I'm BBBBAAAACCCKKK!!!

The title is pretty self-explanatory, but I'm now back home in hot, humid, and sticky Florida.

The last days of SAMS were quite busy. Thursday was an insane day. It poured like crazy, but I still had to mail off my boxes. So I stuck one of the boxes in my suitcase, covered my suitcase with my poncho, and put on my big yellow rain jacket and rolled it down to the Post Office in the UC. For the second box, Jehrmel gave me a ride over to the Post Office since he had to drop off his dry cleaning, which I was so thankful for. But of course, then it stopped raining. Clipper Ship ended up getting cancelled due to weather.

They planned a semi-formal in Rangos with Pre-College, though I opted out and spent most of my time in the CMARC office finishing up the electronics project. Later on there was supposed to be food and movies around 11 in the lounge, so I packed until then, not really getting much done. Around 11, people started trickling back into the dorm and getting anxious. They said that there would be pizza, but we had no idea. Around 11:30 a few delivery guys walked in with 8 HUGEMONGOUS pizzas. I have never seen a pizza so large in my life. We had to wait until about 12 until we could eat though because there were wings and other stuff on the way. The pizza was pretty good to have been such a large size, but the wings were really spicy and ended up burning my mouth like crazy; it still stings now. We watched a few movies too. Shooter was better than I expected. Muhammed announced curfew for the last time after the movie, although it was something like 2am anyway. I went back up and attempted packing, but I didn't finish because I was really tired.

The Symposium went really well. The luncheon was very nice, with way better food. Did they do this to provide some type of false image to the parents? Imani gave a rather humorous introduction and Jordan gave a very touching speech, starting the rolling of tears for the day. I don't know how many times the word "profin" was used throughout the day. They played a slideshow towards the end, which was a mixture of sentimental and funny, very funny, memories. And stole some of my pics from Facebook! But as Damian said later, "Anything you put on the Internet is..." They gave out the awards and T-Shirts last before the closing remarks and acknowledgement of the instructors and RAs.

My electronics project was first, which went very smoothly. JD was in and out since he had another project, but I was able to hold down the fort. The math projected ended early, within like 15 minutes, and there were a few light questions, but overall still great. After the Symposium came to an end, everyone gathered in the hallway saying their goodbye to those that were leaving early. It was unbelievable seeing some of the people that cried, including a few tears from myself, but I suppose it is natural. It was kind of hard to let go.

Back at the dorm after everyone that was leaving that day left, we sat around the lounge looking depressed and tired. A bunch of people went out to see Rush Hour 3, and a few of us stayed in and ordered Chinese. I wouldn't say it was the best, but it was free and it wasn't from the Cafe. We watched Deja Vu, which turned out to be a pretty awesome movie. Pride and the Matrix were on later, but I only saw bits and pieces as I would often run upstairs and pack for a few and then come back down.

Saturday morning was a pretty depressing. There were messages written in chalk all over the walls from the previous day and lots of empty rooms. In the lounge, a bunch of people were still sleeping in chairs all over the place, even on a matress parked right in front of the TV on the floor. Some were half awake watching Deja Vu again. As I was leaving, about 5 other people were leaving. A large group of people gathered to say goodbye and help us out before we left, and the hallway was just the saddest thing, especially with all of the tears and people on each side giving their last hugs and goodbyes. I can't really explain well, but it was just...sad. It was depressing just to walk through there.

About 4 of us were taking the 8:30am 28X to the airport, and Sheun and Wilburg helped us carry/roll our things out to the bus stop across campus. The bus was already parked there, about 10 minutes early, and we left right on time, although a few Pre-College kids almost missed it. The bus became pretty crowded, but not packed, and it was about an hour ride to the airport. I was loving my pillow then, as I fell asleep for a large portion of the ride. When we got there we saw TJ going through security, and another group of about 3 others that left a little while before us. Check in was no problem, except the fact that my bag was 11 pounds overwieght. $25 charge. Oh well, life goes on. That reminds me that I never got my $15 refund from Clipper Ship. Maybe they'll mail it back?

The security looked really long, but we got through there in less than 15 minutes. We met up with Jennifer and her mom around the same time. A fun train ride over and we were at the airmall. A quick lunch a McDonalds with their delicious Sweet Tea (a new favorite) and we were all on our seperate ways. My flight was 30 minutes after most of theirs, so I just hung out in their concourses for a while and we rode the people movers a few times.

When I got to my Gate, C54, who do I spot again? Tommye and Indy. Turns out that they are on the same flight back. There was another offer since the flight was overbooked, but with only 1 free roundtrip ticket, soon upgraded to 2, although I wouldn't get back to Ft. Lauderdale until 10:30pm and I'd be trapped in Pittsburgh until 6:30. The 3 people ended up not checking in and the offer was taken away. Smooth flight to ATL, I slept most of the way. When I got there, I got to ride the train over to concourse D, although it took me a while to figure out that you have to walk behind the esalators to get to the concourse going the other direction. They started boarding for the flight to FLL almost as soon as I got there, even though it was like an hour before take off. I was so tired that I fell asleep right after talking to Gustavo before taking off. I missed takeoff! I was sitting next to a family with a baby, who was a good baby at first, then a temporarily stinky baby, then a playful touchy baby, and then a loud singing baby. I pretended not to mind being touched. Perhaps I should be more personable?

