Do You Wanna Build a Snowman?

I bring to you a recap of the first (and second) snow day(s) I've had since my junior year of high school.

 It began one fateful afternoon while I was avoiding homework in the residence of Miss Madison Hexter. I received a text to which I was quite shocked, surprised, and confused. I quickly pounded on the bathroom door to have my friend Heather decipher the code that is the University of Akron message system (I'm 99% sure I interrupted a pee). After confirming this momentous occasion, I quickly closed my Organic Chemistry book, and there was much dancing and happiness. Even Madison found it in her heart (and head) to discontinue homework for this period of celebration. The halls flooded with people ready to celebrate their extended weekend. I even broke my one hug a day rule. With the excitement, came an RA that yelled at us for the noise at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. But, it was worth it.

Vacant Akron streets. It's a little fuzzy because it's hard to get a good picture while running on slippery snow.

To kick off our snow day, Monday, we planned an exciting day in the snow. This lasted maybe 20 minutes before we realized there was a reason we had no school, it was cold. So, we decided to enjoy a relaxing afternoon of Disney movies including classic favorites like the Lion King and Aladdin. There is a reason children play in the snow, they enjoy the hot chocolate afterwards.

Tuesday was a a day to do homework that wasn't done on Sunday. Someone named Shirali Patel did her Sapling without me (#betrayal), so I spent most of the day doing that, and getting distracted by anything that existed. After much anticipation, we finally had a group Wing Night. It was freezing and the wait was an hour long, but that's part of the adventure. Throughout the week we played a card game. There is much controversy over the actual name of said game. It's either Up and Down the River or Up the River, Down the River. I personally like the latter title. It's nice to get a break sometimes and do childish things like watch Disney movies and stuff your face with wings. But breaks only last so long, and now it's back to normal monotony of the spring semester.

Stay Warm,

Noelle

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A Little Bit of Everything

Spring semester is upon us, and this syllabus week has felt like a long one. We're back to the daily grind of little sleep, much homework, and enough stress to be declared psychologically insane in the 1950's (yes this is apparently a thing, it keeps popping up on Facebook). It's a new start. Well sort of. I did not change my major. I didn't realize so many people thought I did, but the first day of school I had to explain to multiple people that I didn't. Anyway, I figured since it is my late night at work and I don't have anything due tomorrow I would write a blog post, but I can't decide what to write about.

I could write about my uneventful week. It was really uneventful. I worked a lot. I went to class. That about sums that up. Although I do think it is funny that whether you're 4 or 19 the first day jitters will always be there. I've spent 15 years in school and I still get nervous on the Sunday before the first day.

I could publish my 1:30 AM take on religion. It seems to come up a lot. I read a blog post written by my friend Jen about God. Her posts usually mention God, but this one was more about questioning God's motives. Something I don’t see as much from my very Christian friends. It was real, and it was very good.

I like to think that the universe, whatever it may be, only gives us as much as we can handle. We might not think we can handle it, but whatever is out there knows we can. She talked about questioning God’s reasoning behind giving her cancer. That’s the biggest question isn’t it? Why does an all loving God put so much suffering on the earth? Some things can be chalked up to the free will we were given, which is understandable, but what about illness? No one’s will but God’s can produce that, unless were talking bio warfare. What about circumstance? Another uncontrollable factor. 

God is something that has been on my mind a lot for a very long time. Being at college has brought the question into an even brighter light. I’ve met way more religious people than I originally anticipated. They invite me to things which I enjoy, but to me religion has always been more of a cultural experience than a spiritual one. I read an article once that said there were people out there who are genetically hardwired to religion. All of the religions. They enjoy exploring and never seem to settle into one. I don’t really know if that is actually a thing, but making an actual decision about what I want to be has been way too long in the making. 

I just seem to find myself caught up on the topic of Jesus. All religions are based around a God or Gods, a creator, but Jesus is something unique to Christianity. He seems like He has a mythical creature feeling to him. My mom says that the different religious figures, Jesus, Buddha, Muhammad, are all representatives of God in a way that the people of those areas can understand. That they are all God in a form that can be accessible to humans. So maybe Jesus is a human form of God to relate to us as humans. I read a book that said the thing that makes humans different from other animals is that we imagine a future. Maybe we needed a human to come and tell us that future exists. But then there are a few technical questions i have, like why did Jesus die for our sins? What does that even mean? I have all these unanswered questions about religion that I don’t understand, and it’s keeping me from wanting to commit. 

