What day is it?

My days are so jam packed now I can't keep track of which day is what day. I didn't get to blog yesterday so I'll catch you up on what happened. I like yesterday, I think it's worth mentioning, although, now I can't remember as much since it feels like it was a week ago:

Yesterday, I woke up for physics. For some reason the later the class, the later I show up for class. O chem is at 9 and I always show up on time or early, but physics is at 9:30 and I seem to show up a couple minutes late every time. By the way, showing up late for physics is terrible! Everyone who shows up early apparently does not enjoy sitting in the middle of the rows, so for those who show up late are forced to squeeze through everyone since they've already taken over the outer seats. These rows of seats are so close together, it doesn't matter what size you are, you will end up sitting on some one's lap at some point and you will clobber someone in the head with either your boob, shoulder, or backpack. Plus, it always makes a scene even though there are about 300 kids in this class...everyone notices. Anyways, after physics, I went home to get ready for jogging. Now, tell me I don't have bad luck. The day before was ridiculously hot all day and yesterday seemed like it would be hot if it weren't for the big, relieving cloud that was covering the sun. I even bragged to someone about how nice it felt outside while they were complaining about how hot they were back home. Well, I went home and got ready. By the time I got out of the house to bike to the track, the sun was out and was not joking around. It was so hot, I looked like I had already gone for a run by the time I got to the field. However, due to my secretive competitive nature, I ran full force. Whenever I have these classes, I always secretly compete with the strangers around me. I was doing well too. I passed the girls that started before me and caught up to the guy that was first in place. I never passed him but I felt pretty good that I was so close to him. Nearing the end of my run, maybe 2 laps left, I suddenly started to feel faint, so much that I had to forfeit my good stature. The sun was beating directly on us. I swear, I sweat out a weeks worth of sodium. I slowed down to a slow jog and those 2 girls passed me right at the end. They high-fived each other when they finished. Yeah, whatever. On my way home, the cloud came back and it felt decent the rest of the day. 

I collapsed on my bed once I got home and laid there for a good 20 or 30 minutes. After the recovery, I ate some lunch, studied, and then got ready for physics lab. On my way to my bike, I ran into this guy that I've had a couple conversations with. Last time, I saw him he was headed to the gym and asked me for directions. So, in attempt to be a bit more social, I asked him if he found the gym and if he liked it. The conversation was brief but we exchanged names, which that makes 3 names known in my complex. Well, it turns out I couldn't crash physics lab that day so the TA was going to let come in next week. Sweet! I am okay with that.

Around seven (I don't remember what I did with my self in between physics lab and seven), I was about to head over to check out the Excursion club meeting but before I could leave I ran into Alex again (guy I met earlier). He held up a flier and asked me if I heard of whatever was on this flier. I looked at it and it was for the meeting I was about to go to, so he sattled up and we headed to this meeting together. He was really cool and easy to talk to. I might be a bit more talkative due to the fact that I don't get to talk much these days. There was about, I'm going to say 200 kids at this meeting. The excursion club is legit! They are going on 20 various trips this week alone! They got me so excited about it, I contemplated dropping a couple of classes and not going home this weekend (no offense to everyone at home). Alex turned to me and said, "I think I'm going to quit school just so I can make it to all of these trips." I figure everyone was thinking the same thought we were at that moment. When the time came, I wasted none of it. I signed the waiver, reached into my pockets and handed my life away. Oh, and I bought a tank top on the spot and wore it the rest of the night. After the meeting, Alex said his friend was playing a massive game of ultimate frisbee and invited me to come play. I told him how terrible I was at throwing a frisbee but he didn't care. It turns out it wasn't a game but it was team practice. I was the only girl out of over 100 people on that field. I met Alex's friends and started playing. They threw it to me, which I missed because I didn't know it was coming towards me, and then I had to throw it back. Of course, on my first try, I hit someone in the back of the head. Everyone found it really funny, except for the kid I threw it at. I told him I was sorry repeatedly but he didn't even look back at me or stop playing. It was like he didn't even know that he just got nailed with a frisbee in the back of the head. Whatever, I'm just glad he didn't yell at me. We played for about 2 minutes before everyone had to meet in the middle of the field. By this time, my O-chem book was calling my name, so Alex and I went back to our apartments. 

Then, I studied until late and went to bed. Not too shabby. If you are curious about this club here is the link so you can check it out: http://www.excursionclubucsb.org/Excursion_Club_at_UCSB/Home.html

As for today, sheesh, so many activities!!

