Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Things and Thangs

Okay so for today's installment of rando news...

- Of Montreal has a new CD coming out sometime in January I believe (and correct me if I'm wrong)... BUT, the nice thing is that you can STREAM it by clicking THIS.

- There is a Cocktail party this Friday that I'm really excited about. Formal(ish) attire, and good friends. This week has sucked - I've taken 3 finals already. Therefore, I am completely looking forward to this. Pictures will probably be up on Sunday.


I guess that's all for now. Short and sweet will do it.

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Highly stressed? Check.

This week is just the beginning of the dreaded/much anticipated end of the semester. I have so much work to do and I feel like I'm drowning in it. The light at the end of the tunnel, to be cliche, is SO CLOSE. I'm almost done holding my breath. I'll get to go home next Friday (the first day of exams). I really lucked out and have papers/projects due which I've done ahead of time so it really saves me and gives me tons of time to study. Man, if only I had these sweet time management skills oh... Freshman year. Anyway, I'm excited by winter break will be EXTRA long. A trip to New York with some of the board members of '03 - '04 is in the works which I'm excited about. '03 - '04 seemed so long ago. :( I am really looking forward to this trip though. Nina's uncle has offered to let us stay in his loft. Carden said he wanted to drive so we REALLY lucked out. It's going to be obnoxtiously cold, but I can't wait. As long as I get to be with these guys, it doesn't really matter if it's -10 degrees or perfect and 73. Although... who knows, it's been really warm lately for the end of November. It's supposed to hit 70 tomorrow. We may luck out in New York. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

On that note, I really NEED to study. Keep your head held high these last few weeks are going to be lame, but just know that 27,000 others feel the exact same way! Take care of yourselves.

Sunday, November 26, 2006

It's that time of year again!

I've been listening to Christmas music for the past 48 hours almost non-stop and plan to continue to do so until December 25th. Call me a loser, but I LOVE this holiday. There was a ton of traffic getting back to school today - lots of accidents, then lots of random congestion which would normally annoy me to no end as my patience is about zero in traffic but because I had Christmas music playing, I was completely fine. Singing along... you know, just kicking it. It was awesome.

Now that I'm back at school, I realize I'm rather screwed when it comes to the work load I have in store for me this week, but I'm choosing to neglect that right now. :) Bad idea, I know.

Anyway, in other news... I added some videos from my trip home and you can check them out right here.

Friday, November 24, 2006

My Thanksgiving...

felt like it was a scene from a movie. It was amazing/completely random which I think describe my family quite well.

So I guess I might as well run through the highlights of this day with my family (27 in attendance).

1. My 2 year old cousin streaked during dinner. Straight up took EVERYTHING off and ran around the room. This is my life. Immediately, I knew that he would regret this one day. My grandfather took pictures and I'm sure they'll resurface when he's 14, insecure and attending his first homecoming.

2. My cousin Brian (12) made roast beef and mashed potatoes and it was really good. I don't think I can even make food like that and i'm 20.

3. My uncle made everyone Mojitos and drunk karoke proceeded. It's funny seeing men over 30 sing Mariah Carey's "Hero" in unison. Namely the part that goes, "you can find loveeee if you search within your SOULLL." I will probably laugh everytime I hear this song from now on because this image is forever burned into my memory.

4. My uncle after a few glasses of Merlot came up to me and said "I got you dawg" and did the chest pound thing. It was awkward.

5. My other uncle was pretty drunk and went table to table (there were 5 in all) telling all of us how thankful he was for having us in his life and then proceeding to name everything else he was thankful for and then repeating himself about 10 times throughout the night. He also gave us motivational speeches about how we should really just "live for the moment because we never know what tomorrow is going to bring."
Gosh, I love family.

Thursday, November 23, 2006

The one thing that gets me...

It's that season again and the bell ringers are out. You know, the Salvation Army ones that stand outside in the cold ringing away. I cannot say no to these people. It's my one weakness and they get me EVERY SINGLE TIME. I can't avoid them, I can't just turn and walk away. It's not fair! They get frail old people to ring the bells in negative 10 degree weather. THEY ARE SO GOOD at this game.

Take yesterday for instance. I was driving to the mall and it's raining hardcore outside. I'm stopped at a red light and this guy walking up and down the side of the road raising money for church in a poncho that is not even keeping him dry knocks on my window. DAMNIT! Ugh... so of course I gave in. I just can't help it. Even if the moeny wasn't going to his church, he was standing outside in the rain and it was cold! I just had to.

