Three weeks later...

Things have settled. As soon as John went back to New Jersey all hell broke lose. Mom was FURIOUS--and still is, for the most part. Thankfully, things are slowly moving back from screaming fights to heated discussions to relatively normal day-to-day life.

I won't detail the arguments here--it's not necessary--but I will say that having repeated circular talks about something that won't happen for two years doesn't help a thing. Hopefully we can all move forward together as time goes on.

In other news, stuff with X and John has been patched up, and I spoke to Lacie last night for the first time in a while. Well, I actually saw her a month ago, which I never actually detailed here! Odd. Long story short: Me, Brian, and our friends Chris and JJ went mini-golfing, and Lacie was there with her longtime ex (and Brian, Chris, and JJs friend) Matt. It was a little bit of a "Busted!" moment, because Matt has largely spoken ill of Lacie since they broke up for good. It was awkward for everyone (after all, Brian and I are 'exes' of Lacie's, too), but we were all friendly.

I've been home alone for the last day--Mom and Robert are in Maryland/DC for a job interview (keeping my fingers crossed!) and KJ is at Dad's. Lauren moved back to OU and is settling into her new house, which is awesome.

I got a job at an upscale boutique in town--I'm pretty excited. I get to sell rich ladies expensive clothes. And we're encouraged not to lie, so I get to tell them if they look fat! Pretty psyched. Also waiting to hear from The Clay Cafe--one of those paint-your-own pottery places. They said they're losing two people by the end of this month. Hopefully my art school cred will get me in!

Wish me luck! I'll definitely need two jobs this summer, but if they're two jobs I like, I'm totally okay with that! I don't need to revisit the summer after freshman year. *shudder*

Love,

A.

Dunzo!

I turned in my commencement show artwork today, and e-mailed my final paper to a professor--I am officially DONE. Holy crap!

Apart from hanging my work on Monday, I'm completely done with my responsibilities to MICA! So weird! I'm old!

I'm going home on Thursday, and I'll be back on Sunday morning for graduation! BLAAAAAAHHHH!!!!!!

I'll probably go home with Mom the following day (hopefully after a Devlin/Jennette brunch), spend the week at home job-searching, etc. Then coming BACK to Maryland for Mary's graduation from the Naval Academy on the 24th. John wants me to come back to New Jersey with him after that--He's having his graduation party on June 5th, and there's a production of Beauty and the Beast in Scranton on June 6th, but I doubt Mom will go for a two-week jaunt to NJ when I'm meant to be earning money to pay back the personal loans I owe (let alone the student loans).

But, John proves (once again) to be flexible and understanding, so, we'll talk about it at graduation, and he's willing to come pick me up in Sewickley to take me back for the graduation party/Beauty and the Beast. The next time I'd see him would be July 15th, for the Jennette family picnic--I've never met his dad's side before!

In less thrilling news, my wisdom tooth pain has returned with a vengeance. It's been a little over a month since my last flare-up, and this has been worse than anything I've had yet. I told Mom about it and she's reassured me that it's a priority to get them out when I get back, so I'll get the surgery for real this time ASAP. Hopefully this is a very temporary (if almost unbearable) pain--please let it go away during the wedding/graduation! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE. It can hurt when I get home and can do something about it!

Hope you're all pain-free!

-A.

Graduation Weekend, and 'Why I Love Brian', Part 26

The reality of graduation is starting to hit me. UGH.

Actually, I'm really excited. There are some amazing things happening in my life, even alongside the money troubles and long-distance drama. I'm excited to come back to Sewickley again for the summer and a bit beyond. Granted, it was NOT my (or my mom's) plan for me to move back in--I had no desire to work backwards. However, I'm embracing it because it's necessary.

My only issue is the stress of finding a job and earning money. Mom is eager for me to get work in the arts right away, but that's difficult enough as it is without A) a license, or B) (even if I had one) a car to use. I have a friend, Sara Beth, who works at ModCloth--a great creative outlet and Pittsburgh company, but it looks like they're only hiring for jobs that are a bit out of my skill set--web development and management stuff. And Joey V. works at The Cafe in Sewickley, which apparently pays well. I've never served, but it's a nice place (although I've heard the drama is intense--at least while Chase worked there).

I'm not too worried, but I don't like the pressure being applied--it's unnecessary, especially when I haven't even gotten home to survey the options.

