I successfully finished my first semester of college with a 3.6 GPA. Life is good :) Overall I do not like college. It's kinda pointless and annoying. I love my classes, but just don't like having to take ones that have nothing to do with my major. College is when most people have the best times of their lives. So far its been a stress hole with a few gleaming moments of fun. I think I might need a life attitude adjustment :P
Classes...
Math: I hate math. We don't get along. This class ended up being a teach yourself class. All the info was online and basically we worked through the e-book and did homework problems with a quiz at the end of every week and a test at the end of every section. I somehow (still don't know how) amazingly ended up with a B in that class. But I am now done with math for life! I never have to ever take a math class again!!!
Core: Core classes serve one purpose: brainwashing. Sports in Society can be interesting when people actually discuss things. But we are in groups and mine sucks. Basically I do all the work with this other girl and everyone else talks or stares at the wall. Thanks to an amazing final project, and getting all my service hours in, I pulled an A.
Class Piano: This class is pointless. The only reason I didn't test out is because I never learned how to read all the different chord symbols. I can play piano just fine. I just don't know all the theory stuff. Oh well, its a super easy A. I don't even have to practice, just show up to classes/ tests and sight read :p
Theory I: This is an awesome class. The notebook of lecture notes took a crazy amount of time but I got an initial grade of 90 while the class average was 35 so I felt my time was well rewarded. Basically show up to lectures and do homework pages which are basically all charts. I kept a very solid A in this class.
Aural Skills I: This class is all rhythm and pitch. Solfege, beat families, intervals, crazy group performances...very scary but I learned so much. Somehow kept an A in this class even though I think I only deserved a B cause I never practiced at all.
FVS: Freshman Voice Seminar. Voice lessons with three amazing teachers and the most awesome class ever. Had my first ever voice recital. Sang "Star Vicino" and "The False Prophet" and managed a B in that class.
University Choir: Directed by Dr. Murphy this choir was a lot of fun. Harder then any church choirs so it was a nice challenge. I sang second soprano as usual. We had two concerts. The first was mainly praise songs and so much fun. The second was Bach's Magnificat which was crazy hard and I was just starting to understanding it the night of the show. A in this class!
Diction: We learned how to write English and Italian words in IPA (international phonetic alphabet). Basically how to write the words the way they sound using specific symbols. Solid A in this class. It was fun :)
In addition to classes, I worked.
Green's Cleaners: I've been working at this dry cleaners for like 3 or 4 years now. Kinda crazy. I worked about 12 hours a week there. My longest shift being Sat 10-4.
House cleaning: I cleaned for two different people. The first is two hours a week for our neighbor. Young family with three kids. I like cleaning for them because everything is dirty when I get there, and clean and shiny when I leave. The second is three hours a week for the people who own a stable. Their house is huge and awesome. It's not as much fun to clean because the two of them don't get anything too dirty so I am pretty much cleaning things that already look clean. Weird, I know.
I also own a horse.
Dante: He is living at Paradise Stables for this school year. He's an adorable pain and I learn more and more about him every day. He is terrified of phones or any clicky things. He is terrified of the vet and shots and was a spaz. Many thanks to Lauren for dealing with him when I couldn't be there ;) We conquered cantering both directions but he still pulls the "I can't figure this one out" card when he wants. He was terrorized when we attempted polo and jousting but eventually got over it. We have come a long way, but still have SO much to do. He is my baby.
I also have a boyfriend.
Sam: What can I say...Obsessed? Adorable? Ridiculous? I will spare you the gooeyness if I can. We are having a great time together and I guess we are technically courting... but idk. Looking toward marriage? Yes. Engaged? Thank goodness no. Think we have found the perfect person? Yes. Act ridiculous most of the time? Yes. Heh.... :D
I also have some of the best girl friends ever! I will name one for now.
Lauren: There is just too much to say. Amazing. Best sense of humor and can always (and I mean always, even if she doesn't realize it) put me in a better mood. Horsey pal :) Very much fun cantering along trails looking for our ridge and ending up way further then we thought. Great person to talk with about other people.... not exactly gossip...more like firm opinions. Basically feels like a sis :)
That was pretty much my first semester. Only 7 more to go! Yay!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
Adventure
Yesterday (Sunday) I had an adventure. I need to go out to the barn and Sam decided to go with me. It was a cold clear day, maybe two days after our first snow fall. All the roads in town were clear so I assumed to roads out to the barn would be as well. But I was wrong.
