Tricks or....

TREATS?

(this is your Halloween editon of Choose your own Adventure)

If you picked the former, I would say to be very wary because someone is going to jump out at you from a random location today and say, "BOO!"

But if you went with the TREATS, then you'll have to fight my unsuspecting co-workers because I made milk chocolate cupcakes (and then I smashed up a bunch of Butterfingers and threw them in the batter) and while the frosting (vanilla) looks a little pale--I did "color" it myself and it pretty much matches the "flavor".

I would make a good "classroom mom" or I'm really proud of my first attempt at cupcakes.

YOU DECIDE!

~~J

Legend has it...

So there is one Monday night I will not be able to attend Art class. Guess what? That's the night I am scheduled to give a presentation on part of a chapter! Ack! I'll be in Nashville attending a concert (Tori Amos) I bought tickets for...MONTHS ago!

This is the part where I get to try out my mad "oral communication" skills! The professor is cool and so I'll be presenting the Baroque Art section NEXT Monday (1 week before it's due)...so even if it is Baroque, I can fix it! *insert laughter*

Ladies and Gentlemen, I'll be here all week...

Another Reason I love October:

28/29) Legends. Spooky legends, actually. In 1820, Washington Irving published a collection of short stories entitled The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon. That title might mean nothing now, but you don't have to look very far to find one of our most chilling stories lurking inside: "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow."

I was first introduced to Ichabod Crane and "Brom Bones" as a child, through a Disney short narrated by Bing Crosby. I can't tell you how many years I watched it at various Halloween parties. The sound of the Headless Horseman's hooves clapping across the covered bridge still makes me shiver.

Most people are familiar with Sleepy Hollow (1999) directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp and Christina Ricci. I saw it in the theater and rented it from Netflix last Halloween. If you get a chance to watch "The Making Of..." included on the DVD, I highly recommend it. I was completely blown away!

I did some research and yes, there is a Sleepy Hollow in New York--it officially changed it's name from Tarrytown not too long ago. There are several famous people buried in the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, including the author, Mr. Washington Irving.

Locally, the Bell Witch has always interested me. I even went on a little trip to Adams, Tennessee, not too long after moving to the state. I was a freshmen in high school and now after everything I have read--I don't plan on making a return visit!

Spooooooooooky!

~~J

religion, politics, and the Great Pumpkin:

Did anyone see the big orange moon tonight? It was orange for a little while at least (& thank you for pointing this out to me, my dear friend who is currently without an Internet connection).

Now, not that this is news to anyone who knows me, but I LOVE PUMPKINS! They are big, beautiful, round and orange (or yellowish or white). I imagine them to be happy and always smiling (even when decorated otherwise).

This all leads to three things Linus has told me never to discuss with people...but I am about to discuss one...you have been forewarned!

Another Reason I love October:

27) It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! Classic. In my humble opinion, there is no other Halloween Special quite as fabulous. This coming Thursday evening you can find it on ABC (where it's been since 2001). I am lucky enough to have my own copy on DVD--otherwise I'd miss it again!

Now I have several favorite moments: "I got a rock!" and Lucy is as horrible as ever--and her mask for "tricks or treats" is perfection. I adore Snoopy's adventure and his sudden appearance on the other end of Lucy's apple!

And could Sally be any cuter sitting with Linus in the pumpkin patch? I adore the little hearts around her head and the crush she has...thank goodness WE don't have little hearts around our heads or we'd be in big trouble!

Try the TRIVIA from the official site!

Honorable Mention: Jack Pumpkinhead. He made Return to Oz more bearable for me when I first saw it--scary stuff for a girl under the age of ten.

~~J

You had me at, Hello:

It was a surprisingly busy day at work today. At least I didn't have any classes to run to...

More Reasons Why I love October:

25) Jeans warm from the dryer. Anything warm from the dryer, actually. This week has not only been rainy, but it's been a bit on the "cold" side. So for consecutive days before getting completely ready, I've thrown my clothes in for a spin. A spin in the dryer. Hotness. Or really it's more of a subtle warmth that's needed to meet the morning chill.

26) Surprises. They are the best! Be they in the form of a friend you haven't seen in a while visiting at work or the "favor" you take on, which turns into a 3-day weekend...(I'll work the next two Saturdays in a row, but I'm happy for the next three days nevertheless)...October seems to smile on me in many ways.

