Game Day

It's another installment of Life as a Duck, because today was a special day. Today was Game Day.

At the U of O, it's pretty hard to get student tickets because they sell out very quickly. However this week? This week I had a ticket. I was ready to go to my first Duck game. Aw yeah.

Game day on colleges are usually all very similar, if you go to a school that's pretty big. People will be walking everywhere across town hours before the game, and plenty of these people aren't even students. Isn't this what always happens? Anywho, so traffic of course is not something you want to deal with. Students walking everywhere, and crazy fans in cars? It's madness out there, and half the time people are getting drunk to go watch the game at a house anyways.

Getting to the arena, and right before the game is the actual most exciting part. People are walking in droves, everyone is excited... It helps that our team is good. The energy that flows through the whole stadium is addicting.

As for the noise? Well, recently I read that U of O stadium is the second loudest college football stadium in the country. They were only beat by a school that caused a mini quake because of their noise. If you ever somehow end up watching a game with UofO, just listen. You can hear them.

Lately, our team has been very good, and it's almost expect that we're going to win. Tonight's game though... oof. Sure, it was close near the end, but we did not play well. So many dropped balls... Oye.

I apologize if I seem a tad incoherent, it's just I'm very tired. Truth be told, as soon as I got back into my apartment tonight, I knew I wasn't going anywhere. Don't worry, I was glad. I'm surprised I'm not asleep now... which is what I'll probably go do now. Goodnight.

Are you a big football fan?

Running Overtime

I keep on thinking it's Saturday, but that's because my schedule today has been a lot like my Saturdays... So now, I'm exhausted. Let me explain.

Yesterday, I ran 8 miles. Normally, I have a rest day and them run a long run on Saturday. Instead, I ran an 18 mile run today. I was so exhausted in the last mile or so I wanted to cry, but I couldn't because that would take more energy.

I feel like I really haven't had a chance to stop for the day until 9 tonight, so I'm probably a tad crabby because I haven't gotten a chance to rest. As soon as I was done, I showered, drove for an hour or so, went to an art show, and... here we are. Guh.

Lesson learned? I don't think I can ever run a long run on a Friday ever again. Also, apparently I can't make weekend plans before Saturday ever again... at least until I'm done training.

When was the last time you decided to do too much at once?

Long Runs Equal Energy Zappers

Long run days can take a lot out of me, but I don't really notice it until a couple hours later. And when you've had that wall of exhaustion hit you, you do not want to do anything. You especially don't want to have to walk up and down stairs.

Guess what I got to do?

One of my little cousins came over to visit, and for some reason no one else was available to play with the three year old bundle of energy. Moments before, she had passed out for about five minutes and that's when I hit my wall. She decides she wants to play "Castle" with me. "Castle consists of throwing a feather boa down the stairs, going down to get it, and going back up to throw it again. This repeated several times. So I'm tired.

I love my long runs, but they screw with my system like crazy! I'm munching on things like crazy, and it throws my hunger gauge off every time I have a long run.

I'm also getting a wicked runner's tan.

Aw yeah.

So, I really can't think much. Yeah.

Last thing on my mind: I've been having quite a few problems with blogger for awhile now, so I'm thinking I might change hosting sites. Any suggestions?

Leaving Early, Coming Back Late

Left the house at 7:45 AM. Returned home at 9:30 PM. Yeah, it's been one of those days.

One of the reasons I didn't make it home until so late was because my mom and I visited a family member in the hospital. He had surgery on his back which has been giving him problems for a long time.
When we got to the hospital, we saw my cousin (his wife) with tears welling up in her eyes. Before, I hadn't really been too freaked out about his surgery (don't worry, it went fine. It was just really long.), but when I saw her face like that, I was spooked. It wasn't really because she was teary, but because she's the family member I've always seen be strong. She's always been tough. I know it's just because she was worried and stressed, but when you see someone you've always known as tough at a weak moment... It's scary.

Brain fried, and it all starts again tomorrow. Woo.

Who's one of the toughest people in your life? Have you ever seen them at a weak moment?

Running Is Sexy

Oof. I am seriously tired tonight. Yeah, I'm cool like that.

