It's that Time of Year Again!

Before I get into how much I love the Holidays (HA! in more than one way) I need to complain.

Don't get me wrong, this fall was beautiful, and I really appreciated not having to go around looking like a marsh-mallow due to the need for layers. But the lack of snow has actually started to make me sad. I wear boots without purpose. The sunny days are nice but also freezing. Snow would make it more fun, prettier and make these last few weeks of school a tiny tad more bearable. Alas, we are snowless. The newly planted sod by Beck hall is still freakishly green.

Ok. Thanksgiving! Love it. And you know how much I love good food. Well Thanksgiving is like a big competition on who can make the best food. Aunty K goes crazy and shows off her dictator skills (in the most lovable way-because she is truly AMAZING). My mother has a few classes of wine and still manages to make the best gravy in the Rocky Mountains- trust me. My Aunty A makes every kind of pie and we always seem run out. One of my other Aunt makes some truly fantastic Zucchini casserole. I swear she was the one who made me fall in love with the vegetable. EVERYTHING is homemade and wonderful. Mashed potatoes, sweet-potato fries, salad (with homemade dressing), shrimp cocktails, asparagus. If you don't gain at least 3 pounds then you are a freak. Just sayin'

We go through crates of wine, we discuss politics, religion and family. Its awesome.

But then there are two little questions that always make me cringe. But never fear, I have come up with some witty retorts to shut up the inquisition.

"So, do you have a boyfriend?"

(the answer is always no, and they know this... perhaps thats why this question is so obnoxious).

My witty retorts:

"I'm actually experimenting with my sexuality right now" or other variations, "I'm bi-curious these days"

"Oh, well, you know college kids these days...." trail off and then pretend to be thoroughly interested in something across the room. Keeping things vague might keep them asking questions (hence the exit strategy, but most of the times they will revert to their stereotypical conceptions of dirty college kids and not really care to know more).

"no. I have 2. They sure are a handful!" Then laugh awkwardly, then sigh, smile and look off into the distance like you are fondly thinking of your 2 bfs.

"yes. His name is Muhammad" If you can wear a hijab, it makes this answer more convincing and probably lead to a highly interesting discussion. (and please note I do not wish to insult anyone's religion or culture- we're all friends here)

"No! HE DUMPED ME, and now I will be eating for two!" Then start to cry and ask if they will take care of you and your illegitimate child. Hysterics are a major necessity or no one will believe you.

If you are a really good liar then I would just save the embarrassment of it all and say that yes you do, indeed, have a boyfriend. "Why yes! he is captain of the soccer team, a biology major and he goes to chapel everyday! HE'S PERFECT." (of course he is totally fictional but thats just a worthless detail)

I am actually just hoping that everyone in my family will be more interested in my brother's real life, totally non-fictional, perfect girlfriend to be remotely interested in my relationship status.

Ok now the other dreaded question. What do you plan on doing after college? or the more personal one for me, "What are you going to do with a degree in History?"

Back when I was an English major, my witty response was that I was going to be English. I then proceeded to talk in an English accent. Apparently I was the only one to find it funny.

Last year I just told everyone I was going thinking about Law School. This seriously shocked my parents and left me with too many more questions.

"Richardton Abby just had a novice position open, so I think I am going to try out the Nun thing for a while" (I am not really catholic so this may backfire)

"I think I am going to go on tour, I'm pretty good, so I think I have a decent chance of winning on the LPGA" This one goes well with the bi-curious answer above. Plus no one besides my dad know how good the women on the LPGA are.... and everyone mistakes me for some golf genius. Neato.

"I plan on volunteering in the Congo, you know build up my immunity to malaria"

This one doesn't make any sense so if you can throw in a dazed or insane look it might help.

"Dog training school, yeah there are some great opportunities and I really connect with animals" Make sure your father is not around and if he is at least make sure he is not munching on a nut or something. I DO NOT RECOMMEND this if your father has any sort of heart condition.

I realize that lying can be frowned upon, so you might just have to brave the disappointed looks and dodge some expressions of pity, and tell the truth.

