because you had a bad day, you're taking one down...

So have you ever had a bad day just out of nowhere? With no rhyme or reason? I've had two or three of those lately and, really, they suck. Let me tell you. What stinks even more is for most of today, I was abnormally happy! Sometimes those little things that kind of bother you, but you normally would ignore, just add up. And you can't really help it. They add up and add up and add up and it frustrates you. You get frustrated about all these little things, and then start getting upset and turning them into even bigger things, and then maybe even getting angry and turning them into really big things!

While I don't want to rant and rave about my bad day(s), I will say I have discovered it is a lot harder at college to make yourself happier than it is at home. I can't just lock myself in my room and cry. I can't hold Patrick close or cry to him or yell at him (well, not at him, just getting my emotions out which he is very good at helping with). I can't sit with my mom or pet my dog or read a new book. It is a lot harder. And while I wasn't homesick for the first month, finally having a pretty darn bad day has made me really homesick. On top of that, there is nothing I want more than normal food. Not dining hall food and not restaurant food but a nice, homecooked meal.

I know I have to find new ways to deal with my emotions, because I physically can't do the things I used to do. And being a Navy girlfriend, I can't even call Patrick to feel better. But new adventures mean new worries which means new ways of dealing with problems. Hopefully I'll start finding my "niche" or try out different ways more experienced people deal with their emotions. I just hope it happens soon so I can go back to being an all around happy person,

Jersey girls don't pump gas!

Okay...this post isn't going to be all about pumping gas. We will get to that later. Yesterday, my roommate, Lauren, accompanied me on an adventure to the Naval Academy. It started out with me awaking bright and early (for a saturday, 8am) to walk over to the Marriott and pick up my car which Patrick's grandparents dropped off (I keep it there to save on insurance and parking at school). They are so sweet to let me keep it there! When I got back to my dorm, Lauren was trying to get Katie, our suitemate, out of bed. She had a rough night and kept, uhhh, getting sick all morning. She ended up staying at school, forcing Lauren to be stuck alone with Patrick and me. We finally left around 10 but only a short while later, we stopped at Wawa for breakfast and coffee (if chips, for Lauren, and a soft pretzel, for me, count as breakfast). Then we were on the road! I do have to say, they couldn't have more signs on 301 for the Bay Bridge. They are quite literally every 2 miles! But, it was awesome once the numbers started getting down below 18 miles! Oh! And in Delaware and Maryland, the speed limit is 55 freaking mph. What?! In Jersey, its 65 and no one goes below 80! Anyway, we finally got to the bridge which happened to be really scary because it was a lot longer than I remembered. Then we were almost there! We parked by St. John's college and rushed onto the yard. For someone who only drinks water, the diuretic effect of caffeine in coffee was not a good thing. We ran onto the yard and into the closest bathroom. Then Lauren and I walked around the gift shop while waiting for Patrick to be ready to go. We met him at Tecumseh, well a little south of him. Lauren Boudreau was coming as well so we waited for her (we technically weren't in T-court, which is where I said we were, so it took her a few minutes to find us). Then Josh snuck up on her and they scurried off to walk around. She is one of the sweetest girls I've ever met! Then Patrick, Lauren, and I walked into John Paul Jones' crypt and tried to spot the bride of the wedding that was going on later. We walked into town and had lunch at Moe's. We decided to go to the Marine Base and look around. I decided I didn't want to try the O-course which meant putting Patrick's pants and boots on. We tried to figure out what we wanted to do next. One of the other lightweight rowers, Nordgaard (I have no idea how to spell it), invited us over to his sponsors house. We got to hang out there for a bit, and play with their kids. I also do have to say I beat Lauren in air hockey, Helllll yeahhhhh! The sponsor family left us to go to a block party. We hung around the house for a bit. Patrick was his silly old self and I found myself hysterically laughing the whole time we were in the kitchen. He tried to make easy mac, which he thought was a poor excuse for mac & cheese. He was appalled I LIVE on that stuff at school. Then Lauren and Nordgaard (Erik-I think he's a viking...) came up from the basement to eat on the deck with us. It was gorgeous. After that, we went to the block party for a bit. Lauren decided she wanted a tour of the yard so we dropped them off. We went to Patrick's real sponsors house so I could meet them. They are hilarious! We were laughing the whole time! Then it was time for Patrick to go back on the yard. The goof left his bag with his ID at the house so we turned around to go back and get it. Then, we got lost (I made a wrong turn) going back to the yard. We didn't get to Gate 1 until 23:30! oops. But he made it back safe and not  in trouble, and Lauren and Erik were there waiting for us. We said our goodbyes and were back on the road. We stopped at Wawa again so I could get a coke (I never drink soda!) and some candy/food to stay awake. I also needed gas. Little did I know, I'd have to pump it myself! We spent about 15 minutes trying to get the gas cap off of my car. It had to be the funniest thing for someone to watch. Finally, we figured it out and we were pumpin' away! Then we were on the road once again! Lauren (who said she can't sleep in the car) passed out. I was all alone on this creepy road, not another car in sight, with a ton of fog. I was pretty darn scared. Then, all of a sudden...we were on a bridge?! We had already gone over the Bay Bridge when Lauren was awake. I was scared to death when all of a sudden the "cage" was over my car and I realized we were on a bridge. Don't ask how I didn't notice, I don't know. But I have never been so scared in my life. I know I shouldn't admit this, but I had Patrick text me for awhile to be sure I was wide awake. Thank gosh for him! He stayed up way past lights out to make sure I was safe. We got back to Newark and had to find the parking lot I was keeping my car for the night. We were totally opposite from my dorm and had to take the Hen after 10 back with all of the lovely drunk kids. We didn't realize how long this bus route was and got off at Trabant to walk back. We were exhausted. I finally got to bed at 3am after 19 hours awake! And boy, did I need some sleep. Today, I had to drop my car off at Patrick's grandparents and forgot when I needed gas that I would have to pump it again, this time without the aid of Lauren. Oh joy! But I was slightly less challenged at it this time. Overall, the past 24 hours were amazing! I had a blast and can't wait to go back! Plus, I guess I enjoyed seeing my boyfriend too... <3

