Christmas is Coming...Mallory's stressing out

Hello all.
The lesson of this week is procrastination.
Yes, I may be one of the best procrastinators of all time. I'm amazing at it. I rule at procrastination. If procrastination was actually a good thing I would have an awesome talent. Alas, it is not.
But I've written to teach you different ways to procrastinate if the need should arrive.

Several tactics you can use:
Watch TV (not very original)
Go on a reading spree (Nerdy yet not productive)
Decide to write stories for your three roommates instead of buying them presents (have only finished one)
Become obsessed with John Green author of Looking for Alaska, An Abundance of Katherines, and Paper Towns. Proceed to watch the million and one videos said author and brother have made on youtube.
Join Nerdfighters where nerdiness brings more awesome into the world!!
Go to Twilight (...for the fourth time)
Make Puppychow for your roommates
Only do the homework that's due the next day right before you go to bed or get up early and do it then.

(Things I should be working on:
Revising my two stories, and writing my research paper for Advanced Fiction
Working on my News writing presentation on women journalists,
rewriting my article so that it doesn't suck so much for news writing. Buying Christmas presents, packing to move out of my apartment.)

These are just some of the procrastination skills I have employed this week. I hope you have learned something and go out and procrastinate like the master herself. i.e. ME!

Victorious

Well, our stupid state didn't turn blue. But apparently our county did! So there's that small victory. And the big one where we have a new president whom I can actually stand behind! Now all we have to do is get through this lame duck period and we'll be on our way.

As for news about me, well, I'm double majoring now in History and English. It may be a news to people outside of my immediate family but I have no clue what I'm doing with my life. I want to write and be a writer and get published, however, that doesn't pay the bills immediately. So I have to figure out if I want a career in something else. Should I be a professor? If so, in what? Literature, creative writing, history? (Yeah, I like history!). Or should I try to be in publishing? Or should I have a job that doesn't relate in any way to my majors? Should I have a job that just pays the bills so I can write but doesn't go anywhere?

You see my dilemma. I'm having a hard time with the last option just because I'm used to the idea of a career and getting a career and holding that career. It could take me years and years and years to get published and I don't think I want to get stuck in a job that sucks. So I'm going to the Career Center on campus to see if they'll tell me what to do with my life because right now I'm overwhelmed.
So I'll let you know when I know what the H I'm gonna do after graduation.

Shannon is sooo going to be annoyed with this entry. Oh and I'll post Halloween pictures soon too.

Dear Baby Jesus

I think you performed a little miracle down here. Our normally red state, always red, all the time, has turned a beautiful shade of blue. Now, I know it may not stay blue for three more weeks and I know it will turn back to red almost immediately after the elections but I am amazed by this turn of events all the same. I had to ask someone if I was dead because it seems to me this miracle would only happen if I were dead.

Hopefully, our little state will remain blue for a little while longer but if not, thank you, Jesus for allowing me to see the day when we turned from red to blue. I dream of one day being able to tell my grandchildren (or my future second cousin hooray!) that we were blue for one whole election...maybe the MOST important election. We shall have to wait and see.

Sometimes Days Can Be Sucky

And today was one of those days.
I don't want to get into what made the day bad but I can get into what made it better.
First, my sister. Cuz she knows the reaction I want to get.

Second, my old friend Robyn who I never hang out with came to hang out with me. We've known each other since eighth grade. That's a very long time at least for me.

Third, Enchanted, because it's a funny movie with good songs.

Fourth, Pride and Prejudice because it is a wonderful wonderful book and movie and it makes me happy everytime I watch it. It's my cry movie, my get-well movie, and my comfort movie. Yes, Mom and Dad, Spice World has been replaced but that's what happens when people get older. Their tastes mature and grow. There's only so many times I can watch the Spice Girls get into all their crazy shenanigans before I get tired. (That's not true. I could still watch it!)

The good thing that came from today: I realized that when people tell me I can't do something, I just get pissed and decide I'm going to do something. It's good to know I'm not discouraged that easily.

Word!

With my freeze ray I will stop the world

Oh Dr. Horrible....you complete me.

And on a separate note, I'm published!! Sorta.
I started writing book reviews for our campus newspaper and my first one came out today! Hooray! I'm not sure if anyone actually reads our school newspaper but they should because my review is amazing. Just trust me, it is. I wrote it on Ender's Game, one of my favorite books. You should read it if you haven't already. (Dad likes it, and Shannon likes it, and Mom liked it, and Elliott liked it) Get on the Ender's Game liking train people!!

