tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89736930867068464222024-03-13T23:48:22.466-05:00love, alliealliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09736844511859701805noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8973693086706846422.post-66397687314589010212008-10-16T22:16:00.002-05:002008-10-16T22:21:06.409-05:00Blog?...sitting in my office, bored at 11:15pm. I should be studying, or reading, or at least cleaning my kitchen but I am not.<br /><br />I'm thinking maybe I'll resurrect this blog and see if anyone still checks it. We'll see.<br /><br />Updates:<br /><ol><li>I'm now in grad school Down South, just started in August and it's going well so far.</li><li>Finally have my own place, and I'm loving it.</li><li>Downside: am now living 900 miles away from bf and most of my friends from college. So that sucks.</li><li>But am making many new and awesome friends out here (though they all talk funny, haha).</li></ol>And that is really all for tonight. If I'm going to get back into this blogging thing I'm going to have to do it slowly. Baby steps, people.<br /><br />love,<br />alliealliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09736844511859701805noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8973693086706846422.post-18473381952050192252008-02-11T23:19:00.000-06:002008-02-11T23:22:09.695-06:00Yes We Can!1. Watch this video!<br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/jjXyqcx-mYY&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/jjXyqcx-mYY&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />2. Watch this other video!<br /><br /><object width="425" height="373"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3gwqEneBKUs&rel=1&border=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3gwqEneBKUs&rel=1&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="373"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />3. If you live in Wisconsin (or Hawaii), vote for Obama in your primary one week from tomorrow! Hooray!<br /><br />love, <span style="font-weight: bold;">allie</span>alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09736844511859701805noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8973693086706846422.post-22262120056487225872008-02-05T17:30:00.000-06:002008-02-05T17:53:52.919-06:00Holy shit! I posted again!Sitting in the apartment, listening to the <a href="http://www.thislife.org/Radio_Episode.aspx?episode=326">This American Life</a> podcast. Sigh... I love This American Life way more than I should. But hey, someone's gotta do it.<br /><br />Ok, so... it's been a while since I last posted. Let's see, what have I been up to since then? Well, on Friday I visited Grad School of Choice. It was a good experience, I understand a whole lot more now than I did before about the program, but I still feel kind of lost. Here was the scenario: about half of the prospective students at this open house thing were already affiliated with lab groups, ready to get started on their thesis/dissertation. The other half was like me - wondering around with lost, blank looks on their faces. The thing is, I need to get a professor to agree to be my adviser and take me on into their lab in order for me to gain admission. I feel that I made some great connections, but there are still lots of ifs. I don't really know what those professors thought of me or whether they want to take me on or not. Uggg... applying for graduate school must be the most stressful thing I've ever done.<br /><br />Oh well, at least classes are easy. Ridiculously easy, in fact. Hooray!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0G_5PyZH1bo/R6j17H70bHI/AAAAAAAAAD0/rBEp2YCHF-g/s1600-h/billnye.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 206px; height: 206px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0G_5PyZH1bo/R6j17H70bHI/AAAAAAAAAD0/rBEp2YCHF-g/s320/billnye.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163647368871308402" border="0" /></a>In better news, the lab I TA for went really well today. It's called Biodiversity, but I like to call it Baby Bio. Basically, it's a biology class for non-majors who have been made to sign up for a science class, against their will, in line with the whole liberal arts education. But I love it. It makes me feel like I know a whole lot about biology, even though I only have about 3 years under my belt. I know it's terrible, but I feel so much better about my scientific abilities after this lab than after I talk to my professors. Besides, these kids know they love biology, they just need someone to prod it out of them. You'll see - all these kiddies are going to be science majors soon enough. Anyway, today we were looking at protists under the microscope. They were finding live ones swimming around, and they got so excited! It was really cute. <br /><br />Well, it seems that's all for today. This weekend should be fun, I'm excited.<br /><br />love, <span style="font-weight: bold;">allie</span>alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09736844511859701805noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8973693086706846422.post-2586054644717263562008-01-26T14:03:00.000-06:002008-01-26T14:55:47.419-06:00Back in the States, Part IIIHere I am, sitting at Best Coffee Shop Ever (hence forth referred to as BCSE), where I should be working on lots of things.... graduate school shit, Environmental Chemistry homework... but instead I'm blogging. Just for you!<br /><br />Before I finish my blogger trilogy of Panama, I'm going to discuss the awesomeness that occurred last night. As <a href="http://www.sangriapong.blogspot.com/">CL</a> already documented, there was some drunkenness going on. The night started with me, CL, <a href="http://www.cheapwinereviews.com/charles-shaw-two-buck-chuck-cabernet">Charles Shaw</a>, and <span style="font-style: italic;">Brokeback Mountain</span>. CL and I decided to have our own personal tribute to the dearly departed <span style="font-weight: bold;">Heath Ledger </span>this weekend. We rented our high school favorite, <span style="font-style: italic;">10 Things I Hate About You</span>, (watched on Thursday!) and our new favorite, <span style="font-style: italic;">Brokeback Mountain</span>. I hadn't seen it until last night, but wow. That was a beautiful movie. I think we're going to watch it again today. CL only stuck around for the first half of it anyway, then she and MW went over to Local Pub to watch and band and engage in various shenanigans... leaving me alone with a 1/2 bottle of 2-buck Chuck and Heath Ledger. Ooh la la.<br /><br />After finishing the bottle, I went over to Local Pub to meet up with the crew. Fortunately, the band playing was really popular, meaning a big crowd at the pub and lots of friends and fun. Incriminating pictures posted on facebook: check!<br /><br />But back to what you came for: more pictures of Panama!<br /><br />So, here we go. We arrived at Bocas del Toro, and immediately fell in love with it. It's fucking <span style="font-weight: bold;">beautiful</span>!!! We stayed on Isla Colon, in the province (or state? I'm not really sure) of Bocas del Toro, which is on the Caribbean side of Panama. We stayed at the Smithsonian field station there, and they took good care of us. It's on the inland side of the island, so the water was clear and calm and all of the shorelines are covered in mangrove trees. You can kind of see that in this picture, it's taken of the dock at the Smithsonian station:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0G_5PyZH1bo/R5uZAn70a_I/AAAAAAAAACY/pywpi38Fhj0/s1600-h/P1020084.