and I ended up going sometime after Mom and Debbie, and it was excellent. Not the sensation, of course (ow), but the fact that I now have my first tattoo. Check it out in my gallery: http://redpens.net/gallery/album29/9_19
But yeah, I'm kind of in a shitty mood, so I'm going to try to catch up on things at a later time. I just thought I should leave some sign that I'm actually still alive, if not very active aside from the occasional turning of a page.
Back to studying for the Pride and Prejudice quiz tomorrow... Or maybe I'll give up and just go to bed, which seems to be the trend in my life since classes started again.
Oh, wait, before I do...:
Who are these people? Aubrey marries the first one, and Luxx the second. I'm lost.
And I've noticed, while writing this entry, that I communicate in parenthesis. What does this say about me? ...
- Mood: frustrated
- Music:David Bowie (the cat) reminding me that he needs attention
I also got to pick up my car, and made doctor appointments I've been meaning to do sicne forever. And then, on Friday, I got to actually go to one of those appointments (Dr. Diamond). As soon as I can get a note from Dr. Eden or Tracey Adams (my primary care) saying I'm not crazy -- despite the past diagnosis of depression -- I'm going back on Acutane. It worked before, and I should have just finished it out. I'm sick of looking like a 13-year-old greaseball, and it's the only thing I've used that I know works. But after the dermatologist Mom and I went to the mall, and she bought me a box for the wedding address cards. Organizing makes me happy.
And what makes me even happier is the fact that my gallery is back up -- redpens.net/gallery. Michael is the best. And he wants to create a site for our wedding. :)
Friday was also the first two hours of the 9-hour pre-marital seminar my mom's church requires. It was basically bullshit, but Michael and I met a cool couple (Diane and Mike, and Mike is from Scottland). The first night was all about Christianity in relationships, so that didn't apply to the four of us at our table. But we sat through it, and Michael surprised me by reserving a jacuzzi suite at Country Inn and Suites. It was a nice night.
And then today we finished the seminar. The first woman was nice, but kind of pointless. Then a professor from the Navel Academy/Johns Hopkins talked to us about personality types. It was interesting, but seemed to pertain little (and for anyone who knows what I'm talking about, I'm apparently an ENFJ -- and Michael is an ISTJ). Then a Rabbi came and spoke to us about arguing and power struggles involving money and sex (Etc) in marriage, and he was fantastic. What a cool man -- down to earth, used examples for everything he said, and really made a connection. Michael actually asked about going to him for further pre-marital counseling. I'm not really into all of that, but if Michael wants to do it I have no objections -- especially with Rabbi Ian.
After the conference Michael and I went to see the new Exorcist. I really liked it, even thought it suffered from a small budget. And I would deffinetly recommend it.
But I just finished the sheets for the Gamma Tau "yearbook" that I was hired to do (my Mom's sorority -- it's their book of rules, dates, program stuff, etc), so I'm going to head to bed.
- Mood: tired
- Music:"Cheaper by the Dozen" (Yeah, I can be THAT cheesey)
