Wednesday, August 27, 2003

Okay, it's time to hear about my classes now.

Sculpture: We're currently making bronze sculptures in miniature. A lot of people are doing abstract figures, but mine is an abstracted turtle. What else, right? ;) I think Mr. Barnett likes it, but I can't really tell his personality yet. He's very helpful and friendly, but that doesn't mean anything as far as critiques go. Mandy, Emily, and Natalie are in that class with me, and we have fun. Our second project is carving something out of a piece of a tree. With mini chainsaws and everything. And the last project will be welding stuff together to create something.

Environmental Issues: Dr. Hand is sort of strange. He tries really hard to make jokes and sometimes they're funny and sometimes not. He's a very forceful sort of person, too. He scares me a little. But the class is easy. Just reading and lectures.

Art History 2: Okay, our entire department only offers one Art History 1 class and one Art History 2 class at a time. So when I took the first one, there were over 40 people in my class, and it was terrible. That's what I expected for the second one. But, no. There are about ten of us. And we can talk to each other, discuss things, eat and drink in the room. All that's hard to do with a big class. I enjoy that class.

Watercolor: Ms. Murray is one of my very favorite teachers. Even if you're doing something really wrong, she'll find the good parts of your work. We're just learning how to mix the colors and use the different techniques now. It's not so bad.

Computers in Art: We're going to learn how to use Photoshop! And then, learn basic html to put our images on a website! You have no idea how tempted I am to raise my hand and say, "Wes, I own and run a website. I make my images with Photoshop. I write my own html and sometimes even javascript. Can I have a grade now so that I don't have to come back to class?" Stupid required classes.

Overall, I'm enjoying my classes, work isn't bad, and tutoring Rachelle is going well. And now on to the most exciting part....

ITALY!!!!!!!!

I'm definitely going to Italy for five weeks next summer. We're staying in a little town in the mountains called Montepulciano. We'll be living in an old fortress that's been converted into a bed and breakfast. Ms. Murray (yes, from watercolor class) is going to be teaching both of the classes I'll be taking.

On Mondays and Wednesdays, I'll go to class. One is "Sketchbook Journal of Italy" which is exactly what it sounds like. The other is Renaissance Art History. I'll get to actually see the works of art instead of looking at pictures. Anyway, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, we take supervised field trips to places in Italy like Florence, Venice, Rome, Pisa, the Vatican City, etc...

But the absolute best thing is this: Included in our trip, we get Euro train passes. That means, that on our free three-day weekends, we can get on a train and go anywhere in Europe that we want to. ANYWHERE. I mean, do you get that? I don't think I've even grasped the concept yet. I can go to Wales, London, Paris, Spain, Berlin, Vienna, Athens, Switzerland, Moscow, anywhere. How great is that?

And that's what's going on in my world right now. Other than The Two Towers DVD. Yes, I got it. Yes, I've watched it twice since Tuesday. And we're staying an extra day at Disney World when we go at Christmas. Just for me. Because I want to go to Epcot and see the "Christmas Around the World" thing. *waits impatiently for many things*



Saturday, August 23, 2003

Everybody go see the new look in the Art section. I fixed it today. And it looks like I'm only gonna be around on the weekends this semester, but that's okay. I saw this on Lori's site and decided it looked like fun.


Your Name: Margaret Rose

Nicknames: Margie, Roses

School: Valdosta State University (Art Education)

Email: Margie@trileaders.com

Color of Hair: Brown

Height: 5'4"

Siblings: Two younger brothers (Matt, 18 and Marc, 14) and one stepbrother (Adam, 14)

Been so drunk you blacked out: I've never had anything alcoholic. Ever. And I don't plan to.

Taken any illegal substances: No

Gone out in public in your pajamas: Yeah, we had pajama day at school my senior year.

Have you ever got out of school b/c it was raining?: No. Nevermind the fact that it was a hurricane and half the school didn't show up anyway. I was there!

Set any body part on fire for amusement: No

Kept a secret from everyone: Not that I'm aware of, no.

Cried during a Flick: I don't believe in crying.

Had a crush on a teacher: No

Ever at any time owned a New Kids on the Block tape or CD: Yes

Planned your week based on the TV Guide: Not the whole week, no.