Today, I had o-chem in the morning and then went back home (this was today and I am having such a hard time remembering what I did) It was sunny again today, so I attempted to lay out on the deck and read for Primate Behavior. Nope! I tried for about 10 minutes (if that) and walked right back inside. It was way too hot. I tried to read but my mind was all over, I just couldn't focus. I made myself a sandwich and put Arrested Development on instead. Eventually, I went to my Plant Diversity class. I like this class. The teacher is just so funny! Oh, I forgot to mention last time that I only have to take this class for 2 weeks. WOOOOO! It's only 2 weeks because I only have to take the "plant diversity" section of this actual biology course so that I can please my advisors and qualify for my upper division classes. All I have to do is pass the midterm. The only problem with that is that it doesn't come with a text book, so I have to do my reading on my own. 

Primate behavior is always amazing. I cannot get enough of this class. I can't get enough of this teacher. I would pay just to have her talk at me for an extended period of time, it would be like stand up comedy.

I got out of class around 4:00, so I had to go home and get ready to go climbing with the excursion club at 5:00!!! It wasn't anything too special. It was in our gym just to teach who ever is interested how to climb and it was an excuse just to hang out. They don't have too many people who are certified belayers, so I am going to get certified tomorrow possibly so I can help them out. The staff in this club are all good, fun people. I can't wait to go surfing with them tomorrow. I know, there's so much to do that it's overwhelming. In fact, because I'm going home this weekend, I am missing out on an Indian Pow Wow! It's a small price to pay because if I were to stay here this weekend and go home next weekend, I would miss the opportunity to go camping in Big Sur. HA! So stoked! I'm never coming home again!

Anyways, I went grocery shopping later, made dinner, and hung out with my roommate and her friends for a while. After all this fun was over, I went back to studying (seeing how I seriously need to buckle down on this studying so I can justify all these recreational activities I'll be doing). That's it. That's the last two days of my life. Now, it is 1:30 in the morning and I need to go to sleep because I still have 2 more days of school this week and I am exhausted. I probably won't read this over before posting it, so I apologize for any mistakes I have made. Good night everyone. 

Schooli-oolio!

First off, sorry for the lack of blog yesterday. I ended up hopped up on coffee doing homework till late last night. I predict that will happen more often, so I apologize to my blog readers for future blogless nights.
Yesterday was a grand day. I woke up late, goofed around for a little bit, gathered my books and a towel, and went to the beach. It was a perfect day for the beach.  It was hot and families were out, kids were digging holes, other students were studying, surfers were surfing, even dogs were surfing. Due to the tiny towel, limiting my space to sprawl out my books, I ended up getting frustrated and decided to close the books and just laid out for a little while. Every once in a while, I would turn over and read a little more, but I would never get far before I closed it again. I stayed at the beach for a couple of hours and, after I packed up I stood knee-deep in the cold water for a bit. It was definitely cold, like mountain water cold. In fact the only people I saw in the water with their actual bathing suits on instead of a wetsuit were kids (who are fearless and resistant to the cold water) and people on their paddle boards (who are apparently confident of their ability to stay on the board). There were dogs running all over the place. There was only one aggressive dog and, after seeing how the owner dealt with it, I could see why it was. The dog would try to attack any dog that came near it (this one was obviously on a leash) and the owner wouldn't yell or tell it "no" he would just say, "Are you kidding me?" while petting its belly.
I someday want to be that person who comes to the beach, surfboard under my arm, barefoot, with my mutt of a dog running, unleashed, around me. That life seems pretty amazing to me.
After the beach I came home, ate some lunch and then studied for a long time. When I finally felt stir crazy, I geared up and went for a run. This run was overwhelmingly gorgeous. I ran while the sun was setting, and for those of you who didn't know this, Santa Barbara has AMAZING sunsets! I ran on the edge of the bluffs overlooking the ocean and occasionally cutting through some luscious trees. I cannot wait till I do this again. I had a brisk ride home on my bike which was a nice way to cool down.
Not much happened after that, like I said I studied until late. Around 11:00 I was craving coffee, so I made some. I don't know why I thought this was a good idea. I finished the cup only moments before going to bed. It was a restless sleep I can tell you that. That cup of coffee was delicious though. Oh, by the way, I have become a coffee fiend! I make coffee at least twice a day and in between those I get espresso drinks at the coffee shops I go to study. Probably not that great for me but I try to drink some water throughout the day too.
Today was a school day. I had O-chem in the morning...boring. Came home, studied until I had to go to my Plant Diversity class... Oh, you didn't know I had a Plant Diversity class? Did I not list it in my schedule? Oh, right, that's because I forgot I even registered for this class. I was so focused on trying to add those other classes that I forgot about this PD class. Well, if there's a day I should miss, it's the first day. I'm just glad I was being my paranoid self and checked my schedule last night. Anywho, the plant diversity class was all right. The subject is somewhat boring but the teacher is funny (another british teacher...the british are funny people). Directly after, I had Primate Behavior...still the best class ever! My teacher scared everyone in the class at first by listing some terms on the board and telling us to take out a sheet of paper, write our names at the top and define the terms. Of course, everyone was panicked. She eventually told us she just wanted to scare us into realizing how important it is to know everything about evolution for this class. So, I didn't have to turn in the paper I did half-way decent on. To make up for the scare tactic, we got to watch a movie called "Life." It was all about how various primates adapt to the environment they dwell in. It was narrated by David Attenborough, who I could listen to for days and never get tired of. Since I got out of that class, I've been studying/procrastinating. I did end up studying without distraction for a good few hours until I realized I was so over studying that I wasn't even paying attention to what I was reading anymore. When you realize you're no longer paying attention, it's time to pack up because it won't get any better.
It has been unbelievably hot all day... it's 12:30 am and I am still sweating. So, when I got home I jumped in a cold shower. I didn't dry my hair for the sole purpose that it would keep me at a somewhat cool temperature. The only reason why I don't like this weather here is because it's just a tease. The beach is minutes away on bike, and yet I can't go because I have class or I have to do homework on the computer. I need to invest in some beach-friendly study gear that I can carry on my back. Does that exist?
Well, I do have to get to bed seeing how I have physics in the morning. Hope everyone is well! Good night.