"No I do not have a boyfriend. I am a loner and eventually be the cat lady" and "I will be living at home with my parents and working at TGI-Fridays, washing dishes"

Iron chef! kind of...

I have often boasted that I am a fairly good cook. This year, with my own kitchen, I have managed to not starve to death. Unfortunately I think that is because I have made a few trips to the various fast food establishments around town. And a meal from those places have enough calories to sustain me for days (not that I would ever let that happen).

Frozen pizzas are truly one of the best things invented. My love for sandwiches has been rekindled. I have grilled cheese at least three times a week. I cannot remember the last fresh vegetable I ate that was not a baby carrot.

Tonight my gourmet dinner was pepperoni, cheese and crackers. Of course I added a few carrots because I don't want to get scurvy. Like I said. I am an Iron Chef. (If you don't get this reference to the food network, then you obviously have a life, congrats).

A.) I do not have the time to cook fabulous meals.

B.) I do not have the fiscal means of buying quality ingredients.

C.) I am straight up lazy.

HENCE. I am really excited to go home! My fabulous parents and other relatives are soooo good at making fabulous meals with all the best things. Plus they make everything with love.

Sunday Evenings

Generally on Sunday evenings I find myself realizing that I have loads of homework to do or large tests to study for. Tonight seems to be a weird exception. I finished my immanent homework around 4.... and have been absolutely bored since.

And yes I do realize that only boring people get bored. Trust me, my mother drilled that one into me. Usually I would be totally down to read a new book but all my homework lately has been research. Seriously the last thing I read was "Language Rights in Independent Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania" and after you read several books/articles like that reading just doesn't sound all that fun.

I also realize that I could go work out. But I took a shower earlier today... and I would have to take another one. Two showers in one day? that seems excessive.

I definitely could be working on one of the 4 research papers I have... but again with the reading. I've done my nails and watched Pride & Prejudice. I would bake something, but the kitchen is a mess and H made cupcakes yesterday.

I have nothing to organize because I've already done all that. poo.

Here is what I've decided:

1.) I don't want to graduate. How did this happen? Aren't I still a sophomore? People always told me this would go by so quickly but I was not prepared for this!

2.) I have no marketable skills, zip, zero, nada. Hello, want me to tell you about peasant riots during Henry VIII's reign? Yeah I am totes screwed.

3.) I miss K a ton. Stupid Law School had to take her away from me. Bring her back. I need a fun bestie who isn't totally insane. (I love my blondes but they cannot replace K)

4.) I am homesick. I want to see my sister. I want to see my brother. I want to see my parents and my dogs. I want to sleep in my bed. I want to have good food cooked for me. I want to fall asleep to silence.

5.) I really shouldn't complain about life. My life is awesome. woot.

Slackin'

Sorry kiddos for keeping you in suspense for months.... I know it has been truly hard. But never fear! Here I am to spread my witticisms around the world.

So this fall has been crazy busy. And despite the prolonged 'fall' weather. It has kind of sucked. Golf ladies did not win the MIAC championship as planned, nor did I play... I had some issues.. and the freshies apparently did not. ah well its all in the past. But then again, every time I think about it, I feel like someone has stabbed me in the heart with a sizzling hot axe.

neato.

Why am I writing now? .... well all my blondes (aka roommates) are out "making their lives count" (thanks GAC, for giving us that awesome motto). E is at choir, A is TAing for some bio class and H is god knows where... but no doubt she is helping society.

The new academic building is looking fly... unfortunately the heat seems to not work probably. My lucky peers do not get to see my fabulous outfits because I have to wear my jacket in the building. (actually they are really just missing out on my vast selection of sweatpants and sweatshirts).