It was HOT in Florida. I could feel all 96 degrees when I stepped off the plane. We got $25 for the missing rivet/hole/tear in the luggage, but nothing for the rip in the larger bag. Whatever, it was still half the price of the luggage set.

I'm glad to be back home, but I still miss SAMS. Now there are other things on my plate...school, ugh.

Pictures from Thursday are here and pictures from the Symposium and the rest of Friday and Saturday are here.

Wednesday, August 8, 2007 - [Title?]

...from ECE!

so hungry that I could eat a whole robot

It really does look like a sandwich. And it really is boring. FIRST has turned me into a robot elitist. This robosandwich is inferior.

Everything is pretty much over now as far as the classes go. Its pretty much prep prep prep for the symposium until Friday. I just want it to be over already. I'm like dead tired.

You know what else. I'm not eating brownies right now. I should be. AND it is still hot outside. I feel like I can't breathe outside, where you would go to get fresh air. It's like you have to go to a super super cold room, which is rare, instead to breathe clearly.

I feel like I have nothing positive to say anymore. Blah blah the old saying didn't your mother ever tell you "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all!" Well, so what...this is my blog, so I can say whatever the hell I please about absolutely nothing! Eh, I'm just tired. Whatever...

I feel so cheap. Clipper Ship is tomorrow, and I don't really want to pay $15 to go. Actually, I really don't want to go at all because I'm tired. But something tells me that it's going to be one of those things that I will regret if I don't go. Sandcastle was worth missing, but I suppose this'll be fun.

OMG I KEEP FORGETTING! I need to pack. Like tonight. Like right now. But I want to sleep :(

Monday, August 6, 2007 - %&#$

((((((((((((((((((((((((((((Radiating Stress))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

I can't think of a title, but I hate Mondays.

It's the last week of SAMS. There is SO much going on. I really shouldn't be wasting time writing this, as I have to finish Cog (almost there!) by tomorrow morning, have an outline of my electronics project board by tomorrow afternoon, finish the PowerPoint for the MIT project for Wednesday morning, finish all of the Physics experiments for Wednesday, make the poster for the MIT project by Thursday, finish the poster for electronics by Thursday, AND pack. Clipper Ship on Thursday evening and the Symposium on Friday and goodbye Pittsburgh on Saturday.

I'm really relaxed though. I feel slightly stressed on the inside, but I still have that "No problems, mon!" feeling.

On a lighter note, my robot is finished for ECE, almost 3 days early. Now I get to play with it and leave somewhat early.

Eh, I'm not really that stressed, I just have a lot to do, specifically tonight. AHHH STOPPIT NOELLE GET OFF BLOGGER/FACEBOOK!!! (<--sez my conscience)

I'm coming home! Does Florida miss me?

Friday, August 3, 2007 - T-minus 8 Days

This is somewhat a reversal of this post. 8 days left until I am back in sunny probably rainy and humid Florida. It is HOT in Pittsburgh. The cool breezes just suddenly dissipated and this hotness is the only thing left. I went to Lucci's earlier today and stopped by Rite Aid to get some batteries for my iFan. Batteries are expensive! I had no idea, since I rarely use them, but 5 bucks for some generic AAs seemed quite ridiculous.

In Physics a few days ago we got these cool little desktop electronics kits to work with for the next chapter out of our new "textbook". We're doing little electricity experiments, stuff that I did in 3rd grade, but it is more conceptual now instead of just conducting the experiment. Amazing how many people don't know how electricity works...at all...and are amazed by the concept of lighting a light bulb with batteries and few wires. WOW ::rollseyes:: We get to make a motor out of the parts in the end, so that should be cool. More suspicious items to take to the airport!

Man I need to pack! I just realized how much stuff I have, so much stuff I have gained. SO MANY BOOKS. BIG BOOKS. And I still haven't bought my obligatory Carnegie Mellon T-Shirt. At Junior Assembly they suggested that we all take the 28X if we're flying out, regardless of how much luggage we have, and they'll try to coordinate something to help us (and our luggage) get over there to the bus stop ALL the way on Forbes & Morewood. Hmmm...should be interesting. I have to figure out a way to get all of this stuff to the post office. They close at 5. Projects end at 5. Interesting.

