Anyone out there?

I'm a terrible blogger. I also apparently failed at getting past 31 days of project 365. Ugh. I disappoint myself. However, it is summer and I'm bored out of my mind, so why not take up blogging again? Unfortunately, nothing overly exciting is happening that is worth me writing about, so I'm sorry to say that most of my summer blogs will probably be me just giving voice to my anxiety and fears about the next phase of my life.

Speaking of which, here is my new life game plan:

1. Move to Memphis.
2. Live there for the next four years. (Please Lord, only four years. I need to get done on time and while I still have funding.)
3. Complete my PhD program.
4. Graduate and officially start my career as a college professor! (All at the wonderful young age of 30. Phew.)

Things about this plan that make me nervous (sorry, there are a lot):

1. The coursework. It's going to be HARD. I know this, however, I'm trying to remain positive and tell myself that I can do it. I like challenges, so hopefully this is one that I can push through.
2. The people. I've become so spoiled here at Ball State by the faculty, student, and my cohort. I love Ball State and the time that I've spent here. My professors are amazingly encouraging and supportive. I would not have been able to complete the past two years without them. I'm going to miss them a lot. The students that I've taught (while a pain at times) have overall been fantastic and respectful. Especially the group I had this past semester. Maybe it was a mixture of the students and the comfort I'd reached as a teacher, but it was a great semester with the best interaction and grades that I've seen during my time at BSU. Finally my cohort is just exceptionally wonderful. It took a bit for us to gel, but once we did, it was awesome. I'm sincerely proud of all of them and cannot wait to see what the future brings for them.  I'm going to miss the level of support that they have become in my life, and while I know that I will still remain in contact with some of them, it's not going to be the same. I guess I'm just scared that BSU has put me in the bubble of awesomeness and I won't know how to function outside of it. I know that Memphis will be great for it's own reasons, I'm just not sure I'm ready to let go of BSU yet.
3. The move. I just really, really, REALLY hate moving. It's long and expensive and ugh, just such a pain. It's going to take a total of about three days to move everything from IN to TN and then come back to IN to drop off the cargo van and then finally head to PA for the next month and a half. So. Much. Driving. I just...I don't even want to think about it, because it stresses me out.
4. Living in a big city! I'm equally excited and terrified about this. Granted, I lived in Chicago for a summer, but I don't consider that the same thing. I'm going to actually be living in this city, on my own. I'm nervous about navigating it and just really settling in. Although, for the amount of things that worry me about settling into Memphis, I'm also excited to live in a place that is the total opposite of Muncie and High Point. It's going to be an adventure...and I think I'm ready.

Well, I think that's it for now. I'm sure (for anyone who really even reads this anymore) I will provide you with more word vomit over the summer.

Also, totally random, but The Civil Wars released their new single the other day, and boy, is it good. I've been playing it on repeat for two days solid. Give it a listen!

January 31

SO COLD TODAY!!!! Indiana is so weird. It has been beautiful and warm and then I woke up today to cold and snow. I had to go into the office a little early for a meeting, but then I got a little bored. All of my grading was done, so I started playing with my calendar. I have a daily desk calendar that has famous "mustaches" that give clues and you're supposed to guess who it is. Yesterday's was William Shakespeare. I think it looks pretty good.

Also went to VGR to check out the vinyl they got in. I got Of Monsters and Men and then two used vinyl, a Debussy and the Jackson 5. Catlos came with and now I've converted him to the dark side. Muahaha.

January 30

Since I only have one class this semester, it's been harder for me to fall back into a normal schedule. I function better if there's constant pressure. Wednesday's I have nothing that I "have" to do except for my thesis meetings at 12. Thankful for those or else I probably wouldn't leave my house, especially in the cold!

Also, since I only have one night class, I've had more opportunities to cook and try out new recipes.  The recipe of the night was cheesey tortellini and chicken meatball soup. I must say, it turned out pretty good! Next thing on the list to try is banana pudding cheesecake. :)

 

January 29

Today was audience analysis day in class. This is usually the day where I reveal some of my crazy to my students. This semester was no different. One of my students told me that I shouldn't take everything in the media so seriously. Oh boy. There's never a dull day.

