Hello “dead week”

Posted on Monday, 1 December 2014, 1:52 by Alexandra

I realized tonight that I have more due this week. My list is so long now! Monday: Transportation group project meeting at 9am, Transportation homework due at noon, Sustainable Environments group project meeting sometime in the afternoon. Tuesday: Transportation midterm (based on the homework I still haven’t done and don’t understand at all). Wednesday: Sustainable Environments project is due. Thursday: Transportation project due + presentation, Transportation lab FINAL and 2 page paper due (we get the assignment on Tuesday evening). Finals week will be nothing compared to “dead week”. Thursday evening couldn’t come sooner…

Today I gave the homework a real shot, but I seriously couldn’t solve a single problem. I am screwed. If I mess this homework and midterm up I will have to ace the extra credit assignment (which is pretty much Greek as well). No one’s been home this week so I couldn’t ask anyone either. Sucky situation. If I don’t get a C in this class I won’t be able to take Public Transportation next quarter and I really want to take that one. I’m sure it will work out the way it is supposed. If I don’t get that class I will probably have to take more Environmental Engineering classes which won’t be too bad either I guess. And even if I am on the wait list to Urban Planning I’ve heard that it’s not too hard getting into it when classes start. Nope, not worth worrying about now.

I started my study guide for the final in the lab I have on Thursday. That was the most productive thing I did today. I really hope I can get some help from Eric and Johann with the homework a after we put together our presentation. I am a bit worried for the first time in a long time to be honest.

Now I really need to go to bed! Hello no-life for a week…

A boring day

Posted on Saturday, 29 November 2014, 22:56 by Alexandra

I had looked forward to this weekend for quite a while, my alone time. But now when it is here I can’t wait for my roommates to get back here. I’ve been so very bored today I didn’t know what to do with myself. I was gonna study, but I only did one of the many things I should have done. Well, when I think about it, it isn’t too bad since I don’t care about the grades. But now anyway, my two projects are more or less done. I didn’t start to look at the homework, but I will do that all day tomorrow.

I started to pack today and I also did a little research on weather and such, apparently it will be awesome weather all the time (80F in the air, 77F in the water), maybe some rain on Puerto Rico, but December is a very nice time to go there according to the Internet. Even if I ordered a new suitcase today, I decided to try the challenge of living in a carry-on suitcase and a backpack for 23 days. I think it will work. But all the hostels have laundry facilities so I might just pack lighter and use the washing machines there. I don’t wanna pack too much, I wanna be able to bring home stuff I buy too. I have gotten really excited again and actually a bit nervous. I am doing this all by myself! It is a long trip, more than three weeks, all on my own. I feel that this should give me some grownup points. And I am pretty sure that I will find people to hang out with while I am there.

Oh, by the way, I think they shut of the heat in the apartments this week. I’ve been freezing my toes off all day!

No, I think I will go to bed now and hope for a more productive day tomorrow. Goodnight!

Thanksgiving and Black Friday

Posted on Friday, 28 November 2014, 23:19 by Alexandra

This post used to contain pictures, but due to new storage limitations from WordPress, I had to fix the problem and decided to create a new blog that works as an archive for all the posts from my two years in California. This full post can be found here.

I am home again after a fun few days in Glendora. I have to say that the five hours on the train home went by very quickly. I had a big comfortable seat, a lot of space in front of me so I could have my legs straight out, the seat was adjustable, and the view of the ocean was stunning. I read the whole time and actually finished half a book. But as soon as the water was close I just couldn’t read. I just sat there, watching the glittery water, the surfers, and the dolphins. It made me realize that I wanna end up in California one day. This is where I am at my happiest, where I love myself the most, where I am the best version of me. I have no idea how it will happen, it will probably take time, but one day I wanna make California my real home. The ocean is a great therapist.

Mondos Beach where we surfed the other week.The view was like this a big part of the way and it was incredible! Sometimes the train was so close to the shore that you just saw water down below.

So, yesterday was Thanksgiving, my favorite American holiday. I love food! We went to one of Lori’s friends and spent a few hours there. It wasn’t the close family and then us, but different groups of people so we all fit in which was great. The food was amazing! And one of their cats loved me and he was beautiful and I just wanted to take him home with me. But I don’t think anyone would believe that I am depressed or anything else and need a cat for medical reasons…

After we were done eating my stomach hurt a lot so we just sat in the backyard talking for a while in the amazing warmth of Los Angeles winter. It was 90F yesterday, crazy, haha.

