How to Train Your Dragon.

****URGENT. WHAT COLOR IS THIS DRESS???!!

Apparently people can see it as gold and white, or blue and black. I'm not kidding I saw the SAME post , like not two posts, one post, on Instagram at two different points in my day while going through Instagram feed, and the dress CHANGED COLORS. I'm not kidding. This is not a drill. 

Blogging from my phone because my laptop is dead. And I'm too lazy to plug my laptop in. I just finished watching How to Train Your Dragon. It's such a good movie, it's well made, has a great musical score, the characters are likeable, it's just magical enough to be the stuff my dreams are about. It's such an underrated kids movie that's secretly for young adults. 

Let's see what's interesting. Wednesday I had one class, my happiness class. We learned some tai chi moves. Sorry if the spelling is wrong on that one. I've decided happiness is a choice. It's all about a positive mental attitude. This guy who was a guest professor in our class taught us three things about mindfulness. I only remember the first one because I didn't have a notebook or a pen. It's Being actively present. I feel like you can't master all three right away anyone. Being actively present could mean putting your phone down more often, or even leaving it home. Just being more aware of what you're actually doing. It's so easy to autopilot through things like brushing your teeth or walking to class. What would it mean to be actively present during those activities? Try it. Lemme know how it goes. What does it even mean to be "actively present"? I don't really even know. that's what the best part about learning things in this class. You learn to think about questions, not answers. Sometimes being aware of something is all you need. You don't need to change things, because let's face it you probably can't, you just need to mentally acknowledge them. Awareness, folks. Get some.

Wednesday afternoon spent playing super smash bros wii with Alec. Overall good human being, that guy. One of the hands down smartest people I know. Besides the fact that he's a boy and boys are stupid. He's not afraid to tell me exactly how he feels about my life choices. The good ones and the questionably terrible ones. He's still my friend no matter how many bad decisions I make. Or if I make the same one over and over again. I think that's the kind of friend I need him to be. And he's it. So it works out. nine times out of ten I'll beat him in smash. And yet he still thinks he's better than me. Sorry pal. Maybe next time. 

Took myself to wawa. And then decided, hey maybe let's do something with my life. Dragged myself against my will with a backpack full of books to the Fairchild Martindale Library. More commonly known as FML. Where students go to die. Scanning for an open table. Scanning.. Scanning.. Scanning.. AHA. Emilia. Table of 4, all to herself. Actually when I found her she was chatting with our friend Tony, our well dressed, Seattle-born Asian friend. Is anyone sitting here? Me? Kthanks. And sit I did. Twenty minutes into it, hey Emilia wanna go to the basketball game at 7? It was 4:30 at the time, giving us ample room for studying, but a nice break after. Sure I'll go. I got lost for a while in my noise canceling headphones, then rallied with Emilia for the basketball game. It was the LGBT Equality basketball game. I figured it would be cool if I go, cause Ya know, the whole gay / bisexual whatever label you'd like thing. It was really cool to see so many people there. I've never seen so many people at a basketball game before. Right off the bat Lehigh started demolishing bucknell. I realized that sports games are so much more fun if the team you're rooting for is winning. So we cheered and clapped and I even got a free tshirt. But none was in comparison to the half time show. These girls with braided pigtails and neone sneakers came out all carrying jump ropes. What is this. Next a song comes on and they all start jumping rope in sync. A stumble and a snag every here and there, but overall mildly impressive. As time went on, they would do more and more cool stuff, like swinging it around their legs and stuff. Then, shit hit the fan. They were jumping rope with their butts on the group, on their stomachs, on POGO STICKS, they did a small jump rope inside of a medium jump rope inside of a huge jump rope, they jumped rope with six girls under the same single person jump rope, at one point, they used a HUMAN JUMP ROPE. Guys I'm not kidding. This was the coolest thing I've ever seen elementary school girls do. And they were all thin as twigs because, my god, they spent fifteen straight minutes jump roping. 

That's the only picture of them I got because I was too busy like, actually watching them. I was purely enthralled. Jaw dropping, amazement-laughter type deal. It was real. Ain't seen shit so real in years. Ten out of ten would watch again.

Lehigh basketball ended up crushing Bucknell, the current patriot league leaders. Suck it. 84-65 total. It was a bigger gap, but towards the end we were winning by so much, we took out all of our good players and let the moderately average players get a chance. 

Leaving the stadium we were all in good moods, even though we hadn't really done anything awesome on our own, but we felt offspring awesome from watching something cool happen. 

Back to the library to further prove that I'm paying Lehigh to steal my soul. 11pm rolls around. We out.

Thursday:

I woke up at 10:25 and did not get out of bed until 10:43. I had class at 10:45. What is wrong with me. I'm not kidding. Somebody just explain to me what's wrong with my brain. So I got there late. Cool cool. Then had a meeting at 12. Then I studied with Juli for a few hours at a nice table in steps with a view. If Steps is good for at least one thing, it's providing magnificent views of south Bethlehem. I think Juli and I are actually friends now. She def passes the grocery store test. 

Class at 2:35, got our exams back. The computer science that one I finished in twenty minutes? Got an 87 on it. Not bad, there were two questions I got wrong. For one of them I had the right answer, and then neatly crossed it out and flipped it. Lesson learned, always always always go with your gut. Your brain is stupid once you analyze things too much. Tomorrow we get our Econ exams back. Not excited about this one. In class today, our professor went off on what seemed to be a tangent about one of his war buddies almost getting blown on by a grenade, only to remind us that there are actually problems in the world and there are fake problems. A bad Econ exam grade is a fake problem. Almost getting blown up by a grenade is a real problem... Thanks Gunter. 

Meeting from 4:10-5:40, but all I could think about was food. Somehow through my day today I forgot to feed myself? How am I ever going to get my own pet dog or worse, like, a child. First place I went to after my meeting was Wawa with Emilia. I was craving shitty quesadillas and chai and sweet cream pretzel. I swear I'm a really fat kid at heart. And if I didn't go to the gym, I'd be a really fat kid in person too. 

Next stop, Best Buy. Emilia wanted a screen protector for her phone. I took off for the movie section. They had some real gems there, but so many movies are available online, you gotta pick the ones you know you already love and can commit to over and over again. My choices were how to train your dragon 1 and 2. I have absolutely zero regrets. I spent some time in the headphone department, judging whether or not I made the right purchase earlier this week. I absolutely did. The pair I have was the best pair in the store after carefully putting on each one. No regrets, again. I picked up a 10ft phone charger cable for myself, making night time much easier to do things like blog from my phone in bed. I made my way to the how theater section and sat in the comfy chairs for half an hour while Emilia called her mom to talk about God knows what. Which phone case to buy or which screen protector to get. Either way, the longer she took, the longer I didn't have to get out of the comfy reclining chair. Only reason for going? Screen protector. Only thing we didn't buy? Screen protector. Successful trip.

So one of the girls I live with had her long distance boyfriend of one month break up with her today. I think she's taking it hard but I'm not sure. I hear some really drunk people downstairs, interspersed with loud crashes and thuds. I think they're okay though. Guess who is not going downstairs to check? This girl. I'm not about the drunk crying people you hardly know life. Her friend is here with her so I don't feel bad. 

Eyelid is twitching, head hurts. Too much phone screen. Goodnight friendssss. xxx

The Chain

So my blog just broke 10,000 all time page views this week! that's pretty sick. thanks for actually reading these, everybody. I wouldn't do it without you guys. 

