Finals ~ Whatsupp.

Hello!

Where have I been, you ask? Probably the library.  To study, you ask? Nope!

I check people out. Literally. Ow-ow.

But really.  After this Friday (11AM-1PM), I will only have one more finals week EVER IN MY LIFE.  Bittersweet (maybe)?  With a lickity-split Thanksgiving break (happy belated), I had like weeks of class (busy, busy, busy — no time for blogs) then this lovely week of ‘finals’.  So far it has consisted of an 18 page Ethics & Leadership paper, Intro to Graphic Design final branding project and presentation and currently my final Consumer Behavior (marketing) project and presentation* and now I only have a 3 page paper on Deborah Sussman for Graphic Design and a hellish Women in Religion final (that I refuse to study for..).

THEN IT’S CHRISTMAS BREAK OMG.  Do you remember the days when you created PowerPoint presentations for your parents to explain what you want for Christmas?  Including links, prices, and potential point of purchase?  Oh… that was just my sister.

Here’s what you’ve missed:

-Thanksgiving Break: bomb.  Spent some serious bonding time with my little – fab.

-Back at school: boom. STREP THROAT.  Have you ever had strep?  Seriously not funny.  I made the trip to the 7 Day Clinic (aloneee) and got checked out.  There was a HUGE centipede crawling across the floor while I sat in my room waiting for Dr. Susan.  I began to imagine the lights flickering and goo coming out of the walls (like a bad horror movie).. I was pretty sure I wasn’t going to make it outta there alive!!! But obviously… I did.  Then my adventure moved to the Sanford Pharmacy! Another semi-creepy place (though much much more sanitary).  I got totally awesome antibiotics and now I’m back to spectacular health.

Well, Concordia, and students everywhere… good luck with finals! Just remember:

Always makes me feel better

 

*By the way: My marketing group seriously ROCKED our presentation and I am extremely happy.  Today is a good day.

The History of The Shitter

As many of you know, I have a vehicle (1996 Nissan Maxima SE) named The Shitter.  The Shitter and I have been through a lot together.  Let’s go back to high school:

Way back when, my lovely sister was still figuring out how to drive… she was going to school one morning (supposedly it was icy…) and BAM!! There goes the pedestrian sign in front of Bear Path (the gated community in town) as well as the sun roof and left fog light and blinker..

Later in life when I was parked in front of my friends house (in a cul-de-sac) and mysteriously, one of her neighbors diagonally backed out of their driveway and backed into my front left end!!

THEN over time, The Shitter just started falling a part… oil leak, cracked windshield (which was recently replaced so now it’s totes fab), LOTS of black gorilla tape (to make the plastic sunroof look nice and to hold some pieces together), rusty spoiler on the trunk, rusty parts (that I accidentally broke off when I poked it) above the front tires, and MAN! a rusty body (I was adding new tape the driver door one time and saw what the under side of my car looks like) — I am just waiting for the day that it just collapses on the highway..

Recently, I had to take my car in for a new starter and when I got it back I filled up the tires and cleaned it out and it was FABULOUS.  But on Concordia Homecoming Saturday. It. Happened.  After the Homecoming parade, my roommates and I walked home and my car was gone! Everyone called around to see if anyone knew anything or if this was a seriously NOT funny joke… but it wasn’t.  The Shitter was stolen.  After reporting it to the Moorhead Police, I cried a little, took some shots (always makes a situation better), and headed off to the football game. [Note: I'm 56% sure that I locked the doors and there was a spare key in the trunk.  Also, my car was in my driveway so this burglar had to back up around my roommate's car in order to drive away.]  A few days later, the Police called saying someone had reported an abandoned car and told me I should meet them in Fargo to claim it.  My roomie dropped everything to drive me out to Fargo (the sketch neighborhood a few blocks past Broadway) and so we turned on the the street and was like . . . uhh I don’t see it!  It turns out The Shitter was left in an apartment parking lot parallel to the street! The Shitter was in the same condition as it was a few days before  Everything turned out okay and I’m okay and The Shitter is okay so we are ALL okay!

NOW The Shitter is back in the shop because it must be unhappy with this poopy Moorhead weather.  Oldies don’t like the cold ya know! Many are asking me if this is it… it better not be!! I love my Shitter and The Shitter will live forever!!!

My baby and me!!

 

**WAY back in the day (I’m thinkin’ like 90′s) The Shitter was called the Maxima.  The Maxima used to be borrowed for proms (Campbell cousins – holla’) and was a prized possession! Don’t worry, you will be updated with The Shitter’s health.

