Today I Wore My Grown-Up Socks...

Well, these were actually my socks from yesterday (notice the nice floral pattern? a Christmas gift that finally got professional use...), but you'll have to take my word that I had my nice blacks on today and Sunday. Obviously, this was not a brief fling with playing dress-up for classes, so I was actually at a conference where I actually got to officially skip classes. How sweet is that?

Except for the fact that I have to make up all that work and collect notes...that is. However, I was able to learn a ton of information and feel that I made some very good contacts. My hope is that I'll really be able to get a foot into the International Programs field. I also managed to have some fun at the group activities and bonding with my co-workers. My "bosses" (who dislike the term) are amazing and have wicked senses of humor (which seems to go with the field). When the bellhop rolled in the roll-away bed, it was vertical, with straps fastening the mattress to the frame. We laughed a little, as the bed fit much better vertical so one of my bosses said:

"Well, since you've only been working for a few month...give it a few more and you'll have earned the right to sleep horizontal..."

So that was an on-going joke this weekend.

Other than the conference, I also got to see some friends this weekend. The first met us for dinner at a good Indian restaurant. It was the first time I'd seen B. since we got back from Germany (and the first time since Germany that we'd gotten Indian again too...yum) and it was fun to reminisce and catch up some. Eric was going crazy after being stuck in the apt all week and sick, so he was particularly glad to get out. He's particularly less happy about being hospitalized tomorrow due to his lagging and steadily worsening pneumonia, but you can't win them all, right?

Jokes aside, I will be relieved when he finally gets better - this has been going on waaaay too long. The "best" side-effect is when anyone asks how things are going I mention that my roommate has pneumonia, then they ask how "she" is doing. At which point I go through the following conversation:

"Oh, my roommate is actually a guy- Eric"
"Oh, I didn't realize you had a boyfriend...you're living together huh?"
"Um, no...we were just studying together in Germany and it just kind of worked out to be convenient for both of us - although I'm sure he'd much rather be living with his German girlfriend"
"Oh..."

I keep joking that I'm going to get a T-shirt with 3 arrows and texts on it:
------> Roommate who has a Girlfriend
Brother <-------
(Upwards arrow) SINGLE.

Not that I'm particularly upset with my dating status, but it is kind of awkward that people assume this (because I carpool with my brother and Eric and we have similar friend groups/ I mostly leech off of Eric's friend group...) and it's getting a little wearing. Once people actually know us, they immediately realize that Eric is the brother I never knew I wanted. But, I can't complain as we've proved to be compatible roommates with similar levels of clutter tolerance (high...).

Anyhow, I'm going to go and do homework now...the real world is calling and I've got WAY too much homework to answer.

Biohazard Roommate

Whew. Already a week? Talk about lame blogging standards. In my defense, I've been busy picking up not only my own slack, but Eric's as well.

Friday evening was Uli's birthday party. Eric and I staged a bitter, biting fight while Uli was in the car - telling him that we had to drive to my Grandma's to bake dinner, as I "broke" the oven. He was only slightly suspicious, but completely fell for our "fight". He was very surprised to see the whole group (pretty much) gathered at Applebees, and enjoyed his birthday dinner and cakes. We ended up back at our place, where some serious Apples to Apples and Guitar Hero happened. We rounded off the night with The Boondock Saints (where Uli learned why it was never released in theaters...). A great evening, and Uli's first (and most likely last, as Germans aren't into it) surprise birthday party.

Sunday evening, as Eric lay hacking and wheezing on the couch, he said that his dad said he should go to the ER. He said it in an off-hand manner, which I knew meant that he was going to try to tough it out. So I pulled rank, called my rents, got their official med-field endorsed recommendation to take him, and hauled him in - after he finished his current episode of scrubs. Long story short, we eventually made it to Urgent care where they gave him a nebulizer treatment, then a chest x-ray, eventually giving him bronchitis/pneumonia meds and a prescription for an inhaler. He's been back to the doctor, who yesterday was impressed at his raging sickness, and so now he's renting a nebulizer that he gets to take 4 times a day, along with more medicine and the inhaler. He's one sick puppy.

Due to this, I got to pick up his slack as far as German night went. Which was tonight. So I spent a good 3 hours shopping for the evening, plus more time picking up orders and trying to manage the chaos. Everything went off without a hitch, and we have enough peasoup left that I could take a bath in it. Ok, not really, but as I'm not a fan of pea soup, it seems that way. The food was a hit though and the program went smoothly. Some of my dance TA's showed up to Waltz (which was nice that they agreed to come), and so that was kind of fun too.