Today we had to leave the house early so I could make it to the Union Station and go home. 5.5 hours later I was back in SLO, and it was really warm here too. I waited in the sun for the bus for 45 minutes and read. Revenge of Seven is really good, but it is the second to last book in the Lorien Legacies series which is sad. It is a very good story. I came home, unpacked, and started Black Friday (online) shop. Today was the day to buy stuff from everywhere so now I have all my Christmas gifts figured out and I also spoiled myself with some clothes from Hollister and Abercrombie. I need more tops because I use the same all the time. And it was 50%, even 70% on some things, so I don’t feel bad. I kinda feel that I wanna buy a new suitcase as well. I am starting to have second thoughts when it comes to my challenge of packing 23 days in a carry-on bag and a backpack. I won’t need much clothes, so it might work. But Kohl’s as this crazy-ass sale on Samsonite luggage this time of year and I know for sure that I will need another suitcase when I leave, so I might as well buy it now, when it is $160 instead of $320. And if I buy it online it will be an extra 20% off. It might be worth it! I will think about it and consult with my mom first, she is smart and always gives me good advice.

I was planning on going to bed early, but that is always easier said than done. I will now though, and then continue to read. I so look forward to Winter Break when I will be able to read as much as I possibly can. Can’t wait! 13 days left. How did that happen? Where did the days go?? Am I really going to paradise for more than three weeks, in less than two? UNREAL!

On my way home to my village. I live very far away from campus (1mile), but it is still on campus. This view is ahead of me every day when I am walking to my classes. Bishop’s Peak. I am gonna hike that one day!Poly Canyon Village (PCV); home sweet home!

Thanksgiving break in LA

Posted on Wednesday, 26 November 2014, 22:36 by Alexandra

I am safe and sound in LA after a long drive from SLO yesterday. Kelsey and I left right after her class ended, and after packing the car, bying roadtrip coffee, and so on, we were on our way at 4pm. We didnt arrive until 8:30. So you could say that we were pretty hungry.

Before going to Glendora, where her aunt lives, we stopped in Beverly Hills to meet up with Axel from my high school class. I haven’t seen him since graduation so that was a fun little reunion. We had dinner at Cheesecake Factory and I had my favorite, Chicken farfalle with roasted garlic. So freaking good!! I got half of it with me home in a box and I will save it for Friday dinner. For dessert we had a cheesecake each. I had the ultimate red velvet and it was delicious as I remembered it!

At 11pm we parted ways and we had 45min to Glendora. Her aunt greeted us and we stayed up for two hours talking. She is really nice.

Today we woke up at 8, that’s what happens when a two-year old lives in the house. He is super cute and today was his birthday. We chilled for a while after eating breakfast at a mexican place nearby and then at 3pm we threw a little party for him at his preschool, with cupcakes and juice and funny hats. Our next stop was at a fruit and juice place called La Tropicana where we ate bionico, a fruit salad pretty much with a creamy sweet sauce on top. It was really good.

Then back to the house where we chilled some more. I think I took one or two accidental naps. I don’t know why i am so tired… Ate a little cheesecake, talked and went to bed at ten. Super awesome time to go to bed!

Tomorrow’s Thanksgiving and I am very excited. I love Thanksgiving! We are going to a friend of Kelsey’s aunt.

Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.

Axel, Kelsey, and, I.

Tourists in Beverly Hills.

Mockingjay Part I

Posted on Monday, 24 November 2014, 22:56 by Alexandra

This morning I was supposed to get up at 9am to study and be productive. But instead, I snoozed for two hours and did laundry. My bed is way too comfortable with this memory foam mattress. (Not complaining, I LOVE MY BED)

Kelsey and I went to the movies today and we saw, like you probably guessed, Mockingjay Part I. It was a long time ago I read the books but I loved the movie and it felt like it was very similar to the book. Well, the first half of the book. I am glad I know what will happen, otherwise I would go nuts with that ending.

Before that we went to Target, where I bought a few things, chocolate included, but also snacks for my long airplane ride in two weeks. I realized today that I won’t have meals served and it is 13 hours so I need something. I bought bars and that should work with the occasional coffee on the layovers.