***Grandma, sorry for all the swear words, but think of it as a personal pronoun… it is its name

Whine & Wine

This Friday I will be attending a fabulous charity benefit called Fargo-Moorhead Wine and Dine!  The tickets are pretty pricey (but it’s for charity!) so.. my dad bought them!! We went last year and it was spectacular! We arrived (fashionably late, of course) and walked right into the silent auction and then headed over to the fancy dinner.  The whole night consists of wine, wine, wine!! I’m very excited to experience it all again!

Now, as a college student with college student friends… many could not join me in this expensive wine night.  SO I have created Whine & Wine as a close second! This night will be filled with.. wine while we whine about EVERYTHING! Here’s a glimpse of the topics at hand:

First-semester-is-almost-over-which-means-that-we-only-have-one-more-semester-left-then-we-will-graduate-but-then-what-where-will-I-get-a-job-will-we-ever-see-each-other-again-what-if-I-don’t-get-a-job-pass-the-wine-what-if-I-never-meet-my-future-husband-oh-my-gosh-that-girl-in-my-religion-class-drives-me-crazy-too-no-I-didn’t-vacuum-this-week-I’m-sorry-for-adding-hashtags-to-everything-pass-the-wine-no-I’m-not-a-democrat-yeah-I’m-never-eating-at-Taco-Bell-after-that-night-I-wish-we-could-just-be-forever-young-Cobber-rings-are-cool-I’m-only-starting-my-junior-year-scrapbook-pass-the-wine-I-love-you-guys.

I’m really excited.  Who doesn’t love unloading every problem/concern you’ve ever had ever on someone else!? I also enjoy the flip side, I like to think I’m a good Dr. Philis (the woman version of Dr. Phil, duh!).  Whine & Wine = the best idea I’ve ever had. You’re welcome

 

Boo!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Man! Life.

Well let’s play catch-up:

1). The rest of my Europe trip was fabulous.  Anouk and I shopped til dropped (literally), tried new things, went new places, and hung out with her family! We took a day trip to Antwerp, Belgium! We went to the movie theater in her home town and saw Magic Mike! We relaxed on the beach and took lots of pictures  I can not wait to go back!

2). College life procrastination I can’t believe this is my last year! (This is my main excuse to why I have not written in FOREVER).  I have been enjoying my late-night procrastination parties (who doesn’t love a silent house and Enya on repeat), late-night work at the library (SO unproductive, but the second best place to people watch other than the atrium), and going out with my friends (especially now during Halloween season)!  Also, it’s a real downer to ACTUALLY have to pay attention/do work during my night class… hence the lack of posts.  Sorry!

3). 10-31-12. Senior Year Halloween!!!! Throughout my college career, I have participated in Halloween with my crew.

Freshman year (Ohh, way back when) I was Ol’ McDonald and everyone else was animals from the farm!

Sophomore year we were cowgirls roundin’ up the Indians!

Junior year we were Britney Spears inspired school girls (hit me baby, one more time)!

AND THIS YEAR WE ARE/WERE/WILL BE FOREVER Biker chicks in an 80′s rock band called M’cycle We have an elaborate back story…

 

I hope that everyone has a spooky, fun, but safe Halloween! I will be rockin’ and rollin’ til the sun comes up! See ya next week — Holla’

What You Missed (Ohmergersh PARIS!!)

Paris! Paris! PARIS!!! Have you been there? It’s great. Wanna know how great? Read on, my friend, read on.

We left Hoofdorp bright and early in order to get to the train station on time (aka before 6:30AM)!! Anouk and I took the Thalys train, sat in the 18th car, and watching the oh so magical scenery go by (I’m kidding it was rainy and we looked at flat fields).  Then I napped. FINALLY we had arrived! The moment we walked out of the Gard de Nord train station I probably took ten pictures of the buildings in front of me.  These were not even close to the amazing architectural and historical structures I was going to see throughout our visit.  We headed down the street to find the Hotel Le Rocroy which was our adorable little hotel! So, we freshened up and went out into the city to explore!

In front of the Moulin Rouge!!

Our first stop was to go further into the neighborhood of Montmartre! Yes, this is the home of the Moulin Rouge!! Anouk and I took a quick jaunt up a hill and found the cutest bistro to get breakfast at called Cafe Bruant.  We had mango juice and baguettes with marmalade. Delicious!

CHEESE

We continued on our journey by following a walking path book (it was in Dutch so I wasn’t much help navigating..) and made our way Sacred Heart Cathedral.  The view from the steps of this church were amazing! I could see for miles and miles and miles (BUT not the Eiffel Tower– I saved that sight for the next day). The little shops around this neighborhood were very tourist-y but still worth looking through.  I bought the cutest teal top from a small boutique and wore it to dinner that night! We went out to a different neighborhood and got a cheese platter (uh, hello, it is France).  It was long day filled with excitement, so Anouk and I headed back to our hotel early and watched Bridesmaids in French.  You know you’ve seen a movie too many times when you laugh at the funny parts even though you’re listening to it in another language…

The second day was the day that the Eiffel Tower and I became friends.  Anouk and I took the metro to the Eiffel Tower neighborhood, but went one stop passed the regular tourist stop.  It added drama.  So coming out the metro stop, we walked up the stairs, turned around, and THERE IT WAS!

