The Count..and No, Not the Fangy One

Number of Papers Done= 1 of 1 left
Number of Finals Done= 4 of 5
Number of Chapters Done= 2 of a total of 10 (rules applying, of course)
Number of Days Left in the LRC= 2
Number of Days Until Graduation= 3
Amount of Xmas Decorating Done= None :( *intense saddness*)
Amount of Xmas Shopping Still to be Done= A fair amount...
Number of Hours of Sleep Today= 2 1/2
Number of Hours Left in the LRC Tonight= 4
Number of Tassels Bought for Graduation to Please Everyone= 2, plus the one that came with the set (sad, no?)


Well, just a small update.

Loving a Much Improved Mood

So, I am loving life right about now! I finished watching Alice last night on Syfy (which was awesome, by the way...not as epic seeming as Tin Man, but the fangirl in me loved the ending better). After which, I wrote the first half of the next chapter of All Fall Down...I'm hoping to finish that and get it out tonight. I keep getting random reviews for Untested and its sequel, which brings me new readers, which brings me more reviews, with equal please the review whore inside of me.

All but one major project/paper is done...and I find myself not giving a rat's ass about the last paper I have to do. I'm positive all of my groups members rated me well on my group project, which is a big load off my shoulders. I was terrified, absolutely horrified, that I might have flunked my History of England to 1688 paper...it was one of those situations where, after I turned it in, I was like, "What did I write? What was my point? Did it make sense? Did I even remember to put my name on it?" Also, I was one source short of the required number of sources. I was positive that a C was the closest I could get to passing this one....frickin' A minus, all the way!! I nearly did a dance right there in class (the Peanut Butter Jelly Time dance, as this is now my official celebratory dance...Thriller's too complicated and Time Warp requires too much space). I was all smiles when I went into my next class, and I'm still smiling. I have only one more day of regular class left...which means I'm 10 days away from graduating....10!!! And here I thought I wasn't going to make it...

Oh, the pic included in this blog is some recent fanart I've done with the program GIMP...it's for Untested (which, of my fanfics, seems to be ruling my world right now...and my email). I did use Aly as a model (in fanart only, not in the story) for my main OC, Adriana (Ria) Smith. The reason I included the pic is just because I'm so damn proud of it. It's easily my favorite of the several I've done so far.

I just zoned, realizing I haven't uploaded my Forever Knight/Buffy the Vampire Slayer art to my fanart on Twisting the Hellmouth...hmm, this shall have to be rectified.

In other notes, today...the one day I don't bring an umbrella with me...it's pouring.

Also, I miss my Slinky and Savvy and Hill-Hill! I felt like I haven't heard from them in forever! I missed Savvy's call and was unable to return it (see above assignments), Slink's been under the weather last I heard, and I'm sure Hill's been busy with end of term stuff. I see Kimmi all the time at work and school, which is a plus. I also miss the RPGs...but we've all been so busy! Damn you, life! Haha.

I also haven't decorated for Xmas yet...still have to get a tree. This better happen soon, otherwise I'm not going to be as happy as I am now.

But, that's it from me. Merry Xmas, happy end of semester, and bye-bye!!

I Hate Today

Okay, so today has sucked ass. Let me tell you why.

I was so freakin' stupid. I knew, knew, that I had to get up early and go to Collier Library this morning to finish off my movie project. I knew it. So what did I do? No, I didn't stay up late...I just didn't sleep. I was up, literally, all night. I got a second wind about 4am, and just didn't sleep. And the only thing I got accomplished during this time was the next chapter of Trials (which was uber chapter, so I'm okay with this).

Well, because of my lack of sleep and all the stress of trying to get last minute assignments done, I was totally emotional today. I mean, I would cry at the drop of a hat. I had like seven different fights with Preston, all stupid and pointless, and...well, I've already said it, I cried like all day. I just felt like everything kept going wrong. I was too stupid to sleep. I showed up, freezing cold, on campus and hour before anything opened, I spilled a milkshake all over me, and my stupid computer can't reach my school's email because my version of Internet Explorer is too new. How retarded is that? Oh, and anyone remember the story from last year's Xmas where I pulled a muscle decorating? Yeah, somehow, I've pulled that same muscle again and it has been hurting all day.

However, things are better. Preston, in efforts to keep me at home and make me feel better, downloaded an older version of Firefox, whice allows me to actually access the stuff that I need. I was so happy to not have to go back to Collier. I finally went to sleep (in fact, at this moment, I've only been up for a little over fifteen minutes). And I had a bunch of reviews and a blog update from Savvy in my email that really cheered me up! So, things are looking up.

No, I'm not done with the movie project. But, you know what, it's the weekend! I'll get it done, and I'll get it done soon. My group (a whole different set of grievances here) can bite me.

So, feeling better after some sleep,
Trish

Readjusting to the Sun AKA Post Nano

Okay, so I didn't make it, again, this year in NaNo. But I'm not bummed out by this like I usually am. Instead, I made it the furthest I had ever made it before...if I exclude the fanfic chapters I added towards the end (knowing that there was no way I could squeeze out the amount of words needed for me to win with one day to go) I made it to a little over 23k. Usually, I'm lucky if I top 10k or 12k. Much improved! I might have even finished this year, if it had not been for Thanksgiving and stuff being due all in the same bloody week. It was like I woke up that Monday and was like, "Oh...everything, huh?" But, I'm going to try again next year. I know, I know...I'm getting married next year. Well, I'm still doing NaNo. It's very important to me that I actually finish it at least once...especially since I know I'm capable of writing over 50k (my fanfic, Untested, topped out at a little over 72k...so, yeah).

Anyhow, moving on. There's only four more total days of regular class left. I could do the Peanut Butter Jelly Time dance right here in the middle of the LRC. I'm so ready to leave and be done. Of course, there's this crippling fear of unemployment plaguing me...

I'm also trying to get my writing on schedule, whilst also handling what I've got left to do for Xmas. I'm so sacrificing sleep tonight to get out a chapter or two of something. (Wow...I just zoned right here in the middle of this thing to play with the scanner thing to check out books...). Back on track, I'm looking to finish All Fall Down soon...within next week, actually. I have a paper and a project to complete this weekend...Lord knows about another paper that was assigned and yet not. I'm sure I flunked the paper I turned in before Thanksgiving...but I should be fine if I do well on the final.

As for Xmas, I've got to finish shopping for Mom, Preston, Laura, and Savvy...I know what I'm getting each one of these people, just gotta get paid to get it. I'm looking to get Mom like three other things...(I only know what two of them will be)...I've already gotten her one thing. I've also gotta figure out what Preston is getting her. Laura's gift is easy. So is Savvy's.

Well, that's it for me. Gonna go eat the last cupcake here at work. Bye!

Bogged Down and Ready for Something to Happen

Well, all is going well for the Trishverse. I have my other half of my loan, which means my money worries are over...I'm still trying to be judicious with my money, mind you, but at least now I can get started on my Xmas shopping. Which, I've already bought my Father's gift and part of dear Slinky's gift...and I already had part of Kimmi's gift...so I'm doing fine.