Today was long run day! Once again I ran a 12 mile run. Next week I'm running a 13 mile. Whoa.

Through all of my running, there has been one thought that has repeatably gone through my mind:

Running is Sexy.

The copious amounts of mucus I have excreted from my body during runs would beg to differ, but I think it's true. Running is extremely sexy.

First of all, running makes me feel sexy. Yes, there are many parts of it that don't make me feel sexy too. One of those reasons is mentioned above, and there are also times where I feel completely terrible during the running process. However, there are many magical moments that make me feel fantastic. Like, when you've gotten into the motion. You feel great, right? You just feel good. Another thing is when I just get done. Being an Oregonian, I am unusually pale. But when I finish running, there's color in my face. I look alive! And quite honestly, looking alive is an attractive feature.


Sorry RPat, the dead thing isn't a turn on. At least for most normal people.

 The other thing that makes running attractive well.... I'm not quite sure. There's a few things. Of course you can get amazing legs from running and get into shape, but there are runners out there who are overweight too. You know what? There is still something about them that makes them sexy. When you are a runner, you have amazing strength. Whether it's a mile or a marathon, just getting out there is incredible.



Think about these guys. They finished a freakin' marathon. Are they stick figures? No! Who cares!

 It kind of goes with the confidence idea. When you think of yourself as confident, everyone else will see you as confident. Don't my runners out there feel like sexy beasts after completing an awesome run? I do.

So go out there and run! It doesn't matter if it's only a little bit, running is wonderful. You are using your body for amazing things.
(Well, your body can do other amazing things, but let's not talk about those things now, shall we?)

Feel sexy. Be sexy. Run.

Yeah, I may sounds like a complete goofball. That's just what I think. Besides, if I feel sexy from something, doesn't it mean it's a good thing?

Starting tomorrow, it's time to begin getting things done. ...Other than running. Have a nice night!

Does running make you feel sexy?

Civil War and Drowsiness

Today feels like Sunday. I'm so glad it's not, due to the fact that then finals would be starting. Oh dear.

Breakfast with Santa was... seriously? It was super lame. We even had to pay just to eat boring breakfast food! Santa was just sitting in the corner. It just sounded like it would be more... eventful.
Yeah, I realize how weird it sounds to say that we had to pay, but there are so many events that happen that include free food, I've gotten used to it.

I was convinced that the Civil War was going to be at 6 at night and was shocked to see it had already started at 12. I missed the first 30 minutes! This is what happens with miscommunication texts. Also the reason talking on the phone is better.
...What kind of teenager am I?
Anywho. The game was in my opinion, great! I was glad it wasn't a blowout like a lot of people were thinking.
My side? I may have grown up at OSU, and I love my beavs...



They're smelling more than roses this year. It's a good thing.

 ...But I gotta say, I love my ducks. Plus, they are rockin' it out this year.

The one act is tomorrow! Truth be told, the whole things has gotten a lot better since we started. I'm excited for it, but strangely a little glad when it's over. It's a bit stressful. I'm so excited I got to be a a part of it though!

Today otherwise has been... odd. I've slept a lot because I didn't get much sleep last night. Strangely enough I'm still tired. I also haven't eating anything that can be counted as real food today except maybe that apple. A slothly day? Perhaps. Definitely not used to it. I like eating real food. Back to normal tomorrow? Hopefully so.

The one productive thing I did today? I managed to put the sheets back on my bed. For pretty much a week I've been sleeping on only the mattress and white cover thing. It's been a distracting week. This could be the lamest I've ever been on a Saturday this school year. Do I care? Not really. I want to relax, so I will. Besides, finals are coming right?

Who are your home state rivalries in football?

Long Run of Hills and Boosting the Holiday Spirit

Wooah. Today has been an exhausting day, although today was also really a wonderful day.

Last day of classes! Fantastic! Doesn't feel like the last day, but then again finals are next week... Eh. Must start with the studying for them.

Once again it was long run day. Honestly, I was terrified for this run. This week my running was so difficult. Some of the small runs were super hard this week. I was sore like crazy. Lots of things to make me paranoid. However, I knew that if I didn't run today I wasn't going to want to tomorrow.

