10/2, no. 49

The absence of my roommate on Friday night left me with immense hours of pure solitude and free time. I stayed up until 4:30am (a recurring weekend trend apparently) cleaning the dorm to perfection so as to surprise Rachel, and with the few extra empty hours I lazed around researching internships, crafting my own personal letter of inquiry, watching Mad Men and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (two great watches, by the way), and listening to/watching/feverishly stalking Adele and the beauty that is her voice. I also made an attempt at writing a blog post, during which I had to stop because I couldn't handle the incredible artificiality that emanated in my blogged voice. I also had to stop because I realized that I tend to write extremely long, run-on sentences - just a bad habit, you'll find me doing that quite often (exhibit A: second sentence of this blog post).
Anyway, Friday night was good and it actually really made me feel somewhat at home (finally) with all the freedom to do whatever as I was completely alone in my living quarters. I read books and course requirements and other helpful sources that allowed me to narrow in on what I want to do in life (that's what it was! I was blogging about my problems in deciding a major because I had so many issues with chem this week...note to self, Ashley, you write HORRIBLY when you're stressed and wired). And I concluded that it's okay if I am not completely sure as to what I want to do right now, but seeing as how I started the year with the intention of completing a pre-med-based course requirement schedule, I'm going to finish the semester completing the hell out of those requirements. So I made an elaborate plan to sleep in on Saturday (yesterday) and get shit done.
But instead...I went to a cheese festival, a thrift store, and a cupcake shop, during which I planned to study like hell Saturday night (last night).
But instead...I imbibed in my first glass of college. Vodka in teacups while discussing Russian history with my roommate and two other friends wasn't a bad idea. The entire time I was amazed at how quickly alcohol affects the body, and I kept trying to look that up, and I was both amazed and embarrassed at the rapid effects of Asian glow, and I kept laughing at everything, and I kept announcing that I had to document the moment because it was my first time drinking in college so I wrote in my journal in front of everyone and I took a couple pictures.
No, I did not get drunk. I still hate the taste of alcohol. I only had a little bit (the equivalent of 1 1/2 shots, apparently) which was enough to make me giggle obnoxiously at everything. But I made people give me math problems to ensure I was alright. Okay, there we go - I've discovered something about myself: I'm lightweight. Laugh all ya want.
I now have a closer understanding of why people drink. I probably won't do it too often. I really don't like the taste.

On another note, I made (and by 'made' I mean 'threw a frozen pre-made platter into the microwave') paneer tikka masala with spinach basmati rice last night, and it was absolutely delicious.
On another note, I made (same definition of 'made' as above) samosas...and they were subpar, unfortunately. At least this will make me appreciate samosas at decent Indian restaurants more.
On another note, I already knew this part before but I must broadcast: Masala flavored naan and spicy hummus from Trader Joe's...the two foods that comprise my new 'eat good shit' diet.

9/4, no. 28

a life in lists.

1. cheddar jalapeno bagels

2. special k red berries

3. excessive doses of gummy vitamins

4. my blue nalgene water bottle. bpa free, bitches.

5. a small conglomerate of books on my desk - including The Bell Jar, The Time of the Uprooted, The Counterlife, Northanger Abbey, Born on a Blue Day, Better

6. Sudoku book

7. my dubbed insolvable Rubik's cube

8. my $0.99 plastic made in commie nation green bowl from Fred Meyer for my keys and ID card

9. yarn and knitting needles.

10. Gorp

11. my expensive Fossil keychain of a floral blue bird

12. Acco 100 ct. Jumpo Paper Clips

13. the small poster I made that says "Who are we to judge the alcoholic, the prostitute, the addict, or the criminal as if we are any better" in font size 58 bold Helvetica.

14. my European-style window next to my bed.

15. waking up to the tree whose branches caress said window.

15. not knowing how to count. this is number sixteen.

17. being constantly reminded of the vividness of life just by going outside, walking down the steps and seeing frisbee players or poets or writers or dancers or tanners or singers or sleepers on Todd Field

18. the video game noises heard through the thin walls from my neighbor's room...sometimes.

19. Soy chai from Oppenheimer Cafe; I've yet to try their dirty chai.

20. REI.

21. the random finds around Tacoma (all the old record stores, independent coffee shops, and utter abundance of thrift stores)

22. speaking of - my $3 long skirt and $6 flannel from Orange on 6th.

23. the people I've met! you guys are great...thank you for being wonderful

24. the people I miss! I am so so so incredibly excited for October Fall Break during which we can reunite and sing songs. you all are irreplaceable and I love you all so much.

25. the fact that Tacoma is great and all even though it's a suburb - it's nice, some parts are quaint, but it reaffirms my long-held promise to myself that suburban life is not for me, and thus I will never settle for or in one.