Above you see a new obsessive pastime of mine...thank you, Slinky...Thanks to her introducing me to the Gimp Program, I am now free to do my own fanart...and so it began. This is one of my two favorites (I've done three...working on a fourth with several more planned.). Also, I finally got my nanovid out...I was really happy with it!

School's going fine...I had a change of work schedules, which is tiring me out even more trying to adjust...My writing has been nil...that part is really what's bothering me...I wanted to finish All Fall Down before Nano...I'm still going to try, despite that I've got a crapload of plans this weekend...

As for Nano, I realized something the other day...I think, for me, I've been going about it all wrong these past few years...I've been too concerned about keeping up with the word count...which is important, but it bogs me down. However, I've found that if I just take it a chapter at a time, not concerned with word count, I actually get more words (see Untested and Years After for examples of this, haha). So, that's how I'm looking at it this year. 50, 000 words, yes...but one chapter at a time.

So, that's it for me. Until next time!

Could Someone Explain to Me...??

Okay, so UNA's handing out additional funds to certain, qualifying students. Now, could someone explain to me why the hell they can't hand me over the other half of my damn refund? I've only waited half the freakin' semester. I'm going to be left high and dry with no money to spend this weekend if that check isn't in the mail tomorrow. And you know what? In good ol' UNA fashion, it probably won't be.

This place bugs me sometimes.

Moments From This Weekend

All in all, not a bad weekend. I became entirely too addicted to a flash web RPG called DragonFable...yeah...I'm still addicted. Preston and I woke up and went on a walk through downtown Florence on Saturday which was very nice despite it being very windy and cold. We'll be doing that again...well, not until after Xmas village...

Ren. Faire is this week!!! I'm so excited! I can't wait to walk through, smelling the carnaval food...watching the belly dancers...listening to the funny announcer...seeing what color the Troll is this year...

It's also a four day week for me...Fall break is Fri.! *sigh* I love having one less day of AL History and Philosophy...I have a test tomorrow that I almost forgot about...I'll have to do some reading tonight, but that's about it...not too hard. It's in Romantic and Victorian Poetry.

By the way, speaking of poetry, is anyone else pissed that Levi is using Walt Whitman's poetry to hock jeans? This bothers me for some reason...

Anyway, next week should begin my Xmas shopping...I'm so happy! I can't wait to get started on everything!! I've gotten the greatest ideas for decorating and gifts! I can also work on Thanksgiving...gotta work a little more on my nano...my challenge is almost done, by the way...just lacking a few more things. Oh God, I also have to finish Fun, Sun, and Spells....talk about approaching a novella....

Anyone else pissed that people on fictionpress apparently don't know what poetry is?

Let's see...I think that's all from me. I need to do some cleaning around my house and carve a pumpkin sometime this weekend...but that's about it...oh, and do the book review (I'm assuming...not definite yet) for my Medieval Europe class...

Now, for the thing I have to remind myself happened....this one's more of reminding myself that something is...not happened:

That a Pumpkin is a Squash: Okay, random, I know. But I was looking at the pumpkin Preston and I bought. I just suddenly remembered that it was a squash...I don't know...I guess I just think of them as their own thing...

PS

I think I'm going to start adding an example of things I have to keep reminding myself happened at the end of all my blogs...since I forgot it on the last one, here's an example for that:

That Lisa "Left Eye" Lopez (TLC) is dead--okay, I swear they aren't all sad things. But for this one, I was watching top 100 songs of the 90s last night (the home stretch episode) and they noted, kind of off-handledly that she had died in a car wreck. I was kind of like, "Oh yeah...that's right." It was just another one of those weird, "I didn't dream that" moments.

Meh

Well, I'm passing my classes with higher grades than I thought I was going to after some of those tests. The test I had truly thought I had flunked (one that was nothing but two in-class essays) I made a 95 on, so I was estatic! I made another 95 on my Medieval Europe I test and an 81 on my History of AL test (better than I thought I was going to do). Have no idea what my grade is on my paper for philosophy...

I started my Nano Backstory challenge last night and I really like where it's going. I also have planned to get a couple more things out this weekend.

So, I'm feeling kind of down today. Why? Reasons I won't explain here. A small part is me hating my next class...God, I just really don't want to go again. But I have to because I've lost track of how many days I've missed. I was kind of upset this morning, again can't state why. (Btw, as I look over to the next row of computers here at Collier, I see a student using Wikipedia as a source...epic fail at life.)

I just can't wait until this damn school gives me the other half of my loan check. I want to get started on my holiday shopping, which always cheers me up. They're supposed to release it the 22nd...next week. So, I really can't wait.

Well, that's all from me. Heading off to a class I hate in about 20mins...

Bored and Hungry

Well, that about sums me up right now. I'm bored, I'm tired, and I'm hungry. I don't wanna go to class (but I will) and I don't wanna go to work (but I will...because they pay me).

So, an update on my schedule...

Oct. 17- Costume sale at the Shoals Theater in downtown Florence (across from Legends!)
Oct. 20- First Romantic and Victorian Poetry test!
Oct. 22- (tentative) Questions on the Viking book is due in
Oct. 23- Fall Break and going to Graystone Manor!! (We're bringing Laura along...just because she's so funny when she freaks out...and she's going to Ren. Faire with us...)
Oct. 24 & 25- Ren. Faire! The Shoals Theater is also selling costumes on the morning of the 24th as well.
Nov. 7- Xmas Village! I'm going to buy up so many dip mixes, it's not even funny!

Now, I think there's another test or paper somewhere in all of that...but not to worry! It's when the big stuff comes along that I'll make this face: O.o...

Feeling Rather Wasteful of my Weekend...

I've got so much I want/need to do...and I just don't feel like doing it right now...I want to outline my nano story, decorate for Halloween, make so many lists it's not even funny, do a chapter or two for various stories, catch up on my reading for ff.net and fp.com...and I just don't feel like doing anything right now...

Well, I could grocery shop...but I don't think Preston wants to go right now...

I feel tired, but I got plenty of sleep...I don't know...just a lazy Sunday I guess...at least my week won't produce anything I'll need to do...

PS--added my nano banner way down at the bottom of this blog, check it out!

Trishverse...on a schedule...

Okay, a couple of little things...I've added my Nano-badge here on the right, as well as a quote, a poll, and a picture. Check 'em out! Ahem, that being said...

I have such a schedule ahead of me!!! Okay, check out this list:

Oct. 10-- Visiting Mom and Laura
Oct. 11-- Cleaning house & decorating door for Halloween & general outlining/planning
Oct. 17-- Visiting Graystone Manor
Oct. 24 & 25-- Renaissance Faire (Yay!!)
Entire Month of Nov.-- Nano!!
Nov. 7-- Christmas Village
Nov. 24-- Term paper and Movie project

This list is not including tests and Philosophy papers...yeesh. Oh, and Xmas shopping, craft making, holiday cooking, cooking and grocery shopping in general, and various other tiny things that must be done in order for me to survive. So, yeah. If people hear from me in general, it's going to be a miracle.

