Thursday, June 30, 2011

Just Sitting Out Here, Watching Airplanes

First book of the summer: Soooo I read it off and on for a month, returned it on the absolute last day I could (Tuesday at 10 pm, yeah book drop), read it very sporadically while sitting in the car (not driving, I promise) and at the pool and on the elliptical and finished it while racewalking up and down the hallways in the PAC. And which book was it, you ask? Sophie Kinsella's new "Mini Shopaholic". Don't judge, crazy British woman addicted to shopping trying to raise a child? So great.

Half-marathon: On July 10th I am doing my second-ever half-marathon, the longest race I've run since senior year of high school. Though Claire is joining me to race, I don't have a training buddy, weird compared to the cute little group we had last time. Why am I running 13.1 miles in the dead of the summer in Columbia, South Carolina?? Yeah its a little crazy because it will for sure be a million degrees out, but I can never do these races during the year because of cross country and track and I think it will be legit. Not to mention I will finally be meeting the boyfriend's family--first impression time anyone? ;)

Ginger cousins: Gingers are great...I so wish I had red hair, or had the possibility of having little redhead children somewhere down the road. But, until then, I'll settle for having a precious ginger cousin (who lives in Greenville!), some fun ginger twins as friends, a big who's a ginger-in-hiding, the adorable little baby Morgan I watch, and Arley the strawberry child. Love them all, hence the conclusion that gingers are great. I did actually think that before I met them, but they just help prove the point. But anyways, the cousin kept me up until 3:30ish am last night doing various assorted fun things (music swap, clothes analysis, CMT award watching...eating delicious tortilla chips and discovering my new favorite candy, York peppermint patty pieces=YES. And then we got up at 8 am...apparently this crazy 15-year-old-almost-little-sister does this all the time, so hard core. Well, I'm exhausted (napped AND drank a massive Starbucks to make up for it, sadly depleting my giftcard to $1.26--birthday present anyone? haha) because of it, but I still love her =) Pick yourself up a ginger cousin today!

Such quality blog/rambling time today...I should fly to DC all the time! That would get expensive...
Peace out, girl scout.

Hello Sunshine: Summer Travels

Traveling for Shopping and Celebrations:
Recently, I finally made it to the J. Crew warehouse distribution center in Arden, NC, after wanting to go since my freshman year. Wow, it was scary and awesome. I woke up at 5:43 am for that shindig. I caught up with my dear high school friend Lizzy on the phone during the drive up (naturally, we could only  chat at 6:15 am on a Saturday) while caravaning with Emmi, Kara and Alyssa and company. Anyways, I went into freakout bargain-hunter mode and bought nine bathing suit pieces (including a one-piece--finally got one!-- and a present for my mom). They were $3 each and I still have no shame about the binge. It was only until later that I realized that I no longer live in Hawaii or Florida nor have a legitimate need for an endless supply of bathing suits. I also purchased three really pretty shirts, three pairs of pants and a gorgeous belt. It was insane, but I'm so glad I did it. ("Way to break the no-spending pact, self.") For the rest of the day, Biz, her boyfriend Jeremy and I gallivanted around downtown Asheville, sunbathed, went to the motorcycle helmet shop, and went to an Asheville Tourists game. Yes, I voluntarily went to a baseball game. I did indeed get yelled at for people-watching too much instead of paying attention to the game. It was an exhausting and great day.

Last weekend's trip to Atlanta/my friend David's house (side note: is anyone actually from Atlanta?) was hilarious. 25 people came to celebrate Albert's 21st birthday. I caught fireflies, took photos, attempted to sleep in a hammock, got bitten by a lot of mosquitoes, chatted it up with my sweet former freshmen from my time on hall staff (they will always be freshies: let's be real) and laughed a lot. I don't drink, but I always appreciate the funny stories from being around others people who do.

I'll be arriving in DC at 3:30 pm today and I have no doubt that this trip will be awesome. I'll get to see Lily, my crazy-wonderful-beautiful Tridelta big, Shannon, my "mother" and my gorgeous redhead nonprofit-y Valentine's Day Syndrome-having (VDS) partner-in-crime, Arley, my feisty Sociology class buddy who is becoming a really close friend, Adair, my adorable and sweet Anna Maria Island-loving friend. Not to mention that I'll get to be in my favorite US city for several days and that we will get to sit in front of the teleprompter at the Capitol Fourth concert on the mall. I'm so ready for this.

See you in DC! Amuricah.

Friday, June 24, 2011

Blue Crush, The Big Bang Theory and Emperor's New Groove

This week was tough. People can be very dramatic, that's for sure. And you find out a lot about people when you live in close quarters: the good, the bad, the ugly...and of course, the hilarious and awesome. At least during some of the stress of this week I got out of the house and went to a cool dinner at church, participated in a prayer walk, and watched Blue Crush with Lee and Alyssa. It made me really excited for my family's upcoming return to Hawaii for the first time since I lived there in middle school.

I've unsurprisingly done lots of babysitting and spent some great time with Jay. I now wholeheartedly claim my role as the knower of the hidden blackberry patches. Big Bang Theory Mondays with JP are going into effect: now, if only his Season 3 DVDs hadn't gotten lost en route. I've had many awkward almost run-ins with the boyfriend's ex. It's hard to run into someone that many times on accident, but of course, I win (haha). I re-watched Emperor's New Groove, one of the great movies of our generation: feel free to argue against my claim but I may start quoting to prove my point: you've been warned.