The chain

Everybody

I love Ingrid Michaelson

Monday
Let's try and remember what happened on Monday. If you know me, like truly know me, you'll know that I don't remember anything that happens, or conversations that happens. Yeah, I can remember stuff for class, fairly adequately, but I will tell you the same story over and over again, with the mindset that it's the first time I'm telling you.

Monday morning I got out of bed late, again. I hate showering at night because if I don't stay up late enough to dry my hair, it dries ridiculously on its own overnight. So, up in a bun it went. Found out that my morning class for Wednesday and Friday will be canceled because my professor has a convention to go to. Hurrah for sleeping in.

Let's see. I had Bagel basket for lunch with a friend. Everything bagel, toasted with cream cheese and bacon. I feel like I've said this before already. Deja vu to the max. Don't knock it till you try it though, I swear. Something about the bacon cream cheese convo that just works.

Had guitar class at 4pm. Our newest homework assignment is printing out tabs to Led Zeppelin's Stairway to Heaven and practicing it. got home and printed that shit asap. I was so excited about it, I already learned the intro. Nerd alert.

Ask me to remember the rest of my monday. I couldn't do it for you even if I tried. Because I'm trying.. and I can't do it..

SOLVED THE DEJA VU FIASCO... I literally wrote this entire day out into a blog already. Sorry for the repetitiveness, but holy shit. Welcome to my brain. Where NOTHING MAKES SENSE. Honestly it's like I'm two different people. or a thousand. But seriously, I almost rewrote this blog verbatim. It's like word for word...

sorry. we are moving on to tuesday because my brain needs solid information to hold onto. Nothing feels real right now. send help. I srsly think I have neurological issues... Besides the ones I already have.

Tuesday
Why even bother trying to wake up early anymore? Out of bed at 10:32 for my 10:45 class. Walk in five minutes late, walk all the way to the front of the lecture to sit. Because I'm that person. I like to sit in the front of all my classes, unless it's a big lecture that uses a powerpoint. Then it's just illogical to sit close, because you can't see. The only reason I sit in the front of my classes..I had this list of 100 wisest words, which I've posted about before... AH HA! I found it. it took about ten minutes of archiving. here it is.

"100 Wisest Words"

1. There are Plenty of ways to enter a pool. The stairs is not one of them.
2. Never cancel dinner plans by text message.
3. Don't knock it 'til you try it.
4. If a street performer makes you stop walking, you owe him a buck.
5. Always use "we" when referring to your home team or your government.
6. When entrusted with a secret, keep it.
7. DON'T underestimate free throws in a game of HORSE.
8. Just because you can doesn't mean you should.
9. Don't dumb it down.
10. You only get one chance to notice a new haircut.
11. If you're staying more than one night, unpack.
12. Never park in front of a bar.
13. Expect the seat in front of you to recline. Prepare accordingly.
14. Keep a picture of your first fish, first car, and first girl/boyfriend.
15. Hold you heroes to a high standard.
16. A suntan is earned, not bought.
17. Never lie to your doctor.
18. All guns are loaded.
19. Don't mention sunburns. Believe me, they know.
20. The best way to show thanks is to wear it. Even if its' only once.
21. Take a vacation of your cell phone, internet, and TV once a year.
22. Don't fill up on bread, no matter how good.
23. A handshake beats an autograph.
24. Don't linger in the doorway. In or out.
25. If you choose to go in drag, don't sell yourself short.
26. If you want to know what makes you unique, sit for a caricature.
27. Never get your haircut the day of a special event.
28. Be mindful of what comes between you and the earth. Always buy good shoes, tires, and sheets.
29. Never eat lunch at your desk if you can avoid it.
30. When you're with new friends, don't just talk about old friends. 
31. Eat lunch with the new kids.
32. When traveling, keep your wits about you.
33. It's never too late for an apology.
34. Don't pose with booze.
35. If you have the right of way. TAKE IT.
36. You don't get to choose your own nickname.
37. When you marry someone, remember, you marry their entire family.
38. Never push someone off a dock.
39. Under no circumstances should you ask a woman if she is pregnant.
40. It's not enough to be proud of your ancestry, live up to it.
41. Don't make a scene.
42. When giving a thank you speech, short and sweet is best.
43. Know when to ignore the camera.
44. Never gloat.
45. Invest in great luggage.
46. Make time for your mom on your birthday, it's her special day too. 
47. When opening presents, no one likes a good guesser.
48. Sympathy is a crutch, never fake a limp.
49. Give credit. Take blame.
50. Suck it up every now and again.
51. Never be the last one in the pool.
52. Don't stare.
53. Address everyone that carries a firearm professionally.
54. Stand up to bullies. You'll only have to do it once.
55. If you've made your point, stop talking.
56. Admit when you're wrong.
57. If you offer to help, don't quit until the job is done.
58. Look people in the eye when you thank them.
59. Thank the bus driver.
60. Never answer the phone at the dinner table.
61. Forgive yourself for your mistakes.
62. Know at least one good joke.
63. Don't boo. Even the ref is somebody's son.
64. Know how to cook one good meal.
65. Learn to drive a stick shift
66. Be cool to younger kids. Reputations are built over a lifetime.
67. It's okay to go to the movies by yourself.
68. Dance with your mother/father
69. Don't lose your cool. Especially at work.
70. Always thank the host.
71. If you don't understand, ask before it's too late.
72. Know the size of your boyfriend/girlfriend's clothes.
73. Know there is nothing wrong with a plain t-shirt.
74. Be a good listener. Don't just take your turn to talk.
75. Keep your word.
76. In college, always sit at the front. You'll stand out immediately. Come grade time it might come in handy.
77. Carry your mother's bags. She carried you for 9 months.
78. Be patient with airport security. They are just doing their job.
79. Don't be the talker in a movie.
80. The opposite *or same* sex likes people who shower.
81. You are what you do. Not what you say.
82. Learn to change a tire.
83. Be kind. Everyone has a hard fight ahead of them.
84. An hour with grandparents is time well spent. Ask for advice when you need it.
85. Don't litter.
86. If you have a sister, get to know her boyfriend. Your opinion is important.
87. You won't always be the strongest or the fastest, but you can be the toughest.
88. Never call someone before or after 9AM and 9PM.
89. Buy the orange properties in Monopoly.
90. Make the little things count.
91. Always wear a bra at work.
92. There is a fine line between looking sultry and looking slutty. Find it.
93. You're never too old to need your mom.
94. Ladies, if you make the decision to wear heels on the first date, commit to keeping them on and keeping your trap shut about how much your feet kill.
95. Know the words to your national anthem.
96. Your dance moves might not be the best, but I promise making a fool of yourself is more fun than sitting on the bench alone.
97. Smile at strangers.
98. Make Goals.
99. Being old is not dictated by your bedtime.
100. If you HAVE to fight, punch first and punch hard.

 here it is. Anyway.. Read the whole thing. I found it years ago, and some of these little things cross my mind from time to time. They've actually woven their way into my values and morals and decision making. I'm so familiar with them because I wrote them down on a white board when I was in high school and hung it in my room so I could read it every day. 

After class I had a package at the mail store. MY HEADPHONES. Oh my days they are beautiful. they're one of the nicest things I've ever owned. They're white with tan suede (ask me how many times it took me to spell that) and teal interior and a teal cord. They are noise canceling, but I swear it's like magic. It turns the whole world off. They are just what I need. I can shut everything out and be in my own little world. I know too much shutting out and I become a space cadet, but a getaway for a little while every day is a wonderful privilege. 