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0G_5PyZH1bo/R5uZAn70a_I/AAAAAAAAACY/pywpi38Fhj0/s400/P1020084.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5159886034081967090" border="0" /></a><br />While at Bocas, we went batting with a professor from Florida. We went to La Gruta, a bat cave and also a grotto to Mary (interesting combination, I know). The story goes that a woman was washing her clothes in the stream that comes out of the cave and saw an image of Mary. I say that it is pretty nasty to be washing clothes in a stream full of bat shit, but whatever. Anyway, the area there is absolutely beautiful, too.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0G_5PyZH1bo/R5uZM370bBI/AAAAAAAAACo/RY4UNBL-rVM/s1600-h/P1030130.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0G_5PyZH1bo/R5uZM370bBI/AAAAAAAAACo/RY4UNBL-rVM/s400/P1030130.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5159886244535364626" border="0" /></a><br />And while we were there we saw some really awesome bugs! Stink bugs? Maybe? If anyone knows, speak up!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0G_5PyZH1bo/R5uZHn70bAI/AAAAAAAAACg/v_yUmg7l5bo/s1600-h/P1030127.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0G_5PyZH1bo/R5uZHn70bAI/AAAAAAAAACg/v_yUmg7l5bo/s400/P1030127.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5159886154341051394" border="0" /></a><br />On the grounds of the station there's this little pond. In the pond lives a few caymans. Here's one of them! They're so cute. Aww.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0G_5PyZH1bo/R5uZRH70bCI/AAAAAAAAACw/rLSxzX2o0M0/s1600-h/P1060157.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0G_5PyZH1bo/R5uZRH70bCI/AAAAAAAAACw/rLSxzX2o0M0/s400/P1060157.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5159886317549808674" border="0" /></a><br />Back to Gamboa... here's a shot of the rain forest from the back of our truck. Riding in the trucks through the rain forest felt a little bit too much like <span style="font-style: italic;">Jurassic Park</span>... but it was really cool.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0G_5PyZH1bo/R5uZfH70bEI/AAAAAAAAADA/FTSFaRtJSc0/s1600-h/PC290098.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0G_5PyZH1bo/R5uZfH70bEI/AAAAAAAAADA/FTSFaRtJSc0/s400/PC290098.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5159886558067977282" border="0" /></a><br />Then we went over to <a href="http://www.stri.org/english/visit_us/barro_colorado/">Barro Colorado Island</a>. It's a whole island owned by the Smithsonian and used for research. So... it's pretty cool. We went on a hike through the rain forest there, and it was amazing. Even the ferry ride over was cool. We had to get there at some ungodly hour of the morning, but (<span style="font-weight: bold;">bonus!</span>) we got to see the sunrise over the Panama Canal. And that, my friends, is fucking awesome.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0G_5PyZH1bo/R5uZmX70bFI/AAAAAAAAADI/VldJBDUb-so/s1600-h/PC310227.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0G_5PyZH1bo/R5uZmX70bFI/AAAAAAAAADI/VldJBDUb-so/s400/PC310227.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5159886682622028882" border="0" /></a><br />I had about a million and a half pictures of things I saw on the hike through Barro Colorado. Here's my favorite. That's a big spider!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0G_5PyZH1bo/R5uZtn70bGI/AAAAAAAAADQ/ERnmt37t-iw/s1600-h/PC310259.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0G_5PyZH1bo/R5uZtn70bGI/AAAAAAAAADQ/ERnmt37t-iw/s400/PC310259.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5159886807176080482" border="0" /></a><br />So, that's all the awesome biology-licious photos I'm going to post. Then we saw the locks at the Panama Canal. Sure, it was cool, but whatever. Not as cool as huge-ass spiders and monkeys. Seriously. But here she is, in all her glory:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0G_5PyZH1bo/R5uZXX70bDI/AAAAAAAAAC4/YfgMVUFTYXY/s1600-h/P1110345.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0G_5PyZH1bo/R5uZXX70bDI/AAAAAAAAAC4/YfgMVUFTYXY/s400/P1110345.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5159886424923991090" border="0" /></a><br />And that wraps up my Panama story. If you want anymore info, go on and e-mail me. Bottom line: it was amazing. Yes, you should go. No, you should not wait. Go on, get up and go! Before even more of the rain forest is cut down (cattle-ranching bastards).<br /><br />love, <span style="font-weight: bold;">allie</span>alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09736844511859701805noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8973693086706846422.post-35644587858965189812008-01-23T19:44:00.000-06:002008-01-26T14:03:13.167-06:00Back in the States, Part II; or, Holy Hell! What Easy Classes I Have!Dear Blog Reader,<br /><br />Here comes part 2 of my Panama experience. This edition comes after meeting with the Panama Boys at Local Pub for some drinks and burgers. Yum. Now <span style="font-weight: bold;">allie </span>is a bit tipsy. Please forgive her.<br /><br />So, if I hadn't mentioned it enough in previous entries... Panama was <span style="font-weight: bold;">fucking awesome</span>. And <a href="http://cassette45.wordpress.com/">Grace</a> is right. I wouldn't be able to explain the full awesomeness of it unless you gave me approximately three hours and bought me a pitcher of <a href="http://www.newglarusbrewing.com/beers.cfm?BeerID=7">Spotted Cow</a> at Local Pub. Until then, thou shalt never know.<br /><br />But for all you busy-bodies... here's the super condensed, Cliff-Notes version:<br /><br />We spent most of our time in Gamboa<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=gamboa&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl"></a>, a small town in the canal zone. From there, we were able to travel into the rain forest quite easily. That's where we saw the howler monkey I showed a picture of in my previous post. Also, we went up into the canopy crane in the <a href="http://www.parquemetropolitano.org/">Parque Natural Metropolitano</a>. Here's a super-cool picture!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0G_5PyZH1bo/R5fwsn70a5I/AAAAAAAAABo/oDQCl-FYzis/s1600-h/Canopy+Crane%21+compressed.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0G_5PyZH1bo/R5fwsn70a5I/AAAAAAAAABo/oDQCl-FYzis/s400/Canopy+Crane%21+compressed.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158856547600984978" border="0" /></a><br />So, you get in a little basket. This basket is hoisted up the crane, then out to the tippy-tippy end. Then you see awesome stuff! Like this sloth!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0G_5PyZH1bo/R5fyLn70a7I/AAAAAAAAAB4/VRhcPcoK8Oo/s1600-h/slothy.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0G_5PyZH1bo/R5fyLn70a7I/AAAAAAAAAB4/VRhcPcoK8Oo/s400/slothy.