I ordered this little sign from fab.com to motivate me to get stuff done. We'll see if it works.

January 28

I don't know why Monday's are such a struggle, but they always are. Whenever my alarm goes off, it's always an internal battle to make myself start the day. But I started the day, made it to lecture, the meeting, and class. I actually got pretty much done today, but I'm starting to feel the pressure of the mid-term. It's crazy, time moves so fast.

I came home to lesson plan for tomorrow, and Olive apparently thought my flash drive was something to play with, and she tried to rip it out of my computer, which snapped it. Thankfully, I was able to fix it with duct tape. She's such a jerk.

The culprit.

The crime.

The solution.

January 27

Sunday Funday! Spent the day catching up on some homework and basically just relaxing and recovering from the night before. Tonight was minority girl dinner at Robin's house. I made the shrimp and grits that Eliza's mom had made for me and I have to say that I think they turned out really well! I'm proud of myself. I'm loving trying all of these new recipes. Marilyn made chicken, Tynesia made green bean casserole, Jumah made mac and cheese, and Robin made baked veggies and sweet potato pie. Everything was delicious! It was nice to hang out with everyone and just catch up. Such a fun time. I can't believe another week starts tomorrow. Time to get back to the work grind!

January 26

Sparkle party day!!! Spent the day doing some things around the house, then went to Sarah's to help her set up a little. It was such a blast. I think everyone had a good time. It did get a little crazy, but a good crazy. Sarah and Jumah got me a cookie cake with an owl on it! It was so cute! I think everyone had a fun time, I know I did.

January 25

Friday, Friday! The Fun. concert was Friday night and Kristina came to town for the weekend. Her, Sheri, and I all went to Puerto's for dinner before the concert. The concert was AWESOME! Andrew Mcmahon opened the show. It was so sweet to see him live again, especially since Something Corporate and Jack's Mannequin were two of my favorite bands. And he closed the set with Dark Blue, so my life was made.
Fun. was amazing. They just had a great energy and put on a really good show! Not too bad for a $5 ticket!

January 24

Today was the last day of demonstration speeches and I must say, I have some pretty talented students! They all have really interesting hobbies and did such a good job speaking. I'm so proud and impressed!

Today the birthday fun continued because my friends are awesome! First, I came home to a package from Eliza with my birthday present in it. Her and Ian picked out three records for me since I got a record player to help me build my collection! I've been listening to the Beatles all evening and am now listening to the Caribou album. I love them. It was such a thoughtful gift! I'm so thankful for friends and friendships like the one I have with Eliza, because I honestly think it's rare to find someone who just gets you on so many levels.

ALSO! Caleb had made homemade lasagna over Christmas break and I had commented on his photo of it, so he made it for me for my birthday! SO SUPER NICE OF HIM because I know that lasagna is a pain in the ass to make and takes a long time. It was also delicious! And now I have a ton of leftovers. Between the lasagna and birthday cake, my carb and sugar intake is going to spike. I know. I'm spoiled...but I'm so grateful for everyone and everything.

January 23

Birthday! I am now a quarter of a century old! Crazy to think about it like that! I had a really, really good birthday. I'm so thankful for my amazing family and friends who helped to make it so awesome. My mom bought pizza for my whole office for lunch, which was so thoughtful. I went in to the office for a few meetings and to get some grading done. When I got back to my apartment Daniel had left my birthday present on my coffee table. Kind of creepy, but also nice, haha.

In case you can't read it, the bag says, "Happy Birthday to my favorite Asian-American of all time." Hahaha. What a nut. I love the owl beer because it has a really cool bottle cap. I'm going to look up some crafts I can do to make something with it because I like it so much. Some people came over for birthday cake. My mom had ordered me a cake from Concannon's Bakery, a local bakery in Muncie, which is delicious. Then we went to Savage's for a few drinks and just to hang out. It wasn't anything too exciting, but it was still fun and nice and chill. I liked it. :)

January 22

Speech day today! I'm really happy with my student's speeches so far. They've been doing really well and have all picked pretty interesting topics. Today I learned things like how to do a back flip, how to make candied bacon, and how to make corn hole boards. I'm impressed and hopeful for the rest of the semester!