However, all of that is on the back burner, as we mount an attack on the monstrosity known as 'Graduation Weekend'. John and I want to blend the families for graduation dinner, which his mom is totally up for, but...my mom is hesitant. In part due to nerves about my growing up and moving quickly, etc., and in part about wanting it to be a family day, and in another (I'm willing to bet) larger part, money ["I'd be responsible to foot the bill at whatever restaurant they chose for you, me, and my parents"]. Which I completely sympathize with, but...not the best excuse, as Mimi and Pappy have ALWAYS offered (cheerfully) to treat us. Is it a pride issue? She did say she wasn't interested in Mimi and Pappy paying. It's whatever.

However, she acknowledged without prompting that John and I are going to get married, so I was pleased about that.

Mom, instead, wants to get drinks with John's family and have dinner at my aunt's (who she has not even consulted yet, by the way). If that's the way it has to be, I'm okay with it, but I don't really get her hesitance. I don't want our families to be strangers to each other!

Not to mention the crunch of hanging my show between the 8th and 12th, coming home on the 13th, rehearsal dinner on the 14th, wedding the 15th, home on the 16th! Insanity! But it'll be fun. :)

@@@

For some humor, Brian and I had this hysterical (to us) conversation about founding a religion based on the song 'Bet on It' from High School Musical 2.

Seriously. Watch this first to understand what the hell we're talking about.

Me: [on 'Do It For Our Country' from Grease 2] It's not 'Bet On It' quality, but good.

Brian: Well, to be fair, nothing is. Ever. Past, present or future.

Me: Soooo true. That song changed my life and the way I look at modern movement.

Brian: If we were asked to make a time capsule of human kind to send out into space, 'Bet On It' would be my number one choice

Me: Absolutely. SO GOOD.

Brian: It represents music, movie, tv, art, one of our future Gods in his early days.

Me: Totally. Can we found betonitism?

Brian: It's a perfect choice for a time capsule. We will base an entire philosophy upon it.

Me: We'll be Boltonites.

Brian: I'm really liking this.

Me: Like 'Peace be with you', 'Bet on it' will be our blessing.

Brian: We can have a 'Bolton's Prayer':

"We will not talk at you"

"We will not get in your head"

"We will listen to our own heart talking"

"We will count on our own self instead"

Me: YESSSSS.

And when we initiate people, we'll have a questionnaire:

"Did you ever:

A) Doubt your dreams would ever come true?

B) Blame the world but never blame you?"

Brian: Hahahahahha, this is too much.

Me: Oh! And "Did you ever:

C) Push away the ones you should have held close?

D) Let go?

E) Not know?"

Brian: Hahahaha, I just got to that part in the song... as I have it on repeat now.

Me: And when they get accepted, they'll have to say, "I will never try to live a lie again".

Brian: The choreography just blows my mind.

Me: The guy must have been on 'luudes when he made it up.

Brian: Seriously. He woke up that day and was like, "MAN have I got a great idea for this dance sequence. We'll have him dancing on the golf course... and inexplicably start running and doing bizarre jumps every few steps... It'll look GREAT!"

Me: "Question Three: When met with a golf course, you do what?:

A) Throw the sand from the sandtraps emoishly.

B) Prance around doing complicated leaps.

C) Watch yourself reflectively in the water hazard."

Brian: D) All of the above.

Me: YES. Trick question. It is ALWAYS all of the above... Because Troy does whatever it takes.

@@@

We have fun. :)

Hope you're all well!

-A.

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

JOHN'S COMING HOME TODAY! YAY! :D

(Dear Lord, please let his and Tiffany's trip be safe and enjoyable!)

-A.

ETA: Okay, NOT Tiffany's, as she's still in England. :)

Made a surprise for John this morning. Trying to decide if I should pause in the midst of production, as it were to wait for him, should he want to be here to finish it...

MYSTERYYYY.

Love!

A.

THE LAST MIDTERM CRIT OF MY LIFE.

Katie posted pictures of our Oscar Party on her blog! Check it out.

Heading home tomorrow morning--packing and working tonight until John's rehearsal is over (at midnight. >:|), then SLEEP, because I have to get up early to catch le bus.