I don't have K here to a) make me think about what I wear and b) to make me work out. So now even if I were to think about what I wore to class, I wouldn't be able to get it around my corpulent middle section. Sexy can I?

so yeah, I just watched our men's soccer team lose to Carleton. boo. I still find it amazing when schools like carleton, stolaf and macalester beat us. Nerds who spend all their time in the dark and damp library should have muscle mass depletion! Hence, they should not be able to run faster than us. Actually come to think of it, macalester never beats us. yay. You may have high paying jobs upon graduation and we may all turn into alcoholics, but at least we beat you once in track! SUCK IT. ha

Yikes. I gotta go turn off the air conditioning.

Reality. Check!

Howdy kids.

Having an apartment this year sure has been fun thus far. Except for the fact that we don't have a dish washer... and I always seem to be the one who does a mass amount of dishes.

Ah well, its character building. I've also come to realize something very important. My parents and aunts are gourmet chefs. I always knew they were good, but having to cook for myself has really helped me understand the art in making good food. For a 21 year old I feel like I am doing pretty good with food. There is not a lot of meat in my diet but that's just cause the raw stuff is hard for me to handle... and I never know what to buy at the store.

The other day I went to the store because I wanted to make my roommates dinner. I was going to make homemade french fries... so I needed some olive oil. When I got home I told my roomie H what I had gotten. She then asked me what you do with olive oil. WHAT DO YOU DO WITH OLIVE OIL!?!? In my house that would be sac-religious to ask! I was dumbfounded. I dutifully told her all of the magical things that you can do with E.V.O.O. and that it was generally healthier than other oils.

Anyway I made cinnamon roll pancakes this morning and they were awesome. My other roommate asked if they were out of a box. Oh good grief!

...So I got really busy

My apologies to all you for taking a two month hiatus. I know you were all deeply confused without my insight on certain subject. To catch you up...

-I rushed off to the UK and had the time of my life. Getting in-touch with my Scottish ancestry was never so fun! I also played some amazing golf courses and had the best time with my parents and team.

-I won the city championship with a PR round, which was really exciting.

-My dear friend from college came to visit, we toured glacier national park and had some fabulous adventures.

-My beautiful cousin married a wonderful gentleman, and the wedding was a blast. My sister was a bridesmaid- she looked beautiful. Until she had another mysterious allergic reaction- but she held her head up high and carried on.

-Won the club championship. 3rd or 4th time... although not consecutively :( ah well I had a wonderful time playing with my brother and ben.

-Drove back to school with my loving mother (we didn't fight the entire trip!)

-And now here I am back at school frustrated at golf and homework.

Life in Perspective.

Rory McIlroy recently won the US Open and Rickie Fowler has made nothing but pars yet today. They are both 22. They're out there playing amazing golf taking on guys with more experience on the tour than these guys have been walking. I'm a fan of both of these younger gentlemen, probably because they are my peers. And let's be real, I totally have crushes on both of them... mostly founded in their golf swings. Let's compare them!

RORY McILROY.

Ok so Rory is a crowd favorite. He got major kudos after he blew up at the Masters and then sat there with the press and answered all those painful questions. He's an emotional player but doesn't let little misses rattle him. Have you seen this kid swing? I'm star struck at the beauty. Everything seems on plane and he is always so balanced. At Congressional everyone was cheering for him, "Let's go Rory!"

Things that Rory doesn't have going for him are few and far between. With his soft eyes and baby face his lacks sex-appeal. He also struggles with outfits. Some days he wears things that look good but overall its all pretty boring and he has nothing to set him apart from the rest of the crowd. He also has a lot of pressure on him. After winning a Major like he did this year more people are looking at him to be the next Tiger Woods. But Let's not forget his sad finishing performance at the 2011 Masters and now the 2011 Open Championship. He has also only won 3 times since turning pro in 2007. His Tweets are regular and funny and he seems like a normal guy

RICKIE FOWLER

Rickie managed to beat out Rory in 2010 for PGA Rookie of the Year. Rickie has yet to win as a professional. He turned pro in 2009 after attending Oklahoma State University. His swing is not quite as beautiful at Rory but he makes the game a bit more interesting. Plus he gets up and down like nobody's business.