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158858179688557490" border="0" /></a><br />That was probably the best thing about Gamboa. Spider sampling was pretty sweet, too. Pictures coming with Part III. After spending about a week, we headed off to Bocas del Toro....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0G_5PyZH1bo/R5fz8H70a8I/AAAAAAAAACA/QS4064s_PXI/s1600-h/Plane+Shadow.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0G_5PyZH1bo/R5fz8H70a8I/AAAAAAAAACA/QS4064s_PXI/s400/Plane+Shadow.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158860112423840706" border="0" /></a><br />Yeah! That's our plane!<br /><br />Ok, I'm going to stop tipsy-blogging.<br /><br />Do not fret. I will have plenty of time to blog these next couple months. I have no homework. Ever. What?<br /><br />love, <span style="font-weight: bold;">allie</span><br /><br />PS - I hate Miley Cyrus! Sorry <a href="http://sangriapong.blogspot.com/">CL</a>, M and Grace!<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09736844511859701805noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8973693086706846422.post-2093668242829164912008-01-19T12:07:00.000-06:002008-01-22T17:23:19.754-06:00Back in the States, Part II'm back, y'all!<br /><br />So, one week at home, two weeks in sunny Panama, one more week at home, and here I am; back from my long absence. Classes started up again on Monday (damn you small liberal arts colleges for not observing Martin Luther King Jr. Day)... I wasn't really ready for it, but that's ok.<br /><br />Here's the beginning of my recap from my wonderful, wonderful holiday to Panama...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Back story</span>: Lucky me! I was selected to take a travel course to Panama through the Biology/Environmental Science department of my school. It was slightly over two weeks, leaving just after Christmas and returning on Jan. 12th.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i.pbase.com/u16/meelitamm/large/39012779.IMG_6119cropped.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i.pbase.com/u16/meelitamm/large/39012779.IMG_6119cropped.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Going to Panama was probably the highlight of college for me. The trees, the ocean, the monkeys, the spiders... <span style="font-weight: bold;">Panama Cerveza</span>...<br /><br />Ahhh, the good life.<br /><br />We were there for a little over 2 weeks, mostly staying at Smithsonian field stations. We got to frolic in the rain forest, listen to howler monkeys, snorkel near coral reefs, catch spiders... You know, normal stuff.<br /><br />I took a shit-load of pictures while there and my computer is being a little fussy about uploading them. I'll post some in my "Back in the States, Part II" post.<br /><br />The best part of my trip, I think, was that we got to celebrate New Year's in Panama. We went over to this swanky resort nearby to our field station, drank Panama Cerveza, and danced to Van Halen's <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5g2yyvdjrE">"Panama."</a> Haha, a little overkill I guess, but at the time (and after a few cervezas) we thought it was <span style="font-weight: bold;">awesome</span>.<br /><br />My favorite thing we saw in Panama: howler monkeys!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0G_5PyZH1bo/R5Z4Bl7ZjtI/AAAAAAAAABc/-_iH3JV9MOY/s1600-h/howler+monkey.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 303px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0G_5PyZH1bo/R5Z4Bl7ZjtI/AAAAAAAAABc/-_iH3JV9MOY/s400/howler+monkey.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158442391955934930" border="0" /></a><br />Ok, yes, that's a picture I took. My camera had one crappy zoom for being so new. Camera with a decent zoom = #1 need for next trip to Panama.<br /><br />Now that I'm back in the States, back in Wisconsin (ugg), I'm having trouble re-adjusting to winter. Especially since the temperatures <span style="font-weight: bold;">didn't get above zero</span> for a few days there. Classes have started, too. Good thing most of my classes are easy this semester. It's my last semester as an undergrad; I don't think I could handle another hard one.<br /><br />On tap for this semester:<br /><ul><li>Oceanography - <span style="font-weight: bold;">biggest</span>. <span style="font-weight: bold;">joke</span>. <span style="font-weight: bold;">ever</span>. Today we learned that there are 1000 meters in a kilometer. 7th grade anyone?</li><li>Art History - fun, awesome professor, and only 1 paper. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Hooray</span>!</li><li>Environmental Chemistry - my last required class, taught by my advisor. Nice.</li></ul>That's it! Hooray!<br /><br />I'll update more about Panama soon, I promise.<br /><br />love, <span style="font-weight: bold;">allie</span><br /><br />ps - I'm sorry for not updating for so long. Naughty girl. I missed you guys :)<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span><br /></span>alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09736844511859701805noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8973693086706846422.post-83107954746032765392007-12-18T14:01:00.000-06:002007-12-18T14:06:44.986-06:00la la la... no more school, but other stuff. A.K.A longest title to a blog entry everSitting in the public library at home.<br /><br />Working, or not, on my essays.<br /><br />Chatting with <a href="http://cassette45.wordpress.com">grace</a>.<br /><br />I can't wait for Christmas! Arrgg... being home is not as fun as I would have liked. None of my high school friends have called, but then again I haven't called any of them either. Christmas shopping, Christmas baking, Christmas cleaning! It all needs to be done... but then again all of that is way more fun than school for me right now.<br /><br />I guess it's up to me to bake for Christmas this year. My mom is an excellent cook - but she doesn't bake. We're having the whole big family over and I've been put in charge of all desserts, cookies, and candy. Eeee!<br /><br />More updates later! Well, we'll see. My parents still live in the stone age and only have dial-up. Doing anything on the internet can be very frustrating.<br /><br />Must go! Christmas beckons!<br /><br />love, <span style="font-weight: bold;">allie</span>alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09736844511859701805noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8973693086706846422.post-3716517618933974502007-12-14T17:01:00.000-06:002007-12-14T17:13:33.133-06:00I'm done!Done with finals!<br /><br />Done with this stressful semester!<br /><br />Now I have time to really crack down on those grad school applications... and maybe do a bit of Christmas shopping. Also - get ready for my trip to Panama!<br /><br />Spending New Year's Eve in Panama is going to be the highlight of my year. It sucks that I'll be out of town, sounds like there's going to be some good parties here, but still... It's New Year's, it's Panama, it doesn't get any better than that.