Textbook Torture

I absolutely abhor text book reading, it is pure torture. Meaningless words splayed on a page by intellectuals who are payed to bore and confuse you with huge words Mr. Webster himself couldn't define. I worked on one simple assignment for 3 hours, for the mere fact that I find it impossible to focus long enough to read something so stupid. There were many distractions, the computer, tv, phone, showering, the fact that I hate homework. But no worries all aside I finished it. Got my Chem test back today I got a B not bad for getting my book the night before the test I guess. Chem was all notes today soo fun. Coach Smith found me wandering the sidewalks sent me to the athletics office to meet with Coach Wagner. She found me a work study job, I'm not sure what it is yet, Wagner took down my schedule said he would give me the details later. Hopefully it works out, since it is in the athletic office they know and work around my practice schedule which is nice. Came back to the room and slept I have been real tired this week don't know why I slept from 11-9 last night. Ate some lunch then went to Creative writing it went well as usuall, I like it's structured unstructuredness. Philosophy wasn't too bad today we moved onto a new topic so for now I am not too bored. Softball practice was a scrimmage game I played 1st and 2nd and never got a ball, oh well. Ate some dinner then watch the finale of "The Secret Life of the American Teenager," it's cheesy but I still enjoy it. Now I will enjoy bed.

Carrie Out

Fire Alarm

I thought I was tucking into a good nights rest last night...I thought wrong. The fire alarm started blaring at 1:30 the building cleared. We stood on the street in the freezing cold as the fire trucks and campus security pulled up. About 100 college students shivering in shorts and t-shirts, fun fun. We were out for about 30 mins then came back in to sleep the night away, or sleep for about 4 more hours. The fire alarm went off again at 5:00 this morning. Once again we filed out into the cold. Needless to say I have been tired today. When class time finally rolled around I headed to the Jr. High I was paired with an 8th grade girl with pink hair, nice. She was very cooperative and we worked on science. Ryan Hopp is at the school the same time as me so we sat and talked some football as we waited, good times. Went to the trainers for a quick meeting then headed to lunch, I ate grilled cheese imagine that. Education class was alright not as boring as usuall. I came back to the room and did homework before I headed back to the trainer. I was give na personalized workout/rehab plan, hurray stupid arm. Went to basketball, I was tired already and we had zero subs doesn't add up to success. I did my rehab after practice then was supposed to go to a softball cookout, except I was already late and then never found the house. By that time the caf was closed so after I gave up my scavenging I scraped 3.82 in change and bought a sandwich. The night entailed more homework while watching Jon & Kate +8 and the Packers game. Which I am sorry but just isn't as exciting without Brett.

Carrie Out

Different Green...Same Favre

I stayed at the Sondgeroths last night, camped out in the RV right in the front yard, haha that thing is nice. I was at their house for a cookout/birthday party for their little girl. It was fun, Brent came too we cooked random things on the fire for entertainment. Grapes good, watermelon not so good. Well since I was pretty much all the way home they had me stay so I didn't have to drive back home in the morning for church, nice people. Ahh Sunday mornings, the sermon was actually pretty interesting. Talked to Toby for a little bit he cracks me up. Lys told him and Mel that I have to wear a lab coat and googles for Chem lab. They thought that was funny and kept making fun of me, bulleys. Watched Brett Favre's Jets debut today, ohh how I love thee Mr. Favre. He was spectacular and I loved that there was no time conflict that made me choose between Brett and the Pack. No worries though tomorrow I will be all Go Pack Go...even if the QB is Aaron Rodgers. Put off doing homework all afternoon, I hate meaningless academic reading. Then I went and helped at youth, Kel and James were home so that was nice. James and I got to create the game for tonight it was fun. I really enjoy being a high school sponsor, those kids are pretty cool. Came back here, dropped some stuff off at Justin's and still neglected to read. Now I must sleep I go to the Jr. High in the morning again.