Did I even mention the annual Halloween package from a faraway friend, filled with chocolate...

OH!

Dear Umbrella: I really didn't meant to leave you in my Bio II classroom yesterday afternoon. I was so happy to be "out" for the weekend and since it wasn't raining, I didn't even remember you until after I had left campus. I will miss you very much. I hope the person who is using you now respects all the comfort and protection from the elements you provide.

So long old friend.

~~J

p.s. they played some "halloween-y" music over the PA system/radio system at work today...including the theme from Halloween, kinda spooky and cool all at the same time!

Gray is my favorite color, I felt so symbolic:

*insert the Counting Crows here*

It's been a rather gray day. I can safely say my mood has matched our lovely Memphis weather!

Tonight in Film I made it through my first Western (as an adult). I'd have to say, The Magnificent Seven (1960) was quite good. And it's not just because all the stars (cowboys) wear extremely tight pants (as discussed with another female classmate afterward) either.

It was interesting to watch this film after watching the "original" last week. Seven Samurai (1954) actually inspired The Magnificent Seven. It keeps the basic idea of the original and then makes it a bit more American with it's setting and ending. I would recommend watching both.

Another Reason I love October:

24) Scream! It's the perfect time of year to watch "scary" movies! I am not talking about the uber-graphic flicks which seem to be all the rage. A dark room, a blanket, and a bowlful of popcorn can be perfection with the right movie.

Some of my personal favorites include:
Halloween (1978)
Psycho (1960)
Scream trilogy (1996-2000)
The Grudge (2004)
Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Se7en (1995)
Carrie (1976)

and yours?

~~J

It's close to midnight and...

Today: The Bio II exam was taken...Finally!

The plants are done...but honestly, I love our little green friends (who doesn't like oxygen). It's just time to move on to something else now....invertebrates, anyone?

Last night in Art we went over 3 chapters...I have a new respect for anything "etched" because that's a hardcore process. Also, who knew that Tempera paint was (originally) made from egg yolks? I didn't. Oil, Acrylic...Gesso. Wow. Not only are artists talented, they are even more creative for finding ways to get there "idea" onto paper (wood, plaster, etc.)!

Another Reason I love October:

22/23) Spooky music! We all love Music...a lot of people even use it to express and define themselves. Yesterday at work, THRILLER (by Michael Jackson) came on the radio and we were all singing along and doing pseudo-moves from the video.

No matter what you think of MJ the person, MJ the singer and dancer cira 1983 was really onto something with this video (directed by John Landis). I don't know anyone who hasn't seen it. Of course, it is perfectly appropriate this time of year! I know it scared the bejeezus out of me when I was 5!

I'm trying to come up with a list of songs that are very "October-centric":

01) Thriller by Michael Jackson
02) Witchy Woman by the Eagles
03) The Monster Mash by Bobby Pickett
04) Somebody's Watching Me by Rockwell
05) Nightmare on My Street by DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince
06) Ghostbusters by Ray Parker Jr.
07) Don't Fear the Reaper by Blue Oyster Cult
08) Werewolves of London by Warren Zevon
09) I Put a Spell On You by CCR (there are a lot of versions)
10) Halloween Theme by John Carpenter (I know, no words--it's from the movie)

Be sure to tell me what I've missed!

~~J

Feeding Hungry Tigers:

So a weekend (not) filled with school work will probably come to haunt me in the end, but I celebrated the union of a co-worker and his lovely bride instead!

Super Short College Football Wrap-up aka 2 Teams I am Happy for:
LSU & Memphis! roar! roar! roar!

Another Reason I love October:

20/21) Autumnal Trinity. Pumpkin, Squash & Sweet Potatoes. And I am only talking Food! Glorious Food! here...'tis the season for some fabulous flavors. Oddly enough, all three automatically make me think of cinnamon, nutmeg & ginger. So this is really the celebration of a Double Trinity!

Facts:
1) Pumpkin is the "state fruit" of New Hampshire
2) Squash was planted alongside Corn and Beans by Native Americans
3) 40% of our Sweet Potatoes comes from North Carolina

Tonight for dessert I actually made Pumpkin Pie Shakes from Cooking Light! It seemed to be a "big" hit and will probably become a "new" holiday favorite. There are a lot of recipes I am excited to try...I've always been fearful of both peeling and roasting any seasonal fruit (pumpkins and squash, while the potato is actually a root).