Ms. Williams, I must strongly disagree...

I just finished reading a post from a midshipman about our newly appointed assistant director for national security, and boy am I fired up. Assuming what was in the post is true, she believes our servicemen and women do not deserve a pay raise and that they are being paid quite enough. There was a response from a guy in the air force. He is currently getting paid a little over $13,000 a year, where guys in Washington D.C. with the same job and experience (network technician) would get between $70,000-80,000. I don't understand how this can be getting paid too much. (I know, I'm very opinionated and a sucker for anything military). But, how can anyone say that a person who is WILLING TO DIE FOR YOU is getting paid too much? I know that I could never do what our servicemen and women do. I am not cut out for it. I have the utmost respect for these people, a few who I have the pleasure of knowing. And, on top of that, I just researched the poverty threshold in the U.S. For a single person under 65 (in 2009), an income of $11,161 was the threshold. The serviceman was only making $2,000 over the poverty level! Okay, $2,000 sounds like a lot, but when you think about lower middle class income being about $30,000, it really isn't that much. I could keep going on, but I'm ranting and raving. And I can't quite think coherently.

a spoon full of sugar makes the medicine go down!

I wish it were as easy as Mary Poppins made it sound. Yesterday, I felt not quite up to par. I figured I needed some sleep since I was stressed over my psych exam this morning and I didn't sleep well the night before. I actually didn't sleep at all for that matter. Luckily, I didn't get any sleep last night either. I was able to rest slightly more, though, and when my roommate woke up early, I decided to lay on my back and fell asleep for about an hour! I was so sad when I had to get up to study for my exam.

I really hate being sick. Not that anyone likes it, but I just get miserable. I have every possible symptom of a head cold. I raided walgreens after psych so I'm hoping the many cold remedies I bought will help me get over this fast! Especially if I end up going to visit Patrick this weekend! I don't want him to get sick, especially from me. His workload along with crew are tough enough as it is!

Despite being a little under the weather, I am pretty confident I did well on my psych exam!! And it is curved so hopefully I do better than everyone else so even if I don't have a perfect score, it counts as an A!

But, I do need to nap so I can make it through chem workshop...no fun:( Hopefully I can start posting more regularly!

oh what a night

Sorry guys, tonight wasn't that eventful but that song just popped into my head. The best part, though, had to be finally facetiming with my boyfriend!!! Aside, from when I visited him labor day weekend, I haven't seen his face at all! I love talking on the phone, but seeing him is just that much better. So, my night was pretty amazing. My friends, who decided to go out again after an eventful night last night, talked me into going out with them. The one place we went, some guys started fighting and it was one of the scariest things I've ever witnessed. I did get to meet a 19-going-on-20 marine who is on leave and in a few months will be shipping out over seas. I do have to brag a little bit and say as soon as I saw him, I called that he was a marine before I even knew he was in the military. It made me so happy that when I told Patrick that I saw this guy, he wanted me to thank the guy for his service for him. Unfortunately, I didn't get the chance.

