Kristen

Im having a bit of trouble with the concept I hold in my head for what I want to do in life.  I like archaeology, but I don't think I want to go on into a master's program.  My classes this semester are really intense, and it has got me to thinking that I like to be more hands on and less memorizing.  I enjoyed field school this summer more than anyone can know, Im sure at times I complained because HEY we were troweling holes for 8 hours at a time! :)  But, I enjoyed it..and I really enjoyed the interaction with people.  I've come to a point where I don't know what I want to do with my life, but Im pretty sure that a master's degree will be the right way to go.  I want to enjoy life, not be stuck in my room reading a textbook for 8 hours just to finish one assignment. I like to learn on my feet, just reading about it bores me.  This is one reason I chose Archaeology...a very hands-on field.  Or it mostly is. 

So, I'm trying to decide what to do...any suggestions? (I don't know if anyone actually reads this anymore since I've been MIA for like a year...)

The idea of a traveling gypsy sounds A OK to me.  I don't think that will fly too well with my dad...especially after he has paid for my tuition. 

But, I could always get jobs excavating..just digging holes.  Its not too fabulous--until you find something!  I know for a FACT that I never want to work retail again in my life.  Its been fun people, but seriously I cannot handle getting yelled at by customers anymore because I can't find the shirt they want in their size. 

My other dream:  open up my own little bookstore.  This would be once I settle down in one place from my globe trotting. (bahhahaha..yeah right)

I've always had in my mind that I don't really care if I make a lot of money or if I make just enough to get by and then perhaps a little bit more.  I'm not sure if I've ever actually believed this in my own head...it sounds like a nice idea, right?  I guess that as long as its just me, and I can still keep a pretty cheap roof over my head and stock the cabinets with Ramen noodles (That picture just made me gag..but that stuff is pretty cheap) I would be doing okay. 

...

Alright, someone give me advice..I could go on and on and on.  What should I do with my life!?

Oh...well I should go read the Iliad since my prof assigned books 1-6 on the first day (oh joy!).  I hate writing intensive classes....almost all my courses this semester seem to fall into that category.

New Obsession:  Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber on Fleet Street.

I know, Im mostly lame for only discovering Sweeney now when the movie comes out...and not last year when I lived Ally (aka Muffin!  By the way, Ally, I want to know your opinion of the movie...so IM/Email me sometime, giiirl).  Anyways, I like movies...I like musicals.  Heck, I like Tim Burton's version of Sweeney--I enjoy his style.

New aspiration for 2008---visit a movie set :)  I'm working on that one. *crosses fingers* I have an idea for March.     
   And summer aspiration: Visit the Grand Canyon.  Im working on this one too--just sent in an application for a summer program.

I donated blood today, that was a new experience.  They sure give you a lot of free stuff.  I got: a t-shirt for the competition between UT and University of Kentucky over who can donate the most blood, a pint of Baskin Robbins ice cream (butter pecan), cookies, cheese and crackers, soda, water, juice, and a tweety band-aid. Oh, and I get 1 extra credit point added to my final grade in sociology.  WOO!
 
The kid next to me was giving plasma...it looked like it could possibly be uncomfortable...sitting there foreverrr.  And, they got confused when I told them I had gone to Portugal, Spain, and Tenerife.  Well..they got confused about Tenerife.  Oh well, I went with Rachel so she kept me company while they took some blood...she donates a lot so she knows the whole drill.

Now Im on sugar overload from eating my pint of ice cream---since I didnt eat before giving blood (I didnt know I was doing that until Rachel talked me into it in Sociology) I was suuper hungry after.

Oh..and they said something about not operating a backhoe for a few hours after...uhhh what?  Maybe I heard her wrong...but I guess maybe they need to warn everyone since we are in Tennesse.  (In class today my professor said that its legal to marry your first cousin here...ew!)

So, I'm having a bit of an annoyed moment right now.  I really really really really really want to see this movie that came out around September 22nd (of this year): Into the Wild.   It has one of my favorite actors in it (Emile Hirsch) and just seems like a movie that I might really enjoy. 

