Of J-Term

Alas, I have chosen a college that participates in that unfriendly break-shortener referred to as J-Term, or January Term. This entitles the study of one class M-F 3 hours a day. I am taking Marketing, as it is required for my major, and do not expect to have a blast during this extremely cold month. While it will be nice to have Marketing out of the way in a month, the class includes speeches and presentations that I am not a fan of. I hated Oral Comm, and I am really hoping there is more to this class than practicing advertising a product. That being said, I realize that I will probably learn alot during this class and am exciting for what it has in store for me.

Self Confidence, or the Lack Of

So, hello, I am no longer a music major. I am officially a Computer and Information science major. It's funny that I'm in the mathematical sciences department and I absolutely hate math. I suppose I should explain this random extreme change in degree choices. So here goes.

It was that one class. 

So all the music majors have to take a class called "Keyboarding" which is preparation for the Piano proficiency test that all music majors have to pass. Me, being a piano major, was put in the Advanced Keyboarding Class. Advanced? Joke of the semester.

I do not know scales, or key signatures. Or the circle of 5th's. Or intervals. Everyone else in that class did. Here's the catch - I was going to have to learn all of them by the end of the month so I could pass the exam. Needless to say, I was freaking out. How does one do that anyway - I had never really taken theory and my old piano teacher never taught me scales. It was beginning to really stress me out. I was going to have to play in juries, and one of my voice classes required a solo. It was entirely too much pressure, especially for a first-year in college and someone who had never been in a classroom setting.

That aside, I was only a B.A in music, not education or performance. Job? No.

That class planted the seed of doubt in myself I had had been playing with for a while. I listened to all the other piano majors practicing - they even messed up pretty (if at all...while practicing). 

So, after a lot of tears (and I mean a lot, and in front of my advisor), I changed my major to CIS and I'm now minoring in music. I think I made the right decision, but I failed to note some things about my self that were very important - I had completely no self-confidence.

1. I was the only first-year piano major

Those piano majors in the practice rooms? All upperclassmen. So I was comparing myself to upperclassmen. Yeah, probably shouldn't have done that.

2. I DID pass the audition.

Yeah, what happened to that? In a teary conversation with my advisor, she told me that I had auditioned very well and she thought I had a lot of talent. She told me I didn't give myself enough credit.

3. Just because I'm a CIS major doesn't mean I can't pursue piano.

Contrary to popular belief, you DO NOT have to major in what you love the most. Sure, I actually really love technology, but I also really love piano. (they wouldn't let me double major.) Also, my piano teacher/advisor told me she still considers me a piano major, and is going to have me learn all the same things the piano majors are learning. So, basically, piano major with out the degree certificate. 

So basically, I lacked self-confidence, and I got scared. I started to switch my major for the wrong reasons. However, now I feel like I made the right decision in the long run for my future - now I can pursue music without all the pressure.

So anyways, I guess the point of this post was have self-confidence?

My next post will be on K-Pop...

Pre-College Stress

Recently I have discovered the forest...nay the jungle... that is packing for college. Like, what exactly do you need? What should you leave at home? Will I really need a microwave...or a bath robe? Do I need food in my dorm or should I just take full advantage of the expensive dining plan? I don't know.

Since my college is only approximately 25 minutes away from campus, I decided that I really don't need to bring a ton of stuff. If I am missing something, my mom can bring it over or I can get it or whatever. Less is more in this sense, I suppose.

Getting what I need for college has been stressing me out a little because I've been at work a ton and haven't been able to do much shopping. Hopefully since this is my last week working my two jobs, I'll have a bunch of time next week.

I still need to finish my Fundamentals of Music Theory class and read the common reading book Silver Like Dust. Let's add those to the pile of things I need to get done next week. Ah college life. I can feel its pressure already.

Jellybabies and Resolutions

Happy New Year people! I used to make New Year's resolutions, but they have always failed, so this year I didn't do anything. Upon reflection, the first thing out of my mouth in 2014 was "allons-y". Mom was on the phone and I led my sisters in a triumphant march up the stairs to her bedroom as the clock struck 12.  No Whovian pun intended. Really.

I have been really enjoying winter break, which so far has consisted of watching classic Who while working on art projects, listening to Pandora and reorganizing my room. I made my own River Song journal, which I'll post later. I'm on the fourth regeneration of the Doctor in the old series, I love Tom Baker, he is funny and SO the Doctor. And I have to say, Sarah Jane Smith just went on my favorite companion list. Her, Rose and Clara are my favorites. I love how the 4th is obsessed with jelly babies, one of my favorite parts so far has been when he offers some one a jelly baby and they tell him to shut up.

     

 I decided not to do school this week at all, since I was way ahead with my work. I love being homeschooled.








Anyhow, a little snippet of my life. I'll post something of significance once I start school back up again. Sorry for all the gifs. Not really.