Oh, I have to make my nano-playlist!! Sorry, random thought...really, I need to make like four different lists for four different things...

So It Begins...

Note-taking and a crazy race to 50,000 words...right on!

Things That I Still Have to Tell Myself Really Happened

This post isn't meant to be depressing or anything, lol. It was just that I was looking back over my blog at some things I talked about...and I had the thought, "Oh, yeah, that wasn't just a figment of my imagination." Here are some examples:

The Last Harry Potter Book-- There are times when I look up and think, despite myself, "When's the next HP book coming out?" Then I have to remind myself that that's done, over, fin. I miss HP, dearly, but I'm not one of those who's like "There should be a prequel!!" or something. I totally get why she stopped there. It's a perfect end that feels like an end...I just have to remember that it happened.

The Fact that I'm 23-- ...I don't like it...but it's real. But I wouldn't want to be a kid again either...like, maybe just 21, okay?

College Graduation-- I know that two of my friends have already experienced this...so, this is more of a question. Did you guys ever have to convince yourself that it's really happening? That you DON'T have a semester or something left?

Michael Jackson's Death-- Yeah, yeah. I'm sure everyone is sick of hearing me mention this, but one more time, huh? I just can't believe I didn't dream it all...it feels...faraway, you know?

I'm Living with my Fiance-- I just feel all mature with this one.

That Buffy the Vampire Slayer has been off the air for six years-- *sniffle* Why? It was so good? At least we have the comics...

That Darkwing Duck is an 18-year-old cartoon-- Okay, really gonna cry here...makes me feel so old...and makes me lose even more faith in the cartoons of today...

That I'm getting married a little over a year from now-- This one just inspires a bit of panic...not at the prospect of being married, but at the prospect of paying to be married...

So, that's it for me...I'm sure there's more, but I think that's enough to go on. So, any of you guys got things that make you feel this way?

Busy, Busy

Wow, got so much to do this week. I've got a test today (in about 2 hours, actually), I've got a test Thursday in a different class, and I've got a 5-page paper due Friday. On top of that, I've still got to go grocery shopping. *sigh* Oh! And I've still got to get a topic approved for my History of England paper. I'm currently torn between doing Joan of Arc or Eleanor of Aquitaine.

Next week will prove a bit more relaxing. One of my classes are canceled Fri (which provides for more paper time), and next Thursday morning, my English class is cancelled. I intended to write in the weekend and week that is coming up, due to the fact that Nano is coming up and, on top of that, papers and projects are due in Nov. as well. In fact, my Kingdom of Heaven project AND my History of Enland term paper are due on the same, bloody day! So, I've got to trick myself into believing that one is due before the other...what fun...and my next Philosophy paper is due somewhere in Nov...I think early Nov.

On the writing front, the new challenges on the Guild sound great, and I can't wait to get started on them! And I've still got to do notes for Nano. Crazy...not to mention, I've got to keep up my semi-regular postings on my fanfic chapters or I'll drift off to lala land again and never get those fics done! Not to mention the fics that I want to start (and finish, including old ones here) that need more outlining. And my original fiction? I've got the beginning of the journal for the next chapter of Dilemma in my head, but haven't had the time to write it down.

And then there's the holidays! I'm hosting Thanksgiving at my new apartment, which means that I've got to get it ready for such an occasion. I will go to Graystone Manor this year, I swear it. Gots to buy the candys for the children for actual Halloween. And then Xmas shopping...I love it all, but I need a separate list for what I've got to do to prepare for the Holidays alone!

Am I the only one out there wondering what dishes I'm making for our girls' Xmas get together? Any requests? Do you guys want me to bring old faves or new ones? Or a mix of both? And what do people feel like for dessert? And does Savvy remember that it's her turn to host (lol)?

*sigh* I feel like Ria in chapter one of Trials (and no, that wasn't a shameless plug...of course, is it sad when you feel like a character that YOU created???). Anyhow, I feel like Ria...all questions, no answers.

Waiting for responses ;),
Trish

PS A belated Happy B-day to my sister, who is now 17!!! (God, I feel old....T_T)

Writing Goals and Random Funnies

Kay, I'm gonna start out with the random funnies. Best quotes ever:

Kevin Conroy (as Batman in the new Superman/Batman: Public Enemies):

Batman: Clark, what the hell is a "good villian"?

And later in the show...

Batman: (looking up at a particular something that I won't reveal for spoiler purposes): Wow.

Okay, now to writing goals...

I plan, this weekend, to get out at least one chapter of each of the following:

--All Fall Down

--Trials

--How to be a Dhampire (b/c they have to know I'm still writing this)

--Pardoning the Prince (to get more voters on my poll)

--Dilemma of House Wraithwood

Now, that's only five chapters. I should be able to do this. Let's see.

Feeling a Little Upset...

Okay, so my cousin Gina sends me a message on Myspace. No biggie, we randomly contact one another since we have some of the same interests. However, this message deeply upsets me. It's an invite...to a surprise get-together on Sept. 25th for my sister's birthday (who doesn't read this blog, so no worries) that's being held by Gina, Sonya, Christy, and Amanda. Okay, so I'm happy Laura is turning 17, but...I just feel like I'll be odd person out if I go. I was invited...which means, obviously, that I had NOTHING to do with the organizing. I'm a party guest at my own sisters party...that sounds like there's nothing wrong with that, but there is. I always feel like this at family functions...Like I'm only being invited because I have to be.

That all sounds a little selfish, but I'm sorry. I do want to celebrate my sister's birth, but I don't want to be treated like I'm a horrible person for not being the one to think of it first. Now, I know what you're thinking, "Oh, they're you're family and they're just trying to do what's nice for Laura." That would be utterly fantastic if that were true. But I know my bloodline. They like to play big. They can't help it, it's genetic. But...well, right now I'm just flailing for words. Just reading that email gave me an awful feeling and made me want to cry.

Am I a horrible person? Should I go or not? I just don't know.

Anyone Watch the VMAs?

Okay, so this is a random topic for me, and everyone's talking about it...but yeah, Kanye West sucks. Poor Taylor looked like she was going to cry. I looked over at Preston right then and said, "I hope Beyonce does win something...she'll take that time to apologize." But she did one better. Ladies, I think if anyone needs a modern woman to look up to, Beyonce's not a bad start. She's not uber-skinny, she's a powerful force for female independence while not being a FemaNazi, and she's just an all-around gracious person. Anyhow, that's my personal opinion.

Oh, and yeah, I teared up at the MJ tribute. I'm just a glutton for punishment. I felt so stupid. I'm over it, I swear!

Oh, and I'm almost done with Untested (finally)! Only the epilogue and the prologue of the sequel to go! Then, I'm moving on to finish Baby Makes Three (of which I recently put up chapter 8...which turned out to be longer than what I imagined it would be) and All Fall Down, switching alternately between each one. So, as I work on the epilogue for Untested, I'll probably be working on the next chapter for All Fall Down as well.