Speaking of projects, A+ on the latest math project. The only A. I worked hard, well not really, it just took some time. Group work/projects still suck. I could have done it lightyears faster, with better structure, but whatev, it's still an A. I tried editing, but I stopped myself a few times from rewriting the whole thing. The thing that gets to me about these projects is the simplicity of ALL of them. Most of them require little math. It is just a matter of properly displaying the information and analyzing it. It's not that hard, but apparently a ton of people miss it! Frustrating. But I don't care anymore :). It's over! I just have to finish Cog now and do that final MIT project thinger (with the group, maybe).

AHHH 1 more week, so much work...I wanna go to the beach!

To Do Before I Leave:

• finish Cog
• start/finish MIT Powerpoint/Poster/Presentation
  
• work on Electronics project
• get a CMU T-Shirt
• go back to the Waterfront
• get Lucci's once more
• find out where the Post Office in the UC is
• become a Master Student (oh wait, I can't...it's a journey! -_-)
• pack!
• go to Century III and get more shoes
• eat at the Cafe as little as possible
• ::irony:: start my MITES '08 application (jk, but I will do it in Oct.)

Oh yeah, the last SAT is tomorrow. I wish there was a smilie for the expression that is on my face right now.

Wednesday, August 1, 2007 - Wacky Wednesday

So today is Wacky Wednesday, deemed with the theme "Dress a Mess". Indeed, most people that participated did dress a mess. Check it out.

Oh yeah, I also turn 16.5 today. Lovely, isn't it?. Only 1.5 more years left until I'm an official adult. Wow. And I still don't know how to drive. I wonder if I'll ever learn? I haven't been in a car for like 4.5 weeks. I don't want to grow up :( CUZ I'M A TOYS R' US KID!

You know, I've run out of things to call cool people. You can't get any lower (or higher on my spectrum) than a Kelvin, so ultimately, I should have paced my cool nomenclature a little better. But I must say, there are two other very cool people that I know. Cooler than ice! I just realized that with the money from Auntie Toni, I was able to get 2 pairs of shoes this weekend! (Thanks!) AND another huge surprise was the not one, but two packages on the weekend from Barned & Noble. Sure, I was expecting Planet Earth, but what else? PULSE! Finally! We saw it like 3 years ago, but it is finally in my hands! I think I'll have to wait get home to watch it though.

Surely enough, most would think "You have a laptop, you can watch it whenever, wherever." But I don't! HP has my laptop. The service was delayed, so I got another email, and I should get it back (in Florida) on the 9th. Which means that I won't see it until the 13th!

There are less than 2 weeks left of SAMS. 1 week and 3 days to be exact. Everything we're doing now is in regards to the Symposium and wrapping everything up. These weeks surely flew by. I don't feel like I've been here for 6 weeks, and I sure do not want to go back to Dillard any time soon. Like that Mary Kate & Ashley show/movie, So Little Time (so much to do)!

Sunday, July 29, 2007 - Great Weekend

Friday
YouTube nostalgia in the cluster for hours; some highlights include:
-watching random people dancing
-Mulan II clips
-Moesha
-I'll Make a Man Out of You (IN MANDARIN) 4 times
-I'll Make a Man Out of You in every other language
[Run back to Hamerschlag to get Lucci's that we ordered]
-GOOD BURGER clips
-half of the Lion King
-random music videos from the '90s
-old Disney shows
-TV themes


There was an earlier curfew 11 instead of 12 since there was another SAT on Saturday. Then there was a message on the board stating a floor meeting at 11. Ugh, what did we do now? They opened up the spare room, and then the RAs appear, disappear, and then a bad attempt at sneakily reappearing with freshly baked cookies and icing to decorate them with! Jessica and Aimee are indeed awesome.



Saturday
CENTURY III!
An amazing mall/plaza, but quite an interesting trip to get there. Right after the SAT (same long boring thing as usual), we go back to the dorm and put our stuff back before heading out to the bus stop. There are only three 59U's that make the full route out to Century, otherwise, it just circles back around at the Waterfront. Taking the 2:20 was cutting it close for leaving at 2:18, but there were a few others out there going to the same place earlier than us. Okay, we missed the bus, no worries, because we can take any other bus out to the Waterfront, and then catch the 55M or another 59U or something else from there. Only problem is that another bus didn't come for about an HOUR. A bunch more people show up that are going to Century III too, but however packed that next bus was, we were ALL getting on. Eventually one shows up...

