Simple Kind Of College Life 2.0

It's The College Life For Me

2006-03-13T09:50:00.000-05:00

I must apologize for the long delay in posting. I've been caught up with things. I now work endlessly it seems on weekends at the nearest Blockbuster. Yes, the same video store that got rid of late fees...or so it seems. At least at the one I work at, if movies aren't returned at a certain time, the member is charged $1.32 per day until that movie is returned to us. After 30 days, they bought the movie. So, the 'life after late fees' thing is just a ploy to get people to return movies on time. But then again, if you're so busy with life that you can't watch a movie in a week's time, maybe you shouldn't have wasted money renting anything.

I am still in school, with Spring Break (YES!) coming this Friday. I don't know if I should be elated with it, since it's the only week long furlough that I have until summer break begins. I should be, considering that all I've done is come home every Friday, work, come back to college either Sunday night or Monday morning (much like today) then, during the week, go to classes. It's strenuous to say the least. But there's nothing wrong with making money while in the homestretch of getting an education. It's going to be a long 3 years left.

Cold!

2006-01-24T10:10:00.000-05:00

The weather has yet again become the topic of SKOCL2. It's kind of strange to think that one topic such as this could take up so much time.

A few days ago, there was a period of fifty degree plus weather. Which, after having to suffer from the cold for so long, came to be enjoyable. The peak temperature was a comfortable fifty five. However, once we reached that peak, the weather became strange. One minute it was a sunny day. The next we had hail, sleet, rain and snow, in no particular order. And it got COLD! A good twenty something degree drop in temperature.

Yesterday and today were also the complete opposite of warm. In fact, we had four inches of snow yesterday, which will make it fun at night, if you know what I mean. Not that I plan on going anywhere, with most of my friends gone and all.

In an update, I leave for Plymouth in two days. I think I'm finally starting to become nervous.

Random

2006-01-16T15:06:00.000-05:00

There really hasn't been much happening in my life right now. Which is the reason for a long period between posts. I go to college next week (the 27th) to begin the second semester of my freshman year.

In sports, some good news, the New England Patriots lost in the playoffs. That should hopefully put an end to the 'first sports' dynasty of the 21st century.' At least, I hope. There is something about dynasties that are kind of annoying. I like to see different teams win their sports coveted prize. Not the same teams winning that same prize year in and year out.

I'm kind of nervous about going to college. I mean, really nervous. I don't know why. There isn't anything about it that frightens me in any way, but I'm nervous about going for some reason. I know my roommate from Ireland, and we get along alright, so that kind of makes things easier.

Does anybody have any tips for moving into a dorm? I'm completely lost as to what to do.

'Party Over Oops! Out of Time'

2005-12-31T17:23:00.000-05:00

I sit here typing my wishes to all for a Happy New Year, I realize that there isn't a lot of time left. It's currently 5:26 PM, leaving just something like seven hours and thirty four minutes left of good ol' 2005. It's been a monumentous year for me. Travelling to Italy twice and living in Ireland for three months will be something I will never forget. Being in Rome for the Pope Benedict XVI's first Sunday Mass is an experience to remember. So..since I'm having problems making paragraphs for some reason, I will leave it short and sweet. Enjoy the rest of 2005.

Weather

2005-12-29T11:50:00.000-05:00

Once again, Mother Nature enjoys her cruel games.

I don't know if anybody lives in New England, but the weather here is confusing. One day its almost fifty degrees out and the next day it's snowing. The weather has been so bad that a street in Montpelier collapsed and went down into another street as part of a rock slide.

As for where I live, which about 20 minutes away from the rock slide, it rains, sleets, and occasionally snows. The roads aren't that bad as to the point where you can't drive, it's just when the weather is bad, people seem to drive worse. I'm not sure how that works out, but, it does.

Now I really can't wait for spring and summer, where it's rain. I officially can't stand winter...enjoy the day wherever you are!

Merry Christmas

2005-12-24T20:28:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year again. The time to rejoice with one another and celebrate another year in peaceful harmony with family. Although Christmas makes it less than one week until we have a new year, it is a time where most families enjoy themselves and spend some quality time with one another

So, since the exodus is like a giant family, I would like to wish all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Home

2005-12-21T09:17:00.000-05:00

People say that there is nothing better than returning home after spending so long away from it. Even though I was only gone for three months, the concept was the same.

The flight was smooth, with just a little turbulence. The most annoying part was the amount of kids that were running and playing in the aisle. Other than that, and the atrocious in flight movie that was shown (Dukes of Hazzard) everything was smooth.

