I don’t even understand my boyfriend’s ridiculously strong work ethic. In the time I’ve known him, he’s always had at least two jobs. At one point, he was delivering pizzas, putting in 25+ hours in the scene shop, working at Wild Adventures on the weekends (14+ hour days) and going to school….and somehow still finding time for me.
He’s scene shop assistant for our theatre department. This requires that he put in at least 20 hours a week of work in the shop. I’ve never known him to do just that minimum. This guy loathes getting up in the morning, but I’ve seen him get up at 9 am and head to that shop, when he didn’t have to be there until 1. Why? I’m sure I don’t know!
He’s been in technical theatre since his middle school days. Being in it that long, he’s had a lot of opportunities to advance in his craft, and been handed a lot of opportunities many others have to work and pay to get. For instance, he’s had courses paid for, so that he could become certified with certain voltages of electricity. I know this has occurred twice, but I couldn’t tell you what the two certifications were specifically. He’s really great about explaining things to me so that I’ll understand them, but that doesn’t mean I can remember them all any better.
It hasn’t happened quite yet, but there’s been talk of Ken paying for him to get his Class B license so he’ll be able to drive one of the rigs they have.
If this summer had worked out as it was originally intended, Marty planned a lot of wielding time for Ryan. Ryan can wield just fine, but Marty wanted to get scraps and stuff and let Ryan perfect his technique and learn a few other techniques. I think eventually Ryan plans to take wielding classes, or get certified, or whatever theres is to do.
Without completing school, he could have a job paying over $40,000 a year, just starting off. He could have that tomorrow.
Even though I never know what he’s talking about when he babbles about scrims, gels, a router, plasma cutter, or the millions of different sound/light boards used…I’m so proud of him. I’m amazed by his dedication to getting things done, and getting them done right.
A lot of people don’t know how smart Ryan is. He knows what he knows, and he knows it thoroughly. He’s good at what he does. Hell, I’ll even admit I forget how smart he is occasionally. Then he gets on a tangent about something and I’m just sitting there, watching the gears turn, and thinking, “Wow…he’s incredible.”
I narrowly escaped a Spanish test today. Because of the hard time I had getting my schedule, and the hard time I’ve had getting back into the swing of things, I’ve only actually been to the class 3 times! She had told us on Wednesday that we’d have the test if we had time after what little bit she wanted to finish today. Luckily, the class before us didn’t get to the test and she wants to keep us all on the same track, so we started on some video. Apparently, our textbook is named after some movie, and all the activities and such are set up in correlation with the movie. We even have a disk that plays the movie in segments, with little quizzes after each segment, relative to what section we’re in. It’s definitely a new concept to me, but I can see how it could work out quite nicely if done right.
I was really apathetic about the impending test. I’d decided I just wasn’t in a position to pass anyway, and therefore I had decided not to stress myself over it, but I still have a hard time dealing with failure, or being below average in anything so I wasn’t immune to the dread sinking over me.
By the end of class though, we had talked about how the test would be set up, and the types of things we need to know, and I feel a lot better. I’m definitely a step or two behind my classmates, but at least I know what I’ve got to do this weekend to get to where I need to be, and it’s certainly not an unattainable goal. I’ve just got to get on it….which means I shouldn’t be blogging right now, but it’s Friday, dammit
She also let us know that, being the first test, anyone who fails will have an opportunity to make up the grade. That definitely takes a few tons of pressure off. The thing I dread most about the first test in each class is that you just flat-out don’t know what to expect, and of course, being college, this first exam could very well make up 1/3 of your grade and if you get hit with something you weren’t expecting, you’re basically screwed! I’m so thankful she’s taken that edge off with the prospect of redeeming myself should the need arise!
I’ve got a little catch-up to play in my typing class as well. I was sincerely hoping my software would be here by now so that I could do that at home, but apparently that’s just too much to ask for. I’m not sure at the moment exactly which buildings on campus are equipped with the software I need. I have a feeling, the building I’m certain of will be closed on Monday. I suppose a quick email to the library staff is in order. I really need to have this done by 9:30 am on Tuesday. I suppose if all else fails, I could go in early, but even then I’m not positive if a room will be open for me to work in.
I greatly dislike all the uncertainties in college. They’re so inconvenient!
We’re missing a word in that title there. Any idea what that word might be? Oh my friends, it would most definitely be, “Tequila.” Aye!
I had an interesting introduction into the world of alcoholic beverages. I started off with hard, straight whiskey, chased by….vodka…lol. I was playing with the big boys straight out! You’d be surprised to know how few times I’ve actually gotten sick, given my history with copious amount of hard liquor. I flew through that phase though, and quickly settled in to finding things I can truly enjoy at leisure, not something I’ve got to choke down for a quick buzz. That’s just not how I roll. [Most of the time anyway…I am, in fact, still a college kid, ya know? ;)]
About three weeks I finally introduced myself to tequila. It’s something I’ve taken my time getting to, knowing that tequila is my mother’s, “No sir!” drink, as in, she ain’t drinkin’ that or she’ll be in trouble! Also, I’m still really acquiring my taste for any alcohol beyond things heavily masked with the flavor of fruit. *shrug* I’m a girl, I know. I’m wary of drinking anything too cheap, or otherwise unwanted for fear of turning myself off of something I may one day enjoy.