Walked up to my car as parking authority was writing me a ticket. All I could do was watch them drive away, leaving me $10 less rich. Drove up to the house and ate lunch and studied for my exam at 2:35. Got to hangout with Marianne (the TLC). We're buds now. She loves Taylor Swift as much as I do. 

Enter exam room 2:20pm.

Start exam 2:35pm.

Finish exam 2:55pm.

Not kidding. I was the first person done. and I went back and checked every problem twice. May I stress that the exam room had about 150 people in it? Either I failed or got a 100. To be continued later this week when we get the grades back. 

Played guitar for an hour until my fingers were red and swollen and warm. It lets me know I'm getting better. Just because I'm putting time into it.

Chelsea came over and we played a game with my new headphones. One person wears them while music is playing so you can't hear the other person. Then, the other person says a word or a phrase out loud and the person with the headphones has to guess what you're saying. It may not sound funny, but it's hysterical. Be my friend and hangout with me and we'll play sometime. 

She convinced me to go to the gym with her and Alexis. I was gently reminded that 4pm is the absofucking WORST time to go to the gym. Waiting for a treadmill. Did four miles on a bike by the time a treadmill opened. had the energy to run one mile and do an ab workout. Jesus lord help me. I pay enough money to this school to have all of the treadmills working at the gym. There were at least 5 broken ones today. Lehigh, get on your shit. 

Showered after gym. Two days in a row WOO. sad, sad fact.

Planned on going to the library to do work and then just didn't. Bed was too comfy. I'm questioning my self-control more and more every day. It's like my brain can't convince my body to do anything anymore. 

After actually doing real person things like homework and paying zeta dues, I played on sporcle for an hour and a half. I couldn't tell you a damn thing about Economics, but I can name you all 197 countries recognized in the world by sporcle. 

Proof:

I really don't know how I manage to have friends. If anyone reading this considers themselves my friend, wanna shoot me a message telling me why you've stayed? I really don't think I would be my friend if I had the choice. 

After reading older blogs, from when I first started, I've learned that my blogs have gotten worse. The stuff I used to write actually made sense and had some insightful thoughts. I feel like now I just word vomit all over the page until I feel like stopping. maybe the blog is evolving as I'm evolving as a person, and I'm not sure how I feel about myself after reading them. 

I'm just a confused person. I'm the happiest miserable person you'll ever meet. 

help me end this post.

I can't stop. 

bye. 

Red Robin...

It's 1am. I've been in a weird mood since I left the library at 11 tonight. The best time to write a blog, middle of the night and in a weird mood.

Emilia came home from her trip this weekend. I haven't seen her since Thursday. I missed my roomie friend. She walks into my room around 11am today. Such excitement. Unfortunately I'm running out the door because it's 11:07am and I have class at 11:10. To be fair, I set my alarm for 9:30 and hit snooze until 11. 

Turns out my professor will be at a conference for the rest of the week and we won't have class Wednesday or Friday. Excellent.

Drove myself to Bagel Basket today for brunch. Everything bagel toasted with cream cheese and bacon. Don't knock it til you try it, I swear.

Napped from 2-4, classic. I don't understand how I am so tired lately. I'm actually worried that it's a medical issue? Maybe my brain just needs lots of sleep lately. I'll keep you posted. 

I have guitar class from 4:10-5 on Mondays. I love it. It's a class for people who have never picked up a guitar before. But I cheated. Because I've been teaching myself to play guitar since high school. I wasn't sure how basic it was going to be until I got there the first day. However this is the first official lesson in guitar I've ever had. Homework assignment this week is print out tabs to Led Zeppelin's stairway to heaven and start learning it. Challenge accepted. Got home and started right away. Already printed. 

Get a text from Emilia , "dinner date?" . Absofuckinglutely. We went to red robin and used the gift cards I won during that basketball competition last week. Soooo good. We got these pretzel bites with beer cheese dip to start. You add beer to anything and it makes it ten time better. UGH that reminds me of this amazing beer cheese that my friend from home, Carly, makes. She's in begium right now. But I wish she was here, making me beer cheese. 

We both got burgers and sweet potato fries. The fries are endless. Don't think that we didn't get refills, because we totally did. And I got an ice cream sundae. No ragrets. Not even one letter. That's a reference from We're the Millers and if you haven't seen that movie yet, make like Nike and just do it. It's hilarious. I'm serious. 

Next stop, FML. Which is one of the more tragically named buildings on campus. Seeing that FML is an acronym for fuck my life as well as Fairchild-martindale library, it's very fitting. It's where students go to surrender their souls to school work. Which is exactly what I did. Holed up at a table in a corner for four hours messed with your soul. Had to get out of there and take a shower. If we're being real here, I don't think I've showered since Friday. So this was much needed. I got a ride home from a friend, and as soon as I stepped outside of the library this weird mood hit me. I can't pinpoint it, and usually i'm alright in that category. I was hoping a nice shower and sleep would fix it. That combination is equip to fix most situations. However the shower temp was medium the entire time, never fully hot. And I've been awake in bed for over an hour staring into the darkness. Still in the weird mood. Now blogging for the people. I am blogging from my phone so there is no song. Which leaves me pretty empty in the blog post title department. We'll see what I come up with. I have an exam tomorrow at 2:35 in my math/cse logic class. I'm not worried. 

For now, take it easy my friends.

Weird tapestry on my wall that doesn't belong to me and that I don't particularly like. But it's pretty much all I've got in the picture area for this blog. Sorry bout it. 

Just found this in my photo album from today. I forgot I saved it while perusing around the interweb. 

Thinking Out Loud

Ed Sheeran has been all over blog lately, but I love him. and his words.

Never take sleep for granted. New life lesson. I know people have said "sleep is for the weak" or "i'll sleep when I'm dead", but I'm just not one of those people. And after the passed 24 hours, that fact has been solidified.

My computer fan is too loud, it's probably overheating. It's so loud I can't hear the movie I'm illegally streaming online. Birdman. I figured if I can't watch the Oscars, I might as well watch the movie that's up for picture of the year.

I like the way my t-shirts smell, and my sheets. If I were dating me, I would steal my clothes all the time, and sleep over every night.

My little brother asked me today if I got paid to post my blog. I wish. You people wouldn't pay to read this. and I definitely don't get paid to write it. But that's a dream job I have. If all else fails with my life, I'm gonna find a company that will pay me to travel the country and be a food blogger. and if I can't find anyone to pay me, well, I'll just do it for fun.

Ok let's take it back to Saturday:

I slept until noon, waking up only to clean my entire house for the guests I was supposed to be having later that night. Snow was swiftly falling from the plain, grey sky. super pretty and ominous. As soon as I finished cleaning the entire downstairs, we got an email saying the Date Party was cancelled due to the bus company canceling on us, due to snow. Told you, shit was ominous.

I made my way in the snow and cold to Campus Square 10, only to find Alec, who doesn't live there, and no actual people who lived there. I brought cheese, crackers, and girlscout cookies. I was just being a polite guest. We sat on the couch under really fuzzy blankets and watched Fight Club. This was my first time ever watching it, and I had no idea what to expect. It was easily the most fucked up movie I've ever seen. It's like, what a movie should be. talk about a plot twist. If you have it seen it yet, there's a great cast, Helena bonham carter and Brad Pitt in his prime, and you will not be bored. It's impossible to be bored watching this movie. This movie is life changing. I don't even know how to describe it too. All I want to do is watch it again now that I've seen it all the way through. That's a movie that I need to have on DVD to watch over and over and over.

