Winter 05: First Impressions
Now Playing: "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again" by Original London Cast on "The Phantom of the Opera"
Topic: School
Currently enrolled in: MATH 413 Intro to Real Analysis II MTRF 12-1, HIST 213 Modern Political Economy MTWR 2-3, ANT 250 Biological Anthropology TR 5-7, MATH 461 Senior Project.
Work: MTRF 8-10, W 8-12

Work: Yesterday wasn't fun at all. For whatever reason, the phones were already transferred when I got in early at 7:40ish so I started early and finished late (10:45). Just a lot about the new epermit system and wireless registration. Today was a lot quieter. As for starting at 8am, it's not too bad. However since I'll be working with Michelle, Annie and Jeff, I'll have to make sure I make the early bus as the three of them put work on Poly Time and then come 5 to 10 minutes late (so in real time?the time work is run on?they come 15-20 minutes late. Actually, Jeff was only about 8 minutes late today. The point being that they arrive closer to 8:10 so I should try to be the responsible one and be on time.

Analysis: We switched building this quarter for who knows what reason so the desks aren't the good one but they are not the extremely sucky ones thank goodness. It's also kind of nice because it's in the same building as the Math Lounge. As for the class itself, there are less people in it this quarter but Dave, Nick, Tyler and Alisa are in it. I'm happy Dave and I are sharing a class together. One would think that as Math majors starting the same year, we would have had more classes together. But all we've had was the Calculus series freshman year and I think he was in a different section each time. But anyway, yay! more Dave time! Back to the class. Actually, not much to say about it. Just more of the same.

Political Economy: The title and course number are a bit misleading. Before going to class, I was trying to figure out how a class called Modern Political Economy fit into the History department. Turns out it is more a class of the history of political economy. The professor seems like a cool guy but he has a weird speech pattern. He says some words at a higher pitch than others in his sentences and not necessarily for emphasis. Kind of hard to explain. He also plays a song at the beginning of class as kind of intro to the day's topic. He puts a general outline of the lecture on the screen and then goes through it. I know that if I keep this class it's going to be difficult for me as the outline on the screen is pretty much the only thing written down. As in, it's pretty much an audiotory class and I'm a visual learner. And while having only one paper and two tests (student's choice of essay or multiple guess) sounds great, the weight of each concerns me greatly. The paper is worth 10%, the midterm 40% and the final 50%.

Anthropology: A tad hard to judge this one completely as the professor did not lecture today. However I asked about her lecture style and she said she writes definitions and things on the board. I like her grading scheme a lot better as there is a book report worth 25%, 2 midterms multiple guess worth 25% each and a final also worth 25% oh and it's not cumulative. I also made sure that it was okay with her that I took the tests earlier in the day. Another girl was in the same position so that worked out well. I did recognize two other people in the class. One was a girl from Honors, I think her name is Jaime (there was an event at her house a couple years ago), and the other was a Math major, I think her name is Natalie.

Senior Project: I talked with Dr. Morrison today to set up our meeting times and discuss a plan. The goal is to get a first draft done by the 5th week. So I now need to get my but in gear and review all my summer stuff.


Overall, it seems like a lot of stress but then I remember that I'll be dropping a class. Right now I leaning towards Political Economy. Mainly because of the lecture style. I'm going to confirm with the London Study office tomorrow about GE areas offered next Fall and then drop it. I know that a D5 is required for London and that there is a Shakespeare class which will count as my C1-C4 elective. I just want to make sure that an area F will be offered in Fall (there was one this year). Assuming there is, I'll keep ANT 250, a B2, and take Math 341, 414 and a D2 GE next quarter. That will leave GEs C1-C4 elective, D5 and F for Fall 05. Perfect for London. However, if that F is not offered but the B2 is, I'll have to drop Anthropology and keep Political Economy and take the F next quarter. *crosses fingers* I'm hoping for the "Perfect for London" one.