I did it right. When Jonathan left, he left us a bottle of Patron he had bought for his graduation night. I wasn’t disappointed. I only wish I had found tequila a little sooner, but now that I have, with the help of The Tequila Guy, I’ll be doing it right!
To say he’s got tequila covered would truly be an understatement. I’m particularly interested in his virtual encyclopedia of tequilas, featuring price ranges, types, and taste ratings. Going by his system, I picked a fairly good tequila to start off with, mean to me, it can only get better.
I’m looking forward to doing some research of my own this semester, and comparing my results with his. No, I can’t promise you any drunken blogging, but the prospects look pretty good!
[Disclaimer: I ALWAYS have a D.D., that is, if I’m not drinking here at Parkview, a mere staircase away from my own bed.]
Last night Ryan and I went to the movies. We saw Pirates 3, since it’s at the dollar movies now and Ryan hadn’t seen it yet. Watching if for the third time, I caught a lot of little things I didn’t really notice originally, and it got me thinking about all the different levels in a movie.
Really, you’re doing something right if you can create a movie with so many different levels of understanding that a kid can watch and follow, the casual moviegoer can enjoy and follow, and a die-hard fan can constantly watch and look for new things to understand completely.
I just found so many instances where, originally I understood what was being said and done to a point where everything made perfect sense, but something would just hit me and suddenly I understood what they were truly talking about. For instance, in the end when Bootstrap refers to still owing a debt, it’s simple enough to see it as just his way of staying on. This is all well and good and keeps things rolling. But thinking on it, you notice the subtle nuances that point you in the direction of seeing he’s referring to owing Will, for all those years without a father. Not the most complicated example, but I think it’ll suffice to give you an idea of what I mean.
I guess it just really never occurred to me how complicated it can be to make a movie the general public can follow and enjoy without just flat out dumbing everything down. You can get as much out of it as you’re willing to look for. I think that’s just fantastic.
Now for the really girly part of this post.
Jesus H! I honestly think, at this point in time, I’d have to say Will Turner, in the end of this movie, is the sexiest character I’ve ever seen. All three times I’ve seen this movie so far, I’ve obsessed over Will for days after. I found myself getting way too excited to know he was coming soon.
I couldn’t find any fantastic caps of him as captain yet. I’ll probably have to wait until the DVD hits to get any really good ones. I could watch the end of that movie over and over again just to watch him. *swoon* I need to go take a cold shower now.
Back to school, back to school, to prove to Dad I’m not a fool….
It’s baaaack, and with it a long list of required items and suggested items! I’m not taking a mathematical course this semester, but my math days are far from over. One day I’ll hear Texas Instruments and think of days behind me; for now, I’m still looking at days ahead.
Kailani has landed the TI-84 Plus Silver Edition Graphic Scientific Calculator and now’s your chance to score it for yourself. The contest only runs until September 3rd, when the winner will be chosen at random, so hurry and get your entry in!
In two weeks I’m heading to Oklahoma! It’ll definitely be the farthest I’ve gone from Georgia. Previously, I’ve only visited Florida, Tennessee, and Lousianna. Why on earth am I going all the way to Oklahoma? My brother James is getting married!
^^^That’s just a reenactment. I believe he busted in on one of her last classes to officially propose. They’d already decided they were getting married and were waiting until after graduation to make it official, but he just couldn’t wait. How cute
My mom and step dad were the only ones from his family that were going to be there, so I decided that since there wasn’t any real reason for me not to go, I might as well. I think he’s really happy I’m going.
But this means a 15 hour ride. Luckily, my iPod was upgraded when I got a new one, so now I have a video iPod. Which means I’m open for suggestions! I need movies to watch, people! I’ve got all 3 seasons of The Office ready to lock and load, I just need some movies to watch as well. Any suggestions?
It just finished storming. It’s thundering to suggest it’ll soon be storming again. So tell me why…why are those idiots outside blowing off our sidewalks? It’s wet! It ain’t movin’ darlin’! Furthermore, as soon as the wind sweeps back in, there will be more!
Let’s not forget the fact that it’s ridiculously loud, and not helping my headache….And since it’s wet and nothing is actually blowing away, they’re taking longer than usual. Please just stop.
I skipped classes today. My head was pounding when I woke up and I was exhausted. I had no sleep last night. Work called me at 8am to tell me they added some hours on to my schedule….two weeks from now. Thanks for the update. Next time can I just get the note left for me like everyone else?
I feel guilty for missing class. I probably shouldn’t, but I do. I wish I could skip work, but money is needed.
I’m in a downswing. Unfortunately, I’ve got all the makings for happy days, but my job is awful and I’ve had no hours so I’m not even living paycheck to paycheck right now. Before the check arrives, it’s spent and I’m looking for more money to cover the rest of my needs. It’s killing my motivation.
It’d also be great if people around me could stop dying. I’d appreciate that.