Had a great day--got up EARLY for my 6-9 AM shift, and got three solid, computer-less hours of work done before my midterm critique with Rebecca and Jamison Odone. I was mixed up with a whole bunch of new people, and saw some really great stuff! I went last (probably for the best with all of the pages I had to tack up), and heard some good feedback. I've bee told to do full color from the outset, but print in greyscale. AKA Time Suck. But I suppose it's for the best.

I got some good ideas as far as marketing myself, which is a good thing. (Phew.) I also got Jamison's email (I'm usually so good at talking to people, but his awesomeness made me into a bashful, stuttering MESS), so I'll be begging him for guidance at some point soon. :P

After the crit, I had lunch with John out in Cohen Plaza and watched other MICA students lounging out on the grass, in the sun. I watched one professor play with his adorable babies and WISHED I'd had my sketchbook so I could've drawn his adorably chubby baby son. :D Aw, bbs.

After lunch I had seminar, and I watched Jamison and three other artists present, and they were all very successful, which was encouraging. I got to work AND bond with some fellow illustrators in the senior studio after seminar, which was really refreshing, as I usually feel like I'm a completely separate entity from the department (sometimes I still did, even today).

Now I'm home, procrastinating both artwork and packing and waiting for John still.

Looking forward to heading home, but I'm not looking forward to being without John for a week. Boo. :/

Love,

A.

A Frustrating Day.

This morning, John and I were supposed to drive back to my hometown of Sewickley so I could see my little brother KJ in a musical for the first time. He had a supporting lead in The Sound of Music--one of my personal favorite shows--and I was SO EXCITED to go and support him.

Unfortunately, last night it decided to snow--not much in Baltimore or Pittsburgh, but the snow decided to plop itself right in our path--6 to 10 inches, apparently, although I have no idea what the weather was ACTUALLY like on the Turnpike, as we never left. Both of my parents warned me about the danger of driving on the Turnpike in snow (the travel speed was reduced to 45mph there), and if we were only going to be there for one day it wasn't worth it. Of course, Mom left the decision entirely up to me (Dad basically told me not to come), which (of course) means that I knew I had to stay home. I was furious. I cried for a few hours, had John call Mom to tell her--because I didn't want to talk--and had John tell Mom to tell Dad, and tell him not to call me.

Maybe I was overreacting (John insisted I wasn't), but I was SO disappointed. I've never seen KJ perform, especially a role like Max Detweiler, and I had my heart set on it. I hated having to surrender to something as stupid and changeable as the weather--especially when I couldn't see it myself. I'm still now sure if it was worth it to stay--if we'd have been in any REAL danger to drive down. Either way, it's done now. :/

John was instrumental in getting me through the day--apart from putting up with my tears, he was all too willing to stick around and make me lunch (after we fell asleep for three hours--crying always tires me out) and snuggle me up if I needed it. And, of course, offer me delicious Chinese food for dinner. Seriously, he knows how to show me love. :P

I also cut myself some bangs today--John initially brought it up--citing photos of me from Fall 2008. He thinks I'd look great in bangs again, and Robin quickly seconded this when I brought up cutting my bangs to Katie on Wednesday night when we all went out for burgers (and to watch Canada cream Russia--woo!). So, I decided 'What the hell?', and cut my bangs in the bathroom this afternoon. They need to grow in a little bit, but I'm happy--I just need to pay a bit more attention to my eye makeup now. :P

The senior party--entitiled 'Gala Obscura'--is tomorrow night. It's a cocktail party, and I have to decide what on Earth to WEAR. I don't want to go too formal, but I would hate to be overdressed. What to do?!

Hope you're all doing well. Stay warm!

Love,

-A.

An Actual Report.

My last entry was more of a rant, so here's a real update of how my time at John's was:

-Hung out with Brian and finally got to Pete and Elda's, a yummy (and POPULAR) pizza place near the beach.

-Hung out with Marie at the West Side Tavern and sang KARAOKE: 'Since U Been Gone' and 'Somebody to Love'. I rocked it out.

-Visited St. Rose, where John went to high school, with Brian, Dave, and another former classmate, Alicia; then we met up with Sharon (who went to St. Rose) and her boyfriend Pat, and grabbed dinner at a diner nearby and went to Sharon's for Pictionary, Finish Lines, and Disney Trivia. Aw, yeah.

The bottom line is, I'm really, really happy. I've never felt this great about being with another person. I just get really scared of things sometimes--tears-and-panicky-scared: jobs, money, "The Real World"--but I feel so much more secure knowing John is going to be there, right with me. Whew. Thank you, God.