<br /><br />Everyone's going home for the break, it's a bit bittersweet. Some of my friends are graduating at semester, like Blondie who stayed here the past few days. It's sad because I know it'll never be the same for us. We used to live together, you know? And now it's coming to the end. Yes, this seems a bit like the beginning of the end. I'm scared to graduate, but excited at the same time. It kind of feels like I've finally gotten comfortable here and now it's time to move on again. But at the same time there's a lot of things I wish I'd done differently here, and I'm ready to start a new phase of my life. For instance, I wish I'd made more friends, I wish I'd been more outgoing, I wish I'd taken more pictures, I wish I'd kissed a few more boys (but I do love my bf), I wish I'd spent a little more time hanging out with the girls, I wish I'd gone to Europe, I actually <span style="font-weight: bold;">do </span>with I'd spent a little more time studying... the list goes on. <br /><br />Rrr... no more sentimentality. Must go. Must pack. Must clean. Must go to a movie with CL (yay!).<br /><br />I'm going home tomorrow, so blog posts will be less frequent. I've got shit to do, people!<br /><br />love, <span style="font-weight: bold;">allie</span>alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09736844511859701805noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8973693086706846422.post-39466715034122412662007-12-13T14:23:00.000-06:002007-12-13T14:42:01.323-06:00Pedestrians = friends (not roadkill)Holy shit, people of Wisconsin. <br /><br />There's this law. It says that, while driving, you need to YIELD to PEDESTRIANS in the CROSSWALK. I, as a frequent pedestrian, would greatly appreciate you doing so. The rest of the pedestrians would appreciate that as well. The city realized this, and decided to put a big, fancy, bright yellow sign in the middle of the crosswalk reading "STATE LAW: YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS WITHIN CROSSWALK," in the hopes that the people of this city would obey that sign.<br /><br />They did not obey the sign.<br /><br />In fact, they RAN OVER IT.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0G_5PyZH1bo/R2GWHzjf7zI/AAAAAAAAABQ/ghfnRVuudyc/s1600-h/PC060487.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0G_5PyZH1bo/R2GWHzjf7zI/AAAAAAAAABQ/ghfnRVuudyc/s400/PC060487.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143557310276169522" border="0" /></a><br />Yep, that's the sign on my street. Poor sign, all tattered up from being RUN OVER by a careless Wisconsinite driver. I especially like the nice chunk taken out of the picture of the pedestrian by the "incident." Is this what Wisconsin thinks of its pedestrians?<br /><br />I ask: if a fluorescent yellow sign can sit in the middle of the crosswalk each day, in the same spot, and it gets run over... what will be the fate of me, crossing at that same crosswalk everyday on my way to school?<br /><br />More than being LAW, isn't it just polite to yield to pedestrians, especially if it is snowing or windy or cold or raining, or otherwise uncomfortable to be outside? Especially since they are not releasing excess amounts of carbon into the atmosphere by walking, but your car does by driving it?<br /><br />This is my rant for the day. Yield to pedestrians!<br /><br />love, <span style="font-weight: bold;">allie</span>alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09736844511859701805noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8973693086706846422.post-3222799825130624462007-12-12T13:33:00.000-06:002007-12-12T13:56:51.849-06:00New haircut, procrastination part II, and an early morning freakoutMy new haircut was... less exciting than expected. I only got a trim, and then a few more layers (for "movement" as my stylist said). But come to think of it, I kind of liked my longer, all-one-length hair better. Oh well, it will grow out soon. I don't hate it, just kind of regretting my decision to get it cut. My stylist styled it funny, too. You know how when you go to the salon and you get your haircut, and the lady blow dries it for you... it just never looks the same as when you do it yourself? I mean, not that I'm the pro here or anything. Just the way she styled it was very... not me. All straight and curled under. I'm more of a wild and wavy type myself.<br /><br />Yesterday... did not get done what I needed to get done, which equals more stress for today. I was laying in bed at around 1:15 or so this morning, not really sleeping, just running things through my head... when I suddenly freaked out. Let me recap for you:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">______________________________________________________<br /><br /></div><span style="font-style: italic;">I was somehow totally convinced that Dr. H, my most important reference for grad school, had finished all of his work at school and was leaving early on his way out of the country to visit somewhere tropical (</span>which he has a tendency to do every break - I want this man's lifestyle!<span style="font-style: italic;">). That would mean that I wouldn't be able to use him as a reference and, in my crazy half-sleep, decided that I would never get into grad school and would have to work at McDonald's for the rest of my life. <br /><br />I jumped straight up in bed, called the bf, made him come over and tell me that it was going to be ok, then yelled at him for just telling me that to calm me down, and that he didn't really know if Dr. H was gone by now or not. Made the bf leave my apartment, still mad at him. <br /><br />Texted CW, a friend in the environmental science department and cohort on Panama trip, asking him if he knew where Dr. H was and if he was still in town. Finally received text message back from CW at around 1:45 saying that he was "over 90% sure that Dr. H is still around" and something to the fact that Dr. H loves me anyways and would run home from said tropical destination to fill out reference letter for me. <br /><br />Still not satisfied, I went to my computer, checked the finals schedule, saw that Dr. H still had to administer a final exam this week. Decided life would go on. Went back to sleep.</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;">______________________________________________________<br /></div><br /><br />Then today I went over to Dr. H's office, found him there and gave him the materials for references. He was very nice, "Of course I'll fill these out for you - I'm so glad you want to go to grad school! Have a merry Christmas!"<br /><br />Life is ok now. Must not freak out anymore.<br /><br />love, <span style="font-weight: bold;">allie</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span>alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09736844511859701805noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8973693086706846422.post-86684029029006318502007-12-11T11:32:00.000-06:002007-12-11T11:37:56.576-06:00Today: like yesterday only newer!Today, this is what I will do. Please feel free to check up on me to see if I, in fact, did this things. My procrastination and preoccupation with new networking site is getting the best of me. H'ok, so... list:<br /><br /><ul><li>get dressed</li><li>work on paper for paleobiology</li><li>work on personal statement for grad schools</li><li>meet with professors so that they can give me references to said grad schools</li><li>study for paleobiology exam</li><li>study for org. chemistry exam</li><li>haircut: 3pm</li></ul>Please don't be nice to me until these things are done. If I don't get these things done today, I will have been v. naughty girl (te he, naughty is a funny word).