The New Blog is Up and Running!

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A New School Year,

A new blog?

So far this summer I've been working on tons- a student organization, new advertising for CAT5 (our Spirit Programming Board), so why not a new blog?

It's time for an overhaul!

FINALLY Friday...

... and it had better be a mind-blowingly awesome Friday at that.

I wound up not taking my exam Thursday morning- I didn't get enough rest / study time Wednesday night due to Tunnel, an assignment for HIS228, and the CAT5 board meeting (new co-chair of PR & marketing what what?). Instead, I'll be taking it on the scheduled date (May 6th), to be followed by my philosophy exam (May 7th).

Asside from my english conference at 1:20 (Oy.... I've never really been a fan, as they seem kind of unneccesary. I know I have to be uber nice for 15 minutes so that my B- goes to a B / B+, so how about I just write them a nice little card?) today should be good. I figure I'd go to the gym, lay around the pool until said conference, then get some studying done until dinner.

After that, things get much more exciting- I promise.

My friends and I have decided to have dinner at the Rat tonight so that we can get great seats to the Bo Burnham (*swoon*) performance that's a part of his tour.

I really cannot wait, and I will blush madly if I get to meet him. Or if he looks at me. Or looks like hes looking at me. R-Patz is so overrated...

After that we've got some down time until the night's festivities kick in.... seeing as the end of the year is closing in fast, what's sure to be the biggest 'soiree' of the season has been put together by a few of the club promoters and football players to be held on star island.

Star Island? Like that place you heard about where P Diddy, Donald Trump, Shaq, Paris Hilton, etc. reside?

Yesssss.

Maybe girls just get more excited about this kind of thing.

Although I've had a great year here at the U, I'm not 'sad' that the year is finally at an end. While I know the summer is going to be a bit slow (with summer classes not quite a possibility and jobs nearly nonexistent), I'm already excited for my sophomore year, and can't wait! =)

Oh, and as for the swine flu-

The lobby is now filled with automatic hand sanitizer dispensers, all check-ups at the health center are free, we had to sign a paper stating we received our own bottle of Purel as well as a list of symptoms, and then the world exploded.

Tunnel of Oppression...

This past week I've been busy writing papers, studying for exams, putting portfolios together, and volunteering at Tunnel of Oppression.

It may seem a bit obvious, but staying in a cold room for 6 hours surrounded by graphic representations of controversial issues is a bit depressing.

Which is why I'm glad the C-store sells Ben & Jerrys.

The brain freeze I get from ice cream tends to help me to temporarily forget everything else.

I have my first final exam tommorrow- art history.

2 more weeks!

Next 2 Weeks = the Worst of the Best

I leave campus in exactly 16 days, and seem to have more than 16 days worth of work to get done.

This week starts off Tunnel of Oppression. We started building at noon on Saturday, and it hasn't stopped since. Even though I had a hand in setting it up, I still can't stand to be in any of the rooms for very long- the whole point is to stop sugar coating important issues (body image, global health, sexual assault, etc.), and as a result it can get pretty graphic.
Last year was the University's first in hosting the program to much avail- hopefully we have an even bigger turn out this time around.

I have pictures from the set up, but I'm assuming many of you could go without having these images burned into your memories for the week.

As for everything else, everything will be better after this week- 3 papers, a portfolio, and an exam is a bit overwhelming. After that I only have 2 exams to worry about- they're going to be a bit challenging, but with a week inbetween them I should be fine.

Went to the baseball game the other night when we played against Virginia Tech- it was great fun, and we even spotted Shalala every once in a while.


Afterwards was the 'Cane Carnival- long lines, but with everything free of charge, definitely worth it. =)

The 2009 Billboard Latin Music Awards

The BUC has been a busy place lately, and can now add The 2009 Billboard Latin Music Awards to its' list of recent events. Although I didn't attend, I was able to enjoy the brief fireworks show from the stairwell balcony.

pictures

This week has gone by quicker than expected- I've been keeping myself busy with finishing up portfolios, studying for exams, and making use of that gym membership while I've still got it.

Hugging!

Earth Day!

Whether you love tyedye and flowers or not, today is your day to be a hippy. At least for a little. Try to recycle something at the very least- believe me, throwing your plastic bottle into that green bin next to the trash does not require any extra energy.