 



 

Rose: The Play

I wrote this last year.

Scene: John and Rose on a bridge overlooking London at night. Rose is leaning over the bridge looking down below. John leans against the bridge beside her.

John: A penny for your thoughts.

Rose: I’m not really sure what I’m thinking.

John: I’m glad you’re back. (Strokes Rose’s hair)

Rose: It’s really good to see you again. (Smiles at John)

John: You know, I’d been thinking.

Rose: (looks away from the water and faces him) What?

John: You and I. We should get married.

Rose: You know that can never happen. (She looks below again)

John: You love him, don’t you?

Rose: It’s more complicated than that. Much more.

John: You’re not safe with him. You’d be safe here, with me, like old times. Why can’t you stay? (Raises his voice, his fist pounding the railing.)

Rose: There is nothing here for me.

(Enter the man)

John: Nothing. I’m nothing. (Stands away from the railing to be directly in front of her.)

Rose: I didn’t mean it like that. (Looks at the man, upset)

The Man: Rose, it’s time to go.

John: So that’s it then. You just gonna leave me here. Will I ever see you again?

Rose: I don’t know. (Looks at John sadly and goes to stand by the Man)

John: You are going to leave…with him. You aren’t even sure who he is. I’m not sure who he is.

The Man: I’ll take care of her, I promise. (Places his arm around Rose)

John: But you can’t promise. (Looks at the Man)

The Man: (looks down at his feet)

John: You live a life of risk, constantly in danger. She will never be safe.

The Man: She has me.

John: Yeah, you.

Rose: This is what I want.  Think about it! I was a cashier at a grocery store! Now I’m travelin’ the world!

John: What’s wrong with cashiers?

Rose: I couldn’t live like that.

John: You’ll come back.

Rose: I don’t know.

The Man: I only got a couple minutes of power, Rose. You have to come now.

John: Can’t you stay a little longer?

The Man: I’m sorry John. I’ve only got a couple of minutes.

John: (aside) Never gonna see her again and he tells me she has to leave now.

Rose: I’m sorry, John. We had fun times together. (Puts her hand on his shoulder)

John: There could be more of that if you stayed.

The Man: (Glances behind him anxiously, then looks at Rose sadly)

Rose: I’m coming.

The Man: I wish we had more time. I’m sorry. But we’ll be stuck here.

John: Go on then.

Rose: Don’t forget about me. But listen: find someone else.

John: You know I won’t, and there never will be anyone else.

Rose: (Now crying, puts her hand in the Man’s.)

(Rose and the Man leave the scene)

When Your Teacher's a Whovian

So I recently did a writing assignment for British Lit in which I had to create a parody synopsis of my favorite TV Show. Yep, I picked Doctor Who. That part was easy. First I had to write a summary of what the original TV show was about, and then I had to write a the synopsis of my parody show. But anyway, I get a 93 on the assignment, so I decide to review the teacher's notes to see what I got wrote. Apparently I missed some grammar and organization issues, which knocked off some points. Nothing major.

I had mentioned in the original TV show summary that the Doctor was in his 13th regeneration. Because:
1st Doctor, 2nd Doctor, 3rd Doctor, 4th Doctor, 5th Doctor, 6th Doctor, 7th Doctor, 8th Doctor, War Doctor, 9th Doctor, 10th Doctor, 10.5 Doctor, 11th Doctor. Moffat says so.

I guess my teacher didn't see it this way, and she red-commented my sentence about the Doctor being in his 13th regeneration, and marked it as WRONG. The comment said the doctor was in his 12th regeneration. And she repeated that comment TWICE.

So yeah, Whovian battle. But my teacher is a Whovian.

My teacher is a Whovian!

Seriously though, I think she really just took off points for that...

The Annoying Travel Companion

The Annoying Travel Companion

                Since there was now no reason for me to stay at Hanford, I thought it best that I leave old memories behind and start anew. I thought of traveling to London, or perhaps Bath, to seek my fortune away from my friends and relatives. In the end, however, after much consideration, I decided to go to Baxley, for I knew of a man whose needs for his new business might require my services. Perhaps it would suit as a good source of income, and I could meet new people and make new friends. Truly, it was the change of scenery I needed the most.

                I decided to board the train at Wexford, which I knew to be a less populated train station, and less likely to have a whole lot of conversation, which was not very pleasant if a person wanted to sleep. Upon boarding the train I was seated across from a young lady, perhaps not much younger than myself, who immediately took to conversation, dashing all hopes of catching a nap after my emotional interlude earlier in the afternoon.

                “Hello, sir-lovely afternoon, isn’t it? I looked out the window and had to admit- that it was, in fact, a lovely afternoon. Weather-wise.

                “Yes it is,” I replied shortly and proceeded to read the newspaper I just picked up from under the seat.