Rickie seems to have the things that Rory lacks. He's got sex appeal up the wazoo. He's got swagger and actually looks like a 22 year old. Where as Rory could be mistaken for a 40 year old if you were more than 50 yards away. Rickie is part Japanese and his grandmother is Navajo. He signed with Puma just after he turned pro. Puma is a young company known for being the "cool" guys in the industry. While some love the look that Rickie has established others think he looks like a douche. I have yet to make up my mind. While the look might douchey on anyone else it is Rickie's particular style. Which makes him unique on the tour and easy to recognize. He also seems like a pretty chill guy. He is in the PGA tour's "golf boys" band. A hilarious video with Ben Crane, Bubba Watson and Hunter Mahan, makes Rickie seem like he has a good sense of humor and low key. Rickie will certainly be one to watch in the up coming years. He has the skills to sit atop the leader boards but he might be trailing Rory throughout his career.

I must say I am partial to Rory because of his swing, baby face and win at congressional. But then again I relate to Rickie because of the name, he's an American and he dealt with the NCAA.

"Well as always... this is as good as its gonna get"

After I have gotten ready in the morning I often think of Anne Hathaway in Princess diaries telling this to her mirror before school. Unfortunately a shower and some make-up is not going to make you look red carpet ready, ever. Some of us are just stuck looking the way we are. E once told me that everyone was beautiful. I had to disagree. There are some beautiful people out there and there are some not beautiful people out there. And before you jump down my throat and say that everyone is beautiful, or that I am being superficial, just hear me out. I am one of those not beautiful people and its not like I take offense to it. I know it. I've got a funny face, chubby cheeks, acne and acne scars and my smile is small and crooked. But Hey! thats ok. I know the reality and I am not going to go out in the world being depressed because my sister got all the good looks. That would be a huge waste of my time! I have more important things to do, thank you very much. And I certainly don't hate on people who did get lucky with their looks. That's cool, work with it, just don't get patronizing and say I look cute when really you are the show-stopper.

ANYWAY. I wanted to share some of my favorite things that do make me look a little better. I love the bare-minerals line of make-up. It goes on really light and smooth and blends well. Plus I hear that the minerals used are actually good for your face. That's a win! Unfortunately since I was about 12 I've had really bad acne and bare minerals does not offer much coverage. So I use a light liquid foundation and cover-up for my spots.

ProActiv has really helped my acne is recent years so now I mostly just have scars. But Proactiv gives me a good routine to get into and it really makes my face feel smooth. It takes a few months to work but its the best acne treatment I have experience so far, (and trust me, I've tried a lot!)

Ok so those are the two products I really love!

You do what you do and you pay for your sins.

And there is no such thing as what might have been. That's a waste of time.

I am home just waiting for my parents to get home from the lake house. I've done my makeup, my hair and decided on an outfit for tonight's rodeo. I'm not really sure why I put so much efforts into my looks when I'm going to the rodeo with my parents and will not really be attempting to attract the males of Livingston. oh well. its done.
I love the rodeo. Especially the Round Up over the fourth of July weekend. But after the rodeo and fireworks is a dance. I usually dance with my dad and brother. Once upon a time I had someone else to dance with. But now my brother isn't going and I don't really want to go. Because the only thing worse than sitting alone tapping your boot to the music is being asked to dance by a stranger. neither options are desirable. Maybe I will just get drunk and forget to care.

BOOKS. I LOVE.

I LOVE BOOKS. I love to read and then I like to think about the books I've read. My mind goes on a whirl and I get a high from books.

Here are the books I love the most.

1. Pride and Prejudice. So complicated and complex. The characters are deep and changing. Plus it teaches the lesson of judgement. Sometimes you have to judge and sometimes you have to take a closer look at circumstances. One must also recognize that introverts are not trying to be rude. Maybe I am just a sucker for the happy ending, but who doesn't love a strong female protagonist who puts a man in his place?

2. Bloomability. I think I love this book because it got me through the tough years of middle-school. It shows the reader that sometimes you just have to go with the flow. Life is full of changes and scary times but for the most part everything turns out. I also just really like the personality of the narrator.

