Happy New Year

So here I sit, waiting for Molly Dull to pick me up and whisk me away to Chicago for New Year's Eve. I of course checked facebook and noticed a few 2009/2010-related things, and thought a little recap of the year might be in order. If you tend to hate this type of stuff, stop reading.

Things I did this year:
-Tried blogging
-Turned 21
-Went to Salt Lake City
-Applied to grad school (last application just turned in!)
-Toured in the Summer
-Cabrewed (Callen fell in)
-Got a camera
-Took lots of pictures
-Met some new people
-Published a paper
-Worked as a newspaper photographer (if you count a 3-week stint)
-Became an impromptu graphic designer (and got paid)
-Reconnected with long-lost (and admittedly, forgotten) rec soccer teammate Molly Dull
-Had one or two transient relationships
-Slept in a racecar bed

I know there's more, but it's early (Molly still hasn't called) and my brain isn't functioning properly. I don't know if it ever does, but whatever. I expect 2010 will have some major life changes...I blame graduation and grad school for the most part. Who knows where any of us will be in 6 or 8 months from now, but I'm interested to see where we all end up. I hope whoever still reads this has a happy new year, and a good start to 2010.

Post Christmas

Its cold. Christmas was good at my house. We got my mom a Kithenaid mixer so she can make us cookies, and we got my dad a gun for god knows what reason. They both love their gifts, which in the one case is a little unsettling.

My days have been filled with visiting friends and family and doing a nearly impossible 1500 piece puzzle. Now that it is nearly half done other people are starting to help.

Going to Cinci tomorrow, coming home Friday. Katie is coming to visit next week. My family will finally meet my best friend and they can stop saying she is just imaginary.

I am still friends with these people

What? I'm posting? Yes I am, thanks to Eric. Because this is a national holiday that I don't celebrate (You may call me a heathen if you want Matt Smola) I will now give you the rundown on what the lone 212 Jew does on Christmas Eve/Day:

Dinner at a Jewish Deli

Movie

Chinese Food

What an eve/day.

Its Late

So, it was the gf's birthday today. I was reminded of this at almost 1pm when I was checking facebook at Best Buy on an HP Touchsmart PC. Probably the coolest computer ever. I want one rather badly. But yeah, I felt kinda bad about not remembering. The feeling passed quickly.

Christmas is coming up. I am set with gifts for the people I will be seeing Christmas day, however, I have yet to get gifts for people I am seeing tomorrow...in like 15 hours...at least 9 of which will be spent in bed...and 1 or 2 more will be in the car. I best get to work.

I need to figure out what to get Courtney for her birthday and Christmas. I have gotten a few good suggestions, but nothing has been purchased yet. This may be my fault. Actually my mother has a gift for her and I do not. On the other hand, I know exactly what I am getting Katie Blake. Bree would be upset by this I am sure. It helps that me and Katie have conversations about what we want. There is also a lot less pressure. Hence a flask and some coloring books sufficing.

This is turning out to be a pretty entertaining post I think, go me. There is a hole in one of my contacts and it is quite painful. Also, it is late. So I will bid you farewell, and Merry Christmas to all if I don't tell you again.

Still in Oxford

So I had a Christmas gift shipped here and it is not coming until Monday. This kind of stinks. I did everything I could think of today so I have nothing else to do tomorrow. I think it is going to be a boring day. I have watched all my movies, ate all my food, and gone to church and Wal-Mart. I might make a trip to Batavia tomorrow. That sounds better than sitting around. This evening is being devoted to backing up my hard drive and maybe getting to wiping my computer. It needs a fresh start.

You better like your present mom!!!

Instead of Studying

I'm on a list kick. Things I've done this week instead of studying for finals:

-Blogged
-Trivia Night
-Margarita Night
-Packed
-Learn flash animation
-Visited Dave & Kaitlan
-Lunch with Kaitlan
-Bdubs with community council
-Visit TKD
-Play with my camera
-Skype
-China Bistro

Highlight of the week: Michigan invited me for an interview!/I'm going home tomorrow!

Closest I Have Been To Heaven in a While

Double stuffed mint cream oreos and eggnog.