Happy Anniversary!

Well, well, well... Saturday, we meet again. It is my one week anniversary today. How did I celebrate? Please let me tell you. ( if you can't see the time I wrote/posted this blog, it is 11:30 on a saturday night, I'm sure you can imagine that there wasn't much of a celebration).
It started off like a good Saturday. I slept in till 10:30, had some honey nut cheerios with strawberries, pretended to read the news, and then proceeded to put away those clothes. Again, I ran out of hangers, so I still have one box to go. I, then, got ready and gathered my things. As I was walking out, I ran into that kid that went to Crafton with me. He asked me if I've been to any "good parties" lately. No, I haven't. I haven't even been to any bad ones. I haven't been to any. How do you even approach these parties when you have no one to go with? Show up, go up to the nearest person and say "hey what's up dude? My name's Jordan and I'm here to party. Rock on." No thanks. I've never been much of a partier anyways, so it's even harder to network myself when I don't have the desire to. Not saying I don't ever party, it's just always been with really close friends and a small group of them, not in a tiny apartment crammed with all strangers. It just looks unappealing, that's all. We made a little bit more small talk and then I broke away.
On the freeway, I realized how hungry I was. I made my hunger an excuse to finally go to Whole Foods. This Whole Foods is okay. It is small so they don't have as many options of ready-to-eat foods to choose from. After looking at the same 4 choices over and over again for about 30 minutes, I overheard someone talking about ordering a sandwich...damn it! That's what I was craving anyways. If I knew they did that I would have gotten that right away. The sandwich I got was worth the incessant indecisiveness. It was a vegan pesto and grilled veggie sandwich (yes, Kimberly and Amanda, I did add avocado). Later, I finally went to this coffee shop I've been wanting to go to since I got here. It's called The French-Press. It was by far the best coffee I've had since I've been here and, as you can tell from almost all of my other posts, I've tried a few different places. A bonus, everything is fair trade and they make their own syrups as well. The pastries looked like they made them themselves. It was big and had plenty of tables to choose from for studying and local artwork all over the walls. In fact, they're having a photography exhibit in october and I think I'll go; it sounds really interesting. See, exhibits are things I feel completely confident going to whether I have someone to go with or not. At least, there's a purpose to exhibitions. Anyways, I procrastinated for a long time because I was downloading a bunch of music. Today, was a Rilo Kiley sort of day. Big mistake. Rilo Kiley is a band highly associated with my best friends. In fact, they are the only thing I think about when I listen to Rilo Kiley. There is one song in particular that comes with many memories, it's called Breakin' Up. As soon as this song came on, I got that sudden gasp of air and instant tears in my eyes. You know that sudden gasp as if someone just jumped from behind a corner and scared the bejesus out of you? That one. Don't feel bad for me, I quickly caught myself and it turned into a happy moment. I do miss them though. This is why it actually feels like an anniversary because a week ago today I felt nostalgic. I felt far away. It doesn't help that Philip went back to New York today. I know I haven't seen him since Tuesday but New York just feels so official. I will not be seeing him until his next visit. Happy anniversary nostalgia!
After moving on to a newly discovered band, I started on those tricky vectors. I finished my first chapter. Success! I put in a good few hours in that coffee shop before I went to Anthropology (record time of resistance). I had something to return and now I have store credit, ha HA another reason to return!
I made dinner again tonight. I made the same thing I made the other night, but that's because I always forget how far a cup of rice can go and because I need to use the large amount of perishables that I thought would be a good idea to buy. But, hey, I'm doing a good job, nothing has gone bad yet. I still have some left though. I have my money on those blackberries.
Wow, this blog isn't the most exciting. Need a more exciting story? I've got one. I bought Krazy glue the other day because my thermos, the one I just bought and haven't used yet, has a crack in it. It was a new tube of glue so I had to poke a hole in the top in order for it to come out. Well, it came out alright, all over my fingers. I immediately put my hands under water but it turns out that water just speeds up the adhesion process. It was also on the tube so I wiped some of it off with a paper towel. Soon after,  when I thought it was all over, I had to dry my hands off, so, I grabbed that same paper towel on what I thought was the safe side. I still somehow managed to get it on my fingers. Moreover, the paper towel was stuck between my thumb and index finger and my pinky and ring finger were stuck together. Luckily, my pinky and ring finger came apart before it could completely dry. However, the situation going on with the paper towel and my thumb and index finger got painful. I finally broke free but I had plastic fingers for a while and am still peeling hard pieces of glue off of my nails. I wish krazy glue wasn't so crazy.
Oh, one thing I forgot to mention that I saw the other day: a double decker bicycle. Yeah, I had never heard of one before either and I'm not sure what the benefit is, besides the attention that guy must get from it. I wasn't quick enough to get a picture of it but I found this:

How do you even get onto this bike? Do you always have to find something to climb on and off of? I'd be scared of falling. How bizarre! 

So, tomorrow is Sunday and probably the last somewhat free Sunday at that. Screw it, I'm doing my studying at the beach tomorrow! Maybe followed up by a trip to the zoo. Will she go to the zoo? If she does, what primate will she choose? Stay tuned folks, it's about to get interesting.

Sorry for the uneventful and somewhat depressing blog. They'll get better. Goooooood night!

Second day happenins

Today was a day of much celebration. Didn't expect to hear that from someone who had to go to organic chemistry first thing in the morning did ya?  Well, you did. It was a little harder to get out of bed this morning due to some strange sleep last night. So, no time for coffee but I did have time for some maple and brown sugar oatmeal with added raspberries. It was deeelicious! I got ready and soon hopped on my bike and had a pleasant ride to class. It was still cool outside which felt good through the loosely knitted sweater I was wearing and I went at a cruising speed seeing how I wasn't running late this morning, all while listening to Kings of Convenience. I wish I could remember what song it was, but for those who know the band knows that it made for a beautiful ride, those of you who don't... think modern Simon and Garfunkel.
O-chem was relieving. The professor went over what we will be learning over the quarter and it's pretty much everything I've already learned in the past. I did take 2 years worth of chemistry, including intro to organic chem. I think it will mainly just be a refresher and a lot of memorization. Plus, the class is only 50 minutes long so it goes by fairly quick. The class was packed, however, and I wasn't about to try to beat the crowd in the bike lot. The coffee shop that my roommate told me about happened to be right across the street and I didn't have another class for another 5 hours, so I walked over to check it out. This place is awesome!! Their espresso is organic, they make their own vanilla and whip cream, they use agave instead of sugar, and they have vegan cookies. Also, it was the only study worthy coffee shop that I've been to out here so far. I grabbed a table and started workin on some vector problems for physics. I even stayed for lunch. I had a bagelwich with the works. I was desperate for a shower once it started to get later and hotter, suddenly that loosely knit sweater wasn't loose enough. I rode home and immediately got in the shower. The breeze from earlier had vanished, now it was just sunny and hot. Don't get me wrong, that's nice but not for a bike ride while wearing jeans and a sweater.
Eventually, it was time to head to the Primate behavior class. I got there really early so I could talk to the professor about adding despite the prerequisites  that are mentioned online. Guess what she said.... I know the anticipations is too much to bear. She said yes. WOOOOOOOOOOOO!! Best. Class. Ever. (said like the fat comic book guy from the simpsons) When I asked about the prereq.'s, she said, "yes you can still take it but it would have been beneficial to study evolution and natural selection." ummmm lady, I'm kind of a zoology nerd; I read about this stuff for fun. I think I'll do just fine. The professor was amazing. She talked really fast, she's english and likes to poke fun at americans for being less disciplined than english folk. She seems strict but I like it. I, Jordan Faragher, have a zoo project. I actually have to go to a zoo and observe primates for a graded project. I will be disciplined if I don't go to the zoo! In fact, I get extra credit for going early. Looks like someones going to the zoo this weekend.

"Hey Jordan wanna come to this totally kick ass beer pong tournament this weekend? It's gonna be off the hook!"
"Oh no sorry dudes I gotta do my homework...at the zoo."

