Good Moooorrrning :D (Or afternoon)... or Morning again

Today is Saturday. Today is the day I slept until noon. Oops. Today and this weekend are kinda going to be packed full of boring stuff-- ya know, homework stuff.

... I lied. Today is now April Fools Day.. April 1st. I started this post at one yesterday.. got completely distracted by Netflix, Facebook, Killer Bunnies, and a lab due this week. Technically I should shut down my computer right now and go to bed so I can get up for homework crack down tomorrow.. but Netflix and Facebook are two demons I'm not sure I can defeat tonight. What if.. I do my lab while listening to a show on Netflix and reward myself with a few minutes of Facebook chat after every question...?

Don't judge. If you're a student.. you've done this. I know you have. We all have.

April first. Where the heck did this year go? I guess if I look back, every week seemed to drag on relentlessly, and I hated how long it seemed, but it's just like last year.. by the time we blinked.. it was practically gone. This time last year, I was starting to think about writing my speech for graduation, I had just registered for fall semester, I wanted to be a Stat's and Political Science major, I had just quit working at Starbucks.. and I was scared to death to think about the school year ending already.

This year.. I'm not writing a speech for graduation, but I'm writing this blog. I register for fall semester in just over a week. I am definitely neither a Stats or Political Science major, but am currently in the process of review for Geography and English majors... hey hey hey hey hey.. did you see that.. I, Hannah Eilene, have officially DECLARED two majors. I've decided. I seriously can't wait to hear back from Mr. Hage.. I can explain that in a bit..  I'm still on the hunt for a job closer to home for the summer, currently I work about 25 minutes from my house and without a car.. the commute is a tad difficult... or impossible... and as much as I'm really ready to go home and spend three months with my friends, with my family, and with my cat (don't laugh).. I'm still scared to let this year end. It flew by so fast, and I haven't finished my Freshman bucket list.

Mr Hage was a teacher at my high school who helped me decide what I wanted to do with my life about fifty times and each new decision he was shocked, because it shied away from the one thing he knew I wanted to do most. Even when I decided to major in Geography and get a minor in GIS, he was excited and proud, but still surprised that there wasn't any English or writing in there. Now, I can hear him laughing and giving me his "I told you so" smile.. and flat out saying, "I told you so".

I'm glad I decided to sneak English in there. It's the first decision that I can say I'm 100% excited and confident about. I love Geography too, so I'm excited to do both.. and I mentioned GIS.. that's in the plan too. These next three years... they're gonna be rough. Add in a semester in Peru.. stay tuned.. if nothing else for the pictures when that happens. Peru is absolutely gorgeous and I'm sure I'll have a lot to say... but I'm going to make these years in college worth every penny. I just need to remember not to blink.. because time FLIES.. like these Pelicans -->

On that note.. Happy April First, because I can promise I won't be playing any jokes today.

Always,
H.Eilene



photos:
1. http://dettoldisney.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/hercules-cerberus.png
2. Jordan Dobrowski's Picture of 2011 Graduation (my speech)
3. My Picture

Happy 3K!

As a writer.. in general.. I get excited when people read my stuff. I'd argue that generally I get more excited when people are reading my fiction work, but hey.. reaching 3K last night, pretty much made me the happiest person alive... To top it off.. I'm well over 3400 now, so please, don't stop! Keep coming back. I try to keep it updated, and I try not to bog you down with the boring crap.. so I hope you stay interested.

Today, aside from getting an outrageous number of views, I've also learned, that I suck at accepting failure. I stayed up until nearly 4am studying for an 8am exam.. and I know they always suggest you get a good night's sleep prior to big tests.. but man, when you don't know something that's half the content.. you better stay up and try to get a handle on the information. But then, you run the risk of waking up late, losing it all when you pick up your pencil, fighting tears while trying to fill in bubbles and accurately represent the major ocean currents and wind belts, and leaving the exam with full intent of spending all day in bed watching reruns of How I Met Your Mother.

Today, I did all of those things. Except the last one.. I didn't intend to watch reruns all day... I was going to go back to bed.. which I did.. and then one quick episode turned into 19 episodes of Season 7. They've been.. wait for it.... LEGEND---ARY. (reference).

