The Blockbuster Week

Saw several movies this past week, the first was I Am Legend. It had mostly the same structure as the original novel and movie. It's a love it or hate it movie; meaning, people will either love it, or hate it. Go see it for yourself; but, be warned - it took me a few hours to unnerve myself. This movie was real intense.

Movies adapted from novels are never as good as the book, at least I have never seen one. Atonement was no exception. Although I thought Atonement was a good movie on its own, it simply did not do Ian McEwan's writing justice. Some even found the movie to be long and slow. If you believe you would feel the same way, I suggest you see it anyway and watch it with an artistic eye. Appreciate the art of film making and immerse yourself in great cinematography, good direction, and incredible acting.

Speaking of great acting, Charlie Wilson's War had a brilliant cast. What can I say...good plot, great characters, Tom Hanks, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Julia Roberts. This movie speaks for itself.

A complete opposite of Charlie Wilson's War was The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep. I wanted to see a cutesy flick and instead, wound up annoyed. All the cute parts were in the trailer - that was it! I would've liked to see more development between the characters, it felt cut off and unresolved. Mixing the cutesy story of a water horse against a backdrop of the World War was not a good idea either. The war concept overpowered what was supposed to be a family movie.

To end my week, the clear and obvious choice was to see Sweeney Todd. I have not seen it on Broadway and was really unfamiliar with the story. I loved it! Dark, yet pasty. Gory, yet delectable. Predictable, yet engaging. Dim, yet beautiful. Each frame was like a well-composed photograph. This was a nice end to my Blockbuster week.

I saw everything from horror, romance, political, "family", to musical. I think I covered the bases this week. Until the next set of blockbusters...

Present-filled Moment

Who honored me with Christmas presents? What did they give me? Most of the gifts can be accounted for at this very moment...

Right now, I am admiring the newest addition to my art collection (from T. Buds), while listening to Alvin, Simon, and Theodore sing Here Comes Santa Clause (from A. Ben), and uploading pictures to my jump drive (from A. Ben). I am being kept warm by a portable heater (from T. Buds) and a University of Utah sweater (from Klasina). Planning my outfit for tomorrow, I am desperately trying to fit in my alfalfa weave bag (from T. Buds); but, realize my other bag (from Yoshika) would be a more suitable pairing with my headband (from Linda).

During this late hour, as I contemplate where to place my 2008 Utah Life Calendar (From T. Kroesche), I suddenly crave a Peppermint White Mocha. Is it worth it to brave the strong Santa Ana winds and use my Starbucks gift cards (from Char and R. Buck)? That means I'd have to change out of my pajamas! Hmm, lazy vs addiction - this is the rarest of occasions - being thankful to be lazy; laziness actually being the better characteristic.

New plan: get ready for bed and unwind - by means of my Ipod Nano (from T. Buds).

Thank you family and friends. I cannot wait for another year with you all!

Love,
ME

Holiday Treat

Straight No Chaser performing 12 Days.

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Seriously! GO. Be Merry :)

And have a great new year too!

Think You Have A Drinking Problem?

I heard the first step to overcoming addiction is to admit it. Well, here I am, my name is Cressida, and I am a coffee and caffeine addict.

It all started with a massive school project that demanded late nights; hence, the need for caffeine. Then Starbucks started their seasonal Peppermint Mocha and that drew me in further. Finals week came and I could not, and would not break free. It's been months of Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha goodness, and on occasion a diet soda; what can I say, I am only human.

Determined to clean my desk and pull out all remnants of the school semester, I took a good look at what crowded my area the most. It was not books or notes, nor index cards or highlighters, it was the Grande cups and soda cans. Yes, now I see my problem. For years, I have tried very hard not to get addicted to coffee - drinking it only when necessary. However, this time, I was exposed to the drug for a much longer period, and now having trouble wanting to shake it off.

I still refuse to become one of those people who need a cup of coffee in the morning in order to function; therefore, I will break this habit! That is, after Starbucks pulls their peppermint line off their menu.

Finding Serenity in the Midst of Finals

With my last final exam three hours away, I decided to stay on campus to eat lunch before a last run through my marketing notes. As I headed towards the student union, I was pained with the thought of having to push through a hungry crowd, stand in long lines, and stalk students leaving their tables so that I would not have to use my quick-numbing lap to eat off of. Just thinking of all this trouble, especially the inevitable charlie horse, made me regret staying on campus.