Carrie Out

Football Friday

Ahh about how I didn't have to get up for anything this morning. I rose at about 10 at my own accord, glorious. Fiddled around in my room then went and met Amy for lunch, chili cheese nachos and grilled cheese. I decided since I didn't have practice or anything today I could eat whatever I wanted. Then I went to Shirk and worked out for a bit. I lifted, did abs, biked, and shot some baskets. That was the extent of my day, with a little reading thrown in here and there. Then I went and picked up Justin and brought him home to Brent's football game. Before the game I went to Grandma and Grandpa's so that I could get some air in my tires cause they were looking a lil flatsky. I ran home and did my laundry cause hey if I'm there I might as well do it for free. The game was alright, they lost again. The defense is terrible. Brent threw for 3 td's and 2 int's. At least the int's weren't blatantly terrible. I tried to video tape the game to send to Kale, we will have to wait and see if it works. Battery died in the 3rd quarter anyways. Troy, Beth, and Taylor were there so I sat and talked to them the whole second half. I am supposed to go to a cookout at their house tomorrow. After the game I waited around for Juffy then we headed back. It was very foggy, couldn't see far past the hood of the car. Makes me nervous, but we made it.

Carrie Out

Stressing

So I have really been stressing about money the last couple of days. This place is SO expensive and on top of that you still have a ton of stuff to buy. I don't think I will have enough money to get through the year and that really kills me. It seems like most people here don't have that struggle. I need a job and there are some thru the workstudy program, but here they have set hours I am busy 9-7 everyday and then have to fit in homework, workouts, and adequate sleep. Doesn't leave much time for work. I just hate not being able to fend for myself. Enough of my ranting onto life. I got an email from Rod Dale (my highschool JV softball coach) this morning. It was sweet and got my morning off to a good start. My Chem quiz wasn't too bad, I am sure I flubbed up here and there but no where what I was expecting. That felt good. I was still stressing this morning so I came back to the room and spent some time simply trying to relax I felt better after that. Lunch was chicken nuggets, I don't like chicken nuggets, but I was in a hurry and ate them anyways. Creative Writing went well we did peer anaylsis of a couple kids poems and had discussion. I am still really enjoying that class. Philosophy, well Philosophy sucks, it is soooo insanely boring I swear we discuss the same thing everyday. I stare out the window or draw all over my papers. Another thing I have really been struggling with, I cannot focus to save my life. I find myself wandering off in class and even though I know I can't get away with that here I can't help it, frustrating. Sprinted to practice, softball was doing testing which I already did for basketball so I got to escape. I went to basketball practice instead which I enjoyed and was much needed. Dinner was ate with the team and then I swam back to my room, I have been soaked all day, not comfortable. Tonight I have really done nothing and loved it. I cleaned out my email I had like 600 messages to delete and now I think I will go watch "Friends" for hours...I don't have class tomorrow!

Carrie Out

Waking Up

I woke up early again today I don't know why I keep doing that. I am exhausted when I go to sleep yet still wake up 3-4 times a night, annoying. Got up and headed to the Junior High this morning. It was early I didn't want to run into traffic or get distracted get lost and be late so I left early. Turns out way early I got there about a half hour before I needed to be and ended up sitting forever in the lobby. It was just an overview day nothing exciting. Came back and relaxed for a few minutes before spending the afternoon on the run. Lunch was eaten in 10 minutes then I ran off to education class, it was boring. Then I sprinted to Chemistry Lab, it was safety overview day and we had to check the supplies. My lab partner is a freshman who just happens to be from Oly, weird. Practice quickly followed. I did fine again, and was not so nervous today. I don't know why I was yesterday, it's just hard adjusting to new programs when I had just adapted to the last. It didn't rain the whole time which was nice. Sondgeroths were in town with Lys and Ryker eating dinner for Ryk's birthday. They called and stopped by to see my room and talk for awhile. I bet whoever lives below enjoyed two 6 year olds pounding all over the floor, ha. I finally got my Chem book tonight...my test is tomorrow morning, this is not looking promising. The rest of the night was spent homeworking and now I must go attempt to study.

