North Carolina Weekend

While the past few weekends were exciting and full of visitors (first the parents, then DC friends, then the grandparents), it was kinda nice to be visitor-free this weekend.  I got a chance to clean my apartment, keep up with schoolwork, and feel okay taking on another quick job.

Plus, I got to enjoy North Carolina and the first real signs of spring

I started the weekend with a bunch of spring cleaning and schoolwork, but then headed to my very first women’s hockey game here in the Triangle.  I went to support my friend Lauren, and couldn’t help but crack up when I first saw her…

GOALIE GEAR: 6.5

-1: Super expensive

-1: Difficult to wash (I know this from all the stories I’ve heard about lugging it across town to a special laundromat that has machines big enough to fit it.)

-1: Walk like a penguin.

+3: It keeps you safe from the pretty dangerous, fast moving puck.

+3.5: It’s HILARIOUS.  I loved watching the goals try and move around on the ice with all this stuff on.  Maybe you have to see it…

DECEPTIVE RED MAN: 2

So it’s hard to tell from this picture, but Lauren’s team was lucky enough to sport NC State’s old uniforms.  So they rocked the white, black and red colors.  The other team, was blue.  That is, most of them.  There was one guy on the team (yup, they were playing an all guys team) who showed up in a red, white and black uniform.  RIDICULOUS.  How are they going to let you get on the ice and play with the opposite teams’ colors, in a sport where everyone’s vision is severely impaired by giant masks???  This should definitely be against the rules.

I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt with 2 points, only hoping that he’s so poor this was literally the only outfit he could get donated.  Still don’t think it’s legit.

On the way to Wake Forest after the game I spotted this rooftop carrier…

WEIRD OLD-SCHOOL ROOFTOP CARRIER: 8

I’ve never seen anything like it, so I couldn’t resist taking a picture.  It has character, that’s for sure.  And the folks driving were young, so I picture this being a rooftop carrier passed through the family, having traveled all over the country 6 times.  For that, I love it.

-1: Pretty bulky, I can imagine making it difficult to store.

-1: It looks pretty heavy… would make me worry about the roof on a car that appears as old as the carrier.

NORTH CAROLINA SKIES: 10

Yes, I know I’ve rated this before.  And no, I don’t care.  Because I love North Carolina and our skies are the best in the world.

VALENTINE’S DAY: 7.5

Finally made it to Wake Forest where we decided to head back to Raleigh to see ‘Valentine’s Day’.  I’ve wanted to see this since, well, Valentine’s Day, and was happy that I finally made time.  It was exactly what I wanted

A bunch of celebrities participating in a bunch of different stories, Love Actually style, that always left you guessing what was going to happen next.  Plus, Ashton was the lead and he was so good in the role.  I just genuinely love that guy for seeming to be such a good person.

RUNNING WITH MURPH: 9

This earns a 9 almost entirely because of this:

The run part is good, and I’m actually enjoying it more recently (still -1 for knee pain), but the best part is when we get home and Murphy collapses and sleeps the day away.  LOVE. IT.

Sunday I hit up the wall in the morning, finished up some schoolwork in the afternoon, and headed to our framily dinner that night at Laura & Snook’s new place.

The birthday celebrating, framily time, singing and overall atmosphere were all great (per usual), however my favorite…

SNUGGLING WITH PRESTON: 10

I love cuddling with Murph (and Kota), but he’s a pretty stubborn, independent little guy, and doesn’t always go along with mandatory cuddle time.  Preston, however, was sleepy and just nuzzled right in.  I could move him around without worrying he would jump off my lap, and I must say it was the perfect cuddle session.

And now, a great start to the week, Molly and Jason are getting married!!!  After following them through all the drama of The Bachelor, two seasons ago, I’m SO excited to watch this big event!  Expect an update with full ratings tomorrow

Until then, just living for the tens!

Fashion Update

After spending an extended amount of time on campus today, it appears that many North Carolinians have not yet realized that it’s actually winter.  You would think the freezing temperatures the past few weeks would have helped, but it seems not.

Believe it or not I saw a couple pairs of these:

And some of these:

And even a pair of these:

And WAY too many of these:

While there’s nothing wrong with tights in general, meant to be worn under skirts and dresses in the winter, I’m confused as to why girls now think they can substitute these for pants…

Add in way too many pairs of UGGs, farmer jackets and camo, I think State could use a little fashion help.

NC STATE’S SENSE OF STYLE: 3

Don’t get me wrong, I’m no expert here, but I know good fashion sense when I see it (even if I can’t rock it) and we’re missing something here on campus.  Perhaps I should make it my mission to add what I can…

Who am I kidding.  I can’t imagine showing up to class in anything other than jeans, t-shirt and a hoodie.

In the meantime I’ll be on the lookout for those who can

Go Pack!

NC STATE GAME vs. DUKE: 10!