We get to the Waterfront and wait at the bus stop for a few. A 55M passes by on the other side of the street. Someone suggests that perhaps we are on the wrong side of the street. Perhaps? we ask one of the guys that is "from around here" and he says that we are definitely in the right place, and if not, the 55M should still pass us again anyway. Another bus that says "Century III via Waterfront" goes by, again, on the other side of the street. After that, while debating whether to go back to the other side of the street about 15 minutes later, we see a 55M and make some sort of hopeless attempt to wave at the bus driver. She just smiles at us and drives by. So we run to the other side of the street, after missing THREE buses. Less than 5 minutes later, we see the same 55M coming back around, but going the other direction. We had enough time to run back across, and we did. It was kind of hilarious seeing about 15 kids run across. There was only 1 car in the way, but she did that "I'm going to slow down so that you can't cross in time thing". We still went, and made it to the stop in time so that we were all standing there when she would pull up. It looked like the driver was laughing, like "haha you guys ran across the street and I came back, hop on!" BUT NO! She laughs AT us as she speeds by. No fair. It's about 4:15, so the 2nd 59U of the day should be coming around at 4:23 that we decide to wait for, on our original side of the street. We're all sitting on the curb/grass looking really sad and depressed, having half of our day wasted, when someone suggests that if the bus doesn't come by 4:30, we should all just stay at the Waterfront and then see Hairspray. Sounds like a great plan. 4:30 rolls around and they are getting up to leave. I suggest that we wait a few minutes, since all of the other buses were late, but they begin walking toward the theater, and what do you know... the bus comes less than 2 minutes later. We applaud the bus as it pulls up to the curb, and then a huge group of other SAMS/Pre-College people get off of the bus. They must have thought that we were insane, but they went along with the "Hey!" "Hey!" etc. thing. The bus was about empty, and nice and cool by the time we got on. Did I mention that in the midst of all of this, this must've been the hottest day since I've been here.

About an hour later, we arrive at Century. It was a LONG ride. Through the city, through the country, on the highway, through some weird neighborhoods, and then finally there. I try to remember rides in case we get lost, but I forgot after about 5 minutes. You really can't tell that you're there until you're right at the mall, as there are tons of other huge plazas surrounding it on the hilly plain. There is a huge Wal-Mart (of course), a Super-DUPER Target, and then a bunch of other places clustered together. Because it was so hilly, we really couldn't see a mall and were like "Why did you guys tell us this mall was so huge and awesome? All I see is an effing Wal-Mart!" One of the Pre-College kids asks the bus driver if this is the mall, and he just tells him to sit down and be patient, as we are there. Hmmm. A few curves later, and indeed, we are there. The bus stop is on the FAR side of the parking lot, yeah...how convenient.

The inside of the mall looks like Aventura. Three floors, a sky lit center, 2 Macy's, and 3 other department stores. The food court was pathetic for the size of the mall, and so was the crowd. We worked up an appetite with that exhausting trip, so we headed to the food court first. Nothing too excited, except for the fact that I've never seen a mall Arby's. Ended up eating at Manchu Wok, where they give the hugest portions in the smallest containers. I played a few games of DDR on their crappy machine before going to find where everyone else had gone. There were a ton of incredible sales going on, Rave was closing and had $1.99, $2.99, etc., boxes of clothes to dig through, but I didn't find much that was interesting.

I left them to dig through boxes of tangled clothes at Rave while I explored the rest of the mall. I wandered into Old Navy somehow and they were having a pretty amazing sale too. I ended up getting a pair of $2 flip flops (you can never have enough!) and a small messenger bag for $9. After meeting back with everyone else, we found the Champs store with the amazing sale that everyone was talking about. It was incredibly amazing. $10 Nikes, $5 Jerseys, $0.99 T-Shirts, $4 Pants, $20 Pumas, $25 Jordans,...it was unbelievable, except they were out of Js, of course. Most people left with at least a pair of shoes and $30 in savings. Others left with 4 full bags of clothes and shoes with $700 in savings...yeah, that made an interesting bus ride back. Let's just say we voluntarily missed the bus we planned to take, and we will def. be back next week.

In the midst of shopping we completely forgot that the Black Light Party was that night. There was about a half hour of it left by the time we got back, and we made it there right before it was over. If they were aiming for a rave, they missed. Not enough techno.

A few of us went back to Baker to go YouTubing again. A large portion of that was spent watching Beyonce fall off the steps on stage during the Orlando concert. I don't know how many times we watched that video. It was hilarious every time.

Sunday
MANDATORY trip to the Carnegie Science Center. Amazing how everything that is somewhat mandatory is stressed so much around here.

Viewing in omnimax was pretty cool, except Deep Sea was boring, the chairs were reclined, and I was tired, so I ended up falling asleep, along with a portion of the rest of the audience.
A family with two antsy children comes and sits down next to us a few minutes after it starts.
Quote of the day: "Mommy, this is boring!"
I couldn't agree with him more.

Look, it's me:


This is pretty awesome and this is pretty hilarious.

More pictures from this weekend are here and here.

Friday, July 27, 2007 - TGIF...Again

This week flew by entirely too fast. I didn't mind though. I do mind the busy weekend to follow:

• Saturday
  
• SAT #3 (9-1:30pm)
  
• Taste of Pittsburgh Tour (2-?)
• Movies?
• Sunday
• Mandatory Carnegie Science Center Trip (12-4pm)
  
• Movies?
• Physics Review
  

I would love to recap on the week, but unfortunately I can't really recall everything in detail since my dear love has departed. Expected Delivery: 8/1/2007. It seems SO far away. AND I STILL HAVEN'T GOTTEN PLANET EARTH! Although I know for a fact (spoiled the new CD thing and listened online) that it is, indeed, awesome!

happiness

Auntie Pam (NTP) is so cool that she is officially a Kelvin! I accidentally punctured one while trying to open the box, so there are only 3 here. And Cherry LifeSavers! The only thing was that an RA told me "oh yeah BTW, Noelle you have a package." and I got excited because I thought that it was Planet Earth. This is suitable compensation.

