Musical Distractions

When I was in high school, I would listen to music or watch TV while doing my homework. What happened after that was I didn't retain any of the information that I had just read. Now when going over work or reading I have to have music off. I know that a lot of people need music when they study, and I find that so bizarre. Sure, if it's music without words like classical music I'm fine. However a lot of people will watch a show and be able to get their information just fine.

I've been told that I'm just not as good at multi-tasking if I have trouble listening to music and doing other things at the same time. Seems a bit insulting to my intelligence, but whatever. I think I retain the information a lot better than others personally. Ha, who knows.

When I'm blogging even I usually can't have music. If I do, I tend to have it at a kind of low volume. My thoughts never come out as well if I have music playing because my thoughts get mixed with the lyrics in the songs. My thoughts are never as coherent written out when I listen to music. Because of that, if I'm writing something professional I never listen to things with lyrics. I just want to make sure that I sound professional in such things, and that tends to not happen when I have music.

If you didn't realize, I'm currently listening to music as I write this post. So if I seem less coherent, that is the reason.

Last midterm happening tomorrow. I have no idea how to study for it. I've done well on all of the quizzes, and it's English. How on earth do you study for an English midterm? I suppose I was able to study for them last year, but that was more when I didn't know what the characters did. In Greek plays, many of the characters say very similar things. That means when using quotes, it was difficult to match quotes to characters. Yet I feel like I know who says what in these current books. I know who has what problems, who would say which type of things. It's the essay parts I have no idea to study for. Hmm.

In random news, my cousins are thinking of doing a half! I'm so excited! They don't know which one yet, but my sister suggested this one happening on the fourth of July. That would be fun, and I know I'd be in shape in time for it. I mean, my sister and I are training for a half "race" June 3rd, so if I just kept continuing my mileage at around that area, I would be fine. Once they register for one, I think I'll join them.

How is it almost ten? I just don't understand.

Are you able to listen to music/watch TV while doing work?

The Scantron Situation

Have you ever had that nightmare where you get to a test, and even though you got everything you needed, something big is missing? Well let me tell you a little story...

As I mentioned yesterday, I was anticipating an exam today. I knew everything that was needed. I made sure I had my number 2 pencil. I even made sure that I had the right type of scan tron sheet.

I arrive early to the exam, and get ready Pencil... wait. Where's my folder with my scan trons? That I always have in my backpack, and never take out? Not here, apparently.

This leads me to dash over to the bookstore, where I know they have some. As I tear through my bag, I discover my wallet's not in there. I had just taken it out to write down my payment for rent. And not put it back. For some reason.

I ended up having to run back to my apartment, grabbing the folder, and dashing off. But not before having the key get stuck in the lock (this is a usual thing) and having to yank it out, causing the key ring to slingshot back at me. This comes back later.

I finally managed to get back with everything for the exam, and even before they had handed out the exams to a third of the hall. All is well. Alas, to add to the bizarre-ness of nightmare situations, I look over and my right hand is covered in blood. Apparently the key-ring sliced open the knuckle on my finger.


A bit of the blood was still there after I wiped it off. Ew.

 Thankfully, everything turned out. I did look like I was going to pass out at one point though. I think I did pretty well on the exam, oddly enough. We'll see.

I told this tale to my sister to which she sneered, "That's why you check your bag again. God."

The thing is, I am that person who checks over everything a million times. I had that folder in my backpack all morning, and have no idea why it was out. I never take it out. I check my school email multiple times for events, just to make sure. I always know how much money I have in my bank account, and write down every purchase I make including ones with cash. I even have a list of things to have in my backpack. I'm not an irresponsible person! I swear! Hell, my sister has even been the one to tell me to loosen up of my Type A ways.

I think I'm just losing it. Plain and simple. I'm getting to the point where I'm stressed out so I'll just shut down. It's not a good thing. I shouldn't be so stressed, but I am! I hate this unorganized mind I have going on. I just want to be my usual self.

For now, I need to get on some homework, but I'll see y'all later.

Have you ever had a "nightmare" situation in real life?

Halloween

Happy Halloween everyone! Did you have a good one? Mine was pretty swell, just super busy.

Cooking of different gourds happened today. I roasted a spaghetti squash, but have yet to try it. I was out the door by the time I had finished cooking it! All I know is that I think one side of it was a tad old, so it didn't cook right. Had to get rid of that half.

I also whipped up some pumpkin bread! Strangely enough, I kind of traded candy for pumpkin bread tonight. My aunt didn't get any of the chocolate candy, so they weren't that appetizing. Still snuck in a Jolly Rancher or two.

I agreed to volunteer for this thing at my school and let's just say... I might be on TV in the future. Next to a pirate and a "Halloween" type guy. You have been warned.

