Ramblings of a Grad Student

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 21:13:56 GMT

I've been tasked with test-running another computer before I go back to Tallahassee, as Daddy tried to fix my desktop and failed, so this is a second attempt. As for my laptop, I'm in laptop hell, with the final straw on the old one coming Christmas morning. Apparently Santa thinks I don't deserve a laptop. Newsflash, that's not negotiable. A co-worker of my dad's has an old one he might give/sell him. So, I may be testing another new computer tomorrow. As for the rest of my holiday, it was good, but busy. I should've come into town closer to Christmas and worked out leaving more carefully. Greyhound changed the schedule going from Mobile/Pensacola to Tallahassee and that bus is now majorly inconvenient. As such, I'll be watching NYE coverage from my parents' house, not my apartment. 2am live stream in the garage is not my idea of fun, but it's a necessary evil. Told Daddy he can watch Auburn play in peace because I'll be sleeping unless Adam vids appear on You Tube at a reasonable hour.

Football at 10am is optional, 12pm is not. This is when the FSU game starts and due to the fuckwads on the Board of Trustees, it's Bobby Bowden's last game, and not his choice. Forcing a legend to resign is bullshit and I hope Jimbo Fisher fails and the Trustees have to eat their words. One more season wouldn't have done anymore damage than has already been done. And Bobby is pissed enough that he's leaving Tallahassee. That should never have had to happen. If Jimbo can't win in Bobby's shadow, he doesn't deserve the job. However, this idiocy did get FSU a Gator Bowl bid we didn't deserve, so I'll take it. Too bad I couldn't go. Would've loved New Year's in Jacksonville with Tyler rather than in Mobile. Plus, Tyler's not coming back to Florida until March now. So mad I missed him last time he was in town. Totally amused my dad thought Tyler was Thomas. Nope, the latter I've barely spoken to lately because he's in Boston again. Plus, computer hell means no Yahoo messenger and barely working AIM. I need a working computer ASAP.

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 01:41:16 GMT

The 'Tempting Fate' meme:

1. Make an LJ-cut post with "DO NOT READ" as the text.
2. Do not select a 'mood' for this post.
3. If anyone clicks the cut, they are to comment and admit to doing so.
4. Anyone who reads this also has to do the same in THEIR journal, thus continuing the never-ending madness!

Can I pick the spanker?

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 23:58:07 GMT

Dear Santa...

Dear Santa,

This year I've been busy!

Last Wednesday I caught a purse-snatcher who stole la_eme's purse (30 points). In October I put gum in sexinthecloset's hair (-12 points). In February I committed genocide... Sorry about that, avantgardeluv (-5000 points). Last Thursday I helped katherinemorrow hide a body (-173 points). In July I invaded Iraq, broke it, and couldn't glue it back together before Mom got home (-1012 points).

Overall, I've been naughty (-6167 points). For Christmas I deserve a spanking!

Sincerely,
nolechica

Computer Troubles

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 01:10:51 GMT

Got to Mobile last night and the working laptop that was waiting on me? No longer working. In fact, it's closer to dead than ever and I've been cruising Tiger Direct for my Christmas from the parents. Not sure if I want another ThinkPad, which my dad is now not amused by despite trying to get me to consider other brands previously. Color me confused. I just hope I go back to Tallahassee with a working laptop that isn't an eight pound furnace. As for my desktop, I brought it to Mobile, it's waiting in the workshop.

Busy Weekend

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:56:09 GMT

It's pouring rain and I woke early because my bedroom was too cold. I need to go to the library and the bookstore, but I'd rather not feel like crap when I do so. My sinuses have been horribly congested despite medication and fluids. Add to this being on my period and life kinda sucks right now. I'm not making much thesis progress either because Dr. Frank and Dr. Upchurch can't agree on a direction for my research to go, so I've read everything from Indian gaming to professional mascots to communes living in tipis. I'm making yet another trip to the library today to find books on white perception of American Indians. I told them when my defense was canceled that I needed direction, but I'm getting confusion, not cohesion. I need to reconstruct my introduction and probably part of chapter 3. However, I've been delayed because I had a second computer crash Monday night, my desktop. Fortunately, my dad managed to fix my laptop, so no extra target practice for Emily.

As for the fun in my life lately, a third trip out of town in thirty days resulted in the reunion I wanted at my birthday, but not without drama. I slept through my phone going dead on the bus and couldn't contact Bryan once I reached Atlanta. I frantically called my family, who proceeded to not answer their phones. I then was going to catch a cab to Grandmom's when Bryan showed up. I'd been afraid to leave the station because I wasn't sure there were phones outside if he wasn't there. I was a bit freaked out. First thing we did was bought a charger for my phone, in the only two-story Target I've ever been in. Then we went to a deli and got heavenly Cuban sandwiches. Makes me want to go to Gordos. After that, we went to his apartment and chilled because Emily was broken down outside of town, so my parents weren't going to be in town until her car was repaired. Fortunately, Bryan didn't care and Tina was occupied with a friend's wedding details. We had some fun with his iTunes, especially after we had talked Idol and I found Gary Jules' "Mad World" on his playlist. Yes, this led to him listening to Adam, but FYE is so not his type of music that I won't push it. Our friendship is definitely based on sports love, not music. After the musical interlude, we watched the Heisman ceremony and commiserated over Bobby leaving/resigning, which a whole other entry. We were both happy Ingram won. Not long after that we headed to Grandmom's and he met everybody, which is kinda scary, but they got that he's just a friend, especially after he revealed that he and Tina are buying a condo together, which is gorgeous, and makes me jealous. However, that gives me an excuse for a spring or summer trip to Atlanta to see the new digs, as I saw moving boxes this trip.