OH YEAH! I got an A on the last math project that I just presented a few minutes ago. Finally! And although he said it was the hardest, it seemed to be the easiest.

gotta run to SAT Prep now...

1:11pm
I just had the best lunch since I've been here. Ever since that terrible pizza at Skibo, I didn't want to go back, but I decided not to ruin my great day with horrible Cafe' food, so I went to try something else at Skibo instead. They have a nice selection of sandwiches, paninis, salads, and other stuff, but I'm not much of a sandwich person. Nonetheless, I decided to try their BBQ sandwich. How bad could it be? Not bad at all! It was delicious, well, besides the fact that there were two huge tomato slices on top. But if I was a tomato person, the tomatoes did look ripe and juicy. It came with chips too, another bonus.

So my day has been going great thus far, until I get to the cluster. Log in to account, open Firefox, plug in headphones, go to music site, gmail - login, tab, blogger, tab, facebook - login, tab, back to gmail, blah blah scan FastWebs scholarships, CollegeBoard, Urban Dictionary, HP, Mother, UCF, Jessika, Rhino, wait,.... HP?

HP Service Notification:

Dear Customer:

At HP our products are designed, manufactured and serviced, to meet our high standards.
We apologize for the possible delay in delivery of your service; however, we are diligently working on expediting your order.

Thanks for ruining my day, HP! I hope it gets here before I leave.

...ahhh gotta run to Physics

Progress on weekend to do:

• finish Latin
• backup computer (doing that now)
  
• Ship it! (not excited about shipping it, just the saying)
• get to Cog Unit 18 (only on 15 now) (done)
  
• World History
• Master Student essay
• read SAT essays
• Laundry?
• Lucci's
• barbecue/picnic thinger tomorrow (didn't feel like going)
  
• SLEEP! (still need more)
• new: go to Physics review tonight

I didn't do about half of that stuff until today, but whatever, it's done. Most importantly Latin.

I'm really hungry. I haven't eaten meat in like 5 days. Well, I had those chicken fingers at the Underground on Friday night, but otherwise, nothing else substantial. It's not because there isn't any meat, it's just that I don't want it, and I can't eat hot dogs everyday for the next 3 weeks as I did for the first two. I suppose I can go find something out in Pittsburgh. ::growl growl:: - says my tummy

Note to Mother: Fajitas! Please please please! August 11th. I'll send you a reminder to marinate the steak in the Mojo sauce on Friday. Thank you! (I hope that is enough time to prepare, lol)

Friday, July 20, 2007 - TGIF

I have never been so happy for a Friday to come. I'm in SAT Prep now. The project sucked just like I expected....grr C.

5:15pm
It's over! I can sleep! The week is done!

Electronics ended on an interesting note. We tested the probability of the dice to see if it was a fair dice or not. Turns out that JD and I will presenting about the results and the actual device at the Symposium. ECE starts next week. Yay robots!

We didn't get our Physics homework today as usual, so that means that it isn't due until next Tuesday!

To do for the weekend:

• finish Latin
• backup computer
• Ship it! (not excited about shipping it, just the saying)
• get to Cog Unit 18
• World History
• Master Student essay
• read SAT essays
• Laundry?
• Lucci's
• barbecue/picnic thinger tomorrow
• SLEEP!

I think I'm going to go to Lucci's later on today and then come back and SLEEP. For a looooong time. I have had 18 hours of sleep this past week, including Sunday. Time to make up for 102 hours of awake-ness. Well I better sign in first!

These weeks are surely FLYING by... week 4 coming up already, before you know it i'll be back in Ft. Lauderdale and going back to...ugh...I won't dare say it. D for Ddd...

Thursday, July..uh, um - I don't even know what day it is anymore

The days are slowly beginning to merge together. I don't know what is day or what is night. It is so weird. I pulled an all-nighter last night to finish the Cog requirement. 30 hours awake so far (-2 hours of sleeping/inactivity). I stayed in the Baker cluster last night until I absolutely HAD to go back, but I made little progress. I was only on 7-5 by the time I left. It wasn't until late when the gold bars began to move and the lesson numbers when up. Talk about tedious and ridiculous, check out this screen that I got when I pressed "Hint" on the first of a new kind of problem (click to see a larger image):
I don't know how many times I've wanted to slam my head on the desk, or throw something at the screen, in addition to the many expletives muttered over the past 24 hours. I went to one of the clusters every free set of 20 minutes (it takes so long to get over there that it's not worth going if I can't stay at least 20 minutes) that I had. I went to "sleep" at 5am when I finally reached Unit 12, and figured that I could get to Unit 12 by 10:30am if I got there early and worked diligently through the class. I barely made it. 12-2 is a bitch, especially with 12-3 as the last one before the deadline. It was easy, but nitpicky in unnecessary areas. I finished at 10:05 with 10 minutes to spare!