We landed about twenty-five minutes earlier than expected. But, thanks to the amount of time it took to retrieve two suitcases, I didn't go through customs until about thirty minutes later.

Everything about home is the way I remembered it. I don't know if I should be disappointed or not, with everything staying the same. All the same, it's good to be home again.

What A Way To Celebrate

2005-12-16T14:55:00.000-05:00

Today I began to pack to return home. It took a while, but I got it done. This wasn't the way I wanted to end. I never got to say goodbye to my roommates; they like to go home early on Fridays. That, and I like to sleep, a lot. Who doesn't like sleep?

Well, I celebrated turning 19 in a way I didn't want to. I packed to go home, and I'm 2200 miles away from family. So this birthday was bittersweet. While I enjoyed being in the company of friends (and a few people I didn't know) nothing beats celebrating a birthday than with family. But, that's just me.

Well, this time tomorrow, I should be landing back in Boston. However, I'm not looking forward to the three hour car ride back home. And that's only if the weather is good. Which, from what I hear, it's far from good. It's been snowing all day, much to my dismay.

America, here I come. I can't wait to be back home.

Mother Nature

2005-12-13T21:26:00.000-05:00

I officially declare that Mother Nature has it in for me when I come home. Now, my parents are no meteorologists, and it's not exactly in their fortay to tell or predict the weather, but they gave me the worst news ever.

Apparently, there is supposed to be a snowstorm this Friday going into Saturday morning. This is bad for two reasons.

1: I hate snow. Not only do I hate snow, I hate being cold. So, the thought of spending my first day back in America freezing to death doesn't exactly appeal to me.

2. Flight. This doesn't normally bother me. Actually, this bothers me a lot. I'm not a big fan of flying, and I haven't flown with this much snow on the ground when I land. I hear tell it is a bad sign to land a big piece of aluminum on a slippery service.

Anyway, this is why Mother Nature is out to get me. Hopefully, and I know I'm worrying a bit too much, but I hope I land in peace.

Christmas TIme

2005-12-13T07:29:00.000-05:00

We are in the midst of the Christmas Season. We can just sit back and watch the snow fall while sipping on our hot chocolate and munching slowly on the Christmas cookies by the fire. It's a great time. For some families, it is one of the few times that everyone gathers together and enjoys the day.

What is life like for college students? I haven't seen my parents in three months. I don't know what to get them or any member of my family. What makes it worse is that my mother apparently bought me my presents. How am I supposed to compete with that? That makes me feel bad because Christmas is next week and I don't have anything to give.

Anyway, before I make this depressing, Christmas is supposed to be the time of joy. Sitting next to the fire with the pets by your side. While my pets, at least the cats, just pass out into a coma next to the fire, my faithful dog will be by my side. There I will probably be telling my stories from Ireland countless times to family and friends. It will be good fun, and a good 'craic.' Man I love Irish slang.

What Time Is It?

2005-12-12T09:54:00.000-05:00

Unfortunately, it's exam time. I shouldn't really complain though. The exams I have are in an essay format. I have six topics and only have to write on two of them.

I shouldn't complain. How hard can it be? Two essays in two hours, should be easy right? Well, they should be, but that doesn't mean that they will be.

Take music for example, we have six essays, but we don't know what the topics are. So, while the exam is 3 hours away, I am cramming like no tomorrow (just not right this moment) to get as much information as possible into my head.

I shouldn't complain, but complaining relieves stress in a way. It's a way to vent frustrations that may build up from writing papers to studying for exams. Not to mention that I have to packand come home this Saturday. No pressure.

Alphabet Of Me

2005-12-11T09:48:00.000-05:00

A- Age of my first kiss: 15
B- Band I am listening to right now: My Chemical Romance
C- Crush: Nobody
D- Dad's name: Michael
E- Easiest person to talk to: Eric
F- Favorite ice cream: Almost any coffee flavored ice cream
G- Gummy bears or gummy worms: gummy worms as long as they are sour
H- Hometown: Northfield
I- Instruments: guitar, trumpet
J- Junior high: Shepherdstown Junior and Northdfield Junior
K- Kids: None
L- Longest car ride ever: From West Virginia to Wisconsin
M- Mom's name: Brenda
N- Nickname: Alex is a start, Blattman (hence to screenname)
O- One wish: To be happy
P-Phobias: Spiders and height
Q- Quote: "Wise men talk because they have something to say. Fools talk because they have to say something."
R- Reason to smile : All the happy times
S- Song I last sang: The Ghost of You- My Chemical Romance
T- Time I woke up today: 1:30 PM (8:30 AM back home)
U- Unknown fact about me: I'm really self concious
V- Vegetable(s): Peas, corn, brocolli only if covered in cheese
W- Worst habit: Ignoring the world in my room
X- X-Rays I've had: Maybe 5
Y- Years since I've been to church: Never been
Z- Zodiac sign: Sagittarius

I stole this from a blog who stole it from a blog. The names escape me right now.