Speaking of dance, I have some catching up to do! Monday we were instructed to bring a blindfold, so I dutifully brought my scarf. My first partner was actually a returned dance TA, with his wife and adorable 3 month son. Who, he assured us will be a dancer. Very cute. So that went really well. The next one...not so much. The melody was ok (or I thought so, hard to tell when you can't see your partner's feet...), but I kept losing him on moves. And I did NOT want to be groping around when we back-passed (you drag your hand across his back, in theory...but I wasn't going to take any chances) and did other moves. But it could have been much, much worse.

On Wednesday, we chose our dance partners for the test on this up-coming Monday. Since I'm going to be at a conference, I wasn't sure if I should pick one. However, the main male TA told me to go ahead, that we'll just test on Wednesday. Luckily, the guy that I ended up was perfectly all right with this. We also danced a few songs with our partners. We learned a new move - the "grapevine", which, yes, involves stepping backwards and sideways while dancing. Anyhow, we made a beautiful transition in and out (oh, and he's about 4 inches taller than me, so we're well matched...) and he excitedly exclaimed "We are the grapevine masters!" in a very gleeful tone to the the couple nearest us. This happened to be "Counts with his eyes" and his partner. He retorted that he would grapevine all over us. Any time, any place, hmm boys? I got a kick out of the testosterone rush, and really, dancing was fun.

Today in my Brit lit class we were discussing Dr. Faustus and specifically, the concept of hell presented. The Professor said "Think of something you really like...and now imagine not having it...times infinity". Now, admittedly, the first thing that came to mind was chocolate ice cream...so it was hilarious when my friend Ashely muttered under her breath...ice cream....Great minds think alike!

As busy as this week has been, it'll be nice to be in the weekend. However, I've noticed a trend with some of the guys in my classes. Now, I know a lot of guys hunt - but really, how many tree stands can you fall out of? To clarify...A lot of guys come back to school on Monday with mysterious scrapes, bumps and bruises and no forthcoming stories. These are obvious injuries too, like scratches and black eyes on their faces. Admittedly, I did once dance with a guy who assured me that the scrapes were from his new puppy - he hadn't been assaulted or vice versa. He said he didn't want to look creepy. So, really, I think my question is fair enough - what do guys do on their weekends to get so beat up?! I suppose I really don't expect an answer...

Finally, another quick story from my brit lit class. We were discussing how Faustus seems to fall into every deadly sin. My Professor referred to his fling with lechery as his "erotic appetite". As this Professor considers himself a bit of a wit and likes to stretch the comfort zone of his students, he caught one student apparently making a strange face and whispering so he said:
"You don't like the term Erotic Appetite?!"
To which the poor girl blushed and responded...
"No...my stomach was growling..."
Which, is pretty hilarious...given the context.
Anyhow, if it wasn't funny, you have to give me a break as I'm coming down with the sniffles - hopefully just from my allergies...

A Note From Steph's Body

Hey...
So I realize that you're pushing our boundaries...this whole ballroom thing is totally a step in the right direction (see, you're not the only one making bad puns...). However, did we really need to become intimately acquainted with the dead fall hammer? Like, losing skin acquainted? We prefer to keep the blood in veins, so please do try to be careful.

Speaking of careful, we're not quite sure what the hell you were thinking later on. Let's see, eyes showed you that your piece was literally orange-hot, and yet you decided to nudge your piece with your finger! Uh, hello?!?! That sucker cauterized so fast, but we don't appreciate the new square scar you've given yourself. We think the cigarette burn adds character enough.

Speaking of skin, we really do appreciate the new facial medication...the not-being-nauseous thing is definitely an improvement...so, really, we can be grateful. However, hair is a bit miffed that it's currently shorter than it has been in years - although neck is grateful for the lighter weight. Additionally, we're all not sure how we liked being touched by a complete stranger: do you even know how many other heads of hair this woman touched? Let's be a little more careful in the future. Small town mentality we may be, but we all agree hair is serious.