As the automatic doors slid open, the cafeteria was unusually bare. I guess being that it's finals week, the students are more dispersed. I decided to eat outside, given the sunny, mid-December, California weather. There is a patio area, hidden by trees, that is my favorite place on this campus. It is a rectangular cavity in front of the union building. The only way in is by a set of stairs to the left of the building entrance. As you descend, it feels as if you are entering a different world. The air is completely void of school and its pressures. Granted you are surrounded by students; but, there seems to be a silent agreement not to bring your school cares with you. Everyone is so calm, it makes the entire area like a little piece of heaven amongst all hell.

One towering wall is covered with hanging plants; on the other side is a gradual slope of earth full of ground plants and trees. The sun peeks through; but, the trees shade me. A single, late-blooming flower on the wall welcomes me to my seat. The gentle speakers whisper classical music. I sit back, look around, and relax; appreciative of the rare moments that come at the most opportune time.

Bring it On!

It's the eve of finals week and I am going to kick ass! Let's go baby!

Freshman 10; more like Finals 10

There's a saying that freshmen gain an average of 10 pounds during their first semester in college - The Freshman 10, or in my case, The Finals 10.

My schedule has been really off this past month. I have been eating dinner late, sleeping at dawn, and drinking a TON of coffee! I can definitely understand where my extra weight is coming from.

Stop the madness! Let's get these finals over and done with before I gain back all the weight I've lost.

ELFED!

My uncle, Java, and I have been Elfed!

F@&%

Excuse the profanity; but, DAMMIT! It's 5 AM and I have spent hours writing this "group" project getting it to 9 pages. I just reread the instructions and it includes two words that is the source of my rage: DOUBLE-SPACED. ARGH! It's my own fault really; but, I refuse to blame myself. If the rest of the group helped me out with this, one was bound to have noticed the fine print! Now I have to cut out and edit this paper!

I'll never get to sleep :(

Office Space

Funny.

When I started my job, I was joking around with my co-workers about how messy their desks were; work just kept on piling on and on and on. I've been at this job for a little over a year now, and I realized this morning that I have not seen my "desk" in months! I mentioned this to the same co-workers I was making fun of (jokingly) earlier, "poor thing" they both said.

Who's laughing now?

Stage Name

Did you guys know that Michael Keaton's real name is Michael Douglas? Since there was already a Michael Douglas in the business, he changed his name. I thought that was an interesting tid bit.

The Tie That Felt Like a Win

There were deuces in every game. Down love-2, then 2-2, then 3-3, down again 3-5. It was my serve and got to 4-5, broke my opponent's serve and made it to 5-5. At this point, all the other matches were done and finished. It's been well over an hour and we are still on our first set. Up 6-5, my opponent held her serve to tie it up to 6-6.

Tie breaker is first to 7, win by two. I was down again 4-6, our team mates were watching which made both of us even more nervous. Broke both her serves to reach 6-6. Two set points saved! A long rally came next, a backhand volley winner gave me a set point. I felt so much pressure, really surprised what happened next: ACE! 8-6. First set cleared after nearly two hours of play!

The second set was also filled with deuces; but, unlike the first set, I was unable to convert any game points - losing the second set 1-6. Sad? I don't think so. The score does not say much but that second set also ran long - 50 minutes.

All in all, my team won. I found out later that our first set was actually the deciding set for the team. Phew! Glad I was able to close that one out :)

It's been a really hard day today; but, this was just what I needed. A long, grueling, almost 3-hour battle that ended as a personal tie, but an overall team win.

Goes to show that team greatness is just as sweet as personal greatness.

I feel much better now :)

Sudoku

Just when I thought it may be another jinxed day - after my traffic ticket and another botched chai tea, I somehow managed to finish a Sudoku puzzle in 15 minutes! I am not very good at it; so, I consider 15 minutes to be pretty good - quite an accomplishment :)

Not bad. Let's see how I do with tonight's tennis match.

Another Ticket

In Salt Lake City, a school zone is marked with flashing lights - observed only when lights are flashing; so, when I was passing a school this morning, I was looking for the flashing lights. When I did not see any lights, I proceeded with the regular speed limit - 40.