In other news, school has started again! I had my first two classes today, one (a portrait class) which I dropped due to expenses (a skull and paper are expensive!), but I replaced it with a Professional Development course that fits in the same slot and fulfills the same studio requirement, but is only 2.5 hours per week. YES. I'm also taking Life Styles with Dan Krall, who is awesome. I took Narrative Illustration with him sophomore year and I can easily isolate that time as the period I grew the most. He was encouraging and helpful, and tough, and I'm looking forward to working my butt off again for him. :P

More soon,

Love,

A.

Hark, how the bells, sweet silver bells, all seem to say 'Throw cares away'...

I'm home and settled in for the most part--John was here from Thursday to Monday and met my Dad, his wife Lisa and her daughter Sam, Robert, KJ, Em, Drea, Joey V., Bess, Abby C. and her boyfriend Greg, not to mention RE-meeting my SACI roommates Emily, Christine and Ulyssa.

We got in around 4:15 and unpacked and relaxed with KJ and Mom and Robert until about 5:30 when we drove up to my Dad's for his 49th (!) birthday dinner! Dad and Lisa really liked John, which was nice ("What's not to like?" -My mom).

After that, we met up with Drea and Eat 'N' Park (which looks all Panera-fied and not greasy/seedy AT ALL anymore, which is upsetting), and soon accumulated a few more people: Joey, Em, and Bess. When Drea, Em, and Bess has to leave, Joey gave John a very involved quiz to prove his worth. :P It was pretty great, ranging from "What is Alyssa's favorite color?" to "Do you like 'Jersey Shore'?" (PLUS A GA-GRILLION POINTS) It was fun. :D

John met Ab and Greg on Sunday night--it was a casual visit, and John was pretty quiet for the whole thing, but it was so good to catch up with Abby and see Greg again!

Monday night was great--John and I went to the South Side and met up with Emily, Christine and Uly at S Bar. We caught up and talked and it was SO good to see them (I haven't seen them since APRIL! WHAT? Almost eight months?!). They're all doing well and are all happy. It was really good to reconnect.

John left on Monday around 1, and I'm already ready for him to come back! He and Lauren didn't get to meet because Lauren was in Ohio this weekend visiting friends. But they'll both be here on the 29th to meet! Pretty exciting!

We also got our Christmas tree, but our (working) lights only cover about 2/3 of the tree. Class. :P

Cheese-tastic aside (Lauren, skip to the end :P): Since being with John, I've really begun to understand what Godly love is. I always knew God loved me, but I had no idea what that love felt like to palpably give and receive until I got into a relationship with John. He's really made me realize what it means to commit and to take chances but also feel entirely sure and confident in myself and in my relationship. He proves to me (even more) how completely God takes care of His people. I'm so thankful, and so happy. I love him! Yay!

Hope you all have an amazing and merry Christmas!

Love,

-A.

I believe in anything that brings you back home to me.

I've been working my patoot off since I got back from Sewickley, but I wanted to recap the events of the week briefly, while I have a moment!

The most important thing about my first day home was seeing Brian, which I did. I won't reveal much about that interaction, because it was private and special. However, it was moving and amazing to hear the way he was speaking--eloquently and simply and so honestly. Tragic and lovely.

He invited me the next day with Lauren and Abby to his cousin Lucy's house to put together some photographs of Robby for the viewing and funeral. A lot of family and friends were there, which was really touching and fun, and there was a lot of laughter--Robby was hilarious, after all--and the photos were great. Brian and Robby were dressed alike in all of the childhood photos. :)

The viewing itself was terribly sad. I arrived early, around 3:30 pm, and put a letter in the casket alongside Lauren and Abby. I watched family and friends approach the casket and leave gifts and notes and touch his arm and hair. I reconnected with Mike, Lacie's ex and my LONG ago high-school crush--he was particularly comforting to me, who didn't really know where I fit as far as closeness, and made me feel integrated. See, I'm close to Brian and Lucy and Abby, and Mr. Hague was one of my favorite teachers. I've hung out in their house, in Robby's room. Watched movies and hockey games and clip shows Robby put together. But I wasn't close to Robby, not really. Although, I realize now he always remembered to tag me in his silly Facebook photos of casts of his favorite shows. :)

I got a taste of justice as Brian, Abby, Mike, and I walked home from the post-viewing reception--we were about to cross Sewickley's main street when I saw a tall girl in a ridiculous brunette wig approach us, with a boy, from the side. Lacie. I ignored her, but I could feel Abby seize up in the same way I did directly behind me. "Mike Kerr!" Lacie called from the corner as we walked away from her.