Finally, can we discuss your eating habits? We appreciate you don't cause us to be in abject hunger too often, but how about some meal-time regulation? Mondays and Wednesdays get a little tough with night classes, but for pete's sake, pack yourself a sandwich. And, would a little protein be too much to ask for? We know you don't have the time to cook, and that meat is inconvenient, but - hey- peanut butter! Finally, that multi-vitamin you keep sitting in the kitchen? You're supposed to ingest it...it doesn't use osmosis.

All right. We just wanted to let you know where we stand. Obviously we're still all right - we're young enough that we're practically made out of rubber - but lets try to establish some healthier habits now, mmmk?
Thanks. Good talk.

You Spin Me Right Round Baby, Right Round...

And if you keep spinning me, I will probably throw up on you. At least, that's what I wanted to tell the tall TA who kept me whirling through combinations so fast I didn't have the time to keep the time. Now, spinning and alcohol-breath aside, I was actually nauseous for a good part of Monday. My dermatologist gave me the face-medicine-from-hell and the torment kicked in Monday morning. However, as I did not want to be labeled as "The girl who puked in ball room", I concentrated and luckily made it through the hour. The rest of the day was iffy, on and off, but I made it through. I called the dermatologist this morning, and they found another antibiotic that hopefully won't try to turn my stomach inside out.

On a much less disgusting note, I got my scholarship check today. It'll help pay for the next few months of rent and the haircut I got tonight. I was looking at my splintered ends, and forced myself to bite the bullet. I called for an appointment (following a cousin's suggestion), and was peeved when I came to "walk-in" and they were somehow booked for the night. So I found a back up. I was terrified to have a strange lady touching my hair (yes, yes...small town mentality...the first stranger to ever cut my hair...and I'm 21...). She must have sensed my nervousness, and double checked every cut. I ended up lopping off my longest layer, but it feels much healthier now. Otherwise summed up as: "I Feel Pretty".

My classes weren't terribly exciting so far this week. My art instructor took a look at my project sketch for the bracelet I wanted to do and asked me: "Are you crazy?". So we made some compromises about scale and difficulty and I got to start drawing some wire for the project. A lot of the people in my class have some very interesting concepts and it's nice that we're all on individual projects now.

Tomorrow I have a presentation on Margery Kemp: A Saint Wannabe and Anchorite/Anchoress Groupie. Plus she's pretty much a full blown psychopath. Though, her ability to bend a traditional woman's role in 1300-1400 medieval England is quite admirable. Nevertheless, there's 183 pages of my life that I'll never have back that could have been summed up with "She prayed diligently and spent most of her life pregnant or weeping hysterically". Plus, she was quite the collector of Saints' characteristics. However, I am more than ready to get into the next section: witchcraft. It'll be interesting to see the fine line between "saint" and "witch".

Seriously Slacking...in this area of life

Wow.
So it's been a pathetically long time since my last update...
This week has been crazy. China night was a new kind of crazy. The massive amount of food that they had (catered in...my dreams of making a recipe book is slipping away) was absolute overwhelming. There was barely enough room in the warming ovens in the industrial kitchen to hold it all! They had at least 10 different main varieties of food, although we could only keep 8 chafing dishes running at a time. We almost ran into the same problem as last week - the chafing dishes were locked up in catering...and no one had the key. Turns out that the building manager (shocking...) has the key! Last time they had to call the poor woman back to work, and we still had to use the industrial sized ones from the hot room. It was quite the ordeal.

This week, even as I was running around trying to get everything set up in time, I realized I was having the time of my life. And getting paid for it. This is wonderful. I also realized that I can't wait to not be a poor college student. I know, I know, the real world sucks - but I hate knowing that everything I buy is pretty much putting me into debt twice. Student Loans...what a mixed blessing!

Let's see...oooh. Midterms...So I facebook stalked my dance partner (but told him, in order to avoid the inherit pathetic-ness of this measure...) - and it's a small, small world. His hometown is less than an hour away from mine, and he's dating a girl who went to my high school. As for the dancing part, it went pretty well. We didn't, by any means, get through all the moves. However, the smiling part (non-optional), was easy as our song was "The Rainbow Connection". Honestly, who can be upset with Kermit crooning in the background?