3. This House of Sky. The title is as beautiful as the writing. Ivan Doig writes of his childhood in western Montana. He has adventures and really captures the essence of Montana, in all its ruggedness, beauty and harsh weather. His descriptions are breathtaking and the movement of his sentences are lovely. Whenever he mentions a mountain range I can feel the familiarity I have with that landscape.

4. Jacob Have I Loved. This book is a little anti-climatic but it really shows the unfairness of life yet how life goes on. Sometimes you just have to move on and not be too bitter. It also makes me question the Bible a bit.... which always makes for some interesting pondering.

5. My Antonia. Willa Cather is an amazingly simplistic writer. But the way she tells a story is lovely. Anything is interesting and she gives you that feeling that you are right there with her and she is telling you the story. I also love O Pioneers! Both books have a chillingly realistic ending.

Here we go again...

Multiple points to this blog entry my friends.

1). I had yet another awkward moment. My friend C just graduated from high school. My brother is one of his really good friends. We all golf together. So I got invited to his graduation party and I thought it would be fun to go and see him and his family. My brother wanted to go too but didn't get off work until 8. So we showed up to the party a little late. This meant that only high schoolers were left. I figured only a few people knew me so they might not know I was way too old for this party. We played ultimate frizbee and eventually sat by a bon-fire. I was laughing and joking with C's little sister about how I was too old for this party and that I should really leave. My brother of course was adding to the jokes saying I was a big creeper for even showing up. And then some girl asked me how old I was... I had to admit to her that I was 21. Then she asked me in kind of a snobby way what I was doing here....

So awkward. How do you explain to a bunch of stupid high schoolers that you just wanted to see your friend and old teammate but then got sucked into a stupid party. AWKWARD. These things really need to stop happening to me.

2) Its raining outside. And the thing about Montana rain is that it is never warm. Its always cold and windy. Even if it is a beautiful day and it starts to rain the temperature will drop 20 degrees. Added to the flooding we are experiencing (like the rest of America) rain doesn't help. My poor dad is about to call it quits and just give up on the golf business. Lets get some sun!

3) My mother is crazy. Straight up insane. She told me she would pay me to clean her clutter areas. I started on the pantry and I just get so frustrated because we have like a million empty jars that she "collects." Plus we have a ton of foods that we rarely eat. I found 5 boxes of falafel. Who needs five boxes of falafel? Besides a greek family. And three bags of seaweed? I swear this stuff has got to be decades old. But then my mother will not let me rearrange anything and she just stops me from cleaning anything. Its totally pointless.

When will I learn?

I realize I am now using this blog to record my awkward moments.

Lucky for you guys I have another moment to share with y'all!

Last Thursday was the senior bar crawl and boy was that fun! We went to a number of bars, specialties included jello shots and dollar tabs. We eventually ended up at the most popular bar, Patty's. I actually was having a good time, E was being a bit ridiculous (as always) and K was running around taking pictures with EVERYONE. Not to mention she was being tailed by some suiters which always makes her happy. By the time last-call came around K had three gentlemen pining for her attention. But she was too busy dancing on the table. E was miffed because that is exactly the kind of attention she wants and was not getting. Previously one of my friends introduced me to his friend and E was standing there. After I shook his hand E stormed away ranting about how no one likes her. That was a pleasure to deal with.

Anyway we left K in good hands and we got on the first bus home. One of E's friends from high school was on the bus and invited us back to his apartment. It was then that E told me that she wanted to hook up with him. Obviously I was sick of being the 3rd wheel but I was too tired to argue. We didn't end up in his room but the apartment of K's ex boyfriend. E was blackout by this time and putting her moved on every male.