A Shortie

I got on a computer in the lab today and when I first went in a set down my stuff then went to do something else. When I got back I moved the mouse and a background I had set popped up. I could not remember if I had logged in or not, but I was pretty sure not. Turns out I had been logged in to that computer since last Thursday and it happened to be the one I picked again. That sums up my week (I don't know what it sums up to)

It's just finals week no big deal

So Capstone has messed up my sleep schedule so much that I can not physically fall asleep before 4AM. As in my body refuses to calm down...I think I will be high strung until this week is over...so if you talk to me and I am freaking out that is why. I am hoping that all of my grades stabilize to a B average this semester...even though I do not think that makes up for the total lack of sleep and almost nonexistent social life this semester has given me (some of my friends that are graduating in 5 days I have not seen more than twice this semester). Ugh.
In other news I got to have dinner with Carrie, Courtney, Eric, Stephen and Draper last night which was would even if carrie and I learned we can not eat even close to entire pizza.
This semester has left me burnt out and unmotivated which is great news for the two finals I have yet to take...it is a struggle.
Ugh well here's to trying to keep my GPA from crashing and burning.
Peace out!

The Big Test

I'm a little nervous this morning. The biggest test of my good mood yet is coming up. No, not a final exam, those don't phase me. This is worse. I signed up for a shift in the dishroom. There must have been nothing else available. Its unfortunate. The dishroom sucks all the feeling out of a person. My 44 hour run of not being more than slightly annoyed and never for more than a few seconds might be at an end! I hope not. I have a circuits exam tomorrow that I would like to be in a jovial disposition to study for and take. I will let you know.

Good Mood Counter:
44 hours

Pretty Sure You Can Comment on the Posts

Hey Matt, I am a jackass, thought you knew that. And it is not Christmas, not for 11 days. Andy has a countdown on the fridge. You loosen up, my posts are meant in jest. I got an awesome Christmas gift today. I can't wait to give it out.

Good Mood Counter:
34 hours

Here's a Comment

Eric, most of your posts make you sound like a jackass. Loosen up, it's Christmas.

Who Thinks the Survey is Dumb?

I feel like there should be a 'never' or 'rarely' option. Or maybe an 'Eric's posts are the only thing that keeps me coming back' option. One of those would be helpful. Also, the other options are weird. I think I choose the meal one, but none of them really fit.

I took my first exam today. It went alright. I don't really know, I wasn't paying attention. Its over. I am pretty sure about that. Only two more. I should start studying for those.

Why doesn't anyone make comments? I feel like that is one reason the blog died off last time. There was no obvious interest. If something makes you laugh then say it! If Matt's post put you to sleep at your desk, tell him! Sure we love telling you what we think, but we would also like to hear what you think.

Since everyone loves them so much, here is a list:
Options for dinner
1. Dinner on campus (Courtney pays)
2. All you can eat spaghetti at La Rosasa (I pay)
3. Ramen
4. Oreos and eggnog
5. Doritos and Rockstar

I'm hoping for #2

Things I Enjoy More Than Instrumental Analysis

-Facebook
-Wikipedia
-InterfaceLIFT
-BallDroppings
-Lady Gaga
-Watering my aloe plants
-Looking for food
-Eating
-Blowing my nose

Finals Make Me Hate the World

So I completely sympathize with all of Eric's posts - I am pissed at everything right now and would love to punch a wall or clean(Shut up it helps me destress) (but oh wait I can't go home).
Things I currently hate:
1. Capstone
2. Capstone Instructor
3. Capstone
4. OSU
5. People stressing me out
6. Lack of internet on campus
7. Finals
8. Not being Uptown right now
9. Italian
10. The fact that caffeinated beverages are not free

This has without a doubt been the worst semester of my college career. My GPA will take a massive hit...I slept very little...saw almost none of my friends as much as I would like...hated the majority of my classes...stressed out non-stop...AHHHHHHH! What the hell happened to all of that "Oh it's your senior year it will be so much fun, so easy." I haven't even had the chance to figure out next year...which oh by the way capstone was meant to prepare me for...False...FML

In other news, Molly Dull came on a surprise visit last night and let's just say we surprised the hell out of everyone...BOOM! It was fun and a much needed break before diving in to the study marathon that will ensure until I leave for DC on Thursday...CAN'T WAIT!

Peace out!

Don't Have A Trashcan? Throw it on the Ground!

More stuff I saw next to the sidewalk...

A tailgate tested, tailgate approved blue foam finger.

A digital camera (broken).

An 18ct. carton of eggs, some eggs included.

Tinsel

Things That Can Burn In Hell

Self Reflective essays that have to be 3 pages long and single spaced

"Feels like" temperatures of 2 degrees when I have to go outside

People who are obsessed with things that are not worth obsessing over

The things the people are obsessed with

Anything flammable (I would imagine)

American Towing

Sinners

What Are the Odds...