As for the rest of my whirlwind visit, I skipped the white elephant gift-giving portion of the evening and barely spoke to my extended family, but that was just fine. Bedtime was interesting because my mother makes nasty assumptions on where Nick should sleep. I would've gladly taken the couch if he or Emily had said what they really wanted. Instead, after I was dressed and packed for my early bus, I got orders to send Nick upstairs. *rolls eyes* I got to the bus station fine and back to Tallahassee in one piece, but wasn't awake enough to negotiate my refund. Need to do that today as well. So glad my next trip doesn't involve a bus. Long trips are getting tiring.

Computer trouble and Early Christmas

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 10:01:46 GMT

My laptop died tonight, I think. After it crashed twice with cursor-lock, the screen did something wacky and and now won't work at all. I used my desktop monitor to transfer data and am getting it looked at tomorrow, but I have a feeling another Ewing family laptop is about to become target practice. Apparently, this is what the one that Em and Nick are taking to Cullman did before it died. I called Daddy more than a little annoyed and he told me he'd mail me one of the spares, but he likes my old one too much. It's apparently his main computer now and is too heavy and runs too hot to be an actual laptop. No idea how long I'll have the desktop only for though.

As for other family news, the parents and Em are going to Birmingham without me. I'm going to Atlanta on Saturday and meeting up with Bryan before dealing with extended family. Score one for asserting myself and playing the library hours card. I haven't gotten as much done as I'd like though due weather and auras. Loads of reading doesn't happen while Valium is in one's system. As such, I have reading to do today and laundry. Hoping it warms up some. My bus ride on Saturday will be freezing though.

Thesis, Lucky Shots and New Orleans

Sat, 05 Dec 2009 08:53:59 GMT

It's cold and rainy and I slept too late today to go to the library. And as mrsmaggiemae pointed out on Twitter, Strozier's not open all night yet. I have however started looking at the edited copy of my thesis Dr. Upchurch sent. *gasp* Actual help and an encouraging note as well. I did have to transcribe his notes though because his chicken scratch is the worst. And after that, still need to actually talk to him and get more info. He wants more sources and footnotes that I've never done. I want to get a new intro finished this week, so that family drama doesn't ensue. If I skip Birmingham and Atlanta, life will not go well. Plus, I want to see Bryan if I have to tolerate Atlanta relatives. Can't believe it's been almost a year since we saw each other. Totally should've gone to Atlanta for my birthday. Especially since trips to Mobile have become less desirable. Daddy had me in tears on Sunday, but had the good sense to chill on the drive back to Tallahassee. Of course my having the good sense to burn a copy of For Your Entertainment for him helped. How our favorite song is the same, I have no idea, but Mom would not approve. Oh and discussing Down The Rabbit Hole? Very funny. We both came to the what were they smoking conclusion. I told him I was only leaving the CD if he liked it. He left town with it still in his car. ;-) Nice little break from fandom Hell. Unfortunately, we found parking Hell in Tally, as my mom has my parking sticker on her car. Had to park at Kleman Plaza after checking all the on campus options. Fortunately, I live two blocks from there. This meant he set up my computer, we ate Chinese food, cleaned my apartment, and watched the Pats/Saints game. He enjoyed, I didn't, as he's a Saints fan now. Saints are still undefeated though. He's finally figured out what I learned long ago, rooting for a winning team is fun.

Speaking of which, now that I can watch ESPN guilt-free, tonight's Lakers game was amazing. Last second bank shots are awesome and Kobe hit one tonight to win. When one of the league's best says he just got lucky, you realize that it is definitely better to be lucky than good on occasion. That makes eight in a row and preserves the league's best record, which after last year's Cavs/Lakers fight for homecourt, every game matters, even before Christmas. Which reminds me, I need to see if the Lakers are on Christmas Day because I think they are. Normally it's Finals rematch time. And yes, I do watch basketball on Christmas Day, My family knows that's a battle they won't win. They discovered this back when it was MJ and the Bulls around whom the day revolved. And since I don't expect gift opening to take long this year, I will be watching.