Tonight I went to see Eugene Robinson speak as part of the MLK, Jr. events on campus. Honestly, I wasn't that impressed. For a person who's job is to work in the media as a writer and on-screen reporter, he wasn't that well spoken. He also kind of just rambled and got off point pretty easily. There was a Q & A session, which I thought would be interesting, buuut it wasn't. There were maybe two questions that were actually pertinent to his background and the rest were just kind of random and general. I was mad at myself because I thought of a question, but it was too late. I always do that.

I got a new cookbook for Christmas and have been picking out recipes to try. Tonight I took a shot at blueberry muffins and peanut butter banana muffins. The blueberry ones turned out okay, but I think the best are the peanut butter banana ones. They look pretty too.

January 21

MLK, Jr. day AND inauguration day! Oh, my. So the last inauguration I was a junior in undergrad, and I knew it was significant and important, but I don't think I fully understood the impact of the event. However, THIS inauguration really got to me. I felt so emotional while watching it, so proud! I loved that a woman, Myrlie Evers-Williams, gave the invocation, I love that Sonia Sotomayor swore in Biden. I loved seeing Hillary Clinton and the Obama women, strong, beautiful, and successful women, stand in our nation's capitol. I loved that the Bibles that Obama was sworn in on were Lincoln and MLK, Jr.'s Bible's. Just so much of the day's event spoke to me. The commentators didn't think that Obama's speech was as powerful, but it spoke volumes to me. I looked like a crazy person cheering and yelling at my TV, but I don't even care. I loved that his call for unity and equality, for all individuals. It just made me so happy and hopeful that our country will become more open to progress and change and acceptance of everyone, regardless of gender, race, age, class, sexuality, etc. I'm hopeful that I will live to see a woman president. Today's event was just wonderful, and I'm glad that I was able to watch it and recognize the importance.

Today I worked on some thesis stuff, went to the gym, and basically ran errands and everything. I'm having my birthday party on Saturday and it's a "sparkle" theme. Really, I just wanted an excuse to wear a sequined shirt, but still, I thought it would be fun. I went to the dollar store and got glasses and have modge podged glitter on the bottom. I think they turned out pretty well. I'm excited. I'm just sad that it's supposed to be freezing and snow all week. That always happens on my birthday, one of the downfalls of being born in the winter.

January 20

Super lazy day today. I had this list of things I wanted to get done today so that I didn't have to leave my house in the bitter cold tomorrow, but that just didn't happen. So now I will have to venture out tomorrow and freeze my butt off. I'm so stupid. I did go to Ivanhoe's in Upland, IN for the first time. It's famous for it's ice cream, and it did not disappoint. It had 100 options for sundaes and 100 options for shakes. I got a pineapple upside down sundae. I haven't had that much sugar in such a long time. I could only eat half of it, but it was so good. So much pineapple on it!

No school tomorrow for MLK Jr. day. I'm thankful because that means that this week will be a short week. I'm also glad because now I will actually be able to watch the inauguration.  I still remember where I was for the last one. I was a junior and watched it in my room in York hall. Crazy.

January 19

Spent the day in Columbus, stopped in Cold Water to get Sheri's dogs, and came back to Muncie.  However, while we were in Columbus we got a tour of Dr. Gee (the president of OSU's) house. It is such a sweet house. His kitchen is AMAZING and is my dream kitchen. Remember when I said if I do fun things, I'll include more than one picture? Today is one of those days. Dr. Gee has this kick-ass statue of Johnny Cash made out of black crayons. And then since his signature thing is bow ties, he has over 1,200 of them. Insane and awesome at the same time. Great short trip away from Muncie. It was much needed to clear my mind of a few things, and this week is a short week, so I'm stoked.

Sweet Johnny Cash statue! So many black crayons!

Awesome bow tie collection!

January 18

Friday, Friday! Had to go into the office to get some things together for my students since their first speech day is Tuesday. A lot of them are in mild panic mode and I wanted to counter-act that as much as possible. Went for a run and did some things around my apartment before I left for Columbus with Sheri!