I walked home and laid in bed for hours, allowing myself to have some me time and be super lazy. A friend's house around the corner was having a "party" .. lol party. a small party. So I decided to go hangout. WHiskey sour. mmmm. FOr some reason I thought it was a good idea to walk allllll the way to a frisbee party on Birkel. AKA the end of the world. Why I would do that is beyond me.

I decided after eating all of Emily's Hot and Spicy Cheese-itz (which reminds me I need to go buy them because they're the BEST flavor) and winning a game of corners, it was time to go home. I met up with Caroline and Mirco and they walked home with me. There were plenty of other parties for them to go to right by my house, so it was a win/win.

The night didn't end how I expected it to, but exactly how I hoped it would, and only you know why. and it was in the best way.

Sunday:

earlier on Saturday, our chapter president, Danielle, asked us if anyone would be willing to pick up the Traveling Leadership Consultant (TLC) Marianne, who was flying into Philly at noon on Sunday. I volunteered. In my head, philly was only an hour away, and noon wasn't early at all. Then, I get a text around 11pm saying that her flight got moved to get in at 8:55am. Is this a joke? nope? oh. ok. well, I agree to go anyway because why not, Danielle wouldn't be asking if she didn't really need somebody to go.

Wake up 6am, back to sleep. Waaake up, 6:30am. back to sleep. WAAAaaaaaaaake up, 7am. Get out of bed. Sweatpants ? bad idea. semi-real clothes. Gotta impress the tlc. Look presentable Aly, be a human Aly.

Clear off the snow from my car. With this little tiny ice scraper that has a brush on it. Fingers absolutely frozen. Realized that I needed to clean my car out, because it was way to messy to pick up a stranger in. Tossed all my waterbottles into the back seat, and I ended up putting them all in plastic Wawa bags that I had in my car. Filled up my tank, and followed the monotonous voice of my GPS all the way to philly.

Pleasant surprise, I stopped at Wawa around 8am, I've never done that before. I was hoping for a nice buttered roll, ya know, just like my father got my mother on her 40th birthday, oh memories. I couldn't find one though, so I ordered an everything bagel, toasted, with extra plain cream cheese. I have to say, being from New Jersey, my bagel standards are high, and that bagel was damn good. I'm not sure if it was correlated to how hungry I was, but, it was really damn good.

Got to philly airport and found arriving flights and baggage claim. My car was put into park as the clock turned to 8:54am. To say my timing is impeccable is an understatement. Texted Marianne, expecting to wait maybe fifteen minutes for her to get off the plane and grab her luggages. 9:17am, I get a text saying that they were switching gates. Oh okay cool keep me posted. 9:49am she is out of her gate and goes to find her luggage. Not on carousel. Needs to go talk to luggage service people. Oh, your bags are in Allentown. You'll have to go get them. Finally I get to meet her, as she eagerly walks up to my car, carryon bags in hand.

We have a nice chat all the way back to school. She straight up told me that she already knew all about my life, thanks Adina... Turns out she attended the NLC that I attended two summers ago where I passed out. She's close with Adina, and Deens is my GGB, so naturally she knows about my life. small world.

Made it to Allentown airport, aka the world's tiniest airport. Okay... Maybe not world's tiniest, but it's super small. there's like one termial, maybe two baggage claims. Super small, super easy to navigate. Takes maybe ten minutes to get her bags. "you hungry?" "Starving let's get chipotle." Instant friends.

Our long day finally came to a close, and I dropped her off at the Zeta house. Went home. Can't wait to get into bed. Four hour nap. Glorious. amazing. all i've ever wanted. I haven't been so tired in a long, long time.

Drag myself out of bed for chapter at 5pm. Turns out that Danielle nominated me for sister of the week since I did her that favor today. I've never been sister of the week before and we've been doing it for years. It felt really cool. It also means I get to choose the theme for next weeks chapter. So looking forward to picking one.

Went home after chapter, and did homework for four hours. It felt good to actually get work done. I let myself eat leftover chipotle for dinner, and then cookies and milk after that. Today wasn't the kind of happy that Friday was, but it doesn't mean that I wasn't happy. I was perfectly content with today. even though I was doing unfavorable things, I was still happy. I was happy with my mustache mug that I drink milk out of, and the entire box of girlscout cookies I've eaten over the course of this week. I like letting myself be happy. Sometimes it's really easy.

My mom keeps trying to figure out the gift she's going to get me for my birthday in like 7 weeks, and I finally decided what I wanted. Besides a Wii U and super smash bros, which was a half serious suggestion, I actually want a pair of Bose Noise Canceling headphones. I ended up ordering them tonight because I couldn't wait until the end of the semester to have them. On my actual birthday mom said she'd give me a card with monies in it, that way I could either repay myself for them, or buy something else like clothes or the Wii U.

Wanna know a secret? I hate my birthday. Don't get me wrong, my mom and step dad gave me the most amazing birthday parties for my 13th and 16th birthdays that I could've ever wanted. But there's something about receiving a card from my real dad signed "From, RT" and spending my 16th birthday on his couch while he was high, watching Indiana Jones movies, just makes me hate it. My mom and step dad have made every birthday I've ever had with them amazing. I even spent my 17th birthday in Disney World with my high shcool marching band. To be honest, I've had some amazing birthdays. But even since I've been at college, I've hated my birthday. Four days after I turned 7 was the day that my parents and brother and I moved from our first house, and that was the first time I hated my birthday. And then my mom and step dad flew to Vegas three days before my 11th birthday and got married. At the time, I think it made me upset, I'm not sure why. All and all, I'm pretty sure the good birthdays Definitely outweigh the bad ones, but the bad ones started sooner, and I dunno. I just don't do my birthday. Other people's birthday are a different story. I love birthdays. Just not mine.

After doing my homework I crawled into bed and put on a movie, and decided to blog for you people. I put on Birdman with Emma Stone and Michael Keaton. My life has weird connections. I chose to stream birdman of all the movies that exist in the world. Turns out the guy, Edward Norton who is in Birdman, also happens to be the main character of Fight Club. It's a sign. Not sure what sign, but a sign. I would've never known who this guy was in Birdman if I didn't watch fight club yesterday. I'm amused by my life.

hey you, buffalo. that's all. goodnight.

ps I didn't proof read this. so. oops.

Wagon Wheel

Friday!

I love Fridays. Today was one of those days where life surprises you with the people it throws at you. I had an amazing night. Let's recap first though..

Wake up, I'm gonna go the the gym before my 11am class, such a good idea. Meanwhile, I get out of bed at 10:46. Yeah, maybe next time. Tshirt, sweatshirt, north face vest, north face hooded parka, leggings, snow boots. Whose idea was it to go to school in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania? This idiot's. Briskly walk to class, arriving at 11:01 for my 11:10 class. I've developed this amazing skill of waking up late, and still managing to get to class early. Thanks college. We're learning all about self-perspective in social psychology this chapter. It's so interesting the amount of things that influence how we see ourselves. I definitely recommend taking this class, even if it's not in your major. Do it.