Prank called someone: Nope

Been on stage: Yes. Many times.

Gotten in a car accident: Not so far. *knocks on wood*


FAVORITES

Shampoo: Herbal Essences

Color: Blue

Day/Night: Night

Hobbies: Reading, playing my piano, painting, drawing, etc...

Summer/Winter: Winter

Online Smiley: ;)

Do you have a best friend: Yep, Julie.

Who's the loudest: Between me and her? She is.


IN THE PAST THREE DAYS, have you...

Cried: Me? Hah!

Cut your hair: No

Worn a skirt: No, but I will tomorrow.

Been mean: Probably.

Been sarcastic: Yes

Met someone new: Yes

Missed someone: Yes

Hugged someone: Daddy!

Fought with your parents: No, and it's unusual if I do.

Wished upon a star: Nope

Laughed until you cried: No

Played Truth or Dare: No

Watched a sunrise/sunset: Yes. On my way to school at 7:15 in the morning and on my way home at night.

Went to the beach at night: In the past three days, no. But I have been.

Spent quality time alone: Every day to keep my sanity.

Read a book for fun: Three, actually.

Are you lonely: Not at all.

Are you happy: Absolutely.

Are you wearing your pajamas?: Yes. And it's 3:00 in the afternoon, too.

Are you talking to someone online: No

How long did this survey take you: About 20 minutes.


< --------DO YOU BELIEVE IN------- >

* God/Devil: Yes

* Your Friends: Yes

* Love: Yes

* The Closet Monster: Nah

* The Big Bang Theory: Possibly

* Heaven/Hell: Yes

* Superstitions: No


* Who named you?: My Mommy

* Backstreet Boys or N Sync?: I have to pick one of those? Um...N'Sync

* When was the last time you showered?: Last night. In my lavender bathroom.

* What color pants do you have on right now?: They're blue. With stars. (I said I was wearing my pajamas)

* What song are you listening to right now?: "If I Had A Million Dollars" by...someone...on the Tri-Leader Soundtrack.

* What was the last thing that you said?: "He already left."

* What is right next to you?: My remote for my CD player, my collection of Harry Potter stuff, my bookbag.

* What is your computer desk made of?: Fake wood

* What was the last thing that you ate?: Leftover spaghetti

* Where do you want to go on your honeymoon?: Who doesn't know the answer to this one? Disney World!

* Who do you want to spend the rest of your life with?: My future family, my current family, my friends.

* How many buddies do you have on your list?: Oh, I don't know. *signs on* 50. *signs off*

* What did you do last night?: Ummm....I came home from work, took a shower, ate spaghetti, read some of Ender's Shadow, checked my email, cleaned my room, watched um....oh, that I Love the 70's show on VH1, and went to bed.

* Who's your favorite singer?: If I must choose, I pick Josh Groban.

* How are you today?: I'm great, thanks! Just avoiding homework at the moment.

* Who makes you happy?: Who? My friends. My cats.

* Dream car?: I love my grandma car! If I could get a newer model, I would.

* Have you ever won any special awards?: Yeah, there's a box of them in the bottom of the closet somewhere. The only one I leave out is my AP Student of the Year award.

* What are your future goals?: To have fun. To be a good teacher. To have a family. To make a difference.

* My fave music?: Broadway shows!

* Fave day of this year?: I'm partial to my birthday, but last Monday was pretty good, too.

* Fave guys cologne?: That stuff my dad wears smells good, but I don't know what it's called.

* Fave girls perfume?: Pleasures

* Do you like to dance?: I love to tap dance. *gets out shoes*

* Are you too shy to ask someone out?: Depends on who it is.

* If you could change your name, what would it be?: I'll keep mine, thanks.

* Do you sleep with a stuffed animal?: No, I sleep with real animals. My cats like to steal the covers and take up all the room.

* What is the stupidest thing that you have ever done?: Signed up for four studio classes at the same time. *kicks self*

* Do you like scary or happy movies better?: Drama! But definitely not scary.

* On the phone or in person?: I hate talking on the phone.

* Do you consider cheerleading a sport?: *shrug* Sure.

