A funny thing happened when I got an apartment

Weird things are happening now that I live in an apartment:

-I clean all the time now. Unfortunately it doesn't look like it from the appearance of everything. I take into consideration that I still have more of an affinity toward throwing things around than cleaning them, but that doesn't mean that I don't clean MORE now than I used to. I don't think my roommates are even aware that I've cleaned the toilet twice since we've been here, and yes, we have been here for less than 2 months. Do you even own a toilet bowl scrubber?

-I like to cook. What I cook may be bland. It may not be fancy. But it's good and I enjoy it. I'd rather defrost some chicken, throw some seasonings and grill it and melt cheese on it than cook up some macaroni and cheese. I feel more accomplished.

-Living with people in an apartment is completely different from having a roommate. We have more of a home now than I had last year. And what comes with that is that we each have our own ways of doing things that we've grown up with that we sort of clash. Like I say dirty dishes go into a tub with hot soapy water so that they don't just accumulate in the sink. Others say, have them accumulate then fill the entire sink with hot soapy water. I still can't seem to wrap my head around that one, but that's what I've always done, so my way seems strange to others.

-I hate not being able to control the temperature of this place, especially in my room. I do not understand why my room is always several (NOTICEABLE) degrees colder than the rest of the apartment. When I say noticeable, I'm not making things up. I have had several people vouch for me that my room is, in fact, the coldest. What I can't seem to understand is why that happens when I keep my room door open all day. You would assume that the heat would flow among all the rooms. I'm considering talking to the Ghostbusters about some possible spiritual happenings that may or may not be occurring in my bedroom and whether or not this has an effect on the frigid climate.

This is all for now.

Syracuse Adventure: Pastabilities

I understand that a lot of people have been to Pastabilities before, but last night was a first-time opportunity for me.
The other day was my birthday and my friends and I decided to go out for a special dinner--we decided on a carbo-load---and OH what an experience.
It wasn't too difficult to get to. From Main Campus, it is easy for students to take either the Warehouse Route or Connective Corridor bus downtown, conveniently near Armory Square and the restaurant.
It's a large restaurant, much larger than it appears from the outside. However Pastabilities is a local favorite and can get very busy, so it is recommended that you get a reservation for during the week, or arrive early on the weekend when they don't accept reservations.
My friends and I, a group of 7, arrived around 5:30 and were seated within 5 minutes.
The menu is a little limited. I was expecting a few more dishes to be offered, and was disappointed that there wasn't much more to choose from. But the choices they did have all seemed enticing. Everyone in my party wound up getting something different and enjoying it greatly.
The portions were large, but not unmanageable. I hate when you go to a restaurant and can't even fathom how they expect you to finish the dish in front of you within a week. I was only able to eat half of my Seafood Marinara before I started feeling full. Had I not eaten so much bread beforehand, I probably could have eaten almost all of the pasta.
The pasta was excellent, as I would expect. My meal came with scallops, which were so delicious!
The one thing that did surprise me was the bread. I was a little disappointed that the bread they serve is not warm. However, instead of butter or oil being served with it, a slightly spicy, warm tomato sauce was served and it was just so good!
The prices for the meals were steep, but not astronomical. Expect about a $15 charge per plate, plus anything else you order.
I will definitely going back sometime soon. My eyes are set on some their other dishes.

Vodka is the Best Stuff on Earth

Here's the proof that vodka is probably the most useful stuff on earth.

When reading, please disregard the fact that in many instances, vodka is used as a cleaning agent, which isn't a good sign about our consumption of it.

My particular favorite is the fact that you can use it to clean up vomit. Hopefully, by the time you need it for that purpose, you still have some in the bottle. I also think that it's ironic that the probable cause of the vomit is also the cleaner.

Pale IS the new tan

At least Dita Von Teese Says so.

A lot of girls spend hours and hours, not to mention so much money, on getting that perfect "sexy" tan. You know, that perfect tan that will make all the boys go oooh, and other girls wish they could have. You could equate the sexiness of a perfect summer tan to the sexiness of burlesque dancing.
Because every guy wags his tongue at Dita Von Teese, and girls wish they could move and seduce like her.
Except Dita Von Teese is very anti-tan.
She avoids the sun at all costs, knowing the danger it can be. The ultra-seductive woman doesn't just stop at a good sunblock and a wide-brim hat, which she mysteriously makes fashionable. No, the temptress goes as far as bringing UV-proof curtains with her where ever she goes. She avoids foods that act as catalysts for the sun, and she won't even use hotel pools during the day.
This lady is devoted to avoiding the sun. With good reason too. Von Teese knows that gravity and time will inevitably take its toll on her body eventually. She doesn't want to accelerate nature though.
"My worst fear is looking down and seeing brown, wrinkly cleavage. It will get white and wrinkly, but there is no need to rush it," she says.