The problem?

It doesn't seem to play down here.  Not in Tennessee, not in South Carolina, not in Virginia, not in Georgia, not in Alabama, not in Kentucky..you get the picture.

I was willing to go out of the way to see this movie because I just really need something like this at the moment.  Maybe I should read the book, but even the music on the website makes me want to see it. 

The movie does play in D.C...a bit too far for me to drive for a movie?  I thought that might be crazy.  I'm just really upset (i guess that would describe it...but not in a bawling my eyes out kind of way) that I can't see this movie.  So far, I've discovered that it plays in DC, Boston, and NYC.  Places all too far away for me to just drive to for a movie after work. 

Does anyone know of anywhere else that it might be playing?  Or even, has anyone seen it?

I sure hope that they put it out on DVD quickly after it comes out of theaters.  Or that its still in theaters around Thanksgiving (highly unlikely..I would think).

Lame.

Oh, and one of the maintenance ladies was in our apartment checking the windows (I think mostly the blinds) and I mentioned that I'm from NH.  She told me that she is originally from the Boston area, so I asked her where.  She listed off a few places...blue hills, Canton, Brockton.  I told her that my parents grew up (well at least went to high school) in Canton.  She said that her grandfather started the RadioShack on Washinton St.. 

Oh, and her name is Kris or Chris...I didn't ask her how to spell it.  Weiiird!

So, lately I've been thinking a lot about life.  I have so many things that I want to do and see in life.  (I think I have a problem with staying in one spot, too, but thats another issue.)  I know that I have my whole life ahead of me, thats all fine and well, but I figure why not start early on my laundry list of goals?  I'm already working on the whole college thing (Goal # 7).  But, one of my big goals in life is to become more cultured and to see the world (and the entire US)--Goal # 2.  So, here is where this is all going:  I want to do some sort of traveling this summer.  Why this summer?  Because I'm a college student..and I figure I'll travel abroad by way of study.  Yes ,folks, I want to do a study abroad. 

So, I've been thinking...and researching...and thinking.  And I haven't made any decisions yet.  I haven't had any time to talk with anyone seriously about any of my thoughts either.  But, there is a Semester at Sea that I've been seriously looking into.  The itinerary for the summer 2008 voyage is as follows:

• Nassau, Bahamas
• Bergen, Norway
• St. Petersburg, Russia
• Copenhagen, Denmark
• Antwerp, Belgium
• Naples, Italy
• Istanbul, Turkey
• Piraeus, Greece
• Dubrovnik, Croatia
• Norfolk, VA

What a fun voyage that would be?  The issues...monetary funds (eeew), getting permission from my dad, the fact that I would AGAIN be away from friends on my birthday, and of course the fact that it runs into the first few days of class at UT (no big deal...right?).

But, I'm looking at different avenues as well. I would still like to do some sort of field school or field work during the summer...and if worse comes to worse..I can just take courses at UT for the summer.  (I think they have both mini-sessions and summer sessions)  And I have a place to live in TN all summer...because my apartment lease goes until August of 2008.  So, that would be one "cheap" way to get school credit this summer.

Who knows.  I've sent out an e-mail to the study abroad department here at UT.  Hopefully they can point me in the right direction regarding great programs.  But, I know for a fact that I would like to broaden my horizons and do a bit of traveling.  And, I figure I can put the money I make at Stein Mart towards this endeavor. 

Oh yeah.  I got a job...more retail. Its not bad, just a lot of standing. And everyone I work with is about 40 + years old. (well almost everyone)

Time for some Anthropology Discussion section underneath Neyland Stadium.

Knoxville, TN...here I come.

I leave in 3 days. 

Exciting.

I thought I would make a post...being as I haven't in so long. 

I'm still here.  I've just been super busy between field school and trying to rest up for the 3 more weeks of field school I have ahead of me. 
But, enough about that.

I saw Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix on saturday with my Dad.  It was good.  (The books are still better)
Then it was quality time with Brie...in her new mustang!  haha, we just cruised for a bit and then grabbed some food at Friendly's.  Nothing too big and fancy, just a good time.