As for the fun part of my trip last week, New Orleans without the parents is fun. I was exhausted all day courtesy of the bus ride from Hell, but it was worth it. Went to the WWII museum and saw the film in the brand new theater with vibrating chairs. It was good even if being in a dark room by then was a bad idea. Need to see it again so that I'm not half awake. Did the fastest tour through the actual museum ever. However, it was worth it to get lunch at Parasol's and text Emily while there. Roast beef po'boys are yummy. Dinner, not so yummy. There are reasons I don't like buffets and the bland Cajun food I had at Harrah's is why. I won't argue with free though. Next, was the shortest trip to Bourbon Street ever. The Tropical Isle is closed due to fire damage and good jazz was just not happening. I did go in the replacement bar to get my Hand Grenade though. Sara was amazed I finished mine first, as that usually never happens. After drinks, we headed back to the hotel and went the full impact of the drink hit, she fell asleep. I was merely less tense reading AMA news. The next morning, we went to Cafe du Monde and Jackson Square, which was kinda freaky with everything closed. After talking to a jazz musician on the Moon Walk, and getting a CD, we left to head back to Mobile for Thanksgiving, which was fabulous. It was a good trip, and I can't wait to go back. Might actually go before Mardi Gras, after Greer and Patrick move.

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 09:12:41 GMT

I never thought I'd see the day when I was convincing Sara to buy a ticket to an FSU home game, but that's just what happened Homecoming weekend. That game was at noon because a shitty season means Kate gets zero sleep to support the team. We didn't go out, but we didn't get to the stadium super early either. I still got a good seat, but the game was nightmarish. We won, not a given on Homecoming against NC State, but it wasn't easy. We scored twice late for a 45-42 win. Much like the GT game, lots of offense, no defense. Normally I like that, but not this year.

The last home game of my collegiate career was not nearly as emotional as I'd anticipated. Partly because I'm not graduating until Spring and will be here for the Garnet and Gold game and partly because the game was hella stressful. Won 29-26 on a last minute touchdown. Never have I been so glad to be bowl-eligible in my life. Normally that's a given, not a worry. Six wins isn't the goal, ten or more is. We almost lost to 2-8 Maryland and had on hideous uniforms to boot. It was Seminole Tribe week, so we had black helmets and black feathers on our garnet jerseys. It looked a bit too Atlanta Falcons for my taste. However, we got an awesome halftime surprise when Dr. Tommy Wright conducted the fight song, which he wrote in 1950. I heard him play it in my freshman year music class, but only after we begged and it was the last day of class. In addition to this, it was Mickey Andrews's last game at Doak, so he was honored and planted the speared at the fifty. Osceola almost fell off passing the spear to him. Yes, this former rider notices stuff like that.

Anyway, given the way the season went, I was glad I skipped the trip to Gainesville, as another loss, with those ticket prices, wasn't what I needed. Even if it was surreal to be with the fam for Thanksgiving weekend. I did kinda miss celebrating Thanksgiving and then saying peace out to go be in a football stadium. Instead, I sat in silence as Mom, Daddy, and Em stressed over the Iron Bowl, knowing that my Alabama fan self would be thrilled if they were furious. Em doesn't understand how I'm still a Bama fan, but old habits die hard and if Saban and company can beat Florida, I'll be thrilled. Need to e-mail Charles to celebrate. Especially after the Hell that was the Florida game. It was 37-10 and it wasn't ever close. We were playing Trivial Pursuit before it was over. My parents now know that playing against Sara and I is dangerous because a History degree comes with the ability to remember lots of useless shit. When Emily played with Sara and I the first time, we said that they had brought this on themselves by paying for college. ;-)

Two Part Entry

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 10:08:59 GMT

Written Tuesday night: I've been keeping a journal since I was sixteen, but this might be my first ever hand written entry. I'm on a bus to Pensacola that's broken down outside Panama City. Biloxi's been canceled, but Sara and I are still going to NOLA tomorrow. After I watch The Early Show, that is. After all the drama of the last few days, not missing Adam Lambert live.

Written Thursday morning: I got into Pensacola at 4:20am on Wednesday morning after sitting in a church parking lot from roughly 8:30pm-2:00am waiting on a new bus. The attempt to fix the old bus failed. It was nine quarts low on transmission fluid and had begun to burn up some pump in the process. Epic maintenance fail and the driver should've turned around when we were forty minutes outside Tally and he first noticed a problem. Then, we'd have been an hour and a half or two late, not five. Oh and for those who care about such things, Sara and I sat on the floor of her apartment at 5:00am and watch the AMA vid because she doesn't watch Idol, but had heard FYE and had tried to Google the vid to no avail. However, she did find the Access Hollywood interview and was impressed. Will report back after she watched The Early Show later. I watched it live, but need to see it again. Whataya Want From Me sounded better on Letterman, And Music Again threw me for a loop. Wasn't expecting that to be the second song, but not sure what I did expect. I'm just thrilled that performance happened at all. Longer Adam entry awaits my filter, as I got very board on the bus.

Bad Thesis News

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:56:23 GMT

That thesis thing I was supposed to defend this week? Didn't happen. A meeting with Dr. Gray on Wednesday and Dr. Frank today clarified things. They want my paper better organized and my argument more coherent and transparent. This might mean rearranging chapters/combining them in addition to topic sentences and removing the historiography from the intro. I need to go back and look at my conclusion, as I think my ideas are more clearly explained there despite having written the intro after the body. As such, no new date has been set and I have no idea when I'm graduating now. Need to self-delete with the Dean's office when I send Dr. Upchurch an e-mail. Anyway, I apparently have a long way to go, and if I want to save money, a short time to get there. Whomever figures out the lyric I just used knows one of my favorite movies ever. Random though it might be. ;-)

Thesis, Birthday and Sports

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 22:34:08 GMT

I'm in Mobile for the weekend, trying to finish the thesis from Hell. I can't get internet on my laptop, so having to go back and forth between it and my mom's computer. Have the bibliography done save one citation and checking a few others, but need to do abstract and acknowledgements. I've called manuscript clearance three times for different things to make sure this is right before my defense on Wednesday. Reading sample abstracts is next, as acknowledgements are optional and therefore have less format.

