Ripped from LJ, because it was too coincidental. (Ha.)

For those of you who don't/haven't used Livejournal, there's a widget called "Writer's Block" that pops up with a new question everyday to write about. This was today's:

Whether you believe in the paranormal or not, you've probably experienced something that you couldn't explain. What was it?

I guess I never like using the word 'paranormal'. Isn't that weird? I like 'supernatural' much better, because it suggests that all of those unexplainable, miraculous, scary things run parallel to and add to what we already know to be (ha) natural.

Oddly enough, the things I find unexplainable are not unsettling. Well, okay, that's a lie, but they don't make me feel insecure. They're little things--coincidences, I guess a lot of people would mark them as. Like, whenever someone pauses in a sentence, I know what word they'll use next, 99% of the time. Maybe that's just me reading people well, and I can let that go.

Being a Christian, I believe in all kinds of unexplainable things. And, the hints I see that reassure me are unexplainable themselves. Drea and I were just talking about the supernatural side of faith last night, then--ta da!--a question about supernatural phenomena pops up on LJ. The perfection of snowflakes (Cheesy, but they are too...too PERFECT to be an accident). Cross-shaped proteins holding our cells together--you know, little things. The little ways that turn into big ways that God is in control of my life, because I let him. This whole Italy trip wasn't possible because of anything I did, aside from filling out some forms. The finances, my fellow travelers, the obstacles and how they were cleared--that was entirely God. And it's impossible to explain. I can only list the ways and let you decide.

On the sillier end, my mom was in an Oscar pool in 2005, and the bonus question was "What color dress will Hilary Swank be wearing?" I guess Mom just asked whoever was in the house, and I remember saying, specifically, "Navy." Naturally, Mom laughed and was like "Navy? Why?" And I just said, calmly, "Because she looks good in navy."

I didn't watch the red carpet part, but I remember Mom SCREAMING: "SHE'S WEARING NAVY! HOW DID YOU KNOW?!" I just knew. :P It's silly, but a little strange all the same.

Maybe I'm psychic when it comes to Oscar gowns! ;P

Love,

A.

Yay, new friends!

Last night, Robin got home from Buffalo and picked me up to hang out with Sam and Jessie and another high school friend Casey. I have to say, I really love his friends. They're just so fun to get to know, and they've welcomed me so readily into their little circle. In fact, we figured out some New Year's plans, and we basically had to invite Marla, which is fine, but it boils down to Robin's friends keeping their mouths shut, and Robin and I not kissing at midnight.

So, we passed this along to Casey and Sam while we were eating at the O, and then we got into our separate cars to meet at Jessie's. We arrived after Sam and Casey, and later found out that as soon as they arrived at Jessie's house, they all formulated a plan to distract Marla at midnight! So cute. :P

Anyway, those of you who do NOT have New Year's plans yet and will still be in the country should come expand our group! You're absolutely invited, and you get to meet some cool kids. :D

Not much else to update--just wanted to touch base. LIKE YOU ALL SHOULD DO ONCE IN A WHILE. HINT, HINT.

(10 days!)

Love,

A

Well, I'm glad I checked this AFTER Christmas. :/

I got a C+ in Illustration Concepts. HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE?

Seriously, the grade I was worried about was 19th Century French Art, and at least she handed me a B- (I probably deserved a B, but I'll live). But a C+ from Jose? I was actually stunned when I saw that. I mean, I'm not breathing into a paper bag or anything, but come on! That was the last thing I expected. On the last day of class, I passed Jose on the way out and he was like "Oh, great work!" WTF?

SRSLY. WTF. The last C+ I got was in a class I despised above all others with a teacher who despised me right back. I was just happy to get through the class! But this is an actual shock to me. I'm really disappointed.

I still have my scholarship, blahblah, so I guess it's not the end of the world, but I'm still mad and I am definitely not looking forward to telling my parents. Ug.

I definitely know I wasn't as devoted to my schoolwork as I could have been this semester, but I was more stressed than ever with all of the preparation for studying abroad, etc. Not to mention the constant drama in my apartment, and my social calendar dwindling down to one person 97% of the time. You know who you are. ;P I had a lovely semester, I really did. I just hope this wasn't the fee I had to pay for it.

Christmas went just fine! I got money, some books about Florence, Beedle the Bard, travel accoutrements, two thongs in my stocking (from my MOTHER, sheesh. Right, Em?), these shimmery purple dark chocolate M&Ms, and a REALLY SOFT brown blanket. And of course, I got to see Ab-Fab, which was wonderful! :)

Hope you all had a good haul yourselves!