So, random from me. Bye!

Burnt and Lovin' It AKA Back from the Beach

Okay, so Best Weekend Ever! I so didn't want to come home from the beach...not because of my fiance...I missed him quite a bit...but I just didn't want to go back to class! Blah, classes...Anyway, loved the condo we stayed it. I'll post the pictures I took on my facebook as soon as I get them developed. I also came home with a kitty-kitty. I meant to post a picture of me and Squeak at the top of this blog...but I have an hour to kill here at UNA and my picture is at home. Oh well. On a funny note concerning Squeak...that cat has the worse gas of any cat I've ever met! Man, she is constantly passing gas, it seems. And even I can smell it...and my nose doesn't work right!

Classes, meanwhile on the homefront, are going all right. I have papers coming out the wazoo this semester, but that's okay. I'll just take 'em on one at a time (God, I hope none of them are due on the same day...must look into this...). In one class alone I have like three papers due in...none of them are terribly long though...10 pages at the most.

On the writing front, I'm moving much slower than I would like to. I've been dead tired in the afternoons all this week. I need to catch up on my class reading this weekend, as well as my chapter updates reading...but most of all, I must write. I must produce chapters--plural--this weekend. My sanity depends upon it! I managed to squeeze out a chapter of All Fall Down last night...I should go reread that now to make sure it's okay. I was so dead tired when I was writing it, but I would not go to sleep until I finished it. Well, it's out there now. I must work on/finish the next chapter of Untested this weekend...I only have two updates left on that damn story. Why must I always slow down right at the end? I think I might have a tiny problem with closure...well, I didn't with To Be History...but I was so tired of that story it was ridiculous. Funny that the last few chapters of it, though, had been my favorite. Anyhow, back to the present...Untested is almost finished...I'll follow it up with the Prologue of Trials, its sequel, then move on to finish Baby Makes Three...probably slowly finish All Fall Down as well. After that, I'm tackling How to be a Dhampire...on that note, I should really title/semi-outline its sequel...yes, that one will have a sequel too.

Anyway, I've rambled. I'll blog more later about some more random writing stuff.

About to reply to a review for All Fall Down,

Trish

Welcome to Monday...

My 9am class was cancelled, but I came early anyhow to work on the internet. I actually managed to sleep through the night until a decent hour!

Blah, I have an hour until my class...and then work. I've nothing really to blog about...I'm going to the beach this weekend!! I can't wait!

um...so, that's all...nothing eventful, like, at all.

I Miss a Button...Sue Me...

Okay, so my payment issues, concerning my refund, were starting up again this semester...then I went to the appropriate office to check it out. I had missed the Accept Terms and Conditions button...now, it's all pay save for $212 of it...which, I don't know what that's about. I'll check on that tomorrow afternoon...

Other than that, my classes mostly require reading this semester and writing (when don't they, huh?), but nothing more than usual. I've got a group project in one that I'm just dreading...I hate group projects with a passion!

On to more pleasant things, I've been writing quite a bit...oh, nothing publishable, but I'm working towards that goal. Still trying to finish Untested...oh, so much to do!

Oh, and as of 3pm today I've been awake 12 hours...now 14...I'm...so...tired!!

Back to School with a Skip and a Jump

Well, it’s that time of year again. And for the last time. Well, until I try for graduate school. Anyhow, that time is the beginning of school. Ah, for all the same old routines. Of course, I was short the routine of moving into the dorm, and I must say, I do miss it. It was just easier, living right on campus…and having a roommate who knew you so well. Not that I don’t have that in my fiancé, but it’s just different, you know?

But I am happy to have my own apartment with him. Makes me feel like a grown-up, haha. Well…has anything happened between the last time you heard from me and now?
Well, school started…and between Drusilla and Moo Moo there are nine kittens back at my mother’s house. Which had been misplaced, because Dru and Moo Moo moved them from where they had been when Mom and Laura were out. Go figure. Oh, and yes, Moo Moo is a mommy! Laura says her kittens are itty bitty and bright orange! They sound so cute! Only two of the nine are hers.

Oh, we’ve acquired a loveseat at the apartment, with much thanks to Preston’s Aunt Virginia. She gave it to us, and offer us a matching chair. We declined it, saying we have no room for it (which we don’t). The love seat is white and green striped. I didn’t like the pillows (which were the exact same design and color…a bit too much) that came with it, so I took my two smaller purple pillows and put them on the loveseat. Ta da! Joker colors!

I’m still not unpacked fully in the apartment, but I’m a hell of a lot closer.

My writing is going well. Not the best, but it’s going, which is all that matters. I feel somewhat product with it…until I realize all the things I turn out are fanfiction. I am working on original stories, but the progress there is much slower.

Oh, and I just found out that my tuition hasn't been paid yet. It's showing my financial aid, but it's also showing that the bill has not been paid yet. I'll be checking up on that later.

Well, gotta go. Class and all that. See you later!

Wishing she had internet at her apartment already,

Trish

The Trishverse, Since the Last Time I've Blogged...

Okay, so this is what has happened since the last time I've been here:

1) The Apartment Situation

Okay, so we found out that the owner/manager of that apartment was a shyster. So, we continued out search. We found a better deal. It's a bit smaller, but the perfect size for us. But, we haven't heard yes or no on whether we have it or not. It's been about two weeks since we applied. So, Preston's going up to the office Monday and no leaving without an answer.

2) My Fanfiction List

Okay, since I'm on my own computer, here's my list of fanfics that I plan to complete in order:

--Untested (only four more updates to go!)
--Baby Makes Three
--How to be a Dhampire
--All Fall Down
--Tip of the Theological
--Of Old Gods and Archaeologists
--Pardoning the Prince
--Youth and Innocence

I'm still pushing along, but since I'm at home...yeah, my writing tends to slow down...(well, right now I'm at Preston's...). Well, I found what I have of my re-write of Dark Mistress and the Lady of Light...I intend to continue to work on that. I also feel a desire to begin my notes for NaNoWriMo (be proud, Slink.). And I'm still working on the original fics I mentioned last post. So, working on it...still not publishable....

3) Work

I've completed one month with Upward Bound...and we didn't ever have to call Mrs. Freeman down after dark-thirty! Go us! All I've got left is the trip! Six Flags and the Georgia Aquarium! I'm so excited!! I didn't get to work with the LRC this month...no big loss. Since I'm not living over there yet, that just would have been too difficult. I'm not taking a class this summer, so they couldn't hire me on federal, and they ran out of the University Fund. Like I say, no big loss.