My midterm in Modern Grammar didn't massacre me, as I feared. I did decently, but will have to work harder for the next two tests. However, as more than half of the class got a C or below, the class is starting to thin out. I think I figured out that I technically don't need the course, but as I'm learning a lot I think it was a good decision. My other English midterm, Brit Lit, was pretty much a complete waste of time...busy work. It was open-book, open-note, so there wasn't a lot of independent thought required. On a side note, my essays are starting to drive the both of us nuts. He starts off by writing something snarky in the first paragraph (usually asking me if I'm going to support my claims), which drives me absolutely insane. Of course I'm going to back my claims up...that's why you're going to have to read the damn paper! That 's the whole point of a introduction. Then, he write a longish paragraph (about 75% legible, give or take 50) where he admits he has to give me a good grade, but has a slew of suggestions.

This is frustrating, as I know that I can write better papers...of course I can. The problem is the lack of motivation and good assignments. I literally wrote two papers for the last essay. The first was the paper he was expecting, the second was one that was actually a challenge. Did I have time to do this? Not really, but I'm that discontent with his course. I then asked him which one he wanted, (the first, second or both) and he only wanted the first, of course. I fully understand that he has a lot of work as it is, but I wish he could see how limiting his assignments really are. Be careful for what you wish for though, right?

Finally, I completed my art project. My grade was what I expected from him. He and I both know I can do better on the next one, so I'm satisfied for the time being. I'm also, of course, inordinately proud of my little gewgad, but that's besides the point. Oh, and it's extremely shiny.

At any rate, I should probably get back to doing more homework...I did the worst first already, but have a lot of reading ahead of me this evening...

Could You Show Me Your Hot Room?

So, I discovered what a "hot room" is today. It's a room in the basement of the building where I do the cultural nights at the university. It has a generator of some sort down there, and (believe it or not), it's hot. I got to see this room because of a chafing dish semi-fiasco. Actually, I was never really that worried, but that's besides the point. Sweden went very well, it was a good attendance, and without the craziness of India. The room the chafing dishes are in was locked, but they eventually got someone to come. I retrieved the dish, only to find out that they'd be needing two. However, the lady who had unlocked the door said they kept th big banquet ones in the "hot room". It didn't help that the next person I asked had absolutely no idea what room I meant. However, things went smoothly and we were even done relatively early.

Yesterday in ballroom dance was interesting, to say the least. I started out with a male TA, which went fine. I ended up with The Freshman, and it was pretty awful. Talk about a 180 personality change. He snapped at me twice when I misread his cues and very nearly dropped me when he dipped me. He spun me around so fast and carelessly that I almost freaked out. No apology either. Perhaps it's the fact that midterms are around the corner and reality is sinking in, but it made for a rather unpleasant experience.

To make matters more awkward. We had to "choose" partners for the dance...girls asked = free for all. I feel sorry for the guy I ended up with, as his face is about level with my shoulders. Almost. He has to go on tiptoe when I get twirled. However, he was much more enthused about the notion of dressing up and color coordinating (we made two rounds around the floor without him spinning me before he finally blurted out "Geez, I'm the guy and I'm the one really getting into this!"), as we get extra credit for it. He has good rhythm, and was a fun partner. I think we both feel confident about the test on Monday, so that's also a plus.

In metalsmithing, I ended up conceding a bit with my project. The more it got finished, the more flaws came up. However, on Wednesday it was pretty hectic with a lot of people farther behind than I was who needed the polishing machines for their first time, not second or third. When the instructor asked if I was pleased, I told him the truth, mostly. That I wasn't, but I'd fix it after I got it back from grading. That kind of threw him. I know I'm not a pro, but with the time restraints and people needing the machines, I should've realized sooner and corrected the mistakes before the last night. The most important thing for me is getting the piece to how I want it, not necessarily the grade. I'm not claiming this is entirely sane.

Ironically, I'm going to go finish my reading for tomorrow: Margery Kemp. Psychopath and anchorite groupie. The narrative has been quite interesting so far...Anyhow, I'm out.

Build Me Up Buttercup

I have had "Build Me Up Buttercup" stuck in my head for the last 4 days. I never know when it will stop lurking in my subconscious and spring at me. I mean, I obviously feel worse for the poor innocents when may overhear me launch into an off-key rendition, but talk about an ear worm...

In other news...I'll get to my weekend last.
I just got home from my night class, and we're THIS close to being done. This Wednesday we'll slap a patina on that sucker and call 'er finished. I hadn't realized how emotionally invested I am in it until a guy from class asked if he could see it. I noticeably drew my hand back even as the words "Of Course..." slipped through my lips. Worst of all, he noticed. A little embarrassing, but he understood of course and so we just laughed about it.