Next Deadline: Unit 18 - Tuesday, 9:00am

I just came back from Si Senor for lunch. Cheese fries! Just like the ones from West Deli or New York Deli West, or whatever it was called...that little place in the fashion mall food court that had the good bagels and delicious cheesy fries or whatever you wanted. I hadn't had fries like that, with a perfect mixture of melted cheese and ketchup-dippage, in a while.

So it turns out that I'm not the only complete dork already thinking about next summer. I thought that I was a trader or something for considering applying to MITES as a priority over SAMS or AP/EA next year, but some other people just discovered it a few minutes ago. They're applying next year too. Grrr competition!

In electronics we get to finally solder together our dice games after a pathetic attempt to put them together on the protoboards. It's going to be fun going back to the airport with that in my luggage, whether carry-on or checked. I can imagine the whole situation playing out.

[At the airport on 8-11-07]
TSA screener: Who's bag is this!
Me (again, nervous): um...mine
TSA: well something looks funny in here, we need to run it back
[2 rescans later]
TSA: excuse me, ma'am, we'll need to search your bag
[pulls out a bag of wires, books, electronic dice game, etc.]
Me: um, that's nothing to be suspicious about, it's a dice game..see, just press the red button!
TSA: DO NOT touch that!
Me: No, it's okay, I swear it's not a..uhm..uh, it's safe, okay
TSA: we're going to have to confiscate and further investigate this
Me: but...but...
[walks away sadly because there is nothing left I can say]

I doubt that will happen, but it'll probably cause some suspicious looks. It doesn't even have a red button! My button is blue, so there. The flashy red lights do not signal the preparation of explosives.

Off to Junior Assembly, toodles!

Tuesday, July 17, 2007 - I thought that school didn't start until Aug. 20?

current view of a Baker cluster

Currently updating from a Baker cluster on a short self-induced break from Cog. Its freezing, but I can concentrate better here than on my own computer, regardless of how many people are in and out.

Yet another group project. Every Monday there is a new one. This time, something else involving banks and CDs. Not as interesting this time, but just another thing to get over with.

So work work work work work work work SURPRISE BANG BANG BANG ON YOUR DOOR work work work work work work work

12:40am last night, BANG BANG BANG on my door, it's an RA! "Letter from the assistant director for you and your roommate. If you have any concerns you can speak to Damian or bring it up at the Junior Assembly kthnxbye" ::slight panic:: huh!? Ripping it open seconds later, it appears that I have signed in late on Friday, July 13th? Sure. I don't think so, but the tone of the letter was somewhat insulting, especially for something unlikely true. "Blah blah this is an official warning you ungrateful brat without focus that doesn't care about this wonderful opportunity!" That was a bit of an exaggeration, but it was something like that. A bunch of other seemingly innocent people received letters too. There is a floor meeting tonight, supposedly with this issue as the topic matter, so let's see what they say...

This is turning out to be more like school that I originally thought. The whole 9-5, like a job, thing can get tiring, although it's worth it. But it is a school where you actually learn stuff! Wow! I've never been to one of those! Nonetheless, there is still fun, like in electronics today:

there are even worse pictures to match

In spite of all the fun, we still get work done too. I was the second person to get my op-amp and speaker working, so I got it to play music from my iPod and show the output on the oscilloscope. I started the dice game today, but I should be finished by Friday, well I kinda have to be.

It seems to be the point in the program where the workload has come to a constant state and everyone is always working. Sure, most of the people in the cluster now have Facebook and YouTube open in another tab, but I'm sure they're working hard on Cog and their essays and such. Suuuure.

So...Gustavo introduced me to Mika, this guy that is pretty popular in Europe now, and I've heard one of the songs before, but now I can't get it out of my head! And that stupid Satisfaction song! Oh well...that's what iPods are for. The iPod that happens to be dying. All of those Apple rumors were true. iPods tend to begin to act funny JUST as the warranty expires. My warranty expired July 3, 2007. Coincidence? There have been false battery indicator warnings for a while, even though I have reloaded the firmware several times. Naturally, the battery life has decreased greatly too, but I don't know if they even make iPod mini batteries anymore. Apple no longer supports the Mini, so I'm a bit screwed when it finally croaks. Christmas?

Back to the Cog! 6 units down, 6 to go!

Sunday, July 15, 2007 - Relaxing Sunday

I feel just as the title says. This song by The Postal Service perfectly describes how I feel today. It's one of my favorites.