Meaning, Dita Von Teese is my new heroine. =)

Maybe I'll find more of these vixens that support my cause in life: making pale beautiful.

Freshman Year: Check

My laundry is done for the most part. I've been collecting my books and cleaning dishes. I'm trying to decide what I can live for without a week and trying to figure out the ideal time to unplug my mini fridge.
It's the end of the semester, and I have to say that it's weird that I'm getting ready to move back to NJ. Syracuse isn't just where I go to school anymore. I live in Syracuse. Nine out of 12 months a year I now spend in New York state.
I think about what life in NJ is going to be like this summer. It'll be weird having my own room again. When I went home on breaks, I went with a lot of laundry, my computer, and more or less a bag of things I'd need for the weekend, 7 days, or month. It was never a permanent situation. I more or less had to rummage through bags to find things. But when I go home this time, I will be unpacking. All my clothes will go into drawers, my closet, or into storage until I need them again in the fall.
I won't have a pile of bags or boxes in my room that remind me that I'll be leaving the state in a matter of hours, days, or weeks.
And yes, that does make me a bit sad. While I've been living in Syracuse for a year now, I don't really know the city yet.
Anne and I resolved to explore the city more next year. We'll take the warehouse bus or connective corridor bus and walk around the city, browsing the boutiques and side stores and trying new restaurants. I live in a beautiful city and I intend on exploring it.
Hackettstown, on the other hand, is a small town that doesn't really have much going on. I know what's there and there's really nothing too fun or exciting to do. In order to do something new, I need to drive, which isn't a problem, except money. Gas is so expensive (although the good thing about living in NJ is that you have some of the cheapest gas prices around), and my car isn't exactly a hybrid or energy efficient car.


What I'm looking forward to this summer:
Seaside Heights and the Jersey Shore: Sure, NJ has a bad reputation for being a classless, dirty place, but it really is nice. I love going to the beach. It's such a quintessential summer environment and the ocean is so different and can be way more fun than a backyard pool. Then there's the boardwalk. Your nose is hit with a combination of saltwater, pizza, cheesesteaks and seafood, with a hint of alcohol wherever you go. Bright lights flash as you pass by the endless lines of carnival games, and you see hilarious tee shirts with obscene comments hanging up outside little shops. You hear a mixture of music coming from the nearest bars, restaurants, shops, and game areas. It's enough to cause a migraine, but instead, the combination gives you a rush.
I love rides, but when I go down the shore I usually go on only one. I bypass the smaller rides for the $20/ride thrills. I figure, why go small when you can go all the way. I've done the skyscraper, and I've done the slingshot several times. This summer I plan on mustering all my courage to finally take the plunge. I will go on the "Sky Dive," where I'll swing out and over the ocean, screaming my head off, feeling as though I might be able to fly.

Earning Money: I've made a little bit of money this past semester thanks to Campus Catering. However, the summer provides the chance for me to earn lots and lots of cash to spend on activities, souvenirs, and gas this summer as well as get a financial basis for next year. I want to work at least 2 jobs, which will take up a lot of time, but in the long run, it's what I need.

Things to Dread this summer:
Living with my Parents: I've been more or less on my own for the past year. Don't get me wrong, I'm no where near independent of my parents, but I have been the one solely responsible for my academics (I didn't need to hear "How's the homework situation ONCE"), eating balanced meals (and with the exceptions of a few bowls of Reese's Puffs here and there, I've done pretty well), and getting to sleep (maybe I'm still perfecting that responsibility, but hey it's college). But going home, my parents will take the reins in my life again. I'll have to ask permission to go places again. I'll have a curfew again. I'll have their nagging that I should probably do something for my academics. I will no longer be a young adult. I will return to the life of a child, one that never makes his or her decisions and must make sure to do exactly as her parents say.