<br /><br />That is all.<br /><br />love, <span style="font-weight: bold;">allie</span>alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09736844511859701805noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8973693086706846422.post-28685200136443461702007-12-10T21:12:00.000-06:002007-12-10T21:25:59.631-06:00The day after the day afterAfter an awesome party and a day spent recuperating from said awesome party, today was my first real day back at life. But (bonus), no classes or finals or work today... just the whole day to myself to do <s> what I need to do </s> a bunch of stupid crap all day.<br /><br />My day:<br /><ul><li>10am - wake up</li><li>10:30am - sit on internet, talk to CR (although it was a v. good conversation - ps CR: I need to update you), do some internet shopping<br /></li><li>11:30am - make kick-ass breakfast of eggs, toast, and coffee</li><li>12:00pm - drive to Wal-greens with CL, pick up anti-preggers meds and check out awesome deals on cosmetics (conditioner for $2! lip balm for $2! yes!)<br /></li><li>2:00pm - the bf calls. I think "holy shit! I've been doing nothing all day!" And then the bf comes over for a bit before his exam</li><li>2:15pm - back on the computer - I can't even remember what I was doing at this point</li><li>3:00pm - "holy shit! it's 3pm!" do first productive thing of day: shower</li><li>not sure what happened between 3 and 5.</li><li>5:00pm - bf comes over, we make dinner... get distracted...</li><li>7:00pm - "oh crap! I told CL I'd be at library at 6!" go to library, but first go pick up lovely package from m&d. oooh! cookies!<br /></li><li>9:00pm - get bored at library, but have computer, begin looking around at blogs and such</li></ul>Holy shit! It's almost 9:30! Must run, lots to do still. Must make up for unproductive day!<br /><br />love, <span style="font-weight: bold;">allie</span>alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09736844511859701805noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8973693086706846422.post-75952673520800637792007-12-07T11:46:00.000-06:002007-12-07T12:17:25.417-06:00Sex, drugs, and rock 'n' rollIn response to CL's comment that my blog is too innocent (read: <span style="font-weight: bold;">boring</span>!), I have decided to make today's post about <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">sex</span>, <span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153); font-weight: bold;">drugs</span>, and <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">rock 'n' roll</span>, as she requested.<br /><br />So when I Googled "sex + drugs + rock n roll"... I found the tattoo that I'm totally going to get:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.bmeink.com/miniport/A50523/high/bmegl069396.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.bmeink.com/miniport/A50523/high/bmegl069396.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I especially like how the "drugs" girl is invisible, and neither one has a face. Nice. You know, those things aren't important. I hope it's just half finished.<br /><br />You should get one, too. We can all have matching tattoos of naked chicks on our arms. It will be sweeet.<br /><br />But you know, if we're all going to get matching tattoos, we should get really pretty ones, with pink sparkles on them. And we should get them where real friends symbolize their love for one another: on our asses. That's exactly what I want on my ass when I'm 70 years old. Then when we're all 70, we can still know that we're pink-sparkley-butt-tattoo best friends. Not just boring regular best friends. Well, that's what these girls wanted I guess. I would suppose that the conversation that preceded this decision went something like this:<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />"Come on guys, let's all get, like, matching tattoos because we're totally BFFs!!!!!!!"</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"Ok, cool... what should we get, LOL?"</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"We should get something that's totally, like, going to be soooooo meaningful. Like, forever! Because we're, like, best friends forever!!!!!!!"</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"Yeah! OMG! You know what would be, like, sooooooooo cute? Pink sparkely hearts!!! On our butts!!!!!"</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.bmeink.com/miniport/A50518/high/bmegl064224.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 389px; height: 272px;" src="http://www.bmeink.com/miniport/A50518/high/bmegl064224.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"OMG yeah, like totally!!!!! I will sooooooo want that on my ass forever!!!!!"</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"And then we can, like, show people!!!!!!!! Oooh! And we could all, like, get matching pink sparkley thongs too! And then people will know that we will be BFFS.... forever!!!!!!!!! OMG we are AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"</span><br /><br /><br /><br />So, you up for it?<br />Good. We'll go tomorrow.<br /><br />love, <span style="font-weight: bold;">allie</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /></span>alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09736844511859701805noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8973693086706846422.post-61354070413845462152007-12-06T16:14:00.000-06:002007-12-06T16:29:22.963-06:00Weekend plans and a sigh of reliefCL and I are having a <span style="font-weight: bold;">party </span>this weekend. It's going to be great. Ugly Sweater Christmas Party... you get the picture. So far, we've got a good number of people coming - and apparently a box of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Franzia</span>! Life is good.<br /><br />Today was a <span style="font-weight: bold;">crazy </span>day. But now my presentation is done and so is my lab practical, and my lab report is handed in. Still tired - I didn't get to sleep until 1am, then got up at 6:30 to keep working. The bf came over, though - he made it all more tolerable. We both had things to do and had to stay up late... so why not do it together? It feels nice to have all of those things off my shoulders and just done. DONE! Now all I have to worry about it finals and grad school applications. ...yeah. Here's the plan for now:<br /><ul><li>Next week: FINALS</li><li>Grad School apps - need to be mailed by Christmas</li><li>Christmas shopping... yeah, probably should do that by Christmas, too</li><li>PANAMA! ...but I need to get ready for it, buy stuff, pack stuff, etc.</li><li>relax? at some point? maybe? nah.</li></ul>I'm really ready for break. Ready to go home... weird.<br /><br />love, <span style="font-weight: bold;">allie</span>alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09736844511859701805noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8973693086706846422.post-35305723989843254522007-12-06T16:03:00.000-06:002007-12-06T16:13:52.121-06:00So f-ing classy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/14/Darjeeling-tea-first-flush-in-cup.jpg/800px-Darjeeling-tea-first-flush-in-cup.