One of the roommates, C, came in spraying a fire extinguisher. Solid. He comes in and E promptly leads him to the bedroom. I am pretty much sober by this time and in no mood. But E told me to wait. Wait? Wait where? So I am stuck just hanging out in the living-room. One of the other roommates is there, J, and he is relatively sober. We make occasional small talk while watching tv. Unfortunately neither of us are outgoing and its hard to make continuous small talk for 3 hours. Yep. 3 HOURS of waiting for E to finish. The funny part was that she kept coming out of the room to have little talks with me. One time she announced that she did not want to give another bj, that she thought C had a girlfriend and during a private convo she told me she needed 15 more minutes just so she could "get off."

Meanwhile I was discovering via small talk that I had a lot in common with J. He played golf and loved to fly fish. Plus he loves Montana. When E finally decided that she was done I said good bye to J and gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek. In that 3 hours I developed a crush. CRAP. Anyway this goes under my awkward moments list because 3 hours of small talk with anyone whilst your bestie is getting some is always awkward. I don't care who you are.

Dalliance.

I want one. A dalliance.

Particularly with the hot english major who lives above me.

I realize that this is my crazy imagination running away with things. Not to mention I am completely bored and just watched a en episode of BBC's "Mistresses." But seriously I feel like I need to reward myself. And who could reward me better with a humanities intellectual equal who also plays tennis? Boy Upstairs. I've had two classes with Boy Upstairs. Creative Writing and Medieval England. I'm not really sure what I was like in creative writing but I can vividly remember an embarrassing instance from Medieval England. I was paired with Boy Upstairs, his roommate and another kid (who actually looked like Moe from the Simpsons). We were assigned to read a chapter out of King John and report on it to the class from the point of view of his barons. It was barely a five minute presentation, but we all know how I get when I stand up in front of people. All my brain cells deicide that would be the perfect time for a nap. When the presentation was over I sat down.... and didn't really remember what I said. But I do have the feeling that I used the word "crazy" or the variation "crazily" to describe taxes, parliament meetings and King Johns policies in general. I make great impressions on people.

Anyway besides saying the sultry "hey" in the stairway past Boy Upstairs there has been minimal interactions. Not that that stops me from looking at him....

So thats my life. All I really want is to make-out with someone. Boy Upstairs should come down here and help a girl out.

NATIONALS.

Nationals finished with a bang and a fizzle. The bang of lightning/thunder and the fizzle of our dreams of finally defeating Methodist. We were down 12 strokes going into the final day. But Methodist was coming down hard after the first 9 holes of the final round. I was playing like never before and even par after 11 holes (I got my first bogey on the 11th hole). Then right as I am about to hit my eight iron perfectly to 12 green they blew the lightning horn.

NCAA rules dictate that we wait 30 minutes after a lightning strikes within 10 miles of the course. After every lightning strike the 30 minute count restarts. We came in to the pro-shop at 5 pm. At 6 I started to cry because I knew that the lightning wasn't stopping and we wouldn't get to finish. Methodist had won again. I would never know if I could have continued that amazing round. What a let down. Coach had bought silly string in case we won... it kind of broke my heart when we saw him unload it from his bag.

Anyway yesterday after we got back and a long nap I proceeded to both drown my sorrows of an unfinished round and celebrate the face that I was an All American due to my 6th place individual finish.

For a girl who hasn't drank because of a long sports season has little to no alcohol tolerance. Unfortunately my dear friends didn't think of that and thought the amount I was drinking was perfectly acceptable. They should have know that after every new group of people that got on the gus bus I shouted "I'M AN ALL AMERICAN!" that I would not last too long. We made it to the bar just in time for me to puke my brains out and need to be taken home.

Oh the memories.

In any case I am extremely proud of my teammates and thankful for my supportive parents and friends.

Basic Social Skills.

I am about to share something with you. Something personal. Prepare yourself.

I AM AWKWARD. Sure a lot of people have been in awkward situations and gotten red in the face. Or said something silly that was followed by silence. Those types of things are normal. Plus they only really happen about once a month. For me those types of situations are exaggerated and happen on a daily (if not hourly) basis.

