Finals Week of Fall 2012: A Review

Typically I love Finals week.  It’s the one week a semester where you don’t have to do anything except cram for your finals and the rest of your schedule eases up because you do not have classes.  That has been my experience with Finals Week until this year.  This year I ended up having one final each day (which seemed great but really wasn’t), a job interview, too many shifts at work (my own fault there), and a heck of a lot of errands to run.  Needless to say my love of Finals Week changed a bit this year.  Nevertheless, I got through it.  I had harder classes than usual and ended up with some of the best grades of my college career so in the end everybody won.   But here’s a quick summary of some of what I experienced during Finals Week of Fall 2012:

Waffle Sandwiches

With little time to grocery shop and almost no groceries I resorted to popping two waffles into my Walmart toaster and spreading peanut butter on them.  I then joined them together to make a sandwich.  Ingenious.

Makeshift Index Cards

I had no time to shop for index cards and I had a desperate need for them!  Therefore I used printer paper and made my own.  I made dozens and because I was in a hurry, a majority of the cards were different sizes.  Then my wonderful friend Nicole (who is featured in my entry from Finals Week: Fall 2011) introduced me to StudyBlue (an online flash card generator) just in time for my last final.

My Apartment

My roommate and I are both pretty studious.  So obviously we did not clean our apartment for the last two weeks of the academic semester.  It looked like WWWIII in there. 

And finally…

I DRANK COFFEE LIKE IT WAS WATER.  I’m NOT ashamed.  I am, however, having withdrawal since I have gone back to only having one cup a day. 

My week ended with me picking up my out-of-town sister from O’Hare for a pre-holiday visit.  I then returned to the burbs where I overslept multiple days in a row and indulged in gossip magazines and television. 

I hope your finals week was equally as enthralling friends.

Sara

A Very Special Holiday Entry

Dear Readers,
After not blogging for much of this semester, I offer you a brief (and hopefully entertaining) blog entry for the holidays.  Today I was enjoying last minute errand running/shopping at Holidays and I came across several things that fit under the “Junk You Never Need But Really Really want” category.  I had money on my person but I restrained myself and instead decided to discuss all of the things that I could have purchased on my blog.  

A Wine Sock Monkey

I have seen this several places now.  I like wine.  I also like socks and cute animals so a bottle of wine encased in a wine sock monkey is a trifecta of perfection.

M-CUPS

Nesting doll measuring cups.  I LOVE to measure things and I already have a set of Harry Potter nesting dolls in my apartment so clearly this is a sign that I should start a collection.

Magnetic Bottle Openers

Useful and cute.

Junk in the Trunk

This is a ceramic tree trunk in which you can throw your junk.  No other item more accurately fits the “Needless junk you never need but really really want” category than this. 

The world’s ugliest canvas of a poodle...

I’m still trying to find a picture of this since the pictures on my phone won’t load to my computer, but trust me, it was atrociously ugly.  

Happy Holidays All!

Sara

Social Media Doppelganger?

I guess there was a Twitter account called @NYTOnit before it was suspended due to some violation.  This account used to poke fun at newspapers, specifically the New York Times.  It mocked all the basic information the NYT would report to its readers. 

Secondhand commenting/reporting on real news and constantly making fun of things reported in actual publications?!?!?!

Sounds like my dream job.

Sara

P.S. I read about this in the RedEye.  If I "tweeted" my hashtag would be #ireadlotsofpublicationsandhavealotofthoughtsaboutthearticles#

Hello old friends!

My dear readers,
It's been so long.  My last post was from August 24th, and I know that the four of you who follow me have been disappointed that you have not been made aware of my thoughts on the happenings of the world in fall of 2012.  But never fear.  I just "cranked out" a four page paper for political science and have no desire to finish Othello right now because it's 8:15 in the morning. 

I give you my thoughts...

OBAMA WON THE ELECTION!
This is what my face looked like the hour before the election was called.