4) The Death of Michael Jackson

Okay, so this affected me more that even I thought it did. I tried to hide it when I first heard. Finally, while staying at Savvy's, Slink asked me how bad it affected me, on a scale from 1 to 10. I said 5...which, as it turns out, wasn't entirely true. It was really like an 8. I'd been fighting tears for days, and would tear up if I thought about it too hard...but I'd always been able to control it. Then, I'm reading an article to Mom--she couldn't read the small print--about the memorial...and I bust out balling. I mean, I was sobbing. I put the newspaper down and said, through tears, "I'm sorry. I just can't read anymore." I've been listening to nonstop Jackson music--mostly Smooth Criminal, it was my favorite. We have two newspapers and two magazines about it...So, Michael...I hope you're at peace now.

Well, that's all about that's happened. The fireworks at the Fourth were fantastic! We had over 2000 dollars worth! I loved it! Well, until the next time I have internet access...

See you!

Writing Goals...Still Not Publishable...

Okay, so I've made fanfiction goals. No, I haven't abandoned my original writing, I'm working on it as well. I just take more time on it than I do my fanfics because I care about it more. Anyway...

I have a list of fics to finish in the near future. At the top of the list, my CV fic, Untested, followed by my Batman: TAS fic, Baby Makes Three...the list goes on to cover I think ten or a little less of my currently on going fics.

I'm working on a short story sequel/follow-up to Babelmouth called Fun, Sun, and Spells. Expect that on Fictionpress soon! I'm also going to be putting out the next chapter of Dilemma sooner than I did the last one, promise!

On a personal note, I has an apartment! It's 2 bed, 2 bath, $385 a month and allows pets after the pet deposit is paid! Or at least, I'll have it after our co-signer is approved. Which he should be. I'm so excited!!! My move-in date is expected to be the end of this month, so...yay!

Well, gotta go. I'm at work!

An OC Does Not a Mary-Sue Make...

Okay, so this is an age-old rant for me. I can't count the reviews I've gotten where all that is written is "Mary-Sue." Now, because they are often anonymous and only say that, I can only infer that they mean to say "She's a Mary-Sue because she's an OC (original character)." How wrong is this? Seriously?

Let me define Mary-Sue, roughly. A Mary-Sue (male counterpart: Gary-Stu) is someone who is so incredibly perfect and everyone loves her or she's so deliberately anti-whatever that she stands out in a crowd. Now, I'll admit, I've got a couple of characters I'm still writing for that are, admittedly, Sues. I accept that. Really, I do. The stories they're in were started fairly early into my fanfiction career when I was still too much of a fangirl. However, the one review that I got (I've removed it because of its stupidity...again, all it said was "Mary-Sue" and was anonymous) that spawned this rant was on a story that the character couldn't be further from a Sue. She's inexperienced, so you actually get to see her acquire any strength that she has through training. She doesn't win every fight. She's fifteen, so I've kept her at that exact emotional level (and I'm 23, so I've got a good prospective on this, having been there and done that). I'm 16, not including the Prologue which featured the character's mother, chapters into this story when I received this review. Do you want to know how far this idiot read? Three chapters...including the prologue. Do you want to know what has happened by chapter 2 (which is where he stopped)? She found a book. That's...it. In the prologue, I reveal the mother's past which led to the situation that the main character finds herself in (that is, with no experience). In chapter one, the main character finds a book in a place where her mother told her not to go (kids do this, you know!). And in chapter three, I'm with canon characters!!! How the hell do you get Mary-Sue from this? You don't even know anything yet!

Sigh. Anyway, this is my rant on Suedom...thanks for reading! Gotta go finish packing and eating!

Game, Set, Match!

I FRICKIN' DID IT!!!!! I made it to 100 fanfics before Ariyana graduated! Yes! Granted, it wasn't all the chapter fics I meant to start...which is good. I have enough chapter fics going to be adding, like, five or six more. However, I did add two more to my list. Ah, the hefty price of this goal...but I did it! I have 100 fics even! Woot!

In related news, you know what I hate? Reviewers who have not thought out their criticism on my works. I got this one who was like, "You've put Tara in a story with no positive course. Why should I continue to read it or you, as an author, write it?" He said other things (and might I note, he hasn't got a single story posted), but after I got done having my say with him...I told him not to come back. Bastard. I hate stupid people. In fact, I should do a rant on that alone later.

And in unrelated news, here's a funny story. I thought I was going to fail--epic-ly--Literary Criticism. In fact, if I passed, I thought I would only make a C. Folks, C was at best. I wrote this Virginia Woolf paper...and I thought I had epic-ly failed, seriously. So, I'm waiting for our grades to be posted. Still, not yet. I started making alternate plans if I failed this class, which, by the way, is required for my degree. Then, Hillary mentions that if you look on your unoffical transcript online, they post your grades as you get them. After searching for it (they had taken it off of the page it was supposed to be on) I scroll down...and see a B by Literary Criticism. I was so happy...I broke into tears. And not just any tears...I mean, hysterically happy tears. And this was after I was on the phone with Preston telling him I had passed. I must have sounded like a crazy person. According to Slink, I sounded like a mother whose child had not been breathing had suddenly taken a breath again. Or like I had just escaped a terrible plane accident. I'm sure Preston was like, "Oh my God, what's wrong with her?" I felt so stupid. But it was very funny.

College will be the death of me. I've had two fits of hysteria this semester...once when I thought I was going to fail my history paper...and now this. Seriously, I hope I have a healthy heart...cause it can't take much more of this.

So, that's all from me!

Going to spend some quality time with D and Alucard,
Trish

Update on my Fanfiction Goal

98 and counting...see you again at 100!

Purpose to Blog

Paticia's Work Status:
Lit. Crit Paper and Presentation: Done
Finals: Working on them.
Summer Jobs: 2

Now, before I continue with my blog, let me stop and do something for the Pub 2009 Challenge I am currently participating in. I've read my first Pub Book, Hideyuki Kikuchi's Vampire Hunter D: Volume 12 Pale Fallen Angels Parts 3 and 4. So, in honor of this book, here's my review for it.

Picking up where Parts 1 and 2 left off, D and his troupe finally make it to the city they've been seeking. Although D's contract is now fulfilled (and we all know D's all about the contract), his job is far from over. The Baron, the vampire noble that D was hired by, goes to face his father, while D sticks around to see how things turn out (not to mention, he's taken up on a contract by May, one of the girls that has been travelling with him). The Baron's vampire, the vampire lord Vlad who rules over the town, sends after D and the Baron with a whole new troupe of bad guys. Also, new allies are made as D and his group race to destroy Vlad once and for all. That is, unless the Destroy that is possessing the vampire Miska kills them all first.

So, I finished this book in like, two days. Loved it and I can't wait for volume 13, out this October!

Continuing on, I've been thinking about this blog, wondering what it is that I should blog about. Most people have a sort of theme for their blog...their personal lives, crafts, cooking...I've run across several. Now, although my life will continued to be blogged about in this place--since it is The Trishverse (i.e. Trish's 'Verse)--I think the purpose of this blog may come to serve something that I do often in real life and have done rarely here. I'll rant about my writing and my love of fandom! After all, those are two of the most important things in my life, following after my loved ones, that is.

So, my purpose to blog? Finally found it...and I'm surprised it's taken me this long. I'll be back later, possibly tonight, tomorrow, or Monday, with my first fandom blog!