I tried to study some, but gave up before I even started. I did finish my study guide for Sustainable Environments, so something got done. I might do something tomorrow before Kelsey and I leave for Los Angeles. I am excited for that trip. I think I will be able to update, but if not, I will be back in SLO Friday afternoon for a whole weekend of alone-time and studying.

Shopping

Posted on Sunday, 23 November 2014, 22:01 by Alexandra

No studying happened today. I don’t feel bad, because I know that if I tried it wouldn’t have worked… Not in the mood for it. But I’m sure it will be fine anyway. Today was all about shopping, and more specifically jeans shopping. I have one pair of jeans and I am not just getting tired of them, they are starting to fall apart and I don’t wanna realize one day that there is a big hole in an inconvenient place and then have nothing to wear. So I bought a pair of Bullhead jeans today for $45. It’s an okay price, especially if you compare to Swedish prices. I also bought my first Christmas gift, but I still have no idea whatsoever on what to get my roommates. I am not good with gifts… And the last thing I bought was three pair of Calvin Klein underwear.

When we were done, Kelsey, Pelle, and I went to In ‘n Out for dinner. Pelle paid for all of us which was very sweet of him. But on the other hand, Kelsey and I did get him a blanket. We were all super full after and I still am. I feel bad actually. I need to stop eating unhealthy. I’ve gained a few pounds the last couple of weeks…

When I came home I was in such a food coma that I didn’t feel like doing anything except watching a movie, so I watched The Anchorman until I fell asleep. Then I kept watching when I woke up and I was so not in the mood for studying when it was over. So I watched an episode of The 100 and now I am trying to buy a train ticket for Friday, but the Amtrak website is down. I will have to do it tomorrow instead. And also pack. Kelsey and I are leaving for LA on Tuesday.

I think I will go to bed now and hopefully wake up early tomorrow.

Serenity Swing hike

Posted on Saturday, 22 November 2014, 18:57 by Alexandra

Yesterday I started my day by discussing a project with Johanna and Courtney in our Sustainable Environments class. We are gonna put together a project proposal for a future project here in SLO. Courtney told us that after each school year and everyone has to move out of their places, everyone just throws everything away. They throw away stuff that new students will buy just a few months later. So we are gonna propose that a club will be started which will take care of this big waste of functioning things. In June, when school ends all of the things the students don’t want anymore will be picked up and stored during the summer for the new students to buy for a reasonable price when school starts up again for a month and then the leftovers will be donated to other organizations and the rest thrown away.

After that I was very restless so Kelsey suggested that I would go for a run. Why not? So I put on my workout clothes which has just been laying around for way too long and then decided to run to Serenity Swing and back. I actually walked most of the way up to the swing. I can’t run uphill with these stupid calves. And it was way too steep to run anyway. It was a real hike at the end. I was all alone up there, took a lot of beautiful pictures, rested for a while and then started walking back. But as soon as the steepest part was over I ran. And I kept running, all the way home. It felt good! But today it does not feel as good, I am so sore, especially my calves and hips. I walk like an old lady.

SLO in the background.

Then it was time to start studying. I have so much to do the next couple of weeks. So this upcoming week is Thanksgiving and we have a break from Tuesday. I am going with Kelsey to LA to hang out with her aunt and cousin for a few days. We are leaving on Tuesday and I will take the train back on Friday so I have the weekend in SLO. Because on Monday the week after (Dec 1^st) I have a homework due, I am also meeting up with two different project groups that day so all my research for that has to be done. On Tuesday (Dec 2^nd) I have a midterm, and on Wednesday one of the projects are due. On Thursday the other project is due and we are also presenting it at that time and in the afternoon I have a final. And in the upcoming week after that I have two more finals. But as soon as I am done with that I am off to the Caribbean for 23 days! I seriously can’t wait. But at the same time it sucks because that means that Kelsey is leaving and that is gonna be so sad…

I studied and pregamed at the same time which was a good combination. I actually got one of the projects almost done. Then Lauren, Kelsey, Ciara, and I went to a frat party with a Geek/Jock theme. One of the guys in our building invited us and we had a great time. I was a jock because I didn’t have any geeky clothes. And I am glad I went as a jock, everyone at the party was geeks. I got a lot of questions if I was on the basketball team, haha. That was funny. Ciara and Lauren left early so it was just me and Kelsey at the end. We walked home later and it was so much fun. We walked into a random house to use the bathroom and we took a break on the sidewalk. Fun times. When we came home, a lot of other guys stopped by and Kelsey and I cooked for all of us, haha. Scrambled eggs, bacon, bratwursts, and cornbread. A real feast at 3am.

