So ... oh em gee ...  I can haz Little Little ?!  Yes ... yes I can :)

When we got the news last night my Little was SO SO excited!!!  Basically she's wanted a Little for awhile now - but being abroad last semester kind of made that impossible.  So now, she finally has her chance!  And she LOVES her new Little - I do, too!  Out of all the new babies in the pledge class, my new Little Little is one of my favorites!!

Basically, there was much screaming and hugging.  There has already been much spending at the Campus Shop.  There has been planning and much joy and merriment!  Basically, I love thissss!  And I love how happy it has made my Little :)

Other than that?  Beautiful day.  Crepes this morning, thanks to the lovely Ali and Kelly.  Lab work going on track, which is excellent.  Hoping to get a lot done and also have lots of fun this weekend!  Also, I have to cash some checks and return my library book.  And do some actual work for classes, too, I guess :P

But right now basically I love life!

Nothing - absolutely NOTHING - is happening to the world on December 21st 2021, except for the annual winter solstice. 

I am getting SO sick and tired of the doomsday predictions.  But more than that - I am starting to get scared that all of the hype is actually starting to affect people.  Read: There are nut jobs out there who actually believe the doomsday theories associated with the 'resetting' of the Mayan calendar.  I mean, please.  There isn't a shred of scientific of historical evidence to support these theories.  The most amazing historical gap is the fact that, according to Mayan scholars, the Mayans themselves did not ever indicate or predict that this new baktun cycle would mark the end of the world, any more than the end of our calendar year predicts anything catastrophic. 

There is, in fact, nothing that could happen to the WHOLE WORLD like the predictions would suggest.  No change in solar activity that would affect us.  No spontaneous dissolution of the atmosphere or magnetic field.  No dramatic splitting of the earth's crust or eruption of all the supervolcanos.  It is not possible for pieces of coastline to just break off and fall into the ocean...or underlying asthenosphere.  There is no near earth object on its way to kill us - scientists will know of such an object long before it comes - and there is NOT one scheduled for 2012 or at any point in the forseeable future.  Gravity will not suddenly change.  The earth/sun will not suddenly start to spin faster.  NOTHING IS GOING TO HAPPEN.

Paul McCartney said it best, "It's just another day..."

The only thing that scares me is that my fellow, largely uneducated human beings will take these doomsday predictions to heart and act accordingly.  This is why I don't even think it's funny to JOKE about 2012...  The ignorant masses are the only legitimate threat...

I'm starting to get really excited about not having a meal plan next year.  I've never found the dining hall food to be wonderful - though it's certainly tolerable, and even good sometimes.  However, the big problem is that even in the buffet-style dining halls, there is VERY little selection in any given day, and very little variety on a weekly basis.  When I eat there, I usually find myself settling for food that I don't really like (or that I am tired of eating) just because there is nothing else and I'm hungry.

The advantages, of course, are the convenience of walking in to find readily-prepared food and the social aspect of dining with friends.  However, what are we willing to pay for convenience?  Most meal plan prices budget for roughly $10 per meal.  If you count all of these meals as "dining out" that starts to make sense.  After all, the cost covers the dining hall employees, the facility, and all the food (eaten or uneaten).  But if you consider that this food is substandard to most restaurants AND that it's not good to eat that type of food on a daily basis, the advantages start to pale in comparison to the costs.  Realistically, you can eat BETTER, healthier food for LESS money if you shop for your own groceries and cook your own food.  And the social aspect, for me, is covered as I live in a house with 16 other girls, several of whom are also without meal plans.  It may not take less TIME overall (but probably not much more), and I may miss out on the occasional "dining hall" social engagement...  But I have definitely noticed myself dining there as a "social" event less often each year, and I can always meet people for food at a local restaurant or bring my own food and eat just outside of the dining hall.  There may even be the occasional time when I select to dine at the "a la carte" style dining hall.  But it will ALWAYS be cheaper and healthier to go without a meal plan.

Another weekend of camping.  This time, it wasn't mandatory.  But it's not like making it optional would have stopped me from going:P  Even when I am drowning in work, I will take any excuse to avoid it;)  

But before we left, I had to get through my typical Friday.  I was graced with a few extra moments to call my own, as my 9:00 class and my 11:00 class both ended early.  The former allowed me to check email before chem, and the latter allowed me time to get lunch and arrive on time to the Geo Brown Bag lunch:)  The Brown Bag culture is so interesting.  Some geo kids don't *ever* go.  Most geo kids go, but only *sometimes*.  I literally go every single week that I can.  And mostly, the only times that I *can't* go have been related to class (I had a MWF 12pm class last semester - NEVER AGAIN).  Clearly, it's not a mandatory event, but to go is to pay homage to the student presenting.  Also, I think the faculty really appreciate it when we go!  So, I always go.  And I love it.  I really enjoyed Morgan's talk - "What Lies Beneath - Benthic Sediment Transport."  After Brown Bag, I had the Numerical Modeling Seminar (not my favorite, but I am pulling through).  And then my advisor sat down with his three students (I thought there were four, but it may be that only three of us attended this because we are all giving our talks this Monday, and the fourth is not) for us to practice our research proposal presentations.  It was such a good step, because we all had things that we needed to fix.  And I intend to spend a decent amount of time practicing it tomorrow...  