As for the rest of my week, my birthday was fun after a little towing scare. Went to dinner at Samrat with Rachel, 'tis becoming a birthday tradition. Thought about Masa, but I was broke, and so was she. I might need to ask to go to Stix tomorrow night, as Manci's was yummy last night, but not my choice. I did get more gifts though. A crap load of money, NOLA's gonna be great! And the music on my iPod for the trip? Even better if Em delivers my bday gift soon. Unless I decide I need a hard copy at midnight after the AMAs. However, first, I plan to see 2012 this weekend, hopefully tonight, as tomorrow will be football. The FSU season has sucked so hard that the game is on at 11am on ESPNU. That will require going somewhere to watch it, which Daddy and I discussed at 3am. He slept through my music snippet fest, but woke up ready to talk NFL relocation and NBA. WTF, he never wants to talk basketball now. The news of the day isn't the Lakers being in first place, but rather LeBron wants to change his number to honor Michael Jordan. Apparently having MJ show up at your games sparks something, who knows. I'd love to see him succeed in getting the number retired, but I don't see it happening. Too many players wearing the number now.

Not Graduating

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 06:20:17 GMT

Got a phone call at 11:00 tonight from my dad end a slightly hellacious couple of days on the thesis front. I am officially not actually graduating at the end of this semester. I say actually because I have to format, revise and defend my thesis in the next few weeks, but it'll be after the deadline for Fall graduation. I'm just glad Gray decide today on mid-November instead of the early December idea he had Thursday. I need to be done by Thanksgiving so that I can enjoy New Orleans and the album I will be inflicting on Sara unless she wants me in my own little world. She did like the first single, whose debut was the only thing that kept me from crumbling after both parents reduced me to tears last night. Do they know how much it kills me to be bitched at about money when I just got another job rejection from the temp agency and haven't worked since January? There are some things beyond my control, unless they want to let evil Kate play hardball with a neurologist, or have they forgotten part of why I moved to Florida to begin with? Anyway, hopefully being in touch with a temp agency will net me some actual money soon that is not the result of a cap and gown refund.

Long Night

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 08:18:24 GMT

I woke up from my pre-baking nap to somewhat horrid news from Dr. Gray. He doesn't think I'm ready to defend. However, if I can rewrite my intro and link my advertising chapters to my mascot chapters better it my be possible. Why didn't he tell me this about the chapters this summer? Did he not read anything until he had everything? I'm hoping my dad can help me figure things out because I already ordered my cap and gown and am ready to finish this. I had no idea changes this big were looming. Also, this may mean that the job I found may not work out, as I have no idea how many hours of reading, writing, meeting with /e-mailing Gray it'll take to be ready. I'm dreading telling my parents. Called them when I found out, but they were in bed already.

As for why I was baking after 11pm? Rachel's birthday is Sunday, so I took her cupcakes, a card, and a copy of Details. She was amazed I got her anything, but after the card, balloon and flowers she gave me last year, I owed her. She hasn't read the Details article, didn't even know it existed, but her reaction to the pics wasn't surprising. Not amused is the best way to describe it, as well as shocked because she's apparently been under a rock. However, after she was weirded out by the Wicked clips, I wasn't surprised. Eh, I'll check back after she's read the article and see if she gets the spread then, as she knows nothing of tour shenanigans. Need to link her a different Time For Miracles vid as well, as the one I sent was yanked, oops. I offered to gift her either TFM or the first single off the album, when it appears, her choice. We'll see which she chooses. And we tentatively made plans for Indian food on my birthday because I can make teriyaki, but haven't ever attempted Indian. I miss the homemade samosas my friends gave me in high school. Need Samrat, or takeout Indian, soon. However, I need to defend to not make my birthday miserable. I wasn't at Kellum long though, walked back in the rain as she was called to deal with trouble in another dorm. Hope the next visit's longer.

Pleasant Surprise

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:44:08 GMT

I woke up and checked my e-mail at 5:30am, at which time I found an awesome surprise. An anonymous person bought me six months of Paid account. I've had this journal since 2004 and it's never been Paid. I suspect it's whomever was doing six Paid accounts at a time on ontd_ai. I mentioned in one of the massive flail posts, of which there have been many recently, that I couldn't icon much as I only had six slots. Other than that, I haven't said boo about my lack of a Paid account though I've debated a Plus account. I decided inflicting banners on my flist wasn't worth nine icons. Anyway, now that I can have more icon fun I definitely will. I need a new default and a fic icon just for starters. I've also been lusting after voice posts, but we'll see. I hate how my recorded voice sounds. Somehow, recording equipment (audio or video) picks up every Southern nuance in my totally non-Southern accent. As for other fun with Paid accounts, never really thought about it, but now I can. :-D