New Year's Resolutions
Now Playing: KIIS FM
1. Better dental hygine
2. Weigh 140 pounds (or less) by 22nd birthday. Weigh 135 pounds (or less) by start of Fall 05 quarter. Weigh 125 pounds (or less) by graduation. (aka lose 25 pounds this year)
3. Average 25 sit-ups a day (and mean it)
4. Work out at gym at least 3 days a week
5. Be on the Dean's List for my last 3 remaining quarters at Cal Poly
6. More personal reading
7. Wear make-up daily ( if nothing else, to get rid of it)
8. Be better Math Club President
9. More time with friends
10. Go on a date by 22nd birthday
*ADDED*
11. Decide on London
12. Figure out what I'm doing in 2006 and rest of life.
13. Un pack-rat

Chances:
1. Good. I'm keeping up with it right now. Hopefully I'll nail down a routine for during the school year.
2. Possible but not probable. This partly depends on #3 and #4. This also means watching my diet more closely.
3. Possible. Then again I thought it possible for this year too and I'm currently 1650 sit-ups behind (will be doing some before bed after I'm done with this)
4. Fair. I scheduled some regular workouts and workout classes into my day but I did that last quarter and we saw how well that went. But this time I also scheduled in some study time so hopefully my classes and Math Club won't be consume my workout times again.
5. Possible but not probable. This would require at least 2 A's and 1 B each quarter. Seeing as how I mostly have GEs left...well, let's just say GEs lower my GPA.
6. Good if my GEs arent reading intensive. Hopefully, I'll also be able to get some reading done while at the gym too and at night before sleep.
7. Good. This ties into #1. I've currently got this whole mouth wash while starting make-up thing going on. Plus, I will no longer have to straighten my bangs so that saves like 10 minutes of my morning routine right there.
8. Possible. I just need to get off my ass, work with my board more and delegate. Speaking of, I need to work on next quarter's schedule....
9. Possible but unfortunately not probable. My weekdays are very booked unless I get a gym pal, and then Math Club usually takes up at least one day of the weekend. And I'll need Sunday to catch up on my school work. Not to mention that I'm not the spontanious type to just randomly go over to people's houses (a la Bridget), nor do I like to make the first move (I'm sick of it already). But thankfully my friends are good about inviting me along on their little adventures =)
10. Sucky. I'm too shy to ask (besides, the guys I tend to crush on are already taken), and it's unlikely I'll ever be asked again. I think I give off this "I hate men/girl power" vibe now. Can I help it if I had a bad experience and happen to be a stubborn independent? Okay, so I have no one to blame but myself for this one. But it gives me something to dream about. Assuming I could dream.
*ADDED*
11. Well it has to be done.
12. Umm, postponing till summer
13. Variable. I just need to take baby steps. One area at a time. I started by getting rid of 4 tops that I've had for quite some time (like throughout high school)

Break so far
Now Playing: KIIS FM from bathroom radio
Sunday:
We celebrated Hanukkah. We had our traditional dinner of matzo ball soup, latkas and chicken. Then we did our clues which were fun as always. Jess accidentally found her list after the first clue. She still ended up beating the rest of us. I came in last *shrug*. Then came presents. Here's what I originally got:
From my parents: pair of uggs, coin sorter, alarm clock able to play CDs, photo album, memo board, fish fortune teller thing, mathematical games cards, "IQ tester" game, double stick tape things for when wearing clothes (yeah, I don't get it either).
From the siblings: pair of new sneakers from Justin and Tiffany, book and reading light from Jessica.
From the 99 cent white elephant: beach mat and beach ball
I said originally got because, well the problem with not telling people what you want is that you get things you don't want. I needed to exchange the uggs and the sneakers (yes my feet are wide but I only need a size bigger in dress shoes) from 9's to 8.5's, return the coin sorter (a nice thought but that much change was accumulated over a few years) and return the alarm clock (nice thought since it's a combo of my current set-up but I like my current set-up).

