Need some suggestions, please!

This weekend is Halloween and there's a party on Saturday, need help with ideas. As some of you know, Halloween is one of my favorite holidays and I LOVE finding the perfect costume and then dressing up, but I need a good one. Last year me and my roomie were the Spartan cheerleaders from SNL, it was a hit, and the year before that I was Princess Leia, which was just okay. Anyway, I am welcoming all ideas and hoping you leave a comment, thanks!

Pity, if you call me a nerd...

...you're probably right. Got up about 4:45 am, studied for two hours, showered, got ready for class, drank tea and reviewed some notes, walked to class, had a three hour lecture, but she let us out a half hour early. Woo hoo! Not that it really matters because I'm just at the library getting ready to study, I just got out of class.

New developments:

-Starting to love polymers & composites, it's absolutely lovely, crack propagation, creep, mechnical properties is music to my ear. Last week I found it a bit boring, but it's taken a turn for the best

-Nanomaterials I is my new favorite class, in fact, I was so inspired I might just enroll for Nano. 2, for some emotions there are just no words.

-I've replaced my dearest "dew" with tea. Quite magnificent, same ole caffine (sp? too lazy to spell it correctly, "See you Wed-, see you wedn-, see you tomorrow." I praise anyone who can pick up that reference) without the fat.

-I like to study (Yeah, Poe, be jealous. Side note - I'm missing you)!?!?!

X-ray diffraction is calling me. Peace.

Thanks Karen and Ron...

The other night I was talking to my mom over Skype and my youngest brother was being insubordinate and arguing with my folks. They were yelling at each other and it got quite hostile at one point. My brother is known for being a "brat" and has a bit of a temper at times, but at heart he's the sweetest kid I know. Anyway, in a moment of hostility and anger it made me smile and realize how lucky I was growing up.

Me and the Crazy Latvian

Before...



During...




After...





Oh and this is what happened when Signe tried to open my bottle...


Signe is one of my new best friends from Rugby and last night she helped me dye my hair. Other than the massively dark marks left around my hairline and on my back, I think it was a success. I've already received lots of complements and I think I like it. Thanks for the help girl!

Tell me how you feel after you watch this, "Love Signal"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2CvZ6MzMX0&feature=related

Girl on a Mission

Where to begin??? I had a three hour lecture this morning and FROZE during lecture because the windows were open and the room was so cold. After class I went to the dining hall and got the most delicious lunch I've had in a while. It consisted of bread, hot soup, and some noodles with chicken, it was heavenly and definitely beats the 37 pence canned spaghetti I eat on a regular basis. I mean I am living in London in a beautiful part of the city, so, I don't have it too rough, but there's nothing like a good meal. Then I made my way back home. When I did arrive back to my humble abode I had a wonderful chat with my folks about my plans for the holiday season, and after some intense research I am ecstatic about traveling for Christmas. It will be a new and mind-widening experience; it shall be a one of my great adventures. While my head was in the clouds, I forgot I needed to be heading to class and I left late. My walk to class takes about a half an hour and I was down to twenty minutes, dammit. Before I moved to London I heard horror stories about students being late for class, PROFs DO NOT LIKE IT and the other day in lecture my other professor called out many of the late students. I did not want to be that student. Despite my many mishaps with being on time, I ingrained it in my mind that I WOULD NOT BE LATE FOR CLASSES. So, there I am sprinting through Hyde Park, with my book bag, an extra sweater and gloves on (because the incident of freezing in my first lecture), and pants that will not stay on my butt. I'm sure it was an interesting sight. By the time I get to class, which I was NOT late for, I'm drenched in sweat. I pull my phone from my pocket, it's wet...from sweat, my book bag zipper was wide open I'm sure I lost a few things, my back was wet and sticky, and my jeans had that really uncomfortable feel to them. Wonderful. I walk home after class and admire the lovely sights that have now become routine for me, but I never cease to be amazed. Managed to get to the grocery store before swim practice and I am quite excited about having some decent food, no, I don't mean canned spaghetti, I passed on that this time. It kind of grosses my out when I think about it now, probably because my mother spoiled me with the most wonderful home cooked meals. I could go for one of those, mmmmm. Oh, and the then swim practice, it started off as a humbling experience and then was just utterly embarrassing. I don't know think it was so much that I got lapped, twice, but more the fact that the coach asked me to let the other people pass me. That stung, just a little bit. There I was, unable to keep up with the slowest swimmer in the pool. On the bright side, I figured if I could endure that kind of ego torture, what's to stop me from attempting the impossible? Because believe me, I don't think it could be worse than tonight. Water polo was better though, I think I'm better at rough sports. I love how attractive I am to the opposite sex. ("I'm pretty sure you're more butch than me." -yeah, you know who you are) I do love the sports I play, it just turns out that they are rough sports, perhaps I enjoy unleashing my anger and wrath on random strangers. Hey, I'm not the only one, during a scrimmage tonight some dude cow kicked me right in the thigh, it hurt like a mother, maybe if I'm lucky I'll have a nice bruise tomorrow. At least they would match my arms, in a tank top I look like a victim of spousal abuse.