FOR INSTANCE: Ok so campus is pretty small. So you know who went to high school with your friends (everyone here is from MN) you know your teammates' roommates' random hookups and their boyfriends kind of friends. You just kind of know people here. Yesterday I was with K and E at the campus center giggling off our sugar high. We ran into one of E's high school 'friends' who was with his friends. E and this guy nodded at each other. But we continued walking behind them. One of the random guys (who I DO NOT KNOW) said 'yeah she was pretty cute' [obviously in reference to someone not in the proximity] and I said to E and K 'I know!' The guys just turned around and looked at me. AWKWARD. Of course we giggled about it endlessly but really, that guy now knows I am a totally socially awkward freak.

Then today some guys from golf team asked if I wanted to play... and it took me about a minute to respond. "uuuuuuuuuuuuhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Naaaaaaaaaaahhhh. I think I am going to pass..............................." My life is amazing.

UPDATE. So last night we went to the bar (yeah yeah I broke the 48 hour rule). Anyway the guys I said "i know" to were there. They pointed at me. And then talked and pointed. Praise the Lord on high that I am leaving for a week.... maybe everyone will forget who I am by then

Is it? Could it possibly be... Spring?!

BARELY. But I think spring has arrived. After suffering a disaster of a spring with flooding, freezing temps and more precipitation than necessary I think we might actually have some nice weather. Yesterday was so cold I didn't even go to practice.... and the girls that did go said it was pointless because they couldn't feel their hands. Don't worry I got plenty of practice today and even got some vitamin D! We really have to up the practice this week because Nationals is next week! YIKES. I am already nervous. I'm not exactly hitting the ball great and my short game cannot compensate that much. Every time I hit a bad shot on the range I just picture the course in Florida where any missed shot could result in disaster. How much can I really improve in 4 days?

In other news the men's golf team got an at large bid to nationals as well! We're all very proud of them!

Lots to do before I miss an entire week of school! Like that 20 page research paper... Lord help me.

Circa 1990's

Remember the 90's? cool. I only kind of remember them. Here's what I remember.

-I was sick for 2 weeks in 1st grade.... and I missed a lot of school. Despite being behind on reading I have finally caught up. 15 years later.

-1st grade again, my friend and I discussed the qualities of coloring utensils. He preferred crayons "because you could never break the lead"

-Columbine shooting. I think I was in 2nd grade for this one. For some reason I didn't really gather what was going on but all the adults were really upset. We also started doing lockdowns, where we all hid in the cubby spaces.

-Princess Diana dies. That was 1997... So I was going into the 3rd grade. It was really sad because it was the death of a real life princess. I didn't really understand the whole drunk driving issue or why everyone wanted to take her picture. But I do remember the mass amounts of flowers that accumulated at the gates of the palaces. I think my grandfather died that year too. Because we drove all the way to North Dakota in our van.

-1998. Bill Clinton. Lies to America and in my tiny brain is labeled a "liar" not to mention he is a democrat. I also remember riding my bike a lot and becoming friends with Lindsay and Kate.

-1999. Y2K. Lots of hype. I had other things to worry about. Like... what to wear on picture day.

The reason I bring this up is because my new favorite song is "Dr. Jones" by Aqua. I never listened to them in the 90's (because what kid from Montana listens to a Danish Pop group?)

LOVE THEM NOW. Even though a lot of stuff happened in the 90s my world was pretty small.

So much to say!

Hey Friends!

I have a large load of things to get off my mind. Don't worry very little of it is my complaining (a first!)

Happy Easter! Sorry to be late on this one. I got a few days off of school. I wish I could have gone home (I did have a 6 day break because of my AWESOME schedule). Alas we also had a golf meet last friday and saturday so I had to stick around. My family went to church and apparently had a fabulous time without me. I was invited to my teammates' grandparents house to celebrate Easter (we slept in and forgot to go to church-but don't worry mom I still believe in God). We had an egg hunt and an awesome home cooked meal. It was lovely and I am so thankful for them.