Of getting this self reflective essay done tonight?

Of getting A's on my finals?

Of Mike posting on this blog ever again?

Not good I'm guessing. Think its time for a beer.

Is This Depressing?

An actual quote from me today...

"I turned in three project reports today, so all I have left is three finals, two reports, and a presentation"

And I am relieved by this fact! This semester is beyond too much work. I am done with it. Those three finals can take themselves. I recently received a coupon for a free bloomin' onion from Outback (I believe the promotion was called Giving away Heart Disease) and I have had to push back the dinner date twice already. I am going to go do some work now. Peace out, not busy people.

Top 10 Ornaments on Our Christmas Tree

10. Tiny glass mushroom
9. 8" football-shaped thing
8. Bert & Ernie ice skating
7. 10" ear of corn
6. Eagle & Shield (7" wingspan)
5. A small barn
4. Durante the snowman
3. Wizard of Oz composite (feat. Dorothy, Tin Man, Scarecrow, C. Lion, Emerald City, & Rainbow)
2. Philmont Boots
1. Space Shuttle

So I remebered my password...

Eric, I am sorry you have group members that suck at getting their work done and accomplishing anything worthwhile in life (hmmm seems like Mike this summer - kidding - kind of). Anyways I now feel slightly sad after reading Matt's post - I am allergic to pine, my throat closes up, I kind of die and thus I never get to experience the joys of a live Christmas tree. I love to be sustainable I really do, but life factors beyond my control hold me back at this point.
In other news I gave my capstone presentation on Wednesday, following an all-nighter. A lack of sleep and pure fear pushed me through to the end of the presentation. I thought I was doing good because my prof smiled during it, I then noticed a second later that she did the same thing while looking at the ceiling...so hence I still do not know where I stand...all that is left is the final edits and to turn it in (drunk) on Monday - Skippers before watching the rest of the presentations? I think so. I also realized that capstone simply blinded me to all of the work I had waiting for me once it is done. Needless to say I still have a lot I need to accomplish before tomorrow, all while trying to get over this epic cough Nathan and I have...FML. I was also sick for pretty much the entire week after thanksgiving...that has put me way behind and made this last week HELL! Hence why I am blogging, clearly I have nothing better to do.
I kind of wish APT 212 still lived together or at least saw each other more often...then at least we could have similar stories...ok so I more or less miss the fact that Bree is not around and thus we have no one to make fun of...sigh.
In true style I have not pro-read any of this...I hope my grammatical errors make you feel better about your life.
I am excited for what will come tomorrow...Matt Smola know why...no one else does but more on that later.

Devo tornare a lavorare in italiano...FML
Next semester will be better!

Think Before You Hug (Trees)

Found an interesting article today talking about how going out and murdering a tree for Christmas is "greener" (ha-a pun!) than buying a fake tree. Here's the article. And here's the skinny:

Live trees: do the "good tree" thing while they're waiting for you to cut them from their roots (ha-another pun!), then do the "good dead tree" thing when you get rid of it.

Fake trees: are bad.

Which brings me to the ritual of finding a suitable Christmas tree. Every year it's the same: 8-ish feet tall, not too fat, not to skinny, plenty of space to hang the ornaments, some of which are downright obnoxious. In fact, I'd say we have enough outrageous ornaments to post about later. So it used to be my dad, sister, and me. Trekking throw rows and rows of trees just to get to the blue spruce section. Douglas fir? Fuck that. Blue spruce or bust! In the past few years, my mom--bless her pointed heart--has decided to come out with us since her "boy's at home and [she] want[s] to spend time with [me]!"

We always' go to Fred's. Located in...I actually have no clue. Dad knows where he's going. Anyway, Fred's Tree Farm has never let us down. Like any tree farm, there are small holes and stumps all over the place. The fun part is that they're usually covered in snow and thus invisible. So we look for a tree, usually narrowing it down from 2 or 3 that seem particularly suitable. The job of severing our new decoration from its home has fallen (pun?) to me in recent years. (Eagle Scout) My mom and sister insist on yelling "timber!" when the tree comes down, even though they typically have a few false starts.

Getting the tree home is usually an interesting experience. When there were only 3 of us, we just put the tree in the van and someone got the shaft and had to sit next to it. Now we strap it to the roof. I usually tie it down and then pray that it doesn't fall off. We listen to side 1 of the Muppet Christmas tape on the way out, and side 2 on the way back. I can't help but think of our tree when John Denver sings about Alfie, a personified tree in the forest that wishes all of humanity will think about wildlife this Christmas season. For a while, I always just assumed the tree we were cutting down was Alfie. Oops.