Maybe the reason I’ve been placed in the presence of so many Christians is a sign. I don’t really know. I think it’s like with my career aspirations, I think there needs to be a sign. Like I need some sort of epiphany, but maybe that doesn't happen, or maybe it's a gradual thing it's happening right now. Only time will tell.

I could rant about the lack of direction in my life. I decided today I need a career goal. I don't know if that's something you can just decide, but I didn't change my major and now I need to stop messing around and figure out what the next step is going to be for me. I feel like I need to go out there and experience a bit of the world before I decide what I want to do with my life, but that's a step meant only for rich kids. The rest of us need to figure out how to make money, not spend it. 

I could talk about the living arrangement pitch I was just presented. I actually want to do it, but I know that it will be a war with my mom because I've already made plans to live at home. I was just wrapping my head around the idea of moving home, until the end of Christmas break and realized I like living on my own. The offer is tempting and the price is right, but my pitch to my mom might not be as successful as their presentation to me.

Yep, school has indeed started.

I wish everyone a great semester.

Good Luck,

Noelle

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Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Joyous Kwanzaa, Happy (Belated) Hanukkah, Happy Winter Solstice

Or whatever doesn’t offend you, because that seems to have become a thing again this year. I really don’t care what greeting I receive, it’s just nice (most of the time) for someone to take a few seconds in their day to acknowledge my presence. There is 1 hour and 15 minutes left on this Christmas night. I had a good Christmas, Santa (or my mom) was super generous and I got to see my grandparents and my aunt. My mom made a really good dinner, per usual, and it was overall a good holiday.

As a little Christmas special, I wrote a living tribute to Shirali Y. Patel.

Literally a living tribute, because she is indeed still alive. I promised earlier in the year I would write her eulogy so I thought I should start working on it, you know, just in case….

Shirali Y. Patel. What can I say about Shirali Y. Patel. Not her middle name. I can’t say that about Shirali Y. Patel. But at this point, everyone probably already knows it because everyone with the last name Patel *cough* Shirali and Jahnavi *cough* cannot keep a secret. Shirali is well known for her baby hairs, neutral colored clothing, and collection of unique phrases such as: “Ain’t nobody got time for that,” “I like you,” “If you were a boy I’d date you” (to either gender), “Frick,” “The struggle is real,” “God dang it,” “Oh my god(s),” You’re a cutie,” "I ain't about that life" and the ever controversial “You’re a classy broad". Although sometimes asleep, or doing homework through it, Shirali spent many hours in temple and celebrating the every other day holidays. She was also well known for her spotless room due to daily and sometimes twice daily vacuuming sprees, and her frequent hair washings.

There are too many times to remember to account in one premature eulogy. As a group we spent many a night sleeping on the floor of a social lounge while the movie watched us. Shirali became my one a day hug person, making me comfortable with human interaction, and a day without seeing her was a weird day indeed.

Since she isn’t actually dead I don’t have to say farewell friend, but one day we will all perish from this earth. Hopefully we will be old and cratchity and have lived good fulfilling lives. Being a teenager makes us feel invincible, but were not. So don’t do drugs! Or drink excessive amounts of alcohol (but if you do please make it to the toilet), or have lots of premarital sex for money (but if you do please use a condom), and all that junk.

Phew…that eulogy made me feel like someone actually died glad that’s over with.

Oh and here is a nice Bingo Board for the enjoyment of anyone who knows Shirali.

Merry Christmas and Good Evening to all,

Noelle

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Musings of a Semester Gone By

I originally wrote this post when I got home from school last Saturday, set it aside, then edited it, and reedited it. I cut some parts, and added some parts.

This semester probably wins for most eventful. I came in ready for anything. It was different from the first time around because I already had friends and I already knew what to expect, or I thought I did. I spent most of this semester surprisingly happy. I don’t really know why, but for the most part I was really happy.

I came in August for Major Events Committee, which I wouldn’t do again, but had an okay time doing. It was basically just college camp. We saw speakers and then helped move people in to their dorms. I got a lot of free t-shirts.

Major Events (Never again though)

Classes started. They went alright. I got yelled at for cell phone usage 2 weeks in during biology class, which basically gave me an irrational fear of the professor.

Our friend group sort of disintegrated. I don’t really know what happened. I guess we all changed, and there were left over fights. I made really good friends with smaller group of people I stayed with in this weird separation, and I stayed friends with everyone for the most part, so that's cool.