Econ recitation afterwards. I was expecting to get our exams back that we took on Tuesday. Nope. not even close. let's learn a whole new chapter. Oh okay. Our TA is a graduate student, totally international, her english is not great, but she's nice enough. She has a resting face of "does it look like a give a shit about you people? because I don't". She has some long, complicated asian name, so she has us call her Sunny. Every time she says the word "goods" , like normal goods, or inferior goods, luxury, necessary, etc., her accent makes it sound like the word "goose". and I just die laughing inside every single time. I know I should feel bad for laughing at her in my head, and sometimes out loud if I'm particularly giddy that day, but it's just so damn funny. I'm not the only one who thinks it's funny though. I've shared some looks with other people in the class. ya know, the "I heard it too, did she just say goose? trololol" kind of look.

After class I drove up to the house, (whenever I say "the house" I am usually referring to my sorority's house on the hill). So anyway, drove up to the house and dropped off some money to Emac to do a drug deal. Just kidding. no drugs. But I walk into her room and her and her boything are sitting on the floor playing with Kinex toys, and a giant mannequin leg is magnetically sticking to the wall. I don't even question it. It looked like a lovely Friday after noon.

I left and mentally and emotionally braced myself to go to Bethlehem Parking Authority Office on the North Side. Don't worry, I ended up crying anyway. They wouldn't give me a parking permit because I'm not technically on the lease for my house since I'm subletting. and the guy was just a total dick about it. I almost started to cry, ripped my lease from his hands and stormed out. I hate those fuckers. I've probably paid them $100 in tickets so far this semester. I've had it up to here with them. honestly. ffs.

I drove to target to buy some goodies for tomorrow night. We are have a few people over at our house before the date party, and I wanted to make it special with cups and stuff. So I did. I have a surprise for you Hayden if you're reading this. Because I love you and you're my glittle.

Treated myself to some chipotle for late lunch/brunch. They never fail to be so damn tasty. Over heard two girls talking while I was in line.. "I had a dream Justin Timberlake was my father". ew.

Got back to my room and passed out straight away. Not like my normal passing out, don't freak out, I mean I just fell asleep. I'm sleeping so much, lately. Too much. I think my brain is still just super tired I guess. It sucks having a semi-functioning brain/autonomic nervous system sometimes.

Woke up around 6pm, to some texts from Chels trying to get me to the gym. Naw. Not today. Then she told me she was going to the Student Senate's Gatsby Gala being held tonight from 8-11pm. There's food and drinks and dancing, and it's a reason to get dressed up and look nice. So I decided I would go. I bought a ticket earlier in the week but had zero actual plans to go. I showered and put on a face and a dress and some heels and actually didn't mind seeing myself naked. Usually I do that whole self-conscious girl thing where we think we're fat. But I'm actually starting to fit into old dresses again, and wear them well. I like this me. This me is a good me.

Remind me again why I wore a dress and heels in the arctic tundra that is Lehigh right now? I don't know. good one aly. think aly. Picked up chelsea and her BF who came to visit, Brandon. Made our way to the gala, not expecting much, but when we got there, loooooads of people. Its was pretty cool. Food was the first priority. obviously. Then beer, for brandon anyway, since neither chelsea nor I am 21 yet. (Soon. so soon). Then chelsea saw her.. our.. really her friends since they don't talk to me anymore, so I told her to go be with them and that I would be fine on my own. So she left, and I scanned the room looking for familiar faces. I saw Juil, (SWE president) and said hello. She told me I looked really nice with a tone of genuine surprise in her voice. I took it as a compliment though, and lightly bantered back "yeah I don't do this often" because it's true. I'd rather be wearing sweaters and sweatshirts and jeans and leggings with my hair in a bun and no make up. As I continued my search for friendship, the universe didn't let me down. I saw my friend Caroline, who is an exchange student here from IRELAND <3. She's here with her friend Sean also from Ireland. I met them through Alec's roommate Brad a few weeks ago, and her and I snap chatted before a couple times but not much else. She welcomed me over to her table with her and sean and the rest of the international students that they were with. I met a boy Mirco (kind of like marco and micheal mixed for pronunciation purposes -- "meer-col" sort of.) He's from Germany. He's a graduate student studying for his Master's degree in Physics. waaaat. so smart. Caroline and Sean told me that he's taken swing dancing lessons before, and I got super excited, and he actually got convinced to take me on the dance floor and dance with me. It was hard at first, but after a couple songs, I was all smiles and he was pink in the face, probably a touch embarrassed, and we were actually dancing. We were doing not so much swing dancing, but traditional dancing he learned in Germany through high school and stuff. He was twirling me and I was twirling him and we were actually dancing and it was so much fun. Nobody in the states likes to dance like that, at least not at frat parties. I had so much fun. Mirco if you're reading this, thanks for the dance. It was amazing.

After a few more dances and a few more drinks (for them, not me) I got a text from my friend emily telling me "come to 419 Montclair!" and that was it. I had heard earlier that a live band was going to be playing there from my glittle, so I figured if I heard about it from two completely separate sources, that it had to be good. We made our way down and out of the party and crammed into my car, me Caroline mirco sean and another straggler that I didn't catch the name of. First thing sean says Is "let's see what she puts on" referring to what song I would play since it's the first time we hung out in my car. I gave him my phone and made him choose. First song he puts on? Wagon Wheel. Turns out that song is a hit in Ireland. Go figure. So we drive and we sing really loud and it's fantastic. I just knew that these people were great. I could tell from that moment.

I took them down to Trembley where they all live, and I offered to come inside while they get changed so I could drive them down to the party instead of meeting them there and making them walk. Caroline feeds me irish chocolate and I'm in love. and her and sean tell me about what rubbish the tea and chocolate we have here in the states is. I'm only a little offended for my country, but cannot WAIT to try all of the things they were telling me about. And then I found out that sean hadn't been to wawa, and both of them haven't been to chipotle. If I am going to call myself their friend, I Must do something about those facts. Mirco comes over and we head out. Walking to the party we were pretty skeptical, it seemed pretty quiet on the street. We were welcome by some people smoking at the door, and immediately when I walk in I see some familiar faces. We ditch our coats and head downstairs, and there's like, a live band. They weren't kidding. The band is local, made up of lehigh students from what I could tell, I knew one of them, but the other's were new faces. The band's name is Steel City Sunrise. Emily is dating the lead singer/guitarist so I sort of know him too. The first people I see when I get down into the basement are the frisbee girls, Jenna Emily Erin and Dot. hi friends. Emily dares me to steal a tshirt hanging from the ceiling behind me, so I do. I stash it in Caroline's purse. I'm a kleptomaniac. I think. If i had to diagnose it. Mild case, obviously. The back of the basement is hard to see the band, so we push our way to the middle. They were doing covers of some popular songs, as well as some originals, and they were really really good. At one point a mosh pit broke out because drunk people are all idiots, and my bad ankle get stepped on, in heels might I add, and I get shoved right into the front of the crowd, almost falling into the bassist. My friend Kianna caught me before I went any further.