I guess it's different here in Orange County; since, I explained my whole flashing lights scenario and he just looked at me like I was crazy. I'm not crazy! I'm just from Salt Lake City (hehe)! Apparently, school zones are observed whenever children are present - that includes weekends when school is not even in session.

That's my 2nd traffic ticket in 2 months (first ticket)! I don't understand it at all. My insurance will increase for sure! I have to go to traffic school to get my first ticket cleared; but, since this second citation is within 18 months of a prior citation, I am not allowed to go to traffic school and prevent this from affecting my insurance.

What really gets me the most is that I was paying close attention. I saw the sign but thought I did not have to obey it since the flashing lights I have been accustomed to were missing. Can I use "recently moved" as a defense?

What am I going to do? I'm going to cry again.

The Ups and Downs of the Game

I have had a long relationship with tennis for years. For the most part, it gives me hope and brings me joy. Then, there are times when it becomes the source of my frustration. Just a few days ago, I played some really good tennis - my hard work and practice really showed! Then, today - I BOMBED! My serves were not going in, my slices were coming up too short, my balls kept going out! All in all, it seemed as if I did not even know how to play! Anyone would've guessed it was my first time out on the tennis court!

I read this quote a long time ago and took it to heart: You play only as good as you practice. But what happens on off days? I refuse to accept that after all my practicing, the result and reward was that of today. Embarrassing! Unacceptable! What do we tell ourselves at times like these? What if this imbalance lasts longer than one day? Do we keep practicing? Are we just hanging on to false hope if we keep playing? Pretend the off day never happened?

Why can't there just be ups and no downs? Downs really bring me down! I hate downs! Then again, if this is down, then I have no where else to go but up.

Guess ups would not feel as rewarding until you realize you worked yourself up from a down. Question is, when is my up going to happen?

The Ticket

I got my ticket in the mail today - the one from the jinxed day. Failure to make a complete stop IN THE UNIVERSITY PARKING GARAGE! Guess how much? NO! You'll never guess! Want to know? Here it comes, prepare yourself and take a seat... $202!!!! And if I don't want my insurance to be affected, I have to go to traffic school! Bunch of control hungry jerks! I have never gotten a ticket in my life! Don't I deserve a warning?! Egotistical maniacs! Mother freaking cow!!! Aargh! What college student can afford a $202 ticket! Seriously! It was not even out on the real road! Despicable, callous, cruel, ticket pusher!!! Dammit! I remember what the cop said too " I am sure if you were a pedestrian, you'd appreciate the cars who'd stop for you." THERE WAS NO PEDESTRIAN IN SIGHT! No other vehicles for that matter. Did he honestly think I would run over a person? Trust me, if I were to commit such a tort, it would not be in such a high traffic area, also at night, where there would be little to no witnesses. Hmmm, wonder if I can locate a police officer through Google...

SQUISHED!

I have no particular interest in mosquitoes; I simply have not seen one in a while.

This particular mosquito was on my bedroom wall. Just there, looking huge and ready to draw blood.

It did not even flinch when I took it's picture. I thought, maybe he's too full to fly away.

"He did not bite me..."

I look around...

[GASP] JAVA!

How dare this mosquito feed on my precious!

Anger infused me. Curiosity was instantly replaced with the desire for vengeance.

The result...

A squished mosquito.










What does PETA have to say about that?


Eh, I can justify my kill as saving the lives of potential avian flu victims.

A Breath of Fresh Air

Reaching the lobby floor, I got out of the elevator. There was a young man eager to board, as well as a woman fiddling with the contents of her purse, unaware that her ride up has arrived.

Instead of rushing in and hogging the elevator for himself, the young man held the door open and got the attention of the woman by asking, "Ma'am, are you going up?"

It warmed my heart watching such a chivalrous gesture. It was the kindest thing I've witnessed in days.

18 hrs to 2 hrs

A week ago, I averaged 18 hrs of sleep per night (sick, remember?). Last night, I only had 2 hours of sleep.

I've been through this before - the late nights doing homework. The difference is, I plan for them; for example, finals week. I am aware of the load of work and am prepared to get very little rest. Last night, however, was not planned - this is why I am filled with fury. I simply got screwed!