Kidnapped by Alucard, D, and the Winchester Brothers in Order to Defeat True Evil,
Trish

Racing to 100

I have this goal. I think I've mentioned it before. 100 fanfictions by the time Ariyana graduates (i.e. the end of the semester). Where do I stand on this goal? 88 fanfics and counting. I intend to do another one-shot crossover tonight...I may call it "Alone." It's Tara (from Buffy:TVS) and Lacroix (from Forever Knight). I also intend to work on the next one-shot in the Youth and Innocence story. Yup, still in vamp mode.

And no, still no paper for Lit. Crit. He moved the due date of the paper until Wednesday (not today, next Wednesday!), and I got off lucky because I don't have to do my presentation for that class until Monday. Which means, yeah, definitely gotta do that paper this weekend...and tell Mom and Laura that I still can't make it home.

On another note, my wedding dress is in! It's currently under Ariyana's mom's protection (when she gets it from the post office). I'll have it either this weekend or next! I'm so excited! I can't wait to try it on!

Back to school here, I did my reading for Oral Traditon. I haven't had a chance to read over the comments from my peers or my teacher, but, out loud, Garner said that I did an excellent job acting out my dialogue. By the way, I read from All Together Dead, the 7th in the Sookie Stackhouse series. I had so much fun reading it!

And tomorrow, in between classes, I intend to edit my history paper...that's only about 30 minutes (if even that) of work. Then, I turn it in Fri. and all I have to do is attend that class and take its final. Funny, I was worried sick about taking that class (it was required for my minor), but it turned out to be, like, one of the easiest ones I had this semester. The only class easier (and probably a little bit more fun) was Oral Tradition.

So, that's it for me. I'm off (got to go finish closing the LRC). See you next time!

So, I Went to Castlevania for a Meeting with Dracula...

Yeah, I'm in full vampire mode. Dunno why...just am. I'm having to practically sit on my hands to keep from writing the next chapter of Untested...I should do another chapter of Dilemma while my brain's on vampires...but I don't know quite what happens next...well, I do, but I don't, you know?

And, if anyone's still wondering...no, paper not done...But! I did get some fantastic news for my History paper! He loved it! Called it excellent! I'm estatic!

Also, if you're still wondering, I still hate Simon Belmont. With a fiery red passion. I feel the need to write an Alucard fic...maybe for the xover challenge...I'm still deciding...

I think I would be good friends with Left Hand...random, sorry.

So, that's about it for me...going to go off and try to produce a chapter of something.

And eat...

Blogging...More Important Than Food!

Yeah, so I have class in like an hour and fourty minutes and I havent' eaten lunch yet. So, I have to make this quick.

One paper down, another paper, a presentation, a prose reading, and finals to go. Sound like a lot? Well, the only ones I'm worried about is that other paper and the presentation (which goes along with it). Presentations start next Friday, with papers due in by email by noon that monday. So, in essence, I have to have my paper done (with a powerpoint for my presentation) done by Friday. The powerpoint will be easy once I have my paper...the paper on the other hand...could someone just put me in a coma until Tuesday the 28th?

On other notes, I've really been working on my writing, more fan fiction than original, but writing's writing. It's still practice in honing my skills. Sound like a waste of time? Thinking I should be working on my paper? Probably, but since being a professional writier is the career I want--scratch that, need--...bite me. I'm gonna write! On that note, I've been pretty regular on my chapters of fanfiction with How to be a Dhampire and Untested being the two I've probably updated on the most. I have a poll up on my fanfiction profile that asks which older story people would like me to complete first. So far, Of Old Gods and Archaeologists is in the lead with three votes. So, drop by and vote if you've got a minute.

On original fiction, well I'd really like to work on some Dark Mistress...but guess what? What I have of my re-write is on the harddrive of my failed computer...which Preston has and can't get it off without some such cord. I think he just keeps forgetting to do it. Which is fine...you know, it's not like life or death or anything, and there are more important things that I need him to do. Oh! And I put up a chapter of The Dilemma of House Wraithwood...so, if you haven't read it yet--and you know who you are--go do it! I'd really like some feedback on the small developments of the story so far. And, you know, I'm a review whore, so...

Oh, and on my goal of reaching 100 fanfics up before the end of this semester...I'm at 86...may not make it, but I've gonna get damn close. Well, wish me luck on papers and writing everyone! And good luck to all those going through the same end of semester hell!

Gone to eat,
Trish

Fanfiction.net Just Needs to Hire Me

Okay, so I've sent in two character lists to that site and gotten them both added. In both cases, however, they've refused to add OC (original character) to the lists. However, in times passed, I asked for OC to be added to all the subsections in the book category with a pull-down menu. And they did.

So I'm going to use Slink for my plans and have her start emailing these people. Sigh.

As for real life...blah. Had a great weekend with Preston this past weekend. However, I have two papers fast approaching...both of which I really have no subject for. Blah. Well, I'm off!

Post-Spring Break...Blah

Okay, so I'm a tinesy, tiny bit behind in a couple of my classes. However, at least now I have a subject for my Lit. Crit. paper. One down, one to go. I still haven't finished my grammar test--but I'm a decent ways through it...sort of. I don't have a subject for my History and Historical Research Paper...but I have figured out what my prose reading selection will be for Oral Tradition. I'm going to read Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes short story, "The Adventure of the Speckled Band." My favorite Holmes story--not to mention the first piece of Holmesian lit. I was introduced to.

So, Spring Break was nothing but sleep, play with the cats, watch TV, do one fanfic chapter, get my taxes filled, and pretend to get some work done. Not much unless you list it like I just did. A Guild challenge is due tonight that I meant to finish over SB...didn't happen...I started it, just didn't finish it. Then tomorrow, I must work on my April Fool's challenge for the Guild...yikes.

By the way, anyone out there want a kitten? Free to a good home!

So, that's it for me...I'll be back to blog about something more interesting maybe tomorrow. Bye!

Baby Envy and Other Ranty Goodness

Okay, to start off with what's first on my title...Baby envy. I found myself consumed with it last weekend on the way to my house the Friday before my birthday. My mother was listing off all my relatives that are having babies. Then, I began to think of all the relatives that have had babies. All of a sudden, this animalistic growl escaped me and I muttered, "God, I can't stand it!" Preston gave me this bewildered look, and, to be honest, I felt a little bewildered myself. When he asked what the problem with the baby thing was (and he sounded a little panicked) I gave him some half-assed answer that I can't even remember now.

Now, here's the truth. I know I'm no where near ready enough to have a kid. I don't have the funds, my own house, a job that isn't Student Workstudy, or anything. But lately, I've found myself fantasizing about when it's my time to have a kid. About whether it'll be a girl or a boy first. What they'll look like. What they'll be like. How I'll decorate their nursery. The works! I want 4 kids total. To have them, and still be young enough to do the things that I want to with them (AKA be a DIY mom), I put myself at getting pregnant at 25. I'm currently 23. I thought that that would panic me, that I wouldn't feel ready at my set date, yadda, yadda, yadda. But to tell the truth...yeah, some days it still panics me...but now more often than not...it doesn't. Not really. And when it panics me now...it's for a whole other reason. So, I have baby envy. I want one for myself, once I have the means to care for it. I've come to really realize that now.