Carrie Out

Shoulder Sucks

I actually woke up before I needed to get up this morning, crazzzy, I hate mornings. Threw on some clothes and headed to a little chem class. I am SO lost in there I have no idea what is going on and I stil haven't gotten my book. I tried some practice quizzes I found online tonight...failure. After class I had to see Dr. Dustman, Brad was there too, we are good friends ha. Well after some poking and prodding and lots of grinding and popping on my part it was decided that I have to have a shoulder scan again. Hurray for x-rays and MRI's. Right now it is kinda up in the air with what happens but potential surgery was mentioned. This sucks. Lunch was delicious sweet and sour pork on rice, yummy. Creative writing was interesting as usual, I like the way my name sounds with a Boston accent, haha. Sprinted over to Philosophy. I swear we wrote the same thing over and over again for like 3 pages, I was bored. Sprinted to practice...only this time it was softball. It was alright I hit well and fielded decent. I was nervous for some reason, probably because I have no idea what's going on. I can't really decide if I want to play it just might be too much. Met Mom for dinner at Noodles, yeah mac and cheese, then came back and lifted. I was out of my room from 9:15 till 8:00 long day. Tonight was spent practicing chem as mentioned to no avail but tomorrow is another full day.

Carrie Out

Weekend Away

I just rocked my cranium. I was laying on the bottom bunk watching Jon & Kate +8 and I sat up without remembering where I was. My head hurts. I went home yesterday morning to go to church. I like going home to church, all my favorite people are there. I spent the afternoon at Lys playing with Ryker and just hanging out. We played Lego's and Kazoos all afternoon my favorites. We had a little cookout last night for labor day/birthdays/Kale being home. I stayed at Lys then came home in the morning because Kale's flight was cancelled so he was still home. We did some stuff outside then sat around and watched movies because the remote doesn't work and we are lazy. I went back into Lys in the afternoon for Ryker's birthday dinner. It was the family and me, ha, but that's how it always is if Ryan or Lauren aren't around. I played with te kids and talked to everyone. It was fun and his cake was sweet, Lys made a Cleveland Browns football field. I stopped thru home before I headed back and grabbed some dinner. I talked to Lauren on the way back to school I miss her. The night back at school was spent on homework, first at the library then here in the room. Well I still need to shower so once Jon & Kate is over it's raining water.

Carrie Out

Labor Day

Hello Labor Day weekend. I was going to get up and go to Ryker's soccer game this morning...but I didn't. I was waiting on the mail. I ordered my Chem book online and was really hoping it would be here. I have a test Thursday, but still no hope. I headed home around noon and spent the afternoon hanging out with Bren and Kale and playing with the dog. I miss my dog, and the boys too I guess. We went to Monicals for dinner it was delicious I haven't eaten there in a long while. Spent some time cruising the mall, actually I was looking for green shorts. I have to have them for softball practice. I was hoping to find some cheap so I didn't have to buy the bookstore ones. I think Mom may have found one pair for me. Then I went to Justin's apartment to watch the U of I football game, with him, Kaho, and Kale. A couple kids from highschool and some of their friends from college came over too. It was a fun way to pass the evening even though U of I lost. The passing game was entertaining though, I love football. I just got back in and took a quick shower. Now it's off to bed so I can get up for church in the morning.

Its Football Season!!

It's 12:30 and I still need to shower, nice. Got up this morning and went to the trainer for my first year orthopedic screening. We had to go over my medical history forms and I had to do a few tests. I got red flagged because she didn't like what she saw and have to meet with Dr. Dustman from Sports Enhancement on Tuesday. Dumb arm messes me all up, but I haven't been seen for it in a long time maybe its a good thing. Also they are going to work together to establish a personal work out program for me to help stregnthen my weak arm and foot, that should be nice. I didn't end up going to Lincoln this morning I found out after 2 weeks of calling Lincoln that I could just run across town to the Normal campus and pick up my transcripts. Yeah for saving gas. My Coaches wanted to see me though so I made a promise to go visit soon, I miss them. This afternoon I also completed my health files and academic files with some simple paper work, I am almost on track. This afternoon I explored the library all 4 stories of it, it's pretty cool. I checked out some books and already read one this afternoon. I did some homework today to, I am really waiting on my Chem book to get in I ordered it online and need it. Ate dinner with the basketball team then met Denise to go watch Brents football game. I love football season. They lost 48-28 but Brent threw 2 touchdowns. We ate McDonalds then headed back here. Right now I am trying to decide if I want to get up in the morning to watch Ryker's soccer game. Decisions, decisions.