Christmas Eve!

Happy Christmas Eve!

I must say, the events of this Christmas Eve have been, well, eventful!

Let me first describe how the day usually goes:

-We go to my Mom's parents' place in the early afternoon for an antipasto lunch.
-We grandchildren open gifts by order of age (youngest to oldest). Each aunt and uncle draws a name to buy for early in the season.
-The aunts and uncles guess how much change is in the jar shaped like a toy soldier.
-We go to church.
-We come back to Mimi and Pappy's and have dinner.
-The change is counted and the winning couple gets the cash.
-We watch TV then go home.

The day started off normally enough, up until my turn in the youngest-to-oldest lineup. "Alyssa's turn!" A few moments of glances and shuffling. "Who had Alyssa?" More glances and shuffling. Awkward silence. Then cheerful chatter. "Oh, here you go! Open the one from Pappy and I! Okay, Brooke again!"

Needless to say, I was pretty mortified that I had been forgotten about, but I think I acted pretty gracefully in the face of that. On my next turn, a card appeared with $200 dollars inside, hastily collected while the younger kids had their second turn. But it was money, and I wasn't about to turn it down. Later on, we figured out that my Aunt Betsy and Uncle Pete (coincidentally the only couple NOT at the festivities) were the ones who had drawn my name, but had mistakenly gifted KJ.

Then everyone placed their bets on the change jar, and the kids all got in on it this year--but only for fun,the adults get the money. I was the last one to bet, and I bet low--$79.67.

So, we went to church, where I saw Tony (who looks good) and JonDel (who looks fat), and made fun of Geoff's sermon that somehow equates a Facebook wall with the Gospel. *facepalm*

But, either way, I know what the day is really about, and I felt filled with the glory of God despite his stupid sermon. :)

So, we got back to Mimi and Pappy's and ate some tasty, tasty dinner, and Lauren and my cousins Will and Evan counted the change.

The total came to $79.52. I was thrilled, but Mom snottily reminded me that even though my guess was closest, I wasn't eligible to win the money. Well, boo. (My Aunt Katie and Uncle Tripp insisted that I get the money, but to no avail.)

As it turns out, Betsy and Pete were the couple to win. So, Mimi called them at their home in Bethesda, Maryland and told them they won, then handed the phone over to Pappy, who told them that I guessed within 15 cents. When he got off the phone, he announced to the room all officially and adorably that Betsy and Pete "bequeathed" the $79.52 to me. :)

So, boo yah.

And how appropriate was that? :P

Oh, God, you and your sense of humor. :D

Also, we revealed KJ's drum set to him tonight! Or rather, Lauren completely ruined the surprise by letting KJ walk home from church alone! Jerk. :P But he loves it, and that's what matters. :D

I'm home now, and I just got a text message from Robin that he's about to go swimming. On Christmas Eve. In Buffalo, NY. SRSLY.

Jealous. ;)

Anyway, I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas! Love you all very much, and I'm so blessed to know all of you!

Muah.

-A

Wooooooooo!

My visa arrived! Hooray!

Whew. Thank God.

Also, I'm home! I'm sure that you've heard. :)

And I have quite a bit of Christmas shopping to do today, so I'll update soon! :D

Love,
A


8:27 pm:

Okay! I shopped with Emily and Bessala today and it was lovely! Took care of Lauren's, KJ's, and Sam's (Dad's stepdaughter) gifts:

Lauren: The Dark Knight and Now and Then DVDs.
KJ: Drum sticks for his new DRUM SET that he will shit his pants for but my mom and sister will go nuts from.
Sam: Two GG-licious headbands and some cute bow clips.
Mom: Lauren and I went in on a facial/massage.
Dad: Us kids are going in on a digital camera.
Robin: Ah-ah-ah! He actually reads this thing. :P ;)
You four!: Ditto, but you'll like them, I hope!

So far, Lisa (Dad's wife) is not yet taken care of. :/ Ooops. But hopefully Starbucks will be open and I can get her a card to go with Lauren's Penguin Bookshop card for her.

Because I didn't update yesterday, let me recap! Emily and I were invited to brunch by Robin at Sam and Jessie's with a few other friends. It was awesome to see them so soon, and I was thrilled to be able to introduce Em to Robin and the others. The food was also DELICIOUS.