Things that made me laugh out loud today:

-When I thought about how the coach asked me to let the others pass, seeing as how I was holding up the flow of things

-When I was walking down a desolate street, lip singing, and busting a move, or two, only to find an old man walking right in front of me...embarrassing

-Random things that my sisters have said in the past (I think there are people that see me laughing with my earphones on and think, "crazy")

-Thinking about when Elliot from "Scrubs" is talking to herself and she says, "Omg, maybe I'm crazy. I'm not crazy. Am I? No, shh shh shh." Then J.D. walks up and sees all of this and obviously thinks she's crazy. Maybe you had to see it, either way, it's hilarious and continues to be funny in my head.


Facts for the Day:

Currently listening to: "From a Distance" Bette Midler (yeah, I know)

My current mission is drastically improve my swim times, oh, it's going to happen, if I feel like swimming tomorrow that is.

Be Happy! :)

What would you do

If the world was free

And there wasn't anything

That you couldn't be

Would you paint a picture

Or seek every truth

Would you make a better tomorrow

For all of our youth

Perhaps you're still searching

For the secret of life,

A passion in your heart,

Or something worth the strife

If you're lucky

You've got it all

In the smile of your child

And your soul mate's call

You've found someone

You can't be without

They hold you afloat

In the sea of doubt

The rest of us

Found a different path

Moments to live for

And ways to make us laugh

Do what you do

Be who you are

And happiness will never

Wander too far

Smile for today

Its blessings in disguise

Look at all the wonderfuls

And forget about the whys

~KP

Facts for the Day:

-Currently obsessed with the following: love songs, romance films, lecture slide from school, orange juice, and the local grocery store's brand of pizza

-New favorite sports: Rugby and Water Polo(<-did that for 3 hours tonight, my ass will hurt in the morning, but I love it just the same)

What she does when nobody's looking...

Lovely Day

I woke up today about quarter 'til 7, kudos for me that was an accomplishment in itself. Then walked to campus with the hope that I would swim a few laps, yeah, that didn't happen, but this is what did happen...I went to the library and rented a couple books for my classes, they don't start until next Friday, but I'm trying to stay on top, for a change. I read a bit of "Biomaterials" at the library. Then I headed for the gym, but I couldn't get the door open so I interpreted that as a sign that I shouldn't go for a swim. Went to H&M and browsed around the store and looked at the accessories like they were candy. After that I felt a little blah and a little down. Headed back to campus for a meeting with my personal tutor (we have those here, which is pretty cool). I got there an hour early, so while I waited I started my other book, "Nanostructures and nanomaterials", AMAZING. At the meeting I found out that to be considered a full-time third year student I would have to take another class and also do a design project, I was stoked. This is the most excited I've been about classes since I got here, I think it's going to be great, I'll get to learn all I need to know about materials! WOOHOO! Since then I've been having a joyous day! Tonight's the boat party, and I'm hoping that will be a good time.

Facts for the Day:

New favorite candy: Maoam:Stripes
Reading list: Elements of X-ray Diffraction, Nanostructures and nanomaterials, Biomaterials

Separation Pains...

Dear Nishiki,

Oh how I miss you so, as the days drive on and the weeks pass by I'm wondering how we ever lost each other. Everyday I walk to class the bikes pass by and it reminds me of the days when you and I could not be separated. It breaks my heart. I long for the days when we would deliver sandwiches and scare slow moving pedestrains on our swift rides. I can't bare to think of it any longer.