Another funny thing was at my work study today. I got to assemble 50 orientation packets for some incoming students. Each with about 20 different pages. I only had to 3-hole punch 2 of the documents, but apparently it was enough of a difference that I couldn't simply put them together. So, I got to put them together in chunks. The funny part was that my boss was so apologetic. However, the only bad about it is that it's mind-numbingly boring. Much like wrapping condoms or shredding documents for hours. It has the added bonus of not being manure to shovel. At any rate, I will take mindless work over sitting bored any day, so in comparison I found her comment on the situation merely funny.

Today was an interesting day in dance. We learned the last moves for the Waltz (except one) and they went pretty disastrously for me with a partner. Not helping the situation was that I only danced with one guy that I'd danced with before. However, the other 3 were actually all from English classes I've taken (one from back in my sophomore year and he clearly didn't remember me. Fair enough since he's had a lot more classes at UND than me), including 2 currently in classes with me. Regardless, I still had fun and I'm glad I'm taking the class. Our test is coming up next week, but I think it'll go ok. I actually had to tell one of my partners not only the count, but also the cues for almost every move we made - so that has boosted my confidence.

My weekend was pretty much amazing. I saw my family and watched the soccer game they'd come up for. They took a beating...but apparently it's their 5th game in 8 days. I'd probably be a little broken too by then. I spent Friday night watching the debate with some international students (we mostly watched the lines and made jokes about Tom, erm, John, but plenty about both candidates). Then I hung out with Eric and some of his friends, although Guitar Hero is definitely not my forte. Saturday night Eric and I went out with the international students to a couple of places and had a blast. I hadn't been out since Regensburg, and it was nice to have people around. This was after a family dinner where Uli and Eric got to meet Benny (and some other family members as well). On Sunday, after church I did homework until Eric made some amazing Alfredo at the guys' apartment and then I went home. It was a pretty long and tiring weekend, but definitely a lot of fun.

Anyhow, I need to go and do more homework (shocking...) and should finish my food before it gets cold.

Twilight is the Crack Cocaine of literature.

So, yeah...Twilight (the newest fad following in the shoes of Harry Potter) sucked in my soul yesterday. I may have read from about page 190 (my work from the afternoon) starting at about 11pm until I finished it. Now, I did do my homework first, but I was up outrageously late, and my body and brain were not happy about it today. But I did survive.

Today was as long as any Thursday normally is and then some. Modern Grammar was a bit of a challenge (and I think it's all going down hill from here), and my Brit Lit class was all right. Since my German Prof had to help introduce a speaker at a conference on campus, he told us he expected us to be there instead. Well, Eric and I showed up...and suffered enormously. The speaker was an aide to JFK and public speaking was not his forte. So that was less than fun. I went to work at 5, and that's when the real excitement began.

I'm running the cultural nights every Thursday as the main component of my job. Tonight was a HUGE turnout- people couldn't all fit in the room - let alone me. So I missed the programming. I actually ran into a few guys from my Ballroom dance class, which was slightly amusing. Cocky Freshmen...do you realize they were born in 1990?!? That's only a year earlier than my youngest brother...talk about scary. However, quite a few other new acquaintances also showed up, and I got to hang out a bit after the food got served. It was also amazing, and the evening went really well. It was kind of funny, because I suddenly realized as I was cleaning up that I am getting paid to do this. I know it sounds funny that I would forget this...but it totally never hit me. I guess it's because I enjoyed going to them before; I almost feel guilty now though. I'll get over it.

Anyhow, tomorrow should be nice and low(er) key. Since I only got home about an hour ago, I'm grateful. I go back to work in the morning, but will be taking an hour to go and do some ballroom practice - we have our first "test" coming up. So that's a little worrisome. I have no idea if I can perform under pressure and I think a lot depends on my partner. We will see...

I'm getting Old.

Firstly, I'm getting old (and therefore lame) because I put off blogging twice last week, in order to go to bed. The first time was after I made the birthday cake for my German Professor (who was speechless and made the best class ever) and the second was the night before I had to drive for 4 hours. Which is the most boring 4 hour drive in existence. You literally only have to turn to get on and off of the highway. At least the road construction livened it up.

