wine on the deck

To quote my good friend Brittany (who resides at this blog), 

"...drinking wine on the deck whenever you please is one of the best things about being an adult."

And she is so right. 

(It helps to have Tuesdays, Thursdays and Friday afternoons open to use however you please.

If I have to read a chapter of Psychology homework it's definitely going to be out on the deck with some vino. 

Don't be too jealous. 

It really doesn't happen all that often.

But when it does, it is awesome.

I just DESTROYED my Gen Psych and Personality tests.

I can't wait to see the grades on those.

I felt like I've been cramming sort of ferociously for the past 24 hours, which I really hate, but it still seems to come up from time to time (like when you have out-of-town visitors that lock you out of your house for an evening and then consume the majority of your other free-time). 

:) I swear, I'm not still mad at Derek. Those are just the facts.

Anyway, it's pretty painful to receive heavy doses of psychology for long periods of time.

I could physically sit down for hours and study, but I CANNOT handle it mentally.

Spreading it out over several days helps so much with retention and test anxiety...which is why I have to start studying tomorrow for my Ab Psych test that's next Wednesday. 

On a very exciting note...Ben was asked to play a big band gig this Friday night in Miramar Beach, FL.

It's paid gig, PLUS a free night at a Hilton hotel on the beach.

Ben has graciously asked me to come along. 

I'm excited to get out of Tallahassee for a day.  

As of now, I need to go to Publix and buy all of the fixings for chili and cinnamon rolls.

It's a little Comp Week gift for Jen, whose from Baltimore and wasn't aware of the chili and cinnamon roll lunch combination that some board of Midwestern lunch ladies came up with for elementary schools.

I made it for her in the fall and she's needing extra comfort this week to get her through her 50 page paper.

A little reminder: 

Nobody else does that. 

JUST Midwesterners. 

stoop sittin'

Finally some cooking therapy: jambalaya.

I don't even know where to start.

Too much has occurred. 

Last I left you we were about to go out to eat before Ben's Big Band I concert on Thursday night.

That went well.

Here's something that didn't go well: I got locked out of the apartment on Friday evening.

I biked to school on Friday afternoon to complete my final psych study and prepare for my upcoming tests.

I returned home soaked from the rain.

But no matter. 

I'll just take a hot shower and change clothes.

Negative.

Locked door.

Derek had forgotten to put my key back outside.

He, Ben, Frank and Nate were already on their way to Perry, FL for a gig.

Also, my phone was almost dead. A real plus.

I had enough power to shame Derek and notify others of my situation. 

I waited on the stoop for an hour and a half until Jen came to rescue me after she finished rehearsal and received my panicked voicemail. 

She took me to her place to change into dry sweatpants etc. 

I took her out for supper at Waffle House to drown my traumatic experience in syrup. 

Then we went back to her place to work on homework and watch Pitch Perfect until Ben returned from the gig and pick me up.

I am no longer mad at Derek.

One has plenty of time to think hard about stress management and forgiveness whilst waiting on a stoop in your wet clothes.

And I got to spend a nice evening with my girl Jen and her roommate Bob Evans (yep, just like the restaurant), which really just made my evening so much better. 

I've been studying here and there all weekend.
I'm actually feeling pretty good about my tests, but no time to let up now.

Ben and Frank directed their Big Band III concert yesterday.
They did a fine job.

It POURED today.
It has currently rained 2.21 inches today.
It was the very first time I took my car to school since starting on January 7th.
I'm pretty proud.
Parking wasn't even too bad.
I downloaded the FSU parking app on my phone that tells you the capacity and fullness of each parking garage.
(Ridiculous? Yes. Helpful. Oh yes.)
Despite flash flood warnings I also managed to get Derek on his plane back to Pittsburgh.
We'll see him at the wedding this summer.
We're pretty excited that he, Frank and Jen are coming.

This is just a picture to show you that my Gen Psych professor puts up a picture of puppies before every lecture. Weird fact: my professor's boyfriend is from Sioux Falls. Crazy.

I'm just holding out for spring break.

Just taking every event one at a time. 

silver linings

We did not have a snow day today. 

I was a little jealous, but then we had a BEAUTIFUL day. Low's 70's. 

So temperate. 

Derek flew in yesterday afternoon and I was the only one who had time to get him from the airport. 

Neither of us had any obligations today so we went out for sushi lunch at Jasmine Cafe and then to see "Silver Linings Playbook" at the movie theatre. I was mostly interested because Bradley Cooper's character has bipolar disorder and my Ab Psych professor said he was very convincing. 