Things I've learned from today:
1. Ocean currents and wind belts SUCK.
2. I should have watched the case study videos-- though I was able to BS those essays...
3. I can't make dirty jokes towards my best friend.. or certain ones.. (long story)
4. There most definitely IS a proper response to, "Babe, Honest question... would you date a stripper?"
5. My boyfriend knows it. (high five)
6. I am lazy.
7. Finding this picture reminded me that I liked my bangs.. but should NEVER do them again.
8. I love blue Kool-aid Bursts.

Things you probably didn't have to know but I shared anyways?
.... technically all of the above.. but specifically 4 and 5.

Happy 3 K (almost 4) EVERYBODY!! I'm excited that you keep coming back-- don't stop!

Always,
H.Eilene

Also!! I'm running a 5K in just under a month.. Woot! Thanks for helping me do what I want.. I'm excited I get to "sing out" if I want to :)

The Water Blog

Hello all!!!

Today is the day we talk about some water. First, if you have the time, I'd like if you could go to the water calculator:
http://www.h2oconserve.org/wc.php

My personal water footprint, using the information with my family at home, not my college consumption was about 713 gallons which is considerably low compared to the nearly 1200 gallons of water that the average American consumes. Look at your footprint, and consider the easy changes you could make, like taking shorter showers or using less gas... which really does reduce water (did you know that?). Water is such an important and limited resource that more than anything, we need to savor it.

http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/27/the-challengers-deep-sea-brethren/

This is really interesting-- not about conservation of water.. but exploring depths we've never seen before..
James Cameron went below the surface of the sea, to greater depths than if you were to flip Mount Everest upside down... and was able to capture pictures of this alien-like ecosystem we know so little about. Check it out :)

I love water! I know that sounds ridiculous.. we all love water. It's necessary for our survival.. required for us to live. We use it everyday.. because we actually have to. It's needed to grow the plants we eat, to quench our thirst, to keep us clean, and it's huge for recreational purposes. I'm a Minnesota girl.. I grew up in the lakes. We fish, we swim, kayak and canoe, we go in our speedboats and tube, ski, or wake-board. Water is something we not only need, but something we enjoy. It's beautiful, serene, and offers a whole array of animals that we can enjoy-- like my personal favorite, salamanders. As a Minnesotan, I truly enjoy being able to find our state bird, the loon, on my favorite lake. Water is something more of us need to take a minute to truly appreciate and build a better relationship with

Always,
H.Eilene

The pictures are from May's Ledges in Brule, Wisconsin (taken by me)

Plant Hour

Happy Earth Week--- not quite Earth Day officially, but it is considered an Earth Week// Earth Hour Week at school. Today was awesome... I mean, Mondays are Mondays... but today we planted a plant. Sarah and I went down to the LSH lobby and planted garden peas!

Today-- was a big day! Today I officially decided that I'm dropping my Environmental Studies minor and picking up an English major. I'm extremely excited and can't wait to get truly into the material now for both majors and start on my journey to the real world.

Happy Monday, I'll check back this week and actually give a worthwhile update :)

Always,
H.Eilene

Today is the Day...

For absolutely nothing awesome to happen. YAY Tuesday.
I did homework. I cleaned up my room... well organized some stuff.. and shaved. Those were the highlights of my day. College is depressing when you have no life.

College Lesson: GET A LIFE. Do something. Go out. Meet people. Join clubs.. Or you'll be bored and have nothing to do but write on your blog.

Yay Blog.

I love this blog. Because, just sayin, it's impressive that it's still going relatively regularly. :D Go team!
Just kidding.. it's not a team. I'm flying solo on this one.. but hey, if you want to check out something that was a partner project... go to http://toofarwhen.blogspot.com/    Luke and I worked on it for a bit, but life got a hold on us and we had things to attend to.

Today is borrrring. I'm playing video games.. and that's my night. It's rather sad. Also, I'm complaining.. which is more sad.
Again, just to review the lesson for today... GET A LIFE!!!