Time

2005-12-11T09:22:00.000-05:00

I noticed while giving myself a grand tour of the new J-Land, that my journal is seemingly becoming more popular everyday. I like it. I like the fact that I write something people enjoy reading what I say. There is something about it that makes me want to continue writing this until there is nothing left to say. What is there to do? I'm about to come home from Ireland in six days, and believe me, I am more than ecstatic.

Spending three months (or if you really want specifics, two months and 28 days) away from family for the first time is a little tough. The longest I had ever spent away from home before this was a month, but I was with family during that time. Now, I am here alone and even though I have friends, they don't compare to the joys a family can give you.

Over at First Person Plural, one of the blogs I visited during my trek, they noted that I am a devoted family man while studying for exams. While I don't have a family to protect of my own, I am quite defensive over the famly I'm in now. I have a young niece and nephew to look after when I rarely do that Uncle thing. I am protective of all family members (except one aunt, but that's a different story) and I will be until my time is up.

Also at FPP, they noted that I am studying for my finals. I wouldn't exactly call it my finals, my last one is on Tuesday, then I get to spend the last few days packing before making the long trip home. The exams I have are easy. For music, out of 6 questions, I only have to answer two. It's the same for folklore. Cultural studies is even easier, I have an essay to turn in before 5:00 PM Monday.

With that said, feel free to interrupt me anytime you want.

Have You Noticed?

2005-12-08T06:34:00.000-05:00

I just checked my former blog (http://journals.aol.com/Blattman2005/SimpleKindOfCollegeLife/) and noticed that with the now viral ads that have built an unwelcomed habitat have a new neighbor.

Directly below the ads are the words "Ads are not an endorsement by the blog author. "

No kidding. We didn't ask for the ads so why would we endorse the company that wrongfully cheated us and put their ad on our blog?

Is this supposed to be a futile attempt by AOL to lure the Exodus back to the J-Land? I don't think that this will worked. We simply asked for them to be removed in their entirety, not to have a sentence accomodate them.

If this is a step in the right direction, then who knows, maybe the ads will be gone soon. But, this is probably wishful thinking on my behalf. I'm starting to get comfortable on Blogspot. I don't know if I'd want to return to J-Land.

Moving Closer

2005-12-08T06:03:00.000-05:00

With my intense workload, I have accumulated a loss of sleep over the time. I don't know about anyone else while they were in college, but for me, the lack of sleep is a new thing for me.

Last night and early this morning, while most people are in their inebriated state, for a few days called the Christmas Daze, I was plucking away at papers. THIRTEEN HOURS later, I was crawling into bed for a four hour slumber I greatly needed. I did a lot of work in those four hours. I finished my research paper for today, proof read my Traditional Folklore paper, made bibliographies for both, come up with eleven journal entries for a class, and started my cultural studies exam. They didn't get done necessarily in this order, but you get the point.

Including my cultural studies paper, I have only two papers left to write. They both take place instead of an actual exam, so I shouldn't really complain. I don't know, maybe I'm tired and stressed and maybe I need a place to vent some pent of frustration. Or maybe, I like to ramble about nothing in particular. I'm just so close to being done.

So Close

2005-12-07T15:53:00.000-05:00

Things are going smoothly right now. Sort of. The stress level was increased when I was told that for two of the classes, instead of an exam, we have papers to write. Normally, I wouldn't complain. But, I'm not done writing the six that I was assigned earlier.

I know I shouldn't complain about having to write the papers, but, I just want to get this done. I don't know the topic for my Irish Traditional Music, but for Cultural Studies, we were given a choice, and I chose 'Hybridity.' The slight problem with this is that isn't even a word. It does, however, deal with mutlicultural backgrounds. That seems to be the easier topic, so, with me being my lazy self, I chose that one.

So, enough of the negativity, my presentation went well, I get my grade tomorrow, so I'm pumped for that. More importantly, I come home the 17th. I have just over a month before I'm back on American soil for the first time in almost 3 months!