* Do you want your friends to write back?: Yeah, but they're a bunch of lazy bums! ;)



Saturday, August 16, 2003

I talked to Todd on the phone Tuesday night. *winks at Todd*

Yesterday, I got to work, and Mary said we needed to have a "conference." She's our office manager and sometimes, "Conference" is serious, and sometimes it's a joke. This time, I was told that I was going to be working the front desk. Colleen's out of town and Felisha needed a little help and Mary was doing something else. So, woohoo! The nurses had to handle the patients all by themselves! I answered the phone, talked to annoying parents, checked patients in, and sent out overdue bills that I got to stamp with the "PAST DUE" red ink. And I did not break the copy machine. And then I cleaned my half of the desk, cleaned the lobby, turned on the HouseCalls reminder system and went home early. I enjoyed working at the front desk, but I'm not sure I want to do it again. There's way too much that could go wrong.

Wednesday, I went to buy my books for school. Usually, you can go to the bookstore and they'll take your 1-Card and put your scholarship money on it like a credit card. (My scholarship gives me a specific amount that I can use to pay for books.) However, they decided this semester that they weren't doing it. So I had to drive all the way to the Bursary, get those people to transfer my money, and drive all the way back to the bookstore. Turns out, I only need three books this semester and my scholarship covered the cost of all three! That's never happened before. *parties* It's got to be a good sign.

After that, me and Mommy went to Books-a-Million. She bought me Remnants 12 and 13. And I know people say they're terrible, but I actually enjoyed them better than say, 9 and 10. Okay, so 13 was all about Tate, and I didn't particularly enjoy that, but the ending was great. One more to go!

Then we went out for lunch and we went to Target. I got a new bookbag (a lilac one that matched my newly painted bathroom), a Lord of the Rings puzzle, the Lizzie McGuire movie, a new cover for my cell phone (it has roses on it ;) ), and some gum.

As for this last weekend of freedom, I intend to post about half of the Awakening in the Justice League rpg and otherwise, do as little as possible. Sounds good to me.



Monday, August 11, 2003

I'm back in time for school to start. Note the lack of enthusiasm. The following is my schedule from August 18th until December 5th:

Monday
8am-9:50am, Sculpture with Mr. Barnett
10am-10:50am, Environmental Issues with Dr. Hand
11am-11:50am, Art History 2 with Dr. Davis
12:30pm-5pm, Work
5:30pm-6:30pm, Tutor Rachelle

Tuesday
8am-12:30pm, Work
1pm-3:50pm, Watercolor with Ms. Murray
4pm-7:50pm, Computers in the Arts with an undecided teacher

Wednesday
8am-9:50am, Sculpture
10am-10:50am, Environmental Issues
11am-11:50am, Art History 2
5:30pm-6:30pm, Tutor Rachelle

Thursday
Same as Tuesday

Friday
Same as Monday

So when I go insane, everyone will know why ;)



Thursday, July 31, 2003

To whom it may concern: I'm taking a vacation from my life. Be back soon.



Tuesday, July 29, 2003

I had to present my lesson plan to the class today. I've been working on it all semester and I turned it in last week for a grade. I got it back today and on the front, in red ink, was this: "A - Well Done" I think that calls for a celebratory dance.

*dances*

And I got an A on my last test. A 97, in fact. So if I have an A average on my tests, an A on the project, an A on the observations, and perfect attendance, then I am so going to get an A in this class. And I don't have to take the final. And what did Dr. Hummel say on the first day of class? No one would get an A? Well, that just goes to show how much he knows. Or how hard I worked. Either one.



Tuesday, July 22, 2003

Dr. Hummel said today that if we have a B average by the last day of class, we don't have to take the final. *dances and sleeps in late next Thursday*

And sigh, yes, I know it's red. And it's bright. But I like it. :-P

Work was very boring today. We were all tired and didn't feel like doing anything. At one point, all three nurses and I just stopped around the counter and stood there. Then we stared at each other and started laughing. For no reason. Just one of those days. We also got a new machine that will check people's urine for us, so we don't have to read the results manually. Most people would never be excited about that sort of thing, but we rush in front of each other to use it. Ah, the little things.



Thursday, July 17, 2003

So I was offered a place on the National Dean's List. Let me think....um, yes! Put my name on your list! Anyway, that's about all I have to say. It's been a very boring week.