Monday:
I went to the dentist in the morning and was told that some of my "nicks" were deep enough that he though they should be filled. Joy ;-P. After that it was running errands with my mom and my sister. We went to Macy's to exchange one of Jess's gift. She said it was nice but she already wears a lot of blues. At that point I opened the box and took a look. It was a very nice sweater. My mom offered for me to try it on (and the size up) while we were there and if I liked it, the sweater would be my big gift this year. So I got the size up on the sweater and my sister got a different sweater. Then we went to the ugg shoe store so I could exchange mine. Unfortunately, that brand doesn't come in half sizes and the size smaller and bigger felt weird. Instead, I got size bigger ugg slippers which are supper comfy and that I've been wearing around the house. My mom also returned the coin sorter. Then we went to Michael's and took a crochet class. I was kind of dragged along but now I'm glad for it. It's a good way to keep one's hands busy.

Tuesday:
Jess and I walked to Label's for brunch. Poor Jess, the walk turned out to be too much for her and she didn't feel well later that night and all day Wednesday. Hmm, I don't remember what else I did other than crochet my scarf.

Wednesday:
Mom and I went to Torrance to get our hair straightened. My hair now has no lumps and is super flat. And looks really good too if I say so myself. That pretty much took the whole day. When we came home, I kept Jess company in her room and kinda stood guard while she showered, G-d forbid anything should happen since she felt crappy. I also crocheted some more. Actually, I finished off my ball of yarn but my scarf was too short.

Thursday:
Went back to the dentist to get those fillings. I had to reschedule my appointment with Joan until next week since this was the only time the dentist had. Then Mom, Jess and I headed south so Jess could go get some blood drawn and flu shot. We also went to the New Balance store to exchange our shoes (Justin and Tiffany got her a pair too). I wore mine out. We then headed to Justin and Tiffany's place to see how they decorated for Christmas. They had a beautiful tree, some velvet stockings and other beautiful decorations. It was really very good looking, I was sorry I forgot my camera but fortunately Dad had his. They also put santa hats on the kids until they shook them off, but they were so cute. Then we walked a couple blocks to this little Italian restaurant. That place had really good food. I went back with Mom and we stopped at Michael's just before they closed so I could pick up more yarn so I could finish and some wool for me to start a scarf for Meghan as a beleted present.

Friday:
A very lazy day. I slept til like 11am. My parents invited me to go to the Horton's with them but I passed. But then Marissa called me asking if I was going. After I said no, I was kind of forced to invite her over. But first I drove Jess into LA so she could go to her friend's house and spend the night. I finished my scarf except for maybe putting fringes on. Marissa ended up not coming over until 9:30 or so. We watched "Elf", played with some of the special features and then she left.

Today:
Mom showed me how to put the fringes on my scarf and I started the one for Meghan. I did this while I sorted through all the DVDs I had been making looking for bad sound quality ones per my parents' request. I found all the clips that needed to be redone and also the tapes they were on. Except for one. I can't seem to find my brother's prom. I'll search again in the morning. I'll also start the redoing process. Fortunately, most of the clips came off of this one tape so I'll be importing all of that.

So overall, not a bad vacation. I haven't been reading as much as I hoped but I've been busy crocheting. I did get ragged on a little bit. Mainly "how does [insert bad meal I'm eating here] fit into your meal plan?" *sigh* The good news is that since there is very little to eat in the house, it is impossible to gain weight while staying here (unless every meal is eaten out). Jess agreed with me and was even making it a motto of the house. Tomorrow I'll be redoing the DVDs and crocheting. I'll also call Vanessa and see if she wants to get together this week. I was kind of hoping she would call me first for a change but I guess not. At least the annual Benson, Cohen and Weiss Gathering will be happening on Tuesday!

MEGHAN!!!!!!
Mood:  happy
Now Playing: Michelle Branch: You Get Me
Topic: Friends
Work was unexciting, just like the rest of the week. We did get a free lunch from our boss though. And Leigh and I finally found a way to entertain ourselves...an hour before we got off. So we walked back to our place and then we went to pick up Meghan.