The University is holding its' annual Hug the Lake (where students gather to hold hands around the lake in true hippy style), EcoFair, and much more. Free t-shirts, free food, free feel-goodness.

And look at the cute reusable Mickey tote Disney stores are giving away for free today when you bring in 3 plastic bottles to be recycled!

Classes for Next Semester

I just returned from registering for classes- perhaps a bit more successful than previous visits, but there are still a few bugs to work out.

It seems that on Mondays and Wednesdays I'll be in Graphic Design from 9:05 until 12:05. If I'm lucky and get an override into my much needed class of Intro to Photography, I'll be in that building again from 3:35 - 6:15 on the same days.

Tuesdays and Thursdays are going to be just as busy (if not worse) than they have been this semester. From 9:30 - 10:45 I'm scheduled for a history course concerning the Renaissance in Florence, then the History of Modern Art from 2:00 - 3:15, and finally Contemporary Moral Issues from 6:25 - 7:40. I've wanted CMI ever since fall semester, and I'm glad a spot has opened up. Hopefully it's worth it- I often find myself fighting for classes of these natures and then wondering why... Not that I don't love them, I'm just not a philosophy major for a reason.

The Answer You May Be Looking For...

If you're like me, you're having tremendous difficulty with all the problems financial aid forms can sum up. One of the most doom-like problems is not being able to use your parents financial information; whether they refuse to release it, can't be contacted, etc.

But fear not!
Read: How to File Your FAFSA Without Your Parents Information.

It's by no means the easy road (as this option requires a LOT of time and dedication not only on your behalf but also those handling the paperwork) but desperate times call for desperate measures. You have to take full advantage of any loop holes, seek out any rays of help, and perservere despite the long process.

I hope none of you have to deal with this, but for those who are, best of luck!

I'm Back at the U!

Being gone for a week was really weird- while it's nice to get away for just a bit, coming back just felt right.

It's getting a bit tougher to focus nowadays, seeing as I only have 3 more weeks of this semester left to plow through. These 3 weeks, however, require more focus and drive than any other- and it's not easy for me to get through in all honesty. Term papers and exams galore seem to be piling up everywhere, not to mention finding a job for over the summer, working out the kinks with financial aid, etc. etc. etc.

I guess what I'm most excited for next year (aside from living in Mahoney) is the abundance of art classes I'll (hopefully) be taking. This year it's been difficult to commit myself to them as much as I would like- however passionate I am for art, learning Calculus (or not learning...) and remembering the intricacies of holy wars takes a lot more of my time and energy than it did in high school.

I'm also excited for work next year- I love both of the jobs I have right now; they're perfect in giving me the experience I'll soon be needing and working with my crazy class schedules. Woot woot for student employment opportunities!

Hope none of you have a case of the Mondays- summer is almost here. =)

(Candy) Seder & Other Pictures

Because we could not possibly find all of the ingredients for a traditional Seder, and the celebration being hosted by Hillel was a bit long for our attention spans, my friends decided to create their own rendition of Seder- using candy. Renditions of Hebrew songs were attempted, the 4 questions were sung (more or less spoken, actually), and we all ate lots of matzo and cheese.

Other pictures for the week:

Next week I won't be on campus, which is a real shame- we've got a lot of fun stuff going on; Applause for a Cause, No Zebras "Take Back the Night" (working on sexual assault issues and helping victims), Erik Weihenmayer's presentation, Crohn's and Colitis Walk, SAE benefit concert with the Ying Yang Twins, Budget Ball, Greek Earth Day, and AIDS walk.

"It's a Required College Experience."

Denny's at 2 in the morning.

Have to do it at least once.

At least so I've heard.

Yesterday I spent my birthday going to class- not unlike many other Tuesdays, but I allowed myself a nap to make up for it.
Oh, and I had ice cream for dinner (because apparently the dining hall has decided to carry Edy's ice cream in the machines.... no arguments here).

After a difficult art history exam and just a long day in general, I decided to hang out with my friends for the night- did a bit of work here and there, but I just needed to unwind. We decided to head out to Denny's around 1 in the morning and rented a Zipcar thusly. Fortunately the Denny's is only right across the street, so we all had our heart attack inducing food in no time. Lovelyyyyy. I had never been to Denny's before- not sure how crazy I am for the food, but it was fun.

I was just informed that today there's free breakfast at said restaurant. Oy.