In other news, the team won our golf meet! The first day we all played like shiz and were down 7 strokes to Eau Claire. Like we do we came back in true fashion and won. We play in Eau Claire next weekend and are hoping for another win before nationals. Speaking of nationals, I AM ACTUALLY GOING TO PLAY THIS YEAR... instead of being the dehydrated extra teammate who is barfing in the palm trees. I am really excited, especially because my golf game isn't totally sucking right now.

Like the true pessimist that I am I must say that its raining. This is preventing me from going out to practice today. I know I know, I should say "to hell with rain! I love to practice in all elements!" Normally the rain would not deter me. But its 42 degrees and windy. Plus I am out of gas and have no money... so yeah, that makes things difficult.

On the bright side I got some awesome mail today! My dad sent me some news paper articles from our local chronicle- a black angus cow had triplets! he also sent me 5 dollars. I love him.

Right now I am in the library (freezing... I've had to put on my jacket) working on my 20 page research paper. I have about a page. But mostly I am doing research. Which got me thinking about grad-school. It would be really cool to get my masters and PhD.... but this is sooo hard! There is so much to read... and so little specific information that I need. I just spent the last hour reading an article only to use 3 sentences from it. But I still need those 3 sentences. Oi my life is going to be over and I will only have a paper to show for it. Ah well, I would rather be doing this than biology!

Chocoholic.

K is a chocoholic. As am I.

recent text from me to K "I wish my water was chocolate flavored. but in a non gross way"

People always say chocolate is good for you. Yeah the shitty 70% cocoa that is took strong. What I LOVE is the smooth milk chocolate that melts in your mouth and gives you that happy feeling just when you want scream. Ah pms. Chocolate is the magic cure.

I am having a serious chocolate craving right now. But for lent I minimized my desserts to 3 times a week. Well last we had ice cream sundaes. This is tough. I am in the mid-homework crunch where a nice little chocolate bar could get me through the night. Alas I will just have to power through my water (non-chocolate flavored).

My stumbleupon account if full of dessert recipes... this could be a problem when I have to opportunity to cook/bake in my apartment next year!

here's a neat recipe

Triple Threat Brownies

For the brownie base:

• 1 box brownie mix OR favorite recipe brownies (9×13 pan size)

Mix brownies according to package directions or your favorite recipe. Bake and allow to cool completely.

For the cream cheese frosting:

• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup coarsely chopped peanuts

Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until fully mixed. Spread on top of cooled brownies and sprinkle with nuts.

For the chocolate peanut butter rice krispies topping:

• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
• 3 cups rice krispies cereal

In a large pan, combine chocolate chips and peanut butter over low heat. Continue stirring until the chocolate and peanut butter are melted. Stir in cereal, making sure to coat all the cereal in the peanut butter chocolate mixture.

Spread the cereal mixture on top of the brownies and frosting and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Keep covered and store in the refrigerator.

Whoa!

Sorry I haven't written in a while (yes I mean YOU special reader who doesn't exist!) I've been busy. REALLY BUSY. Last night I got about 4 hours of sleep. And I am used to about 8. Yeah whatevs. I'm spoiled.

Ethics committee was a huge bitch and lasted for 3 hours. Those people drive me nuts. They sit and they argue and they pick at every detail in the world. And what does it come down to? nothing. We table the decision until we have more information. Ethics committee basically has two options. Suggest impeachment or dismiss the compliant. Um sorry but we can't go around co-presidents elect. The student body already hates senate enough. So what does this girl do about it? Well besides making snide comments during meetings I skipped the meeting today! suck it. I told them I had practice. ha. Athletics always beat out student government.

I had about 200 pages of reading to do for class... which I didn't finish. But regardless of if I did the reading I don't participate in class anyway... so what's the point?

Golf really is a major time suck in my life. I really want to be good and go to nationals so I work hard. I put in the hours I need to be my best. But it takes 30 minutes just to get to the course... on average I spend about 20 hours of my week doing golf related activities, not including my entire weekends at tournaments. I love it but homework is starting to slide.

oy and yet here I am on the internet not doing my homework. Yikes obviously my time management sucks. Gotta go!