It was so good to see Meghan again! She practically knockd me over with a hug of giddiness. She was so happy to have friends around and I was happy to have her around, even if it was just for a night. I didn't quite realize how little I've been hanging out with girl friends until tonight (which isn't to say that my guy friends aren't great because they totally are). She also cut her hair which looks really nice on her. Also makes her look older. So yes, Leigh and I picked her up and we went to Leigh's (and Matt's and Travis'). We hung out there for a bit since 3 of us had a late lunch. Then, since there were 5 of us, we hoped in Travis' car and went to Applebee's. Four of us order alcohol with Travis getting the strongest with a Long Island Ice Tea (Meghan had a Bahama Mamba and Matt and I had Mud Slides). Meghan got very giddy very fast as she didn't have much to eat all day. So we had our dinner and talked. Well actually I only ate about half of mine as I really wasn't that hungry from the big lunch (this comes up again, thus the mention).

During dinner, Hero came up. Meghan was suggesting it, saying it was a very good movie. Matt suggesting getting it for tonight. So we finished up our dinner and headed back to The Guys' House. Travis, Meghan, Matt and I then walked down the street to Insomniac Video to get the movie. Unfortunately, they didn't have it so we hopped in the car again and went to Best Buy where Matt bought the movie. Back to The Guys' House and movie watching ensued. The movie was pretty good. The fight scenes were pretty awesome.

Alas, it became time to go. Meghan was getting sleepy and afterall she has a wedding to attend tomorrow. She did say that if the wedding ended early (it starts at 1pm), she would give any of us that were left a call and we'd do something.

After dropping Meghan off, I decided to stop by Albertson's and drop my film off. I saw a woman sitting outside on the ground near the Hunger bin (exact organization name slips my name). When I came out she asked for any spared change. Instead I offered her my leftover dinner. I hope she wasn't insulted that I was offering her leftovers. But she did seem happy to have the food. I saw her eating a fry as I left. I wish I did things like that more often.

Overall, one of the most enjoyable evenings I've had in a long time.

The Cleaning Saga: Parts VIII and IX-Stairs/Upstairs Hall and Upstairs Bathroom Floor
Mood:  celebratory
Now Playing: Ladies by Sarai
Topic: Apartment
The final necessary cleaning tonight was very easy and very quick. First I vacuumed the stairs. The middle stairs were a bit challenging because I had to hold the actual vacuum on a stair below me with a foot while using the hose to actually vacuum. When I got to the hall, I had to move all the stuff that was on the floor in the bathroom that I took out last night to sweep back into the bathroom so I could vacuum the hall. Then I moved the stuff back into the hall so I could vacuum the bathroom quickly.

Then I actually cleaned the bathroom floor. Really not that bad. Mostly because we don't walk over that as much as the kitchen floor. Plus the cleaning I gave it a few weeks ago helped too.

So with the exception of the shower walls/door, I have given the common areas of this apartment a thorough cleaning. I think the clean apartment will be my Holiday present to my roommates. All that remains, Part X, is remedial cleaning in the kitchen before I leave. Talk about a sense of personal accomplishment =)

The Cleaning Saga: Part VII-The Shower
Now Playing: Finger 11: Broken Words
Topic: Apartment
*Psycho music* hahaha, just kidding. I wasn't even in the shower really.

That would be because I keep forgetting that I really need to do the walls first. Fortunately, they weren't too bad but I didn't pay them much heed since I was distracted. I did give the shower floor a good scrub once through. I also popped the drain and threw away the hair and who knows what else that was attached to it. At least it wasn't as bad as the first time I did that; when I was still letting my hair go down there too. After that I swept the bathroom floor. I'll be doing the floor tomorrow night and also vacuuming the stairs and the upstairs hall (I originally forgot about that). Hopefully I won't be pigging out again and actually start before 10pm.