Do me a favor guys, recycle a can... or paper.. or something today. Show the Earth you love her.
Love,
H.Eilene

Picture Courtesy of:

http://www.friendburst.com/file/pic/photo/2011/08/Edd_Rock-save-the-world.gif

Welcome back to DTown!!

Well. I can't say I missed my cube of a room that never smells normal or has the comforting purr of my kitty. I also can't say I'm happy to be back.. I've very much enjoyed the past week with my niece and family. Oh well, as it goes, Spring Break had to end eventually.

Back to school means back to classes which means back to spazzy Hannah. The goal is to stay ahead or at least on top of everything. I'm so close to being done with this first year, and it's crazy that it has flown by so fast! The past eight/nine weeks of this semester disappeared. I had no idea they'd go so quickly, but I think it's because I was so busy with my classes.. I didn't have time to slow down. I don't want the next eight weeks to drag on, but I also don't want to blink and wonder where they went.

This week might be really busy, so I'm not sure what kind of time I'll have for posting, but don't run away for ever. Please check back. I'll at least try to post something fun/cool to look at if nothing else. I know for sure, I have a 3.5 hour lecture Wednesday night, you know, my stupid hybrid course that will probably kill me. I also have to make sure I get the motivation to go to my Physical Geo lecture because we have an exam coming up. Actually, I have an exam approaching in almost every class. It's a little unnerving.

Welcome back to college, friends, and welcome to the strangest weather in the world... Duluth.. warm and sunny in March? What is this madness..  (haha.. March Madness..)

Always,
H. Eilene

Spring Break

Hi Y'all!! It's spring break, so I'm not updating as frequently this week. I'm sorry!

I'd be updating like crazy if Spring Break this year were like most other years, but it's warm outside, the sun has been out, and I've been trying to get outside as much as possible to enjoy it while it lasts! Yesterday I took my beautiful niece to the park by my house. She was so excited, but not to play on the equipment.. all she wanted was to walk around in the rocks. She's still only 18 months, so I guess that's okay, but you could never imagine how happy she was. Then, when she was all done with her Nilla Wafers (aka they were gone) she went back to the stroller, lifted up the bowl and said "Mo" which was the cue to go home.

Hmmm... what else has happened? I went and visited my old high school-- that was a blast. It's always really great to talk to my old teachers, because they were so kind and caring when we had them, and it never really went away. I was pretty shocked that the principal remembered me by name.. mostly because I wasn't a trouble maker so I never spent much time in his office or anything, but it made me feel good. My favorite part of going back is talking to my two English teachers and the two APES teachers. They're always the most interested in where our lives are and how the world is treating us.

I've spent some time with L.Palo, which is always amazing. Best friend = great time (obviously). There was an amazing date night with the boyfriend. We learned how to play Backgammon, and it honestly was one of the most wonderful nights I've had. I was able to really remember how awesome the past 2 1/2 years have been, and I've barely been able to stop smiling since.

My sister, her husband and I have been working on a puzzle all break, and I'd say we're down to the last hundred or so pieces... I'm SO ready for it to be done. I want the next one.. it's way cooler and there aren't any annoying trees. I told my sister tonight, that puzzle makes tree huggers hate trees. Sadly, I've learned from experience.

Tomorrow is cupcake baking with L.Palo and the boy, and we'll be enjoying some IBC Cream Soda / tea. Basically, I'll be making the cupcakes while they sit and watch/ do stuff drinking the cream soda, and then they'll both enjoy the delicious cupcakes when they're done. Standard procedure.

Love Always,
H.Eilene


photos from:
http://s3-ec.buzzfed.com/static/imagebuzz/terminal01/2009/2/2/13/cookie-monster-cupcake-1547-1233600439-16.jpg 

Meeeeeeeowwwwwwwwwww

Guess what!!?? 

I'm home! I am home for something like 10 days... which is pretty exciting. I get to play with my favorite niece (also currently the only one that is hold-a-ble). I get to squeeze my kitty until she squeaks (not in a mean way). I get to see my best friends (heck yes baby!!). And, I get to see my dad. Which, seems like it's not a big deal, but he promised me breakfast at Grumpy Steve's (a really cool waffle place by the Wabasha Caves), and I'm really excited.