The culprits? 3 out of 5 of my marketing project groupmates. It was agreed the week before that they would get all their assigned parts in to me two days ago to work on and integrate. It was the night before the project draft was due; I called, I e-mailed, I called again, and no response.

We have all been through this before. You all know the story...people don't do the work, and the rest get SCREWED!

GRRR! ARGH! BAH!

[SIGH]

I am going to bed.

Time Did Not Stop for Me

I took my first steps outside today; seeing the sun for the first time in 72 hours. I felt the warmth of the sun graze my skin as I was welcomed back into society.

My life was put on hold for 3 days; time continued. I got up thinking, wishing it was Sunday afternoon; but, in reality it was Wednesday. 3 days had passed me by, and I was helpless against all of it.

This was not the first incident that time left me behind. 2 years ago, life paused.

2 years ago...

Hmm. 2 years, that's an improvement. Realizing how much my life has actually changed, now I should focus on how much time has actually gone by without pausing my life.

A newfound confidence; liberated from fear.

Dear Time,

Don't stop for me. I will catch up.
I always have.
I always will.

Kim Bap

I made Kim Bap today!!! Kim Bap is Korean sushi :) I put in spinach, carrots, radish, egg, fish cake, ham, and imitation crab.

The Irony

So I participated in a walk to benefit Lupus...Now, I think I am having a Lupus flare from it.

Walk for Lupus

It was a perfect day for a walk: the ocean scene was set, the sun was hidden, and the early morning chill lingered. The Slowly but Surely Team was ready. In one week's time, we had raised over $1,000! The only thing left was to conquer the 5K walk and finalize our commitment.

We were given a choice between a 1 mile route and a 3 mile route, we chose the latter. We were warned of inclines, we did not even notice. When we crossed the finish line, we thought "that was it?" A relatively easy walk for all three humans on the team; our canine mascot had the most challenge, slowly but surely edging his way up the last hill. Java did not stop or complain one bit, he was all smiles and determined to finish in support of all lupus patients.

After the walk, Tito Buddy treated us all to a congratulatory lunch - Greek food on 2nd street.

It was a very good day.

OMG! I think I'm going to cry!

I cannot find my Icy Hot patches!

Where are you pain relieving, chemically loaded, soothing patches?

Ahhh! I need my ICY HOT!!!

Somebody stole my stapler!

I am not particularly attached to my stapler at work; I actually despise it. It can only handle a max of 5 pages at a time and can hardly count on it to staple nicely the first time. So, it was quite a surprise to find myself sad when it did not turn up. I felt a rush of panic, I had lost the stapler that has given me so much grief.

Hmmm... "I had lost, the sta-pler, that has given me so much grief..."

I suddenly made a complete 360. Now I was thinking of visiting the stock room in search of a new stapler. Oh! And if I was unable to find one, I could ask the office manager to get me a NEW one! I was ecstatic. I instantly went for the door...

Then, something familiar caught my eye. MY STAPLER! It was on my co-workers desk! I felt relieved, then sad. I have to put up with my unreliable stapler once more, no more dreaming of a new stapler :(

See how failing to return someone's stapler causes so much dilemma? Grief, loss, relief, loss of relief, argh!

Next time someone takes my stapler, please, save me the trouble and keep it!

Ode to My Recent Companion

All my other friends were unavailable,

He was there 24 hours of every day.

All my other friends would say “congrats” on better health,

He would be honest and remind me “there’s more work to be done.”

He is reliable and consistent.

I turn from him weeks at a time;

Yet, he welcomes me as if I never left.

He provides shelter against fire and ash;

And a sanctuary from boredom.

A rekindled relationship

With my companion,

Gym.

Not Again!

After suffering through two exams and finishing my unbelievably long, tedious, insane, painstaking case study, I believe I am entitled to a night off. I was looking forward to releasing some energy against some tennis balls when I checked my voicemail only to find that tennis has been cancelled! :(

As a result of the fires, the air quality is poor and the tennis courts are covered in ash. I was disappointed when Monday's tennis was cancelled; but now, I am beyond bummed! I have been cooped up indoors studying since Friday! I proclaimed tonight as my night off and get out of the house; but, now I have nothing to do.

Cruel, cruel world.

FIRE! FIRE! FIRE!