Now it's stuck like that.

GENERAL PETRAEUS

Quite frankly I really don't care all that much.  Yes, he had an affair.  As long as there weren't intelligence leaks or it is discovered that he broke important protocols it doesn't (or I guess didn't?) affect his ability to do his job.  I guess we'll have to wait and see what is discovered.  Neverteless, I mention it in my blog because every week in my Terrorism class we discuss current events that relate to terrorism.  Typically our discussions cover a variety of countries and topics related to terror so that fact that we talked about General Petraeus for half an hour and the implications it has as far as terrorism goes was a bit ridiculous.

 My professor began the end our discussion with, "Well class, this teaches you that when you're in a position of power..."  and the kid two seats to my right responded "ABUSE IT" before he finished. 

Clearly he was joking, but still, kid who sits two seats away from me whose name I still don't know four weeks from the end of the semester-YOU'RE A GEM. 

THE BEST THING I'VE READ SO FAR TODAY

 "Before the election the Democratic Congressional Committee released a memo declaring the death of the Tea Party in the house." -Taken from YAHOO! news

Brief, but beautiful.


I'm thinking about renaming this blog "I'm Too Liberal for Real Life..."

Until next time,
Sara

The Fat Magnum

Today the Red Eye made the world aware of this burger/creation/thing...

Only in America.

SUPER EMBARRASSING

But secretly you know you want to do it...

http://shop.radnails.com/collections/frontpage/products/hot-man-icure

Yeah Rad Nails, that is one hot MAN-ICURE.

Dog Parks

People love their dogs.  Trust me, I know this much too well.  In last Sunday's Chicago Tribune there was an article about suburbs competing in a nationwide contest to win $100,000 to build a dog park.  Oak Forest and Orland park are finalists. 
Here's the real question:

Why does it cost $100,000.00 to build a dog park?

If someone could let me know I would greatly appreciate it.

Until next time,
Sara

TREADMILL DESK

I offer you...THE FUTURE.

It's Been A While...

My dear readers,
I've missed you.  It's been over a month and I've finally decided to update my blog again.  It's kind of a big deal.  I have been going about my daily life as one does.  I read the Red Eye on my CTA commutes downtown or up North, I read the Chicago Tribune on Sundays (occasionally I write to the editor, though he/she doesn't publish my letters-yet), I run, I get attacked by wildlife, I find pleasures in the simple things, I watch the Colbert Report, I read books, I frequent the library, I go to farmer's markets, etc.
 Clearly, not finding a summer job has left me with too much time on my hands.  In order to do my part, I've decided that in order to serve society I will inform you about (and in some cases warn) the happenings of the world. 
Here are my thoughts from the last month or so:

WARNING.
WARNING.
WARNING.
Jodi Picoult published another book, and this time she co-wrote it with her teenage daughter. 

For those of you who don't already know, I hate Jodi.  I think her writing is terrible, her characters underdeveloped, and her voice is non-existent.  She always picks a controversial issue from the news, offers both sides of the story in a poorly developed "adult" novel, and never actually takes a stance of any kind on the issue.  I didn't blindly form this opinion either.  I based my opinion off of the 1.5 Jodi Picoult books I've read.  In fact, the only thing I can respect about this is her ability to trick the general public with her formula books and make millions.  She is published at least once a year.  Needless to say, when I heard about her foray into the world of YA lit, I was worried for the general public.  But hey, maybe her daughter is a better writer?  Well, you've been warned.

I've also been reading articles with warnings in the paper as well.  On a serious note, The Chicago Tribune, had an article the other day on a dentist who is suspended because he reused syringes and needles in his practice.  His patients are all being contacted now because he exposed them to HIV and a plethora of other diseases.  I would have to read into it more, but why is this man only suspended?  Also, when you're running your own dental practice, make the investment and buy more syringes and needles.  It's such a simple and safe thing to do.  Shame on you dentist from Colorado.

