Back from the Motherland

For all that's it's worth, South Africa was a very enjoyable trip. I like to think I experienced everything one should experience on a trip. I took a lot of pictures, developed a romance, got drunk and woke up in a strange place, learned and lived in a place that was completely outside my element and met some amazing people.

I wish I could go into a day by day description of what happened but quite frankly that would be tiring. And long...go look at the pictures on Facebook, haha.

My favorite part was probably the Western Cape. It's all postcardy and scenic but it's too beautiful to pass up!

More to come...

Alex

New Everything

First day of the semester was today. I'm taking:

• Typography 2
• Visual Communications 2
• Photography and Image Making
• The Renaissance Woman (art history class)
• A Philosophic History of the Art of Persuasion
• The Art History of Graphic Design

I'm taking 18 credit hours to begin with, and I'm already not sure that I can handle it even though I've only been the 3 of 6 classes. I've already got enough studio work to make me waaay busy, and it's all this self-expressive shit that I'm terrible at. Plus it's photography so, I'm stressed over it all.

Baaaw.

I don't have time to be ranting and typing and this isn't a journal so I'm sorry I just dump my frustration here. xO Time to go to my newwww studio space!

(PS: Changed the layout back to the default. Sorry I did it without asking anybody else, but it was something in the custom code that was inhibiting the comments. So I deleted it.)

-Ginger

edit: FUCKING A! IT'S NOT WORKING I DON'T HAVE TIME TO MESS WITH IT SORRY FUCK IT ALL.

I had a great weekend.

Hope you all did too. Friday night, my friend came back up from Houston to surprise her boyfriend on his 21st birthday. Party was really fun. After party-thing (not another party, so maybe I should have said post- party hang out?) was really fun.

Today was fun as well. This post is really vague, but I'm running on very little sleep.

Work is good.

School is too long, but okay.

There you have it; an incredibly boring post.


Claire

Hello "Lover"

It was my first day of school today and it didn't suck. Let's start at the beginning...

I got to school early to register for a new lit class because the one had earlier (British lit 2) was dropped due to low enrollment. I was planning to get there at around 8 but I got there at 8:20 and registration started at 8:30 and the line reached ALL THE WAY TO THE LIBRARY which was like way far away. Needless to say, a fuck that was in order. So I walked up to my classroom and waited for film appreciation to start and while I was waiting there was this girl who was like, yapping away about theater and getting headshots and something something something. I don't know...I was just annoyed.

I walk into class and there are all of (including me) like 6 people in there. My thoughts were man this class is gonna suck...there are no attractive people in here to look at. As soon as I said that the rest of the class walked in and my eyes went straight to hot guy Michael from my art history class who I took the initiative to sit next to last semester. He saw me too and immediately sat down next to me. This is how it went:

Michael: Hey man
Me: (drool/swoon) Hey

I was in heaven for the next hour and a half.

Sociology was fun. I love my teacher. Fun, fun. But the real highlight was me seeing Michael. Tomorrow is my first day of Nutrition and Ethics. Here's to lovely memories.

Thatcher

sdfhjgaerv

Augh.

So.

Today at noon, there was an assignment due for this winter class I'm taking, right? And you're supposed to email it to him, which I did last night. The teacher sent the email back to me saying that I did not send it to him in the right from, which he gave us, and he would not correct it for me, so I needed to fix it and return it.

BUT.

The form that I used was the form that he had on a packet he gave us the first day of class. So I was freaking out, because it was 9 am and it was due in 3 hours and I don't know ANYONE AT ALL in that class. So I bother my friend who took this class 2 years ago and he said the teacher didn't use email back then. I freak out for a while longer, then remember that the teacher sent an email to everyone in the class at some point, so I copied the emails and emailed a pathetic, desperate plea for help to the whole class.

No one replied, which is cool, it's my fault for procrastinating and stuff. I found some other form mentioned in a pdf on the teachers folder on the school server, so I waited and waited until right before 12, and since no one replied, I sent it in, no clue if it's right.

Someone from class emailed me back saying that he also apparently sent it in the wrong form, and he didn't know what was right, but felt better that he wasn't the only one who was doing it wrong. Then he emailed me again saying he found the right form, and gave it to me. Which is nice. But. It was almost 2 hours after it was due and I don't even know if this teacher would allow it to be turned in now.