In other news, I don't think I'm cut out to be a journalist. It's a different style of writing than I'm used to! I could spend waaaaay more time on a tiny paragraph (or even one sentence) than I do on any of my scholarly papers. Sheesh!

Sorry for the short post but I have European History soon. I have to go learn about Socrates and Plato (SOOOOO Boring).

Two days of school and I'm already pooped

Yes, school has started and I'm back on campus with three new roommates. It's been interesting adjusting to new people since I lived with Holly for two years. Andie, the girl I share an actual room with is a friend who is also going to Norway with me. Emily is a friend from the musicals and Lissie, her roommate, is a new friend altogether.
We've been doing pretty well with keeping everything nice and clean except our living room is a bit of a disaster.

It was Andie's 21st birthday on Friday so we all went out to Paradiso and had a grand ol' time. Andie then went on to the bars with the legal 21 year olds of our group and came back in pretty good shape. Saturday, we had a party at Andie's friends house with the usual suspects and had a fun time there too. Although, I think we may have broken the record for adding Bitch onto the end of everything that was said...don't ask me how that started I was not there.

I've added some extra curriculars for this year one of which involves writing for the on-campus newspaper. I'm going to be writing book reviews and possibly tv reviews too. One of my book reviews is actually due very soon. I'm a little worried because I don't write in this style normally but Emily (roommate) is the editor so maybe I'll give it to her first and she can tell me if I suck or not.

This post was not nearly as entertaining as I had hoped. Informative, yes. Entertaining, no. This will teach me to write without eating first!

I wish I were in China....sorta

Who's ready for the Olympics???

I am! And you should be too! Especially since they've already started. I've missed the swimming and gymnastics already though I did get to watch volleyball and rowing (not my favorite). And the opening ceremony was actually cool! Unlike past ceremonies that did not make any sense to me whatsoever (Australia, I'm looking at you.), this opening ceremony had the right amount of whimsy (good word) and artistry that you could still understand the point of everything. The moving boxes were amazing if not scary (there were people inside them!) and the painting thing was cool too.

But now we're ready for the games to begin. Michael Phelps, despite your weird under bite, I'm still in love with you. I hope he wins everything, if only to see him in his swimsuit as often as possible.
Nastia Lukin and Shawn Johnson are my two new favorite people to watch. Shawn Johnson freaks me out a great deal for being so cute and yet being able to do all of those amazing feats without breaking a sweat. Nastia Lukin may not be the favorite (Shawn Johnson is) but she rocks the uneven bars like nobody's business. She did have a slight fall in the qualifiers but I still believe in her. Yay! Olympics!

Woops

So I kind of missed the whole month of June, blogging-wise. Which is kind of lame because June is my favorite month. Why you ask? Oh, that's because it's my birth month. Yeah, it should be your favorite month too because your favorite person (me!) was born during it.
So I basically haven't done anything since last I blogged. I mean, I turned another year older, I celebrated the fourth of July and I've been to so many superhero movies I could puke (Why are there no cool GIRL superheroes?) but I basically have been sleeping, reading, working, and trying to revise my current novel (also considered work to me. ugh, it sucks). Yes, I am now on the road to making money this summer. Unfortunately, I won't be spending any of that money because I have to save it for Norway. Which is a very long ways away for me to save, I want clothes from Delia's and I want them now!! Oh well, I will try and practice self-control.

Last time, I wrote about movies you should see and, although I could do that again (GO SEE WALL-E it's the cutest movie EVER) Ahem, I thought I would tell you about the shows tht I am obsessed with.

Veronica Mars! Veronica is the daughter of a former sherriff turned P. I. Veronica follows in his footsteps to solve her best friend's murder along with other crimes around school. This show is funny and suspenseful and was canceled last season. To which I can only ask Why God?

LOST....Polar bears and dust monsters, moving islands, and Others plus Sawyer. Enough said, Freckles.

West Wing Yeah, I was a little young when this show was on the air to actually enjoy the fast paced dialogue and political storylines but I watched all of the seasons last year and fell in love with it. All I can say is C. J. Cregg and Josh Lyman.

Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List I almost pee my pants from laughter every episode.

Jon and Kate plus 8 Twin girls and sextuplets and their poor parents living their every day lives. These kids are so cute and the sextuplets are talking a lot now. It's fun and interesting to see what they have to say (aldergator, hairpane, I'm not a gooseball! Quit yaughing at me! etc..)