It was a beautiful drive, looking at the hills covered in a thin layer of snow that allowed the golden brown stubble to show through. Driving by some field we wondered at the green "grass" that was growing under the snow. You think it would have died or something.
The first half of the road was perfectly clear. Then we hit the spot where the trees started to cover the road. It was icy in patches but my little Honda made it up and then slid half way down that hill. Then we came to the worst hill of the road. It is a steep hill that takes about a 90 degree turn to the left at the very top. On the right it drops down a couple feet before leveling out. On the left is a ditch and then a hill going straight up. This hill is problematic even in the best of weather. Completely in shade 24/7 this road was now nothing but ice. But I decided to go for it anyway.
We made it almost to the top of the hill, then the car really started slipping. Sam shoved it into 1st gear. But that didn't help. The car stopped and started sliding backward. It started turning and slid so it was facing down hill. At this point Sam said, "We're gonna be okay!" My response, "No we're not." With a very slow slide, the car landed with a bump in the ditch, its front end against the hill.
My first reaction was "Let's push it out" but even as that thought was going through my head a knew we weren't strong enough to push the car up hill to get it out of the ditch. The next thought "oh s***." Then "I feel like an idiot." Then "this is hilarious."
The car wasn't badly stuck, it was just in a really bad place. Its back end was still on the road and it hadn't even bottomed out. All in all it was perfectly fine, no damage done.
Since both my dad and Sam's dad were hunting that day, we had no one to call. So we walked to the barn to see if anyone was there. Thankfully someone was just leaving and we were able to hitch a ride into town with them. We then got Sam's jeep, a tow rope, shovel, and flash light, and accompanied by his mom (who insisted on coming along) we headed back out to try to get my car un-stuck.
By then it was getting dark, and the conditions were just about as bad as it can get for icy roads. We couldn't push the car out. In order to tow me out, Sam had to stop his jeep in the middle of the hill. Well that didn't exactly work. As soon as he stopped his jeep just started sliding, turned around, and almost ended in the ditch just like my car.
By this time my dad got back from hunting. He came with the four boys, all dressed in hunting camo, to assess the situation. Thank goodness we have free towing with our insurance so he called a tow truck.
While waiting for the tow truck I took everyone to the barn and showed them around.
Once the tow truck showed up he easily winched my car out of the ditch. He had to keep pulling it further toward his truck because whenever he let the rope go slack the car would start sliding down the hill. Once he got in in a place where it was not moving, Papa go in and drove it to the bottom of the hill, heading home. It was scary. He almost went over the edge on the other side. After fulfilling his job, the tow truck inched his way down the hill and was gone.
At this point, Sam's dad and his friend decided to show up. So basically my whole family, plus possible extended family, plus a person I didn't even know all showed up to witness and help with my idiotic situation. It was just wonderful. (sense the sarcasm)
After car shuffling and more slipping and tense moments we all made it back to Moscow safe and sound.
I became very thankful for boys during this experience. One they are strong and provide more brute strength the we girls could manage. Two, they enjoy adventures. I just know that deep down they all had a blast with the whole situation and really enjoyed the whole "getting sister out of the ditch" experience. Third, they are stupid enough to to just about anything at all the "wrong times". While any girls would be sitting around talking about what to do next, the boys went and took a look at the car, and then started sliding down the hill and having a grand time of it. They were falling down and sliding, or just standing and sliding. So what if the car was stuck? No use in worrying, might as well have fun. No girl would blow off a stressful emotional moment and decide to start having fun.
So basically boys are awesome and I really hope I always have one around.
And I am almost determined to drive the Honda out to the barn again. I think we would make it the second time...
It was a beautiful drive, looking at the hills covered in a thin layer of snow that allowed the golden brown stubble to show through. Driving by some field we wondered at the green "grass" that was growing under the snow. You think it would have died or something.