Mike turned and waved, then shrugged--he had no idea who it was. Brian rubbed the bridge of his nose and asked, "Who was that?"

"LACIE," Abby and I practically whisper-shrieked back. It was almost too perfect--two of her ex-boyfriends, an old enemy in Abby, and me, the ex-bff.

But enough about her.

There was a reception the next morning for two hours before the funeral, and I saw a lot of teachers and old classmates, including Harton--the unattainable-senior-to-my-dorky-freshman--who kissed me on the cheek in greeting, surprisingly enough.

I made myself talk to the two most difficult people for me to approach--Robby's girlfriend Andrea and Mr. Hague. Andrea was easier--polite but responsive to my condolences. I put of Mr. Hague until the last moment, as the crowd was thinning and funneling into the sanctuary. I tried to put a kind but not-too-mushy sentence together: "Mr. Hague, look, I can't stay for the whole service, but--"

I got cut off. HE hugged ME. And thanked me. It was the most gratifying experience of my life.

The funeral itself was beautiful--I was reduced to a practical puddle the entire time. I actually ended up sitting towards the back next to Liz--MY old high school rival. She was sweet and generous to me, though, and even held my hand when I really started crying. I was lucky enough to stay for all of the eulogies before Robert picked me up. Robby's best friends JJ and Caleb spoke, and Robby's favorite aunt, and his stepdad, and Andrea, and Annie, Brian, and Mr. Hague. Each eulogy was heartfelt and perfect.

It rained that day--a cleansing rain.

I got to see a few other friends while I was home, Brandon and Emily and Joey V. Every visit was really wonderful--I've missed home and my friends. I feel disconnected from my self-appointed position of 'protector' at home and with friends. At this point, I'm pushing through the month of August (holy eff, it's AUGUST) until my friends arrive and MICA starts up again. I know I'll be complaining about work and thesis then, but anything is better than waiting.

I also have a new roommate--she moved into Betsy's room and I moved back into my old one. Her name is Emily Wade, and she's from Lynchburg, VA. She's a Christian in the way that Melissa and I are--not a casual believer. It's going to be so nice to have that companionship.

Two hours 'til I have to head out for work. Blah.

Love,

-A.

AHHHH, relief!

On the relationship front, anyway.

Things with Ben couldn't have gone better! Well, okay, that's simplifying it a little.

I took the MARC to DC on Friday, and after a few stops on the Metro, greeted Ben in Virginia. That evening was great--I met a couple of his friends and we hit it off just fine! We hung out at a hookah bar and just talked and watched Ben's friend Tyler whip him at backgammon five times :P

The NEXT day however, was weird and awkward and it was so, so painfully clear how much we DO NOT gel as a couple. So, we went to breakfast and had an awkward walk and argued a lot about God, as we do. It's just so tense, and he's bad at letting things just go without making them into a ten minute dissertation about why he's right. Despite all of this, he is a good guy, and I am really excited about staying friends with him.

So, we are FINALLY making our way back to Baltimore--after about twenty minutes of relative silence, he reaches over and takes my hand, and I just come out and say it: "Look, I think us dating would just be all wrong. We're so not right for each other."

Now, I get a little nervous here, because, as I wrote before, I'm expecting him to be hurt, but then again, our morning was PRETTY BAD. But he surprised me: "I was trying to figure out how to say the same thing, gently." My insides were singing hallelujah, I'll tell you that!

After that, we were totally fine! It was just, so NICE to be able to be normal and friendly and funny, but still talk semi-awkwardly-but-mostly-funnily about our "romance", AKA "makeouts" and why we would never have worked out (so, SO many things!).

At my suggestion, we had a cookout for Robin last night, as he left today for Pittsburgh. It was a lot of fun, and I have to say, there is never a time I feel more comfortable and joyful than when I am in a roomful of relaxed, fun people that I love. :)

Ben bonded with Colin and Robin over Rock Band last night, which we played from 11 PM-2 AM (I sang--doy), and he stayed over in my bed (no funny business, just cuddling, I promise! :P It just felt good to be near someone). We got breakfast at XS this morning and just enjoyed our time together for a few hours before he had to go. No kiss--just a big hug and a promise to keep in touch. It went so well I was beaming!