I’ve also spent a lot more time with my Christian homeschool friends, something that has been a bit mind blowing. I don’t really know how that happened. But I really like them.

I’ve been working a little on the religion thing. I kind of like the Catholic church. I don’t really know why, but I like the ritual and the tradition of the whole thing. My mom would probably kill me if I decided to be Catholic, but then again maybe she wouldn’t. I’ve tried the praying thing, but I don’t feel like I’m very good at it. We only really pray when we want things. I feel like I pray too much for my grades (first world probs).

My October was pretty uneventful. I really do not remember much from it. I went to a pretty lame Halloween party and read the last book in the Divergent series. My grades started to slip sometime in there.

Our appropriate Halloween costumes

November is when all the excitement hit. It went by surprisingly fast, for unusual reasons, but it was a growing up moment. Or multiple moments. It was full of moments of advocation and holding my tongue. Feelings of apprehension over the health someone I barely knew. I couldn’t really figure out why I cared so much. I like to think it’s because I am a good person, but that might just be my ego talking, and I lost out on my chance at free tuition. I did get a boost in my people skills though. I started to feel better about my ability to interact with human beings, and I think I got a pretty good friendship out of the deal.

World's most poorly timed Bitstrip (I didn't know what happened when I made it)

December was basically just finals week, but we had a kick ass Christmas party if I may say so myself. It had the qualities of the personalities of the planners. Laid back, chilled out, and low maintenance, or at least I thought so.

Group shot

Awkward cuddling (People around here seem to be into that)

Where's Waldo? Oh, it's me. 

Another good group shot

Family photo

I basically redid my entire schedule in an angry huff the other day. I’m not sure if that was a mistake or not. Maybe it was a rash decision, but maybe rash decisions can be right ones. Maybe what I was feeling at that moment gave me the courage to do what I wanted to do all semester. But, good news, at least for me, my GPA didn't tank this semester. I now have the grades I thought I needed to make my decision, but I still can’t make a decision. I have a psychology schedule set up, but I could recover the biology. I really need to sit down and make a choice, and I am going to stick by that choice for the semester. I just don’t want to have any regrets.

The semester has come to an end. I'm so glad that classes are over with, but I already sort of miss everyone. Home is boring. But I’m enjoying the break.

~Noelle

So long for now

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It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Finals Week (And Christmas Too)

It's that time of the year again, folks. All nighters, endless amounts of caffeine, becoming a fixture in the library, its finals week! Well, the end of finals week. I'm taking a break from writing a paper to write this blog post. Kind of funny. I had all semester to write the paper, but hey, due tomorrow, do tomorrow. I took my last final today, which I'm fairly sure I got a 50% on. Not even kidding. The amount of guessing I did on that test was mind blowing, sad, but there is nothing I can do about it now.

With finals, comes grades. If there is something panic inducing, it's grades. I am personally the nerd that has an excel sheet to figure out mine, and I can probably guess I'm not alone on this matter. I'm probably not going to be super happy at the end of this semester, but what can you do.

But, to everyone who is freaking out about their GPA, your grades do not define you. You cannot win at everything, and if you get a B, it will not change you as a person, and it will not change your dreams. If you get an F, well then, my condolences, but A-'s, B's, you get no sympathy from me. And to those experiencing these imperfections for the first time, welcome to the human race.

The annual Derpy Christmas Party is on Friday. I've been looking forward to it all week. It's the little things. Friends, pizza, and ice skating, what else could you want? With the planning of this for second time, we found out there was apparently a lot of drama surrounding last years party. I blame it on the fact that we were freshman, we were socially awkward, we were wrapped up in ourselves, and we were on a budget. So to everyone who wasn't included last year, another apology. Although if you slept through it, it's not our fault. This year, however, we are being more inclusive, so no derpy Giant Eagle food this year. The amount of cheese and crackers needed was too much. Oh and if you are reading this and you haven't paid for pizza, pay up.

So funny story, I may have gotten my friend Heather a copy of Royal Pains for Christmas thinking I was a super good gift giver, and then before I even opened my gift from her, I realized we got each other the same thing.

This is how Shirali opens gifts

And this is how I study or shoot nerf darts at my roommate (Don't worry, she wasn't really studying either)

I leave for home on Saturday with another semester under my belt, what feels like another wasted semester. I just keep telling myself I have to know what I don't like to know what I do, and everyone is afraid of being wrong. So I need some more time to figure out my life, I'm 19 years old. How can I be expected to know my entire future when I still have to tell my parents when I am going out. It's just all a little confusing. But, I'm going to take this break to catch up on TV shows, hang out with friends and family, and enjoy Christmas. I have a book calling my name that isn't about biology or chemistry, and a bed that could use some sleeping.