On a lighter note....

Miley Cyrus is getting married!  OMG?!?!?!
The Red Eye had a brief timeline/history of their relationship-through her Twitter updates.  I dream of the day when my relationship can be followed and summed up through tweets.

And in other news, the Olympics are almost here!  I'M SO EXCITED TO JUMP ON THE BANDWAGON AND START TALKING ABOUT EVERY SPORT NON-STOP LIKE I'M AN EXPERT!  Really, I'm going to do this.  If we're friends now I hope we're still friends in three to four weeks.
Funnily enough though, the opening ceremony uniforms for US athletes were designed by Ralph Lauren...and made in China.  Obviously people were upset, especially politicians.  As reported by the Chicago Tribune, Harry Reid said, "I think they should take all the uniforms, put them in a big pile and burn them.  And start all over again."
Haha.  I laughed.  I thought it was a bit of an overreaction, but who knows?  What do you think?

Until next time,
Sara

P.S. If you like this blog please follow it!  It may prompt me to format my blog so that it looks semi-professional!

Sara reads the RedEye...

Dear Readers,
I apologize. It’s been a while. I currently commute two hours each way for my summer internship and between that, sending out eight million job applications and finding a place to live next year I’ve been swamped. However, I love to multi task. I love accomplishing an endless “To Do” list and take pride in the fact that I probably do more by 10:00 A.M. than most people do in a day. So, obviously, during my two hour commute I read the newspaper or a book for the first half and then switch to the Red Eye when I get to the Orange or Red Line.

That’s right friends. The Red Eye, a local Chicago paper that is FREE (that’s the best part), and full of useful as well as ridiculous information. I love journalism and actual printed newspapers, especially free ones. Yet at the same time I’m me, and it’s only fitting that I would have a lot of thoughts on their articles. A LOT of thoughts indeed…

Things I have read in the Red Eye as of late:

70 sheep will be used in the opening ceremony for the Olympic Games in London.

Why sheep? What is entertaining about sheep? Why seventy sheep?

American Nuns and the Vatican are at odds over Obama’s healthcare plan.

Everyone is at odds over the health care plan. I just thought it was funny that the clergy was as well. For some reason I hadn’t thought of that before.

You can now buy solid shampoo.

It’s made by LUSH AND now when you fly you can just throw shampoo in your carry-on without any worries about how many ounces it is…because it’s SOLID. Apparently, you rub it against your head a few times in the shower and put it in a tin when you’re done. It’s on my list of things to try and buy after I find a paying job.

Golden Retrievers are more effective than Cupid’s arrows on Valentine’s Day.

The Red Eye did an expose of sorts on how dogs are the most effective way to attract a date during the summer months. The number one breed that attracts women is the golden retriever. It’s a little lower on the list of breeds that men are attracted to but it’s still up there.

I’ve always known that golden retrievers are the most superior dogs. Last semester I didn’t want a dog but my family insisted. I want to use this blog to assert for the trillionth time that I wanted a golden retriever as opposed to a little “yappy” dog. At the very least I could deal with a golden retriever. I could run with one and they’re great family dogs. I pictured myself running down the street with my big old golden and then enjoying a cup of coffee as I read the newspaper and big old goldy enjoyed a chew bone as he or she sat on my feet to keep them warm. I slowly began to build up the idea of a golden retriever in my head. But alas, my family ignored my wishes and now we have Lady the dog, but you’ll read more on that later…

Anyway, the main point was that this article reminded me of my almost dream dog, and further supported my argument that they are the superior breed of dogs.

Also, I’m right all the time and I have the best ideas.

Until next time,

Sara

A Ridiculous Thing I read Today in a Ridiculous Magazine...

I was reading a celebrity magazine and the magazine had an article about all the lavish gifts Angelina Jolie has given to Brad Pitt over the last several years.  My favorite?  The tree she had planted for him-the tree that cost over $18,000.00!

What tree costs over $18,000.00 to plant?