OH MAN. I have to say that I personally believe a mile up a hill should count as more than a mile on flat ground. My goodness! I ended up mapping out a map down a road that was pretty much all up hill. The wind was extremely killer as well. Can I mention that wind is my least favorite element ever? Seriously, I cannot stand it. Was it a super hard run for me? Yes. Did this sexy beast end up running her 12 miles? HELL yes. I might be super sore and tired, but I feel... accomplished. One more mile until a half marathon. Let's do this!





Will I make the mistake of not learning if the run is hilly or not? Probably yes.Why? Because I've done it before. The probability of it happening again is high.

After my run I ended up filling myself with sugary food. THIS IS BAD. I felt so sick. Once I ate some real food, I felt alright. Cookies? Not so much.

Tonight was the Tree Lighting Ceremony on campus tonight. It's a big town event that not only involves the college students but the town members. I was worried that I was going to miss the festivities because we had One Act rehersal planned for the evening. We ended up canceling it for the evening, so luck was with me to enjoy the festivities. Ah, let's just say that thought it was freezing outside, tonight was simply... happy.



The tree. A lot cooler in person.

 Truth be told, I'd been feeling down the last few days and tonight has just brought my mood through the roof. Walking on campus made my holiday spirit pumped up. That and... we're totally watching White Christmas in my hall right now.


My mom will sing the "Sisters" song all year.

 Oh yes. My Christmas movies are this, those old Rankin/Bass movies, The Santa Clause Parts 1 and 2, and Love Actually.

Cut that, Love Actually is one movie I will watch anytime of the year.

Tomorrow some of the hall mates and I are having breakfast with Santa! Plus it's Civil War tomorrow. YES.

What movies do you watch during the holidays?

Changing Plans and Basketball Games

Yes, it is another one of those evenings where I am not sure if I will be able to get to a computer. life has been quite busy as of late.
This morning after going to bed at an intelligent hour (meaning staying up until one thirty), I drove back to campus for an eight am class. Joyful. The plan for traveling for Thanksgiving was yet again changed. I think that I have become so rigid in scheduling because I have people changing or flaking out on plans so much. Ironic no?
Tonight I ended up going to the OSU basketball with some cousins, my sis, grandma and parents. what a fun game! Go beavs!

How do you deal with constantly changing plans?

Busy days and First Impressions

Oof. What a day it's been. Busy busy busy! The start of a very busy week, that's for sure.

There was class like normal, then a quick lunch led by meeting with the Spanish teacher to get signed up for Spanish 102. She suggested I sit in her 2:00 201 class. That meant showering quickly, then running into her class. Honestly, I felt like I could understand for the most part. Although I wish there was a class in between 102 and 201 happening next term, because that would feel the best. For the rest of the day I've been studying for my Health test tomorrow and finishing up my English reading.

There was also a meeting for the One Act thrown in at 5:30. That was... awkward, simply because my fatigue from the day made me sound like an idiot. Ugh. First impressions with the other guy? Not the greatest. I pulled off a pretty legit dumb blond facade.

It's felt like I have not stopped going... but I'm ready to crash. I'm a little worried about the test, but I'm always worried. Getting a good night's sleep will help, and I can study a little extra in the morning.

...There is yelling and screaming happening outside. Damn you 1st Taylor, you guys are always super obnoxious.

Tomorrow is the Turkey Trot and a benefit concert in Corvallis that I promised to go to. Only a few more days!

What are your busy days like?

Generation "I'm Sorry"

Today is... was a sleepy day. One of those days where a tired haze has hovered over me all day. Could it be due to my body fighting back after a killer run? Most likely. Naps were necessary.

Today was also a fall preview day. I can't say that I enjoy fall preview days, because they kind of freak me out. It's the idea of "That was me last year" that weirds me out. Even though it's only been a year, it makes me feel ancient. Perhaps wiser? ...Yeah, sure.

Since it's been a day of do-nothingness, I will talk about something that I have recently been observing more and more.
Let's state one thing here first of all. My age group is actually a pretty nice group of people. Statistically speaking, we've done more volunteer work than any other generation. Also, it could just be Oregon but people are extremely nice. They hold doors open, greet you with a friendly smile, and say bless you when you sneeze. All that lovely stuff you were taught to do as a child. There is only one little thing that makes us bothersome to deal with though. My generation is WAY too over apologetic.