Finally, So You Think You Can Dance For all the people out there who like Dancing with the Stars, I would like to reveal to you the tragedy that you have had to endure. SYTYCD is a dance show contest that is with ACTUAL dancers who have to learn different styles of dancing such as, Jazz Hip-hop, ballroom, and Contemporary. For the top twenty (ten boys and ten girls) they do partner dances with the same partner but when it gets to the top ten, they begin to switch partners every show. It's AMAZING and you should watch it.

An Update to Satisfy my Nagging Aunt!

Oh Becky! You know I'm teasing!

I had a busy weekend relaxing at the lake. Well, to be honest, I've had a relaxing May. Ristreto is still not open so I am still unemployed but hopefully that will change very soon.

As to what I've been doing to occupy my time for the past three weeks: Reading. I've read so many books I can't even count and because I'm an addict (to books, that is) I haven't really made a dent in my to-read pile because I keep buying books(because good ones keep popping up!!). I also visited Shannon and we went to two concerts! M.I.A. ( a Sri Lankan rapper) was very interesting but it was standing room only so my personal bubble was invading by many many people that night. The next night we went to KT Tunstall who sings the Big Black Horse and Cherry Tree song (PLAY THE WOO HOO SONG!! WOO HOO!!). She was much more my style but we didn't really get to stand up during the concert which was lame. She was very impressive and sounds exactly like her cd which is a very good thing for me.

I've also been to a few movies:
Baby Mama!
Amy Poehler and Tina Fey are my new idols. Tina Fey doesn't get to shine as much as Amy Poehler in the movie because she has to play the straight man to Poehler's crazy character but it was funny and I liked it very much. (also 30 Rock which stars Tina Fey as Liz Lemon is amazingly funny and you should watch it!)
Forgetting Sarah Marshall.
I happen to really like the humor that is found in Knocked Up and Superbad which is present in this movie. I also love Kristen Bell (Veronica Mars!) and the main male character in it who's name I forgot. It was funny and cute. Kenneth from 30 Rock is in it which is a plus too!
Iron Man
Very good! I love Robert Downey jr. and he really is perfect in this movie. I'm not a Gwynethy Paltrow fan and her poor character's name is Pepper Potts which is possibly the worst name I've ever heard. I couldn't really get into the movie everytime she was there because someone would be "Pepper!" or "Potts" and then I would sigh over the tragedy of her name. but that's my only complaint! Very Good!
Indiana Jones
Shia Labeouf is in it. That is enough for me!

Well, that's enough updating. Maybe I should have updated earlier....whew!

Almost Free

Hello, Everyone.
This is my second to last day of regular school. After Monday, I have two finals and then I am free! I finished my second packet on Norway this week (along with two papers--one still in the works-- and two presentations) so I'm another step closer to Norway! I have two friends who are also going to Norway and we are all excited.
I must now begin finding a job once again. Ristreto is still moving and won't probably be opening until later on in the summer. Now that I am going to Norway, I really need to find a job right away. I also can't figure out where to work. I don't think I should work in Barnes and Noble because we all know that my paycheck would never see the light of day.
So here goes the job search! Wish me luck!

Just so everyone knows....

Hey long time no post huh?

Well this post is really just to tell everyone that I'm going to Norway for sure now!! I'll be in Lillehammer!! Yay!

Lazy Days

This makes me laugh a great deal!

So I've been lazing about these past few weeks. I have, of course, kept up with my homework but mostly I've indulged in a little me time. Let's be honest, it's always me time! I've read a few books which makes me happy. I've been revising my story and I don't want to stab my eyes out yet so it's going well. I've been making my way through the seasons of Gilmore Girls because I no longer want to watch actual TV.
The most exciting thing that has happened is I've declared war on my floormates. With almost a month left of school I have decided that I can no longer keep my sanity if I have to listen to country in our bathroom. I have given them control of the radio for the whole year. I know so many country songs I don't even know what to do with myself. Yes, I do like a few songs but not enough to listen to the other twangy crap. I even offered a compromise and put it on 105.1 They play both pop and country! But what do I get every morning I wake up? Country music. I say to you, NO MORE! No more crappy songs about looking better on the internet. No more writing fake letters to yourself when you were 17. NO MORE!! I will win because I won't give up. Sure it's four on one but I will win. I will.