Your loyal owner,
K.P.

My Room!

Loving Life!!!

Today has been a lovely day! Gloomy outside, but for some reason nice. I slept terrible last night for some reason, so I woke up quite late, which was around 11. Normally this would be what I am used to, but recently I have managed to stir quite early since I've moved. Anyway, I got up and ate breakfast and while doing so I conversed with one of my housemates, Simon, he seems nice. Afterward, I tidied up my room and proceed to do my laundry, and didn't have enough coins. I ran around the house a bit trying to find a place to get change, to no avail, and ended up running to a shop and got some change there. While my clothes were washing I played pool with one of my housemates and then I played video games with him and a couple other guys, it was fun, but I suck.

The other day I played rugby for the first time ever, it was a blast, I didn't expect it to be so fun. The girls on the team are quite amusing and am looking forward to our next practice. And of course when I first get there it's around noon and one of the older girls whipped out a bottle of port and I was informed that if it's after 12-noon you're not considered an alcoholic.

Yesterday I had a safety meeting to go to in my department and afterward we received our goggles and lab coats, it made me feel like a real scientist. It was very cool...I guess you had to be there. GO SCIENCE!!! As exciting as it has been I am really looking forward to the start of classes, it's going to be great.

Important life decision: Looking for a Scottish man to marry.

Oh yes, they say wardens!

They also say Q instead of line, and washings instead of laundry, flat instead of apartment, and the list goes on. I don't mind it much, not at all really, I think it's fascinating to see how people use there words and how they do things in general really.

One thing I didn't expect is how much I would have to walk, I walk everywhere. Yesterday I had to walk to the school, twice, don't get me wrong it's a beautiful walk, but there goes six miles, plus is was probably more than that because the second time we went the long way. Not to mention all the places I went to during the day, like the store, getting lost, etc. I think it's great though because if you think about, if I was in the States for the next nine months I don't want to think about how much I would pollute the air from driving. I'm pretty lazy, I know I am, but here I'm pretty much forced to do what I got to do, which includes walking everywhere. Oh and not drinking my beloved "Dew", I miss you my love.

I just took a break to go to the bathroom and of course the seat was up because in my house (they call them "houses" within the dorm) it's me and one other girl, the rest are all guys. At the school the guy to girl ratio is about 2:1. Story of my life. The girl in my house seems pretty cool, she said she loves talking to Americans because she feels like she's in a movie, that made me laugh. There's a guy from Poland on my floor and said he could understand me better because I have an American accent, like in the movies. Apparently, as an American, I stick out like a sore thumb, well, as far as accents go.

It is pretty amazing here. Tonight people from my dorm are doing a pub crawl, I was going to go, but I think it would be nice to stay in for the night. I mean it's not like people don't go out like every night anyways, which as far as I can tell they pretty much do, but I can't keep up. Plus, I don't really feel like going out of my comfort zone tonight, it always ends well, but there's always a bit when you're a little uncomfortable trying to make conversation and meeting new people, which I've been doing since I've been here. It's wonderful because that's how I've met so many people, but I'm needing some "me" time right about now. I miss you all, and wish you could be here to watch some good American television with me.

I'm here...or there...whatever! :)