The only bad thing about that is snow...New England is expecting another Nor'Easter, which is a veerrrryyy large snowstorm. But, I'll take that if it means that I get to be home.

Late Nights

2005-11-29T11:21:00.000-05:00

Lately, with college life this semester drawing to a close, the professors have cracked down and brought with them a ton of work to do. Lately, I've been up to see the sun rise, just sitting here typing paper after paper. I have three of them due tomorrow along with a twenty minute presentation on the Irish Potato Famine compared to Hurricane Katrina. It sucks, what with all the typing and all.

Also, I have papers due in Irish Traditional Music (one of the papers due tomorrow) and Irish Folklore (due this Friday.) There is also a paper due next Friday on Resiliency in My Major, which happens to be English, so I guess that the bar is set pretty high for me to succeed gramatically.

The pressure is on, and I guess this is helping vent some of the stress I'm under. But, I really want to do my best so I can pass the class. The papers are worth a third of my final grade, so I need to pass them. I guess I'll go back to work on my Folklore paper, I'm only on the introduction...anybody want to type my paper for me?

SNOW! NOT THAT!!

2005-11-25T08:31:00.000-05:00

Last night, during my adventures with the Physical Education class (for the record, I'm not in the class, I was invited), I received a surprise.

SNOW...normally, with me being from Vermont, this shouldn't surprise me, but oh did it ever. Before I came here, I was told that Ireland didn't get any snow. Talk about one of the biggest lies I've ever been told.

It snowed. All the Irish were joyous, while me on the other hand, was quickly turned off to the idea of snow falling here. I know there is snow back home, but I didn't want to think about snow until I had to go back and enjoy sitting inside chugging some cappuccino.

I don't look forward to going home to snow. I do look forward to going home though.

What A Way To Celebrate

2005-11-24T08:46:00.000-05:00

Today happens to be Thanksgiving. The day when families across America get a chance to sit down with one another and enjoy a graciously prepared feast. Depending on where you are, the meals don't last particularly long, maybe an hour or so. But, the point is, for some families, is that a quality time is spent together.

Unfortunately for me, I don't get a Thanksgiving here in Ireland. Much to my dismay, there is no honey baked ham (turkey is disgusting) sitting in between the stuffing and the potatoes. While the University of Limerick did put on a display of Thanksgiving today (from 12:00-6:00) it just isn't the same. And besides, there probably isn't any football to watch after, which is also a tradition of mine.

I don't know, after 17 years of spending Thanksgiving with family and to suddenly, on the 18th Thanksgiving I've had to suddenly be alone. Well, not alone because there are going to be more people there, but I won't have the family there to enjoy the food (especially the stuffing) with.

And to top it off, I'm working yet again on some papers. Well, right now I'm not, but I do have one for Irish Traditional Music open. I'm just procrastinating again. This is definately the greatest way to celebrate Thanksgiving.

Just A Walk In The Park

2005-11-23T09:57:00.000-05:00

The weather, as dreary as it is, does not deter the locals from scurrying about. While, they do go about in shorter bursts, they are still hustling about doing their errands.

As I gazed out my dorm room window this morning, I was greeted by the unpleasant site of a cloudy sky, with not even a hint of a good day mixed in. While I am sitting inside right now (yes I am procrastinating again) looking out, listening to music, and typing this, I get more down with each passing glance outside.

I didn't think that just looking out would kill someone's mood. I think that it's kind of strange really. Looking out and seeing bad weather shouldn't bring someone down. Given I wasn't exactly jovial this morning (late morning specifically) but still, weather shouldn't play a part in emotions.

Maybe it has something to do that with clouds, impending doom is coming. Not the apocalyptic doom, more like cats and dogs are streaking down from the clouds above. Naturally, my hypothesis is this, if the natives go dashing for cover, that is a good sign that something bad is about to happen. Hopefully, it will only be rain that they are running from.

If the majority of people I come across over the next few days look like they're waiting for Noah to come rowing by, I'll take it as a pretty good guess that rain is on the way.

Just Moving In

2005-11-23T07:27:00.000-05:00

I never thought that J-Land, the place that everyone helped make popular, would be over run by ads. The ad that I see the most is from Bank of America.

I don't want to use Bank of America. I'm happy with the bank I have at the moment.

Anywho, everyone seems to have resorted to different means of posting, specifically, here at blogspot. Well, I ddecided, as the saying goes, if you can't beat em, join em.

And join em I shall. Goodbye J-Land, it is a sad farewell, maybe one day we can meet on happier times.