Starting from square one is never fun, but better this outcome than anything more dramatic.

Speaking of square one, I said goodbye to Robin before Ben and I went out for breakfast. It wasn't hard, exactly, but I've barely gotten to see him, and I miss him. I don't want our progress interrupted! Last night things seemed like they were going back to normal, which made me feel so, so great! But, naturally, I'm the first person to say that they'll never be the same, and I still get this weird let's-call-it-protectiveness-instead-of-jealousy about him. But it'll pass after a while, I'm sure. :)

It's so funny how open and honest this blog sounds, when there is still so, so much I could say about this, and have said to a few of you, and to a black diary.

Ben surpassed my expectations this afternoon and texted me about seeing a baseball game next week. Not even a whole day and he's keeping the promise to stay friends! Actively! I am so, so pleased. :D

I have more to worry about--school stuff, money, jobs, etc. But I know I have good friends and a good head on my shoulders, and even when things get me panicky, I know I have a good God who gave me both, and I am so thankful. :)

Hope you're all doing well!

Love you--

-A.

I'm Baaaa-aaaaack!

I am home.

On my flight into the USA, I saw rain-soaked jetties in New York, rain-soaked concrete in the Cincinnati airport lot, and then, like a welcome home sign, the Lite-Brite city of Pittsburgh came up to greet me.

Cheesy as anything, I know, but it's so great to be home. :)

Unfortunately, all you jerks are are still off at your respective colleges, which is fine--I can be patient! I'm missing Baltimore/MICA a lot. :/ But, all in time.

I walked through Sewickley today--not too many changes, although they took down one of my favorite wooden playgrounds and put up a plastic one. LAME.

KJ gets home from school/track practice in about an hour, and I'll get to see him for the first time since I got back last night--he was asleep, and I was asleep when he left this morning. I can't wait to see him!

Okay, I'm off, but I'll update with SOMETHING exciting soon enough.

Hope you're all well!

-A.

Wow, February.

Already! That means I haven't exactly 2 months and 3 weeks left here!

I know, don't get too excited. :P

In other news, the Steelers are AWESOME. I admit, I got a little nervous in the end! But we pulled that shit out and reminded people who we are.

I'm supposed to meet with my teacher today for critique BUT I don't have anything. :D OH WELL. I'll just tell him I need a little more time and get cracking!

Hiked from Fiesole to Settignano on Saturday--the sun came out just for us, and it's been raining ever since. I wish I had more to report on!

I love you guys. Drea--I haven't heard from you in a while. Are you still reading?

Muah!

-A.

My sexiness is complete.

I've been having a lovely day!

This morning, Mel and I got up and Emma met us at our place, and we went out to shop the January saldi! (Sales.)

Mel and Emma were on the hunt for boots, and I was just tagging along really, and if I found something cheap, great! Now, my feet are far too big to find boots here in the EU (a 41 [the largest size I saw] was about the right length, but my feet are WAY too wide), BUT, I did stop into this shop called Goldenpoint, where I knew I could find some cheap tights. So, I was looking at the wall of tights, and I saw a particular package of sheer black, lace-topped thigh-highs. I was, naturally, smitten. They weren't in my size, so I had to dig around a little to find the right pair.

Then I saw a pair that were seamed, and my heart skipped, so I grabbed those in my size too. THEN, at the counter, I saw a small box with a picture on it. A picture of a gorgeous lace garter belt and matching stockings. And I think I died a little with excitement. (I was inspired by you, Em! :P) SO, I bought the seamed stockings and the garter belt set for about 25 euro, which isn't bad at all. AND, to satisfy my little girl side, I found a pair of bright red tights practically next door for 4,75! IT WAS AMAZING. And now, I am sexy.

So, the three of us crossed the Ponte Vecchio, still looking for boots (we were unsuccessful, as they were A. Very expensive or B. Not our taste), and we stumbled onto this awesome, cheap mini-supermarket. I bought 1,5 liters of Sprite for 1,60! (Very cheap, let me tell you.) And cereal! And butter! It was exciting. :D

Anyway, tonight, #10 is coming over to our place to make a yummy, communal dinner, and then me, Morgan, Emily and Christine are going to find this bar that's broadcasting the AFC championship between the Steelers and the Ravens! Hopefully we kick butt! Go Steelers!