GT Game, Thesis, Possible Job

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:36:18 GMT

Ok, game tomorrow, no game last weekend, guess it's time to relive the Georgia Tech game. I swear to God, if we don't find a defense soon, we'll lose Homecoming and get plastered by Florida. We spent the entire FSU/GT game playing what Sara dubbed musical endzones. Meaning we'd score, then they'd counter. The entire first half. We were lucky to be up at half 35-28, but that didn't last long, as they received to open the half, and had tied the game before the 13:00 mark. GT took the lead just before the quarter ended at 42-38, but we ended up losing 49-44. Scoring 44 points is evidence that the offense isn't the problem for the first time this decade, but we now have our worst record in probably two decades at 2-4 and the head of the Board of Trustees is calling for Bobby's head on a silver platter. There were signs at the game supporting him, but the students seem to be divided. Personally, I think it's his call when he retires, and calling for him to step down won't expedite the process. Bobby's scared to retire because of what happened to Bear and I hate to think that's why he's stayed so long, but I know that's at least part of it.

As far as the rest of life, my thesis is finished and sent to the committee. First revisions and defense to come. So damn happy to have the thing written. Kinda scared of what Gray will do to it. Hoping it's not much, as I still have citations to insert. Ordering my cap and gown this week as well, graduation's finally starting to seem real. I don't have a permanent job lined up, but a temp agency called and I might be making phone calls for the Muscular Dystrophy Association for their next fundraiser. That interview was fun, much of it was 20 questions about my rings, a claddagh, gecko, and kokopelli, the latter of which is great fun to explain. Oh, and since when do I turn my room inside out looking for boot socks and get mad when I read the mail. First thing on the inside of my Vera catalog? An espresso clutch, which I desperately need, as I have no dressy brown purse. Since when did I care about this? Where is my jeans, t-shirt, no bags self? And can I have here back? I put on a ribbed turtleneck sweater and boots with my jeans and full jewelry to go to the library and write because I planned to go to the on-campus Chilis to celebrate when I finished. I finished, I went, I didn't get carded, but the Pats game wasn't on when I got there. Still not sure why I dressed up.

Early Morning Ramble

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:16:34 GMT

My body hates me. I had a partial seizure about an hour ago. I think I missed a dose somewhere, but am too close to needing more Keppra and Carbatrol to be able to compensate right now. This means that my plan to write my entire conclusion today may not happen. However, I did finish the intro from Hell on Tuesday. Haven't heard back from Gray since I e-mailed it to him though. Hoping to meet with him Monday, so we can finalize my defense. I'd like to be able to look for a job more thoroughly. Did apply for two positions this week not really expecting that to pay off though. I need a job soon though or I have to move to Mobile and sublet after graduation, the thought of which breaks my heart. :'(

On a lighter note, my journal's been public for ages, but I have a question for my readers. Would friends locking it change the likelihood of commenting on entries for any of you? I don't mean to sound like a comment whore, but I get so few comments that I can't even tell who reads my stuff.

Wedding and Reception

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 08:46:55 GMT

Ok, so wedding day began with hair and makeup sessions after gathering shoes, dresses, etc. to take to the church. The hairdressers had lots of fun with my hair. Tons of ringlets and about a dozen bobby pins in my hair for a half up-do. Not my thing ever. I prefer my hair all the way up. Plus, I was the only one that didn't need her hair recurled before the ceremony. Next was makeup, and none of this group has ever seen me in makeup, that's fun. The smoky tones and mascara on my already jet black lashes? Looks amazing apparently. So many people assume I wear makeup anyway, that when I really do, it's a little overwhelming. Once everyone was done, we headed over to the church for what seemed like a zillion pics of us getting ready, then formal pics. Barely any of which I've seen, and some were awkward, to me anyway. We had orange lilies for our flowers, long stems, so they were cradled in one arm rather than carried upright. This made pictures kinda tricky, and as the tallest bridesmaid, I moved a lot.

After pictures, we went and chilled before the ceremony was to start at which time we went to the bridal room in back of the sanctuary. The processional was long with grandmother, moms, and us. However, I managed to get down the aisle and to my spot, in heels, without falling. Brandon will never know it, but that has more to do with acolyte autopilot than him. Carrying a crucifer in a robe that's too long is great for trusting that putting one foot in front of the other works. Plus, I found my parents in the congregation during the processional and from the alter. As for the ceremony, short and sweet, no funky stuff, just a unity candle. Unlike the dreadfully long vows from the last wedding I was in. After the ceremony, we waited on the limo before heading over to the reception with just the girls and Patrick in the limo. Interesting comments about his actually being married, WTF, holy shit!