Apparently, one of the other guests, Zander (who I met this summer and who Em went to SA with), asked Robin what's up with us, and I admit, I suspected that Zander was sniffing around me already, since he and his girlfriend just broke up, and he's been texting me, etc. But basically, I think he was disappointed to see that I wasn't single. Although, Zander isn't really the guy for me, although he is cute and nice and well-dressed and all that. :)

For Ab-Fab:

Robin and his brother intended to interview Andrew WK on CMU radio, and he called in and everything, but he was acting really weird and the calls got dropped a few times, and while I don't know how the interview ended, I think it was a disappointment for Robin and Alex. Sorry guys! :( But either way, I'm sure you'd want to know, Ab. Hope Ohio was fun! :D

Also, my grandparents, who are generously footing the bill for me this year so I can go to Italy, called me tonight with some abrupt news that they want to take out and co-sign a loan with me for the next semester instead of paying up front like they did this semester. If that's what they want to do, then I guess that's that, but the fact taht they bring it up literally TWO WEEKS from my departure date and IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CHRISTMAS RUSH was giving me a heart attack a little worrisome. Okay, we'll see how it pans out.

Okay, time to finish up some gifts!

Love!
A

How could I forget?!

This morning, I totally forgot to tell you guys how awesome my MICA friends are!

Last night, Paul, Marla and Robin came over, and me, my roomies and the others ate some Chinese food to celebrate the end of the semester. I worked from 9-12, amd Robin visited and then walked me back to my apartment, where I found the door locked. That was normal, so I turned my key and tried again. The bolt was done. Again, not too weird, but it was awfully early to be locking up for the night. So, I unlocked that and tried again. The CHAIN lock is done, too! So, then I figure there's something up inside that is not meant for me to see yet.

Me: "Did you know about this?"
Robin: *grin* "Know about what?"

So, Paul comes to the door and says "If I let you in, will you go STRAIGHT to your room?" So, of course, I do. Robin comes in after a few minutes and faces away from my window with me (my window looks straight into the kitchen):

Me: "How long have you guys been planning this?"
Robin: "I have no idea what you're talking about." *grin*

Finally, Betsy knocks on my door, and I turn around to see Paul, Betsy, and Jen ushering in a MASSIVE cake shaped like an alligator's head, covered in green M&Ms with a little sign saying "Cya Later Gator!" and "In a while, Crocodile!" Apparently, they all went to the supermarket as soon as I left for my shift. :) (Minus Marla, who went to a yuppie party in Federal Hill with her fellow fashion designer.) Aww, they're so sweet! So, we all changed into red-and-green (Italian colors, you know) and watched Pineapple Express (or slept though it :P), and Ryan showed up during the movie, which was nice.

___

Robin just called me to tell me he'll miss me.

:)

I'm really going to miss him, too. Not just the kissing part, obviously, but he's really grown to be my best friend this past semester. I don't really talk to anyone the way I talk to him (mostly because he's the first close guy friend I've ever really had). I think we're both like "Who are we going to confide in now?!", because while I love Melissa dearly, I can't talk to her about things with Robin, because she's even more pristine than me. And I she doesn't know the history of my roommates, or my friends at home. I won't have any more Robin to come around or to go to whenever I want to see him, and that's sad. It's like moving away from The Boy Next Door that I grew up with and shared everything with.

:(

Aw, now I'm sad.

Either way, my friends and roommates showed me how loved I am, and how much I'll be missed, and I'm SO grateful for them and their love.

But, I admit, I can't wait to get back to all of you. I've missed you guys, and I feel like we've been deprived of each other since Summer '07.

I love you all, and I'll be nearly home by this time tomorrow! :D

Muah!

-A

P.S. www.betsyvanlangen.com

>>Portfolio
>>Interrobang
>>I'm the third one in: white face with black text. :) Betsy is the first one, with the paint. Jen is covered in eggshells, Ryan in crayon wax, and Robin is PB and J.

Oh, sheesh.

It's amazing how irritable and rude some parents can be during move out day in the dorms. Even worse when you can tell it's their default mode.

UG.

Robin is late for his shift, just like he joked that he would be yesterday. It's no big deal, but I want to get to packing ASAP!

Oh, here he is.

Can't wait to get back to you guys!

-A

My calender for the coming semester!

Arrival date – housing opens ....................................... January 7
Orientation........................................................... January 8 – 11
Classes begin............................................................ January 12
Midterm break .........................................February 28 – March 8
Final exam week......................................................April 14 – 17
Departure date – housing closes.....................................April 20

Relief!

Finally, after THREE trips to the local Consulate, my visa application has been accepted and is on it's way to be processed.