And THEN we left on the field trip.  There isn't too much to say about Friday night.  It rained, which is unfortunate.  But I had excellent rain gear to wear, so I was fine.  My tent leaks, but I stayed dry somehow.  (I am getting a new tent SOON*)  We had burritos for dinner and homemade salsa, which was DELICIOUS!  I love geology cooking - it simply can't be beat.  And we had s'mores stuff for dessert, but there was no fire, which was unfortunate.  After food, we all stood around chatting.  Quite a few of the people who were there are also going to California with me this summer ... and I have to say ... I couldn't be more excited:)  It's going to be the most fantastic trip in every way!  And then I get to come back and go to Laura's wedding, and then shall commence the remainder of my summer.  Research, research ... and possibly babysitting?

So, after we got back from the trip (I won't go into the geeky rock details, but there were some pretty fab outcrops - and it didn't rain during the day at all!) I rushed around to get my camping stuff to my house, get my car, and take a shower.  I barely made my 8pm babysitting appointment - for my advisor's daughter, Megan.  OMG SHE IS SO ADORABLE!  I can't even begin to describe.  I think the reason I like babysitting so much is because I'm an only child, and I forget how exciting it is to talk to kids.  She's 10 and she's so smart!  We carried on a rousing conversation between and after Legally Blonde.  She had never seen it, but her parents said it was okay - even though as I was watching it, it's a lot more crude than I realized/remembered.  I had to explain things that...were awkward.  And occasionally some pop-culture references, like the Taco Bell dog and whether Princeton is a good school.  Greg and Sarah encouraged me to eat, and as I hadn't eaten anything yet, I had a piece of their veggie shepherd's pie, which was quite delicious.  Then Megan and I had ice cream cookies for dessert, which were also delicious!  Anyway, we had a lot in common - and thus, a lot to talk about.  I was kind of bad babysitter, because I didn't make her go to bed on time.  And, I realized when she finally did get in bed, I didn't make her brush her teeth.  Though, one night isn't going to do too much damage.  I do hope I get to babysit her again.  I gave her some suggestions for books to read that I enjoyed at her age (Holes, Bridge to Terabithia, and The Witches) and my phone number if she had any questions about them!  

You know, I didn't exactly have time to spend the evening babysitting - and I had to go out of my way to rush and get there on time (we're talking 2 minute shower and no hair-drying).  But at the same time, I was really flattered that Greg had asked me.  And I ended up having a delightful, relaxing evening hanging out with a really cool kid and watching one of my favorite movies!  

I'm going to bed soon, so that I can have a really productive day tomorrow!

This thought has occurred to me recently ... Why do I always fall for the WRONG kind of guys?  The totally impractical, "you should really just be friends" kind of guys.  Why?  I've even dated them, and it doesn't end well.  But the ending is even more bittersweet when there is never any dating and only awkward.

I would like to learn to play pool.  Among other things.

On another note, Spring Break has been awesome:)  Full of funny moments & lots of good, clean fun:

We've wandered around downtown Charleston (while volunteering) on a beautiful, sunny day.  We've gone to see a zany, hilarious play.  We've gone to the beach.  We've gone salsa dancing.  We're planning to go to a karaoke bar Friday evening.   

I can has Charleston forever?  Please?

Today I took two midterms...
Today I got some really sad news.  But don't ask me about it.
Today I ate brunch and semi-lunch among people with whom I don't usually dine, but it was nice!
Today I walked around in a t-shirt. (Tuesday was the coldest day in the 'burg since the 1920s.)
Today I ran around like a headless chicken.
Today I got to see my godmother for the first time since 8th grade.

Tomorrow I will be going to South Carolina.
Tomorrow I will be driving for 8+ hours.
Tomorrow I will be going non-stop from 8am probably until midnight.
But I am going on a service trip with awesome people.  And I am truly excited:)

Why am I not packing?  Srsly.

(If you'd like to walk with me along the trail of life, comment here!)

This weekend, I did a whole lot of nothing...punctuated by random exciting and productive moments.  Friday night = NKE Scavenger Hunt ( = awesome pledges, mix CDs, and singing on Barret Porch with JoBeth).  Saturday morning = volunteering at 4-H ( = getting up EARLY, spending a lovely morning outdoors, and meeting a really awesome new friend!).  Saturday afternoon = sitting around and watching The Office, and Saturday evening = sitting around and watching The Office with my little:)  Sunday = hanging out with mom, doing an Easter Egg hunt (apparently I will never be too old?), and taking Bonnie to the dog part.  Sunday evening = PRODUCTIVITY (but still no reading for my classes, which is probably NOT a good thing...)