Our new friend!

We spent a good amount of time enjoying the Eiffel Tower’s glory (and no.. we didn’t go up it), but then, like before, we were off for a new adventure in the city of romance!  We walked around the Musee de l’Armee (where Napoleon’s tomb is), then Musee Rodin (Midnight in Paris was filmed there ahhhh), and many other parks and sights.  We finally made our way to the lock bridge.  We locked our key on the bridge and each got to throw a key into the river.  I can’t wait to visit Paris again and see my lock and remember this experience (if it’s still there).. We checked out the Louvre and the surrounding park and enjoyed the beautiful weather we were having!  I then drooled my way down the Champs Elysees (aka I spent about $200 U.S. dollars.. I love European fashion)! With all my shopping bags in hand, we saw the Arc de Triomphe and headed home.  For our last dinner in Paris, Anouk and I went back to our favorite restaurant, Cafe Bruant, for our farewell dinner.

Our friendship lock!!

The majority of our last day in Paris was spent exploring the Louvre! We waited in a huge line for about an hour and that was just to get my purse checked inside the huge glass pyramid! Once we got inside it was a messy experience to get our tickets and Nintendo 3D tour tickets…

Our oh-so attractive Nintendo 3D tour sets!

but once we were set and settled, we dove into the historical pieces of the Louvre! We saw the Venice de Milo, the Mona Lisa, and other famous pieces!! As all museums do, even though this was a great one, Anouk and I were wiped out by time our tour was done.  We found the cutest little bistro for a quick lunch before heading back to the train station to go back to Amsterdam! It was a such a wonderful city and a great experience! I can’t wait to go back

In front of the glass pyramid of the Louvre!

Quick fun Paris trip fact:  There was a patisserie a few blocks from our hotel.  I ordered a pastry in English and the 20-something girl who was working there totally bashed me for not even trying to speak French (she was really crabby) SO I spent the whole day learning how to say: “May I have ___” in French.  The next day, when we went back, I was prepared to take on this French lady… and she wasn’t there.  Disappointed.

 

Sorry that there are SO many pictures! I just couldn’t decide.  Come back next week for some more fun in Amsterdam and even a tad of Belgium adventures!

What You Missed (Part 2)

OH night class, how you DON’T entertain me… right, back to the story:

DAY 2: First full day in the wonderful city of Amsterdam!

Because Anouk just got back from an internship in Singapore, she was used to getting up bright and early, but woke me up around 9:30am.  We had a light fresh breakfast of plain yogurt with apples and granola (Anouk had a dark bread and chocolate sprinkle sandwich) along with freshly squeezed juice!  Then we were off!  We took the tram out a few blocks to the Amsterdam zoo, but it was too expensive.. so we continued our walk to a little market near a huge opera building, then the flower market (SO pretty), then to Rembrandt square.  We both got a small coke at the closest pub and sat outside to people watch.  It was mostly tourists (Anouk said — I couldn’t tell the difference), but it was still fun! 

After our break, we walked over to Rembrandt’s House (it’s now a museum) and learned about Amsterdam back in the 1600s.  It was actually really educational (in a good way).  My favorite part was the beds that looked like they were in a cupboard.  Another interesting fact, it was normal for an artist to also be an art dealer.  So Rembrandt’s house was filled with other artist’s art.  There was a woman who showed us how paint is made! She was really knowledgeable about the minerals that were mixed to make certain colors.  While we were watching, there was two U.S. couples talking to the woman who REALLY lived up to the American traveler stereotype (they thought they knew everything and would NOT stop talking ohmergersh).  Overall, it was an enjoyable experience!

Like anything educational… we were sleepy once we finally made it through the whole house.  We found an awesome spot on a corner of the canal where we sat and talked for hours about Concordia and what we’ve missed in each other’s lives! While we caught up we could watch everyone boat by on the canal! It was like as busy as a Minneapolis street which was a fun culture change (and the boys were definitely good looking)..

THEN we were off to dinner! I’m really paraphrasing this day, but man, we walked all. day. long. We went to Spang Makandra (an Indonesian restaurant) for dinner.  We both got fried rice, green beans, and chicken kebabs in a peanut sauce.  I had major issues getting the chicken off the stick and into my mouth.. but once it got there-YUM-it was good.  My whole meal plus a Coke Light only cost my ten Euros! What a deal!