Other than that, not much else to report. Have a midterm tomorrow, and I'm freaked out about it. I've been told I'll do fine on it, but truthfully... I'm wishing this was a class I could have dropped. The thing is, I understand all of the information and what it means. However, for some reason that doesn't seem to translate onto paper. I'm just glad that this class is graded on a curve.

I'm so tired, I have got to get to bed. See y'all later!

How have you spent your Halloween night?

The Oddities of the Human Body, Lazy Saturday and The Town

The human body is a strange and complicated thing. Each little part works together, yet has its own special feature. At times, the parts don't always work together the way you think they would.
Starting out on a run this morning, my legs and my upper body felt like two separate entities. It was as if my legs were an excited dog who just couldn't wait to run, and my upper half was the owner being dragged along.

My legs just wanted to go! Maybe it's because I haven't been running very long distances lately. I need something to work for. In other areas of my body being goofy, I've found my elbows are getting calloused. I had no idea why they were like that, until I realized: My elbows are getting calloused from planks. It's so ridiculous I have to just laugh at it!


I can't believe the day has gone by so quickly! I was supposed to get all sorts of work done today, because nothing's going to get done tomorrow. Yet, here were are and it's 10:00 pm. Dangit. Perhaps waking up later in the day has caused my time to disappear. I would not doubt it.

My biggest concern has been writing out a page of note for my History midterm. Our professor allows us a page of notes, which is pretty cool. Yet, writing out that page is somewhat painful. I know the information, I just don't want to write it out! Bah. So what have I done today? Ran, put clothes away, watched The Town. Seriously, what did I do?
Speaking of which, The Town is an odd movie. I won't go all review-y out on you all, but I will say a few things. I had a hard time trying to figure out how I felt about the characters. In one scene, I'd like a certain character, then the next have no pleasantness towards them whatsoever. Along with that, there were just some ideas that were too ridiculous to take seriously. Still, it was an entertaining movie.

I suppose it was nice to have such a chill day, but I'm so anal I feel like I need to get stuff done! Actually in retrospect, I do need to get stuff done. Unlike my room mate who seems to be part cat, I can't sleep all day. I'd like to do well in school, thank you very much.

Goodnight, or Good morning to those of you in different time zones. I'm off to try to study more. ...We'll see how that turns out.

Refresh, Studying, Professors and Daydreaming

I'd just like to take a moment to say let's skip over last night's post of venting and move on. Goodness, I don't even want to go back and read my 14-year old inner emo kid writing. I just needed to vent I suppose.

Today, I have just taken some time to chill out. I've also taken the time to avoid studying for my Public Speaking midterm to do some serious drawer organizing. Behold!

You may say, "So what, folding clothes?" To which I say, "No it's ART!"

Yes, they are lovely. But I have gotten on the studying, and hope to do well on my midterm tomorrow.

Teachers are an interesting breed. There are some teachers that many people love, while another group can't stand that teacher. There is one habit that some teachers have that I cannot stand, which one of my current professors possesses. The best way I can put it is she acts like I'm a puppy who happened to get bonked on the head. To that I say NO. If you want to challenge my intelligence, just flat out say it. Don't baby me. Some people may prefer that, but not me.

I want to do something theatre-y lately. I think since my Costume class is in the Auditorium, it's making me crave that type of thing.

As for careers, today I was thinking about how interesting it could be to be a personal assistant to a movie star. Of course, when I think about it I create basically a sitcom-y scenario with a kooky star. Then they have silly, fun adventures. ...I can pretend, right?

Well, I suppose I should study for my test more. Ta ta for now!

What type of teacher do you prefer?

Generalizations and Organization

We meet again beginning of the week. Thankfully, this week shouldn't be as crazy as last week though.

It feels like every time I start writing up a post, one of the things I talk about is how I've been noticing something, or just realized something. The fact is, I think I just notice something new everyday! Ah, the little simple joys that are in life.
I say that because I've realized something else interesting that I tend to do, and I think a lot of other people do it too. I seem to generalize people a lot, but I've realized just how different everyone really is. Okay, let me explain: You see a group of people, and you know little facts about them such as Tim plays basketball, or Jill is an artist. Since we know basic things about them, we can try to mentally figure out things they would like, or things they would never dream of participating in. But you know what? People are surprising. Take me: I really adore clothes, pop culture and movies, yet I will freak out during a football game. Would you expect that out of me? Of course not, but you would never know unless you asked. We always assume people won't like things because you think they seem like this or that, and that's nowhere near anything they would like. I know we're taught not to generalize, but sometimes it happens. No two people are exactly alike that's for sure. I'll try to keep this in mind when I meet new people from now on.