The best part about this assignment is that it is ONE SENTENCE LONG. All we had to do was make ONE statement. But this teacher is such a hard-ass, if you title your email wrong, the assignment is wrong, and you FAIL. All of this stress over ONE SENTENCE.
I still don't know if I did it right (not that it matters now).
Fin.

Also, on a side note, it's not letting me comment on the other blog posts. What's up with that?

-Ginger

Closer

I'm turning in my UT application on the 15th and I am so freaking nervous. Everyone tells me that I'm gonna get in and I believe them but I can't help but thinking otherwise. Two scenarios come into play: 1) I get in. Lots of joy and happiness and tears of awesomeness. 2) I don't get in. Lots of sorrow and depression and tears of shame. I like scenario 1 for obvious reasons. I have become so sure of the thought that I'll get in that I have not given any thought to my UNT back-up plan. I must get in. It's the only thing I've ever wanted besides a boyfriend. I want this for me. Bigger opportunities for my future. I just want it.

Hoping for acceptance,

Thatcher

Alllllrighty. Done with exam. 99% done with packing. Taco Ring in stomach. Anxious feeling setting in. Looks like I'm about to go to Africa.

See y'all at the end of January!

Alex

Earplugs and small toothpaste. Check.

So much for chilling when I got home. Lisa sent us a take home exam due tomorrow at 5pm. It has three essay questions and 15 "short answer" questions. Short answer in Lisa's mind is 2 to three paragraphs....crikey...

So, I've basically been wearing the same outfit for 2 days (and will continue to do so) because a.) My duffle bag only has shorts and t-shirts in it and b.) It's 17 degrees outside.

Taco Ring was delicious! Last night my family gathered around the tv, enjoyed some Taco Ring, and screamed at the game for 3 hours. Gotta love being home.

So Jon forgot he was suppose to meet me to go over the Parkland stuff and now it's too late. I sent him a text to him because I figured he forgot (he did) but I wouldn't be satisfied unless he knew he forgot. Because if I didn't send it, he may of thought I forgot...I never forget. Anyways, I kind of left Sherman bitter because I wanted to see him...for, uh...Parkland reasons only...of course...oh well, saw and hung out with Nate so I should count my blessings.

I leave in 48 hours! I feel like I'm going to throw up, haha.

I'm excited to see Claire and Thatcher tonight. I wish Ginger was still here to eat dinner with us :(

So, my plan is to go eat lunch with grandma. Go to bank. Go to grocery store. Come home and watch Arrested Development/do exam. Dinner with Claire and Thatcher. Come home and continue watching tv and do exam. Sleep.

Out.

Alex

I have a whiteboard.

My big markerboard that my sister gave to me for Christmas is finally up. So far, I've practiced characters on it, and have written a good-for-nothing to-do list. It's only useless because I refuse to do anything but play the Sims. Plus, I don't have a car for now, so I'm just sitting around in my big Pinoy pajamas with a face mask on.

I've been doing a lot of internet window shopping lately. I have like 20 articles of clothing in my "cart" with very little intention of purchasing any of it. Except the scarf with a hood that looks like a cute bear head; I have to have that.

I hope you're all doing well :)


Claire

Taco Ring in 24 Hours

It's beginning to get harder and harder to sleep/relax/function as a human being. I havent slept well in 3 days and I think it's mostly because of anxiety/excitemnt. Hopefully when I go home I can just...chill...

Since I'll be returning to Lewisville tomorrow I essentially have to pack today. This is proving to be very difficult since I've never been abroad before and therefor do not know what to take. My suitcase isn't too full which is what I was going for but I can't help but feel like I'm forgetting something...I'm going to the hunting store later today to get mace and an Under Armour shirt. (Apparently, I need an Under Armour shirt...?)

I've decided to apply for an internship at Parkland hospital for the summer. I think I'd really like it. I have to make sure everything is ready to be sent in before I leave...

I want a cheese roll...

Okay, so I'm super excited for tomorrow night because I'm eating with my family and they're making me my favorite dinner in the whole wide world. Taco Ring. It's been consuming my mind for the past few days.

That's all I got for now. Mind overload with packing/anxiety/excitement/hunger.