I came back to Conn. College today around 10 and read some Harry Potter (the sixth book).  Then Elliot  (who is living in the house next door) came by and we went to Chili's for some dinner.  So, it was an all around good time.  I started my Harry Potter book today...and I'm more than half way through it already.  Oh! And I pre-ordered the new book (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows), sooo we're difinately taking a trip to Borders on the day it comes out to party it up with the other cool kids to midnight.  And, I actually know where this Borders is...so I won't get super lost like I would trying to find the Barnes and Nobles that is like a million miles away.

But for now, I'm going to curl up with some Harry Potter and head off to bed.

G*night!

The Heart Walk was on sunday.  So far, they've raised around $79,000!  Their goal was much higher, but thats still a large chunk of money right there that will help future generations beat heart disease.  So bravo to all who walked or donated or volunteered for this event. 

The final walkers for Team CAL (standing for Cheryl Ann Lewis who is my mother) were my Dad, Kelly, Mrs. Mustone, and myself.  We ended up walking 3 miles, so I'm extremely proud of everyone.  And the scenery was beautiful.  We were in Rye, NH right on the sea coast and could see the beach adn water as we were walking.  Always a nice view.  It had rained in the morning, so the air was still a little crisp.  But, it was way better than sticky hot weather.  And other than the walkers, the other beach goers all seemed to be surfers, which is always exciting to see. 

I don't have any pictures becauuuse my camera broke a little while ago on a geology field trip..and I haven't been able to dig out my old camera.  Ill find it one day.  I bet its hiding with my mp3 player somewhere. 

Well, I started work yesterday.  And got a sweet raise! It was only a few cents, but every cent counts with the hike in gas prices that has lead to everything else being insanely expensive.  A few days ago Brie and I bought a loaf of bread and a gallon of milk for her mom and it had cost roughly $5.  Intense. 

But work was good.  8 hours of blissful cashiering.  And...I'm still on "LOA" (leave of absence) according to Target.  So, I couldn't punch in.  I wasn't on any schedule.  And I couldn't use my cashier numbers--which was the lamest part.  I had to borrow some numbers from someone working that day.  But, it worked out.  Also, everyone who I worked with seems to have quit.  Or wasn't working yesterday at least.  It was during the day...so I worked with a lot of the older employees, which is fine because they're all pretty fun.  But, I'm not even sure who works there still.

Today is my relaxing day.  i've been semi-busy all week since I've been home.  So, its time to relax.  Next week, if my hours don't improve...I will have to go apply for another job.  But, for now, I have no clue what my hours are because I'm not in the schedule for next week...our HR (human resources person) is on vacation till monday...soo I can't find out what my schedule is till then...I hope I'm not working on Sunday...or I will not even know.  But, I guess thats okay.  Blah, I close on saturday.  Exciting...something I've never done before.  And staying till 11 may sound like fun...but its not (or so I'm thinking).

Time to go find my old camera.  Its around here somewhere.  I hope everyone's summer is going well. 

I've made it.  Its officially summer for me and I am now considered a sophmore.  My freshmen year is over and done with.  Its scary and yet exciting to be able to say that.  I walked over the unispan (which connects the academic and residential sides of campus over the turnpike) and thought, "this could be the last time I ever walk over this thing."  And then I just kind of let that settle for a bit and watched the traffic (and fire trucks) as I reached the top and then descended to the student center.  I mean, Ill miss Hofstra..and the insane number of tulips on campus.  I'll miss my friends, but they'll be getting an insane amount of IMs and phone calls from me if I don't come back.  And if I do end up coming back, then it happens.  I only regret a few things from this year...and maybe its best that I wasn't so outgoing...but I'm pretty much happy with how I've lived out my Freshmen year at Hofstra.  (some other aspects of life aren't exactly "happy"...but life seems to like to throw curve balls like that)

So, bye bye Hofstra.  Bye bye Hempstead.  Bye bye friends (for now).  Bye bye dorm room...Ill miss it even though we never had heat or a/c.  And bye bye to those crazy people who always call my room looking for Juan (ps. he still doesn't live here). 