Do tigers like pumpkins? Anybody?

~~J

Nevermore, Dr. John Carter:

Another Friday, so ends another week.

Guess what happened on the Bio II exam? NOTHING! It's been postponed until Tuesday. More time to study the Desperate Lives of Plants. I can NOT wait to move away from this subject. Animals, please.

We are halfway through the semester. I can hardly believe it. I was looking through the Schedule of Classes for Spring and it looks like one I need is not available then. What is a girl to do? Another short Summer class before officially starting at the University of Memphis?

And I am officially jealous (again) of all the real journalists working at the Commercial Appeal. They are in the midst of Hollywood and Noah Wyle (aka Dr. Carter from ER).

Let it be known to the world: I stopped watching ER when Dr. Carter left the show. So goes Noah Wyle, so goes Janet!

Another Reason I love October:

19) Nevermore. Edgar Allan Poe & October have always gone together in my mind. His Gothic imagery and general ability to cause one's pulse to quicken--simply by reading any of his work--is perfection.

We actually studied him in Southern Literature at UT-Knoxville, even though he is not traditionally thought to be a "Southern" writer. He was born in Boston, but due to tragic circumstance (death of his parents) was brought to live in Virginia. He is both the "father" of modern detective and crime fiction (my HS English teacher would be proud of me for pulling that one out).

My favorite tales:
The Tell-Tale Heart, The Cask of Amontillado,
The Masque of the Red Death, The Pit and the Pendulum

My favorite poems:
The Bells, The Raven and Annabel Lee

~~J

Mother Nature says, "Hello"

Questions that will probably NOT be on our Bio II Exam today (simply because I know the answer):

Which of the following is NOT an advantage to plants living on land?
A. There is greater availability of light for photosynthesis.
B. Carbon dioxide can diffuse more readily in air.
C. Oxygen can diffuse more readily in air.
-----> D. The plant is more likely to become desiccated.

Which of these may occur in both angiosperms and gymnosperms?
A. Seeds develop within a cone.
B. Seeds develop within a flower.
C. Seeds are surrounded by a fruit at maturity.
-----> D. Pollen is carried by the wind for pollination.
E. Pollen is carried by animal pollinators.

So goes life. But if I have another Bio-Exam-Meltdown© I could permanently lose my mind!

In other news, guess which film we screened in Film class last night? The one I didn't want to watch, but ended up appreciating anyway: Seven Samurai (1954). It was 3.28 hours (we even ran 15+ minutes late) of a black & white, subtitled Japanese film that I will probably never watch again. But, at least I can say that I have seen it.

More Reasons Why I love October:

17 + 18) Dark & Stormy Nights/Blustery Days. Last night was a grand example of the perfect dark & stormy night. I half expected Janet Weiss and Brad Majors to knock on the door while we were watching our movie! When we got out of class (after 10pm) lightning flashes were cutting up the sky and making everything very spooky.

Now reverse to our Blustery Day. When working in a Pharmacy with a Drive-Thru the Wind can make for a spectacular challenge. If you ever visit one under these circumstances, remember to use the little metal bar provided when slipping in prescriptions, cash, or checks.

We can NOT be responsible for Mother Nature stealing aforementioned items!

I watched leaves swirl and dance along most of the day (no money or prescriptions!)--and I'm pretty sure Piglet even went sailing by.

~~J

An Apple a Day...

so it's Back to Classes tomorrow evening...I really enjoyed my *counting* 5-day hiatus from all the madness. There will not be another long break until the week of Thanksgiving. Then after that, we have just a couple weeks until Finals!

I am a bit curious as to what movie the class will chose to watch tomorrow night. One of our choices (the one I do NOT want to see) is over 3-hours long! *screams*

Another Reason I love October:

16) Apples. Yes, yes I know they are available all year round--but this time of year there are festivals where apples are picked and CIDER is made! I clearly remember going to Indiana as a Girl Scout in October to pick out a pumpkin, enjoy a hayride, and drink apple cider, made right there on the farm. It was a heavenly experience!