We took the tram back to her apartment (we were pooped out) to watch The Dictator.  It was actually funnier than I expected! I enjoy Justin Bieber references

DAY 3: Amsterdam –> Hoofddorp!

Today was a typically Holland-ish rainy day (but I LOVED it!).  We found a Bagel & Beans (U.S. why don’t we have any of these!!!).  I got a mochaccino and Anouk got a hot chocolate (I got one later on — I took pictures) while we waited for the rain to pass.  Anouk brought me to a quaint little restaurant called Pancakes! where I devoured my first plate of poffertjes [small half-dollar sized pancakes covered in butter and powdered sugar].  Seriously. Yes.

We shopped and walked around Amsterdam! So much to see in such a little time! Before we knew it, it was time to hop the train to Hoofddorp.  This quick fifteen minute train ride brought us to Anouk’s family’s house! Her brother picked us up from the train and took us back to the cutest (and so nice!) house with a large garden and a river in the backyard.  It was so beautiful! I would live there in an instant! Anouk’s mom made the BEST dinner I have ever had.  It was fish and pasta.. but this pasta had the most delicious sauce! I even asked for the recipe which was very “a little this, a little that” and I will never share it. EVER.  (it was a form of tomato sauce)

Anouk and I hit the hay early because in the morning WE ARE GOING TO PARIS!!!!

{Sorry for the long post, but you better be back next week ~ it’s all about my Parisian experience!!! Oui Oui!}

I’m BACK: Here’s What You Missed (Part 1)

Our first picture together since freshman year at Concordia!

Hello again world (hi mom)!

I’m sure you’ve missed my oh so interesting posts! Well, I’m here to fix that.  My summer was awesome.  I worked at the Concordia College Library all summer.  I made great friends, read a lot of books, and breathed a lot of dust… THEN I was off to experience my European Adventure in July.

I attempted to journal everyday so I could share it later…. but after a few days I was having too much fun to write stuff down! (We’ll get to that later!) So. Here. We. Go!!

Day 1: Thursday/Friday, July 5/6: A Hop, a Skip, & Jump Across the Pond!

I am currently descending into the Amsterdam airport!! During this fight, I’ve watched “This Means War,” “Men In Black” (this is where my two-hour nap took place), “Sherlock Holmes 2,” and “Breaking Dawn.”  Movies are SO great!

While I was napping the crazy lady behind me thought it was a good idea to open her shade instead of using her overhead light like a NORMAL PERSON (I am crabby now).  So, with three hours left, it was too bright (so. much. sun.) to continue napping… but just enough time to be ‘that person’ and annoy the poop out of this lady.  Who doesn’t love evil looks, constant pillow/blanket stuffing between the wall and my seat in order to block the light.. oh, and my chair was back ALL the way

I had a glass and a half of wine and of [cheap] wine and I still couldn’t fall asleep until I only had five hours left! The food wasn’t too shabby.  I actually found myself scarfing it down like I hadn’t eaten in YEARS.  It was weird.  <<whoo bumpy landing>>

I’m HERE!! It is way cloudy/foggy/rainy here.  It is currently 3:30AM back in MN and 10:30AM here in the Netherlands! Let’s go! Anouk here I come!

rain rain go awayy

So it is officially Friday, July 6th in Amsterdam!

Navigating my way through the airport wasn’t too bad.  I was told to look like I knew where I was going so I wouldn’t be a target for muggers!  I kept psyching myself out that I was lost or missed my exit BUT I got through just fine.  I went through customs, found my luggage, walked through the door, and THERE SHE WAS!  It was so awesome to have Anouk waiting for me! (This is a moment in my life that I wish I had paparazzi to photograph every moment of my life because this would’ve been an amazing picture!)

We took the train (like choo-choo) to Science Park which is the area of her student housing.  I freshened up and we headed out to run a few errands (towels and groceries were a must) then we were off to Niels’ birthday party!

Niels lives in an apartment right off of the canal (aka the view from his window was fabulous)! I met a good amount of Anouk’s friends and acquaintances who were very nice, but preferred to speak Dutch.. darn.  We all gathered on a long, skinny boat (that was borrowed by a fraternity) for a three-hour canal ride!!! The sun came out, the beats were bumpin’, the beer was limited, and we got party favors! Niels handed out little baggies of candy with this mysterious canister in it.  It turned out to be laughing gas! It was definitely a strange experience: you fill a balloon with laughing gas and breathe it (as you would helium). It really does make you laugh!

I saw a lot of Amsterdam from the view of the canals, took lots of pictures, observed the Dutch from my seat on the boat, and I was beat.  Anouk and I headed home after the ride, enjoyed a microwavable pizza, took a shower, put Step Up on and passed out.  It was a great first day.  Can’t wait for the rest!!

Stay tuned! The next days are coming up GET EXCITED!