I love you and miss you all. Hope you're all having a great day! Let's talk soon!

-A.

Copy/Paste

So, I went to Barnes and Noble about ten days ago with Robin, Sam, and Jessie. There was a cute guy who works there and we were checking each other out, but we left before I got a chance to catch him to get his number. SO, I went out on a limb and put out a 'Missed Connection' on Craigslist. Lo and Behold, ten days later--he e-mails me! He thought I was cute and remembered that I was wearing all black. So, we're getting coffee this weekend. I know, I know what you're all thinking.

BUT, it's just one date and, after a Facebook check, I'm not sure there'll be a second date. Besides, I leave in six weeks. :P

I came home from Robin's last night to a screaming fight between Jen and Betsy over Ryan. Betsy has had Ryan over (as friends) the past few days because they were helping each other with some art projects. Ryan agreed to model for some photos for Betsy, and Jen was FURIOUS to return home to find a shirtless Ryan getting crayon wax getting dripped on his face for a photo. So, she acted huffy for a little while, went to class, then came home and decided to tell Betsy to stop being friends with Ryan and to stop having him over. Generally being bitter and immature and overreactive BIG TIME. I just went into my room and LET IT GO. They tried to involve me at one point and I was like: "UM, NO. I'm not part of this." I just wanted to shout, "JEN. ARE YOU GOING TO BE MAD ABOUT DYLAN OR ABOUT RYAN. YOU CAN'T HAVE BOTH. YOU CAN'T HAVE ALL THE LOVE AND ALL THE ANGER."

It was silly. But they both apologized once it wound down.

I stepped on my headphones yesterday. I'm very, very glad that Lauren is getting my new ones for my birthday. :)

How are all of you? Only a few more days 'til I get to see you! Love you. xoxo

-Alyssa

WashingTON, WashingTON.

I went to Washington, DC today with hopes of applying for my student visa. It was a pleasant trip, but let me elaborate:

I woke up at 9:40, and lazed in bed 'til 10, having stayed up until four with Robin at the desk. I finally rallied and dressed, then checked MARC train times and DC maps to make sure of where I was going (Embassy Row in Dupont Circle).

I got to Penn Station to catch the 11:40am train, and two girls about my age asked me if I was part of the Johns Hopkins Pre-Law DC visit to GW and Georgetown. I, obviously, was not, and they were distraught that they wouldn't find any more members of their group. I introduced myself to Kim and Leah, and managed to embarrass myself quickly by knocking the gorgeous iPhone out of Leah's hand trying to give her a handshake. UGH.

We walked down to the train together, and they waited outside of it for any potential stragglers. (Or perhaps to avoid my iPhone-Destroying Hands of Crazy.) I ended up sitting across the aisle from two nerdy but nice-looking guys who looked like law school-types. I asked, and they were, and we struck up a conversation about MICA and Italy. The boys, Alex (with really pretty blue eyes and a big Greek-style nose, although he's Romanian) and Nick (tall and lean with the signiture "dork" haircut) were shortly joined by Elias, who had, coincidentally, spent the semester before in Italy.

Also coincidentally, Alex and Nick were from PA, and Nick was from Mount Lebanon, and the three of us have November birthdays, and Alex's birthday is the same as Lauren's! It was very weird but really cool. We talked a lot about Pittsburghese and art and art school (which they found incredibly curious--it was very funny), Alex was chatting me up BIG time. It was really sweet.

We separated once the train pulled in, without exchanging last names, but I figured Elias was an unusual enough name to find on Facebook without to much trouble (I was right). I did end up running into Nick on the Metro though, and he missed his stop because we were talking about the Pens. :) It was very cool.

On to the frustrating part. I got to Dupont Circle and got a little lost, but with the help of a nice bank teller, got turned around and back on track. I found Embassy Row, but ended up walking probably a mile and a half to the Italian Embassy. I felt SO GROSS, but I didn't want to take my coat off and carry it.

SO, I finally get there, and the guy at the gate, an older Italian guy, asks my why I'm there. It goes a little like this:

Him: Alo, what can I do a-for you?
Me: I'm here to fill out a visa application.
Him: You are a-too late. (It's one-thirty pm, by the way.) The office is open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from a-10AM to 12:30pm.
Me: REALLY. Is there ANYTHING you can do?
Him: No. You a-live in Washington?
Me: No, Baltimore.
Him: Oh. You will a-have to come back, then.
Me: *frustrated tears* Oh, okay. Thanks anyway.