 

Also, they're building a house around it.  Talk about an epic tree house...

And It's FINALLY over...NATO Part II

Here are several more comments I have to make about the NATO Summit based on information I acquired from The Chicago Tribune.

1. Metra trains that ran under McCormick Place were re-routed and customers faced delays-but that's not why Metra customers were angry.  The real reason is that many Metra commuters were asked to abandon their coffee cups before boarding trains for security purposes.  THE INJUSTICE.  Chicagoans were supportive of the added safety measures but they had to draw the line somewhere. 

2. Protestors were told they could not stop outside of Mayor Rahm Emanuel's home in Ravenswood, so they moved one block North. 
POOR RAHM EMAUNEL'S NEIGHBORS. 
Also, one of his neighbors was outside with his dog and was yelled at by a protestor and asked how he could live next to such a monster. 
POOR RAHM EMANUEL'S NEIGHBORS.
ALSO POOR RAHM EMANUEL'S NEIGHBOR'S BLACK LABRADOR RETRIEVER.  ( I hope all of that was gramatically correct...)

3. A group from the Occupy Movement in another state waited hours for a bus that Occupy Chicago was supposed to send.  It was supposed to take them somewhere they could stay during the summit.  The bus never came. 
SHOCKER.

4. And finally, once again, the Trib decided to be EXTRA helpful by defining basic terms/places for its readers.  This week the Trib decided to define Heathrow.  It's a pretty large international airport in London.  Thank you Chicago Tribune.

I swear I'm done.  The news and the media is done.  The NATO Summit is done.  Now we can go back to the real news!  I for one am eager to hear what the Kardashian girl decides to name her new baby. 

Until next time.
Sara

The NATO Summit

I’m secretly not so secretly excited for the NATO summit.  In the two weeks I have been home, I have heard more about this summit than anything else, and after taking a course that focused on the creation of NATO and various other international organizations my interest piqued even more.  Having read a few articles about the impending summit, I thought I’d share some fun facts and info with the readers of this blog.  (All of this information was obtained from Sunday’s Edition of the Chicago Tribune, because I read the Trib on Sundays with my cup of coffee.  Actually, two cups of coffee.)

1.      Apparently the G-8 summit and NATO summits were supposed to take place simultaneously in Chicago.  However, the G-8 summit was moved to Camp David. The leaders from the G-8 will join the NATO summit when it begins.  Why the change of plans?  The number of protesters expected for both was unprecedented.  Got to love democracy. 

2.      The Chicago Tribune reported 2,000-10,000 protesters.  Occupy is trying to round up 50,000.  Now, don’t get me wrong-I support Occupy.  I’m a member of the 99% and support exercising our constitutional rights! Let’s tell the government what we want!  Stick it to the man!  However, I also believe Occupy has no clear focus right now and is somewhat disorganized for what aims to be an organized movement.  So 50,000?  Really Occupy?

3.      The Trib also reported that a Catholic nun in Chicago is trying to organize a “family friendly” march on May 20^th.  My response to this-a family friendly march?  Really?  In Chicago?  During the NATO summit weekend?  Family-friendly protest? 

4.      Lawyers and law students will be wearing neon green hats this weekend (maybe I made that up-they might just be green) and will offer legal advice to protesters on the spot.  I love it. 

5.      The Tribune also took the time to define the term anarchist for its readers.  Thank you Chicago Tribune. 

6.      The Magnolia Bakery that opened on State Street is selling NATO cupcakes for three dollars apiece.  What constitutes a NATO cupcake?  See for yourselves:

 

Capitalizing on the NATO summit…genius.  I’m upset that I didn’t think of it first. 

Will I actually make it down there this weekend?  I’m not so sure.  It depends on whether I want to brave the 53A bus, the orange line, and then the Red line.  In the meantime, I’m going to enjoy the hype and continue to comment on the coverage-the good and the bad.

Until next time.

Sara