Now, you may be thinking, "Isn't it good to apologize?" Why yes, it is. However this age group decides that we need to say sorry for everything.

Someone bumps into you. "Sorry."
You didn't do amazing on a test. "Sorry."
Someone accidentally interrupts. "Sorry."
They have to leave to get to class. "Sorry."

I'm all for apologizing when something needs to be apologized for. It's when you say sorry for every little thing that it's bothersome. It's like saying "I love you." too much. Those three words are usually used for something very special. When you say it all the time, it loses it's value. Same goes for sorry because when you say sorry for accidentally stepping in front of me with the same tone as when a tragic loss happened in my family, it doesn't sound very sincere. (That's just an example, nothing like that has happened.)

Words are meant to be special for certain things. When a word is overused, it just becomes noise.
The next comment may make this whole speech sound hypocritical. I used to use sorry ALL of the time. My family hated it. I hated it. I started trying to use it less and less. I think I've gotten pretty good at it. The biggest factor of my change? Realizing that when you use sorry all of the time, it's really annoying.
Yes, you're trying to be nice. It just starts sounding insincere.

So, if you're one of my generation who uses sorry way too often, try to stop yourself next time when it isn't necessary. You'll discover that it's nice when it really means something to apologize. ...Although apologizing is usually linked to something bad happening. You get what I mean.

I need to go to a show tonight in Linfield for Theatre. Time for me to get dressed and ready!

Do you over apologize? Do you know someone who does?

Granola and DJ-ing

Oof. I wish I was one of those people who could run on no sleep, but I need at least 7 hours… That will probably have to change with college. I must start enjoying the taste of coffee.
Almost every morning I have one of the most delicious breakfasts ever. I have a mug of granola, milk, and some peanut butter mixed in. It may sound a bit odd, but it is wonderful. I’ve been getting the granola from Valsets since I have early class most of the week and get there before class starts. I must get more granola though…

Mmm, yummy!

I saw my mom and grandma today. We were making sure that my financial aid was all correct for the umpteenth time. I just like to make sure, you know? I worry that I’m doing the thing everyone says not to do which is see your family a lot the first year. My mom reassures me I’m fine. I suppose I over think these things.

My run today was a weak one. I was not feeling it, I was tired, and I didn’t drink enough water. I ran for 32 minutes but my Runkeeper bugged out again. I’ll have to do the drive test and see how far it was, but I think it was only 3 miles. Since we’re on the subject of running…

I am officially registered for 2011 Cascade Half Marathon on January 16th.

This is crazy! The most I’ve ever run I think has been 6 miles, and that was a run/walk. But I can do this. I WILL do this. And it will be awesome.

I’m getting sick. My throat is starting to really hurt. I’ll have some O J tomorrow and get some sleep tonight. I know you should be doing these things before to prevent getting sick, but I’m a college student! I don’t think logically!

My cousin deejay-ed a dance over here! How cool is that? I went for a little bit, but my throat was killing me after awhile.



Rocking the DJ booth

 It's time for me to drink some tea, finish my Shakespeare reading and then it's bedtime for me. Night everyone!
What's your go-to breakfast? What are some things you do when you are starting to get sick to feel better?

"Major" Issues

Goodness gracious, I am tired. Alas, I have things that I need to get done! Ick.

My room mate's on-again off-again boyfriend stayed the night last night. They didn't do anything (I think) and were asleep before me. This was not pleasant when I discovered he was a mouth breather.

I woke up at 5 this morning, a good reason why I'm tired. I thought that it was later, and by the time I was all alert I realized my mistake.

This afternoon, I officially changed my major to "Exploratory". Ugh. This is a ridiculous way of saying Undecided. I'm still not sure what I want to do with my life. I know that I'm interested in maybe working in media, or with languages, traveling, organizing.... There are so many different things! The worse part is that I might not be going to the right college for what I want to do. I like this school. I like the environment, the campus, the class organization. I just got here! I'm pretty sure I'm staying to do my LACCs as well. We'll see what happens in life.