This depression brought to you, most likely, by pms. I have no money for Pamprin to make me happy lol.
At the beginning of every Fall semester, we have this event called “The Happening.” In the quad, local businesses and student organizations have tables set up to give out info, get you to sign up for mailing lists and such, and give away free crap! I almost didn’t go this year because it’s just so hot and I didn’t feel like walking over, but Catie was nearby so I decided to see if she wanted to meet me over there. She’d never been so she reluctantly agreed; I think she was satisfied.
Talk about a ton of free stuff. I’ve got keychains, highlighter, koozies, buttons, stickers, magnets, a stress star, chap stick, a ton of pens, 8 cups, a fan, a 128mb jump drive (!!!), letter opener, mirror, etc….I also got a t-shirt, a mocktail (it was yum), a popsicle, and an icee. I entered into a drawing for a Wii too. Wouldn’t that be great?
These guys made their own advertisements! It’s just a balloon filled with fine sand. Tada! Instant stress ball! All they did was use a sharpie to write their name on it! Isn’t that great?
Catie gave me a ride back to my apartment, but we stopped by her place first so she could change before work. There, I picked up my Phantom poster she brought home for me! It used to be in her mom’s classroom and it has a really great story about why it’s got a hole in its eye. I love it! I forgot to take a pic, but it looks like this:
Marie posted this little nugget on her blog and I’m a bit hooked now.
I hope to see more of her….and hope to hear some really good stuff from her, not just the same stuff that’s already on the radio! Check her out on YouTube, or her official site, Esmee Denters : Official Site.
So I’ve finally been to all my classes and I have to say I’m really satisfied with everything this semester. I’m even happy with the schedule as a whole. First classes are at 9 and 9:30, which I don’t really mind. Of course I’d love to sleep later, but I’m okay with it. On Tues and Thurs I only have one class and on Friday only two. Those days are set up perfectly for me to be able to get other stuff done, and I love that.
My only gripes are as follows: Getting there…. I live too close to bother driving anywhere, but just far enough away that it pushes past being a comfortable walk. It’s not a big deal in the cooler weather, but this is South Georgia and we just don’t have a lot of that here. I think half the time I don’t want to go to class is because of the walk. Argh.
Hunger– On Mondays, I’m in class from 9-9:50, 10-11:50, 12-12:50 and 2-3:15. Some mornings I’ll be up early enough to eat breakfast, most mornings I won’t. This means no food until 1pm and that’s only if I have money to eat on campus, or if I’ve gotten up early enough to pack a sandwich or something to take with me….which adds to the multitude of crap I have to carry on my long walk. Wed and Fri, I don’t have the 10-11:50 Lab, so I could walk home then to have lunch, but then I have to walk back. Really, at that point we’re reaching the warmer part of the day and it’s just not ideal! Tues, Thurs and Fri aren’t really a problem. TR, my class is 9:30-10:45 so I’m good to go, and Friday I’m completely done at 1pm. I’m hoping to work out a good routine this semester that doesn’t mirror previous semesters that found me just dealing with being hungry. That’s just no good!
Bio Notes– Wow….the volume of notes in that class is just ridiculous, and unfortunately, he doesn’t exactly allow for enough time to copy them. He said on Monday that he recommends abbreviating….the problem there is that his notes are already abbreviated–including words that shouldn’t be abbreviated and are almost hard to understand! From what I’ve seen so far, there’s just not much room for summarizing. Since it doesn’t appear that he has any intention of posting his notes online, I’ve emailed to ask him if he’d consider allowing me to copy his notes to a jump drive whenever is convenient for him. I haven’t heard back yet. I really hope he allows it, or starts posting online.
Otherwise, everything is great! I’m especially pleased with my Spanish class. I had a terrible experience with my French class; it was enough to push me to switch languages altogether. Luckily, this teacher has a much more realistic idea of how a foreign language should be taught in a college course. None of my courses require class participation and I really think that’s how a college course should be. You’re paying to go. You should get out of it what you want, not what they ‘expect’ of you. If being involved is what it takes for you to get enough out of a course, then eventually you’ll realize it. I don’t think it does anyone any good to force them to participate in a course. People aren’t going to be there for the rest of your life forcing you to get the most out of everything. You’ve got to have the drive to do that for yourself. For me, having a forced participation is just that much more discouragement when I’m not feeling like being in class. I’ve even faked laryngitis before to get out of participating in classes. It’s just ridiculous. I’m paying to be here, not the other way around.
Anyway, sorry for the mini-rant. I’ve got a great teacher for Astronomy, She’s a really smart lady and knows what she’s talking about, and definitely keeps things interesting. She even referenced the old sketch comedy Kids in the Hall today. I was quite pleased.
I’m making more of an effort to be social this year. It’s a tedious process easing into it, but I’m getting there. It’s just so much easier to sit at the computer and chill! My computer doesn’t require me to look decent; it’s very accepting of me however I want to be. I’ll get there though. College is definitely working towards making me more comfortable in my own skin, for the most part. I still have my days though. I think we all do.
I think that about covers it. I need to go see if Josh is ready for some Wii time.
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