We are surrounded with fire here in Southern California - Malibu, Lake Arrowhead, San Diego, and Irvine. Did I miss any? I think there are a few more but these mentioned in particular are destroying homes and other structures.

I have been through blackouts, snow storms, and extreme floods; but, fire is new to me. Breathing dust and ash from fires miles away - these Santa Ana winds are CRAZY! Kind of reminds me of when Mount Pinatubo (volcano) erupted in the Philippines - I thought the ash covering our streets was black snow!

Let's pray that these fires will be contained soon. Pray the arsonists responsible will be caught and punished, pray for the people and their losses (hope they have insurance), pray for the animals in San Diego Wild Animal Park, pray for the firefighters, pray for everyone involved and get this whole ordeal over with.

Nap Time

Holy Cow! Guess I really was tired! I took a FOUR hour nap today! FOUR HOURS!!! Does that even count as a nap? Or a short sleep?

Lost Talent

There was a point in time, long ago, when I was actually a relatively good singer. Hard to believe that fact after tonight. Upon the recent discovery that my sister has karaoke here at home, I have been testing my range the past couple of nights, only to find that I have none. I cannot even carry a tune! How pathetic is that?!

At a desperate attempt to regain what once was, I tried to sing a broadway song, one that I sang in my high school musical. The result: AHHH! THE HORROR!

I think I should just step away from the microphone and accept that I have lost a talent.

Java's 5th Birthday

It's Java's birthday today! Today is nothing compared to last year...

There's no party, there's no celebration, there's no cake :( Mommy is broke!

But by golly! There will be treats!

Happy Birthday Java!

I AM A SANDWICH GURU

WOW!

This is such a good sandwich! Guess I owe this skill to 5 years of working at Einstein Bagels.

YUUUMMMMMM!

A Dying Breed

It was my turn to bring water for my league's tennis tournament today. At the grocery store, I bought a 24-pack of bottled water and a 2 gallon jug of more water. When I arrived at the courts, I did not want to leave my car unattended while I carry one water pack and then go back for the other. So, boldly and somewhat foolishly, I decided to carry both in at once.

Tennis racket on my right shoulder, purse on my left, the 2 gallon jug on top of the box encasing 24 12-oz water bottles. This is when I start to realize my decision may have been more on the foolish side rather than bold. Nevertheless, I continued with the task.

I struggled across the parking lot and a man passes by. I was obviously having a difficult time. I stumbled over cracked and uneven concrete; yet, somehow, I regained my balance without dropping anything.

This man says to me, "You alright? You got that?"

Before I could even muster a response, this man kept on walking.

Why ask a question when you don't intend to wait for an answer? Did he even have to ask? I clearly needed assistance!

What happened to "gentlemen"? Is chivalry such an ancient practice now?

As I carefully place the water items on a table, I look back at the man who made me realize that the time of gentlemen have elapsed; they are a rare and dying breed.

If any of you happen to come across one of these specimens, consider yourself blessed; cherish that moment, for it may be your last.

The Right Has Ran Out Of Bullets

Walked in my law class, sat down.

The first thing that came out of my law professor's mouth was not about law, not about how crappy he's feeling, nor was it about his weekend activities. It was ridicule. Ridicule not for his students, although that would not be surprising, but ridicule towards Al Gore winning a Nobel Peace Prize.

The first thing out of my mouth? "Republican."

He was endlessly ranting about how he has lost all respect for the Nobel Prize for awarding someone like Al Gore. What does he mean, "like Al Gore"? If it wasn't due to the fact that this professor controls my grade, I would've started another debate with him. Yes, another debate, more like an argument really - its a long story.

What is it about Al Gore that irks republicans so much? Is it because the public finds Gore more credible and trustworthy than any one on the right wing? They cheated him out of the presidency in 2000, publicly mocked him for his outrageous environmental theories, accused him of siding with terrorists, and yet, the public still loves him!

Guess I would be frustrated too. After all the efforts put in to discredit and humiliate the man, he stands even more strongly now than he did when he won the popular vote in 7 years ago (he he he).

Global Warming IS a serious issue and it needs serious attention. Al Gore has made tremendous effort in getting that through the population and he was only justifiably commended.

Let's make history

Having gone through extreme medical expenses, I cannot imagine where I would be without insurance. But insurance is something not everyone can afford. I believe that everyone is entitled to healthcare. With nearly 50 million people uninsured in this nation, I just don't see how President Bush mustered the will to use his veto against heathcare for low-income families.

