Kindergarten Heartbreak

As I was running today, I remembered an extremely traumatizing experience from Kindergarten. At our graduation ceremony, we had to sing a song: "Teddy Bear's Picnic." Because I was great, I was chosen as one of two kids to sit on the steps, center stage. Boy was I thrilled. However, my teacher asked me if I knew the words to the song. Um, no. Therefore, I was demoted to the chorus with the other 30 kids in my class. I was very upset, to say the least! My friend Maggie now got to sing with Jackie instead of me. I thought it was total injustice. Just because I didn't know the words to the song I couldn't sing in the front. Goodness!

after our graduation--I guess I got over it

San Diego Adventure

My trip to San Diego was a success. The plane rides were very long and uncomfortable, but besides that, everything was great. San Diego itself was a pretty city--very clean. Its Gaslamp Quarter was bustling at all times of day, with plenty of restaurants and shops. The weather was colder than usual--I had to wear my jacket the whole time, but that did not deter any fun! The conference itself was eyeopening. Many talks went completely over my head but when I had one sliver of understanding, I felt golden.

view from hotel

the bay

buildings

the convention center, where the conference was

petco park

san diego

sunset walk home

Heading to San Diego

I literally listen to this album every day now. Mumford speaks to me. Anyway, I can't wait to see them in Rome! Eeek! But anyway, I'm heading to San Diego tonight. Super excited/nervous. That combination of emotions seem to be my general state recently. I've planned out my schedule for the JMM conference, tried figuring out when I will run, and just been waiting for my time to go! See you Saturday, Pennsylvania!!

Librarians

True Life: Librarians think I'm 12. Yes, I know I look young/I'm short, but the librarians at Abington Library always say something absolutely ridiculous about it. (Disclaimer: My family, more specifically my sister, uses the book/movie/CD request feature very often. I think my sister at one time had 30 items out.)

Story 1: In the summer, my sister and I were checking our books out. The librarian asked if we were twins. NO LADY, I'm only five years older than my sister. What the heck! (I sort of forgot how the story actually went but it was something like that. Or maybe she thought my sister was older than me. Either way, it was ridiculous.)

Story 2: Today. Let me act it out for you.
SETTING: library, around 2:30 p.m.
Me: Hello there nice librarian. Here is my card to check out this CD and book. This other card needs to check out this book.
Librarian: How ya doing hun? I'll take care of it. (Checks out my stuff.)
Librarian: Are you going somewhere? (Looks at sister's book about the best places to travel.)
Me: Well, actually I'm studying abroad next semester in Rome.
Librarian: Oh really??? I didn't know you graduated high school!
Me: Uh yeah lady. I'm actually a sophomore, you punk.
Librarian: Oh, where do you go?
Me: (Looking down at my La Salle sweatshirt) Uh, La Salle.
Librarian: Here you go hun. Have a great time in Rome!
Me: Whatever lady.

Then I proceeded to knock over all the shelves in the library like dominoes. Needless to say, I am writing this post from the township police station. I exchanged my one phone call for internet access. Hopefully I am released before my flight to San Diego on Tuesday. Lata, wish me luck and lenience!

Links and Such

Getting tired of being stuck home? Check out these links that are helping me stay somewhat sane.

• My coworker/friend Catherine is studying abroad in Galway, Ireland this semester. Read about her Irish adventures here.
• Loving me a whole lot of SEPTA, as usual. Some of these pictures are very cool.
• Arts and crafts anyone? These would be nice for school.
• Arguably the most inspiring thing I ever read.
• Who wants to buy me a present? Many can be found here. You might find something for yourself while you're at it.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend. In my life, there is relatively nothing different between my weekdays and my weekends but whatever. Spent today like normal: the Amory for Jimmy's track meet and five episodes of Dawson's Creek. I'd say it was a success.

2012

After a few days of looking back, I have decided to sum up my 2012. (Wait, when does the "new year" stop being the new year? So when does 2013 become the old year and 2014 become the new year???) Anyway,     I have learned (?), rather developed, two insights this past year: 1. Things happen for a reason and 2. Take risks.

When we had to pick classes last spring, I was worried about not getting the Honors classes I wanted. I really wanted a Civil Rights religion class but that was full. I opted to take economics. Boy was that a great thing. I loved econ so much! I am now a math/econ double major! The class was informative and fun and the people in my class were great (except for a select few but you can't win them all). Many things have happened and for better or for worse, have shaped my life in the past year. I might not realize the effect right now, but you know, things happen for a reason.

My game theory class taught me how to take risks. Obviously, before the class, I knew how to take a risk--act on an impulse that scares you. (I know that was confusing.) I just never took many risks. I'm one of the most conservative, abnormal nineteen-year-olds I know, especially with certain risks. (I do run around Philadelphia solo and many people think that is risky.) This fall, I have decided to study abroad in Rome, knowing no Italian. I have applied and been granted a scholarship for said study abroad. I am going to San Diego in less than a week for a math conference. I have said some controversial things to people. I have gone out on a school night (gasp!). I went outside during the hurricane. I have talked to my professors, written for the newspaper, and got two jobs on campus. I elected to run with faster girls when coach put me in a slower group. Etc, etc. I want to take more risks. Risk does not mean being foolish--it is about making smart, but scary decisions.

I guess the quote on my wall sums up 2012: "If you never try, you'll never know." 

Chilly in Philly

On this beautiful Wednesday (3 weeks until Rome!!), my mother and I went to Philadelphia to pick up my visa from the Italian Consulate. It was very chilly, although it wasn't too bad when we were in the sun. Anyway, picking up my visa went swimmingly, although we got there early. We walked around the Bourse for 35 minutes, looking at the same Philly, touristy souvenirs.

Independence Hall

The Bourse

Flat Explorer

Independence Hall

   

Independence Hall

inside the Bourse

"Statute of Liberty"

cemetery