However, this means I am Seriously behind on dancing updates. Wednesday was a little awkward. They made the girls pick the guys. I know, I know, fair is fair and they really should make us do that. It's not like there's a fear of rejection, but I played it like almost every situation when I'm surrounded by guys I don't know. I actually have a theory about it, so now you have get to read about it. Lucky you! Anyhow, I think there are 2 types of girls in the world when it comes to situations such as this. The one type (hint hint, not me...) will run after the cutest guy they can find. The second type makes a beeline for the least threatening guy in the group. This has worked well for me, except one time. Which is how a guy I didn't know ended up calling his friend, who was Chris's friend who had to call me (because we weren't together) to ask if I liked this guy "more than just as friends". I met him once in my life and the basis of our conversation pertained to hobbits and homosexuality. I was disturbed as well.
However, I digress. I unfortunately had picked a guy who wasn't very comfortable either, and consequently we spent the whole song making only about 2 twirls. Daring. I later was able to dance with a male TA (although not the hilarious one). I was kind of excited - I figured he'd be a good leader. Well, he did lead, but we ended up lapping everyone else multiple times. This guy was cruising. Meanwhile, we did about 60 million turns, him repeating one move about 8 times - until he was positive I could do it. The worst part was his manner, which strong suggested he viewed it as a chore that he had to dance with anyone and was slightly appalled that I wasn't perfect. Yeah...I'll take the no-twirler any day over that....

I eventually made my way back to a guy that I really enjoy dancing with. Mostly. He's a great leader, moves with confidence and can keep time well. He's also the guy who's constantly counting in his eyes. After we'd learned a new move together, one of the TAs announced that anyone 21 or over was welcome to come to Buck's for dancing on Wednesdays. My partner muttered "Yeah...right. Raise your hand if you're 21 or over...that's what I thought" - and then he looked over. I'd jokingly raised my hand at his little snip...and apparently he was shocked that I was 21. Freshman. Pretty funny, actually. But maybe you had to be there.

Anyhow, today we almost all melted in that stupid little room. For whatever reason it felt like it was 100 degrees in there. We learned the "sweetheart" position. (I know...first "cuddle" and now this...). I had quite a few at least competent if not good partners and had fun. I have decided that approximately 50 percent of the guys are aviation students, 45 percent are freshman, and 5 percent are other. Although apparently I semi-offended one of my partners if I asked if he was aviation. He was a pretty shaggy looking guy, so I got a kick out of the fact that he's business.

My weekend was good, minus the boring-as-hell drive. It gave me an opportunity to go through my phone contacts and call some people that I hadn't reconnected with yet since coming back from Germany. I actually got a hold of a couple, so that was fun. I had a good time visiting old friends, and shocking a few who didn't know I was coming. When I got back on Sunday, Eric made Sunday Dinner for a group of (mostly his) friends. It was familiar yet strange at the same time.
Anyways, I should really start my homework now...sigh. Only a ton of pages in German to translate (well, portions of) and a play to do. Anyhow, I'm out...

Manic Monday?

So, I actually like my Mondays SO much better than my Tuesdays/Thursdays, but today was still pretty busy...but I'm getting ahead of myself.

I went home this weekend, as there was an event with a parade and delicious food and my cousin wanted some pictures with the horses. The event was a letdown, although the parade went all right, it began to drizzle steadily as soon as it finished. The food vendors were much more sparse than usual and I was VERY disappointed to see that they didn't have fry bread this year - pretty much my favorite. I did get to see my friend KT for a little while and also hung out with my family. The pictures with the horses were a little difficult. The horse we used for my cousin was so relaxed we couldn't get her to look good with her ears perked forward. The one I used, however, was so jittery that we couldn't get him to keep his ears in any position and was always trying to wander around. I'd kept him semi-happy with some baby carrots. I was a little careless though, and let him lip my fingers...until he decided to chomp down on my thumb. Owwwwww! It's a little discolored and he broke the skin a bit, but it doesn't really hurt unless it gets pressed on. But really, who gets bitten by a horse?!?

The pictures turned out really nicely, due to the fact that we were allowed to use a Very nice camera. The rest of the weekend was filled with cards, family meals, church and plenty of talking - most of it by me, naturally. B. seems to be fitting in with the family well, and apparently he's the new hottie at the high school. Apparently word hasn't gotten out that he already has a girlfriend -something which makes my mother very happy. I got back home around 4:15 pm and managed to get some homework done.