What more could you ask for then a win?  Oh, I don’t know, maybe a 14 point win?  And to win against Duke on the same day that Carolina suffers yet another loss.  Oh how I love being a Wolfpack fan right about now   Gotta take it while we can…

I CAN’T WAIT FOR NEXT TUESDAY!  (For those who don’t follow ACC basketball, that’s when State will be kicking Carolina’s butt…)

GIVING DIRECTIONS ON CAMPUS: 10!

Some may recall my lack of knowledge about NC State’s campus (see here if you don’t).  HOWEVER, tonight after leaving my class, as I was walking across campus to my car, a man stopped me and asked where Riddick Hall was.  It just so happens I have a class in Riddick Hall this semester, and was able to orient myself enough at that moment to point it out.  He looked at me with a huge, relieved smile (he had a map in his hand and it was pouring rain), and I looked back at him with a gigantic, proud smile, excited that I’m finally getting to know my campus

Picture taken while giving my parents a tour back in September.

Just loving me a little NC State right about now

A Day Full of Excitement

After a productive morning of work with Lauren, from my grad program, I headed over to campus to meet up with the Pride of 2016 from KIPP: Gaston College Preparatory, the school I used to teach at.  A big part of the school is preparing the students for college (hence the name), and that involves a lot of college visits.  One of the 6th grade trips is to NC State, so I was more than excited to hop along and help with a ‘tour’ (in quotations solely because of my insane lack of knowledge of my campus.  Case in point.)

TECHNOLOGICALLY UPDATED PARKING GARAGES: 8

While Lauren (a climbing friend who went to State for undergrad, and agreed to help out with the tours as well) and I were waiting for parking on campus, I discovered a brilliant system for pay-as-you-go parking garages.  I’ve never seen anything like it.  Once the garage is full, it actually refuses to open the gate at the entrance until it registers that a car has left the other side.  That way, once you enter, you’re guaranteed a spot.  It’s just a matter of finding it.  I love this use of technology and think it makes a ton of sense.

-2 for the long lines created at the entrance when the gates aren’t opening.  Once you’re in, it’s impossible to get out, so if you’re running late there’s no way out to find a better solution.

Luckily we eventually found parking and quickly met up with our group of students.

PHOTO SCAVENGER HUNT WITH THE PRIDE OF 2016: 9!

I have to say, it’s always super exciting to be around kids again.  It’s not that I forget how much I love being around them, but I’m still reminded every time I get to spend some time with them.  My group was incredible, well-behaved, excited by what we were seeing, and inquisitive.  Plus, incredibly photogenic (see below).

-1 because we were running late at the end and missed one of the photos on the scavenger hunt list   And then, after getting back on time, we waited on the wrong side of the building so ended up late anyways.

MY FIRST GCP SOCCER T-SHIRT: 10!

Afterwards, before heading to the library to knock out some more work, Wu gave me the best thank-you gift EVER.  A GCP soccer t-shirt!

Let me explain.  During my second year a good friend of mine, and the 8th grade science teacher and soccer coach, created a new soccer shirt with an awesome/clever quote (?) on the back.  Everyone wanted one, but he kept them very exclusive.  You had to earn them either by playing on the team, coaching the team, or showing up as a fan for at least three games (I think that was the magic number).  I never managed to earn one during my time there, but was surprised with one today after the tour!

As you can imagine, I wore it proudly the rest of the day and received many compliments.  Heck yeah!

Murph's a bit upset it doesn't fit him...

Following the tour I diligently hit up the library to knock out one of my two final papers this semester, and then decided to take a study break at the local mall.  It’s Christmas time, and in my opinion, nothing beats malls at Christmas.  While there I discovered several fabulous things.

COOKIES & CREAM MILKSHAKE WITH ANY COOKIES YOU WANT: 8.

I never realized until I saw this sign that while Cookies & Cream flavor is called ‘cookies’ & cream, it always comes with the same kind of cookies (Oreos).  What if I like cookies, but not Oreos?  I no longer get to enjoy the cookies & cream flavor?  Not anymore!  Mrs. Fields is now making Cookies & Cream milkshakes with any of their cookies you choose.  BRILLIANT!

-2 because I didn’t actually try it so I can’t vouch for the flavor, but I’m totally digging the idea.  You can get one at the food court in the Crabtree Valley Mall (and I’m guessing other Mrs. Field’s locations).

MALL CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS: 8

I may be one of few, but I love how early they put up decorations.  If I’m beginning my Christmas shopping, you better believe I want to be surrounded by Santa, wreaths, lights and Christmas music.  Luckily the malls are on the same page as me.  Crabtree was looking pretty good In fact, I’ve pretty much decided my dream part-time job would be working as one of Santa’s elves during the holiday season.  What could be better than getting to spend several hours a week at the mall, all Christmasy and decorated, spreading Christmas cheer?

-1 for the lack of Christmas music at the mall.

THIS PHOTO: 9.  It doesn’t showcase my true photographic talent when it comes to taking pictures of myself with the iPhone, but you can see the decorations in the background and it makes me laugh.