HA! Well, I'm not sure if you can tell, but I'm pretty excited about this class. Needless to say, French is out. Maybe next quarter. The first thing I did when I got out of this class was buy the book. Then I rode home like the eager beaver I am to start reading. But waiting for me at the door was a package that distracted me from reading. It was my tapestry! Here I am kickin' it old school with my new tapestry:

I still have yet to put up pictures but that's a project for this weekend. After I hung this bad boy up, I went shopping at trader joes, returned home, and indulged in a spicy lentil wrap, oh and watch Daniel Tosh: completely serious. Mama and Papa (and everyone else), you must instant play this on netflix, it's hilarious.

Later, I went with my roommate and a couple of her friends to see the new movie Easy A. It was good, not great, but good. It's a renter for sure. When I got home, I sat outside and attempted to record the noise  outside (apparently I did it too early.. it's way louder now and I'm pretty sure I just heard a guy yell "BOOBS!!") Ugghhh I can't get the video to work right now but I will soon, and I will post it for you all to hear.

Ok sleepy time again. I hope everyones day was as good as mine. Buenas noches!

First day mishaps... they never fail.

I am known for the mishaps that seem to follow me... whether they are self inflicted, we won't discuss here but either way... they happen. If there is a day of the year that tends to be more frequented with mishaps, that would be the first day of school. I started it off right:

A good cup of french-pressed, fair trade joe from Peet's. Me and Einstein know what's up. And, how appropriate, drinking from a cup with a physicist printed on it right before physics class. The handle of that cup says, "coffee makes me smart." I definitely believe that coffee makes me smarter, temporarily. However, I didn't drink enough to make a difference. I realized I didn't have as much time as I thought before class started, so I had to dump more than half the cup :(. Maybe if I got a little deeper into that cup I would have been smart enough to remember that I just bought a thermos. Anyways, I got ready, hopped on my bike and headed to school. I didn't know where my class was specifically, I just knew the general area, so I just parked my bike at a near by bike lot and walked. Of course, that bike lot was far from my class when I was running late. *side theory: if I get better at skateboarding, I could bring a skateboard with me to school and after I park my bike I could skate to where I need to be. It would be more efficient. **counter theory: if I learn where the bike lots are I could park closer to class.

Since I was one of the last students to trickle in, I didn't get a good seat. I sat dead center in the first row... this is a class of 300 kids mind you. Physics was, well, boring and I don't think thats going to change. I hate word problems, I've never been good at them; I get lost midway through them. I started to read my book tonight and literally started laughing out loud when it told me that physics will appeal to my sense of beauty.PFFFFT!

Anyways, I came home to get ready for my jogging class and eat a little something. For some reason, I got the notion in my head that my class started at 12:30. I don't know how I did when I even wrote out my schedule for you all yesterday.. it clearly states that jogging is at 12:00. In addition to being 30 minutes late right off the bat, (and not aware of it yet) I couldn't find the track. I even asked people in the gym and they had a hard time explaining it to me. It took me 15 minutes to find it. I would have jogged to it since I was in my clothes already but I was wearing my backpack and was too afraid to look like the small, typical freshman who is so petrified of being late they sprint to class, meanwhile their backpack is flying in every direction. So, I walked. After I finally found it, about 5 feet from the door, for no apparent reason, I remembered that the class started at 12. I just turned right back around and headed for my next class. I didn't even bother trying to catch the last 10 minutes of a jogging class.

Not going to my jogging class gave me 20 minutes to find my last class. I was thinking "Yes! 20 minutes! It's fool proof." Nope. My next class was in the hardest building to find because it's connected to a completely different hall and it's made from all sorts of materials, and is comprised of all sorts of different colors. It looks like a billion different buildings all bunched into one. I had 20 minutes to find this class and I was about 10 minutes late. This was a french class that I was trying to add. Again, I had to sit directly in front. The teacher didn't utter a word of english the entire time, she spoke french until the end of class when she wanted to let us know this is how it's going to be all quarter. She wanted to tell us that this is the only time we will hear english come out of her mouth. Intimidating... but exciting! If I don't get into this Primate behavior class tomorrow I'm staying in french. Yes, I am aware that it is a hard and time consuming class but this is the only plausible way I will be able to learn another language. Call it a hobby if you will... this is what I like to do and this is what I'm good at. I think it's shameful that america is not multilingual like the rest of world is and I like to communicate with people while I travel, even in the smallest ways.

The other class I was supposed to crash today was physics lab but they decided not to have lab today, so I guess I'll try next week. Cool thing about lab: they split the class into 2 teams and each team alternates weeks they show up to class, so I would only go 4 times a quarter! I dig that.

The rest of the day was filled with stuff that I've been doing every day. I got the last of the hangers I need and screwdrivers to finally build the canvas dresser my parents got for me a few years ago. I attempted to read my physics book for a while at Peet's it was semi-successful, it was a start nonetheless.