And that's what I hate about the Holiday season. I don't mind giving people money when I have it, but I hate the feeling of being guilted into giving people money. I don't think it's fair.
Turkey Lurkey Merky Jerky!

- I found the game "Risk" in my closet and I'm totally bringing it back to school. My roomates and I being the nerds that we are are completely OBSESSED with this game. We had "world domination" tournaments Freshman year. I always ruled South America.

- I've watched way too many episodes of Scrubs over the past few days. I think I'm going to finish up the 2nd season tonight. 3 more to go. I'm keeping my fingers crossed in hopes that one day when I'm an intern in a hospital somewhere that there is a Zach Braff that will just happen to be an intern there too.

- My uncle is having the extended fam over for thanksgiving tomorrow (technically today) and I'm really excited.

- Do people say the word "holler" anymore?

- This is old news but Tech beat Wake last weekend in football and it was pretty freaking sweet

- I don't want to go back to school.

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Tossing and Turning...

So I've been up thinking too much/watching Scrubs (just finished the first season, now I'm on to my second) and I turned the lights off 30 minutes ago and just can't sleep. This is supposed to be my week off where ideally, I should just be resting and relaxing, but that's not the case. Broken heart syndrome never seems to come at the "right" time. It's always during finals or the last day of the worst week of your life. Anyway, bitterness aside... like I said, I was thinking tonight and I've come to the realization that maybe, just maybe I've made a huge mistake. That perhaps while I was concentrating my energy on said heartbreaker, I completely neglected somebody who will mean more to me than he knows. I don't know if you've ever been in the same position - but it's the feeling of being completely enveloped in the idea of somebody "new and exciting" that you forget the ones who are "dependable and comfortable." In other words, I'm feeling a little down - not only because of the broken heart (which I will get over eventually), but because I lost sight of the important things/people in my life through all of this. I'm sorry. Plain and simple. I doubt anyone this is directed at is reading this... but for the ones that are, at least you guys can go on record and say that "Mary really was/is sorry." Girls can be idiots sometimes too... SURPRISE!

In all seriousness though, I know I've been hard on myself lately and I suppose that's because I feel like I have no control over what's happening in my life right now. I mean I'm doing well in school and all that, but that's not the point. I feel like I'm at a point in my life right now where socially and personally I'm supposed to know where things are going. I feel like by now, I should have my shit together for lack of better words that come to mind. And I guess that when I was so emotionally beat with everything that was going on, it just felt like I failed. I still think it's my fault. That's the thing with relationships though - you can't go into them expecting everything to be fine. You will have your failures and triumphs but let me just go on record to say that the failures HURT so much. Sometimes, I wonder why we go through all these silly motions and why we even date. Eventually, it's to find a person we are compatible with but honestly, don't you ever get sick of the dating and awkwardness and the failed relationships? I do. I honestly don't want to do it anymore. I'm tired of games and expectations. I know that's completely silly... but I don't want to search for the right person anymore. I can't take anymore failed relationships. I can't take the frustration and disappointment.

And that's where I am right now. That's how I'm feeling tonight. I'm being more candid than usual... but I just needed to get it out.

Thursday, November 16, 2006

Hot to trot.

I am currently LOVING Voxtrot's EP called "Your Biggest Fan" and namely the song "Sway." LOVE IT. It's so good.

Okay, on that note. I'll be on my way home today for Thanksgiving break! :) I miss home, and my parents. We're going to be celebrating my mom's birthday and my parent's anniversary (a few days after the actual date, they wanted me to be home for this) and thanksgiving. So it should be a jam-packed week of fun, delicious food, and festivities. :)

Monday, November 13, 2006

On love, in sadness...

I wonder if it's pathetic of me to lock myself in my room listening to Damien Rice's song "9 crimes" and "Rootless Tree " on repeat... in addition to finding old pictures/letters and going through each and every single one of them?

Why do girls do this when they get sad? I don't think it actually helps, I think it makes things worse as it is tear inducing but somehow theraputic? It's a little ironic.

Anyway, that's how I'm spending my Sunday night. Speaking of Damien Rice, he's going to be playing at the Lincoln Theatre on December 16th if you guys are interested. In other news, he has a new CD coming out November 14th. You can pre-order it on amazon. Here's the track listing:

1. 9 Crimes
2. The Animals Were Gone
3. Elephant
4. Rootless Tree
5. Dogs
6. Coconut Skins
7. Me, My Yoke And I
8. Grey Room
9. Accidental Babies
10. Sleep Don't Weep

The first 3 are up on his myspace page so have a listen.