The first half of the road was perfectly clear. Then we hit the spot where the trees started to cover the road. It was icy in patches but my little Honda made it up and then slid half way down that hill. Then we came to the worst hill of the road. It is a steep hill that takes about a 90 degree turn to the left at the very top. On the right it drops down a couple feet before leveling out. On the left is a ditch and then a hill going straight up. This hill is problematic even in the best of weather. Completely in shade 24/7 this road was now nothing but ice. But I decided to go for it anyway.
We made it almost to the top of the hill, then the car really started slipping. Sam shoved it into 1st gear. But that didn't help. The car stopped and started sliding backward. It started turning and slid so it was facing down hill. At this point Sam said, "We're gonna be okay!" My response, "No we're not." With a very slow slide, the car landed with a bump in the ditch, its front end against the hill.
My first reaction was "Let's push it out" but even as that thought was going through my head a knew we weren't strong enough to push the car up hill to get it out of the ditch. The next thought "oh s***." Then "I feel like an idiot." Then "this is hilarious."
The car wasn't badly stuck, it was just in a really bad place. Its back end was still on the road and it hadn't even bottomed out. All in all it was perfectly fine, no damage done.
Since both my dad and Sam's dad were hunting that day, we had no one to call. So we walked to the barn to see if anyone was there. Thankfully someone was just leaving and we were able to hitch a ride into town with them. We then got Sam's jeep, a tow rope, shovel, and flash light, and accompanied by his mom (who insisted on coming along) we headed back out to try to get my car un-stuck.
By then it was getting dark, and the conditions were just about as bad as it can get for icy roads. We couldn't push the car out. In order to tow me out, Sam had to stop his jeep in the middle of the hill. Well that didn't exactly work. As soon as he stopped his jeep just started sliding, turned around, and almost ended in the ditch just like my car.
By this time my dad got back from hunting. He came with the four boys, all dressed in hunting camo, to assess the situation. Thank goodness we have free towing with our insurance so he called a tow truck.
While waiting for the tow truck I took everyone to the barn and showed them around.
Once the tow truck showed up he easily winched my car out of the ditch. He had to keep pulling it further toward his truck because whenever he let the rope go slack the car would start sliding down the hill. Once he got in in a place where it was not moving, Papa go in and drove it to the bottom of the hill, heading home. It was scary. He almost went over the edge on the other side. After fulfilling his job, the tow truck inched his way down the hill and was gone.
At this point, Sam's dad and his friend decided to show up. So basically my whole family, plus possible extended family, plus a person I didn't even know all showed up to witness and help with my idiotic situation. It was just wonderful. (sense the sarcasm)
After car shuffling and more slipping and tense moments we all made it back to Moscow safe and sound.
I became very thankful for boys during this experience. One they are strong and provide more brute strength the we girls could manage. Two, they enjoy adventures. I just know that deep down they all had a blast with the whole situation and really enjoyed the whole "getting sister out of the ditch" experience. Third, they are stupid enough to to just about anything at all the "wrong times". While any girls would be sitting around talking about what to do next, the boys went and took a look at the car, and then started sliding down the hill and having a grand time of it. They were falling down and sliding, or just standing and sliding. So what if the car was stuck? No use in worrying, might as well have fun. No girl would blow off a stressful emotional moment and decide to start having fun.
So basically boys are awesome and I really hope I always have one around.
And I am almost determined to drive the Honda out to the barn again. I think we would make it the second time...
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Check Your Pockets
Working at a dry cleaners involves going through the pockets of every item before it is cleaned. This results in a collection of random things people forget to take out of their pockets. Tissues, chap stick, business cards, lecture notes, funeral programs, cuff links, and the occasional money. Things also seem to come in phases. We have the "OMG it's getting cold I just HAVE to get my coat cleaned now" phase and the "I'm getting married in June and need my wedding dress cleaned and pressed" phase and the "school's starting so I need to get all 27 of my dress shirts cleaned" phase, you get the idea. Right now its the "crazy-rush-for-no-reason-I-need-my-comforter-asap-cause-its-cold-and-I-was-too-stupid-to-think-ahead-and-get-it-cleaned-earlier" phase.