Interesting Apple Facts:
*Apples are actually members of the Rose family
*Apples are cultivated for either Eating, Cooking, or for Ciders
*more than half of the Apples sold in the U.S. are grown in Washington State

Lest we not forget one of the greatest Apple goodies....APPLE BUTTER! What? You haven't tried Apple Butter? I can't believe it! Get thee to your closest grocery store and look among the "jams & jellies"...it's so DELICIOUS!

Three more words: Caramel Apple Cider (Starbucks)....all of your allotted daily sugar never tasted SO GOOD!

Yum!

~~J

I'll have my corn, candied!

In keeping with tradition, I did nothing school-related today!

*insert much cheer here*

Although, I don't know when the tradition of "Fall" or "Autumn" break began, it was a welcomed change today. I didn't have to rush directly from work to class--especially since it started raining (yay!) during my "rush" hour.

Now tomorrow I shall get a couple more hours of study time in before going to work in the afternoon, BUT I will sleep in a little as well!

Another Reason I love October:

15) Candy Corn. I read some history on our little white, orange and yellow friends today and found out this lovely stuff has been around for over 100 years! I also found out it's fat-free and the typical serving size (30 pieces) contains 140 calories. I'm pretty sure I've seen an Unwrapped episode including Candy Corn before, but if I'm wrong--maybe there will be one this upcoming week as Food Network does HALLOWEEN! I mean, what's better than regular Food Network?? THEMED Food Network!!

Sunday is for Books & Movies:

How can I be in the middle of watching two movies?

I don't know either, but technically I'm not anymore because I finished them both tonight. The first one I started one night this past week (Veronica Guerin, 2003) and then other I began last night (Evening, 2007).

Now the first is a story based on facts--specifically the death of a journalist in 1996, murdered by the Irish drug dealers she was investigating. A clever "line" from the film: I never thought they would shoot the messenger.

The second was originally a book--both the book and screenplay were written by author, Susan Minot. It's an emotional journey from the deathbed of a woman remembering a weekend which changed her life more than 50 years earlier. It got horrible reviews, but I liked it! We are mysterious creatures, aren't we?

I can consider either one for my next (and final) paper in Film.

Another Reason I love October:

14) The Bookstore. Okay, I know you can visit the bookstore anytime--this isn't a seasonal phenomenon. But, this girl can stay in a bookstore for HOURS...seriously, HOURS! So far this month alone I have racked up plenty of time amongst the books--specifically drinking coffee and STUDYING (today it was Bio II--Plants). It just feels right, to be surrounded by so many pages and topics while putting more knowledge into your brain. Besides, you never know what lovely book you'll pick up in the discounted section!

I've finished all the extra credit for this section, now I have 3 more nights to study for the exam (Thursday).

The fun never stops.

~~J

College Football Saturday:

Another Reason I love October:

13) College Football. I know, I know, I could've mentioned this topic DAYS ago, but I didn't actually get a chance to immerse myself is the madness until today.

Now I spent almost FIVE hours watching the LSU/UK battle with one of the greatest friends of ALL time. She has been an LSU fan basically since birth and so this was a tough loss. I included the logo for her, she'll read this and appreciate it.

(Also, I have to tell you--watching the game with the cutest little LSU fan you've EVER seen was a great plus)

But I have to admit I'm always a little soft-hearted for the underdog! (And another friend, who probably won't read this, is pretty much on top of the world with his team defeating the Tigers).

You win some, you lose some--HA!

Just kidding, I know better! I still remember watching the Tigers beat the Vols for the SEC Championship in 2001 then driving around afterward with my friend honking at anybody unfortunate enough to have ORANGE on their vehicle. She has proudly displayed Purple & Gold for as long as I've known her!

And since I do know better, I'll try not to mention the words 'Notre' and 'Dame' in the same sentence. But to you, my friend (if you happen to read this) remember the phrase "Rebuilding Season" I've used it before!

Just ask my '01-'02 Tarheels...and then they went on to win the NCAA Championship just 3 seasons later. Whoops! College Basketball gets it's own "reason" a little later in the month.


~~J

Eat Your Fruits & Vegetables:

So guess what's happening in less than a week?