When I couldn't read anymore, I went home and tried to cook dinner on my stove for the first time. My stove sucks. It's an electric stove and only the rear burners work and even one of the back burners started smoking as soon as I turned it on. Basically, I cooked a meal that I cooked often back home that usually takes me about 20 minutes, and that's because it involves rice. Well, on this stove it took me an hour to finally say "Eff it, close enough." It turned out good but, man, it sucked to make. 

I guess today is just filled with learning experiences. It's all part of the adventure. Tomorrows classes:

9:00 O-chem

3:00 Primate Behavior (pleeeeeaaassee wish me luck with this one, I want it so bad)

BEST PART OF THE DAY: Jerusha, Eric, Violet, and Levi are expecting another boy!!!!! Congrats to you guys I love you! Oh little baby boy you've got a lot of boy cousins/brother to compete with. So excited! Violet says she wants the name to be Kendall no matter what the sex is... we'll see if they consider that.

Oh and I discovered a surf club! I don't know what to do with these options! Anywho, better rest up for o-chem. Good night evry-bawdy!! (said like dr.nick from the simpsons)

Soooo ty ty..

Ugghh Too much happened today for me to write in detail. It's only 10:30 and I am in bed.
Aaaanndd go:

My day started a bit later than I anticipated. I was going to get up early and head to financial aid to fix yesterdays mistake, but as soon as that alarm went off the first thought that went through my head was "I start school tomorrow and today is the last day I will be able to sleep late for a long time." So, I chose to turn both of my alarms off and went back to bed. I don't regret it. My trip to the financial aid was amazing. I only stood in line for maybe 2 minutes and every stupid pointless thing they were asking of me in attempt to prolong the giving-me-money process, was wavered. All I had to say was "Look lady, I don't know what you're talking about and I don't think you do either" and she disappeared for a while and, when she came back, everything they were asking for suddenly didn't matter anymore. I should be getting something from them in about a week. WOO HOO!! When I got back home, I grabbed my bike and walked it to the nearest bike shop to get my tube replaced, then walked back home. I then hopped in my car, drove to school, and rushed to a lecture on research (this was me during the lecture: ooooh ok so you mean to tell me if I'm not shy and timid and I use my resources, then I too can be a good research student. Thanks, they didn't teach me that the last 9 years of school.... dumbasses). After the lecture, I walked all the way to the end of the campus to check out the marine biology touch tanks. The students that were in there told me some facts about the various specimen that were in the tanks. There was the biggest swell shark I have ever seen there. She had to be at least 4 feet and super swollen because she produces eggs for them each month. I also got to see her babies.

That's a swell shark if you didn't know what they looked like. The girls that were there were also telling me about some animals they see while diving. They said they see black bass sometimes, which can get up to 6 or 7 feet! I can't imagine running into that.





Anywho, I walked back to the top of the campus to the gym to check out the fun and fitness event they were putting on. It was nothing to speak of except that I got free mint and chip ice cream. By the time I got home, I was exhausted. Unfortunately, the nonstop movement didn't end there. I ate lunch and walked back to the bike shop. Luckily, now, I had a bike, so, from then on, I biked everywhere. I love riding my bike around. I love how everyone else is riding their bikes/skateboards. Plus, it's so beautiful outside, and that always makes for a good bike ride. So, I rode to school, priced my books, and  rode back home. Weird thing happened today though, not bad just unexpected, I ran into someone I went to Crafton with (it was Dennis for those who know who I'm talking about) and he happens to live like 4 doors down from me. How weird is that? The only other person I know that goes to this school, lives 4 doors down from me. (PS people who know dennis.. he doesn't wear suits everyday anymore)
I was so tired when I got home, I laid down and almost fell asleep. It was only 6:30, but I could feel that if I fell asleep then it would be the end of it. So, I drove down town, got some coffee, walked for a while, got some school supplies, and headed back home when I felt it was a decent enough time. I am now packed up for school and have my outfit picked out. I was anxious for school to start but now I wish I had a few more days to enjoy Santa Barbara without the stress of school. Oh well. Heres the schedule for tomorrow:
9:30 Physics
12:00 Jogging
1:00 Sit in on a French class
3:00 Sit in on Physics lab (everyone keep your fingers crossed that I get this one please)

I have a full day tomorrow for sure. On another note, I think I do want to minor in cultural anthropology. I might pick up the form for that tomorrow.

It's definitely a quiet night in Isla Vista tonight. It's nice, but something tells me that this won't last for long. Ok time for sleep. Good night party people. Jojo out!