Today in ballroom we learned how to get back on count (in a twirling manner much more difficult than just stopping and re-starting, but probably much more graceful if done correctly...), to get into and out of the "cuddle" (causing no end of jokes made by the male TA once again) and a dip from the cuddle position. I wasn't much for names today, but I did find out I danced with 3 aviation and 2 accounting majors and one unknown. The Unknown was one of the guys I've danced with before who's quite good. However, he resolutely spends the whole time completely silent and diligently striving not to accidentally make eye-contact. Because everyone knows that's how girls turn guys into stone. Duh.
Really, though, he's funny because he seems like a very hard-core perfectionist, yet also seems to be constantly counting - and thus the no-talking. Maybe I should think of something extremely shocking to say just to see if I can make him laugh (although I'd settle for a smile). Any suggestions?

Anyhow, I ended up with good ol' Wyatt at the end (after a guy who loved to bounce up and down...strange...) who is definitely much more confident and was fun to dance with because he could talk and keep a decent count. Previously, I had a very chatty (once again, freshman) who expounded on his theories of the class, while getting more and more lost to the beat and seemingly not caring. He postulated that the girls were almost all older because the class fills up quickly and that the guys took it because they'd thought it would be easy. I just assumed they took it because of a girlfriend or (more likely) to meet girls. He actually had a girlfriend in the class and it was sweet how he talked about her.

I had my first "day" at work...the guy at the front desk asked me where I thought I was going, and I had to explain that I just got hired - I think it may happen quite a few more times until I get to know everyone at least by face. I got the grand tour and started a little document design, although my computer didn't even have publisher so it was me and good ol' faithful Paint working together. Sigh. I work again on Wednesday and should have more to do.

Metalsmithing went well tonight - at least for me. My 9 or so saw blades I managed to massacre (and most more than once, as I'd use half a blade...) during the evening probably would have a different opinion on the matter. I think doing some of the detail work was so hard on the blades that they couldn't take the angle and pressure required. The lady across from me laughed, but was a in a similar position when her time came. We got lectured at a lot because the instructor has to be gone for at least part of next week. We got demos on using the torch for soldering (and seriously, why did we never use a sparker thingy in chem class????) and the "pickler". Which is basically a glorified crockpot filled with a solution that brings copper out (some sort of sulfide/nitrate mixture). The instructor said he thinks I'll like soldering...which of course intimidates the crap out of me. Sigh. At least I get to practice, and with any luck it won't be my own hair I set aflame.

Anyhow, enough procrastinating...homework?

One by One...

So, it's getting a little depressing that I'm starting this new blog...maybe I'll stick a counter in (although that could possibly only cause further depression). At any rate, it was another "Good Day", that meaning it was not a Tuesday or Thursday. This meant another thrilling installation of Ballroom Dance. Today we got to learn both the inside and outside twirl and how to "dip". I'll get back to the dipping in a bit.

Once again the Male TA was a riot. He told the guys it was important to correctly signal the turn and to -more importantly - signal the end (grasping the hand again)...The girl TA mentioned the importance of tucking your elbow in whilst turning and the guy chimed in
"Yeah guys, I guarantee that while it's fun to make her spin like a top, she will eventually bring that elbow around...on purpose."
Turning went pretty well, depending on my partners. I had two pretty good leaders, one of which was an extremely talkative guy - in a very friendly manner.
"Hi! I'm Nathan!"
Steph BLAH BLAH
N"So, what are You?"
S"Oh, a senior"
N"...Ooooh"
S"...you?"
N"Um, a Freshman..."
But, as he's hoping to go into the field of Chiropractics, having an easy going manner will certainly help. However, it kind of made me feel Old. Which is weird, because I'm used to being considered young. The irony is somewhat amusing.

At the end of the class we learned about doing the "Dip". This is how the guy "Thanks" the girl, and in theory he Shouldn't drop her. By this point I was back with Wyatt...who was, in his defense, significantly less nervous seeming than the last time. We practiced the lead up to and the actual dip (Two inside twirls, hand bracing and then the guy lunging a bit with the girl putting a foot "up" and keeping ramrod straight - as shown in my pic...). After we pulled off our first one (which went pretty smoothly) he looked at me, and with a slight amount of accusation in his voice said:
W : "You thought I was going to drop you!"
S: "Yes, yes I did. But, I thought it would probably be my fault..."
He looked slightly shocked, but didn't drop me on the next two, so I think he took it pretty well, really. Oh, yes. Before we did the first dip, the Male TA suddenly remembered:
"OH! Two things...Guys, if you drop the girl...you owe her dinner. Girls, if he drops you, take him down with you! Then at least you're both on the floor..."
And really, once the fear is gone (because really, I'm not exactly the paragon of grace and slenderness) dipping was kind of fun. Slightly disappointing was my estimate of three girls being dropped was not met. I hold that there will be at least that many total throughout the semester. I would rather prefer NOT to be among those three...