My NEXT Bio II exam! Plants! The desperate life of Plants! Thursday, Thursday, Thursday! (lest I not mention the fact we still haven't gotten our first exam back--and we took it 16 days ago)

I learned some more "new" plant-y type things to share:

1) There is boy corn and there is girl corn (the corn plant has either male parts or female parts, NOT both so it is considered "imperfect")

&

2) When you are eating broccoli, the floret is biologically considered a fruit and the stalk is biologically considered a vegetable--so you are eating both your fruit & vegetable for the day at the SAME time!

Another Reason I love October:

12) New Television. I know I'm cheating a bit because most Fall shows premiered LAST month. But since I am either AT work or IN class until 9-10pm throughout the week there are a limited amount of shows I can actually follow (without TiVo).

One such show is BLOOD TIES on Lifetime and Season 2 starts TONIGHT! I simply adore it and I've decided NOT to be ashamed to admit it! (behold the beauty of Henry and Vicki)

~~J

Know thyself, Know thy Pharmacist:

At least 10 years ago I saw the film Reservoir Dogs (1992), it didn't make a huge impression on me back then--I barely remember it. Then I watched it again tonight (IN FILM CLASS) and I am absolutely horrified.

First and foremost I have to tell you--I did NOT vote to watch the film. We get to vote on movies and this is NOT the one I wanted to see. I am also very upset to point out--the group of people who VOTED to see the movie LEFT before it was even over!

And now I have to write about the movie. I am getting old or I'm too sensitive or BOTH!

Another Reason Why I love October:

Two years ago there was a Gallup poll conducted Pharmacists ranked 2nd (behind Nurses, I love y'all too!) in honesty and ethical standards receiving “high ethical “ rating.

Pharmacists are the nation’s medication experts, and if they don't know the answer, they can (and will) find it for you!

Maybe you didn't know, but I have worked in a pharmacy for all of my adult life...and part of my "teenage" years as well. I am pretty confident to say, I have yet to work with a Pharmacist or Pharmacy Student that I did NOT TRUST. They are very spectacular people and some of my best friends. <3 <3 <3

And now for some Biology...weeeeeeee!

~~J

Bring on the Hefeweizen!

Bio Lab, how I love thee! let me count the ways:

Heartwood & Sapwood
Monocots & Dicots
Chlorophyll & Stroma

Yes, Yes, Yes! On the places I'll go with all this intense knowledge of plants!

Although it's all somewhat, kinda, sorta interesting--if you think about it. I guess. At least it has to be until the next exam, then I will become the super student of something else. Right?

And for one of the most obvious (cultural)

Reasons Why I love October:

09) Oktoberfest! Technically it ended this past weekend, but since it's still October I felt the need to talk about it (thanks for reminding me, friend). I haven't actually been to Munich at the right age to participate in the festivities, but I can tell you a lot about the German art of Beer.

Or really, I don't have the time to tell you about it--but you can find out basically everything you need to know by following my links!

My personal favorite? Hefeweizen (Wheat beer that is brewed with a higher proportion of wheat so it has a lighter color and flavor...it's actually sweet!)

Boscos on the Square (Overton Square) has Boscos Oktoberfest beer currently on tap, CHECK IT OUT!


~~J

The Principles of Design:

Tonight we focused on 2 chapters (chiefly one) in Art Appreciation. The Principles of Design.

The Holy Family on Steps by Poussin (oil on canvas, 1648) is a great example of asymmetrical and symmetrical elements. It's a classic example of balance in Western art. Do you see the triangle form by the bodies?

Now look at the light hitting Joseph's foot (on the right) and draw a light to the top of Mary's head and you might see it better. I can't imagine the time and planning that goes into some pieces. Artist might be perceived as being "less" compared to lawyers or doctors (for example) but they are pretty "genius" in my book.

There are actually seven principles of design and I hope to have them down before our next chapter(s) test.

Another Reason I love October:

08) The Boys of Summer become the Men of October aka the World Series. Now don't hate me, but baseball is probably one my least favorite sports. Although I can become a rather appreciative fan in October. It really won't get super interesting for me until the end of the month, but just the idea of Andy Pettitte pitching Wednesday night has me rather excited (if the Yankees can pull it out tonight)!

Now, back to my Film paper. (I know, I need to get it done!)

~~J

Beauty in the Breakdown:

I am firmly in the writing process of my scene analysis paper for Film.