We danced and sang and danced and jumped and banged on the metal vents and clapped and sang and it was fantastic. all of it. the drunk people and the live music, just feet in front of me. I was beaming from ear to ear the entire time. I was so happy I didn't even need to be drunk. It was so much fun. I need more live music in grungey basements with new friends and old friends and just people. That makes me happy. I left my phone upstairs so I didn't take any videos, but I got caroline to take a picture for me. After the set was over, it was time for everybody to get more drunk. I got my heel stuck in an air conditioning vent and accidentally ripped it out of the floor when I tried to lift my foot up. Whoops. My bad. I ran into a bunch of familiar faces, which was great, had a few chit chat convos, and by the time midnight rolled around I was pretty beat. I said to my new friends, wanna head out? I'm gonna go and I can give you a ride home. They all said yes so we left. I say to them, wanna go to wawa? YES. yesses all around. So we went. and listened to wagon wheel again, singing loud and all smiles. Took sean's wawa virginity. I feel like such a good friend. You're welcome. three of us got quesadillas and sean got a hoagie. None of us grabbed napkins, and we feasted in the parking lot in my car. Turns out caroline loves ed sheeran, too. This girl is easily my soul mate. We talked about how everything happens for a reason, and that if any of us had decided to ditch the Senate Gala, then we wouldn't have had this awesome night together.

More songs on the ride home, more singing, and I dropped them off at Trembley for the night. I learned a bit of Irish lingo, like rubbish and bin and class and grand and uh. There were a few more. Gimme a week and I'll be ready to go to Galway. maybe I'll study abroad next semester in Ireland instead of London.

I wish I took more pictures tonight, but that's what happens when you're actually living life not behind a phone screen. I tried to recreate the images for you guys via words, but sometimes a picture can capture it better. Oh well. LOADS of pictures will be posted tomorrow from the date party. Don't you worry about that. for now, cheers x.

Sugar

apparently this music video was not real. they didn't crash actual weddings. they were all fake. Such a let down. 

Wednesday night:

Chelsea convinced me to gym. Two miles and some arms or whatever. Made myself a grilled ham and cheeeeese for dinner and some grapes. I managed to read my Econ textbook until about 10:30 when I found myself asleep face down in my book. 

Thursday:

Had NIGHTMARES that I missed my alarm and woke up for my 10:45 class at 11:14. And then fell asleep and woke up at 1 and completely missed it. Thank god they were just dreams. But they felt real, the stress was real. 

Actual alarm went off at 9:30. Got out of bed at 10:36. Made it to class, in letters, with a cardigan ffs by 10:46. Super impressed with myself.  

**ffs = for fuck's sake

In class , Econ, we talked about personal finance and bonds. All it made me want to do was declare an Econ minor. That way, I could be enrolled in three colleges here at Lehigh. #overachiever? No. 

Had a meeting with some exec members of SWE at noon and one of my favorite faculty members, Shaku. She knows me well, and messes with me constantly. 

I walked myself up to the UC. So many steps. I picked up my wrist band to participate in a Huntington's disease memorial walk on Friday hosted by DU. One of their brothers recently had their father pass away. You can register for the walk online here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/huntingtons-disease-charity-walk-tickets-14837999857

Or you can go up to their table at the UC by tomorrow to register. If you register online you must go to the table to get your wristband. the walk is through campus tomorrow, Friday feb 20 at 4:30, meeting I'm assuming by the flagpole on memorial drive. 

I went to Starbucks in upper to pick up a frappicino, but realized I didn't have my wallet. The lady working there was sweet enough to give me a free large coffee because it was cold out and I didn't have a wallet. Random acts of kindness for the win. Seriously sometimes people surprise me and don't make me dislike the human race. 

Walked home and got another parking ticket. That's two in two days. Top that.

 Brunch consists of blue box Kraft original Mac and cheese. Because life is too short to not eat things that make you happy. Especially if you workout. Balance, kids. TREAT YOSELF.

I would just like to say that I'm the best Mac and cheese maker in the galaxy. 

I lost my television remote. And It makes life significantly harder. I feel like I'm in the pre-1950s era. Lord help.

I ran into my professor before my 2:35 class and he said to me, "yeah why don't you just teach the class for me today so I don't have to". You got it, Jfem.

Class was interesting. I feel like I'm the only one who ever argues with him, or asks questions and talks through problems. Our test for this class is next Tuesday. Odds of me studying before Monday are pretty slim.

4pm I got out of class and visited Shaku, since we had a SWE (society of women engineers) meeting at 5 and I needed to help set things up. I didn't need to be at her office until 4:30, so I sat the in 3rd floor lobby of Packard and painted my nails and watched Friends on netflix. My new-ish friend Juli, who is the president of SWE, saw me sitting and sat down with me to chat. We both had to be at Shaku's office at 4:30, so we killed half an hour talking. It was a pretty personal conversation, for the middle of a lobby. I liked it. I think that's how you make friends. not sure though.

The SWE meeting went well, I had to run most of it after the general meeting was over. We were doing a run through of this "marble madness" activity I had to create for the spring CHOICES program. I knew I had to put it together and come up with the ideas and stuff, but I didn't think I would be in charge of running it or speaking or presenting it. Much anxiety. Shaku told me to just be myself. I told her nobody would like that. She was helping us set up the room and I was telling her I was just winging it, and I had taken my shoes off because they were snow boots, and I had put music on, and was telling people what to do.. sort of, and she just laughed at me. She told me I was her favorite. She's the best. Sometimes I like being me.

After the meeting Juli and I cleaned up the room after all of the other exec members left. She ranted and I listened. Those are the kinds of friendships I like. I like listening to people rant. I've decided that I just have low expectations for people. I don't do drama. I don't buy into that shit. If people want to be shitty people, then I am not disappointed. and if they are good people, then that's awesome. Never give people the chance to let you down. Just let them be them. And you be you.

We carried armfuls of shit down to my car. And then I drove her like.. 50 feet to her car, because it was NINE degrees out. nine. like one digit. Then I went home and was in my bed for approx sixteen seconds before I got a text from a friend asking to come over. of course you can. I like people. and being there for people. I'm good at being that person. another friend asked me to go to the gym with them maybe five minutes after that. I like being wanted. who doesn't, though.

I'm currently on my bed, and there is a draft coming in from my window so bad. It might as well be wide open. I can't feel my hands. Maybe I'll go to the gym later, although my little bro told me it's not good to go every day. However since we have a date party on Saturday, I'm definitely not going saturday, and probs not sunday. So we'll see. call me beep me if you wanna reach me? I like friends.

xx Aly

Greek Tragedy.

**Disclaimer, the title of this blog has nothing to do with greek life. In case that's why you clicked my link. It only has to do with a song title of a song by the Wombats. Sorry to disappoint.

Stole this song from my scottish friend Morag who has amazing spotify playlists. <3

In case you people weren't aware, I give you a song for each post, and you're suppose to listen to the song as you read the post to get the full mood of the blog post. I realized too that if you open the blog on your phone, there's a 50/50 chance that the youtube video doesn't show up. It just looks like a giant gap in the page. Just so you know, I'm not just terrible at spacing, there's supposed to be a video there. So you should read my blog on a computer, where you have the ability to have volume, whether out loud or with headphones. But I'm not in the should business. So do what you want.

I'm lying in an enormous pile of clean laundry right now on my bed drinking a coke. Let's see how we got here. It's been cold as balls out lately. Like unnaturally freezing.

Monday:
I don't even remember what I did monday morning. My class was cancelled because my professor was sick. I got bagel basket for brunch. I went to the gym with Chelsea around 3, then I had guitar class at 4.

Alexis asked me to get Thai food with her at Touch Thai on the north side. I love dates with Al. I tried chicken pad thai. It was noodley with chicken and bean sprouts and peanuts. It was pretty good. It sort of smelled like cat food. but it tasted good.