Great movie. 

Ben and Frank have a Big Band I concert tonight so we're getting ready to go out to eat and then to the concert. 

The boys have a gig in Perry, FL tomorrow evening so I will be studying a lot. 

Kind of have to make up for playing hooky today. 

Ben and Frank also have a Big Band III concert to direct on Sunday. 

One thing after the next.

Is it Spring Break yet?

afternoon lull

Does anybody feel like they're always sleepy?
I guess it's pretty common to be tired on a Monday. I just felt especially wiped out today.
1:00-3:00 pm is the worst. Never my most productive time.
We've been talking about sleep and circadian rhythm in 2 of my classes.
I'm trying to "clean up" my sleeping schedule, but it's hard work.
I think I just might be one of those people that needs 9 hours to be FULLY rested.
Sad.

I discovered that this week is one of two weeks for the remainder of the semester that I don't have at least one test.
So many tests.
Might as well get used to it.

Our friend Derek is coming into town on Wednesday. Very excited to see him. He's playing a gig with Ben and a few other friends this week.

Don't worry, Monday is almost over.

black and white

                  

I went to White House Black Market to see Jen this morning.
Tried on a few things.
Brought a few things home. (Not the dress that you see above.)
(I hadn't been shopping in a LONG time)
As you might notice, our eyes look a little drowsy. (Poor lighting.)

We were up just a touch later than normal.
Ben and I joined Jen and Frank at Club Down Under to see comedian Hannibal Buress (for free). He's on 30 Rock sometimes. He's hilarious.
The show was cut short when the fire alarm went off. I would have been angry if it wasn't already almost over.
Ben and I were craving a late night college fast-food run, so we went to Whataburger for the 2nd time in my life.
Nothing like a chocolate shake and fries.

We attended the Carolina Chocolate Drops concert tonight. 

I implore you all to go buy their music. 

It was my favorite show at Ruby Diamond thus far. 

I love them. 

They were like every Winfield Folk Fest musician wrapped up into one group. 

valentines

                  

It's 6:09 pm EST and Valentine's Day has pretty much come and gone for us.
Nice while it lasted.

We both have tests tomorrow so we're preparing for those instead of enjoying an evening of Valentine activities. :(
It's not really a big deal. Valentine's Day is not one of my core holidays.
And we're going to hear comedian Hannibal Burress at Club Down Under tomorrow night. That will make up for tonight's study session.
Today I participated in a psych study at noon (extra credit for Personality).
Then I headed over to Lucy and Leo's for CUPCAKES!
It's been a LONG time since I've been there. The holiday season is filled with homemade desserts, so I haven't had a cupcake craving in awhile.
I pre-ordered a "Love Box": 2 Red Velvet with Cream Cheese Frosting, 1 Champagne Raspberry, and 1 Death by Chocolate.
Ben and I split them, and I am currently embracing my sugar coma.

We decided that EVERYONE would be eating out today, so I spent the afternoon preparing:

French Beef Stew with Red Wine and Garlic Mashed Potatoes

It was worth the effort and the entire bottle of Cont du Rhone.

But perhaps not worth breaking our blender that we just bought within the last year. 

I don't know what happened. 

I blended the majority of the potatoes...and then I started smelling burnt rubber. 

I turned the blender off.

And then I couldn't turn it back on. 

Oops. 

More on that later (when I figure out what to do about it). 

Speaking of burning... 

Last weekend I was making a pasta bean soup on the stove and one of the coils of the front burner corroded and started on fire. 

Underneath the stock pot. 

Kind of like you're just holding a 2 in. flame under a pot. 

Luckily I was standing right there when it happened. I heard the sizzling and then saw the flame appear.

I quickly turned off the burner and away the flame went. 

I was all prepared to grab the fire extinguisher though.  

So let that be a lesson to you.

Don't go too far away from your oven. 

I also received my "Ancient Happiness" tea in the mail from Gong Fu Tea in Des Moines, Iowa.

I'm a little ashamed to be shipping my tea from Iowa to Florida, but this tea is awesome.

The lady even wrote me a little note on my receipt.

Paula and Tom live in Des Moines now (I think I've mentioned that) and love Gong Fu Tea, so for Christmas I received this lovely little lime green, ceramic, loose leaf tea pot from them along with a little bag of "Ancient Happiness" (a green citrus loose leaf tea). 

It matches my Kitchenaid quite nicely.

I can't wait to visit all of their other favorite spots in Des Moines this summer when we go visit. 

Yet another pair of Bethel friends got engaged last weekend that are planning on getting married this summer.