I'm so happy Patrick finally got to go hang out at his sponsor family's house and he likes them! I have heard some horror stories, but so far, so good. He also told me a bunch of things that made me really happy! He is the best at making my day better, regardless of whether it sucked or was absolutely amazing. I also heard he has some friends who actually read my blog, which is surprising because I doubt any of my friends do. But hopefully I keep them entertained...I'm open for suggestions.

Next weekend I get to go to Annapolis!! I am so exited! My roommate and suitemate have been convinced to come with me. They also have heard some wonderful things about my Mid and are hoping to find a Navy boy for themselves, any takers? I can't wait to meet Patrick's friends! Hopefully they are actually as chill as he says they are because otherwise there might be some issues...just kidding.

Well, I am off to bed as I have been completely exhausted this week and need to get up for church in the morning. I really hope I'm not getting sick because I don't know why I'm so tired!! Sweet dreams.

thank you high school for teaching me how to slack

For the first time in my life on Sunday, I did more than an hour of homework. All for one class! I can't remember the last time I had homework I actually had to do at home, let alone having it take more than 20 minutes. College is a total wakeup call. I, for one, get so stressed over the littlest things. I really need to change that this upcoming year. I just a total cranky mess the past two days over a stupid lab write up. With all of the homework I've been doing, I haven'r had time to do any of the things I LOVE to do. Which really sucks because that is the reason I was beyond excited to get to college. I can't wait to finally get used to things and have time for more activities. Thank gosh I have a best friend who knows exactly how to make me less stressed:)

I can't help it; I'm a sap and a proud American

Most people think I'm crazy for going away to college with a boyfriend, especially one who is a Midshipman. Today, a light was shed on how happy I really am to be dating him. All of my friends here worry about who is getting with who, what to do when they bring someone back to their room, along with a slew of other things. My biggest problem was whether Patrick was going to call while I was at our football game. I am so proud of his drive to follow his dreams, and how he will stop at nothing to attain them. I don't mean to brag, and you don't need to read on, but he is beyond amazing. He always knows how to make my day better. Though I will only get to see him about once a month, I would not trade our relationship for the world (and trust me, none of the guys I've met so far can even compare to my boyfriend).


Anyway, the football game tonight was fun for the time we were there. I had wonderful comic relief the whole night. After the game, I got to talk to Patrick for the SECOND time today! I was so excited:) I went and hung out with the guys in our dorm until Lauren came back and we ordered pizza (thank gosh!).  Then everyone started feeling sick from the place they went out to eat. I'm so happy I didn't go, though since I don't eat meat, I wouldn't have gotten sliders anyway. I went outside and kicked a soccer ball around with Alex until he felt better, which was a blast:) I also got to talk to two of the guys on my floor for a little bit today who want to join the marines. I honestly think it is so cool for people to enlist or  go through training to become an officer. It is not my calling in life and there is no one I can think of that I respect more. And with tomorrow being the 10th anniversary of 9/11, I can't help but pray and thank God for the men and women who are willing to do whatever it takes to keep us safe. And the craziest part is, they are fighting for people they don't even know.

I really am a sap when it comes to the military because it is something that is so close to my heart. I have a boyfriend at the Naval Academy, along with a cousin who was a marine, one who was in the army, and two grandfathers who both fought in WWII. My one grandfather has a crazy but adorable story from his deployment. Well, quite a few actually, but this one is my favorite. Before he left, he met my grandmother. She LOVES to dance (guess where I get it from) more than anything. While he was over seas, his leg got ran over by a jeep I believe while he was helping one of his fellow servicemen. His leg was pretty destroyed and the doctors wanted to amputate it. He refused to let them remove his leg because "his girl back home loved to dance". I am such a romantic and that story makes me tear up every time.

With everything going on in the world today, I could not be more proud to be an American. I hope everyone can take a few moments out of their day to pray for those who lost loved ones and those who are currently serving our country. God bless America <3

beware of the freshman 15....