1) One week ago: I get everything in order, only to arrive and have them surprise me with a new, random document that I have to SEND HOME TO PITTSBURGH to get signed AND notarized by my mom.

2) Today: I go in with everything signed, etc. Only a tiny scramble for my misplaced passport photo. Accepted. Yay!

3) An hour and a half later: They call me and say that they need the acceptance letters from SACI IN ITALIAN. So, I ran over the Italian copies that came with my acceptance. God damn them.

So, I'm finally taken care of. The lady said that they should be there by Tuesday, and that the Consulate in Philly is trying to get them in the mail before Christmas. I could have it before the New Year! God willing.

Dear God,

While this didn't go QUITE as smoothly as I would have liked, thanks for keeping it relatively easy to handle, despite the frustration.

Amen.

In more exciting news, I get to go home on Sunday! I'm really looking forward to seeing my family and you all and Brian and Abby M. :) And Letta especially, because she's home from boot camp now! Yay!

And then, two weeks from Sunday, I'll be getting ready to leave! OMG!

Of course I'll keep you all updated! Since I have a webcam now, maybe I'll post some video journals. If I'm not too busy working and sight-seeing! :P

Watching the rest of Hunchback, continuing from this morning. Hot damn, this movie is REALLY mature for Disney fare. I mean, it's amazing, but 'Heaven's Light/Hellfire' is the most mature and heartwrenching duet about love and sex and it is not quite appropriate for kiddies.

I'll see you guys Sunday! Hooray!

-A

P.S. I got new shoeses! They're leather oxford pumps, and they were at Target, and I got them for $13.49 because they didn't have any tags!



Cute, non?

Uuuuugh.

Wish me luck. I go in for Round Two with the Consulate today.

I'm all done with MICA classes until next fall! What-what! I come back on Sunday! Yay! I leave again in two weeks! OMG.

Weird. I'm nervous to go, but I'm starting to get excited! Visa permitting, of course. :/

Dear Lord,
Keep an eye out for me today! I'd rather not spend the rest of the day in a weepy depression like last Friday when my application was denied. Kthx.

That said, thank you for the opportunity.

Amen.

I'm at the desk right now--a brilliant 6-9am shift that has me pretty sleepy, although it's nice to be awake and alert for the Consulate between 10 and 11. No chance of oversleeping!

I'm going to watch some vintage Disney (Hunchback of Notre Dame, bia) and relax for the next 40 minutes.

Again, keep me and my visa in your prayers!

Muah.

Love!

-A

102

I realized that my Worst Day EVER post was my 100th post. Ooops.

But I'm still worrying. :(

Anyway, I have one more week of MICA. I'll be home Sunday the 21st. You all better be home so I can call you up immediately and come see you!

I can't even believe I'll be getting on that plane (hopefully on time) in three weeks.

That's nothing. No time at all. God damn.

I'm going to miss you guys so muuuuuuch! :( But I know I'll get to talk to you a good bit since I have Skype now, so. :) DOWNLOAD IT SO I CAN SEEEE YOU.

As soon as I get home, I have to launch myself into packing properly (you're all welcome to give me tips on traveling lightly abroad :P), seeing all of my friends, tying up loose ends, etc.

Basically it will go like this:

Dec 21st: Return Home.
Dec 21-23: See you guys as much as I possibly can. Pack.
Dec 24-25: Christmas with my family.
Dec 26-31: See you guys as much as I possibly can. Pack.
Dec 31-Jan 1: Go into Pittsburgh with Robin to see Jessie and Sam and perhaps Marla. Maybe we can make a huge, blended party out of it? What are you guys doing for New Year's?
Jan 1: Say goodbye to Em! :( Pack more.
Jan 2-Jan 5: Say all my goodbyes and have last-hang-outs. Watch the new Gossip Girl with Abby M!
Jan 6th: Get on a plane to New York! OMGGG! Then to Frankfurt, then to Florence with Melissa!
Jan 7th: Cry all the way there, arrive, and have a fantastic time! :D

Sound good?

Finals are almost done--I have one exam today, one tomorrow, a project due Wednesday (basically finished), and 2 pencil drawings and a typed story I've already written due Thursday. Nothing too exerting, thankfully. At this point, my biggest anxiety are those visa forms, and how Mom needs to get then back to me NOW.

Okay, deep breath. God's got this.

I love you guys! I can't wait to see you. :)

-A

(ETA: Mom called--the forms will be here tomorrow by noon, then on Thursday morning I can get it sent out. Whew. Dear God, let this be timely!)