I don't have much room left.

I'm already missing 3 weddings before we move back (1 in March, 2 in April)

Then I have 2 to attend in June.

My own in July.

I'll miss 1 in July because it's the day before mine (Catholic Friday wedding)

2 more in August.

Plus this new one...whenever that's going to be. 

That's TEN (with mine).

That's a new record. 

knocked out

It has not been the best day for me.
Sinus pain/pressure with an extremely busy schedule and NO ibuprofen/antihistamines in my bag. My fault. I should really have Allegra D too. Ben is saving my life and bringing some before we go to the Del McCoury and Preservation Hall Jazz Concert tonight.
What's worse is the extreme fatigue that accompanies sinus headaches. Knocks me out. And I "feel" like I look like I didn't sleep last night (despite a full 8 hours).
The good news: I somehow made it through my 2 hour psych study. 6.5 of 7 research credits earned and it's not even close to midterms! I should be officially done with these credits by Feb. 22 so I can focus on more important things.
Gen Psych starts in 15 min.
I will sleep well tonight.

calligraphy

Personality test #2. Check.

Only 4 to go. 

Ugh.

It went pretty well, regardless. 

My test anxiety has gone down significantly.

I've also streamlined my study habits a little more. 

Efficiency is key when you have to read/remember so much...and still have time to feed yourself. 

Del McCoury and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band concert on coming up on Wednesday. Very excited!

Valentine's Day on Thursday. We are not going out because everyone else will be going out. That's too many people going out. We are staying in...and cooking. 

I also HAVE to study for my first Family Relationships test on Friday. Lovely timing.  

I've taken a few breaks from my studies to work on addressing wedding invitations.

I love the look of calligraphy on wedding invitations.

It looks very decadent to me.

So as you can see, I've decided to devote my time and effort into do-it-myself calligraphy (at a much less decadent price).

Good thing I learned how to do calligraphy during Enrichment hour in elementary school and then went on to become an art major in college. 

I've really improved from the first several envelopes (which will be recycled).  

It was a struggle getting used to pen and ink against a slightly textured "paper bag" envelope, but I've actually figured out the correct technique. 

Will this become a future side business?

Only for a pretty penny.

And payment for my future arthritis treatment. 

But seriously, if you paid me $$$ and I have time I will do it. 

wynton

Get ready because we are attending quite a few concerts in the coming weeks.

First on the docket...Wynton Marsalis and Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra.

We could see them a little better than the picture appears.

A-MAZING. 

Some of the best jazz musicians in the country. 

So glad that it's Friday evening.

Personality test coming up on Monday...followed by a Family Relationships test on Friday. 

After that I should FINALLY have a little break (from tests, not reading or class). 

I finally went to visit my dear old work place this afternoon.

Lots of friendly faces that had indeed missed me. 

On Wednesday I went with Ben as his special quest to attend his Behavior Modification class with Dr. Clifford Madsen. 

Wow. 

If all educators were as qualified to instruct as Dr. Madsen, we would all be better off.

He's savvy in the likes of music education, music therapy, behavior, psychology, any combination of those and more. 

Ben is SO lucky to be taking a second course with him. 

Super jealous. 

Read about him and be inspired HERE.

OK. Have a great weekend. 

Best to make the most of it. 

best ever

Two posts in one day? Unheard of.

I had to post again because there are a few things that are the best ever.

BEST EVER #1

Making homemade whipped cream with a lime-green Kitchenaid mixer to put on THIS cake. 

BEST EVER #2

Getting sinus relief after suffering through sinus pain all day. 

(Experimented with an interesting combination of ibuprofen, benadryl, tea, coffee and a hot pad. I made it through and somehow managed to study some.)

BEST EVER #3

Getting a 104% on your General Psychology test. 

Did NOT see that one coming. 

There was an announcement on Blackboard that our scores were posted and that no one got a 100% on the test so she gave 3 points to everyone, making the top score a 100%. She then added any extra credit we gained from class. 

I got 69/65.

After you do the math this means:

A) I must have originally gotten 62/65 (then received 3 points to make it 100),

B) She added my 4 extra credit points from class,

and

C) I scored higher than 200-ish people.

This also means:

A) The test was pretty easy,

B) I overstudied,

and

C) I have no life. 

But I'll take it. 

We've been in class for almost a full month! I've learned a lot...and there's still so much information to cram into my head. 

I'm excited that it's going to quickly, but in a little disbelief that we'll be packing up and heading out in about 3 months! 

back on track

Both Ben and I felt a little frazzled this morning.
Just feeling one step behind from where "think" we should be.
Just keeping up.