On another amusing topic, my metalsmithing instructor apparently gets a kick out of me. He said he admires my sentiment (claiming that last time I said I was going to try to get an A...something I have NO recollection of saying...) and is amused by my anal-retentiveness. However, I don't think I'm even on the scale for this, as the women across from me are about 3-4 steps behind in our current project and have been extensively using rulers. However, as he caught me dapping (see, first dipping and now dapping...) - which is a process where you dome a material from a flat state involving a hammer and a block that has a bowled out area to shape the metal - he couldn't resist giving me a little more crap. I am really getting a sense of pride out of my project, and I'm enjoying learning all the techniques as well.

At any rate, the Wife of Bath and I have a date...so I'm out.

I totally rocked the Waltz...

And I was definitely in Germany too long. Not only did I have to think out loud how to spell "waltz" (which is German, so that's REALLY pathetic), but this morning I couldn't spell "relevant". Plus people are getting tired of me asking "What's that word again...?", especially Eric, since I don't even know the word in German half of the time.

At any rate. I had ballroom dance this morning. But Steph, you might say - you Don't dance. And you're absolutely 140% correct. I think dancing has to be one of the most socially awkward customs that we have (that and male athletes with their excessive butt-slapping). Or perhaps I'm just that awkward. At any rate, I have resigned myself to my fate and decided to try to grow as a person this semester. So I took ballroom dance (beginners, obviously) and jewelry making/metalsmithing in addition to my 3 English and 1 German course.

Today was the first day that we did anything with a partner. After learning the basic waltz steps, we got going. There were well over 50 people in the class, so we formed a giant circle of pairs and bumbled our way through the first song. After my first partner, I was tired of apologizing so I resigned myself and decided to just try to enjoy it and go with the flow. Amazingly, this helped tremendously. By the time I got to Daniel (we kept switching partners), after a Cassius, Brian, and 2 Andys, he remarked I was the best dancer he'd had yet. Of course, he could be a shameless flirt (or the people in my class could be truly god-awful), but it warmed my small heart.

The Dance TAs are pretty damn funny though. When telling the guys to put their hands on the girls' backs this was the convo:
"So, put your hand EXACTLY in the middle of her back...right over her bra strap. Yes. I said bra strap"
"Don't go too low, it won't work for giving her signals. And don't go really low, or you'll get into a Lot of trouble"
Later, one of the female TA's was telling the girls not to watch their feet (since we're going backwards, we just have to trust our partner. The same male TA from before chimed in with:
"And guys, don't look down at your feet...because, well, if you're looking down the girls won't assume it's Your Feet that you're looking at..."

So the humor helps as well. The last guy I danced with seemed utterly petrified though - with either the concept of girls or dancing. So while it ended on a slightly awkward note, it was still a ton of fun. Not that we've learned anything hard yet (like twirling, or anything Other than hesitation and the basic stepping), but anything that helps my self-esteem I'll take.

Anyhow, it's late and I should go to bed so I can get up and do some homework tomorrow. What a vicious circle.
G'night

I need a techy friend.

...I'll even buy you dinner! (Well, I'd just actually cook you a dinner or two, or express my appreciation in banana bread or a cake.) At any rate, I'd really like something more custom for my blog, but I have absolutely NO idea how to write the coding to implement said changes...an example of one of my Favorite blog layouts is:
www.unexpectedsunlight.blogspot.com
It's so clean and I love her photos. What I'd really like to do is be able to put a semi-opaque photo behind the writing and have the text over it. However, I seem to have a dearth of friends with this knowledge, or they're keeping a deep, dark, secret.
Anyhow, I actually have to do my homework now...sigh. I spent the day doing laundry for the first time in my apartment (and it's a good thing Eric was gone, the dryer didn't dry as well as I hoped, and so it looked like my hamper regurgitated half of my wardrobe over the greater area of our apartment) and running various errands. So, wandering reader with techy skills, want to be my new friend?
Steph