Now, onto another rant: my writing. God, can't someone just publish me? Can't I just finish something? The answers: No and Apparently not. I've been focusing a lot on my writing lately, accepting deep within myself that this is what I was meant to do for the rest of my life. This will be my career, come Hell or high water. I just need to keep working and get more serious about it.

Next rant. I've got so much to do and not enough time!

Well, I'll stop the ranting here. Thanks for reading!

I Think I Just Ate Styrofoam...

Okay, I know I blogged like, just two minutes ago, but this was too funny! I'm sittig here, eating a pizza off a styrofoam plate. I'm sliding the pizza up to my mouth using the plate, because it's too hot to hold. Then, I heard my teeth crunch down on styrofoam. Now, I didn't actually ingest it, but...yeah...I bit the plate.

On another note, that's just passing through my head, I am aware now that several people--through the guild--can access my blog now. I don't know if any of them are reading it, but I just want to say that, regarding a certain past post of anger ranty goodness...that was only directed at one person. I'm not anti-gay (I don't really think I have a solid position on that to be honest)...I'm anti-that guy.

Well, hope the styrofoam gave people a laugh. Haha, until next time (which I promise won't be two minutes from now).

I'm Mad at Myself

Why am I mad? Because I'm being a brat, that's way. I'm mad at other people and things that I have no business being mad at. Worse, I feel bad for being mad for no reason. I snapped at my mom constantly through our telephone conversation when I had no reason to. In my head, I was mad at Preston for reasons that were stupid and...well, stupid covers it. I actually had NO reason to be mad at him or anyone.

I'm menstrual and it's showing. I really hate that because it produces this anger. It also produces a self-loathing because I'm aware that I have no reason to be angry at half the things I get angry about.

On a lighter note, Laura is trying out to be mascot for Belgreen. They sprang a surprise try out prelimanary on both her and the other girl trying out. The people didn't like the other girl because she didn't move enough in her freestyle. However, they oohed and awed over Laura, saying she looked like a puppy (our mascot is the bulldog, in case anyone forgot). Well, proud of you, Laura!

23 and Guess What's on My Brain...?

I turned 23 on Sunday (and had a fantastic b-day). And I blame a combination of myself and Slink (with a dash of Preston) for my current train of thought.

Weddings. I plan on my wedding to take place on the first on second weekend in November in 2010. That means, I've got to get on the ball! Slink started by reminding me that I must start my wedding book. I agreed. I now have a journal (the lovely gray one given to me by Savvy) dedicated to this task. Then, along with my b-day gift, she had found for a quarter the pocket edition of Weddings for Dummies. Now, I just ordered the bigger, full edition along with its companion that helps you further plan things out.

Weddings, weddings, weddings. That's all I can think about! Laura, Mom, Preston, and myself ended up looking at prom gowns and somehow, that led to wedding dress conversations. So much to think about...

I need to pick so many things out. And I've got a little over a year and no money (well, Preston says that his uncle and an aunt is giving us money...but...yeah...). I've got to get on the ball.

Any thoughts? Anyone?

Fingers to the Bone...Sort of...

Well, Fanfiction.net is working again. I've been keeping my promise to myself to keep my updates semi-regular (i.e. not two years apart!!).

Life is going pretty good. My grades are holding out at As or Bs (although I definitely see Cs in my future). And I've been pretty actively partcipating in the Guild of the Fantastic Quill Challenges.

I've got two completed original short stories that I'm going to post on fictionpress soon (tonight at best, tomorrow night at worst) that I look forward to hearing from everybody on! One of them was for my creative writing class last semester and the other was an essay assignment for my midterm in my Oral Tradition class.

I'm slowly working on my goal of having 100 fanfictions started by the end of this semester. I'm at 77. I have ideas for two one-shots (one chapter stories), and I've got at least one chapter length one I intend to start soon enough. And with the challenges being of both fanfiction and original fiction origin, I'll meet this goal, no prob!

Well, that's all for me. Feel a little tired right now (but I'm at work, that's normal!), so I'm going to go! See ya!

P.S. Sunday is my birthday! I turn a dreaded 23! I expect love and sweets (lol) to make me forget this!!

Fanfiction.net, You'll Be the Death of Me

Okay, so let's start out with the good news. Dru had her babies!!! She's just fine, and she had six, adorable kittens! They're so precious!!!!

Bad news...wouldn't you know it? Wouldn't you just f**king know it that when I finally get inspired enough to kick out the next chapter of Pardoning the Prince...the login feature at fanfiction.net is messed up. I discovered this last night. It continues to this very moment. It says to "check back in a few minutes." Uh...fanfiction.net admins, it's been hours. What EXACTLY is your definition of a few damn minutes?

This same problem is also going on at fictionpress.com, by the way. They're run by the same people, in case you didn't know.

So, when do I get to post my chapter? Lord only knows!

Oh well, maybe I can write a couple more tonight and shock the fanfiction world with a bunch of updates!

Well, it's off to work for me. See you later! Oh, and fanfiction.net, if you're not working by the time I get off...I'm emailing your asses!!

A Reason to Blog...Return of the Ex

You know, I've been looking for one. Things have been going pretty good for me. I'm really back into a writing swing. And I'm loving it! I'm working hard on some Guild challenges...trying to keep my quill inked, as it were. So, there really hasn't been much to blog about. Work's fine, school is going okay...

And then he called. Savvy's ex...the bane of all our existances. He calls tonight, all weepy and sad. He says that it really "hurt him" that we won't answer. That he still wants to be friends. That he's sorry if it's "Savannah that's coming between us." I almost answered. Ariyana almost had to grip my arm. We ranted for an hour.

That selfish bastard. He hurts? How about us? What he's said behind my back, Slink's back? Kimmi's back? Behind Savvy's...not to mention what he said to her face! This little butt-sexed weasel thinks that he can whine and it's all going to be okay. Thinks he's the victim! Lord help him the next time he decides to pull that shit! I'll rip him a new one! I'll call him things that'll make a sailor blush!

I wish he would just fade away. Why can't he take a hint? Slink and I are trying to be nice and just let him fade out of our lives. However, he just keeps crawling back. We're about to have to take a knife and cut the cord. The bastard...he hurts? Really? He doesn't know hurt. He insults me. He insults, more importantly, my friends...and he's sorry? He can go fuck himself with a stick for all I care. The heartless bastard doesn't deserve friends, and I don't think he'll ever have a true friend. And in that, I pity him.

Go to hell, you bastard. Don't call our dorm again...if you know what's good for you.

Worried About my Kitty...

My Dru is pregnant. I'm worried that this will be the death of her. She's a very weak-willed cat.