Happy holiday break,

Noelle

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Post Thanksgiving Post

I am currently on a post Black Friday shopping buzz and thought I would write a traditional list of things I am thankful for this Thanksgiving. So, things I’m thankful for: The mindless shopping I did tonight, and the ability to do said mindless shopping. I got 2 TV seasons, 7 movies (Silver Linings Playbook and Perks were super cheap and I was super happy), an 8 GB microSD card, and 2 long sleeved v-necks (one of them being a stripy McLongsleeves). Some of the DVDs are gifts for my dad and sister and overall I would call the trip a success. I know it is stupid to go out a buy a bunch of stuff right after you are thankful for what you already have, but I can be thankful for all the junk I bought. The lines were surprisingly smooth and it wasn’t as crazy as I expected it to be. My friends. Everyone is thankful for those. It’s pretty cliche but I’m thankful anyway. So shout out to everyone who has made my life better, and definitely more entertaining. Thanks for all your help and awkward hugs. My roommate not dying and such. Not that I really thought she would, but the whole dying in your sleep from a concussion thing had me a bit worried. But, I guess if I’m worried it means I like her alright and all. So I’m thankful for a happy dorm room. We hit the October benchmark where I can officially say the arrangement is a success.

My family. Also a cliche. I’ve appreciated my parents a lot more lately. They were laughing because I came home a couple weekends ago and gave them hugs and thanked them for not being ass-holes. So yeah, I’m thankful my parents aren’t ass-holes. And on the family line, I’m thankful my sister got a job. She’s been searching for a while and I think she’ll enjoy having the extra money.

School. I hate it, and I love it. I’m having a bit of trouble deciding what I want to do with it. I’m trying to decide what I should major in, and I’ve been a bit of a spazz about it. Which takes me back to being thankful for my family and friends, because they have to listen to me talk about it a fair amount. But, I know I’m lucky I get to go at all, and all and all it’s been a really great experience.

Music. Both in general and for some great bands I found lately. You can be thankful for that, right? If anyone is looking for something to listen to, Run River North and the Family Crest are my current band fascinations. I thought that could potentially be relevant. And if not, I thought it was an okay plug anyway.

Food. I had a great thanksgiving dinner. My mom did a really good job, even though she skipped the pumpkin pie this year. My grandma and I were disappointed, but the cake was good too. My neighbors brought good food as well. I could stuff my face with mac & cheese all day.

So, anyway, I hope everyone had a great holiday, and now that thanksgiving is over, it’s the Christmas season! Time to break out the Derpy Christmas Party music playlist! I’ll need something to get me through finals week.

~Noelle

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American Good

Think about the last time you greeted someone. Did you ask them how they were? What did they reply with? Good. Good, that’s what I thought. Were they actually good? Probably not. 

Last semester I got in an elevator with the girl who I now share a dorm room with, and I asked her how she was, the common question to avoid awkward elevator silence. And her answer definitely alleviated the silence. I was told I was just asking to be polite, and that I didn’t really care. I had no defense to this accusation, because it was absolutely true. 

Today I was in the hallway with a friend who is Hungarian and she asked me how I was. I replied with the generic good. She asked was I good or American good? 

We're all American good. We say it to move on. We ask how people are, but we don’t actually care. We make pleasantries, but we’re not actually interested in the answer. I do it, you do it, we all do it. But, if you want to tell me how your day is actually going, I will listen to it. I can’t guarantee I will react the way you want me too, but I’ll listen. 

I’ve been wanting to write a blog post all week, but haven’t really known what to say. This week has not been my week to share. When I think about it, blogs are pretty narcissistic, I’m just sitting here writing about myself. Like my life is interesting enough to warrant writing about myself. That and avoiding studying for a test on a subject of which I am losing interest. It's really hard to like something you're not good at. So here I am, at another biology test that I will try to use to decide my fate, except this time my motivation to do well on it is gone. My most rational friend thinks I should switch majors, maybe that is a sign.

I haven't posted a good Shirali picture in a while. So here it is for your enjoyment. I figure I need to get off my serious blog post kick.

That winter weather.

 Oh and Dominick if he were gay. We really wanted to go steal a viola for him.

~Noelle

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