Sad, potentially lovely song. Too bad the performer has a terrible voice.

Am I not pretty enough?
Is my heart too broken?
Do I cry too much?
Am I too outspoken?
Don’t I make you laugh?
Should I try it harder?
Why do you see right through me?

I live, I breathe, I let it rain on me,
I sleep, I wake, I try hard not to break,
I crave, I love, I’ve waited long enough,
I try as hard as I can.

Am I not pretty enough?
Is my heart too broken?
Do I cry too much?
Am I too outspoken?
Don’t I make you laugh?
Should I try it harder?
Why do you see right through me?

I laugh, I feel, I make believe it’s real,
I fall, I freeze, I pray down on my knees,
I hope, I stand, I take it like a man,
I try as hard as I can.

Am I not pretty enough?
Is my heart too broken?
Do I cry too much?
Am I too outspoken?
Don’t I make you laugh?
Should I try it harder?
Why do you see right through me?

Open mouth, insert gun.

This morning was beyond dreadful.

Waking up with Robin was great, and getting yet ANOTHER set of passport photos wasn't that fun, but not a hassle, and securing postage was easy.

Even going to the wrong address at first was fine--we had plenty of time, and Robin knows his way around the city.

I admit, I was a little nervous that I wouldn't have precisely the proof of insurance they needed, but I was prepared to beg. So, we got there, and took the elevator to the ninth floor. This gorgeous girl at the front desk helped us out, and after looking over my information (the insurance card was enough), told me that I needed my MOM's original bank statement instead of my own (which they didn't specify when I asked for a full list of necessary documents earlier in the week), and a new current enrollment letter from MICA, AND a notarized copy of an affidavit signed by my mother (basically ANOTHER notarized financial support letter aside from the one I already had) with a notarized photocopy of her driver's license.

Basically, I was too shocked and trying to stay businesslike to freak out right away, but as soon as I got all of the information and turned to leave the office, my voice broke and I stood sobbing into Robin's shoulder in the hallway while we waited for the elevator. So I basically cried all the way back to campus, then pulled myself together for about three minutes to request an enrollment letter, then collapsed in tears in the seating area, then pulled myself together again to get the Sewickley Library to accept and hold a fax of the affidavit for my mom, then cried on the phone to my mom, then got my letter, sent the fax, and came home to cry at Betsy.

I've sent the fax, and I am now waiting to recieve the signed-and-notarized packet back in the mail from my mother so I can go spend $30 to get it overnighted to Philadelphia so I don't miss my flight.

I'm better now--still raw-nerved, but better. I'm just incredibly overwhelmed. I'm cutting it close as it is, but at this point I'll just be wishing against wish that I get the stamp back in time for my flight.

Dear God, it's been mostly smooth sailing thus far, and I know I needed a challenge to prove that I really want this and that I appreciate all the obstacles you've removed, but did the challege really have to come on the second day of my most painful period ever? REALLY?

God. I just. URG.

I just need a nap. God dammit.

Love you all,

A

"I'm just CRAZY about Tiffany's!"

Well, our NYC trip was very, very successful.

Robin and I got dropped off around 12:30pm in the Upper East Side at Madison Avenue (no GG sightings--sorry!), where we walked and looked into shops for a little while, then crossed through Central Park into the Upper West Side to the Shake Shack, where we got some hamburgers and ate them on the chilly benches nearby.

We went to the Natural History Museum next ('fo free, because Robin had his Warhol Museum ID--hell yes), which was REALLY fun and interesting and it just reminds me how present God is. There was this one part of this display about the creation of the universe that was talking about what triggered the beginnings of life, and it was like "The reason is still unknown", and I was like *snerk :P

Anyway, we posed with this GIANT fossilized turtle ("I like tuhtles"--if you haven't seen it, YouTube it), then saw a prehistoric giant SLOTH.