Wow, it's been a crazy few days. I left my parents house on Friday morning to go to the airport, we stopped and I had the greatest surprise ever, my sister, Poe, was there to have lunch with us, it was awesome. Thanks Pity! Then I was on the plane for about 9 hours and lost an extra 5 hours, it was a little ridiculous. When I got off the plane, it took me forever to find the train I needed to get on and it didn't help that I had about 200 lbs. of luggage, okay not that much, but at least, 150 lbs., it sucked balls. On the first train I met a couple girls from Canada, they were really helpful and nice, and on the second train I met a couple girls too that helped me find where I needed to go. When I got off where I needed to the walk seemed a lot longer than it was, and at one point I came to a large set of stairs with no escalator and no lift. I thought I would die trying to lift all my luggage to the top, then a handsome gentleman came to my rescue and carried some of my luggage for me. I was extremely grateful. When I did finally get to my dorm, I was sweaty and tired. There were wardens there to assist me, they gave me my key, showed me around, and I got settled into my room. I also found that I needed a cord to get access to the internet, one I didn't have, along with no currency to get it. I went downstairs to get wireless, I was unsuccessful. At that point I went to my room, feeling tired and frustrate, so I laid on my bed and fell asleep. I passed out for about six hours, a much needed six hours, I got up on my quest to find internet again, and ask a guy where I could get a cord, he directed me to a shop down the street. I went there, and they were closed! Oh well, I went back to my dorm, tried to get wireless again, which didn't work even with the help of the wardens, but luckily one of them was kind enough to let me borrow her laptop. After that I went back to my room, unpacked and got all of my stuff in order. They were having a party downstairs, which I stopped into, but it was loud and mildly awkward so I went to my room and went to bed. This was okay with me because even after my six hour nap, I was still exhausted. I woke up a little after 7 this morning, showered, the water took forever to get warm and smelled a little bit. I thought I would walk to the school so I knew where I was going for monday, and of course I got lost. But I made it and here I am. Oh, and it is a beautiful walk too, might I add. Well, I have to go now. I'm a little bit torn though, there is international meeting here at 11:00, or a breakfast at my dorm at 11:00. I'm not sure what to do. Hmmm...

De-cluttering my stuff b4 I leave

Yesterday I worked from 6PM to 3AM, when I got off I couldn't sleep so I thought I would try to be productive. I went to all my clothes, there was the "get rid of" pile, the "clothes I want, but I'm not taking with me" pile and the "I might take" pile. I went to bed around 6AM, then had to get up and work at 11AM. I'm tired but still debating whether I should do my laundry and relax tonight or try and pick up a couple shifts and work like 10 hours. I still haven't decided yet.

On a positive note, I saw my dream guy today. He was booking it on his bike, I don't think there's anything more attractive. Well one thing, a couple week ago he danced with me at a dance club/bar. Some retarded rap song was playing in the background and I can't get it out of my head, funny how that happens.

I'm sitting at school right now, free internet access, and the janitor are cleaning, but they spray so much on the floor I'm about to have an wheezing fit.

Oh, since I won't have a phone in two weeks, I'll be blogging more, I assume. Also, this is a WARNING to all readers, I won't be censored.

Life in the fast lane

Three weeks and I'm out, if you can believe it, because I can't. Wow, time is really flying. I have a couple more things to do to get ready, but I've finally figured out where I'm going to live. It seems a little bit crazy, but I am ubber (<-Squints, I stole that word from you, and I'm pretty sure it's spelled wrong too, I don't know why I just always think of you when I think of that word, weird) excited. So, I'm living in a single dorm and it's pretty close to the school. Woohoo! And from what I can tell it's in a pretty good part of town, which is good. You know, I don't want to get jumped by some creeper on my way home one night, and not to say that I won't have my guard up, but just for YOUR peace of mind, I should be pretty safe.

Currently, me and the Con-man are chilling on the couch watching "Tom and Jerry", he seems pretty amused. I just put the other two down for a nap. London cried for a bit, but Biruk went down easy, as usual. Incase anyone's confused I'm in Missouri helping my sister move. I took up nanny duty. After the Labor Day Weekend camping trip, my cousin, Bubba, and I hit the road and headed to Missouri to offer our services. I've tried my best to be helpful, but somewhat unsuccessful. In my defense, when we got in on Tuesday evening I checked my e-mail and receive and e-mail from school saying I had five days to accept my accommodations offer. And they sent that e-mail on Friday. Awesome. This was a problem because I didn't have (or couldn't remember) my username and password, and I NEEDED them. After a few hours of stressful net surfing, I got the stuff I needed, and accepted my offer. Well, after that I remembered how I still needed to register and what not, so, Wednesday I spent a load of time on the computer registering and trying how to figure out how enroll for classes. I swear everything in a foreign country is a million times more complicated. It's so annoying. Anywho, I'm at the hotel right now with the three boys, while my cousin, Bubba, my sister and her hubby, and the in-laws, plus some movers are loading up all the contents of there house. And let me tell you, there was a lot of stuff. I'm pretty excited though, when they finish packing and everything, us girls should be able to hang out and have some fun tonight in the hotel. I figured I should stock up on sister/cousin time before I head overseas. Laters.