Last week, the whole community of Moscow decided to spill drinks on themselves. Every time I worked someone came in with an article of clothing that had coffee, or hot chocolate, or milk, or some beverage spilt all over it. This week, everyone has decided to leave money in their pockets. And for that, I am very thankful. I have collected a total of $72.10 this week from various people leaving various amounts in their pockets. Its one of the perks of the job. You find it, its up to you to do what you see fit. Of course if it's a huge amount we give it back.
So the point of all this is to say, check your pockets. Make sure that you go through your jeans and coats before washing them. Who knows, you might become a more wealthy person.
Last week, the whole community of Moscow decided to spill drinks on themselves. Every time I worked someone came in with an article of clothing that had coffee, or hot chocolate, or milk, or some beverage spilt all over it. This week, everyone has decided to leave money in their pockets. And for that, I am very thankful. I have collected a total of $72.10 this week from various people leaving various amounts in their pockets. Its one of the perks of the job. You find it, its up to you to do what you see fit. Of course if it's a huge amount we give it back.
So the point of all this is to say, check your pockets. Make sure that you go through your jeans and coats before washing them. Who knows, you might become a more wealthy person.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Up
It was raining all day on campus. I was walking from the music building to the Admin and everyone I passed was bundled up in coats and scarves and hats and other warm items. Nothing surprising there. Then, as I scanned peoples' faces, I noticed that 99% of the people were staring at the two feet of wet pavement in front of them. They didn't dare look elsewhere for fear of letting in a cold draft or stepping into a dread puddle. Over all, everyone looked miserable and terrified and acted as if the stream running down the street would carry them off if they so much as touched the moving water.
Why miss the glory in the rain? Yes it is cold and miserable when you have to walk in it all day, I know. But if you never take your eyes off the ground you will miss the dripping tree leaves. You will miss the shining roofs of the buildings and the clouds flying past in the wind. You might avoid every puddle in the world and still manage to soak your feet in the wet grass. Why not go for the puddle? Exercise that little bit of freedom now that Mom isn't there to scold you.
Let the drops fall on your face, open up to the chilly wind, stomp in a puddle, send a leaf raft down a sidewalk river, and then huddle up back inside your coat. You have tasted the glory.
Why miss the glory in the rain? Yes it is cold and miserable when you have to walk in it all day, I know. But if you never take your eyes off the ground you will miss the dripping tree leaves. You will miss the shining roofs of the buildings and the clouds flying past in the wind. You might avoid every puddle in the world and still manage to soak your feet in the wet grass. Why not go for the puddle? Exercise that little bit of freedom now that Mom isn't there to scold you.
Let the drops fall on your face, open up to the chilly wind, stomp in a puddle, send a leaf raft down a sidewalk river, and then huddle up back inside your coat. You have tasted the glory.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Where It Starts
Hello. This blog is dedicated to my experiences as a college freshman, and may end up containing my whole college experience. I am a Vocal Education major at the University of Idaho. For those of you who might be confused by that title, I will be learning how to teach people to sing.
In addition to school I work at a dry cleaners and as a house cleaner, and take care of my horse Dante. My days are full and I often wish for more then 24 hours in a day. But life is good.
I have decided that I don't like school, but I like my classes. Weird, I know. Basically my ideal school life would be taking three classes none of which started before 10am. But seeing as I am a music major who is determined to graduate in four years I need to take more then three classes. For those of you who don't know, music people keep ridiculous class hours. I know people who have lessons at 6:30am and then don't finish with classes till 6pm. Thankfully I only have two 8:30 classes and only three days that school goes till 5:30.
Knowing me, my posting will be spastic and random so don't expect any regularity with this blog ;)
In addition to school I work at a dry cleaners and as a house cleaner, and take care of my horse Dante. My days are full and I often wish for more then 24 hours in a day. But life is good.
I have decided that I don't like school, but I like my classes. Weird, I know. Basically my ideal school life would be taking three classes none of which started before 10am. But seeing as I am a music major who is determined to graduate in four years I need to take more then three classes. For those of you who don't know, music people keep ridiculous class hours. I know people who have lessons at 6:30am and then don't finish with classes till 6pm. Thankfully I only have two 8:30 classes and only three days that school goes till 5:30.
Knowing me, my posting will be spastic and random so don't expect any regularity with this blog ;)
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