The black light was really cool! My hair and my nails were shining like crazy.

I don’t know if anything is happening tonight, but I wouldn’t say no if something came up. I have been studying today and I did some errands so I wouldn’t feel too bad about it.

Today I slept until noon and when I woke up my whole body was sore. I wasn’t that hungover, but my body hurt! My poor calves, hips and calves… But it was totally worth it! Lauren, Kelsey, and I (Rachel is in LA this whole weekend) went to Target where I bought hygiene products (small bottles of schampo, conditioner, soap, sun screen, and toothpaste and then a couple of extra empty bottles) for my trip. I am not bringing a check-in bag to that trip so I need to bring small things of everything, and pack smart. That will be a challenge. But I think I will make it. We had lunch, all of us from different restaurants, Lauren form Panera Bread, Kelsey McDonalds and I Panda Express. It felt great eating something unhealthy, and the Coke was the best part! Coke is the best drink for hangovers.

I got a package today and I think it is my Patagonia jacket (that was way fast) and I ordered a GoPro floaty so my GoPro doesn’t sink if I lose it in the water. It will definitely be worth $11.

Now I should go back to studying, I had a long enough break.

Weekend ahead

Posted on Thursday, 20 November 2014, 22:02 by Alexandra

After two amazing weekends I feel very disappointed for this one. I don’t have any plans at all and I hate it. I feel restless and afraid that I will spend the whole weekend studying and go to bed at 9pm because of boredom. I’m sure something will come up at the last minute.

Today was a normal day of class. I found out that we will have another midterm in Transportation Engineering the week after Thanksgiving (Deadweek, the week before Finals week) and an extra credit assignment due during Finals Week. We have a homework due the Monday after Thanksgiving, the project in that class is due the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, and I have a Sustainable Environment project due Wednesday after Thanksgiving. Maybe I should study this weekend…

I can’t wait for Winter Break, it is only three weeks away today!

A chill day

Posted on Thursday, 20 November 2014, 1:31 by Alexandra

Today was a very chill day. I woke up, read some in Heir of Fire (not many pages left now, like 40), went to the Library for about 30 minutes to talk about our final project in Transportation Engineering, then back home, took a 3 hour nap. I didn’t wanna waste the whole afternoon so I watched an episode of The Flash and ate dinner and then I was so bored that I actually studied when I didn’t need to. I started to make a study guide for the final in Sustainable Environments. Go me!

In class we watched two movies and I wasn’t tired so I stayed focused the whole time. And at 10pm Kelsey picked me up and we went grocery shopping. Back home I had a cup or two of hot white chocolate and continued to study. I wasn’t tired. Now I am though, so I will go to bed, sleep for about 4 hours and then do my third last day of class before finals in three weeks.

Goodnight!

Midterm result

Posted on Tuesday, 18 November 2014, 21:53 by Alexandra

Let’s see, what happened today? First I got my Transportation Engineering midterm back and I did way way better than I thought. I got 71% (last time I got 66%) when mean was 78. With the curve it might be an okay grade. I am super happy about it!

Then there was architecture history class which went by really fast for once. Maybe because the professor went away from the subject and talked about blood sugar levels for 20 min?

During lunch I was at the UU Plaza with Kelsey. There was an event with the British boy’s frat, Pie Phi Psi. You pied guys in the frat and I think they raised money for something. Kelsey did both of the boys at the same time. It was funny. We had lunch together on campus and when I got home I was very very tired but started working on my Sustainable Environments paper which is due tomorrow.

Lab in the afternoon, Johanna and I got 25/30 points on our Civil3D road design. I am satisfied. My lowest grade in that class so far but it was a big assignment and it was hard. And grades doesn’t really matter for me anyway.

I was gonna go to Pint Night when I finished the paper after the lab, but I was too tired so I started watching Guardians of the Galaxy. I am one hour in, and I have to admit that it is not as bad as I thought it would be. The reason why I took a break was because I was about to fall asleep and wanted to update my blog. It will be so great getting many hours of sleep tonight!