Spring Break

Hey y'all.

I am on spring break. Actually, I'm almost done with spring break and I've been really crazy this break. I have read five books so far. I know. I know. I'm a wild child but what can I say? Sleep has been wonderful and I only had two midterms so I didn't really have much to get stressed out about. It's been really fun just to relax.

I've been working on fixing up my recent book and adding stuff to it that I think will complicate the characters more which is something I need to work on so that's fun and also really frustrating.

I guess I have never described what it is I like to write to anyone, huh? I like writing fantasy but not dragons and witches and wizards. I like taking real people and putting them in extraordinary situations and writing how they would react. That's exactly why fantasy and sci-fi work. The basis of those stories are that the characters are real people who do real people behavior. Well, at least the good stories manage that. Think about Harry Potter. The only way those novels work is the characters. Otherwise it would just be ridiculous situations that no one would relate to.

So now that I went into a boring explanation I can tell you that the only people who have read my current story are Shannon and a couple of my friends. It's really hard giving up something you've worked really hard on to someone who could possibly hate it. I know that it is very likely that I could be a bad writer so I'm trying to get my story up to a point where I don't cringe reading some parts of it before I let more people read it.

I'll tell you what the plot of the new one is about. It's set in modern times and it's a teen book because I connect with that age group the best still. It may sound weird but bear with me.
Emmeline Grant is the main character known better as Emmy who suddenly figures out at the appearance of her Patron Saint (like catholics!) that she is destined to be a martyr: someone who must die to save others. She is assigned a Protector (a bodyguard type) who must protect (duh) her from the Fates (the bad guys). This story is how Emmy begins to deal with her destiny. Hopefully that doesn't sound too weird because the thing I like about it is that Emmy tries very hard to keep her life normal despite some very not normal things happening.

So there you go.

Update or jeg gi, skjenke du opplysning

Okay...Just so you know I definitely do not know Norwegian and the above title is most likely not correct but I attempted at least!! So as you may have guessed but I have decided to go to Norway next year!! Well, hopefully!
I have to fill out an application which someone has to review and then if they like me I have to go to an interview and if they still like me after that I can go to Norway!!
If I get to go I would leave in the middle of next January and come back in the middle of May so I would be gone for four months! Scary I know but also exciting!! We would live in Lillehammer where they had the Olympics so that's pretty cool. We would have scheduled visits to different countries like Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Germany and possibly Russia. We'll be there over spring break so we really want to go Italy!!! AHH!! At some point in time I will be going to Ireland too. Ah the old country!
I'll be going with a friend which is good but I'll need a lot of care packages mostly filled with food. but I'm getting way ahead of myself. I might not even be going. Hopefully I will but I just thought I'd let y'all know that the decision was made.

Hmmmm.

So lately I have been thinking that I need to do something daring. I have been a very safe person in my life. I haven't done many scary things (good scary not scary scary). So I think I may be going to study abroad next year. I'm not sure yet. I have to see how it's going to impact my classes but I think I can do it. As many of you might have noticed I haven't gone very far away from home. I think that at some point in time I'm going to have to become an adult (ick). I don't know when but it has to happen and this may be helpful.
I'm thinking of possibly going to Norway. I know, random right? But the other choices were India (no please) and Ireland (but that's all by myself) with Norway there is a group from Concordia and Luther which is helpful. And one of my friends is going too so I won't be completely alone (I would die).
This is of course super scary and also exciting but I have other things to work out too. Like what am I going to eat in Norway? Seafood? Please don't make me gag.

Well, that's the most recent development in my life. My two good friends Karinda and Tony are now back together which is good and also bad. Good because now they won't come complaining to me when they get mad at each other. Bad because I don't want to have to deal with another break up. Oofta, it's draining. That's been pretty much the only drama. I hope that ties some of you over until next time.

Ah, homework, how I've missed thee

It's been awhile since last I've blogged and much has happened....Nope, that was a lie. Nothing has really happened inmy lif. Christmas and New year's has come and gone and I am back at good ol' Cobberland with homework galore.
I am taking a lot of required classes. I'm taking a poli sci class just to see if I'm interested in it. I'm taking a women's history class and a women's writing class which should be fun and French. I also may be joining a feminist club on campus!
I know how it sounds but don't worry. I think it's more like a book club with a feminist twist so I won't become too hardcore about it.
That's about all that's happened in my life.
Oh and go see Juno. It's amazing and hilarious.