Carrie Out

Jam Packed

I woke up to a bright red right eye. I thought I had pinkeye it stayed that way most of the day. Till I found some magical drops and now it is just barely pink, hurray!! I was tired when I got up but lumbered off to Chemistry. More droning on and on about things I have never heard, but it's interesting. Came back to the room and slept until lunch I have been worn out this week. Creative writing came next we read some poetry then had 10 minutes to write a poem of our own using specific words on the board. I like that class for right now at least. Sprinted off to Philosophy and made it just in time, more and more notes. As I am typing right now I realize my hand is still sore from pages upon pages of writing. Went straight from class to basketball. It was soooo hot on the courts today. I was soaked so was everyone, but it was alright. A softball meeting came next. I was freezing in my own sweat because of the AC gross I know. More papers were signed then it was off to dinner...except I missed dinner. I ran to Kroger's and grabbed some Bagel Bites, tasty. The night has been filled with homework and I must go work some more. I don't have class tomorrow but I have millions of meetings and have to go to Lincoln to pick up transcripts.

Carrie Out

Wanderings

It's one week in and I am already feeling overwhelmed. I don't feel like I fit in here at all. I am not as smart as these kids or into the same things they are. I don't think I am good enough to play on the sports teams. I just feel out of place and awkward pretty much all the time. I hope it gets better and soon. I woke up this morning and finished off one of my reading assignments before heading to class. Class was alright we got lectured on how to go about this whole jr. high tutoring thing for Education class. Then I went and bought the rest of my books yeah for 300 dollar books...not. This afternoon was spent doing homework, more readings, and writing a paper. Gabby called me so I talked to her for awhile I miss Lincoln where everyone took care of me all the time. Growing up sucks, ha. Ate dinner with the team then headed to a team meeting. We went over our schedule and signed all our release papers. Then we met with the trainers and went through some speed testing stuff among other things. I found out I have a 19 inch vertical. Is that good?? Then we went through our weight program and did some testing in there. They were running through all these terms and weights and I have no idea what they were talking about. I get that feeling a lot like there are many things I am assumed to know yet I have no idea what's going on. I don't feel real comfortable asking the other students I don't want them to think I'm dumb so for now I will stay lost.

Carrie Out

New Classes

Hurray for not getting lost today...AT ALL!! Needless to say I was an uber dork and carried my campus map around with me all day, haha. No wonder I have no friends. Started off with some Chemistry and seeing as I have never ever taken a Chem class this could be crazy. We dove right in to some good old fashioned note taking. Then I met Amy for lunch how I love me a spinach salad. Creative writing was next our classroom is actually in an old house turned English building. My class meets in this tiny room in the basement with two big wooden tables and wooden chairs that creak everytime you move...mine never stopped creaking. I actually think I may enjoy this class, the teacher seemed cool she's originally from Boston and has a sweet accent. I then sprinted (or drove my car) across campus to get to my Philosophy class which started in 10 minutes. I made it just in time good thing I didn't walk. Basketball scrimmaging followed closely my feet were and are killing me the skin where the blisters were cracked and bled, painful. I ate dinner with the team it was an amalgam of foods consumed. I ventured to the Library on the way home to print off some readings for class, I already have to read like 4 chapters of crap, I hate school and it's dumb assignments. The night has been spent reading and buying text books online. Hurray money saving!