Alex

Starting to get antsy

Okay, so out of curiosity I decided to google my hotel information for when I'm in South Africa and I gotta say...not too shabby. I was expecting that we would be spending the night in the slums or trekking through the jungle but uh...not bad...not bad...although I thought it would have been cool to sleep in the jungle. But I can't complain. Look at that freaking spread!

Seeing as how I've never been abroad before I have no idea what to pack, how to exchange my currency (before or after I arrive?!), what to plan, NOTHING!

I leave in a week. Fan-freaking-tastic.

I go back to Sherman tomorrow till Thursday for preparatory classes. Kind of an easy week in my opinion. I really don't want to haul everything up there only to bring most of it back on Thursday.

I'm trying to get a To-Do list in order but it's proving to be difficult when I don't even know what I'm suppose to...do...

*sigh*



And I've decided to focus my celebrity crush on Robert Downey Jr. this week. What a beautiful specimen.

Peace

Alex Downey

Oops.

So Alex messaged me this morning saying I needed to update, as I was the only one who hadn't yet. Like any other cool kid on a Friday night, I lost track of time because of all the fun was having. Doctor Who marathon anyone?

Real quickly, the resolutions:

1. Eat more meals. Not really what it sounds like, I want to minimize the amount of snacking that I do in studio, and make sure I am better about only eating real meals! :)
2. Use my new toys. I got an amaaazing new camera for Christmas, and I'd like to make an extended effort to use it whenever I can. I'm kinda of shy when it comes to using cameras, so I'm going to try and change that! :)
3. Go out more. I've gotten a bit better about going out and doing things, but I want to try to continue the social outings. I don't wanna become a hermit. x(

Tomorrow I make the long drive back up to Kansas City, and on Monday I will begin a winter class. I'll miss home, but I'm kind of glad to be out on my own again. Visiting family and friends is lovely, but it's weird coming back to live with a family after living in my own apartment for a while. I am ready to get back to my semi-independent lifestyle and getting back in touch with my KC friiieeeeends! :)

Time to pack!

Ginger

Hello Texas

So I am back in Texas and I am very tired. I woke up at 2 AM EST and haven't slept since. Jersey was fun as always; visiting always makes living in Texas a little more dreadful for me. ANYWAYS

Happy New Year! I don't think I really have any resolutions. Last year, mine was to become ambidextrous, and I never did anything about it. I don't think New Year's resolutions work for me. I can only say that I have a few ongoing resolutions.

1. Study Harder.
2. Spend more time with my family.
3. Eat less junk.
4. Try and be more timely.
5. Be more organized.
6. Be less jealous of others, haha.

There are probably a lot more, but I don't feel like thinking about them.

1. Study Harder: The extremely boring core classes I have been taking put me in a slump. Not a big one, just a slightly lazier slump. I would especially like to excel in Mandarin. Particularly because there is this kid who sits next to me in class, who I SWEAR is secretly competing with me. BRING IT YOU.

2. Spend more time with my family: I spend almost ALL of my time with my family now that I think about it.. but I would like our time spend together to be of greater quality.

3. Eat less junk: This is a problem that I may never escape.

4. Try and be more timely: I am often late, usually by 5-10 minutes. Thatcher and Alex can vouch for that.

5. Be more organized: I want to keep a clean room and closet. I'll probably save a lot of time trying to find things this way.

6. Be less jealous of others: I have it pretty good. Was that bad grammar? Yes. But I don't know how else I should phrase it. I should stop envying others so much.


THE END



Claire

BIG

I can't help but feeling that this is gonna be a really big year. I've felt this for a long time, like weeks, and just thinking of all the crazy situations that I could get myself into just gets me all giddy. Things I am looking forward to: 1. My NCTC graduation 2. My UT acceptance letter (this is more of a hopeful thing. I really hope I get in) 3. Going to UT in the fall if I get in 4. Boys. Yep good year ahead. And to make it even better I've made resolutions that I intend to keep until I get bored with them.

Thatcher's Resolutions:

Note to reader, I'm skipping all of the get healthy ones so I can move to the fun ones

1. Write More. I'm a wannabe writer who never practices. That totally needs to change. I'm thinking about setting a goal for myself each month like, write a short story every month or something. I just need to be good before I go to Austin so I can kick some screenwriter ass.