A day of new places and old friends

Today was a less productive, fun day!! We'll start off with the less fun stuff though. I got up somewhat early so I could head to the financial aid office without a struggle. Struggless? yes. Successful? not exactly. I walked in, no line.. awesome.. however, I forgot the form I needed to bring in (I know, that's so me). But the woman told me that these are the last forms that I am going to need to bring in until they can finally give me a conclusion on my status. IT'S ABOUT FREAKIN TIME! I applied for financial aid months ago. So, I do have to go back tomorrow, but, hopefully, it will be worth it. Since I was in and out of there in less than five minutes and had paid for an hour parking permit, I headed over to the book store to buy a couple of bike locks (yes, a couple.. the guy at the register thought I was really weird). Of course it was rush for sororities, fraternities, and organizations today and right in front of the book store. What do you know? Here's what I heard while trying to get to the door:

Rushee: "Hey would you like a chance to win a surfboard?"
Me: "I already have one." (I don't think she knew what to say to that one.. that's right lady, how are you
        going to lure me in now?! I was one of you once I know how you work!)
Next Rushee: "Hi would you like to check out the christian fellowshi--"
Me: "Nope." (with a smile of course)
Next Rushee: "I have some free water over here, if you would like some."
Me: "Ew creep! Keep your creepy water to yourself!" (just kidding I just said "no thanks" and kept
        walking)

After I bought my locksSS, I headed back home. As soon as I walked in the door, Philip called me to tell me to meet them because they were here. So, I immediately walked back out the door. I met two beautiful women (Kimberly and Amanda) and a handsome man (Philip) at Peet's coffee shop. I was so excited to see them. Even though it's only been a few days, it felt like it had been a couple of weeks. It also felt strange to have visitors. Not saying that I didn't expect visitors, I'm just not used to the feeling of being visited; if that makes sense. An even weirder feeling was when they wanted to go to a restaurant downtown and wanted to look up directions, but I was able to say, "Oh I know where that is, it's off of state and figeuroa." It felt strange that I knew specific streets of a place so new to me, and it felt amazing at the same time.
Anywho, I was able to show them my apartment and they got to meet my roommate. They got to make fun of me for things and make predictions about the cleanliness of my apartment because they know me all too well. I got to show them a portion of my campus. We went back to the rush area and I did end up leaving my email with a couple of clubs (adventure club and scuba diving club). I was stopped again by another club that I am not interested in, the rowing club. I'm convinced she only stopped me because they need spots filled for the "coxswain" positions. Don't know what a coxswain is? Oh, please, let me explain. A coxswain is the person at the head of the boat calling out orders to the rowers. See, the coxswain doesn't row but takes up vital room on the boat, so this person needs to be..well, small and light to keep speed. Still wondering why she picked me out of the crowed? Her words, "You look like you would be really good for the position." This is after we established the person needs to be small and bossy. Should I be offended? I'm not.
We ended up skipping the campus tour and went straight to the beach that my school overlooks. It was gorgeous. The girls and I ran through the water and played in the sand. I picked up remains of the dead lobsters strewed across the shore and examined the bodies (what? have you ever met a zoology major before?) and innocently skipped some stones. Meanwhile, Philip photographed the whole experience. Later, we walked back to my apartment and then headed out to sushi. Dinner was filled with jokes and wasabi moments. Sadly, after dinner I had to say goodbye...again. I took it much better this time but it's hard regardless. Let me just put this out there: I love these people!
When I got home I got dressed in warmer clothes and my roommate and I headed to the farmers market I found out about earlier. With my luck always on my side, the market was in the midst of being packed up once we arrived. Instead of buying fresh produce and pretty flowers, we walked around for a while and then went back home. Again, it may have not been successful but it was still fun and now I know, right?
I did promise myself I wouldn't get involved with clubs in the first quarter in order to really focus on school, but the scuba club sounds amazing. The organization I'm really looking into is the Excursion club. They go on hikes, rock climbing adventures, and camping trips pretty much every week and frequent surfing trips among many other activities (sky diving, snow boarding, bungee jumping, backpacking). Despite my promise, I am seriously considering it. Why wouldn't I take advantage of such a beautiful place? I don't want to just be stuck on campus and not see what this place has to offer. We'll see, I will go to the meeting next tuesday and make a decision.
Alas, it's time to sleep once again. Sorry this blog is so long, but lots of stuff happened today. This one isn't as fun without pictures. I'll make up for it. I will start taking pictures.....we'll see how long that lasts.
Oooo here's one I forgot to post yesterday.

My desk, a work in progress:

Good night y'all!

My humble abode...

After posting my last blog, I realized I forgot to tell you all about my apartment. Shame, after all that hard work I did all day putting what I could together. Well, I'm going to make it up to you... with pictures!! That's better than describing it, I've decided. Ok here we go:

My living room (the first thing you see when you walk in toward the left):

That's my overwhelmingly large TV, so large in fact, that we had to put it on the coffee table instead of the entertainment center because it wouldn't fit.
 I feel a bit ridiculous for bringing it but maybe I won't think so once I start playing wii on it! The living room did not look this good when I first got here but my roommate did some rearranging and now I really like it; it feels homey. Plus, the couch was originally by the furnace, which burnt a hole in the side of the couch...hence the blankets covering it up.




