Christmas Break!

Does anyone love exams?

Via earlycollegeofalaska.org

Didn't think so.

Personally I would like to thank, yes I said thank, whom-so-ever created these delightful things because not only does it give me an excuse to stay up past my bedtime, but it adds to my junk cupboard. Anyone noticed how staying up late only increases that urge for everything bad for us?

Via crazyvish.wordpress.com

And I mean everything.

Via Myspace.com

So it is exam time. In Canada the streets would be empty around now, all the students locked in their room with only a lone Peanut butter and Jelly sandwich to keep them company. A wolf howls in the distance, you can hear the crickets chirping..

No but seriously those kids like to study.

Now University is a different ballgame. You've got the kids who know everything already, the kids who pretend they know everything already, and the kids who just know nothing. Somewhere between there are the average folks. The folks who study enough to move onto the next month. The folks who you can count on.

I don't have to many of those folks in my class it seems.

Facebook is littered with invitations to parties, splashed across my homepage are pictures of these parties, and don't even get me started on the drunk comments.

Needless to say I am one of the few 'nerds'. For the second time in my life I'm really giving it my all, studying for 6-8 hours at a time and it's working! But I am still a normal person. And to be honest, I can not WAIT to go home. 

T-minus 3 days and 10 hours people.

Via exploreislandsnow.com

How 'bout That Healthcare!?

I've heard such crazy debate on the health care situation in America. 
So I was a little nervous when it came to my situation as an international student with the flu.
Well we drove for a couple of hours. Got turned away a couple of times. Weren't even given options a couple of more times. But eventually we stopped at a nearby clinic with an amazing nurse who made some calls for us and got us on our way.
Oh gosh were my parents relieved.
And me too! Seeing as it is my health and all.
It wasn't just that no-one even recognized my health insurance card, but some receptionists didn't even look up before they muttered a heavy "no". If it wasn't for that one nurse who cared, even though there was a full waiting room behind me, we would probably still be searching six months later!
So yes! We got turned down a million and one times, but we found what we were looking for thanks to just one person! It made the journey so much more worthwhile. 

Long Time No Sleep

Sooo I haven't posted in a while.

Yeap.
My student life has gone from somewhat sociable, to downright hermit. This month we have been swamped with an illegal amount of work and my stress level which is normally a low 0, has hyped up to at least a mid 90. Basically, I'm fried.


I understand that we are taking an advanced course, thereby cutting down a four year degree into two, and yes that is an awesome deal. But seven days a week of school from 9 in the morning to 9 at night?! Come on!


Regrettably, I'm no superwoman. Not even close. And these classes are by golly tough enough. Then again.. it is Christmas everybody!

Via 365-days-of-christmas.blogspot.com

Can you believe that is a 7up ad! It looks so joyful.


P.s.
Picture of the Day!

Via worth1000.com

..That's what I thought.
Happy 1st of December!

Because A College Student Watches Youtube Videos

Meg and Dia

Via chaarmmaander.tumblr.com

A line-up at a local hot spot for bands had these girls featured and it wasn't till I got home that I remembered why the name was so familiar. 

Stumbling a couple of weeks ago I ran across this video that I absolutely fell in love with, like head over heels first puppy kinda love. No joke.

I'm sure your all wondering who they are.. and I've got you covered no worries!

Here's the video link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Z42QJ1i3e4

And if you really do like them (told ya!) here's their web page!

http://www.meganddia.com/

Be sure to check them out if they play in a town near you!

Thanksgiving!

While I was busy doing my regular nothing, thousands of college students were traveling cross country to make it home in time for the annual "eat until you pop" holiday. Known to Americans and Canadians as Thanksgiving, I simply thought of it as turkey season. Seeing as I have no family within a billion miles, I decided to celebrate the only way I know how.. Eat!

Over at the grocery store, the scene resembled a natural disaster; but I quite enjoyed shuffling around the frantic looking families strung out over the size of the turkey and the size of their oven, or little Johnny pulling down boxes of peas while his dad is busy grumbling over his wife's handwriting and how shopping for pie crusts really isn't a mans job.

Via chanel4.com

Well I made it safely back to our apartment and after settling my purchases on the counter, I sat down to gather my thoughts. I really really wanted to participate in the Americans version of Thanksgiving, but my taste buds were seriously achin' for some grilled shrimp.

So I veered off course a little.

Two hours later of searching up recipes online, I decided to go at it alone. My thinking was if the Indians could do it, I might be able to. Half an hour later I had some chopped potatoes boiling, biscuits in the oven, vegetables washed and the shrimp garnished. There even was a little carrot cake waiting nearby! I couldn't believe it. So I snapped some pictures and voila! With my feast assembled I laid the table, turned on some Michael Bublé and had an amazing night.

Too be honest I was a little down having to celebrate a holiday known for its merriment by myself. But when I thought about it.. I was taking part in one of THE most traditional holidays in America. Millions of other families were doing exactly what I was doing at that moment, and I couldn't help but feel just a little patriotic. Even though I'm not from America, doesn't mean I can't feel America.

It's something I won't forget for some time.

$ Movie

Every college student seems to develop an uncanny sense for the cheapest ways to have fun. Tonight that will be put to the test.

We will be paying a visit to the local dollar movie theatre! First timer here, so looking forward to the unexpected. And the hobos. Always the hobos.

*Update*

So the ticket was legit $1. Which I guess is how much their audio system cost. Harsh, but I'm an audio snob fresh outta rehab. Wouldn't recommend it as a date place! Rather go buy some bread and feed the ducks in a nearby park. Much cuter and nicer smelling.

Via elizabethannedesigns.com

A Preface..

You should understand that I am not your typical college student, legal alien or not. I will graduate with a Bachelors of Science in two years, and I have yet to live in a college dorm splurging on garnished Ramon noodles and fighting off sleep by indulging in Red Bulls at  3 o'clock in the morning while my roommate is making out with her boyfriend/girlfriend in the bed five feet away.

Via iPhoneo.info

Tragic I know.

And my knowledge of University is really only based 90% from boarding school in Vancouver Island, Canada, and 10% from Hollywood blockbusters (obvs HW blockbusters are the more legit choice here).

None the less, you picked up this story for a reason. A reason I do respect, though do not fully comprehend, so please feel free to share in the comments if you will.

I moved to Vancouver at the ripe ol' age of sixteen, met people from around the world whom I hope to never forget. More importantly, I developed an accent that I am quite proud of. (Needless to say I do draw out my eh, at any chance I can if you please). Canadians were a wonderful bunch and have quite convinced me to find a home in the shadows of my old school when I am settled and not in debt.

All this is a preface to my beginnings as a college student in America...

I promise.

Living as a legal alien has its flaws. Only one of which I've run across in that it is seriously hard to find a sweepstakes in which I fit the rules. Sigh.

Via cardiganempire.com

But truthfully, it is hard.

Going through the process of intense education while still trying to convince yourself that you really did make the right decision in moving to a new country, college, home.. is never a tasty blend. No strawberries and whip cream for me, more apples and mayonnaise. 

This blog will be an endless tirade of learning. My trials at being an A+ student are on a stand for the world to see. Not a very tall stand, at the moment I have a big fat Easter egg reader, and he doesn't seem very entranced. 

Forgive me I have dawdled.

I hope through this blog I can provide insights to you, your mum, a sister, brother, once-removed parrot.. anything and anyone that has enough time on their hands to read this I feel blessed and thank you for being so lenient with me.

Via ask.metafilter.com