Today was my sister's birthday! I drove down to Eugene and back tonight for dinner, so that's why I'm doing this entry so late it seems. She turned 21 today! I drew her a picture today, even though it was a bit rushed due to time restraints. I think she liked it though!

Sis and her pal sippin' some cosmos

How did you decide on a major? Do you like what you chose?

A Lazy Sort of Day During New Student Week

In my first few days, I’ve noticed something here. There is one guy who is everywhere. He talks to everyone, hangs with everyone, goes to every event. I know this must happen everywhere, but I have discovered our guy like that and his name is Rob. He just appears out of nowhere, and doesn’t have any main group. He is EVERYWHERE. Just a random thought I had.
Jumanji was fun last night. I didn’t realize I’d never really seen it, I’d only seen like 5 minutes before. There was also this racehorse thing which I was way too excited about after awhile. The crazy thing is, I almost didn’t want to stay when I couldn’t find anyone I knew out there. Instead of staying in like a sourpuss, I found some random people and sat with them. Isn’t it so much better when you make an effort to be social? You never know what you’ll miss out on.
We had an activities fair today that told us about things to do around campus. I signed up for a lot of things, but I’m not going to do everything. I just want info on it, you know?
Today has been a slow day. Everyone has become exhausted from all of the activities we’ve been doing and lack of sleep we’ve had.
I’ve written four letters, and I make some pretty sweet lookin’ letters. Check it out:

When I write letters, I write LEGIT letters.

I can't believe it's already Thursday night though.Where does the time go? I'm excited to start classes, but I know that it'll be tiresome. I can't help it!

I've noticed that my blog may seem a bit impersonal without a picture. The real reason I have not added a picture is due to the fact is I haven't found a good one! I'm picky, I know. I'll find a good one now.

What activites do you or did you do while in college? Did you have a guy you see everyone on your campus?

The First Official College Post

Hello everyone! This is my FIRST official post from school. Hooray! I hate that I wasn't able to post a honest to goodness post the other day, but I was without internet until very recently! Where else would we begin other than Sunday morning?




All of my things, before moved into the car

 It was a sunny day when I was moving in for the most part. I knew that my secret hoping and praying had paid off. I had never realized just how stressful it would be to move in. I thought, "Oh, I'll make sure that everything is very organized so that it will be a breeze." This of course was not the case. It's difficult for a person to move in by themselves yet it is extremely difficult moving in with the help of others. If you're like me, you have ideas where things should go, how they should look. Your way. The rest of the world does not think this way.



The van, stuffed with college things

This brings me to the first thing I have learned in college:

• 1. You can't unpack all in one day.

I wanted to, I really did. I live in the mindset of getting tasks done as quickly as possible to have time for other things. What are you going to do? Somewhere in the day there was lunch at a cute little cafe, but unpacking basically lasted until 5ish. I'll try to summarize the rest of the day; Met the hallmates, did a "meet and greet" that involved running up to someone and yelling your name as you ran to the next person, and then went to a welcoming party. This is where it gets interesting.
You know how I said I wanted to get away from the people of my old school, meet new people? My roomate is from my hometown. The party was held by the older sister of another girl from my school. All I can say is that it wasn't for me. I wanted to go. I wanted to stay in my dorm my very first night of college. I don't care if I get a million days here, I just have something about sentimental dates and such. That's when I did something stupid. I walked home. I know, it's one of the dumbest things you can do. All alone at night where you don't know where you are, and it's raining. It was like a bad movie. This made me realize I need to try to shift away from doing things with my roomie all of the time. Do things my own way right? I ended up even hanging out with some hallmate in the common area for awhile too.

There's so many things to say, but so little space to say it! This week is beginning to feel like that too. I learned about media at WOU, met a friend from another hall, heard a few speakers including the real life hitch, went to a dance, then got to this point. ...That really doesn't explain much, does it? I dislike having to compress everything into blurbs, but this is what happens when you have two days of running around like mad with lack of sleep.

I will work on my blogging skills. Perhaps I need to keep notes of my days? Does anyone keep notes of their days for their blogs? I just need to remember to take pictures. It's so hard to remember!

Tomorrow's post will be more blog-y! I'm still learning. (Also, I'm going to delete that last post.)