The dining area (to the right of the door):

It's nothing special, straight out of the 70's, but cute nonetheless.











The kitchen (dining area leads into the kitchen which is separated from the LR with a wall):

Little counter space but I really love it.












My room (walk through the living room, cross the hall way):

That's my little section right there! I know it's still pretty plain. I need shams so bad but they're so expensive. I haven't found a sham for under $25... for a stupid little decorative pillow! And I know what you all are thinking, "Jordan, that wall next to your bed is so drab and boring." Well, you needn't worry because I ordered a tapestry to hang on the wall.






Tapestry:

YAY!!!!!!!!!!! I'll be sure to post it when I hang it. I want to hang some pictures on the wall my head faces, although, I would be scared of them falling on my head.














Today, was filled with less self pity and more determination to conquer Santa Barbara/Goleta and make  it my bitch. It won at first when I tried to find multiple stores, couldn't find any, and made an embarrassing amount of u-turns, but after a good coffee break at Peet's and some reevaluating on google maps, I was able to finally kick it square in the booty. Following that I felt I was ready to try to take on the devil itself....the financial aid office. Well, I took one look at the line that was trailing out the door and decided to try again early in the morning. I really wanted to check out the gym near by anyways. I am amazed with the gym here; it has everything I could ever want...including a climbing wall. They have two swimming pools, several rooms with various equipment, racquet ball, weights, indoor cycling, yoga, etc etc the list goes on and on. I can't wait to actually use it.
When I got home, it was about the time I needed to start registering for my classes. Lo and behold, I actually got classes!! Granted, the classes I got are going to suck (o-chem and physics) but they're what I need in order to get fun classes in the future. I do still need more classes which means I still have to sit in on at least 2 classes but I am satisfied that I officially got the 2 most important classes. Also, I signed up for a jogging class, I'm ecstatic about that.
Since then, I've put some of my clothes away (I bought 46 hangers today and I think I need to buy at least 46 more) ...showered, groomed, and finished up season 2 of Dexter (why am I so anxious to start school when I live like this?).
Overall, it's been an eventful day in uneventful way and I loved it. But what could I possibly love more at this very moment? My two best friends and my amazing boyfriend coming out to see me tomorrow morning! That will be a good break after dealing with financial aid. Wish me luck with that.

P.S. I have to figure out a way to record the noise that goes on here at night and post it in a blog..it's hilarious.

Good night.

The game of "life"

Day one in the new place, new city, new people, new school, new surroundings, new life...
It's all pretty exciting/scary. I can't help but be sad and lonely my first day here. Today was the day I was finally alone, finally aware that I am the only one I know in this new city. I'm not ungrateful and I am certainly not regretting coming here, it's just the moment's reality. I think the first day is the day the majority of newcomers are the most nostalgic. However, I also believe that the loneliness and nostalgia subside with everyday that passes. I may be scared and I maybe missing EVERYONE down to the regulars at the coffee shop, but I am also ecstatic to be here to explore, to meet new people, to experience, to become a regular in a local coffee shop. I just can't wait to get the theme song to Cheers out of my head.
Despite the mood of the first paragraph, I did have a good day today. It started off with a delicious breakfast with Philip and my parents, followed by a crazed grocery shopping mania. Then, in the parking lot of Ralphs, I had to say goodbye. Needless to say, I cried. It was nothing that blasting happy music couldn't fix. I made it home without getting lost once... a new record for me. I unpacked my groceries and ate milk (soy of course) and cookies while watching Life Aquatic. As soon as my movie was over, it was time to work! It may come as a surprise to those who thought I would live out of my boxes for the next nine months but I unpacked...completely. I found a place for everything. So far, the only thing that is obviously missing is one shoe, a heel. My desk is almost all set up and my bed is made! When I finally felt I deserved to leave the apartment, I went down town and got my favorite drink from Peet's. An employee there already knows my name. His name is Andrew. I was the only one in the shop at the moment so he made some small talk while the barista made my drink. He was strange but very nice and I don't think he knows that his small talk made my day.  I wanted to explore State st, but I didn't make it far... Anthropologie was next door to Peet's. I went to Urban Outfitters afterwards because there's a tapestry that I really want for the wall next to my bed, but alas, it is only sold online. So, trying to find a parking spot for 20 minutes turned out to be a bust... not really, I had fun walking around. Later, I came home and organized a todo list for tomorrow (nerdy? maybe. Fun? yup!), watched Dexter, cut myself off from watching multiple Dexters, and then decided to start a blog for my curious loved ones. It's quiet in my apartment right now but not so quiet outside of my apartment. There is music and the occasional "Whoooooooo!" Some people are excited to be back.

Good night neverland!!!