Had a REALLY good night in Columbus. We stayed with one of Sheri's friends from high school, Katie, and went out with her fiance and his friends. I don't know what bars we went to, but they were so much fun. It was nice to get out of town. Also, on the streets of downtown Columbus there are a bunch of street vendors and food trucks. We stopped and got gyros, and I swear, hands down, it was the best gyro I've ever had. We did have a run in with the dude who cut in front of us, but it was still delicious. Muncie needs to get food trucks other than Carter's and Greek's. It would be awesome.

January 17

Honestly. I don't know what type of Kool-Aid my students are drinking, but I was met with all kinds of crazy today...and it's only week two! I just...it's going to be an interesting semester. That's all I have to say...

After everything today I met up with Amy and Alyse for Scotty's happy hour, then somehow ended up at Cleo's for trivia. The answer to one of the trivia questions was Remix (Ignition) which made my life. And then we somehow ended up at Be Here Now to play pool. As much as I protest, I do like that bar. It's chill and fun and quirky, and I almost always enjoy myself when I'm there.

They also always have the coolest sticker bombs and graffiti going on. It really is a cool place to hang out.

January 16

Today was a good day! Started the day with a run, which always makes me feel better and like I've accomplished something. Had my first thesis meeting of the semester. I know it's going to be a lot of work to meet all of my deadlines and get everything in on time, but I'm excited about it. My writing has improved so much and I'm ready to dive back into the whole writing process. We'll see if I still have these feelings two weeks in...

Went shopping with Katie after getting some work done in the office. When I got home my package from Amazon was here. I ordered a few records, Bob Marley and The Avett Brothers. I'm seriously in love with my record player. There's just something about listening to music in a more raw state as well as having the patience to listen to an album from start to finish, not skipping through tracks. It kind of surprises me how much I like it because I'm not a very patient person. But there's something about it that I find comforting.

There was an AWESOME sunset today as well. I literally lit up the whole sky, painting it orange. It was beautiful. I also got my home try on glasses from Warby Parker. I have it narrowed down to two different frames, I just have to make a decision, which I'm kind of the worst at. I love this company though. Their service is fantastic and it's such a great company. They function like TOMS where for every pair of glasses you buy, they provide eye care for someone in need. Plus, their frames are super cute. What is there to hate?

January 15

Today was an interesting day. I think my students are starting to become more comfortable with me, which is awesome, but I'm starting to sense some clashing personalities in one of my sections. I can see mean girl tendencies starting to emerge in some of my students and it sucks. When the class doesn't get along, it's so much harder on the students to feel comfortable giving their speeches. I need to squelch it ASAP, I just hate that I have to be the mean guy the second week in.

I also submitted two more applications today. One would think that I would get used to the sensation of clicking submit, but I haven't. There's a mixture of relief, excitement, and dread. I don't remember applying for my master's program being this stressful. I mean..I just don't feel prepared, and I don't think anyone could really warn me, which sucks, but still. I did not anticipate this much anxiety. We should forget water boarding as our main form of torture, if you want someone to break, make them fill out grad school applications. I've never felt more inferior and inadequate than I have while doing these applications. Some areas I'm confident, but I think overall it's just daunting and intimidating and I never want to have to do it again.

This has been very negative. I'm sorry. To pep it up I give you Olive, in her most difficult state. Apparently I was not paying enough attention to her and she wanted me to know it...by sitting directly in front of the television. Ha.

January 14

Monday funday! ...said no one ever. This Monday wasn't as bad as I was anticipating. Monday's just kind of stink because they're 12 hour days for me with large lecture, meeting, office hours, and then class. Today was actually much more productive than I thought it would be, but I still feel like I'm behind on things. This feeling of impending doom just never goes away. My thesis is a constant deadline, and I'm consistently anxious and stressed about grad school applications. I wish I could just turn my brain off for a day.

I really enjoyed class tonight. We talked about the definition of rhetorical criticism and applied it to Robert Kennedy's speech in Indy following the assassination of MLK Jr. as well as the new MLK Jr. monument in D.C. It was extremely interesting and I now want to go to D.C. to see the monument and just explore the National Mall. I think the last time I was there was in 8th grade, so a long time ago. It would be fun to do again as an adult. I think I would appreciate everything a lot more. I wish Indiana wasn't so far away.