Missing Friends from School: It's weird to think that most of my friends will be scattered throughout the lower 48, and one will be almost halfway across the Pacific Ocean.

Making Up for Spring Break

So I distinctly remember being disappointed by my first ever college spring break experience. I wanted warmth. I wanted sunshine. Instead, I was cold and it was rainy in New Jersey. But it seems as though my parents are making up for this sub-par experience by taking me to the Caribbean this summer. That's right. I will be leaving this wind tunnel on the 7th of May and getting on a direct flight to paradise on the 11th.
This is one of the pictures from the resort where I'll be staying-- La Casa del Mar. It's an all inclusive resort where I will spend my days on the beach or next to the infinity pool reading a book (of my choosing) and sipping margaritas and daquiris-- the drinking age is 18, and my mom has already agreed that I will be allowed to drink.
Not too shabby, eh?

Well before I get to spend a glorious week in the gorgeous Caribbean, I have to get through this semester. I feel rather unmotivated to do my work. I feel even less motivated to write for student publications.
I've written several articles for the Daily Orange. I haven't been very happy with 2 of them--my first story and my last story, but what really doesn't help is this one nagging pain-in-the-ass who's this terribly critical and terribly condescending person.
I feel as though I don't even want to write for Daily Orange because I don't want to go in there where I know my story will get ripped apart. Such harsh criticism with absolutely no hint that your work is even a little satisfactory kills creativity. Meaning--my creativity is hanging on for dear life right now.
My allergies are bugging me. I was at the gym yesterday and my sinuses were hurting and my throat is sore--it doesn't help to be around people who seem to think chain smoking is a varsity sport--I am particularly efficient in finding the people who are going for the championship.
I've decided that I will start talking to people from home more. I'm tired of not being in contact with those people. I do miss them and can't wait to see them and hear about their exciting years.
I guess the truth is that I'm very terrible at keeping in touch with people. If you're not around me and I'm not in constant contact with you, I feel as though you have other more important things going on-- people to see, things to do, you know, other stuff.
But I'm going to make an effort in getting in touch again.
I think I'll feel a little less isolated this summer by doing this too.
Anyway, I have a test in an hour and since buses are obnoxious and such, I better get a move on.

Lesson: "Jack Shephard" does not a good movie make

Do you remember the days when you could go see a movie with whatever actor you thought hottest at the moment, and think that movie was spectacular.
It happened to me with Justin Timberlake in Model Behavior.
And Leonardo DiCaprio in Titanic.-- except now he's become a really reputable actor.
And I thought it would happen with Matthew Fox in Vantage Point.
I've fallen in love with Jack Shephard on Lost because.... well, alright, he's sexy.
So, imagine my intrigue and excitement when I found out that my beloved Matthew Fox plays a major part in Columbia Picture's latest movie, Vantage Point.
Tonight I went to the theater with my parents expecting a well put-together action thriller that was intriguing from start to finish.
That didn't happen.
The storyline was amazing:
At the beginning of a Summit on Terror in Spain, there is an obvious threat on the PotUS (President of the United States). So a PotUS double fills in for the highly public and highly publicized event. Despite the high anxiety of previously shot secret serviceman, disaster strikes: The PotUS double is shot and injured, an explosion happens at a prestigious hotel, and the Plaza Mayor (where the summit even takes place) is blown up.
The story is told in flashbacks of several people who were there or central to the unfolding of all the events.
The makings of a truly amazing book.
A lot of the camera work was very bumpy-- to give the intense illusion of disaster and chaos. Instead, it just created nausea and a headache of a movie to watch.
I also understand that the flashbacks were an integral part of the movie, but I don't think it was necessary to show most of the actions that you just saw happen in reverse to give the idea of a flashback.
The purpose was to give the feeling of rewinding time. Instead, it just caused impatience. It would have been simpler and less headache-inducing had they done it a simpler way.

Reasons to love it:
The car chase: it was unrealistic like any good chase scene. Definitely fast, definitely intense.
Smoldering Matthew Fox playing a surprising role. He's not the hero that everyone is used to seeing him play on Lost.

Reasons to hate it:
Everything else. The camera work fails to do what it intends. The good plot line is terribly portrayed on film. Oh and quite a bit of predictability.
But I guess you can't expect a movie to actually show the U.S. in a losing position, so of course all bad guys die in the end.