Well, everyone please send out good thoughts about my poor kitty. I'll be back for a real blog later.

Losing Respect for the Belmont Clan...

Yeah, Castlevania: Judgment will cause you to do that. I've lost some respect for the whole Belmont Clan. The two present in the game are such arrogant pricks. I mean, Trevor's all right...I mean, he's worlds better than Simon--see last post. But he's still egotistical. He's all "Ooo, look at me. Look at my powerful whip. I'm a Belmont. See? See? Look. Look. Know what that means? Means I'm powerful, yeah. People come to me for help in defeating Dracula. I rock." Pleh. I'm watching these two's storylines, and I find myself hoping a little bit to see their asses get kicked. I wonder if they're all like that? This is where fanfiction comes in handy.

Oh, and there's this scene in Trevor's storyline where he wants to fight Alucard at his full power to see if he can take him. Of course, the guy who posted these videos did so by what character he played through the game with, so Trevor's gonna win. But I couldn't help but say (aloud, sadly, to my computer) "No frickin' way you could take Alucard. He would SO kick your ass if this wasn't your storyline!"

Okay, sorry about another Judgment rant from me.

I Hate Simon Belmont

Okay, so the title says it all. I really, frickin' hate the Castlevania character of Simon Belmont. I found this guy on youtube that has all the storys for the Castlevania fighting game, Castlevania: Judgment. So far, I've watched Simon's story, Maria Renard's story, Shanoa's story, and Alucard's story. Maria's isn't as bad as I was led to believe. Shanoa's is boring if you're also playing Order of Eccelsia--which I am. Alucard's story is awesome...but his voice actor sucks. And then there was Simon...Simon, Simon, Simon. He is such an egotisical man-whore. I hate him so much.

Anyhow, so I thought that my wireless card for my laptop had died. I nearly had a heart attack, and thought I had to wipe my computer. But then, I did a system restore...and ta da! I was so frickin' happy!!!

Well, that's all from me!

Ecstasy in the Form of a Laptop

My pretty new computer came in today!! Whee! I'm so happy! It's got a DVD-RW multi-drive and a webcam...which is weird. The cam works when I'm online, but not if I'm not. It doesn't have a driver for it on the computer. Strange, huh? Slink says I'll just have to find some software I like. I agree. I might go do that here in a second and see if I can find some for free.

I also have Word 07!! Fun!

Feeling Somewhat Productive

Well, my money problems are over. My check was in the mail Friday. I even felt extra independent, because I walked to the bank by myself. I even felt more independent today because I walked to Fred's and Subway (the one off campus. Ours is closed on the weekend. Apparently, no one eats on Saturday and Sunday) today.

Good news, I killed the ants. Lol, let me explain for those who might not know. For some God-only-knows reason, Slink and I have an ant invasion on her side of the dorm. We have no food out that would attract ants--we've checked! So, using 99% of her Mark's body spray, Slink managed to stop them. That was, until this morning.

I woke up way earlier than I usually do on a Sat., probably why my eyes feel heavy right now. I get up, go the bathroom, climb back into bed, try to sleep, can't, get back up, and turn on the lights. There, en masse, are ants making there merry little ways all over the side of the wall, in a nice, neat little line. There were so many! Well, I can't live like that. I hate bugs. If I can't run from them, I have to kill them. Thus, my walk to Fred's, where I purchased garbage bags, bandages--cut my finger, have no idea how--and most importantly, bug spray. Those little suckers are dead! Mwah hahahaha!

So, I took out the trash, took a shower, ate my subway lunch, and posted this blog. I've still got a ton of stuff to read, but at least I'm getting some of it done. But now I'm paranoid that ants are going to come and get me.

Different Semester...Same Problems...Sort Of

So, I haven't got my loan check. Surprised? I'm not. Now, it's not going to be as long as it was last semester (I'm going to have it no later than Wednesday, I think), but this is ridiculous! I need my books! I had to use, like, half my paycheck to get like, three of them. Of like, 10 or more! All costing out the ass! This is ridiculous! If I was that loose with my money on books--and trust me, I love me some books--I would have bought the Special Editions of Harry Potter with the extra art in them instead of the regular old hardbacks. Jeez! Well, that's all from me!

Addition to '09 Pub Challenge

In addition, to Vampire Hunter D Volume 12: Pale Fallen Angels (not pictured), I'll be reading Charlaine Harris's next Sookie Stackhouse novel, Dead and Gone. I'm looking foward to it! Out in May!

Return from the Holidays + Near Death Experience

Okay, so, except for a very few things...my holidays sucked. You've got to know me. Christmas is my thing. I decorate for it, I cook for it, I use the phrase "Christmas Spirit" like it's air; I even sing Christmas songs around the house, for crying out loud!

So, this Christmas holiday started out okay. Got a little bit of snow...which made the night beautiful (It was a full moon. I regret not taking a picture). I haven't seen snow even close to that in years. I loved it. Got my shopping finished. That's where it all went wrong. I ran out of money. Seriously, I had $0 in my account. I nearly had a panic attack (because I should not have run out) in the car. If it hadn't been for Mom and Preston, I would have had fees to pay for. And I might still. I have to check. If I do...I'm just screwed. More on that later.

So then, Christmas Eve shows up. The plans that Mom has made, she breaks. Our water pipes are busted and we aren't able to fix them until after Christmas, and one of our electrical breakers are busted. We open our gifts (my sister tactlessly counting that she has less than me). On Christmas Day, the day of our big meal, my mother has a stomach virus or food poisoning or something. This lasts until, like, the 27th or 28th. Oh, and did I forget to mention that I pulled a muscle in my back while decorating the house? Yeah, well, I did.

Preston fixes the water, Mom gets to feeling better, Dad gets the dirt on Laura, and everything is looking up. I go to New Years with my friends. My muscle injury (probably worse than a pull) starts to act up. Then, the muscles along my spine start seizing up and unseizing so suddenly and painfully that each time, it knocks the breath out of me.

So, finally, I get to return to my Fortress of Semi-Solitude. The dorm. Things are bloody fantastic! I love the dorm! And then...my computer won't turn on. Won't even try to turn on. I have no f@$king computer. So, instead of waiting for Mom and Dad's income tax so they can help me buy I laptop...I have to fork out the funds all on my lonesome. I'm still asking for the money from them. I need it. Oh, and my battery charger died. So, no more AAA batteries for you, Mr. MP3 Player.

My back is still hurting like a bitch. And as for my near death experience? Kind of funny actually. Slinky asked me if I wanted to try a hazel nut. Since I had never really tried one before, I said yeah. Within seconds, my tongue started to itch and my throat felt weird. I could still breath but it felt like...I don't know...like I had strep or something. She gave me an allergy pill and I'm feeling better. I've never had an allergic reaction like that before. Ah, to new experiences.

On plus sides, I got some fanfiction done. I've got to type it and post it. And I discovered that I love the show House! It's frickin' awesome!! Okay, that's all from me.

Grateful that the damn nut didn't kill me,

Trish