I'm off to make new adventures in life.  And who knows what will happen this summer...everything can change in the blink of an eye.  Thats the biggest lesson I've learned this year...nothing is permanent, so treasure every moment you have.

This time tomorrow...Ill be close to home (if not in NH) and I am excited.  Time to get back to Target, finally see my friends, family, and dogs, and work on my baking/cooking skills (mm vegan cake). 

So all my good Hofstra buddies. Make sure to call / IM / facebook / myspace / LJ me...and Ill do the same.  :)

Toodles for now.

So, Ive come to a realization.  I need to get off my butt and apply for a new job.  I know Ill only be home for about a month and a half before July when i go to Connecticut...BUUUT I still want to see if I can get a cooler job.  Im good with the whole Target cashiering thing...itd be super sweet to get a waitressing job.  I've decided to go ask Cracker Barrel if they have any openings. 

Maybe Friendly's or Pizza Hut?

I have 3 finals...and 4ish days left!  Im very excited..and yet a little depressed to go home.  Especially since gas prices are like CRAZY.  Back over winter break..when prices were lower...my car took $40 for a full tank.  Im going to go broke trying to get to work to make money.  Which is a pain in the butt.

Oh well.  Ill be back in NH soon enough. 

So my roomie and I have been a little worried that we wouldnt wake up on time for our early morning finals.  Well, lucky for us--or perhaps unlucky?, the Netherlands came to the rescue on that one.  At 6am this morning the fire alarm goes off.  With our room door closed it didn't even sound like it was coming from Leiden (my dorm house), but I figured Id get up and see what was going on.  Soo, I opened the door...and oops its our dorm.  Well, I woke everyone up and was like...I dont think the dorms on fire..but we should probably go outside anyway.  Only 1 of the RAs in the building woke up and went outside..and maybe like half of the people in our dorm were still asleep.  But, after about 10 minutes it went off...and we skipped merrily to bed---err or shuffled in a groggy daze to our beds.  Anyway..I had to get up at 7, so I kinda just laid down without really falling asleep.  Around 6:30...another fire alarm.  We all stayed in our beds for this one.  No one went outside anyway, so if our dorm was on fire...we weren't going to get up for it.  Finally that one went off...and then around 7 another alarm..then it goes off..then on..then off.  Our alarm went like crazy.  But thank you Leiden fire alarm...you did help me wake up on time for my final/proficiency exam this morning.  :)

Yup, this morning was the good ol' proficiency exam.  The one you have to pass at Hofstra in order to graduate.  It wasn't tooo bad.  But, Im hoping I didn't slip up too badly on interpreting the prompt.  Anyway, one down...four to go.  Anthropology is tomorrow.  Exciting.  PLUS. I need to remember to hand in my religion paper tomorrow.

I'm excited...and yet very sad and nervous to move out on saturday.  Home is going to be really empty all summer.  I mean, my dad will be there..and my dogs (aww pupppies!)..but everyone seems to be working a lot.  Thats whats bad about growing up...more responsibility means less time to have fun with friends.  I'll be working at Target..(exciting?) and then Ill be off to Connecticut for some field school(!!!).  Time just travels too quickly.  I need to slow it down a bit...stop and smell the flowers.  Thats one reason why I don't think city life is for me.  I mean, NYC is amazing.  And it has been lovely living in Hempstead (well its had its moments at least), but I just want to get back to being able to relax and not have to do a million things at one time.  But, maybe thats just college. 

So, since I've learned that Ive been accepted to University of Tennessee: Knoxville, I've been contemplating where the heck I should go.  And since the semester is ending, Ive been feeling very nostalgic to Hofstra...meaning I haven't been thinking about all the stuff I hate about my program and going here. Haha.  I've more or less been thinking "Im going to miss all my friends...NYC is pretty close..OOH pretty tulips...Ill miss my fav. lunch lady" and things of that nature.  Which sounds so lame..but those seem to be the high points of going to Hofstra. 