Did you know there are at least 35 cuts in the final 4 minutes of Garden State? Yes, I watched & counted & wrote & then counted some more. There was another scene ("good luck exploring the infinite abyss") I thought about doing and it only had 17 cuts--but I couldn't get away from the last scene.

Let Go by Frou Frou is just too powerful, especially since it made me run out and by the soundtrack the minute after the movie ended the first time I saw it!

The Art Student in me was sadden to hear about the Monet painting damaged by drunken intruders in Paris last night. According to reports they left a 4-inch gash in Le Pont d'Argenteuil. It can be repaired, but it's sad nevertheless.

It all happened during my
*New* Reason why I love October:

07) Nuit Blanche. It's an annual cultural festival that takes places during the first weekend in October, originally beginning in Paris--but has caught on in other cities across the world (Berlin, Chicago, and Toronto just to name a few). It literally means "White Night" or "All-Nighter" in French and the cities have their public and private art galleries, museums open to the public for free. HOW COOL IS THAT? I have got to attend one in the years to come.

Back to the Garden State paper.

~~J

Knit 1, Purl 2, Zach Braff: I love you!

I am making myself a promise RIGHT NOW:

after writing this blog I am NOT getting online anymore (unless it has something do with the first paper due this Wednesday evening for Film).

Speaking of Film, I am (will be) writing a 'scene analysis' paper discussing the last 3 minutes of Garden State (2004). Or at least I believe it will be over the last three minutes--I might chose a different part--like the "original moment" it really all depends on which has the most for me to write about.

If you haven't seen GARDEN STATE (written by, directed by, and starring Zach Braff) you need to make a note and plan on watching it as soon as possible. It's a fabulous film--with a wonderful Oscar Award-winning soundtrack. If you have seen it, isn't it AWESOME?

Another Reason Why I love October:

06) Knitting. I was first introduced to this hobby by a former roommate (I miss her!) It's like Yoga, because you get to settle your mind BUT you create something unique and special in the process. As you can imagine, it is quite difficult to be motivated about KNITTING (secret link to my favorite knit-related blog) in our long, hot summer--but come Fall I am ready for my knitting needles.

I've knitted baby booties and blankets, several purses (!!) along with enough scarves to keep a lot of necks warm. In fact, I just finished a scarf for a friend (first project of Autumn 2007), and I hope to start a cardigan for a certain little boy soon. (I wish I was better at following patterns--but I'm not)

Hooray for Knitting!

~~J

p.s. BEST local yarn store in Memphis? STASH (formerly The Yarn Studio) located in the Cooper-Young District of Midtown. You'll be hard pressed to find a nicer group of knitters in the city!

We All Look Good in Pink:

Breaking with one tradition (not gonna talk about classes today--it's actually my non-school "only" go-to-work day) I am going to give full notice to another tradition instead.


Another Reason Why I love October:

05) Awareness. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Most people have caught onto this fact, especially with events like Lee National Denim Day (which is today) and the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer (which takes place in New York City this weekend).

If you've missed out on Denim Day (which we are not allowed to participate in at work--don't even get me started!) or would like to do something locally, there is always the Race for the Cure to benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The Race will be held closer to the end of the month, on the 27th this year.

Now I have participated in Race for the Cure for YEARS! My first "race" (brisk walk) was in 1999 while I was a student at UT-Knoxville. It was an unforgettable experience (especially since we went through downtown) and I got to walk with girls who lived in the same dorm.

I've walked in Little Rock with my best friend from high school & of course, I've walked in Memphis (lotsa times) as well. Not only is it a good cause, but it will do your body AND your heart some good!

I'm not going to post statistics or anything like that but instead here are a couple links so you can research just about anything having to do with the topic: Susan G. Komen for the Cure or United for Pink (super blog with a lot of information)!

~~J

Southern Girls Know Their Weather:

Question: What does a "good" Bio II student do after waiting more than 30 minutes for her professor to arrive?

a) Leave with the rest of the class (after signing roll) and go home to sleep because she is tired

OR

b) Leave with the rest of the class (after signing roll) continue on to Barnes & Noble to study the aforementioned subject for nearly 2 hours?