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/14/Darjeeling-tea-first-flush-in-cup.jpg/800px-Darjeeling-tea-first-flush-in-cup.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >+<br /><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://k53.pbase.com/u26/dannysmythe/large/43277044.Pear.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://k53.pbase.com/u26/dannysmythe/large/43277044.Pear.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">+</span></span><br /><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.sobreiro.com/photos/crackers.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.sobreiro.com/photos/crackers.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">+</span></span><br /><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.aftouch-cuisine.com/images/produits/Brie%20de%20Meaux1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.aftouch-cuisine.com/images/produits/Brie%20de%20Meaux1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">= Best snack ever... thanks CL!<br /></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></div></div><br />love, <span style="font-weight: bold;">allie<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></span></span>(even though I'm so gauche)<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span>alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09736844511859701805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8973693086706846422.post-38609281487631775292007-12-04T21:11:00.000-06:002007-12-04T21:18:11.103-06:00Camel toe?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://nexus404.com/Blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/sandals-get-a-style-injection-with-dopie.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://nexus404.com/Blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/sandals-get-a-style-injection-with-dopie.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Is it just me, or do these sandals look really wrong? Ok, it's great that they're eco-friendly... but seriously? I don't think the camel-toe design is a requisite for eco-friendly accessories. Still, if you're really interested, they're available <a href="http://www.dopiewear.com/">here</a>, although it is a London-based website. God, I hope these things don't catch on here in the States. Could they possibly be the next Crocs? I think I'll have nightmares tonight.<br /><br />love, <span style="font-weight: bold;">allie</span>alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09736844511859701805noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8973693086706846422.post-13813996629591206112007-12-03T12:20:00.000-06:002007-12-03T12:23:04.855-06:00Library = quiet, no?Should not be blogging now.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://a.abcnews.com/images/WN/pd_scream_071012_ms.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 127px; height: 95px;" src="http://a.abcnews.com/images/WN/pd_scream_071012_ms.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Should be finishing class assignment.<br /><br />However, all of the people in the library should not be running around chasing each other, screaming like little girls, telling each other how drunk they were this weekend, or who they or their roommates had sex with. Indoor voices people!<br /><br />Sorry for the rant, that is all.<br /><br />love, <span style="font-weight: bold;">allie</span>alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09736844511859701805noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8973693086706846422.post-52019694741829340812007-11-30T16:40:00.001-06:002007-11-30T16:59:57.957-06:00Nachos grande y cinnamon twists!<span style="font-weight: bold;">Productive </span>day today!<br /><br />It was a good day:<br /><ul><li>Went to all <span style="font-weight: bold;">two</span> classes I had</li><li>Cat-nap in the afternoon</li><li>Dishes - done!</li><li>Garbage - taken out!</li><li>Organic Chem. problems - started!</li></ul>Having a day like this makes me feel not quite as guilty for being completely <span style="font-weight: bold;">out of commission</span> yesterday, although I still have a bit of catching up to do.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bonus</span>: CR is coming into town tonight! I heart you, CR! Also, CL and I have plans to go to B&N to start planning our trip to Europe this summer. We are going to Europe and we are going to have <span style="font-weight: bold;">fun</span>! As a graduation present my parents offered me either Lasik eye surgery or a trip to Europe. I choose Europe, my eyes can stay crappy for the time being. Once I have a fabulous job, I'll pay for my Lasik surgery myself.<br /><br />-in other news-<br /><br />I am completely <span style="font-weight: bold;">in love<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span></span>with <a href="http://iamfashion.blogspot.com/2007/11/classic-cropped-jackets.html">these</a> jackets I saw on the I am Fashion blog the other day! They are the perfect blend of retro and modern. Also, they look a bit like the new Nine West coat I got while in Chicago a few weeks back. Yay for that!<br /><br />Ok, that's all for now... more weekend updates later!<br /><br />love, <span style="font-weight: bold;">allie<br /><br /></span>PS - for something else to <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0); font-weight: bold;">brighten </span></span>your day, check out <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngRq82c8Baw">this</a>! It's my favorite (and the extent of my Spanish vocabulary)!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09736844511859701805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8973693086706846422.post-12378481338803194952007-11-18T15:18:00.000-06:002007-11-18T21:03:21.648-06:00Boring SundayI hate working Sundays, but I always do. Working 7:30am-3:00pm wears me out so much, with the people and the coffee and the quiche (damn <span style="font-weight: bold;">quiche</span>). So it always turns out that once I get home I get really tired and lazy and end up spending the rest of the night watching TV and going on the internet.... <span style="font-weight: bold;">BLAH</span>.<br /><br />Also, I'm sorry CR! I was <span style="font-weight: bold;">supposed </span>to call you when I got home from work but I was a bad girl and didn't. I still want to hear your story, though! Ah... keep me updated!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bad </span>news: just found out that I'll need to get 5 shots before going to Panama. Eww. Pfft, I ain't gonna get no typhoid fever, or yellow fever, or Hep. A, or tetanus, or the flu... I'm fine. I can fight it off... I think. Thoughts on exotic diseases? Like that maybe I should try to <span style="font-weight: bold;">not </span>contract them?<br /><br />love, <span style="font-weight: bold;">allie</span>alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09736844511859701805noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8973693086706846422.post-77695874905336251432007-11-16T16:17:00.000-06:002007-11-16T16:35:30.115-06:00damn greedy writersOk, the WGA strike officially stopped being just annoying and is now pissing me off. According to (the ever-so-accurate) <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Effect_of_the_2007_Writers_Guild_of_America_strike_on_television">Wikipedia</a>, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Office</span> has the following status:<br /><br />"Production stopped, last new episode aired November 15, 2007."