I kind of wish I could get a different job for the summer, but I guess its a little late for that.  No one would really want to employ someone from May 22nd till June 28th.  Lame.  I just need to add more to my resume then "worked retail for a million years."  I guess I'll have to start a section for field schools soon. 

Ok study time.

4 or 5 more days (technically 5).

Sooooo,  last night everyone wanted to do something..but what?  We wanted to find something free on Looong Island, but of course...there never is anything that is totally free.  So, we ended up going to the Witches Brew.  Its in West Hempstead and an amazing little place with really off-beat, semi-gothic decor.  I got Vanilla Almond tea!  mmm.  It wasn't too strong, probably since they didn't let it steep too long..but it was still pretty good. 

So, It was a good night.  I've always heard people talk about the Witches Brew..but Id never been until last night. So, Im glad Ive experienced it.  Especially since I may or may not be coming back next semester. 

You see...I looked online a few days ago.  And I got into the University of Tennessee!!  Exciting.  I just have to see what the cost of going there would be (travel, tuition, room and board) and then compare it to Hofstra and see if its worth going the extra distance.  A girl from my high school goes there..so I guess I would know one person (kinda?). 

I didn't really sleep much last night.  I was sort of half asleep and then I "woke up" at 2:30am and noticed that the power went out at some point.  Maybe it was thundering?  It rained..and the sky was all foggy and ominous of a thunderstorm last night.  But, the thunder didn't keep me up..I just had a lot of thinking to do.

Oh well. 

One week (ish) to go! And only 5 finals...I finished that paper I had to do! weee.

So when I went to get my breakfast this morning...I walked over to the cooler to get my usual morning orange juice and found the best thing ever.  It was a Cinnomon type muffin.  AND, it was from a Vegan Bakery.  The place is called Jewels of the Earth.  Im not even sure where they're based, perhaps local to Hempstead?  But, as you might know, Ive decided to start eating healthier.  And you can actually eat reallly unhealthy vegan food (as Ive discovered), but Im going to try to eat all the healthy stuff.  And I know, What about protein and all that great stuff you get from meat and like milk and such.  Well...as I type Im eating a nice mixture of sunflower seeds, assorted nuts, and raisins that I bought at the book store earlier.  Im not sure if the 2g of protein is enough for the day..but I figure I get a little bit from the veggies and such that I eat too.  And calcium...thats where the orange juice comes in.  I figure Ill do a better job once Im home because I can figure out a better diet.  College food isn't necessarily the best thing to eat anyway.

But, as I said before (I think), Im doing this whole new thing (not necessarily a diet I guess because I dont care if I lose weight) in order to get myself healthy.  Because as we all know, Im usually not the healthiest of eaters.  And I have some blood work and an appointment with the heart doctor to look forward to soon, Itd be nice to go in and have them tell me that my cholesterol and everything is excellent and that I have no problems.  (but that means Ill have to start exercising more)

10 more days, 2 more classes, 2 more papers (yeah I have another one now), and 5 more exams till I can come home.  But thats still really exciting. 

This weekend was fun.  RX Bandits concert on saturday (Cinco de Mayo).  Yay for free stuff.  I initially went with Sara, but she had a formal that night..so I chilled out and waited for everyone else to show up.  Of course, being that it was Cinco de Mayo, there were many drunk people around who were entertaining.  I wish I had pictures of the concert..it was pretty sweet. But, my camera is sadly dead.  I have like..one on my phone.  Oh well, it was a good time.  Even though Im not a big fan of the rx bandit's music.  I liked the Waffle Stompers..of whoever they were.  And some school acapella groups performed also. 

It was a fun weekend. Even though I went home at like 11:45pm because I was so tired from my day in the sun.  I think I may have gotten a small tan?  Mostly on my shoulders though.  So, it wasn't anything too extravegant at night, just a movie at Kye and Theresa's dorm. 

12 more days till I come home!  and only 3 more days of classes!