It was cool. :)

So, then we got on the subway to Fifth Avenue, where we saw a ton on Christmas-themed shop windows. We stopped at Tiffany's, at my request, and I posed by a stuffed albino peacock (one of Lucius Malfoy's, I presume. :P). Inside, we saw this amazingly giant gold, diamond, and peridot necklace. As we were looking at it, a girl about our age came to the counter and asked "How much is this necklace?" With as much distaste in her voice as she could muster, the saleslady said, "$385,000." And the girl was like "Oh", all disappointed, like she was going to buy that GIANT necklace for a reasonable price! WTF? "Aw, mom said I could only spend $380,000 this year! D:"

Then we wandered into Starbucks and got a light dinner, then walked over to Rockefeller Center to see the tree, and nearly got crushed in the mob. :) The tree was lovely, and it reminded me how present God is, once again. :D

So, we caught the subway again to SoHo, and met the bus. Robin and I slept pretty much the whole way home, which was lovely. Then I slept for twelve MORE hours, and did some of my finals today. :)

Also, Betsy went to H-Mart (Asian food store) this morning with Paul, and apparently tried to convice him that Robin and I have a thing. :/ I'm not sure if he believed her or not, but he mentioned it to Marla, who in turn told Robin. Robin said that Marla was very, very skeptical, so that's good, but we really have to cool it.

It's sounding like Betsy needs to shut her trap, because Jen indicated that Betsy told her that I vent about Jen's relationship DUMBNESS to Robin. GOD. AS IF YOU DON'T, BETSY. I'll need to take that up with her.

Alright, I love you guys, and I'm going to direct you to my Facebook, where I have posted my birthday pictures.

OH, one more thing. Chase posted on my wall, wanting me to call him and catch up. What do you guys think? I'm curious about his doings, but not INTERESTED. I more want to gloat about how well I'm doing. :P

Love you,

Alyssa

N-Y-C! What is it about you?

Robin and I are going to New York City tomorrow, bright and early. (Marla was originally supposed to come, but she has so much finals work she backed out tonight. Convenient, hm?)

So, we're taking a bus with some other MICA students, and we'll be there all day, seeing the sights, etc. We intend to go see the Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Center all lit up.

Any other suggestions? Aside from watching Gossip Girl get filmed, of course. :P

Muah,
Alyssa

Brilliant compliments:

"Within minutes I double back on a personal vow not to gossip, not to fan one flame that really should be left to burn out on its miserable own. I try to maintain this silly conviction but she pulls it all out of me with a smile and a simple request to tell her everything I know. I don't care, because its her. Mossad agents train for years to achieve this same fluid ease of information extraction. Though it is in a far more severe world, I can't help but think the same underlying forces are at play."

"...if I understood the world that she sees, I'd want to see it all through her eyes more than anyone else's. I'd try to pull her as close to me as I could and would want to accept the responsibility this entails. This sort of transformational gesture would become the force that could metaphorically slap her hand out of her mouth and calm any number of other nervous habits that seem to plague her. It would be such a beautiful thing to be the other half of what she is and just calm her in the ways she deserves. But the truth is that I'm nowhere near this realm. At some point I'll watch her disappear into the future with her unwavering conviction, wide eyes... "

Someone wrote these beautiful things about me. I feel so completely loved I can barely express it fully.

Five weeks. :)

This is both a scary and awesome prospect--I am so not ready! :/ But I know that even if I'm not ready, I'll be where I'm supposed to be once I step off the plane.

Thanksgiving break was wonderful. I saw Drea and Abby (yay!) and Brian, and the Ruzichs (minus Mr.) and QUAIDY, which made my life. :P I also gave Lauren an AWESOME birthday gift that she wanted--a (n illegally downloaded) copy of Rosetta Stone so she can learn German! Or Italian, if she so wishes. :)

I also ran into Rachel B. (groan) who tells me that Lacie has been up and down. I then spoke to Brandon who tells me she's even crazier than I had anticipated. Ah well, it's her life.

The highlights of my break though, were the evenings I spent with Robin and his friends Sam and Jessie et. al. Tuesday, the night I got home, was spent at Ritters with S and J, just getting reacquainted and having a nice time. THEN, on Saturday, Robin came to Sewickley and met Drea and Brandon and than we met up with S and J and got a group together to play first Cranium, then Spoons, and then Asshole and Quems. (card games). It was SO MUCH FUN. It was sort of nice to just let loose with some relative strangers. :D And, of course, it's always a pleasure to spend time with Robin. :)

Okay, a lot to do before the week is out.

TO DO:

-VISA, GOD DAMMIT.
-Hand in administrative MICA forms for study abroad.
-Do a five-page paper on Olympia by Manet. By tomorrow at 9 am. (More than doable, but annoying.)
-Shellac/Fire final ceramics project.
-Do nine two-hour drawings for José. By Thursday. (AAAAAH.)

Love you guys. :) Christmas season is here! (BTW, EMILY made me lose the game, like a jerk. So, you can all lose, too. :P)

-Alyssa

P.S. I intend to go to Drea C.'s 21st birthday. It's in the works--you won't be alone, Em! :P