In closing, you need to know how much I love our silly summer cats, Mishka (the semi-fluffy white Persian) and Bekko (orange-and-white a la the Friskies ads). I've somehow turned their names into Mushu (like from Mulan) and Bex, which was probably not the best idea, but I enjoy it. I used to be semi-allergic to cats, but thank goodness I'm now over that. Most importantly, our cats finally have fur again after their devastating of the beginning-of-the-summer-crappy-shave-jobs. There's nothing like having a snuggly purry puddy cat to read with, nap with, or even just to speak to in an obnoxious voice like it cares what the heck we're talking about. ("The crazies are going at it again," they must tell each other...)

Monday, June 20, 2011

The Queen, Hebrewsers, Just Dance and Leopard Forest

Life is busy and interesting and lame and relaxing and stressful and blissful all at once right now. Somewhere along the way, I've gotten pretty busy doing "nothing big" with my summer! And in case you were wondering, it is possible to bake chocolate chip cookies with no butter...they're just very crispy.

First Off, My Car: For the past monthish, "the queen" has been struggling. I guess that's what happens when you have a nice-ish car that is almost as old as you (I believe she's 18?). The darn security light frequently comes on because it thinks someone is stealing the car (I promise, its just me, the one who's supposed to be running this show). Trying to use the actual key to get to work on time is a semi-frequent struggle. God must be trying to teach me patience? Plus, I'm learning what it feels like to get heatstroke... Oh well, it was a free car and faster than walking everywhere.

Hebrewsers: I am SO incredibly pumped about the bible study group that we started last week. I wasn't sure how or if it would work, but a week-and-a-half in, I am completely obsessed with the girls, the text, and the times we've already shared...not to mention the all-too-awesome ruler of the freaking universe. Yes, please. Oil of joy (Hebrews 1:9): so great. I can't wait to continue to share this chapter and this time of growth with some of the coolest people I know: Rose and Taylor that I live with, Emmi and Emily that I lived with last year, Alyssa my future co-rush counselor, and Lee and Anna, who I have been blessed to get to know much better lately after meeting them in my CO bible study last semester.

Just Dance (It'll Be Okay): Nope, I'm not actually going to discuss the Lady Gaga song at the moment but I couldn't resist that opening. My summer roommate Taylor retrieved her Wii from home last week. Naturally, we've spent hours playing "Just Dance" since then. I wonder if we're getting any more coordinated? I know I could sure use some help. Taylor and I are ideal partners for the epic Bollywood song, and Jay and Erica are hilariously great at all the quick songs...Rose is just obsessed with "Rasputin." I may have no legitimate dancing skills, but it's all okay, because "Rockefeller Skank" is my jam. A few of us actually collided during a close contest the other day, resulting in a blood-and-swelling combo for Erica and I. Surprisingly, we survived and we won't be done playing anytime soon. This game is too much fun.

Leopard Forest: I like talking about this place. I enjoy the food, the aura, the memories I've had there both attempting and not attempting to study....Catching up with Stephen last Friday was great. I've been blogging (seriously, I know it's cliche--but then again, I do love a good cliche). Can't decide if I'm quite at the point of bringing my own mug? That would be such a Laura move, and I don't think I'm quite cool enough yet, haha. They seriously have the best grilled cheese ever. Sweet Emmi treated me to some today; I completely loved rambling with her for two hours before we finally started our reading...The first time I ever saw the ex, so not expecting it. And there's always the quality memory of spilling free coffee everywhere with Rose...yes, its my home away from home. As my sweet freshman (they'll always be my freshmen...even after they graduate, who are we kidding) Shannon said, "Have fun fighting the leopards!"

Much more to come...but alas, the computer is dying. I think its a sign.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Stuck Like Glue: My Summer Playlist

I can't get that darn song out of my head. I daresay that I have the best summer playlist. And yes, I burned some CDs to cruise in my awesome old lady Buick.

What are the songs, you ask? Let's see. The mix is almost as random as my iTunes library itself, which means of course that I LOVE IT.

Uncharted/Sara Bareilles
Long Time Gone/Dixie Chicks
Come Around/M.I.A
Hello Seattle/Owl City
One Fine Wire/Colbie Caillat
Paris(Ooh La La)/Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
Kiss N Tell/Ke$ha
A-Punk/Vampire Weekend
Pump It/Black Eyed Peas
Walk By Faith/Jeremy Camp
Love Like Crazy/Lee Brice
Day 'N Nite/Kid Cudi
Hello/Ian J
Amarillo Sky/Jason Aldean
I Don't Feel Like Dancin'/Scissor Sisters
When I Look At You/Miley Cyrus
Ours/Taylor Swift
Yellow/Coldplay
What The Hell/Avril Lavigne
Ready to Run/Dixie Chicks
Red Dirt Road/Brooks&Dunn
Gettin' Over You/David Guetta and Chris Willis ft. Fergie
On The Radio/Regina Spektor
Sympathy/The Goo Goo Dolls
When I Get Where I'm Going/Brad Paisley ft. Dolly Parton
Blind/Ke$ha
Pray For You/Jaron and The Long Road to Love
Last Friday Night(T.G.I.F)/Katy Perry
Angels On The Moon/Thriving Ivory
Just A Kiss/Lady Antebellum
You'll Find A Way/Santogold
All I Want Is You/Barry Louis Polisar
Club Love/Taylor Swift ft.Usher
The Show Goes On/Lupe Fiasco
How He Loves Us/Big Stuf
Marry You/Glee Cast
Forever & Always/Taylor Swift
1901/Phoenix
Yes/LMFAO

Please appreciate the musical chaos, if you can =)