Got to the reception and bustled dresses before going inside where I asked Mom to retrieve the flip flops I'd given her earlier. It never happened, so after making initial rounds, saw Betty for the first time in a while, told her my apartment misses having a maid in my life. I miss having my love life confidante, which she didn't ask me about. She did reveal that she's now married to Raymond. :-O Took pics of Em, Patrick, Betty and I. After that I was free to get food (chicken fingers, crab cakes and wine) and chill. Talked to Larry and Wendy, Thomas and his stepdad, an FSU grad and museum curator. We commiserated about the season, and I updated him on the BC game score I had. Later, I missed the cake cutting losing a trivia battle with a nine year old. Need to catch up on SI and Sports Center and shouldn't have stopped the Michael Jordan questions, but when I knew his high school and had watch the Hall of Fame ceremony that was good enough for Price. Erica is so going to owe me later. I did dance later to disco and more current stuff. Heard YMCA for the first time in ages, kinda surreal after seven summers of it as a kid. Last time I think was summer 2000 in Yankee Stadium. Anyway, I had a blast and didn't ruin my night, other than the Noles losing. Nick unfortunately did and incurred Em's wrath for embarrassing her while puking. After drinking with the parents in New Orleans, they know she's not the best at alcohol control either. She needed to chill, and I wasn't in the mood to go out after the wedding due to the weird vibes between them. Plus, no Bryan in town makes going out in Augusta less of a good idea. I just went home and crashed, as it had been a supremely long day ending with sparklers and bubbles for the sendoff.

The next morning as we were packing to head to Atlanta, I finally found out honeymoon details, a week in Playa del Carmen. All I brought back was cups, no extra food, as can't go Greyhound with wine and Hershey dark chocolate isn't my fav. Also, apparently having your dad bring your bags into the Greyhound station made the ticket counter think I was an ADA patron, what? She could've asked me instead of creating unnecessary drama. Weird. Anyway, I got back to Tally late and crashed. That was a chaotic weekend I do not wish to repeat soon. Fortunately, I won't have to, as Em and Nick still have a ways to go.

Girl Time and Rehearsal Events

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:32:33 GMT

It's been a while since I posted anything of substance, but I have a whole lot of stuff to document from wedding to football to fandom. Not putting it all in one entry though. First up, now that Greer is back from her honeymoon and has changed her info on Facebook, I should probably tell you what happens when you do weddings whirlwind weekend style. Seriously, I got on a bus to Atlanta at 7:30am Thursday, got on my return bus at 4:30pm Sunday. In between, I got nails done, went to a bridal luncheon, went to a rehearsal dinner, got hair and makeup done, and attended a wedding and reception. Chaos, in a house with a five and seven year old who get up way too early and think I sleep way too late.

Anyway, got to Atlanta at lunch time on Thursday and my sister greets me with lunch at The Varsity. That was awesome, even if the barbecue sandwiches are gone and I had to get chicken salad. The onion rings and chocolate shake made up for it. After that, we drove to Augusta in time for nail appointments. First time I've had my nails done as an adult, also first time since the last wedding I was in. As I type this, my toes are still a perfect burgundy, which will acquire a coat of gold glitter polish when the Halloween game rolls around, and my hands have a peeling French manicure, just paint, no tips. This was drama because we were under the impression that since it being made to seem mandatory, that it was paid for in advance, or at least Em thought that. I was less surprised though. After nails was dinner and me imparting knowledge to the happy couple. Greer said she refused to let Patrick do some household chore (dish duty/bed making) and I looked at her with mock horror and said don't do that again. If he offers, let him help, even if he screws up and you have to redo it. I neglected to tell her this is practice for having kids, but I did tell her that my mom would give the same advice. The rest of that night was uneventful, as the bridesmaid luncheon was at 11am the next morning and we had to retrieve our dresses from being steamed before then.

The bridesmaid luncheon was introduction to a new brunch drink and more of everyone likes to play with Kate's hair. The drink in question was cranberry juice and champagne, or a Red Rooster. Very yummy, but never heard of it before. Lunch was chicken caesar salad/shrimp and grits, I chose the former, and chocolate mousse. More yummy. Our gifts were given to us later, with Greer standing behind each of us explaining why we were chosen for the wedding first. That was when I became impromptu Barbie. It was all good though. We got earrings for the wedding as well as other small stuff, lotion, kleenex, notepads, mints etc. all very cute. After the luncheon, Em and I went with Katherine and the people at her house to deliver alcohol to the rehearsal dinner site. As I'm useless with heavy items, I was on kid duty for a while, but it was surreal to be back at my prom venue. After we dropped off supplies, we went back to chill and await my parents arrival, which also meant the arrival of my pants for the dinner. They arrived just in time for my stuff to be ironed before the rehearsal.

Talk about surreal, back in a church for the first time in four years, and walking down the aisle with a guy, not a torch or crucifer, now bowing or genuflecting either, weird. Anyway, rehearsal was relatively painless as the second run through was nixed. Funny though was when the wedding coordinator asked the groomsmen if any of them had been acolytes. They all said no, but the church candles would be lit anyway. I've never lit, but I do know snuffing procedure. That was all amusing because the first groomsman they asked about this? He's Jewish. Cue laughing from everyone. Anyway, after all this, we were free to go eat, drink and be merry. Which we did. The food was fabulous. Pork tenderloin/Low Country boil after appetizers that included honey mustard chicken skewers and hummus/crackers. This was topped by cheese cake and chocolate martinis. Best dessert ever. My mother had prepared a slideshow that induced tears and speeches were said that induced more, from others. Even the speech from Patrick made me tear up, which I told him later. We managed to end the night without any trouble due to alcohol consumption. The same could not be said of the wedding night.