All in all I’d say today was a pretty fabulous day.  And I’m almost done with all my big projects for this semester!  Until then, just living for the tens

State Football and Karaoke

OPENING OF NC STATE’S FOOTBALL SEASON: 6

School spirit is one of my favorite things.  The hardest part of my undergrad experience was going somewhere with little school spirit, and no football team.  I’ll admit I fell victim at times, and found it difficult to rally around any of our teams while there (except for the basketball team these past couple years, that is).  So, it almost goes without saying that I am ecstatic to be attending grad school at a school with tons of school spirit, in an area of the country with more school spirit than I’ve ever seen.  With the official start of our football season yesterday, I’m ready to go.  I spent the afternoon on campus reading up on the team, and the season, getting prepared for the 7:00 game.

I rate our first game a 6.  Above a five because I’m thrilled to have a team, we lost 34-0 to South Carolina last year so it was a definite improvement, and because in general I love college football and am thrilled it’s begun.  Despite our loss, the game still brought me joy.  -4 because of how we played.  Hopefully we’ll learn from the mistakes and step it up before the real Carolina game

THURSDAY KARAOKE: 8.5

Paul and I have been talking about Thursday night karaoke at Bub’s for quite some time.  After the stop in DC, I became increasingly motivated to find out what it was all about.  So this week we finally headed over there, along with some fabulous others.  Laura, clearly, Ali, Nadija (?), Steve, Matt, Paul and I.  And by the end of the night we successfully got every one of them up on stage.

Laura looking a bit nervous before we went in...

Matt started out with “Santa Monica” by Everclear.  When it comes to rating karaoke, I have two key categories, none of which has to do with actual voice.  In fact, I’m almost tempted to take points off if you’re one of those people who can actually sing and decides to use karaoke as a place to show that off.  Open Mic my friends, not karaoke.  The categories are as follows:

• Song Choice-  this one’s key, as an important part of karaoke is engaging the crowd.  Can’t do that if no one knows what you’re singing.  Plus, you need something upbeat, fast and loud.  No soft, quiet, slow, romantic music please.
• Performance- the more you embrace the song the better.  VJ’s ‘Ice, Ice Baby’ was a GREAT example of this.  He owned Vanilla Ice from start to finish.  That’s the way to do it.

Overall I’d say we did pretty well in both these categories (minus Matt- who ever heard of ’1 Million Dollars’?).  -1 for the lack of a crowd.  Hard to get started when there were not many people there, and it never got too busy.  However, that did leave me with plenty of room to dance

Matt rocking some Everclear

Total Eclipse time!

Finally got Steve up on stage. Pretty sure I earned 25 bucks for this.

Everyone's ratings post-karaoke

Will I be returning?  You better believe it.

First Day of My New Life

This might take some getting used to.  And a lot of discipline.

I’m beginning to realize my ‘new life’ is going to have a lot of freedom.  As of right now I’m taking 3 classes during the Fall semester (recommended by my advisor and putting me at ‘full time’), one of which is online.  The other two are at night, from 4:10-6:55 on Wednesdays and Thursdays.  That leaves a LOT of ‘free’ time.  Right now without any work it probably feels like more time than it will later when I have a lot to work on.  But either way, if I don’t have a solid action plan, it would be easy to nap/relax/facebook/blog the day away.  So I’m currently working on my new organization system to figure out the best way to keep myself motivated and on task.

I also started looking for part-time jobs, right now specifically baby-sitting/tutoring/personal chaffeur.  It seems to me the ideal job is one that allows me a certain amount of potential flexibility depending on the work load during different weeks.  So I’ve left some messages and posted on Craigslist and we’ll see what comes of that.

Some ratings from my new life:

NAVIGATING A SUPER LARGE STATE SCHOOL: 2

I just don’t like it.  I feel like every time I go somewhere I struggle to find parking, get inside and then wait in line just to find out I forgot to bring something or need to visit some other building first.  I thought it was bad at AU, but it turns out that’s nothing.  At least there you can walk between all the buildings!  My new plan = drive in to campus with my bike, park and then travel by two wheels the rest of the day.  You can lock it up anywhere, get around quicker than walking, and get a work out all at the same time.  Going to try it out tomorrow.  I’ll keep you posted.

MY EXCITEMENT ABOUT GOING TO A SCHOOL WITH SCHOOL SPIRIT AND A FOOTBALL TEAM: 10

I CAN’T WAIT FOR FALL!!!  Who’s down for tailgating and football?!?

RETURN TO THE TOBACCO TRAIL: 7

So after taking care of some minor housekeeping, I got bored of being inside and decided to take my bike out to the Tobacco trail.  It felt great to be outside, and when you’re on a bike it adds a breeze that makes 93 a bit more bearable.  It was still a bit hot, however, so I’ll have to take some points off for that.  My bike has also been acting up again, so couldn’t shift to any of the higher gears.  -1 for that.

ALMOST FALLING OFF MY BIKE AT A CROSSWALK BECAUSE I FORGOT TO TAKE MY FEET OUT: 2.

No injuries left it just being a little scary and probably entertaining for those watching.  One of these days I’m actually gonna wipe out.

Totally pumped to return to Tuesday night climbing tonight at Vertical Edge!