I'm behind on my reading, which leaves me feeling a little out of the loop when I get to class. I'm starting to realize that my Ab Psych and Personality teachers may be smart, but the amount of information that they try to squeeze in a lecture is too much for my hand to simultaneously scribble down and remember. It really helps to read beforehand and fill in the gaps.

So I'm determined to make it a productive, gloomy Tuesday.

It's raining today. The shift in weather clogged my sinuses while I was asleep and I woke up with some sweet sinus pressure. 2 ibuprofen and oatmeal to start off my day.

Yesterday was pretty successful, but fairly exhausting.
Ben and I didn't get to bed very early on Sunday because of our Superbowl party and my flash card studying. This made Monday classes into something to "just get through".
Except for my Gen Psych exam. I was FAR less nervous for this one and I think I did quite well. There were a few zingers that I'm still not sure about, but I correctly guessed that B.F. Skinner was an individual that helped initiate Behaviorism.

Around 8:30 pm I received a text from Joel and went to pick him up at the Red Roof Inn about 10 min. from our place. It was wonderful to see him and he was pretty grateful to have the zweibach for a late supper instead of his typical eating out. Ben and I showed him a few sights (that are sort of worth while to see at night) and then took him out for beers at Fermentation Lounge. Joel will be done touring with the band in 12 days. He's ready to stop living out of a suitcase.

So we'll get back to it.
Ok. I'm stalling now. Time to read.
Enjoy your Tuesday.

korean bbq

WEEKEND NON SEQUITURS:

1) We went to hear Ben's trombone prof play a jazz gig on Friday night.

2) My General Psychology book came in the mail today! Best timing ever (test on Monday)! I don't ever have to go back to the library if I don't want to. 

3) I made some AMAZING vegan mac and cheese for lunch. Don't knock it until you try it! I actually used real butter in the "vegan" mac and cheese. 

And no, I have not declared any war on meat or animal products. I love them. I love REAL cheese, pork loin sandwiches, prime rib, and on and on. But I also love trying new and interesting foods. The "cheese" is more of a sauce with some cheesy characteristics. 

Very interesting and very good. 

Follow the link and get adventurous. 

4) I baked zweibach this afternoon. Nom.

5) I played the Mennonite Game at the Publix grocery store today! Can you believe it?! Second Menno connection in Florida since we found out Della attended AMBS. My cashier saw I was wearing an SDSU sweatshirt. He asked if I was from South Dakota. I said yes and he asked where I was from. I told him and he asked if I knew Tim and Mary Waltner! Insane, no? He worked with them at the MCC unit in Cincinnati back in the late 70's. I didn't get to ask anymore questions because I would have really held up the line, but I see him working often so I am planning on investigating some more!

6) We went to try the Korean BBQ place this evening. We've heard great things about it and it definitely lived up to its reputation. Very unassuming location and building + fantastic food. We'll be back. (My life obviously revolves around food.)

7) I should be studying more. (But only a little bit more.)

stay busy

FRIDAY! I love you!

I'm debating how much productivity is left in me today.

Perhaps some Abnormal Psych reading? Perhaps.

I'm a little tired because I was at Ben's big band concert last night. All 3 big bands played at Club Downunder (the on-campus bar/music venue). He and Frank directed Big Band III and then they both played in Big Band I. Everything sounded great, but I didn't get to bed very early. 

But nothing like a cold bike ride to school to wake you up in the morning. It was around 30 degrees, but I dressed appropriately for the occasion so it didn't even phase me. 

I scored 5/5 on my Family Relationships quiz on the connection between ethnicity, race and socioeconomic status...aka "how well do you know your racial stereotypes?". (The quiz was actually based off of census facts. It just turns out that many racial stereotypes can be true...but that doesn't mean all of the time!)

I just received an e-mail from Sallie Mae saying my loans are officially deferred until May (because I'm back in school). I didn't even have to apply for it. Florida State is big enough that they do it for you automatically. 

Ben and I are really excited because on Monday one of our favorite people will be in town. 

Our friend and future usher at our wedding, Joel Linscheid, will be stopping in Tallahassee for the evening amidst his tour with the World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra: the "only remaining full-time touring big band". I think I'm going to make a batch of zweibach in his honor of gracing us with his Mennonite presence. 

I also have to decide what dessert I'm going to make for our Superbowl party on Sunday with Jen, Frank and Co. 

And amidst all of that I will be studying for my Gen Psych test that's on Monday. 

Gotta keep moving. Don't stop. 

Have a nice weekend!