I caved

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 05:39:56 GMT

I'm now @nolechica on Twitter.

Finally!

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 02:06:06 GMT

Writer's Block: Sick day

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 05:38:41 GMT

When you get sick, do you prefer to go it alone or be doted upon by a friend, partner, or parent? Do you usually go to work or school or stay home?

View 1263 Answers

When I'm sick or hurt, equally as likely, I hate being doted on. I don't get sick much, but I try to go to work/school through it. Unless I'm drugged, but even then, I've worked/attended class. The number of classes I've attended/shifts I've worked post-ictal would freak out most people, but I decided years ago that having seizures didn't make the world stop turning. I do shield friends and family from them when possible. My BFF on campus has never seen one despite having seen me post-ictal lots. As for injuries, my pain threshold is freaky. And my patience for maternal hovering is nil. The summer I broke my ankle, I wanted nothing more than to come back to Tally just to get away from my mother. Yeah, walking around campus would've hurt like hell, but the freedom would've been worth it. And walking up and down the stairs to my parents office wasn't exactly a picnic anyway.

Ok, I realize I've opened Pandora's box for the newbies on my flist, but you're free to ask whatever questions you want.

Writer's Block: Who's your BFF?

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 05:26:38 GMT

Who is your oldest friend (i.e., the friend you have known the longest)? How often do you see or talk to each other? Do your close friends tend to stay the same year after year or change over time?

View 1420 Answers

That would be Bryan, who I'm missing right now. We've known each other since 5th grade and he's the reason I'm an FSU fan and student. We talk whenever, his schedule is a nightmare and he answers texts/e-mails better. I've been the single one while he's had a string of girlfriends and a fiancee. I get to be the voice of reason and the crying shoulder, and he does the same for me. We never follow the advice we give. As for why I'm missing him now, it's football season and he hasn't been to a game in Tally in ages. The last two years we've met up in Atlanta for our birthday. And as much as I'm loving the idea of NOLA with Sara, I'm now contemplating ATL the weekend after our bday. Will have to see 2012 later maybe. Need to return his Wall post.

Wedding, Football, and New Orleans?

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:06:55 GMT

Ugh, my body hates me. My sleep is out of whack again, so I'm wide awake at 5:30am, but I had to take Valium because my meds are screwy and my hand's been tight all day. I met with Dr. Gray on Monday and he wants my intro finished ASAP, but the wedding will consume the rest of my week and I have reading to do before I can write the advertising portion of my historiography. The mascot portion is finished though, finally. Hoping I can at least finish the reading before next week, but we'll see. Might actually be sleeping on the bus, as Em's meeting me in Atlanta, with Nick on his birthday, poor him. Then we have to go to Augusta for manis and pedis for the wedding, the latter of which I desperately need, as my feet are shit and my heels are open-toed. I have managed to get out of any extraneous shopping due to a casual rehearsal dinner and having acceptable bridal luncheon clothes. Yay, but I do need to tan, my top is way to white, should have been wearing sleeveless tops and and studying on Landis, not in Strozier. If I still had my crazy creek, I'd probably be tan by now, damn it.

Anyway, my weekend was entertaining. Surprise trip by Sara to town for the game, but we mainly partied. Went to Bull's on Friday with Meg and Katie, that was interesting. I hate playing follow the leader around bars with staircases. We actually hung out on dance floor for a while and I had fun thoughts of the songs that should be playing the next time I'm on the dance floor. Shots were taken and Meg and Katie met up with old "friends". Good night over all. Until Sara dropped them off and didn't come back for a while, as her rendezvous was cut short by frat brothers arriving in town. She's lucky I was up at 5am. I paid for it later though, as I got up at nine for the game and was at the stadium to get seats at ten. Got sunburnt and dehydrated, and we lost, oh and it rained. Where did Murphy find me, and why last week? Lack of ability to defend a running quarterback, or convert at the goal line cost us dearly. Oh, and our kicker still fails at life. Why have home games sucked this year? Fortunately, our loss was small potatoes after UF's golden boy got a concussion and the whole state freaked out. They have this week off though, so he should be fine by their next game, hence me not getting the freak out. And yes, I've had a concussion, and dealing with mine was a pain in the ass, as it involved a trip to the neuro and much hovering, which I hate. This definitely colors my perception.

As for the rest of the weekend, we went out for drinks at the Painted Lady, but a Sex on the Beach is best made by your truly, Tally bartenders fail. Also, Sara and I are planning a trip to New Orleans for my birthday, possibly instead of Gainesville at Thanksgiving. The timing of the trip with depend on when I get the CD I'm awaiting. I hope I can pre-order, but am broke now. This should be fun, as Sara's never really been and I'm always up for playing tour guide and finally having a fellow history geek to go to cemeteries and the WWII museum with, doing that with the fam resulted in Twenty Questions about D-Day. Fortunately for them, I knew the answers. And the timing of this discussion was amusing as pics of Adam Lambert surfaced (with facial hair, never seen so much fandom drama ever) from his New Orleans trip, including a Hand Grenade container from the Tropical Isle, only my favorite drink on Bourbon St. I love hurricanes, but prefer mine from scratch, not Pat O'Brien's mix. Yes, too many Mardi Gras has made me picky, but I'm worse about King Cake. And on the food front, Sara and I discussed frying a turkey for Thanksgiving, which apparently Emily wants to do as well. I wish I still has the Emeril Thanksgiving special I watched years ago. Anyway, Thanksgiving could be an adventure this year, with a fabulous soundtrack. ;-)