Friday, July 11, 2003

My test wasn't so bad. I couldn't remember anything at first, but the more I worked on it, the more I knew.

After class, I went to tutor Rachelle. She and I made our own board game with math problems and stuff. We played that for an hour, then I rushed out to my car to call Julie. She said she was leaving her house to get her haircut in half an hour, but that she'd meet me for the movie later. But I said I was going with her to the haircut. I managed to make it home, have a sandwich, and drive to her house in 35 minutes! All the way from town! *is proud*

So yes, she got her hair cut really short and we hurried to the new theater for the early show. Now, as for the new theater, I decided that it's unneccessarily large. The lobby is as big as the entire old theater, I think. To get to the Finding Nemo theather, we had to walk down this long hallway that was dark and creepy. The only lights were small ones about each door and red flashing signs telling you what movie was in which door. We did not get killed in the dark hallway and reached our theater, where the previews were already playing. It was fairly crowded, so we sat near the front. The screen is also unneccessarily large and from where we were sitting, I couldn't see both sides of the picture at the same time. You'd think that with a big screen like that, they'd put the chairs further away from it. But no.

Finding Nemo was really cute. We laughed a lot. "INTERVENTION!" After that, we went to Applebee's and even got dessert. Then it was time for Walmart, where we experimented with the stamp machine and got a new spray nozzle for Julie to use in the garden.

We decided to be odd and go to the old 99 cent theater on a Thursday night and see Holes. I'd already seen it, but she hadn't. To waste time before the movie, we spent 45 minutes at Books-a-Million. I got Remnants 11 (which was better than I expected it to be). I also got Songmaster by Orson Scott Card. While looking for it, I got a very good surprise. Shadow Puppets (also by OSC) wasn't supposed to be out in paperback until August, but they had it! I bought it! I'm on chapter six! I love Ender's world, really I do.

We finally made it to the old theater, and sat down far away from the screen. Then a bunch of teenage girls came in and sat right in front of us. I mean, the theater was empty, and they had to sit in front of us. They were okay until they pulled out their cell phones and started playing with them and giggling and moving around. Another person showed up by the time the previews started and they all apparently wanted to sit by this new person and started arguing about it. Julie and I moved.

So that was my day. We came home straight after the movie and Calling All Angels by Train was on the radio in my car. I played it as loudly as possible on my way home. And sang along.

Now I'm trying to figure out what I want to do for the rest of day while I talk to Chris on voice chat. I love the accent ;)



Wednesday, July 9, 2003

I just want everyone who was in the chat last night to know that I've added the SmarterChild quotes to their own new page over in 'Our Quotes.' I haven't had that much fun in a long time. ;)

So it's Wednesday, and that means...another test tomorrow! But I'm not thinking this one will be as hard as the previous ones. It's stuff I've already learned in my other psychology class, and he didn't go into detail about it in class. We'll see. But the good news is, after my test, I get to go to Julie's house! And we're going to see Finding Nemo! Maybe we'll actually make it to the theater this time!

Today in class, he was giving a typical lecture. He'll say something, then ask us a question, and we all respond with the answer. It's called Direct Instruction, it's very effective, and I hate it. Anyway, we're just going right along about types of memory, and this is what happened:

Dr. Hummel: "The acronym for Short Term Memory is STM. What is the acronym for Short Term Memory?"
Class: "STM"
Dr. Hummel: "Right! The third type of memory is Long Term Memory. What the third type?"
Class: "Long Term Memory."
Dr. Hummel: "Good! The acronym for Long Term Memory is LTM. What's the acronym for LTM?"
Class: "Long Term Memory."
*pause*
*laughter*
*pause*
Dr. Hummel: "Well, I guess we've learned that."



Monday, July 7, 2003

New layout! Yay! I actually like this one, so be impressed. ;) And be even more impressed because our Quotes are updated. Check out the Recent Arrivals.

I got a 100 on my Educational Psychology test! And you have no idea how hard I worked for that grade. I so deserved it.

My Merry sculpture should be coming the mail today, too! It's just a wonderful day! *goes off to write more Tri-Leader Novel stuff*