Next week I'll be out of the country- I don't know if I'll be able to make any blogposts (something tells me the purchase of internet where I'll be will come along with a hefty pricetag...) but feel free to message me on facebook if you have any questions / concerns.

Accepted Student Open House

It was a lot of fun to see this event from a 'Canes perspective as opposed to the accepted students. When I attended last year, I never imagined how different my life would be at this point in time- all of the things I've been able to experience, everything I've learned, and how they've changed me as a person.

Pretty corny, but pretty cool if you don't think about it for too long.

As for that orange backdrop set up for families to take pictures against?

Deadly when paired with strong gusts of wind.

More Sun, More Photos

The weather continues to be absolutely beautiful here, so my friend Adge and I decided to take advantage of it and take a stroll through a neighborhood just off campus.

As for today, I've got a bit of work to do and some meetings, but going to the pool is definitely in the near future. =)

My birthday is on Tuesday, so I'll be celebrating tonight.... and the rest of this weekend. Dinner at the melting pot, beach during Saturday, Relay for Life Saturday night, Accepted Student Open House (which yes, I think will be a LOT of fun), and lots of relaxing. =)

The Miami Herald just put out a great list of cheap things to do this weekend... check it out if you'll be in the area.

Have a good weekend!

UM Alternative Spring Break '09

These videos are of the group of students who went to Brazil with Hillel as a part of UM Alternative Break.







The soccer game looks insane.



Oh, and a note to Youtube- I don't find your April Fool's joke funny. Please stop flipping everything upside down. :-(

Shutterbug Fever

I just received my Nikon D40 in the mail the other day- it took a long time to save up for it, but it's worth every cent! I haven't been able to use it much just yet, but I took a few pictures I thought might be of interest...

:-D

Last night was full of great music, food, and performances thanks to COISO's International Week. Belly dancers, hookah, a Mariachi (I can't spell that and Google doesn't want to help me) band, and some really good food greeted all who found themselves on the UC patio.

Around 9:30 there was an advanced screening of Observe and Report; surprisingly the line wasn't as long as it usually is, but it was a great film.

Oh, it's really hot out.

I'm just bitter because I'm wearing too many layers, forgot my sunglasses this morning, and my hair does not agree with humidity levels above 0%.

It's Dang Hot!

This snapshot of the weather forecast was taken this morning around 7 before I left for class.... believe me, it got much hotter....

Rain clouds skirted the campus today, but not a drop fell. Humidity, however, ensued.

Public Transportation + Rain = Ughhhh.

And that sums up my Sunday.

The rest of the weekend, however, went fairly well- my sister had a great time, and I made sure to keep her busy.
Friday was packed with things to do- we attended Shabbat services at Hillel, then visited friends of Jewish community on campus (who work closely with ChabadUM? I'm not sure...) for yet another Shabbat dinner- this time consisting of really good chinese food. Not that I don't absolutely love Hillel dinners, but I'll always have a weak spot for lo mein.
After dinner (which started around 7 and ended around 10:30), we got ready to go out for the night. We made a quick stop by the UGlow party held at the Rat and then went out with some of my floormates.

Saturday we were supposed to wake up early and go see my roomie's regatta- but alas, we woke up late. It's a real shame, too, because the U kicked some butt and earned first place. =D The sister and I used the HurryCane shuttle to get to Sunset Place for some shopping, then walked back. We stopped by the C-store for some dinner, then went back to the dorms and lazed around for the rest of the night.

OH, and our Ricky Martin 6th sense was a complete and absolute epic fail. It was actually Premio Lo Nuestro 2009 that was being held at the BUC. Some lucky students (by some means or another) found themselves on the red carpet and at the event itself.

I'm not familiar with the girl on the left, but the dude is definitely Wilmer Valderrama.

Enough procrastinating, back to facing the menace that is known as Monday...

How Could I Forget?! Marriage on the Rock!

No, not on the rocks, as in leading to divorce, but THE rock- the central meeting place on campus.

The Annual Marriage on the Rock (which sources tell me is nationwide) is a peaceful demonstration in support of marriage equality across America. They held ceremonies in which anyone could be 'married'- roommates, friends, classmates, couples. They had photographers, wedding cake, and even ringpops to top it off. It had to be one of the sweetest things I've seen in a while, and I'm so glad UM is a campus where people are free to express themselves. =)

While I was stuck in class, my two friends Meredith and Alec were 'married':

All you need is love =)