I came to a realization the other day.  I think I may be incapable of not being entertained.  I can sit on my butt for hours, true...but my mind cannot survive without being entertained.  To sleep, I have to listen to music or something so that my mind does not wander and keep me up.  To just sit around, I have to always be doing something...music, reading, internet...or else I get panicked that I am WASTING TIME or something.  Can I not just ever sit around and do NOTHING?? 

Well...that's what I had to say, I suppose:)  I got into a program for this summer...The Phoenix Project in Petersburg.  I am still waiting to hear from all of my REUs, and if I get accepted (with conditions) to Furman's program, I will do that.  Otherwise, I am definitely doing the Phoenix Project!  Rho Chi interview today, too!  Woohoo.  Okay, must go shower and activate new phone.

Well, I'm mostly just on here to say...that I won't be on here very much.  I have internet at the Resource Management office in the park, but websites like facebook and livejournal are banned (because they're government computers).  I can't even access them on my own time!  So, I am forced to come to the tiny little library (which is where I am now), but I doubt that I'll make it here more than once a week.  

Generally, I'm having a great time.  There are certainly challenges, but I'm facing them and pushing my own limits.

The only thing that keeps me connected on a daily basis to those of you in other places is email.  And if you are inclined to email me, I'll probably love you forever.  I like it here, but I really do miss all of you that aren't here with me!  Email at joyfulmusician@hotmail.com.

People keep asking me just what I'd like to do after I graduate (note: the askers are only other freshmen and curious adults...upperclassmen know better than to expect a reasonable answer).  But I'm not thinking about that now.  I'm thinking about the stuff in the next year or so.  I'm thinking about my classes this semester, and how lucky I am to be in them all (they're amazing!).  I'm also thinking about how much less fun my classes less semester will be...but that's the price I have to pay.  I'm thinking about the rest of the semester and my newly formed spring break plans.  I feel like I've already got to have all these things figured out!  I'm seriously thinking (and getting stressed out, even!) about my supper plans.  What will I do?  When will I get all the applications in?  When will I even decide which applications I'd like to fill out?  

I'm thinking about my grades...  Because I did well last semester, I know that I have the ability to do well.  Therefore, I have no excuse not to do well.  And I'm thinking seriously about a Monroe project...because I have this hope that I'll qualify for Monroe.  But I'll only qualify if my grades remain good.  I'm thinking about resume stuff and about all the clubs that I'm involved in along with the work that I'm starting...  But I'm confident that if I just take things in stride, I'll be able to balance it all. 

On January 19th, I'm going to see WICKED on Broadway!!!!  
And I have a REALLY GOOD SEAT!

And on a sad note, there may be a problem with having Joel Salatin come on the 22nd...because the other people have decided that our Earth Day stuff will be on the 21st, for whatever reason.  So, that's a bummer.  But hopefully, it will work out.

I have officially booked Joel Salatin to come speak at 
W&M's EARTH DAY 2007 celebration!!!  I'm so excited!

He's cited in The Omnovire's Dilemma, which everyone should read, and he's written several books of his own.

Since so many of you guys have decided where you're going to college, I thought I would congratulate you all and commemorate the happy events by way of this journal entry.

Congratulations to:

Emily - Virginia Tech
Kerri - James Madison University
Meris - Christopher Newport University
Rachel - Rensselaer (probably)
Nikki - University of Virginia
Amanda - University of Virginia
Caitlin - Virginia Tech
Laura - William and Mary
Mary B - Florida State University
Mary H - Virginia Tech
Steph V - Hollins University
Sarah A - Concord (with a FULL RIDE)
Tyler - Cornell University
Carly - University of Virginia (probably)
Teddy - University of Virginia OR Virginia Tech
Victoria - James Madison University
Hillary - Virginia Commonwelth University

(Other Friends)
Colena - Mary Baldwin
Steph - University of Michigan (with a FULL RIDE)
Alison - George Mason University
Brian - William and Mary
Amallie - William and Mary
Maria - William and Mary

If I'm dumb and have forgotten anybody (or just need to update my information), let me know via comment.  And, again, congratulations to us all!  We did it!

First kiss.

( EDIT: A few more than two. )

I GOT INTO WILLIAM AND MARY!!!

what I've been wanting say for over a month now.

I have a boyfriend: ). And not just any boyfriend. Matt's my boyfriend. After all, he did ask me out this evening. Oh yes...how awesomely exciting.

And now, I'm going to go skipping off into the heavens. Right now, I don't think my life could be any more perfect.

So, SCA was amazing. My room is redecorated. I wrote an amazing piece for the W&M supplement essay. I got two 5's on two AP exams. My final SAT combined score is 1390/2110 (depending on the scale being used). My class rank is 7. I am sort of tan (enough for me). I still have a month to do summer assignments and other things.

Everything. Rocks.