Came home today to my Birchbox for the month. These days are my favorite. It's a little surprise that makes my day better, especially after spending all day at the office.

January 13

Lazy Sunday! I got some homework and chores done, but nothing too exciting. I'm starting to realize through this blog that my life isn't very exciting, but you know...I'm okay with that. Watched to Golden Globes tonight with Daniel and Sheri which was awesome. I loved Tina Fey and Amy Poehler hosting, I loved that Bill Clinton made an appearance, and after watching it again getting over the initial shock, I appreciate Jodi Foster's speech/rant.  I'm not really ready for another week to start. The first week back is easy, it's always the second week that gets me, but it'll be okay.

January 12

Welp. Today was as unproductive as possible. I did work on some doc school applications, buuuut that's about it. I did go to get my nails done, which is always nice. However, whenever I go to a nail salon I always have to have the conversation of where I'm from, if I speak the language, have I ever been back, etc. They always mean well, but it's just exhausting.

January 11

End of the first week back. For someone who loves routine and schedule, I'm having the hardest time adjusting to being back at school. Went to Indy with Daniel to check out Trader Joe's and Cost-Co. Came home to put my groceries away and Olive thought she should watch from on top of the fridge...

January 10

Okay. So I know that this is going to post as January 11, but I haven't gone to sleep yet, so I think it still counts as the 10. Anyways, today was day two of teaching my new sections. They seem pretty legit. I have a lot of upperclassmen which will be interesting.

Tonight we went to trivia at Cleo's. We started off doing pretty well, but then just kind of lost it and then stopped caring all together. It's just something fun to do in a group. I always enjoy it. Also, in mid-rock out session to The Killers "Mr. Brightside," I realized how lucky I am to have come in with such a great cohort and to have developed such great relationships with my colleagues. They really are the best, and I'm going to miss them when I graduate.  Wherever I end up next, I can only be so lucky to gain friendships like I have during my time here.

January 9

Today was full of getting things in order for this semester. Nothing too exciting. Wednesday's are pretty easy because I don't have class or teach and I only have to be on campus for one meeting. These days are going to be dedicated to thesis writing. Yay! I did go to the mall to get new running shoes which was more frustrating than it should have been. I don't understand why all women's running shoes are neon and have some shade of pink. The gendered assumption that all women enjoy the color pink is annoying. I managed to buy a pair without pink, but I couldn't avoid the neon. Apparently that's a thing now. Ugh.

Tonight we re-established Savage's night! It was awesome. My colleagues and I used to go to Savage's one night a week our first semester just to relax. We didn't do it last semester, but I think we're trying to implement it again. It's an awesome local bar that has good, cheap food and drinks and just a super chill and fun atmosphere. I'm glad that we're going to start going again.

January 8

So I failed yesterday, but I did remember today! Today was my last, first day of teaching at Ball State. Such a bittersweet feeling. I'm teaching three classes again this semester. I forgot how exhausting teaching three sections is, but I'm excited. My students seem pretty awesome.

Tonight I tried cooking a new recipe: baked spaghetti. It turned out pretty good! I love it because it has tons of fresh veggies and the sauce is half made from scratch. I didn't use a jar sauce, but I did use canned crushed tomatoes. I think my culinary skills are finally starting to bloom!

This semester I'm really going to try new recipes. It should be easier since I got a new cookbook for Christmas. I'm excited to try out new things!

January 7

I failed. I didn't take a picture for the 7th. It was the first day back to school. That is my only excuse, which is lame, I know. But there it is...

January 6

Classes start back tomorrow, for which I have mixed emotions. I'm glad that I'll have a regular routine and will see everyone again, however, I am not excited for the craziness that is my life during the semester. I'm always busy, which I love, but I also hate it a tad bit too. This semester won't be as hectic though since I'm only taking one class and then using my other credit hours to finish writing my thesis. I'm also looking for an organization to volunteer for since I'll have more time. I've been missing my philanthropy days from Phi Mu and wanting to get back into giving back. I'm going to do some research over the next few days and find an organization in Muncie that I want to support.