Putting the tree up is another ordeal entirely, so I'll stop here for now.

Boring Presentation

I made a presentation on my senior design project yesterday evening. I wanted to shoot someone afterward.

My team is a decent mix of talents. Some of us are good at research, some are good at experiments, some of us are good at bull-shitting. Its this last one that makes me angry.

Our presentation was kind of thrown together at the last minute. This is due to my team mates not getting anything done when it should be. They were doing tests 2 days ago that should have been done weeks ago so they could be reviewed and evaluated. Cause the results were useless. My tests had been done for a few days at least (I had to wait for some equipment but did it as soon as I got it) and my tests showed exactly what I was hoping for. I got graphs and pictures and putting slides together took about 20 minutes. Done. I also knew what I was talking about.

My product was presented first. I rocked it. Replex domes can totally be used for early season cultivation of seedlings. Next came light fixtures. Light fixtures made from Replex domes are ugly and don't improve lighting effects. Next came skylights. I have no flipping clue what the actual design idea is for this product. I am pretty sure there is not one. The kid covered holes in a box with tracing paper and called it an experiment cause he used real light sensors and a data logger. Sorry but me sitting with a computer gathered more useful data than you did. Actually that might be a lie, I zoned out during that portion of the presentation and woke up about 10 minutes later to him still talking. The entire talk time was supposed to be 20 minutes, he took 15. People were asleep. I have never heard more mundane things explained in more minute detail. Especially when there is a time limit. He seems to think that B.S. is a good alternative to a shorter presentation that contains real information. The kicker is that he couldn't even field the single freaking question we got asked. I had to. The professor asked the question 3 times and got similar completely unrelated answers from this kid every time until he gave up, the kid stopped talking and I could step in and give the right answer. I am so done with this semester.

In other news, Transformers was on last night. That movie is pretty good. Optimus Prime flying? I almost died. With parts from an SR-71 Blackbird no less. Hell yeah!

Time to continue my project reports. Ciao

So I Seem to Like Lists These Days

Things I Found in the Pockets of the Sport Coat I Wore for a Presentation Yesterday Evening

• 4 sticks of Wrigley's Doublemint gum still in the pack

• Shout instant stain remover wipes

• A ticket stub to 42nd Street. $71.10 was the price of admission. The show better have been way better than my presentation.

• Proof that inspector 13 did in fact take the time to put a small piece of paper in one of the pockets

I think that is all. I was pretty bored during presentations (including mine) so I looked through my pockets. I bet that gum is 10 years old. I didn't think to look for a date on the ticket. Maybe when I get a little less angry at my team mates I will do a post about how the presentation went.

Until then, enjoy the freezing, I know I'm not.

Things I Like

So some of you poor saps still check this blog from time to time. Congrats--I mildly appreciate your dedication. At the same time, I question what you do with your life. Anyway, the average time spent looking over old blog-a-roo here is about 13 seconds. Here's something to spend some more time on.

Things I like, as of December 9th, 2009 at 4:46 pm:

1. Wind
2. Snow
3. Cold
4. Christmas songs set to the tune of "Africa" by Toto
5. Christmas songs
6. Christmas lights (the big bulb kind)
7. Christmas cookies
8. Having electricity
9. Not having class tomorrow
10. Being exempt from my Spanish final
11. Oreos
12. The small, mildly creepy nutcracker on my nightstand
13. The decision to put aforementioned nutcracker on my nightstand
14. Liking the cold--it makes it much easier to handle
15. Clementines
16. Dark chocolate cherry granola bars
17. Eggnog (I'm going to have some now)
18. Napping
19. Sweatpants
20. Thundersnow (it seems like a cool concept)

Things I saw on the Sidewalk Recently

* indicates things I picked up

1* A perfect condition Libby Glass Scotch glass

2 An unopened can of Bud Select

3 A packet of Ramen Shrimp flavor seasoning

4 A wrapped stick of gum

5 A rather comfortable looking light blue bra

6* A dime

7 A batting glove

8 An unopened Met-Rx Big 100 meal bar (I was really tempted with this one, those things are like $5)

New Tasor Polices That are Better Than the New Tasor Policy

1. Go back to guns you pansies!

2. Tase at random so law breakers don't feel so bad when it happens to them.

3. Ninja throwing stars.

Too bad no one reads our blog so these great ideas will never be discovered. If you do happen to read this, consider suggesting these changes to your town or city's taser policy.