War is Over (if you want it)

Happy New Now

I will make an update of what is going on in my life right now... (with bullet points and everything):

first thing is:

-this christmas, and winter break in general
My break has been pretty good so far, although I seem to have been sick for most of it, which is irritating. Kellen came to Missoula, during the last few days of finals week and we had a good time. We watched a lot of movies, and he helped me pick out some beads to make some earrings for his mom and sister for Christmas... which I haven't sent yet. I need to do that... I had a little christmachanakwanzica/atheist-kids-get-presents-day informal get together. I made some tasty rice pudding, and some rockin baked brie (which contrary to popular, albeit, less cultured belief, did not look like turkey). We watched the first 2 bourne movies and played some katamari, and ate and drank, and it was nice and laid back and rather fun.
After finals were over I went to spokane with kellen for almost a week. I give spokane a hard time, and with good reason. It kind of sucks. But I suppose its not that bad. Let's face it, I might end up there for a few years, so I should try to accept the mediocrity of the small-city/large-town now. We had a really great time. Went to No Country for Old Men, ate out too much, spent a lot of good, quality time together, I cooked two rockin meals, and I'm pretty sure we annoyed the hell out of kellen's roommate, aaron.
I flew to portland from spokane, and some family friends picked me up at the airport. It was very busy, as it was one of the busiest traveling days of the year. My parents were in San Jose taking care of my Dad's crazy aunt who lives there. They didn't get in until that night, and my brother was in New York City on a class trip, so I had the house to my self for most of the day. I hung out with my cats, and watched tv.
We went to twin falls for christmas for the first time in a long time. My grandparents on my mom's side live there. We hadn't seen anyone in twin falls since two summers ago at the 4th of july since I was in london last summer. It was a good time, although my family can grate on my nerves sometimes it was good to see everyone. I got some sweet stuff for christmas, such as an ipod shuffle, which I love. It is so cute and convenient. I also got some bose in-ear headphones to go with the shuffle. They are freaking amazing. I am so excited to be able to listen to music and have it sound good again. After shitty laptop speakers, these are nearly a miracle. I also got lots of good smelling bath products. I will never have to buy body wash again, and that's alright with me. I got some gift cards for some snazzy places such as anthropologie, sephora, and nordstom (also works at the rack, YES!), so I have some shopping to do. Oh yes.

-Spring semester '08
This coming semester I'm taking 19 credits. On Tuesdays and thursdays I have 4 classes in a row. I'm also going to still work sunday and thursday nights, and then I'll have class at 9 the mornings after that... So we'll see how that goes. Here are my classes:
Photography II - in the art department (or is it fine art....bwaha) oh my. Should be interesting. I will amaze them all with my fabulous photojournalistic skills.
Cardio & Core - Genesie made me. I hope I don't die.
Laws of Mass Communication - I'm already annoyed by this class because the book is more than $100. For a journalism class. for reals... jeeze.
News Editing II - supposedly not like News Editing I, which was a living hell, I've heard this is more design based, and not a basic grammar and ap style class. Here's hoping.
Multi Media Project - this class will be good. It's working with pictures, audio, and a little video. We're also learning final cut. It will be useful, fun, and also very stressful.
Feminist Theories and Methods - self explanatory. Should be alright. I had the teacher last semester. She is a good women's studies teacher. This one should be an A most likely.
Women in America: Civil War-2008 - I'm looking forward to this a lot. Although it's the 9 o'clock one. I really want to take it. I've heard the professor is great, and it should be informative.

So that's it. Bear with me this semester. I will be lacking sleep, and making many photo-j projects. I think I'll be ok though.

-Computer
My hard drive died at the end of thanksgiving break. I lived without my lap top for about a month. it has been an awful experience... haha. kind of. Took it in to the apple store. Since my hard drive also died this summer and they replaced it then, the apple dude said he'd extend the 90 day warranty on it and replace it for free. Yay! I was kind of hoping for a new computer, but this will be good. I can save up for a snazzy big screen or something.

-Spring Break
Yes. I am already planning spring break. I suppose it's not that far away. And that is a good thing. Kellen and I are working on planning a trip. I really want to go to this adorable bed and breakfast on San Juan island. They have alpacas, and there's a good price, and a giant breakfast is included that looks delicious. I miss the water so much, living in Missoula, and I think it'd be a ton of fun. Kellen is not so sure though. He thinks we should go somewhere warmer. But going warmer, means going south-er. Which would be more expensive. If anyone knows of anything that's warmer, and a good price, tell me.

-Decemberists
As you see in my last post, I was heartbroken because the decemberists' tour was cancelled. Well. They're having 2 shows in portland the week I get back in missoula. fuck. it's tragic. be sad for me. I miss my decemberists.

-Misc
I started playing my guitar again a lot more in the middle of the semester. Although it may have annoyed my roommates, it felt great for me. I'd been missing it a lot. I should take some lessons again, but I've been doing alright using the internet to look up chords I've forgotten. So far I've been playing 3 or 4 decemberists and beatles songs over and over. I've also been playing my baritone ukulele since I've been home for winter break. I might buy a case and try to take it to missoula. Friend cotey has a soprano uke and wants to jam. Also, genesie is taking band this semester and will have her trumpet. She and I are starting a mariachi band. I think we need some violin players and some other people who play various mexican instruments. Tell me if you want to join. :)

That's pretty much it for now. I had a festive year year's eve. I laid in bed most of the day watching anthony bourdain feeling ill. I drank ginger ale and ate toasted focaccia bread. It was a rockin' new years eve indeed.

Having a relaxing break at home. I'll go back to spokane, and then to missoula around the 16th-ish. If you're reading this in Portland you should contact me somehow and tell me you want to get together, and we will. I'm rather bored. I miss you all. Can't wait for this summer when Clariece is back. Miss you!

I will attempt to update more regularly.

Wishing everyone a wonderful 2008.

lovealison