I spent today getting ready for tomorrow. Cleaned my apartment and did some grocery shopping and general errand running. Tomorrow is a 12 hour day for me, which means packing lunch, snack, and dinner. I've found that it's way cheaper to pack all of my meals and also healthier. I'm trying to help myself out a little since mornings aren't my thing by preparing as much as I can the night before. Who's knows how long this will last though.  Most nights I'm too exhausted to even make it to my bed. Woo to the start of a new semester and the last semester of my Master's program!

January 5

Driving, driving, driving. Made the trek back to Muncie today. 9 loooong hours and I am back in Indiana. Funny thing is that as soon as we got off at the Muncie exit it started to snow. What a sign. Ha. Then when I got home I realized that I had turned off the power strip that my refrigerator was plugged into. So...my fridge had been off for three weeks. Gross. At least now my fridge is nice and clean, and thankfully it was practically empty anyway. I also set up my record player!

I've decided that I was born in the wrong decade because this is hands down one of the best ways to listen to music. It just sounds so raw and real. I'm in love. I only have three records right now: Michael Jackson's "Thriller," Explosions in the Sky's "The Earth is Not a Dead Cold Place," and Old Crow Medicine Show's 45 of "Wagon Wheel." Thankfully, I live a block away from the local record store and plan to check it out ASAP. Vinyl all the way!

January 4

Left VA this morning and drove back home. I've realized that I'm much more relaxed during that drive than I am during my drive to Muncie. A lot of it has to do with the scenery. There are just mountains, on mountains, on mountains driving from PA to NC. But, driving from here to IN is flat and boring for most of it. Ugh. I'm not ready for break to be over. I miss my apartment and my space and my friends, but I do not miss the chaos that comes with all of that. Oh well. One more semester and I get to graduate! :)

My mom took me out for dinner as a good-bye and for my birthday. We went to the McKeansburg Hotel and I had the best fettuccine alfredo I've ever had in my life. It was delicious and nice to spend time with my mom.

Tonight I have successfully made an 11 hour playlist for the drive back. However, I have not finished my laundry or packing my car. I clearly have my priorities in order.

January 3

Heading down south to the land of the pine, thumbin my way into North Caroline...

Came to High Point/Winston-Salem today with Eliza. Stopped by HPU's campus to see how much it changed which was actually a really good time. It made me reminiscent and miss my undergrad days.  It also made me realize how much I took everything there for granted. Seriously. I was super spoiled there. I got to see old co-workers and roommates and just enjoy the empty campus since everyone was still on break. I also got to go to....wait for it....COOKOUT!!!

I have missed Cookout so much. I got a Cookout tray with a cajun chicken sandwich, hush puppies, and cajun french fries and a mint oreo milkshake. It's crazy cheap. Only $5 for the whole tray! I really love North Carolina and so many people that I care about still live here or close to here.  Once I figure my life out, I really think I'd like to move back here to settle down. It's just fantastic. And if you have doubts, take in this sunset:

When I do exciting things, I sometimes include a bonus picture. Today is one of those days. You're welcome...

January 2

Yay! Two days of p365. This is commitment. Ha. Today I road tripped down to VA to visit Eliza. Well overdue best friend time. Her mom cooked an awesome dinner of shrimp and grits. Southern hospitality at it's finest. I'm getting the recipe and plan on introducing my mid-western friends to some southern cooking! We also exchanged Christmas gifts and she gave me this sweet owl mug. So precious.

I'm spending the night here then we're going to explore HPU tomorrow. I'm interested to see how much it's changed. I really need to move back down south. I love it here and miss it so much!

Project 365, Attempt #3

It's really going to happen this time. I'm going to be diligent and committed and I'm going to finish a whole year of pictures. Technology has made it so much easier since my last attempt. I now have an iPhone which means I have a camera with me at all times. I'm hoping that this will inspire me to get back into photography. I miss it. I just don't have time. 2013 will be the year that I make time for me. I will make time for my hobbies and I won't become consumed by other unnecessary things. 2012. You were pretty good. I don't really have any complaints. However, I'm looking forward to 2013.

Today's photo:

January 1, 2013: Spent the afternoon with my family. I have now locked myself in my room to watch copious amounts of LOST for which I need to analyzed for my thesis. I'm praying that this will only deepen my love for the show, not make me hate it.