Okay, so I'll try not to sound like an after-school special for the rest of this post. Anywho! Today just flew by, my goodness! I seriously don't know how everything I did today took up so much time, but I did get stuff done! I've got most of my homework for Wednesday done, and I did some legit organizing. I haven't been using my planner a lot lately because I've been posting a list of work to finish for the week on my bulletin board. However, I've been screwing up date on things, so I thought it was time to find out what's in my future plans. Here's what February looks like:

Yes, not so pretty but it gets the job done. I have a huge list of things to do for the week, but I think I was able to get a chunk done today.

My first midterm of the term is Thursday... Where has the time gone?

What does your planner look like? Is it colorful and fun or plain like mine?

Up and Down and The Comparison Game

All day I've been up and down. One minute I'm full of energy, the next I'm extremely tired. Huh.

Today we got our midterms back for English. I just have to say, I was estatic when I got it back... for the first few seconds I was anyways. Then the words heard around me made me look down upon myself. It's the comparison game. We all play it. No matter how hard we try, we are always comparing ourselves to others.

The thing is, I actually got an A on my midterm! I was so excited! It was when I saw that two people around me had gotten 100% including my study partner, I felt less thrilled. Why?! That's a great grade! However, just because it wasn't perfect like the other people, it didn't mean as much. UGH! I gotta stop doing that to myself.
Seriously though, I am really happy that I got an A. (Also, I got a B on my essay, so not too bad!)

I'm really quite excited for this weekend! So many things happening, so little time! Does it ever feel sometimes like there's nothing for awhile and then everything all at once? Ah, life.

Glee tonight! Woo! I hope that everyone has a lovely evening.

Do you compare yourself to others? How do you stop yourself?

Sporatic Awakenings and A Look at the Dorm Room

Today is one of those days where it just seemed to rush by. I can't believe it's already Wednesday actually. As the writer of The Happiness Project puts it, "The days are long but the years are short." Ain't that the truth.

Last night I ended up waking up multiple times.  I have no idea why. Once during the night, I got out of bed, got all of my things out for breakfast, and wandered out into the hallway. It seemed strange that some people were out that usually aren't up at that time... Then I looked at my phone and discovered it was 1 AM. Goodness gracious. I didn't go out in the hall again, but I did wake up a few more times thinking it was time to get up.

I think this is my body telling me to just listen to my alarm clock...

I forgot my Student ID when getting lunch today. Felt pretty ridiculous. Luckily, my room mate was around and she bought my lunch for me. How nice! Now I owe her luhch.

Last midterm was today! YES. After that excruciating time, the day seemed to zip by. There were my other two classes, lunch, shower, quick assignment to finish, and then I ran some educational errands as I like to call them. Basically that means talking to professor-type figures about information, printing stuff off, etc.

After some dinner, I came back to the room and started cleaning. Honestly, I've become surprisingly clean at college. I clean my dorm a lot more than I ever cleaned my room at home. That brings us to a tour of my dorm! Aren't you excited?

Behold the typical Ackerman dorm! My room mate is on the left, I'm on the right. Here is a comparison of our cleanliness. My side:

And my room mate's side:

Now, it's true that I have a slight advantage here, seeing as I picked up a bit. However, the messiest I get are some clothes on the floor, some papers scattered on the desk. My side is off and on a bit cluttered. Her side has been like this since before classes even began. Her though process is this:
*Looks at side*
"I should really clean..."
*Goes on Facebook for 3 hours* (Seriously, how can you spend that long on Facebook? What is there to DO?)
Enough about her. Let's explore, shall we?

Here's my changing station. There's my clothes, some jewelry, and two bags full of cans. Because it was my great idea to collect cans for a deposit, they all reside on my side. Moving on!

This is my desk. What you see here are some papers, my books, my gummy multivites, and a ridiculous goose object. My room mate has this strange... habit I guess? She and my other friend like buying me gifts from the thrift store at home. They look for the most bizarre thing they can find. That goose was my birthday present this year.

 This is where the paint came off the wall from the wall attachment stuff the school suggested. Seriously, why suggest something that TAKES THE PAINT OFF? I think they just suggested it so they could charge us with damages.

 Here is the windowsill. This is where my shower things reside.

Welp, I hope you enjoyed that little tour! It's time for me to relax, especially since I have no homework due until Monday! Yes.
As a little parting gift, here's a look at what ny room mate's desk looks like:

There's more and more everyday. Goodness. Hope everyone has a lovely evening!

What does your living area look like? Are you messy or clean?

Tripping Over Myself and Arch Support

I always have trouble starting out a post. It's hard to try to think of something clever to draw the reader in!

Before even getting to class for my English midterm, I was greeted with bad karma by tripping on the stairs. I'm okay, but not a great sign. I even ended up ripping some of my best tights right on the knee! Boo.