The State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) is designed to have each state provide medical insurance for its children. It's not nationalized healthcare, which most of the nation is still having problems grasping; instead, it is nationalized insurance aid, lowering premiums and deductibles.

Congress will vote this Thursday, October 18th, to override the presidential veto and a 2/3 majority vote is needed.

Find out what your representative is thinking to vote (see website below); then, persuade them or support them.

Sometimes, the most important history, is the history we make today. ~Shonda Rhimes

http://www.seiuhealthcare.org/schip/standup/default.aspx

The Miracle Drug

I feel awesome! Just awesome! To what do I owe this awesome feeling?

ALEVE. Yup, the over-the-counter, low-dose, anti-inflammatory drug.

My doctors finally agreed that it's time for me to try this AWESOME medication. They realized this may be less damaging in the long run as opposed to taking Darvocet (addictive side effects). Hmmm, took them long enough - I have been in pain here!

I only hope this won't overwork my already weakened liver as they fear, or else they will take this AWESOME drug from me :(

No... I am not on illegal drugs. Just feeling really excited and AWESOME!

Woohoo!

Think I will hit the tennis courts again.

When did snack time become so complicated?

It's a rainy Saturday morning and I found myself in a grocery store looking for a product suitable for a marketing project. Walking up and down each isle is making me hungry! I decided to get myself a snack.

Standing in the middle of the “Snack Time” isle at VONS, I contemplated which snack to buy. One end of the isle was full of chocolates, at the opposite end, there were chips and popcorn. I found myself lingering right in the middle where I was torn between cookies and nuts.

Cannot imagine how much time I spent standing there. Peanuts, cashews, walnuts, pistachios, almonds, and mixed nuts. Oreos, Chips Ahoy, Peppridge Farm, Keebler, etc... I felt bombarded with choices; but, I know I can only blame myself as a variety-demanding consumer.

Then I remembered, just yesterday, a co-worker suggested I try Amaretto Milano Cookies (see amaretto posting). As I was reaching for the liqueur flavored cookies, my eye caught something else: Chocolate Raspberry. That's my two favorite things put together! SOLD!

I was walking out of the snack isle and found myself on the chocolate end. Why did I go in this direction? Seriously! But then, would I have been better off if I had passed through the popcorn end instead?

VONS did this on purpose! Trapping me. Lured me in for cookies and won't let me out unless I had chocolate or popcorn in stow. My marketing class was starting to make sense. Product placement really DOES matter. Darn you marketing research!

There was only one way out, buy the damn chocolate and run!

Amaretto - a liqueur?!

Am I only one surprised to find that Amaretto is actually a liqueur?

It all started when Charlene brought in Orange flavored Milano cookies to work. Then someone suggested she try the Amaretto flavored ones. Then I said, "why would Milano make coffee flavored cookies? Most people dip their cookies in coffee so, wouldn't that just be coffee in coffee?"

Nothing but blank stares. "Isn't amaretto a kind of coffee?"

Still blank stares. I think they were trying to figure out who would break the news that I had been misinformed.

Finally, Linda spoke. Coffee, liqueur; liqueur, coffee. This was the topic of conversation for a surprisingly long time.

As my co-workers munch on their Milano cookies, I realized, if amaretto was a coffee flavor, wouldn't they just label it as coffee flavored?

Why did I not realize this before?

Handicap

I got my temporary handicap parking placard in the mail today. Amazing how long the DMV took in getting it to me. I requested the placard a month ago, I was having trouble walking then; but, I am fine now.

What good would this permit do me? Hmmm, this permit gives me power! I can park in closer areas when I am at the theater, at the store, at the mall, at Starbucks! Do you understand what this means?

It is a matter of ethics. When it comes down to it, prime parking is not worth the guilt and God's brownie points. The permit will stay out of sight until my next arthritic episode, and maybe weekends at Costco.

JAZZ = Relaxation

As you all are aware, I nearly had a meltdown last week from a mountain of stress. It’s been so long since I have been in a school environment; two years in fact. Circumstances were different and I am ashamed to admit that I actually forgot how to handle it.