2. Dress Better. Look, I know I am a fantastic dresser but sometimes I have days where I just don't care and I look like a soccer mom looking for her copy of My Sister's Keeper (Claire that reference is for you). I can't keep doing that to myself, I have a gay image to uphold.

3. Talk to boys. You know what sucks? Not knowing who is gay or not. I hate getting all crushy with a guy and then out of nowhere have him be all like, "oh me and my girlfriend something something something..." That heart plunging feeling sucks, especially when it happens like, all the time. Whatever. I'm gonna be aggressive and well-dressed and smart and cultured and all "Hey, I'm a dude and you're cute. Date me now." Yep, that's exactly how it's gonna happen.

This year I am gonna be ready for anything. Just hope the world is ready for me.

Thatcher

C'MON!

To emphasize...

Guys, if we are going to keep this blog, I think we all agree that we need to actually...UPDATE IT?!

Ginger worked hard to set up a new layout (claps) but if there are any suggestions...shoot them around.

Same with the name..

Tanks

Alex

With a New Year...a new blog...

Alrighty. Considering my New Years plans kind of bailed on me, I’ve decided to angrily write a list of resolutions that I fully intend to keep.

1. Stop trusting and relying on people who I know are going to flake out on me in one way or another. I mean…I thought I was a decent friend. I’m always offering to pick people up or pay for their food/movie/whatever and I do this not because I’m trying to buy friendship but rather, it’s the only way I can maintain control. The reason this is my number one resolution is because I feel like I’ve been screwed over too many times by the same people. For instance, tonight the plan was to go to Addison to spend the night at the McClurgs with Christina. No partying, no crazy wild New Years but just what we’ve always done. Hey, what can I say? I like tradition! And Christina calls me at 10pm to say “Hey! I’m going out with some work friends! But, I mean, you can come, too! It’s whatever!”

Christina clearly doesn’t GET the fact that all her work friends are 21. They were planning on going to a bar in Denton so basically have no business being there as I don’t have a fake idea and the fact that I don’t. Fucking. Know. Anyone. What don’t people understand about me? I don’t like putting myself in awkward situations. For lack of a better word, I’m an introvert and I prefer to spend my time with people I know well. To hopelessly quote a song “The night life is not for me because all you really need are a few good friends.” Jesus. And she’s all “Are you sure it’s okay?” My response: “Well, no. Not really. I’m gonna go, bye.” Immature maybe, but what am I suppose to say? “Gee! Yeah! Go have fun! I’m gonna go home, take one of my uncles beers and update my blog because that’s what I REALLY wanted to do for New Years!” I could have made plans with other people. Thanks for screwing me over…

2. Eat Healthier. I admit, it’s a bit of a cop-out when it comes to resolutions but looking back on my eating habits this past year NEY the past 6 months, I’m surprised I’m not either 200 pounds or diabetic. I always say I’m going to give up soft drinks but never follow through. I won’t necessarily say I’m going to give them up but I’ll definitely limit the intake.

3. Exercise. Duh…

4. Read more. Will read at least two non-school related books a month.

5. Be more outgoing. Especially in the dating/social scene. I’ll admit, I’ve kind of cut off my nose to spite my face these past couple of months in order to seclude myself from certain social aspects just because I was either a nervous pervus or because…well, maybe I didn’t like the guy/people but the way I see it, I’m young and I should at least explore my options. When it comes to school, you can never have enough friends. Friends equal connections and connections equal opportunity. A win-win, right? Boys…eh, I don’t know. I get the feeling I’m still going to be picky no matter what I resolute myself to…and speaking of boys…maybe take initiative once in a while? Hmmm…this one requires a little more though to it…I’ll come back to this…

6. Apply myself more in school. Taking a gander at last semester, I had a lot more free time to devote to studying that could have been time well spent. Next semester I’ll be taking my first science class since junior year in high school...I need to try harder now than what I did last year…

I feel that beer kicking in…

7. Take all the opportunities I can! Who would have thought that by me glancing at a poster would result in my going to South Africa in a week?! I’m proud that I committed myself to Alpha Phi Omega, the newspaper, and Service Station last semester. I need to be a part of programs that benefit me.

8. Much as I hate to admit it…be nicer to family.

9. Save money. 10% of every paycheck into the savings account.

I feel like Bridget Jones…minus the smoking and vast amounts of alcohol consumption…

Alex