On the other hand, I think I actually did decently on the midterm. The first two parts I had down pretty well, but I'm a tad worried about the essay. We'll just see what happens. That means there's only one midterm left, History! It's the one I'm dreading the most, but I've studied up for it! I'm ready to get it over with!

I ran 5 miles today, first run of November! I need to start mapping out courses because the treadmill is not joyful for long distances. It's boring. It can be nice, but it gets old.

My left arch has been bothering me lately, and I was wondering why until I thought of a strange habit I have. You see, when sitting I tend to end up sitting on my left foot. Why? I honestly can't tell you. I should probably stop now if it's gonna mess with my arch!

I'm not really sure where to reply to comments, so I'll just say it here- Thanks! And yeah, turning off the celluar device is probably really useful.

I'll keep it short tonight so I'll leave ya'll with a picture of how lovely campus looked today:



Isn't fall grand?

What's an odd habit you have?

Continuation of Midterms and Computer Addiction

It's almost time to go to bed, and I almost forgot a daily post! My goodness, I don't want my streak to end do I?

The first and easiest midterm of the week= completed! I feel like I did pretty well on it, even though there were some questions that were not worded nicely... Just sayin'. Two more midterms to go! English tomorrow... I can do it!

It's crazy how much of our world revolves around computers nowadays. We use them for school, entertainment, news, everything! However, if you're anything like me you have a hard time of actually getting anything done when on the computer. Whether it's facebook like everyone else in my generation or reading blogs like me, it can really suck away your time. That brings me to a little challenge for everyone out there: Turn the computer off. At least try to spend a little less time on it. I've noticed how much more I get done when it's turned off, even if it's little things. Last night I cleaned up a surprising amount of things up. When I studied and had my computer off, I ended up soaking up a lot. It's really beneficial!

Another thing that's on my mind is the lack of photos on my blog as of late. I need to remember to take pictures! The only thing stopping me is the lack of interesting scenery... I need to stop making excuses is what I need to do.

It's time for me to get away from the computer for tonight! Maybe do a little more review?

What is your computer obsession? Obsession in general?

Halloween and Studying

This week is definitely going to be a tough one. Three midterms in three days. I have Theatre tomorrow, English on Tuesday and History on Wednesday. Let's do it!

I actually studied for my English midterm earlier today with someone from my class. We were actually doing pretty well for two hours... Then we started talking about other things. Overall, I feel pretty good about it now!

Last night every single one of my plans fell through. Even the RHPS one because they were sold out when I got there. I tried so hard... and it made me feel awful. But you know what? Doing stuff three out of the four days isn't too bad!

Today's activity was going to my family's little Halloween event up north. It was a nice little time with fun little treats.

The last three days I have been eating nothing but junk, and too much of it. It needs to stop! I used to alway read stories that talked about how they would eat way too much, eat at ridiculous times, etc and think, "How can people really be that ignorant to what they're doing? I'd never do that." Yet... I have done that. I'm no better than the other people out there. Everything takes work.
That brings us to our weigh in. Tonight, I weigh 133 lbs. That's about a three pound weight gain in a month. That's just not good. Truthfully, I've weighed myself during the weeks because I was paranoid, and it's fluctuated. However, I feel blobbier. I can see where the weight is going, and I don't like it. I need to start thinking about what I eat and how much of it I eat. I also feel better when I'm running and have less weight on me. It's harder to breathe with extra fat. C'mon!

I hope everyone has a Happy Halloween!

How did you spend your holiday weekend? Any midterms coming up?

My Special Seat and Empty Halls

Right now I am hanging out in the common room wondering, "Where is everyone?"  Usually there's more than one person out here. I feel like right now everyone is in their room. Bah. I don't have any homework due tomorrow, but should I study for my midterm in History on Monday. Nah. I might as well chill for a little while. (I will regret that comment later...)

Today has been an alright day. It's gloomy outside, but that doesn't mean it's bad here. I turned in my essay for English. I hope I do well!

You know how there's not an actual seating chart for classes, but you end up getting used to a certain arrangement. That's how it works for me, but recently that has been challenged by someone. I usually sit in the very front for my English class, but this girl keeps sitting in MY seat. This may sound possesive, but deep down everyone kind of thinks like this. The reason I am so determined to get my seat back is because nothing good has happened when sitting somewhere else. For example on Tuesday I became extremely tired. This has never happened in that class before. And today, my water spilled ALL over my desk. Now I have soggy notes that are not pretty looking. My seat must be reclaimed.

I ran 4 miles in 35.66 minutes today. That was without headphones too! My next run I'm going to run 6 miles! Wish me luck!

There's a Halloween dance tonight that I will be attending. It should be fun! (I hope)

Do you have a special seat, or do you just sit anywhere?