Weekend

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 08:22:42 GMT

Saturday was busy. I had to go get my dress fitted, which turned into an adventure. My phone book failed me and the first address I had wasn't in downtown Tallahassee, but downtown Quincy. As such, I had to find a second shop on the fly, as I didn't have cab fare to spend on a second trip for this. Then, trying on the dress was an adventure, as I had to take apart the sash and put the dress on over my head. Add to this my heels and strapless and I was not amused. I hope that I don't regret having the dress measure to the floor, as walking could be tricky. Fortunately, there won't be a groomsman to drag to the ground if I fall, as we're having a way long processional. Speaking of processionals, I told Greer she's owe me, as this'll be the first time I've been in a church since May 2004. That's damn near impossible in the Deep South, which Tallahassee still is, much to my dismay. Anyway, realized I need to quit biting my nails or a manicure will be pointless. I do apparently occasionally have vain thoughts. Still debating the tanning though, might do that the old-fashioned way, unless the rain continues.

As for the never ending thesis, got some reading done, need to write next and reed more. I want to finish the intro by Friday, as I have a meeting with Gray on Monday and game weekends are shit for being productive. Plus, my sleep is more screwy than normal. After a summer as a slave to youtube and mp3 editing, my body finally said enough. I slept twelve hours Sunday and then my power was cut off today and so my sleep is even more out of whack. I might be making a pre-dawn trip to Strozier to write. We'll see if I'm still motivated after I straighten out my ipod playlist, or maybe not exactly, but organize at any rate. I need to finish the mascot section and start on the advertising historiography, without seeing red. Some of the mascot stuff is tough because I'm writing this paper, but I still know the warchant by heart, still do the chop, paint my face (need to retrieve glitter paint for Halloween game), and will always have a soft spot for Osceola and Renegade. Add to this the fact that Dr. Frank probably won't like my thesis, especially after our last chat, and I'm kinda twisted in knots.

As for a brief football update, FSU went to Provo and beat #7 BYU! First victory over a top 10 team in two years. Maybe now beating Florida isn't such a long shot, and Thomas will have to stop being such a shit. Didn't expect a 54-21 victory though, but yay for a recovering secondary, even if our kicker can't make extra points to save his life. Scoring on our first five possessions felt damn good. Add to this an injury to the USF QB and I might make it through this week with sanity in tact. Provided it doesn't rain during the White Out of course. I hate white t-shirts at games, but might get a Nike one and hope for clear skies. Bigger problems come from a noon start, which means being at the stadium at ten. Now I know why Em bitched about Auburn games. That's too damn early, even for a girl who bleeds garnet and gold.

Perfect Wedding and My Need for More Garnet

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:58:56 GMT

Vanity thy name is Mom. Apparently the way to get positive comments from my mom is to get back to my weight from the beginning of freshman year. What? How did that happen? I've lost twenty pounds and I couldn't tell you how if I tried. I assume utility bill control and being distracted out of meals helps. Anyway, now I'm hearing how good I looked at the bachelorette weekend and other wedding related things. Had to go strapless bra shopping yesterday, and it was surprisingly painless. Spent more time waiting on my cab than in the fitting room. This is amazing because bra shipping has always sucked for me and I was anticipating needing the pads from middle school to even things out. Anyway, now that I have everything, I need it to not rain so I can go to the alterations place, and then apparently the tanning bed. Mom is worried about strap marks, but if she'll pay, I'll go. Times like this I hate that it's Patrick's wedding and Mom's worried about me ruining pictures. I'm already getting manicure/pedicure/hair/make-up, and my brows waxed, but that's not new. Most of my friends won't believe the pics.

On to other things, now that the tour/summer obsession is over I'm using my crazy sleep cycle and the wonderful library hours to get some work done. I miss Night Staff/all-nighters hardcore and I need to complete the historiography from Hell soon. I finally figured out a layout, mascots and advertising instead of by chapter. Meeting with Gray next week to see where we go from here. Plus, football season creates a great light at the end of each week's tunnel as motivation. Get shit done so that I can enjoy stadium time. And speaking of football, went in Garnet and Gold yesterday just looking and discovered my icon has been redesigned.

I also want an accurate stadium shirt and a student booster shirt. Sara found a shirt for both of us.

What about Thomas you ask? Well, it seems once he sobered up what he wanted with me changed. So, we had Sexual Inquisition Part Two. Only this time, I wasn't on the defensive as much. Convincing him that I know what I want is tricky because of his past, but I might be willing to try things out. This discussion happened after he made me see red over college football. The shirt above exists for a reason. Gator fans are cocky as Hell, but with good reason unfortunately. Anyway, we left things at we'll see, but I know he doesn't want a girlfriend and he knows I can't be his sports buddy, so maybe something in between? He might need to see my t-shirt.