<br /><br /><br />More bad news from Wiki on <span style="font-style: italic;">Scrubs</span>:<br /><br />"12 out of 18 episodes have been completed. Series finale episode could possibly not be produced or broadcast..."<br /><br /><br />I miss Jim and JD already.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.lifeintheoffice.com/wp-content/images/characters/Jim.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.lifeintheoffice.com/wp-content/images/characters/Jim.png" alt="" border="0" /></a>Jim: "Don't cancel my show! I haven't even gotten a sex scene with Pam yet!"<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.salon.com/ent/tv/review/2006/05/17/scrubs/story.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://images.salon.com/ent/tv/review/2006/05/17/scrubs/story.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>JD: "Ah! Stop striking, writers, and let my show had a series finale!"<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">If this thing doesn't clear up soon, I think I will cry. Can't we all just get along?<br /><br />love, <span style="font-weight: bold;">allie</span><br /></div></div>alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09736844511859701805noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8973693086706846422.post-86267990265270734182007-11-16T12:52:00.000-06:002007-11-16T13:16:13.103-06:00$@#!!$@! It's winter!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.wpclipart.com/weather/snow/snowflake_image.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 245px; height: 223px;" src="http://www.wpclipart.com/weather/snow/snowflake_image.png" alt="" border="0" /></a>It <span style="font-weight: bold;">snowed </span>today! Really it was just a tiny bit, but it was there. It started to feel like Christmas time to me today, also. I was running across the street to get some food from the sandwich shop when it started snowing. The wreaths were up on the light poles. And when I walked into the store, they were playing "Deck the Halls" on the stereo in that old-fashioned, full orchestra style. It all felt a bit out of place, seeing as how it's not even Thanksgiving yet, but it still gave me that nice, warm, Christmas-y feeling.<br /><br />No plans for tonight yet. A couple people said we should go out, but nothing for sure. Surprisingly, the bf wants to go to the <span style="font-weight: bold;">jazz </span>concert at school tonight. I know it's because one of his roommates is playing, but I'll take what I can get. After that, I might go out to the bars with the girls. Should be a good time.<br /><br />Short post today, I should make my Friday afternoon a productive one.<br /><br />love, <span style="font-weight: bold;">allie</span>alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09736844511859701805noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8973693086706846422.post-79072802304367142842007-11-14T15:27:00.001-06:002007-11-14T16:07:54.526-06:00No classes today!Yay, no classes. Good thing I'm being productive and watching <span style="font-style: italic;">Dr. Phil</span> while <span style="font-weight: bold;">blogging</span>. I love me. So far I have accomplished 3 things today: I went to work (at 6:30am, so give me a break!), I went to the bank, and I picked up my bridesmaid dress for KV's wedding. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://s7d4.scene7.com/ir/render/AlfredAngeloRender/6129SN-600?wid=340&obj=main&color=0,0,0&sharpen=1"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 199px; height: 263px;" src="http://s7d4.scene7.com/ir/render/AlfredAngeloRender/6129SN-600?wid=340&obj=main&color=0,0,0&sharpen=1" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Here it is... yay! There's a little problem, though. I think it's one size too <span style="font-weight: bold;">small</span>. There's still time before the wedding. The problem was that when trying on sample dresses, the small one was of the wrong brand. That one fit me but this one doesn't. Now it's all a big hassle.<br /><br />While looking on the internet for information on bridesmaid dress sizing, I came across a lovely website: <a href="http://www.uglydresses.com/">uglydresses.com</a>. Basically, it just showcases all of the things my bridesmaid dress <span style="font-style: italic;">could</span> have been, had KV had terrible taste. My personal <span style="font-weight: bold;">favorite</span>:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://store1.yimg.com/I/uglydress_1958_19036626"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://store1.yimg.com/I/uglydress_1958_19036626" alt="" border="0" /></a>Ok y'all. If you're in my wedding, that is so what you're wearing. It's gonna be awesome. If you look closely, you can see the <span style="font-weight: bold;">real </span>fashion statement: the subtle black tights worn under the (as they call it) "<span style="font-weight: bold;">pole dancer pink</span>" dress.<br /><br />In other, completely different news, can I just say how much I hate the writers' strike right now? Yes, you should get credit for the shows that you write, even if they're on the internet... but I want to see my <span style="font-weight: bold;">shows</span>, damnit! Shit is going to go down when <span style="font-style: italic;">The Office</span> stops showing new episodes. And I know that's coming soon. Oh Jim Halpert, what will I do without you? I know what I'll do. I'll just watch re-runs on TVlinks, so no one gets any money for it when I watch! Besides, how much more money do those writers really need? Seriously. If you guys could just keep writing for <span style="font-style: italic;">The Office</span> that would be ok. Just <span style="font-weight: bold;">one </span>show? Ok? Thanks.<br /><br />That is all.<br /><br />love, <span style="font-weight: bold;">allie</span>alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09736844511859701805noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8973693086706846422.post-6622582530718337402007-11-12T22:45:00.000-06:002007-11-14T16:08:43.400-06:00Back home...Well, I'm back from Chicago... I have to say I really had a good time with my mom. Here's a quick recap in pictures:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday:</span><br /><br />After a very traffic-jammed drive to Chicago, my mom and I first hit up Pegasus restaurant. They say it's the best Greek restaurant in Chicago, and they are right.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.uic.edu/depts/oar/virtualtour/Greektown/images/Pegasus.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.uic.edu/depts/oar/virtualtour/Greektown/images/Pegasus.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />After dinner and a little rest back at the hotel room, we down to Rush Street and caught a jazz show at the Backroom<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.backroomchicago.com/images/about_bk.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 481px; height: 219px;" src="http://www.backroomchicago.com/images/about_bk.