♫ Don't wake me I plan on sleeping. Don't wake me I plan on sleeping in. Don't wake me I plan on sleeping. Don't wake me I plan on sleeping in. Again last night I had that strange dream, where everything was exactly how it seemed... ♪

I went to sleep at like 4:30am and woke up around 1:30pm today. It was nice to sleep without being interrupted by construction trucks, vacuums from the cleaning service, and alarm clocks.

I think I will leave today to be a relaxing day. I might take a little ride to Lucci's pizza in Squirrel Hill later, but otherwise I think that I'll spend the day inside doing some Cog and getting an early start on Physics.

It seems to become more and more common that comedies aren't really funny anymore. Maybe I have just changed my perception, but doesn't it seem like the when you go to see a comedy film, the only funny parts are the ones shown in the commercial? License to Wed was like that. Every scene with Robin Williams was, of course, hilarious. Otherwise, I could have taken a nap in between. I actually did for about 5 minutes. And then I woke up and was like "Woah! How did they get to Jamaica?!"

The Waterfront is quite a mall/plaza/shopping center. I finally bought How To Read Literature Like A Professor from Barnes & Noble in preparation for AP English Lang next year. I love Barnes & Noble. It is such an amazing store. I can't say that about all bookstores though, it is just BN. Every time you go in, no matter what location, the smell of billions of pages of literature mixed with the aromas from the coffee shop just captures you. I wish I had time to just go in there and read all the books that I desire. I wish I had time to read all of the books that I buy from there, lol. B & N giftcards for Christmas, anyone?

On another note, I need to go out and buy some more cherry Lifesavers. They make me happy!

8:30pm:
Just got back from Squirrel Hill. It's a nice little district. I may go back later on this week.

Lucci's was great again. Turns out that they have a $4.99 Wednesday Spaghetti special which includes a pasta dish, salad, and bread. And it is not only eat-in. Carry-out, delivery, and campusfood.com too! That is a much better deal than anything that I can find around here. You can get something like that at the Underground at Morewood for like $7.50. And I bet it tastes GOOD! I know where I'll be eating Wednesday. One major thing that I noticed while out and about today is that Pittsburghers are rude. No one seems happy here. Everyone looks so mean when walking down the street, and if they don't, then they aren't from here. I suppose that is big city mentality.

I went to the Giant Eagle across the street afterwards and got a few snacks and a half-case of water. I realized a few days ago that I haven't been drinking any water at all for the past 2 weeks. Maybe only once. So I got some. They didn't have any cherry Lifesaver packages, so I had to settle for the 5-flavor package. I love the color orange, oranges, and orange juice, but hate orange lifesavers. The smell of the produce section reminded me of what produce sections used to smell like. Giant Eagle is a cool little supermarket.

One more thing to get accustomed to is the bus system. All that I know now is that the 59U and the 61C go to the Waterfront, passing Squirrel Hill on the way, and that the 64A picks up from the waterfront but DOES NOT go back to Carnegie Mellon. Some drivers want you to "pay" when you get off, others want you to "pay" when you get on. It is confusing! If I show my card early, they yell to "PAY WHEN YOU GET OFF" but other times, if I don't show it before boarding, they say "AND YOUR PASS IS WHERE?!" Sheesh, soooorrry! I know how to solve it. Just get all of the buses equipped with RFID, so if you aren't really "paying" then the bus will know, and if your are paying with cash, then you can just do so. Or a smaller step could be to make all of the passes swipe-able. But all the drivers do say "Have a nice day/afternoon/evening!" when each person gets off. Also, in order for the bus to stop, you have to be standing on the street when the bus comes, or else it will pass you by. I can't even count how many people buses have whizzed by this weekend. I like riding the bus here though, it feels different that doing so at home.

Friday, July 13, 2007 - Again

Noelle HATES groups projects. Let me say it louder. I HATE group projects. There aren't many, if any, other things that I truly hate, but group projects are definitely on my list. I knew that I disliked them a lot, but today really confirmed that I hate them.

So my brilliant concept of Little Hollywood gets what? A FUCKING B!!

Yes, it may seem like I am overreacting or going over board or whatever, but at this point, I don't care what it looks like. I stayed up until TWO THIRTY working on this alone. Now, if I knew that "we" were going to get a B, I would have done the power point this morning, as it wouldn't have mattered. This working as a collective unit thing isn't fair. I hate to be bratty and say it, but it's not fair! Why should I suffer and be responsible for someone else's lack of initiative? After the second pointless "meeting" that we had, we really didn't get much done, so I started it by myself, hoping that they would pull themselves together and we could use my additional idea as a backup, but by Thursday, the day before, we were pretty much going with everything that I had originally planned on Wednesday night. They were all freaking out thinking that we didn't have much to present, but oh little did they know about me! They wrote a few good key things, but generally, it was pointless to work as a group.