Today I went to the gym. Now, I'm exhausted and ready to sleep. It's not even midnight. I should not be this tired. I ran a lot, but I'm usually not like ready-to-pass-out tired until 1 regardless.

Anyways, I just wanted to update to let y'all know I'm home and excited to spend this time with my family, my friends, and importantly, my kitty. MEEEOWWWW.

:) P.S. I guess I should have brought home some allergy stuff. Oops. Also, I took that picture over the summer.. I love these.

Love always,
H.Eilene

BerryBlossom Tea and Loud People

Hello All. 

I am in a terribly frustrated place right now because my Online Class prof (OLAF) won't post the study guide or the exam.. which were both supposed to be posted LAST week. So many of us are aimlessly studying and trying to retain as much information as possible. The frustration comes also from the assignment for the week being an essay due this Wednesday. The reading for the essay was not posted until late last night, the pages are tilted on the photocopy-PDF and it has no pertinence to the essay topic. Then, we're supposed to research the topic and find sources to support our argument, but most sources of the credible-variety are not on the specific subject. I've been frustratedly working on the paper for the past 3 hours and have finally found 4 sources, 5 relevant quotes to integrate into the paper.. but then I saved and moved on to other work. Tomorrow, all I have to do is fill in the blanks and right the substance of the paper but for now, I have to move on.

Tomorrow at 9:30 I have an exam for my Dinosaur class... the prof has told us about this exam for two weeks. Then tonight we get an email that says "Please report to the classroom before you take the exam." Isn't that kind of obvious? It's not an online test, nor is it a take home exam.. so why would there be any question of whether or not we would go to the classroom? Silly Deb.

I took my midterm for one class Sunday, coming up this week, I have a butt-load of readings, three more exams, and two essays to complete. Operation Survival: COMMENCE!!!
(I feel like I should have a rocket-ship picture...)


Also: Tonight, to wind down from the stressed tense Hannah (who basically turns into a monster) I am drinking some fabulous BerryBlossom White Tea and listening to my best friend, boyfriend, mutual friend, and three other random people on Skype as they kick each other's butt in custom Starcraft games.
It's a fabulous night now that I'm less freaked about the paper.
Love Always,
H. Eilene

Please enjoy this wonderful song, which I'm in love with :)
Chris Rice: Lemonade.

Hot Chocolate, Hippos and Dinos.

Sometimes I feel like a five year old stuck in an 18 year old's body. For example, currently I'm wrapped in my dinosaur tie blanket, with my head on my hippo pillow pet and drinking some hot cocoa. That's right folks, this means, it's Sunday. We've made it to the start of yet another week. If you're keeping track, it's week 7 of Semester 2. I think.. maybe it's 8. Crap. I used to be keeping track.

This week seems a bit crazy, my to-do list is longer than it has been in weeks, and I have to say, it's not making me want to move from my cozy blanket and hippo... because that means I should get started on the week.

This week I have 2 essays due, I have exams in: Environmental Science, Life and Death of the Dinosaurs, Geography of World Religions, and American Politics. Then, I have readings due for about every single class.. which seems more daunting than the exams.

Now, I'm done complaining, because it's college! There's supposed to be work involved. I don't wish to skip forward to next week, because as exciting as Spring Break is, I don't want to wish away any of this time while I'm a freshman. This is our time to explore, to learn from our mistakes and to grow. I don't want to wish away any of that time. I don't want to wish away the time it takes to build myself for the future. I'm a sculpture and I'm not done yet. I still have rugged edges to smooth out, and I'm not ready to just sand them down and call it good. I need to wear them down by living and learning from this time.

I have to say, lately I've been getting frustrated with people wishing away our year by asking for summer, or break, or next year, because as difficult as this year is, it's our time to grow. So, if you are reading this because you're a friend, or maybe just as a random person, take this as my advice for the day, appreciate your time now, because you're creating who you will be in the coming years, and nothing is more sad than cutting yourself short. Take your time, slow down, and create someone beautiful.