WORST EVER. It just stressed me out a lot, and it's That Time, so I'm even more emotional than usual. SO, I walked the mile and a half BACK to Dupont Circle, and decided to stop for coffee and something to eat. I spotted a Books-A-Million store, and walked in to find two of my favorite things: books (who'd've thunk it?) and coffee. So I grabbed New Moon off the shelf and got a coffee and piece of caramel coffee cake from the really nice guy at the register, who, coincidentally, heads out to Rome next week to sing at the Vatican, because he's in some men's choir.

I read until almost 4, which was SO unbelievably relaxing, then decided to head back to Baltimore, so I bought the book, which I was about half-done with (the check-out guy was ALSO really sweet, which was SO nice), and got back on the Metro to Union Station, bought another ticket to the MARC train, which ended up being so packed with commuters that I had to stand for the first 20 minutes of the ride.

Robin called me as they called my stop (he's in New York to see an Andrew WK show), which was a nice 'Welcome Home'-type greeting, even if he's not in Baltimore. I got home just in time to see Betsy ice a brownie cake for a classmate's birthday, then fly out the door to a Post-Bac dinner, and Marla called to ask me to model the corset she made (Jen was supposed to, but Marla made it too big--also, the photoshoot calls for me to be the character of a "Showhorse" [Corset=saddle] and Robin is my "Groom". God has a sense of humor. :P).

NOW, I'm going to finish this entry, take off my shoes and NAP until Marla calls me to watch a movie.

Whew, and then I have a grave shift, then I take a shower and meet my Illustration Concepts class at the bus at 8:15 AM to go to the Brandywine Museum, then get back at six or seven, THEN go to my 9-12 at the Commons, then it's my birthday! :) Damn, eventful weekend! But I'm looking forward to it. I won't be a teenager anymore.

(Also, I didn't get to mention the LOVELY birthday gift I got from Brandon, the new Chris Ware book. Don't know Chris Ware? Google is your friend. Thanks, Brandon. :D)

Seven weeks 'til Florence. Wow.

Love you all,

Alyssa

P.S. This entry has SO MANY tags.

ETA: P.P.S. "I remember wishing [he] were my brother. I realized now that all I really wanted was a claim on him. It didn't feel brotherly when he held me like this. It just felt nice--warm and comforting and familiar. Safe. [He] was a safe harbor."

-New Moon, page 375

And THIS is why I watch the Olympics.

Records being broken; trash-talk being completely, well, smashed into the talkers' FACES; cheering; winning; teamwork; grace. It makes it so worthwhile to give of myself emotionally if I can see the looks on those STRANGERS' faces when they win. Is that weird? Well, I don't care--it makes me feel so connected with the human race.

(But, I also watch for the creeparound, which is shown in this photo. :D)

Drea's Homecoming!

-Get my driver's permit renewed.
-Actually learn how to drive.
-Take my driver's test.
-Talk to Mom about applying to SACI.
-Getting my passport.
-Call MICA about withdrawing for a leave of absence in order to go to Florence.
-Talk to MICA about Financial Aid stuff/enrollment.
-Get another Sallie Mae loan.
-Update stupid FAFSA.
-Fill out stupid financial forms for MICA.

As most of you know (there aren't to many people who read this), Drea is coming home tonight! Yay!

Hopefully we'll all be able to get together soon for the viewing of Ink.

Ab-Fab, any days off soon?

Again, not much to update, but I'll be seeing all of you soon anyway. :)

Oh, and Happy Birthday Sidney!


(Marry Me! :D)

Love,
Alyssa

Hooray for things to do!

Emily is home! And since we've already spent, like, 15 of the 36 hours she's been home and awake together, we are doing the logical thing and spending all day together again today. :)

It is SO nice to have someone [sane] to hang out with.

Drea will be home in two days, I hear Bri will be back for a couple days at the end of the month, and hopefully Ab-Fab, you can find some time to come down and hang out with us soon. We miss you!

Saw Lacie briefly on Sunday--it was awkward, and she got that dreadful Monroe piercing I advised against.

Short entry, but it's only been a couple days, so, not much to report.

Muah!

Love, Alyssa