I spent the rest of my Monday night studying for my exam Tuesday afternoon. by around 10:30pm my eyes were hurting really badly. They only get like that if I've been reading/watching tv/using my computer too much. My neurologist tells me that's when I know I've fatigued my brain for the day. I knew that no productive studying was going to be done from that point on, so I decided to watch The Interview on netflix and go to bed. It wasn't great, but it was pretty funny.


Tuesday:
Wake up. Don't wanna go study. I don't have my usual morning class because that's the class I have the test in later. convinced myself to wake up and get out of bed to go study. I make a study guide, eight pages long, and eat lunch at La Lupita.

 I wander my way back down to the 3rd floor lobby of Packard to do the homework that I forgot I even had due at 2:30. There's this kid, he's in my CSE class, my Econ class, and my econ recitation. So I struck up the courage one night to ask him to do homework with me and he gave me an odd response. something along the lines of "I only do homework at 2, sorry". Now this was weeks ago, but I just assumed that he meant 2am, that he only liked to do homework really late at night. I have no idea why I assumed this is what he meant. So I just said, uh, okay? and never spoked to him again. TURNS OUT. The kid does his homework at 2 PM... half an hour before class. Doesn't that make more sense? good thinking aly. smart aly. Anyway, I'm sitting here finishing up my homework and this kid comes walking on in and sits across the table from me. I don't think we're friends, but he knows who I am. I think he's a freshmen. Not even sure.

Got to class at 2:30, picked up my quiz, I got a 100 on it, and handed in my homework. I then promptly fell asleep in my chair, didn't even take my coat off, and woke up at 3:45, as people were packing up to leave. I sit in the FRONT row. Good thing the professor is one that I'm close with, because he didn't say anything to me. Oops. Sorry Femister. That's the first time in college I've slept through a class. Ever. I haven't fully fallen asleep in class since high school.

My econ exam was in the same building, at the other end of the hall. SO that was convenient. Sat down, reviewed a little, and just dove in head first. balls deep. Got that shit done. I nailed all of the 15 definitions we had to do, and answered all of the open ended questions I tried. He gives four pages of open ended questions with multiple parts, but he only grades three pages. So you can choose to do the three you think you know the most. I didn't leave anything blank, so the chances of me getting a 100 are at least in the realm of possibility. Not saying it will happen, at all, half of my answers were questionable, but if you don't fill them all in, then your chances go from really small to nonexistent. But. They exist. so. I feel good. Thanks obama.

Left my test feeling pretty good, and Claire texted me to go to Wegman's. Heck yes, I have been at school for over a month now, and have only gone grocery shopping once. LOL. life. I don't go because grocery stores give me anxiety. Even if I have a list. But this time, I went and actually bought responsible things. Like bread and milk and cold cuts and trail mix and chicken cutlets and mac-n-cheese and rice and smart water and yogurt and a block of cheddar cheese. YEAH BUDDY. groceries. I spontaneously bought a coke. I was craving it.

Chelsea had asked me to go to sport's authority with her because her socks had holes in them. We went, and the only thing we didn't buy was socks. I got two new running shirts, a sick pair of leggings, and a new pair of norts. (nike shorts, for anyone that doesn't know what that means). mmmmmm so bright. such neon. neeon and blackkk. like my soul. Everything I purchased was on sale though. and I wanted to treat myself since I've been going to the gym almost every day since the semester started. Ran another three miles tonight. I had to do it to make sure the first time wasn't just a fluke. Honestly never thought I would see the day where I could run three miles just for funsies, and then do an ab workout on top of that. I know that comparatively, this isn't really that much, and some of you people probably are thinking "aly that ain't shit" but ya gotta start somewhere. I just happen to be starting at a really out of shape somewhere. and I'm pretty proud of myself for just being consistent and working hard. As I was running, I was on my last lap of the third mile about to walk it, and I was sweating. and panting. and my side hurt. and my ankle hurt. and my knees hurt. and I look over and some asian is wearing a shirt. and it said "It's supposed to hurt". So instead of slowing down, I sped up to a full run instead of a jog and kept going. Nearly died at the end of the mile, and had to walk it off for a while so I didn't actually faint, but by the end I was happy.

My mom texted me asking me what I wanted for my 21st birthday. So I told her a toothbrush. She didn't like that answer. then I told her socks because I needed new socks. to which she replied "okay dobby"  So I thought about it for a while and decided that if she won't get me a kitten, then I want a Wii U with the new smash bros. Honest answers from an honest person. Because why school when I can smash.

After the gym I sat on the floor of my room and sorted through my laundry deciding which are the most important things, and then they got to go first. THEN. I changed my sheets. revolutionary feeling, new sheets. then I got a garbage bag and just straight up cleaned my room. The internal struggle between loving a clean room and hating to clean is disturbing. and it usually leaves me with a messy room and a slow death inside. So every time I encourage myself to clean it, I feel like a new person. Cleaning and organizing your surroundings can help clean and organize your brain and stuff. That's how I feel about it.

I took a shower. it was hot the entire time. Bliss.
Shaved my legs. best day.

Took my nail polish off. put lotion on my body. so my skin will stop hating me.

I decided to let last night be a mental health night of cleaning and cleansing and all good things, so I didn't do any homework, I just cuddled up in my new sheets to my pillow, listening to the sound of my room humidifier, and let myself fall asleep.


Wednesday:
Wake up early. 8:15. Fall back asleep, let's be real. 9:30 I actually wake up. Shit. I realize that I have homework due before my 11am lecture, but I'm so happy I woke up early enough to give myself time to do it. I put on a sweater, and jeans, and braided my hair, and almost looked like a human today. I hopped downstairs and turned on the dryer to warm my clothes a bit while i made breakfast. I cooked two eggs over easy, two pieces of toast, and I ate a yogurt and a glass of juice. I think I read somewhere that it's best to start your day off with a big meal, and then little snacks through the day, and medium sized lunch, and small dinner. So that's my initiative to eating better. I grabbed my warm laundry and ran upstairs, dumped my laundry on my bed, remembered to get my glasses that i forgot, and left for class. Got there at 11:09. for my 11:10. So boom.

She handed back the exams we took last munday. I got a 90 on it. Pretty stoked about that. I've never done that well on a psychology exam before and this is like, my fourth psych class.

"I'm on a roller coaster that only goes up"

-The Fault in our Stars, John Green

Mom told me a terrible tragic story today that I just have to share with you. I ordered flowers to be delivered to her on Valentine's day, because, well, I'm the best, and she's been admiring them and loving them since Saturday. Apparently, my cat Sonny had a little too much fun last night. BEcause this morning when mom came downstairs, her vase was knocked over and there were dead and mutilated flower petals every where. She was mad. In fact. She was so mad, she didn't even feed him this morning. She just put a handful of dead and ruined flower petals in his bowl. I had a good laugh unfortunately at the flowers' and my mom's and sonny's expense. but you can't tell me that's not funny. They're only flowers, really. I scolded her to actually feed him, so she sent me a video of him eating.