Believe it or not, I chose B! I ordered my signature October coffee drink and rewrote notes/studied the first two classes of plants. I had a great time--flipping through my textbook, lab manual, notecards & original chapter notes! They were even playing fabulous "old school" 50s-70s era music. I had to whisper along to Elvis (Suspicious Minds) as well as the Beatles (I Saw Her Standing There). I almost felt like a girl of 19 again!

After my impromptu study session, I even drove to a grocery store and took full advantage of their lovely salad bar. Both my mind and my belly are full of good stuffs. Fantastic!

Another Reason Why I love October:

04) The Weather. Our average high for the month is 74 and our average low is 49. We haven't quite gotten down to either one of those yet (respectively) it's nice to know it is ON THE WAY! Instead of sweating like a glass of ice tea on a hot day, I've found this whole afternoon more or less manageable.

~~J

p.s. I hope everybody in the city is VOTING today! (or early voted)

Midterms & Soup:

My Film midterm has come and gone (all within the last 3 hours) and I am very happy with my "known" results. 70% of the grade comes from the first portion, which was graded while we were working on the essay question(s). I only missed TWO! Now I have to wait and see if my essay answers were detailed enough for the professor's liking.

I talked to my study buddy afterward and he did really well on the first portion as well (only missed three). Fantastic!

Now I can spend the rest of the night focusing on my Bio II quiz tomorrow. I feel pretty confident about it, thankfully!

Another Reason I love October:

03) Soup. Soup is Super! When I lived in Midtown there was nothing like making a big, huge pot of soup on the weekend and then eating it for dinner for the rest of the week. It's relatively "cheap" and very easy to simmer just about anything long enough to make it delicious. I made a great Sausage and Spinach Soup from Cooking Light this year and it's to DIE FOR...I recommend it!


~~J

Foliage has everything to do with Biology:

We ended up NOT having a quiz last night in Art *I know! what?* Instead we finished our chapter and went through the book looking at different pieces and discussing them based on the terms and ideas we have learned.

One of the works we looked at was The Two Fridas (1939) by Frida Khalo. I first became very aware and interested in Frida because of the movie (2002). Not only did I see it in the theater, but I bought the DVD on the day it became available. You should at least check out the film--and maybe it will interest you in some of her work. She was a very, very unusual and strong woman.

So my "other quiz" in Lab today was postponed *I know! what?* until Thursday. But when we discussed some of the questions I realized this is a GOOD THING! I know feel a lot more comfortable.


Bio II Lab today included a lot of reading and then *drumroll* simulated gymnosperm mating...it was pretty hardcore. Just kidding! But I did learn that Seed Cones...those "Pine" Cones you can find just about anywhere are FEMALE. Basically proving that biologically FEMALES are more important because the male counterpart, the smaller Pollen Cones are a lot smaller.

Another Reason I love October:

02) Foliage. Although it's quite early (more like later this month), there is nothing like seeing all of those beautiful shades of red, yellow, and orange in our tree line. When I attended UT-Knoxville, it was quite a beautiful sight to see while driving throughout the area. One day I hope to travel up North (VA, NY, CT, MA) and see some of the beautiful autumn foliage they have to offer!


~~J

it's a new week:

filled with two quizzes and a midterm, HOORAY!

Yesterday I took part in my first "study group" in...well, it's been so many years I really can't tell you the last time I did the "group study" type thing.

Subject: Intro to Film. Goal: To Ace Our Midterm. Everything went swimmingly, there were only two of us who actually attended, but we were able to get through a lot of our material in a relatively short amount of time.

Maybe I should consider doing something similar when my next Bio II exam rolls around, right? I bet after our scores are posted it will be done.

Now I have a quiz in Art tonight and another one in Bio II Lab tomorrow to worry about...I've been rereading the appropriate pages and making notecards for a couple days now (including Saturday night, I deserve a medal).

& now for the first offering of a 31-part (daily) series I'd like to call
Why I love the month of October:

01) Pumpkin Spice Lattes at Starbucks. From the website: a delicious blend of pumpkin and traditional fall spice flavors combined with our signature espresso and freshly steamed milk, and topped with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spices. Yes, I already mentioned these at least a week ago and PUMPKIN will be an ongoing theme the entire month. This is a yummy extension of the season! Go ahead and order one the next time you get to the counter...I've already had at least 5 (Grande, non-fat) but it's early still.


~~J