More adventures! Coming soon!

I got my visa, FINALLY! And my flight is booked. It's so crazy I can't even believe it's real because traveling to foreign places is always something I've dreamed of, but it's becoming a reality and it seems almost too good to be true. Of course, it wasn't so easy and it didn't just happened, but rather a series of hoops I had to jump through. The most recent/most difficult/most stressful being the process of acquiring my visa.

The is the series of events that concluded this past Wednesday:

-Stayed up late Tuesday night making sure everything for my visa was perfect (didn't want to make another trip to Chicago)
-Wake at 7:30 and get ready
-Pick up some needed paperwork
-Leave town about 8:30 (drive was suppose to take two hours, place to get my visa was only open 11:00-12:00)
-Gas light comes on while on the expressway in Chicago in a traffic jam only a few miles aways from my destination
-Get a little worried
-I miss my exit, somehow, still not sure how
-Look for a gas station
-Get lost
-Call my sisters, no answer
-Find a gas station
-Finally get a hold of my sister
-She gives me directions, praise the Lord
-I finally find the place, it's 11:55
-I don't have a place to park
-And I don't want to drive to Chicago again (I'll have to come back if I don't make it by noon)
-I park at a taxi stand (cab parking)
-I run inside, excuse me, I sprint inside
-Get a number, meaning I was in line to get a visa
-Run back out to my car, it's been maybe 10 minutes, tops!
-I have a hundred dollar parking ticket
-I want to cry
-Call my sister to help me find where I can park
-Find the parking garage
-Get lost in the parking garage
-Start to cry to my sister
-Find a place to park
-Get yelled at by the parking attendent, twice
-Walk back to get my visa
-Wait an hour
-I have everything I need and the nice lady said I could come back to get my visa at 4
-Kind of excited
-Walk in the rain to get lunch
-Eat lunch
-Was really cold on the walk back
-Get in line about 2:30 so I can be the first to get my visa, so I can go home, very tired at this point
-So tired and I decide to sit on the floor, my feet hurt, and it was nice
-Sit on the floor and enjoyed the music on my ipod
-An attendant came up to me and said, "You're not allowed to sit on the floor, but you can still listen to your ipod" and then laughed
-Yes, he was serious
-I stood up
-I want to cry, again
-I wait three hours, a very unpleasant three hours
-I get my visa
-Walk back to my car, wait, tried to walk back my car
-Get lost, again
-Find my car
-Drive home and cry, again
-Realize I lost my student ID
-Bitched to my roommate about the shitty day I had

What it cost me to get a visa:

Passport - $100
Visa fees - $245
Gas - $40
Toll booths - $10
Parking ticket - $100
Parking fees - $24
The most horrible day in Chicago - Priceless


Yes, it was a painful process, but it's over and I'm so HAPPY for the thought of that!!!! The best is yet to come!

Sometimes people suck...

Another dollar

Another day

A long one

But not much to say

With many flaws

And a spacey mind

I'll give my best

And the truth I find

Oh no

They're no good

They're mean

Not doing what they should

You thought they were better

Yes, you know they could

You've seen those hurtful people

And you thought they never would

Time is the key

It shows all people true

The ones who are there

When you're feeling blue

A bad day, perhaps

Having no luck

But really I think

Sometimes people suck

But with the ones I love

And the smiles they give

Just be happy

That's the best way to live

Priorities: Con-man, Birukee, Lan-dog

So yeah, I'm at Chatter's this week where I am her personal nanny. ("I prefer the term child supervisor.") Today we did a lot of rearranging around the house and that was refreshing because we left most rooms looking fantastic. We had a great time tonight. The kids were in bed pretty early, so we hit up Target and got dinner at JJs. I know I'm an addict. Anywho, after Target we came back and watched strangers with candy, and we laughed. Needless to say I didn't finish my dinner seeing how Jerri managed to kill my appetite, she is foul.