                “You say that it is a lovely afternoon, yet your countenance betrays you. You do not think it lovely at all!” said the girl emphatically. Her curls had begun to bounce rather rapidly as the train sped along. Some people were staring at us.  I put down my newspaper.

                “I merely agreed with you, madam.” As she opened her mouth to reply, I picked back up my newspaper. I had no idea what I was reading, nor did I care. I could only hope it would persuade her to stop talking. I lowered myself in the chair, thus bringing the newspaper higher above my face.

                “I say, why are you so dull? It is a wonderful day- and what are you reading, that you seem so intent on?” I groaned inwardly and decided that ignoring the young lady might be the best plan of action. As I stared more intently at the newspaper, I began to see patterns in the spaces between the letters. Before I could put it down to ease my headache, I felt it snatched from me. Astonished and startled, I looked at the girl, who was now inspecting the paper.

                “Have the goodness to give me back my paper, lady.”

                “I cannot believe you are reading this. Such garbage! You support these shameful and inhumane practices?” Obviously I had no idea what she was talking about, as I had not actually read the newspaper at all. I decided to act as though I did, and hence discover what it was that I supposedly “read”.

                “What are you accusing me of so ardently?” I demanded. “Have I not the right to read what I please?”

                “Yes, sir, but to read positive essays about the seeming enslaving of young children in our factories is an abomination. You should be ashamed of yourself!”

                “On the contrary, I do not support those ideas, nor do I put them into practice. I merely have an interest in literature in general.” I reached out my hand and motioned for her to give me the paper, which, in turn, she ripped in half and placed beside her on her seat.

                “I do not believe you. I think you an arrogant, impolite fool, and am ashamed to have made your acquaintance.” Suddenly this whole thing seemed rather humorous.

                “But you haven’t,” I replied, extending my right hand. “My name is Vince Warden. What’s yours?”

 This was something I wrote on a whim. Usually when I write, I have no particular plan. Sorry this is so random. I know it sounds like an excerpt from a chapter of a book.

               

On Christmas Music and Desktop Wallpaper

Now don't get me wrong, I love Christmas, and Christmas music. However, all things in moderation. Like I really follow that. Ever. Especially when it comes to Doctor Who. Anyway, I am sitting in Sheetz again today, and guess what? They are NOT playing Christmas music. Kudos to Sheetz.

I love Christmas music, but it gets annoying after a while. I realize that the majority of the population in the United States probably opposes my opinion. But to walk into Sheetz and have it pretty much be the only place not playing Xmas music really made my day. It was even more awesome because the music that plays in Sheetz is basically the same as my Pandora station, which makes my life amazing. I get to listen to Coldplay, Of Monsters and Men and Colbie Collait all day long.

So yeah, Sheetz gets the medal of fantasticness today.

On a completely different note...
The Time of the Doctor promo pic came out! (at least a better one than before) This was really great because I was looking and looking for a good DW pic to change my desktop wallpaper on my school computer. I am really not supposed to change it, but I do anyway. (Who wants to stare at the Microsoft logo all the time.)

Finding a good wallpaper for my computer is something of a task for me. Due to my OCD (I think), I have to have a wallpaper that is at least a quarter larger in resolution for me to be satisfied. The subject of the wallpaper must be centered and have the perfect pose etc. So it takes me a while to find a wallpaper that I REALLY like, and when I do, I'm like, no. I don't know anyone else who does this, but having a perfect desktop screen is essential to my life. Seriously. I organize my desktop icons like twice a day.

Anyway, that's all. Back to schoolwork.

 

If you want to download the full res version, here: http://i.imgur.com/vFU9DRP.jpg

Fair is Foul, and Foul is Fair

Yet another post on the same day. I'm on a roll. But this is a really short one. This blog is probably go
ing to be more of small updates on my thoughts then long meditations. I wish I could write long meditations haha.

I finished Macbeth today in British Literature. I kinda enjoyed it. I came to hate Macbeth, love Banquo and mourne with Macduff. Last week I had to do a research paper on Shakespeare Tragedy and Macbeth. I found it interesting to note that Shakespeare composed Macbeth during the reign of King James and most historians believe that he was trying to make a point and show James up through this play. Originally a tale of a great king who was admired for bravery and good kingsmanship, Shakespeare twisted it around into a conscience- riveting and twisted tragedy in which ambition kills sense of duty, honor and leaves people tormented by guilt.

A Somewhat Boring Post

One of the most annoying things about cyberschooling is working away from home. This may sounds strange, but I hate working at other places. Yeah, yeah there's interenet everywhere so I can work, I get that. But seriously, nothing is more bothersome.

Aside from the strange looks you get as you walk into Sheetz with your family and their 4 or 5 laptop bags, buy nothing, but leave three hours later, there is the noise factor. Constant music, or people talking endlessly. Today, while working in the school office, an alarm sounds for about fifteen minutes while it is fixed.

I love cyber school, but sometimes the portability that is one of it's main entices is also the downpoint.