My second, and last, class of the day is the Pursuit of Happiness. My professor, Mark, is a nut case. a very brilliant, highly educated, Master's degree nut case. In his perfect world, we would all do shrooms or be cats or drink tea and meditate all day. So there's that. For this class we take part in the "roaming classroom" or maybe it's the "wandering classroom".. either way, we rarely ever have class in the same place. this week it was in a computer lab in the STEPS building, which ironically has nothing to do with the amount of stairs it has. I think it's science technology energy uh. I'll get back to you with the actual acronym definition later. We all pick seats, and start using the computers for email or whatever, and aren't really noticing each other or the room. The first activity he has us do is a "body scan" meditation. What's he say? "okay every body get on the floor". um, hell yes? We all got up from our computers and laid on the floors, under the desks, and looked around and were laughing like children. It's amazing how changing up your setting without actually changing your setting can affect you. We saw a new perspective of the room. I stared at the ceiling and underneath the desk for five and a half minutes. that was my favorite part of class today.

I have this definition of how to tell if I am friends with somebody. In my head, I judge whether or not I would go to a grocery store with that person alone or not. Case in point, Claire and I went to wegman's yesterday. We don't speak every day, but we are friends. She's one of my good friends. But the trip to the grocery store consists of the drive there, the time in the store, and the drive home. There is some direct one-on-one conversations, and then there's aided conversations with the shopping to distract you. If I could see myself comfortably going to the grocery store with somebody, then I know that I'm friends with them. I don't know how crazy that seems, and I've never realized how weird it was until I put it into actual, typed out words. But that's how my brain works. shut up aly. weird aly.


The final exam schedule for the semester is posted. Guess who is missing her older brother's college graduation in Colorado to take exams. This girl.

I think I should get an award for how many parking tickets I've gotten this semester. It's been a little over a month and I've gotten at least ten combined from Lehigh and Bethlehem.

I've got a decent chunk of free time today, so that's why I let myself get really detailed in my blog today. It took a while to write. But writing is fun and distracting and I love it. I guarantee you don't need to know all of these things about my life, but if you've made it this far, I'm sure I've given you a decent ten-or-so minute distraction from whatever you were doing. so, you're welcome. Anyway, I'm sitting here, on the laundry I haven't folded yet, and the coke I bought at wegman's yesterday.

aaaaand we've come full circle. I'm going to go to the book store and buy a binder for my ridiculously inconvenient LOOSE LEAF text book. yeah. riddle me that shit. Then I'm gonna read like 4 chapters of various classes, and thennnnn sleep? I dunno. Call me beep me if you wanna reach me. I like friends. Oh and I'll go to the gym tonight most likely.

Love you all for reading this nonsense.

photograph

I don't really have that many words today. I just don't feel like it. My feelings can be summed up into this song anyway. So I'll let Ed Sheeran do the talking for me.

My day consisted of sleeping in, going to the gym to find ALL of the open treadmills broken, having a Perkins date with Emilia, watching my little get her own little (hi little and glittle) Hayden you're perfect and i love you, and then doing homework. getting spontaneously picked up and taken to wawa by some cool people. braving the cold to get two subs and a pretzel and a latte. Yeah. That's all I got.

Today wasn't magical, so here's to hoping for tomorrow. Tomorrow is 11 months since Becca's friend Cameron passed away. at sixteen. Something I don't think I'll ever understand. Here's to you, cam. fff

Valentine's Day

Friday Night:

After some hardcore gymming.. JK it wasn't hardcore. Claire and I grabbed dinner and chatted at Panera. The guy at Panera called me Alex instead of Aly, even though "Ally" was clearly on the ticket. It was odd. Claire's from Bermuda and she talked about how warm the beaches are and that they drive mopeds everywhere and every sunday she goes for a run and swims with her dog. I also learned Bermuda is in the middle of the ocean. Like middle of it.

Emilia and I bonded last night. Doing stupid stuff with friends only makes them better friends. The only thing I have to comment about last night is "Do you wanna eat a cake?"

Saturday:

I didn't get out of bed until 1pm. No shame whatsoever. Sometimes when your body says sleep, you just gotta do it. Zeta was hosting a Pink Out Basketball game today at the Lehigh Women's Basketball game. Driving up it was snowy and we had to park really far away and walk. Claire wasn't wearing appropriate snow shoes. We walk inside, "would you like a pink ribbon!?" lol yes thanks ZTA. I would. So much pink, everywhere. I went in and sat down by myself in the second row, close to the court. The section of bleachers I was in were packed by the time the game started. It was a sea of pink. Before the game a few boys in pink shirts and one wearing official Lehigh Athletics clothing came up to us and asked if anybody wanted to play a game on the court during one of the time outs. Nobody volunteered, and I knew the guy who worked for athletics and he goes "Aly why don't you do it?" and then the other guys in the pink were egging me on telling me to do it, so of course I said yes. I went down to the table like they said at the 13 minute mark of the first half. It was going to be me versus a student who was in the band. We each got a basketball and they started telling us the rules. All we had to do was make layups and every time we made a basket, we got a chip. and then could place that chip on a tic tac toe board in the middle of the court. They asked us if we were nervous, and we didn't have time to answer because there a loud buzzer cut them off. We walked onto the court, I was on the far side and the other kid was on the closer side, and we started. I made a layup and ran back to the middle and put my first chip down. Ran back, another layup. The other kid was doing just as well as I was. On my second point, I had to put a chip down to block his or he would win. Point for point, we kept putting chips down. At one point, I stared at the board and thought there was no way to win, so I just threw a chip down and ran back to try and beat him to another layup. I was confused because when I put mine down the crowd started cheering really loudly and I realized that I needed just one more to win. So I made the shot as fast as I could and people were yelling and sprinted back to the middle, grabbed my chip, and slammed it down for the win. It was so exhilarating. I was out of breath from running too much. Sad. I won $20 to Red Robin, and a pink t-shirt. Highlight of the day. Lehigh ended up winning the game against Holy Cross, so all around a success.

Alexis and I went out to dinner after the game to A1 steakhouse for hibachi dinner. I love how much time I get to spend with her. She's a really good friend and I'm lucky to have her. She's always there when things get rough. It doesn't matter if it's in the middle of the night or in the middle of Valentine's dinner.

Lesson learned for the day, never have expectations. Don't create them about other people, because if they don't work out, it's your fault you're upset because you created them in your head. Things don't always go as hoped, and that's just how it works. People are people and they're complicated.

I spent the night at the movies seeing Fifty Shades of Grey by myself. I shared a large coke with myself, and watched this terrible, terrible movie. I had read the books and liked them a lot. Yeah I know, basically porn, but still. They were good because they were in my head. Putting a movie like that on a screen doesn't ever translate well. The acting and the script weren't great, but the lead, Dakota Johnson, is absolutely beautiful. Oh my god. The movie got out and it was basically blizzarding. The drive home was one of the most frightening ones I've ever taken. I was almost completely perpendicular to the road at one point. I was going straight and then all of the sudden I wasn't. It was bad. Such snow. So weather.

I have a test on Tuesday and I haven't studied for it yet. I probably should do it. So that's what most of my Sunday and Monday are going to be. For now, it's passed midnight, which means Valentine's day is over. I'm going to be spending the rest of my night watching Friends, and sleeping. I suppose Valentine's Day could be spent appreciating all of the love you have in your life. Like your family and all of your friends, which I tried to focus on most today. It's good to have people who you love and who love you. So anyone who is reading this, if you love me, just know I love you too, and thank you for being in my life.

I like having the idea that tomorrow can be anything. Although I think I know exactly how it's going to go. Sometimes life surprises you though. Here's to hoping.