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I'm pretty sure that was the swankiest place I've ever been to. If you're in the area, check it out. They have shows every night... but it's a bit pricey.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday:<br /><br /></span>The morning didn't really start for us until about 10am after being out late. But we went out to Michigan Avenue as soon as we got going. That place was crowded, as usual. But it's fun to be all touristy sometimes. Besides, I made some great purchases, such as...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.jcrew.com/images/nov299/emstyle/80637_WB3130.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.jcrew.com/images/nov299/emstyle/80637_WB3130.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...earmuffs from j.crew...<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.philosophy.com/images/products/lg/prodlg_00580080.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 275px; height: 323px;" src="http://www.philosophy.com/images/products/lg/prodlg_00580080.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>...perfume from Sephora...<br /><br />...and a sweater from the Limited, a shirt from United Colors of Benetton, boots and a coat from Nine West, a clutch from j.crew. Yes, I did good.<br /><br />Saturday night we were exhausted from shopping, so we had an amazing dinner at Smith and Wollensky steakhouse downtown. Unfortunately, we couldn't get dinner reservations until 8:45. Fortunately, we went over to Dominic's grocery before hand and got some cheese, bread, and a bottle of wine.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.mirassou.com/images/product-pinot.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.mirassou.com/images/product-pinot.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Finally we got to the restaurant. Their food was excellent. Mmmm... my dinner consisted of French onion soup, some zinfandel, a 10oz. filet mignon, some steamed asparagus with hollandaise sauce, and coconut sorbet for dessert. Go there. It's great.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet99.com/pix/10237_1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.planet99.com/pix/10237_1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday:</span><br /><br />Again, didn't wake up until late morning. This time, we traveled out of the city to Woodfield Mall. We did just a bit more shopping, before it was time to head home.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.residenceinnohare.com/images/apg_1165898631.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.residenceinnohare.com/images/apg_1165898631.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />So that was my trip.<br /><br />Now I'm back at school.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The rest of my week:</span><br /><br />Classes. Work.<br /><br />Boo.<br /><br />love,<span style="font-weight: bold;"> allie</span>alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09736844511859701805noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8973693086706846422.post-11635901382702485192007-11-07T11:07:00.000-06:002007-11-07T11:19:19.062-06:00LimboI feel like everyone is in a state of limbo right now. School is almost done, but no one knows where they'll be or what they'll do next year. I would say that is the <span style="font-weight: bold;">number one</span> most asked question of me right now: "So, what are you doing next year?" And I never have an answer. I try to laugh it off: "Haha, we'll see!" I wish I could answer them, I really do, but I guess I just have to wait for a while.<br /><br />Last night I had car troubles... boo. That's not supposed to happen, that's why I have a <span style="font-weight: bold;">new</span>(ish) car! My battery died - turns out I had a light on in the back, which is weird, since I've never turned that light on myself. Must have been that stupid <span style="font-weight: bold;">ghost</span>, damn him. Luckily, the bf's (future) brother-in-law, BJ came over to jump it for me. It was all fixed in less than 5 minutes. I really wish I could have taken care of that myself, but cars are just something that I know absolutely nothing about.<br /><br />In better news, I'm meeting my mom this weekend in Chicago for a fun shopping trip. It's going to be fun, I'm so <span style="font-weight: bold;">excited</span>. Let's just hope that my car works for my trip. I think it'll be ok.<br /><br />That's all for now, boring post, I know.<br /><br />love, <span style="font-weight: bold;">allie</span>alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09736844511859701805noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8973693086706846422.post-24813296563121247372007-11-05T19:28:00.000-06:002007-11-05T19:52:18.643-06:00Good DayToday was a <span style="font-weight: bold;">good </span>day.<br /><br />To begin with, I dropped my most <span style="font-weight: bold;">awful </span>class: Physics. It's not really the physics that I had the problem with in this class... it was the professor. If he would just teach physics in the way physics was meant to be taught (with equations and numbers and whatnot) I would have no problem. However, he chose to teach it in the most convoluted way possible, all conceptual, no numbers, wtf. But it's ok now, I don't have to deal with that anymore. Unfortunately, my poor bf does. He was in that class with me... well, <span style="font-weight: bold;">he</span> is still in that class, I am not. Yay for me.<br /><br />Then, to make my day even better, my dear daddy sent me flowers!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0G_5PyZH1bo/Ry_GqOzjCZI/AAAAAAAAABA/TXZbPUHFpdQ/s1600-h/P1010005.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0G_5PyZH1bo/Ry_GqOzjCZI/AAAAAAAAABA/TXZbPUHFpdQ/s320/P1010005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129536929429391762" border="0" /></a><br />It was so funny, because he had them sent to my apartment, but of course I wasn't there. I never am during the day, so instead he had them sent to the coffee shop where I work... and where I am during <span style="font-weight: bold;">every </span>spare moment of my day. So of course I got them there. I walked in today and saw them on the back table, but I didn't even read the card because I had no idea they were for me. After I went back to my place, I got a call from LH, my friend who works there with me asking me why I didn't pick up my flowers when I came in. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Cute</span>.<br /><br />Then, tomorrow there are no classes... so I'll have some time to get my life together a bit. I plan on working hard core on my grad school applications, something I've been slacking off on lately. In other good news, I got an email back from #1 choice school - that's encouraging!<br /><br />Oh, and this weekend's shindig was a hit. <span style="font-style: italic;">Y tu mamá también</span> was <span style="font-weight: bold;">sexy</span>, the sangria was <span style="font-weight: bold;">strong</span>, and life was good. Up for tonight: $2 pints at the pub! You should come!<br /><br />love, <span style="font-weight: bold;">allie</span>alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09736844511859701805noreply@blogger.com0