Sunday, November 12, 2006

For Freshmen...

This weekend Drew's younger brother (and the rest of his family) came to visit. His brother John goes to West Point so what that really means is, his life sucks. He doesn't get to go out much and on top of that, he's a Freshman. So, basically it only made sense to throw him a party this weekend as most of John's friends go to our school. A few of them even came from other states. It was such a blast! We had upwards of 200 people stop by our house this weekend. It was so good to see everyone again! Pictures of this can be seen below.

In other very EXCITING news...

I AM GOING HOME FOR THANKSGIVING BREAK ON THURSDAY!!!!

Just because Drew is way taller than me, he thinks he can just go around doing things like this. NOT FAIR.  Posted by Picasa

LOVE LOVE LOVE THEM!  Posted by Picasa

B.Rod showed up just so we could take this sweet pic.  Posted by Picasa

Matt Kaciban showed up. I look like I'm gone and I love that Min-ji is "that girl."  Posted by Picasa

Randos.  Posted by Picasa

Blast from the past. My old roomate came! :) Posted by Picasa

With Alex. She is a former Bollo's barista who would cafinate me on a weekly basis. Best barista out there fore sure. Posted by Picasa

With my roomate Matt... representing all that is awesome.  Posted by Picasa

Friday, November 10, 2006

The Ch-Ch-Changes!

Some things and thangs:

- Currently listening to this band from Chi-town called The Changes. You can listen to their tunes by launching the jukebox on their website.

- Nasser sent me this link of Maz Jobrani on the Craig Ferguson show. I was laughing uncontrollably. Very very funny guy!

- Tony sent me this myspace page with little kids rapping. It's pretty cute.

- It is 80 degrees right now... whaaaa?!

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Election Day = Christmas for us.

Sorry for the lame post last night. I was in a pretty crappy mood. But... let me just say that I LOVE my roomates for being such HUGE dorks. Last night was a pretty exciting night for 318. With Matt being the conservative and Drew being the liberal and me trying to just not cry, tensions were running pretty high. Matt and Drew were glued to their computers screaming back and forth everytime their candidate was ahead of the other. I'd randomly hear, "He's beating Webb by 10%" and then I'd hear a rubuttal from Drew, "dude, there's still a few more counties!" It was pretty funny. They even baked "election day" brownies which I thought was hilarious. Everyone was so excited. And the race was so close too - like .07% close (according to the CT). That's nuts! Anyway, that's my house for you. I'm glad I can say I live with people who are politically conscious who take voting seriously and though they may not agree, are civil and respectful towards one another.
What a week...

Let's see, I started off my week by watching "The Science of Sleep" with Drew. I liked the movie. I left a bit confused and kind of sad for Stephane, the main character. His relationship with Stephanie really struck a cord. I'm not quite sure why. They're meant for each other, but they just can't seem to work it out. Relatable, huh?

Speaking of exhausted... I am physically/emtionally exhausted from randomly crying every now and then in the past 48 hours. I don't know what's wrong with me. I don't want to go into it as I don't think this is the place to do so, but I guess I could say for the first time in my life I've really had my heartbroken. And I bet, looking back on this experience - it probably won't even seem like that big of a deal, but right now, I'm sad and I can't shake the feeling. It's one of those growing pains I guess. A friend of mine was joking with me earlier in attempts to make me feel better (which she did) by commenting on my random teary-ness. We're in the same Stats class together and she was like "you know... if you randomly start to cry during the test on Thursday, people will look at you and think you're crying because the test is so hard." I laughed. But right now... I guess, I just want to be a girl and deal with it the way we deal with things like this... by listening to sad music and sitting in a corner of our room and having a good cry. This sounds so completely pathetic. Hopefully this won't last too long. Break is just right around the corner so I'll be home with friends and family and it'll be nice to get away from it all and not think about it.

Next subject... let's go!

I'm going to Mount Saint Mary's next weekend for Kathryn's "Peace Party." I'm excited! I haven't seen Kathryn in TOO long and to state the obvious, I miss this girl! I also think it will be a good trip for me. I need this right now.

I'm also reading "The Plague" by Albert Camus. I LIKE IT A LOT!