Carrie Out

Lost and Late

I took Nyquil last night and apparently passed out until 11:30 this morning. I wasn't hungry but knew I needed to eat before class. I settled for some breakfast food I had in my room, Cheerios, raisins, yogurt, and cold medicine, ha. Then I headed to class, I apparently was pairing my room for Chemistry with my Education time slot. Needless to say I got lost but I was also late to class, what a great first impression. Ed class was way boring this little short guy stood and talked for 1 1/2 hours nonstop. I don't know what he was saying. I had to schedule "lab" hours which means I go to the local middle school and observe students 2 hours a week. I came back to my room and fell asleep again dang sickness. We started basketball scrimmaging today it went well. I was more out of shape than I thought and this cold isn't helping. I had to go to the trainer during our last match though I got blisters all over the bottom of my feet which busted and bled, lovely. I got to soak my feet in this iodine stuff which felt awesome, now they hurt a bit. Next I ventured over to the library to print off many a forms. The night was spent filling out these forms I had over 20 pages of medical history things to fill out asking questions about everything you could ever want to know. Then I filled out work study apps, whoo hooo. Well I have class at 9:30 tomorrow and I need some more restsky!

Carrie Out

Back to Church

I went home for church this morning. I was debating going when I got up, now I am glad I did. I needed to be around people who actually talk to me and make me happy. The service was decent Norv preached a good 7 hours. Troy was sitting behind me being distracting and I was sitting with Lys playing with Lucy. That is why sermons should only be like 30 minutes, ha. then I talked to Toby for a little bit, he is too entertaining for his own wellbeing. The man is just not right. I ended up going to Highschool Sunday school our college class is done now and I don't feel comfortble in the 30 something married with kids class even though I talk to all of them. This turned out good as well those kids are awesome and always make me laugh. Went to Grandma and Grandpa's for the afternoon. I detailed the inside of my car I was carting around one to many insect carcasses, but now it is sparkly clean. I even got to read the Sunday paper I love the Sunday paper. Next I went to Lys for awhile to hang out and watch water polo, I have been an Olympics junkie too bad it's over. I stopped thru youth group before I came back to school. I was sent back with the makings for s'mores (using marshmellow fluff delicious), breakfast bars, and all the plastic utensils I need. I love shopping at MCC:) I came back here for a mandatory drug meeting it was uber boring I had to leave once for a coughing attack... dang tuberculosis. I coughed through the whole thing I think people think I'm diseased. Then I had a floor meeting again boring. Laundry followed which I am still doing and I got my books all ready for class tomorrow, I don't know if I am ready for challenging.

Carrie Out

Tuberculosis

So I once again rose nice and late, gloriousity. I headed to the Caf to meet Amy for lunch. Coach Smith found me on the way and I ended up eating with her and a recruit. The recruit didn't say much but it was nice to sit down and talk to Coach for awhile. The afternoon was spent running errands around town and picking up things I forgot. This consumed most of the afternoon it's nice living in bloomington for that reason... I can just run across town. When I got back I met Amy for dinner and actually ate with her this time, I discovered the grilled cheese, a staple in my college diet. I ended up going over to Amy's room for a little while talking with her and her roomate. I think I have tuberculosis I told this to Kale and he didn't know what it was, I find it highly entertaining. Me-"Tuberculosis is a lung diease you know they put people in that iron lung thing.... one time they did it to Daffy Duck on Looney Toons" Kale- "And then shot him in the face and his beak flipped around not where I go to gain knowledge." Haha, but really I am sick already, suckfest. Then I went to a house party thing with my basketball team, it was way awkward. I find large groups of people I don't know greatly intimadating, I just kinda chilled by myself. Whatever at least I went. I peaced out earliesh cause I don't feel too swell and that's it. Oh and Happy Birthday Justin!

Carrie Out

Trust in Me

Started off the day today at 12 and it was beautiful. I took a stroll to the caf and ate with Amy the food leaves a lot to be desired I settled for spinach and carrots a banana and grape juice. I'm sure I'll adjust at least I hope so. Then I ventured to the book store to buy, well...books. I bought 5 for one class cost me 150 bucks. I need 2 more one is 170 on it's own the other is like 50 this is ridiculous, like students aren't poor enough. Came back and chilled in my room for a bit before my basketball meeting. I got to meet all the team they seemed cool, we got our lockers and laundry bags and I talked to Coach for a few minutes. We had a potato bar for dinner tonight, I could really use some meat in my diet. I ate with Ryan and a few of the orientation leaders then they all decided we would take all the transfers to an ice cream place downtown via the Constitution Trail. I enjoyed the walk but passed on ice cream. We went to a hypnotist show tonight it was suprisingly entertaining and packed. Who knew you could make people do that kinda stuff? It just reminds me of the Jungle Book with Kaa the Snakes crazy eyes and his trust in me, ha! Well that consumed the day and I am still not tired but I could use a bit of water washing.