Sweet Joey

I open my heart

To your listening ear

You ease my pain

And dissapate my fear

In the lastest hour

Of my darkest night

With tears of laughter

You make it light

Whenever it rains

You can call on me

Anywhere you are

I will always be

I know your secrets

And you know mine

If we're together

It will be fine

We call names

We're mean in fact

But I get the truth

With no need to act

You rub my feet

And I'll scratch your back

We fight for beds

As we hit the sack

With a brighter tomorrow

And the scars of our past

We'll find our dreams

And they will forever last

Smile, girl

Life is good

The road will twist

As it should

Sleep is calling

As I am lying here

You are so far

But feel so near

Thankful for today

The other day my sister introduced me to a website which brings attention to the trials and tribulations of the people in Haiti. It's a rescue center there that helps children who suffer from malnutrition, burns, and many other unfortunate events. Reading through the stories of each suffering child was bittersweet, as it was both painful and inspirational. The people who run the place must be truly amazing. It is comforting to me to know that there are people out there like that, and it moves me to want to be a better person.

http://haitirescuecenter.wordpress.com/


Baby Biruk

I think of you

You baby boy

Your dark eyes

Are lit with joy

Your love of life

Your handsome smile

On a bad day

It could last a while

You'll dance to the music

Sing to the song

Never thought I'd be so lucky

Guess I was wrong

I could eat you up

Hold you forever

The bond we have

Could never sever

With a grin on your face

I laid you to sleep

Not a scream or a fuss

Not even a peep

I hope you dream

Of wild wings

Shooting stars

And pretty things

I don't know how

But you're a light to me

Every little look

Always gets to me

I say good-bye

I'll see you soon

Can't wait to hear

You hum your tune

Passports, itnerary, letters, student visas....ahh. So much to do, so little time and I can't seem to figure out where the days go. Recently I was home for my brothers wedding, which was awesome, but still somewhat tiring. While home I managed to stay up late chatting with siblings, enjoyed a few games of Shocker (a game that shocks the last person to buzz their hand piece, and yes it is very intense) and played an extremely fun game of Kick The Can. Every one of my siblings got in on Kick The Can (except for the one on his honeymoon) and I must point out that a game with all my siblings is a rarity. It was a lovely visit.

Yesterday I worked a 16 hour shift on a couple hours of sleep, it was rough, but there's nothing like the satisfation of a hard day's work. Plus, I slept 12 hours and woke up feeling rested and refreshed, another day full of possibilities.

Laters...

Visas are a pain!

Okay, so I'm going to Europe next year for an extended period of time, and because of that I must acquire a visa. I have everything I need, but the application questions are a little bit confusing, I'm not going to lie. But I have all my documents ready, so, hopefully the rest is cake. I emailed a couple people who should be able to help me and as soon as I finish a few questions I should be in the clear. Anywho. Lots of stuff of my mind lately. Lets see here, what I shall wear to the wedding, the meaning of life, what I need to pack, where I'm going in life, when exactly I'm moving out of my place, what I'll be doing the next couple months, yaddy yaddy yaddy. I'm hungry, I'm going to go eat, then study, hopefully. Happy Thursday all!

Mental Health Day

I decided that today would be appropriately classified as a "mental health day" a.k.a. a day to do absolutely nothing. I figured since I have no spouse or children that I reserve the right to be selfish and lazy, ahhh, how refreshing.

A Lazy Summer Day

The sun is shining

A breeze is blowing

These summer days

Keep my heart a-glowing

There’s work to do

And bills to pay

But there’s a mystery

Upon your last day

So skip your classes

Or call in sick

Find your passion

And do it quick

Time goes so fast

It just flies by

It seems to be gone

In the blink of an eye

Enjoy each day

With its troubles and all

Enjoy the leap

With the risk of a fall

Right or wrong

I’ll take today

Without worries or fear

It’s a lazy summer day

I Love Bridget Jones!

I have hope that there exist Mark Darcys in the world. He's quite the stud. Moving on to more exciting things, I was at the family picnic yesterday and it was pretty enjoyable. I had a lot of fun with all the little cousins, one of them even beat me up. I went over to tease my little cousin, Kyle, and attempted to twist his arm because I seriously underestimated his strength. In about two seconds he was twisting my arm and asking who his favorite cousin was? How typical. Later, a bunch of us played spoons, which turned into a dangerous game, as usual.

I'll Send You a Prize if you can watch this without laughing!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QFpUZ-hFbA&feature=related

Photos That Make Me Laugh

Don't Be Alarmed

I died, but he was a good doctor.