A good friend reminded me of the “big picture.” Exactly why am I in school? And what would happen if I were not successful this and following semesters?

I needed to take a step back and reevaluate my goals; and that’s exactly what I did. I took a step outside myself, pictured as if I was someone else watching this unmotivated, stressed out, defeated person. That was not very pretty; I did not recognize me at all. I remember myself as focused, organized, a force that no school work can devastate.

How can I get back who I was? I needed to start anew, and quickly. So, I turned out the lights, propped my legs up, and listened to Kind of Blue from my stereo. I had forgotten the power Miles Davis has on me. As soon as I heard the blaring trumpet and smooth resonance of saxophones, I was instantly refreshed. I gave myself an hour of stress-relieving music; afterward, I was focused and ready to regain control.

Thank you for all your help in getting me out of my slump. Rest assured that the bug won’t be making an appearance any time soon.

The Worst Bug Ever!

Brace yourselves. This is worse than a cold; worse than one of those nasty, disgusting, phlegm-stuffed coughs (eww); worse than the FLU! It’s worse than lupus! Well, maybe not lupus, but you get the idea.

What, do you ask, did I get infected with this time?

My friends, I have been overcome with…the lazy bug. Yes, the lazy bug.

Fortunately, I have come to be aware of it early enough that I believe it can be shaken off. My case of the lazy bug seems to only affect my motivation towards school work. I have no problem with running errands or even cleaning the house! But, when it comes to doing my home work, I feel a sudden rush of laziness.

I am in desperate need of motivation. Are there any of you out there that can help me? Maybe if you’ve previously caught this bug before - how did you get rid of it?

Perhaps it would help to explain how I came to catch this bug in the first place. Since it’s only affecting my school work, let me give you a timeline of what’s been happening in that area…

Four weeks ago, I had paper due for Business Writing.

Three weeks ago, I had my Business Law exam – this is the same exam I had an argument with my professor about (if you do not know this story, too bad! I am not in the mood).

Two weeks ago, I had an in-class writing exam.

Last week, I had another paper due and a Marketing exam.

This week…I have another paper due on Monday and I have my Finance Exam on Wednesday.

I am not finished.

Next week I have another in-class writing exam and the week after that is my second Business Law exam.

Are you feeling my pain? It's never ending. I need to somehow refill my exhausted supply motivation.

Any ideas? Anyone?

Give me an incentive. Give me back my drive.

Inspire me.

Reason me.

HELP ME!

Ms. Jinxed

What a day! It started off just like any other day - woke up, got ready for school, packed my lunch, and headed out to my car to drive to school.

It was 7:30 AM, and that's when it all started to go wrong...

My car would not start. Gave it a few minutes, prayed over the steering wheel, spoke to my Toyota in a soft, sweet voice, then tried again. Nothing but silence. Then, I noticed my headlights switch was on the "ON" position. "IDIOT! Careless, forgetful, IDIOT!" I suddenly remembered we own a battery charger; I hooked it up and "voila!" it started right up. I was instructed to keep the engine running for a while to charge the battery, and since I am already late for my first class, I figured I would just wait at home and leave on time for my second class.

8:30 AM - time to go to school! My car should be charged and ready to go by now. I walked out to the driveway and realized that I locked my keys in the car! Thank goodness for AAA; they arrived within 10 minutes and I was back in the car hurrying to catch my next class.

9:30 AM - I pull into the university parking lot. Upon entering the covered parking structure, I failed to come to a complete stop at a stop sign. Can you guess what happened next? I got pulled over and received my very first traffic ticket. Oh yes. Believe it.

Worry was my company for the rest of day. I was plagued with thoughts of bad events waiting to happen. And I was right to anticipate, they just kept on coming...

I ordered an iced soy chai and received hot watered chai...

I presented a case study and stuttered for the first time in years...

I lost all 3 sets of my tennis game...

9 PM - I felt beaten and frustrated. How much longer can this bad luck go on? Then I thought, maybe it was just all in my head. The stuttering and the bad tennis play could both have been due to my lack of focus, NOT bad luck. Maybe it's all over; maybe there was nothing really there...

I felt better already.

I decided to snap back into life and get some homework done. I grabbed a textbook and sat down on my brand new, one-week old chair.

Getting all settled in and comfortable...

My chair collapses.

BROKEN.

Go figure.