The Cleaning Saga: Part VI-Kitchen Floor
Now Playing: Law & Order (SVU) on TV while I was cleaning
Topic: Apartment
I actually had to go look up what part I'm on. How sad. Anyway, on to the floor.

Originally, I was going to get the mop and bucket, mop in first with a bit of soap and then go over it with cleaner and paper towels. I decided to nix the mop. I figured it wouldn't really help much anyway. As usual, the floor was very dirty. It's been like that all the times I've cleaned it ever. I have it at least respectable looking now. But you can totally tell where we stand the most. Because where we don't stand is visibly cleaner and has no chips. That was one thing I did notice in the floor, there seem to be a lot more chips in it. In a way, I can't wait when I do a final checkout next August or December and explain away all damages as 3 years of wear and tear. Well, except for my attempt to clean the couch stain assuming they turn it over.

The Cleaning Saga: Part V-Upstairs Toilet
Now Playing: something from my jazz class...why do I still have these?
Topic: Apartment
I changed my mine about doing it tonight. I figured after the fiasco that happened a few weeks ago, the toilet wouldn't be that bad and it wasn't. So now I'll start on the floors tomorrow. That will probably continue over until Wednesday night anyway.

The Cleaning Sage: Part IV-Upstairs Bathroom (My Half)
Now Playing: I can't wait to be king" from the iPod and from my lips
Topic: Apartment
I thought this would be a simple task. Just wipe everything down, sprinkle a little of Comet over the sink, rub and done.

Nope. It appears that my sink is now officially stained. And now it's starting to feel wierd from all the generic Comet I've put on it. Fortunately, the counter area wiped down easily enough. There is this ring on the counter but it's on Julie's side so I don't really care right now. The little shelf and the mirror didn't put up a fight.

I'll save Part V-Upstairs Toilet for tomorrow night. Hopefully, I'll be doing the kitchen and bathroom floors Wednesday night, and the shower Thursday night. That would work out perfectly. Thus by Murphy's law, that ain't happening.

I will say that my favorite part of all this cleaning is my iPod in my pocket and me singing along (loudly). Goodness knows I wouldn't be able to do this if my roommates were here. I'm kind of liking living without them. Yeah, there's the lonliness; but honestly, how often do I talk to them when they are here? I mean, so far this week has been kind of the same except now there's no presence of them. Like I said, it's kind of nice.

Anyway, time to check on the sink. I was letting it soak in soap (attempting rather) as a "finishing touch."

The Cleaning Saga: Part II-Refridgerator/Freezer and More Kitchen
Now Playing: The Wizard and I/Dreams
Topic: Apartment
Armed with more all purpose cleaner and more Comet, I went back to tackling the kitchen.

First was the freezer. I threw out the popsicles that thawed and then refroze after the freezer was accidentally left open all day a week or so ago because it didn't close properly because there was so much crap in there. I also threw out some nastly unidentifiable shit, some of my old frozen veggies that I forgot about, and a pot pie that had been in there forever. I made a little list on the white board asking who everything belonged to as a reminder that they have it. As for actually dirt and stuff, the freezer wasn't too bad.

The fridge, on the other hand, is a completely different story. It was gross. We have two grate shelves and one solid shelf on the botton. That botton one was disgusting. I have no idea what fell on it that made it so bad. But the really hard thing to clean was some crap underneath the drawers. It took some elbow grease to clean that. I found two things of salsa and two things of barbaque sauce so I combined those. I tried to combine our two ketchups (that one is my fault) but it didn't all quite fit.

Then I finished off Kathryn's dishes so I clean the sink. Those forks, knives and spoons were gross. All the food was stuck on, and there was also so food on the bottom of the sink stuck on too. As I type, that side of the sink is sitting in hot water to finish cleanising/sanitizing it.

All that remains for the kitchen is the floor but I'm saving that for absolute second to last (last is the shower). Now I'm going to grab the vaccum and start that. I'm also going to take out some frozen chicken I found and start to thaw that and make my speciality?oven barbaqued chicken