Carrie Out

Improvement

Today has been a bit better. I got a call this morning saying the girl that was gonna move in is living somewhere else...sweet relief. I went to a workstudy meeting this morning hoping to get some info it was a waste of time and sleep. I came back and passed out I have a cold and haven't been sleeping well it was much needed. I went to register at 12 and ran into lots of speed bumps. I had to go to the registrars office they were very helpful and got me into all my classes without hitch. This is funny I took a Spanish placement exam yesterday after not having foreign language since Junior year. Well I guessed my way through the whole thing had no idea what I was doing and somehow tested out of having to take foreign language class. That was very exciting for me. I am enrolled in Chemistry Lab, Philosophy of Religion, Foundations of Education, and Creative Writing (you can only take 4 classes). I met a kid this afternoon who is also an el. ed. major, his name is Ryan and he's a football player. We hung out for awhile helping each other with class selection and just talking maybe I have made my first friend ha. This afternoon I went to the mall and met Lys, Ryker, and Taylor because they were in town. We had cherry icees and just chilled for a bit. I actually had some activities tonight the transfers had a pizza gathering thingy to meet each other, it wasn't bad. Then we went to this weird play/information thing that I didn't really enjoy. One of our group leaders named Becky is pretty cool though she's a senior and used to play basketball. I also met a potential softball teamate, Amy. I went to Shirk tonight with Amy to workout for something to do. I shot and rode this sweet virtual bike thing. Then I met up with Becky and we played pickup games with a bunch of guys for another hour, it was fun. I have blisters on my feet though. I have nothing tomorrow till 5 so who knows when bed will call. But for now...

Carrie Out

Transfer Agnst

Wow I didn't realize it's been so long things will start to fall back to regular now that I am at school (although it's not any less crazy here). These first 2 days have been worse than expected. Transfer orientation is completely unorganized and very frustrating. We have little to do but the things we do have are not explained or clear and when you ask questions no one seems to know the answers. There are only 30 of us and we are pushed aside. Nothing has went well, all my paperwork is messed up and there are many things left undone. I moved in on Tuesday without a roomate I unpacked and spent my free time tucking everything away. I even got my walls all decorated then I got an email today saying someone is moving in. I do not like this at all I hate having someone in my room, especially when I don't know them. I like operating on my own schedule doing what I want to do without imposing on someone else or having them impose on me. This is not going to work out I am exploring alternate living situations. But this situation is not just me complaining all the transfers feel lost no one really knows what's going on and we've tried to get help. So far I have talked to 3 people and that was for a total of like 5 minutes, hopefully when all the athletes move in I'll make some friends but for now I will continue to bask in my confusing frustrations and hope it gets better.

Carrie Out

I'm at IWU

I am officially all moved in...3rd floor no elevator, it was an adventure. Thank goodness for Troy, he came and helped me and Mom move in. He did all the hard labor, like carrying the fridge up 3 flights of stairs. He wins the prize. For those of you wondering Troy is a guy from church, I spent a lot of time with he and his wife Beth and their daughter Taylor this summer. They are really cool and have lots of toys I can play on like a go-cart and mini 4-wheeler. They just like to help out so Troy decided he would move me in, it was greatly appreciated. I actually lost my room key in the move in process, I have no idea where it is. I felt real dumb calling the office and telling them I lost my key, I could hear them making fun of me in the background. Good start eh? We went to a couple meetings this afternoon but they were sooo boring we opted out of the rest. Mom and I went grocery shopping for a little foodsky then went to Jimmy Johns. I love the Jimmy I had a Veggie it is the best. Mom left around 8 and I have spent the rest of the night unpacking things and putting them away, I even got some posters up already, I hate blank space. Well I must be off the Olympics are calling me.

Carrie Out