On that note, I should get some sleep. Hope that these eyes aren't too puffy tomorrow. Hope your week is the opposite of my week and AMAZING. :)

Sunday, November 05, 2006

Peeve:

Couples who act like they are really siamese twins. You've seen it. They're everywhere, couples who cross the street together, attached at the hip. Couples who link arms when they eat. Don't get me wrong... holding hands is fine, but can you really be comfortable eating dinner with one arm aruond your girlfriend and your other arm looped through hers while trying to feed yourself? I don't understand. I normally don't have problems with couples as many of my friends are dating other people, but it really annoys me when people do this. My eyes start to burn as I can't imagine why anyone would want to do that.

::Rant over::

In other news, we won yesterday against Miami! :) The game was saved by none other than Ore (duh), Adibi, and Flowers! It was amazing when we turned the game around during the last 3 minutes. VT football is back (thank goodness)! Wake also won their game yesterday beating Boston College which was nice too. Kaj texted me and said something about them being number 1 in the ACC which makes the Tech v. Wake game in 2 weeks a good one to anticipate. We are just about neck and neck when it comes to ratings. I normally like to ssee a Wake win, but I'm gonna have to stick with the Hokies for that game. Should be fun!

Drew's latest achievement... granted, a few days too late, but better late than never. Posted by Picasa

Drew devestated because someone defaced her botox face.  Posted by Picasa

Drew trying to get fresh with his crush. Posted by Picasa

11/5/2006 = the day all of our fav. college football teams won their games! (Wake Forest, Virginia Tech, and Alburqurque State - home of the fighting cacti, hence the fighting cacti pose) Posted by Picasa

Saturday, November 04, 2006

I can't believe....

I forgot to mention the fact that I got to go to VCOM, a DO medschool about 5 minutes from here on the other side of campus on Halloween eve. It was essentially a tour that we did in place of an AED meeting. We had med students give us a tour of the school and answer questions about what they do. It was really interesting but my FAVORITE part was being taken into cadaver lab.

I intially thought I'd be really scared, but walking into a cold room with 45 cadavers doesn't give you much time to think let alone be scared. It was weird, I walked in there and it didn't feel awkward or weird to me. I just kind of took it all in and was very numb to the exprience. What I really found kind of disheartening is the fact that under these body bags, the cadavers were not whole. Normally, on TV you see the outline of a head, torso, and limbs but I guess by now they are so far into cadaver lab that most of these bodies have been mutilated. All we could really make of what was under the body bags was a torso. It was very surreal to be in there and think to yourself... "these are human beings."

Anyway, as we moved past the bodies I could see organs stored in clear containers in what I assumed was formaldehyde. It was pretty interesting. I also noticed that the lab itself did not smell bad at all which is amazing really. I've heard a lot of bad stories about people throwing up after going to lab because the smell of formaldehyde was so overwhelming. It wasn't bad at all. It smelled very sterile and it was really cold - it kind of smelled like a hospital. The ventilation system in there was state of the art and the dissection tables had vents coming out of the bottom and would rescirculate air 15 times an hour.

As we made our way to the other side of the room, our tour guide stops and picks up a brain and spinal cord that the students were able to preserve (using the same methods as the guy who did the anatomy exhibit at the Museum of Science in Boston) and he just passed it around like it was no big deal. It was such a great experience. I left there knowing that I really want to do this. I left excited about cadaver lab - excited to explore the complexities of the human body.

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

I'm bringing Paxil back...
... generic brands don't know how to act!

Hilarious parody of Justin Timberlake's popular "sexy back"

View it by clicking right hurrrr.

I.O.N (in other news)

- Last night was real Halloween and this time around I thought, why not? Might as well go out. I didn't have too much work to do today. Well, my friend Chris threw a party and a bunch of us went. I get there and realize that... Ike freaking Whitaker was there! He's a good friend of Noelle's who I came with and she invited him and to our surprise he actually showed up. Now, it's not everyday that we get to party with our football players and the one time I do... we decide to take a picture with our tongues sticking out... which would be fine had I not looked like this:




It appears as though I have an allergic reaction to something as my face is BRIGHT RED and I am completely wasted. Way to go Mary... you'll never get this chance again.

Matrix style.... woahhhh Posted by Picasa

they strike a pose. Joe & Tony Posted by Picasa

Jenn & Joe show up!  Posted by Picasa

Represent.... LOUDOUN COUNTY what up. Posted by Picasa

oh hey!  Posted by Picasa

With my roomate and his new haircut. Posted by Picasa