Today, I was told that the salad, which was the healthy option for dinner last night, was 500 calories! Healthy? That is 1/4 the calories of an average diet and no one eats just a salad for dinner! Finding healthy things to eat around here has been pretty hard. Sometimes, I just make myself a peanut butter sandwich because my other vegetarian option is pizza. Its crazy.

After my classes, I dragged Lauren and Julia to zumba!!! Megan and Karra were there also! I am so glad Megan is in most of my classes because I now have a running buddy who won't wimp out on me. I do think he boyfriend should apply to the Naval Academy though, even though she isn't too find of the idea;)

Now gaining weight as a freshman is something that worries me. I'm not eating the best food and I haven't had the chance to get a workout in (I am not running at 11pm when I'm writing this). So I decided I want to walk everywhere. Well, no one else from my dorm has the same brilliant idea, even though we live the farthest from all the academic buildings and the other freshman dorms. So I was coerced into taking a bus to Zumba tonight. And the bus didn't let us off anywhere near where we wanted to go. It was my first and hopefully last bus experience (unless for inclement weather).

Anyway, I love my days though there isn't much to report. I can say I am glad I don't have a boatload of homework yet.

home sweet school?

(weird picture, I know, but it was the only one I could find of my two favorite schools!)

Last night, I got back to school from the most amazing weekend ever! Patrick got TWO overnights! What?! It was such an amazing surprise for all of us! Not to brag, but he really is the best boyfriend anyone could ask for. We lounged around, watched movies, and hung out in DTA. Its so gorgeous there! I can't wait to go back! It was just such a perfect weekend, I can't even describe it!

Then I get to come back to the best roommate ever, my lovely suitemate, and Alex. Even though I've only known them for a week, I missed them already!!! Thank gosh they were up for a snuggle sesh and a walk:)  Plus all the girls on my floor filled me in on the goings on of the weekend. I love our floor <3

I have one class today at 1230 and its psych which I love. I can't wait for more picture perfect weekends with the boy and more drives back to see my amazing friends <3 I can already tell how amazing this year is going to be...

Whattup A-town?!

WE FINALLY MADE IT TO ANNAPOLIS! Labor day weekend 2011!!!! I don't think I could be more excited if I tried. After my second day of classes, I met Justine (finally!), Mersadi, and Lisa for lunch. It was quite lovely:) Morgan came to see my dorm! She is sooo sweet! We left my dear dorm mates for the weekend. The ride to Annapolis was super fast and super fun. We got to the gate and found out we needed an escort, thanks guys. Well Josh, being a sweetheart, came and got us so we could go on the yard. (Thanks Patrick). We had a little bit of time with the boys and then went back to our car. The parking lot was flooded and Mersadi's car didn't like it. We had to stop at the mechanic on the way to target to see if something was up with Mersadi's car (it was fine). Target was entertaining, especially the attempt to leave the parking garage. We got lost on the way to our hotel. It was pretty sketchy. But we got to meet Nataly!!! Yay! She is soo super sweet. I'm missing out on the conversation so I'm going to get back to the bonding!!

UDay one:)

Today was the first day of classes for the blue hens here at UD. It was actually really fun for me because I only had one 12:30 class so I got to sleep in and have the rest of my day!! I finally met Lisa and I'm like in love with her. Our shopping trip was pretty sweet. After shopping, I finally met Karra and then Anderson after talking pretty much all summer! Ahh! So exciting! Then Lauren and I hung out with the guys down the hall. I convinced the one to go on runs with me but in exchange, I have to climb the rock wall. Uh oh. I'm scared of heights. They're really chill but also challenged with their schedules so they came back for help as we were getting ready for bed (well, I was packing for ANNAPOLIS!!!!). haha I love them.

So funny story. We have a fairly attractive RA, not gonna lie. (I do believe I'm not the only super obsessed girl on our floor. I do have a boyfriend I love more than anything so I'm only here for guy friends). Today, my roommate's printer was not working and I'll vouch for that. He came in the room to help her (with one of his friends). We were all talking and waiting around for him to fix it. The second he tries to print something, it works. So he goes "Were you guys just trying to get me in your room?" (there were four of us in here). I was being a goof and not paying any attention at all so I didn't know he said that until after. That doesn't sound funny at all,  but knowing how in love with him most of the girls on my floor are, I could not believe how oblivious he was to that and the fact that her printer really didn't work all day until he got here!!! Haha love it!!!