"Studying"

I don't know why I put that in quotes because I actually am studying.... but it's in the coolest place ever! Basically in the 'basement' below the main food hall is this late night cafe place. Well my friend and I staked out a whole booth and are totally getting to relax and focus and be productive at the same time, but only thanks to (semi) noise canceling headphones! I am so glad that I invested in a pair of these! A definite must when the dorm hall is just too noisy and there are shrieking people down the hall. Also, when you play "white noise" or "pink noise" or just general calming soundtracks from youtube with the volume up really (REALLY) loud, you can't hear anything (or anyone) else! :) A very convenient technique and I actually AM getting all my work done! See? \/ \/ \/

yes there are books in front of me. And a sidenote, I love, love, love taking notes on my computer! It's so nice to have everything in one place, ie: all the powerpoints from lectures alongside my homework notes alongside my class notes, so much better than high school notetaking. Plus, no hand cramps!

Hurricane Irene.

Well I can't share a picture of you because my cord is sadly not here yet. Nor will it be until next week so... but the hurricane was essentially a let down. I mean, I guess in a good way. Like no major damage or anything so I guess that's good. But really there wasn't even that much rain. Or wind. aka hurricane. So we're fine. Just stir crazy from being locked in all day. The usual.

Europe: Capri

Capri was amazing! Anyday, anytime, I would go back. No questions. We had the pleasure of renting our own Zodiac boat...

... and I got to drive! Mostly because I was the only one who had my license on me to give to the people... sketchy by the way. It was a day of trying not to get sun burnt, bouncing on the waves (Zaynah...), eating more good food bought from the local market (yay! fresh, fresh, fruit), losing our anchor because they gave us a dud, look it up! It's a tradition, if you ever go have at least 1 man on your boat! And speak Italian because that helps :) We also had A TON of gelato in Capri and afterwards tourist shopped in the cute little sea shops. All over-priced by the way. Unfortunately we did not make it to the Blue Grotto because the tides weren't right but next time... next time.

Keep checking back for updates on Hurricane Irene passing through sometime tomorrow, my first experience of actual weather! And don't worry (grandparents), Gordon has got this whole 'state of emergency' down.

More Pics

See, I told you I would put more pictures up. Really. So this is part of my campus, right outside an entrance to my dorm hall, because really that's about as far as I was willing to walk with my computer in tow. Remember? No computer cable... hopefully coming soon though!

Some of the residents halls

The Library in the distance. All brick. Very nice.

Outside of my dorm hall! Evans Hall. Yes. "Home"

In other news my first Friday night of college was spent bumming around, walking around the large lake (pond?), & exploring the athletic center here with the intent to play raquetball with my roommate. Needless to say they apparently close at 9? Lame. So we came back and had a room party with two of our hall mates. AKA watching stop motion vids, painting nails, and attempting to add more decor to my room, and wearing lab goggles, all night...

Other than that a quick update on college life! So I had 5 classes; Old Testament, Person in the Psychological Context, The Great Conversation (like debate/ english class?), The Examined Life (philosophy), and Discovery (an outdoor program). Well the first days of class I really loved everything, and everyone, especially the professors, were so engaging and interesting! However I was already overwhelmed with homework. Yuck. ie: last night I stayed up until 2:30 and woke up at 7:30 to do psych hw I didn't even finish. Basically it's just a lot of reading, but I want to do well and learn everything well! So I decided to drop the Psychology class - which by the way has never been taken by Freshmen before because it's not intended for them...? Hopefully now I will have time to do my homework well and become as knowledgeable as I can in each of my remaining subjects. Yes? Good plan? I think so. Maybe even have a social life?

Speaking of social life I've made some fun friends here despite 24/7 studying. My roommate and hallmates are great and it'll be nice to meet others too! That's all for now, but definitely more to come! After all, I am trying to become better at blogging!

Roommate!

For all of those wondering, this is my lovely roommate! (aka my grandparents)

(yes, i did just take a shower. more to come, promise!)

Europe: Sorrento

First of all, another gorgeous place on this whirlwind adventure. Of course. Even Santa Barbara cannot compete. Sorrento was a nice break and a relaxing stay. We bummed around and ate (a lot) of food. It was some good living let me tell you. Mt. Versuvius on the skyline and daytrips to Capri and Pompeii only made this quaint, relaxing stay even better. My recommendation? GO if you have the chance. It's gorgeous and the "light operetta" is a good show. Close to many places with easy access it's a must stop by. 

gnocchi. or however you spell it. delicious naturally.

light operetta. don't even have to speak Italian to enjoy.

Typical.

Bad news guys. I took the wrong camera connector cable to college. Typical. Basically what this means for y'all is that I can't share the photos on my camera with you. However, I will take one low quality one with my webcam... sorry for the quality but this is my abode of late.

Rather plain I know. The desk area is actually decorated which I know you can't see well but you'll have to trust me I guess. More decorations to come. Mainly I do have a large box coming tomorrow that contains some nice touches I could put out. Better pictures to come when I find my cable!

Crazy, Crazy

Wow, crazy times so far for college life! Well, everything is just so busy actually, and it's kind of weird to think I'll actually be living here for the next 4 years or so. So pictures coming soon of my dorm room and whereabouts Boston area, time allowing. School comes first right?

Leaving Again

Is it weird to just wake up and realize, "Hey. I'm leaving again tomorrow for another 3 months." Even though the week has been filled with goodbyes, it's weird to just stop and take a look around and see how empty my room is now. So here's to new times and saying farewell to Santa Barbara, may my last day be productive.

Europe: Florence

Florence was so gorgeous and a very welcomed HOT from our previous foggy, foggy days! City of art and mind blowing architecture this definitely is at the top of the list of places I would like to see again. We spent a few days here which was also a welcomed rest from our fast pace city - hopping. 

Children advert your eyes, it's The David. Well, a copy really. Notice how out of proportion the head and hands are?

Famous Duomo. THE original dome. Gorgeous. St. Peter's Basilica? Yeah, modeled after this.

City of Firenze!

Europe: Lake Como

Lake Como & The Bellagio. But like, the REAL Bellagio. Just a small stay on our way down to the south of Italy, but so incredibly gorgeous! It was like a vacation on vacation. Though there wasn't much touristy stuff, minus the Bellagio, to do, my friends and I enjoyed strolling through the town and running away from local boys (probably in a gang?) who were chasing us, because we just make friends everywhere apparently. But the food was fantastic, of course! And the stay was refreshing from our marathon days in Paris. 

The (rather large) Lake

Houses and Shops of the Bellagio

Packing?

Finally starting on the packing for college.... and it's wow. Umm, can't I just take ALL of my boots and coats please? Another Europe post coming soon in this rapidly increasingly busy schedule of mine!