Mr. Baker pulled each group out after the presentations to review, and goes over each person individually, in addition to the whole concept. Bottom line: the loan was approved, and he thinks that it is a great business venture.......BUT!......of course everyone has flaws. He didn't like that each person didn't present all of their slides at once, and that someone didn't know the material well enough (duh!), and that someone else didn't explain clearly, and for me, well shame on me, I was standing at an angle instead of straight ahead.

Mr. Baker: So okay guys, I thought it was great, you get a B!
Group: OH WOW great!
Noelle: (silence)
(After)
Group: Noelle, aren't you glad, we got a B!
Noelle: No.
Group: Why! Oh come on, it is the first project, it is okay!
Noelle: So! It doesn't matter. A B is a B. Not an A. I put in effort for an A, not a B.
Group: Oh you're just overreacting, it is just a B, a B is good.
Noelle: Don't you guys understand how easy this was? And to get a B? It is a let down to myself. Perhaps you have different standards. It just doesn't sit well with me, okay. Enjoy your B!
Group: We can always do better next time!
Noelle: (thinking to myself) yeah, you can.
(A little later)
Group: Oh, I think no one got an A, everyone got a B
Noelle: okay
Group: See, so we did just fine!
Noelle: um, okay...great

Okay, so I am an elitist. THERE I SAID IT. Regardless of common interpretation, elitism isn't always that bad. I don't discriminate or anything or make it too apparent. I can't help what my outlook is and how I think. I don't think I've hurt anyone, so deal.

I finished up my Physics homework during lunch and then made it there a little before being just on time. The test wasn't that hard, although I wasn't 100% on everything. I am pretty sure on several of my answers though. It always worries me when I finish tests early, even though I actually looked it over at least 5 times front to back before it was collected.

Electronics was again weird. I didn't enjoy it, but the 2 hours always seem to slowly pass. It began to rain, and then pour, and then hail, so we all stood at the window for a minute watching it. Towards the end everyone got bored or finished and began arm wrestling. JD lost every time! Even to Mr. Peterson AND Kevin (the TA)! They got Kevin to arm wrestle. I never would have guessed it.

the view on the way from Doherty to Hamerschlag today

This was so creepy and eerie. It was chilly outside and pretty dark to be only 5. We saw this suspicious bright white cloud nestled in between the trees and behind the dorms on the hill. It was moving really oddly. At a different speed from the rest of the clouds nearby and like it could turn into a tornado any moment, although that isn't how tornadoes are formed. It started to drizzle on the way up, but I don't think that it started raining again, although there was a little thunder. For some reason it never rains lightly in Pittsburgh. It is either just drizzling or pouring.

I split a delicious pizza XL between 4 people from Lucci's. We ordered it on campusfood.com and they delivered in less than an hour. It was great. The pizza was kind of runny, and they were cut into long slim slices, but it was still good, no matter how greasy.

So after sitting in the lounge for about an hour, maybe 2, on my computer, the charging icon goes away. Goodbye to this AC adapter. It has lived a short life. 2 months. I decided to chat with HP, but my computer died midway through the chat. I went upstairs to get my other one, when I got caught in there tape of foolery. After explaining my situation about the warranty and repairs in an a simple question, the guy investigated my case and then offered to have it shipped back and repaired at no cost. He then said that a case/work order was filed and that I would receive a confirmation call in 5-10 minutes. 20 minutes later I get a call from India. "Hello? Is this Ms. Manning?" Haha, Ms. Manning. Hey that's me! So the checks all of the addresses and details and such, and then mentions something about buying the warranty. I mentioned that the first guy told me that I didn't have to get the extended one since I contacted them 2 months ago and they didn't properly address the problem and it returned. SECONDS later I get another message from the chat guy asking if I got the call. I tell him that they guy on the phone is asking me to purchase the warranty, and I also ask if that was part of the deal, even though he said it was completely free. So then he goes into some spiel about how it is a good idea although it is $119 for a year. The guy on the phone goes and speaks to his supervisors and then comes back with "Okay the box will be at CMU on Monday to ship back! Bye." I end the conversation with the online guy and he gives me the tracking numbers and sends the email verification. Minutes later, I get another call from India about purchasing the extended warranty. What is their problem. Did I not say "no, I don't think so" like 40 times already. So two hours wasted, and I have finally come to a conclusion.

I ended up figuring out the problem with the laptop myself. I realized that there wasn't a problem with any of the AC adapters. It was the computer. Specifically the pin or power jack. I touched it with a pen lightly and it wiggled. Not good. That means that there is a loose connection, electricity is not being transfered well, and there could be a short soon. This explained a lot. It was getting hotter and hotter until the contacts were burned/melted off of the inside of the adapter. The chill pad really couldn't help this. I hope that they actually fix it this time, or else I hope that spare adapter lasts me until August when I can get it back to CompUSA.

The second full length SAT Diagnostic is tomorrow, oh wait...today, at 9am. Perhaps I'll do better with 2 weeks of SAT prep? I can actually go to sleep early! A bunch of people are going to go see Harry Potter tomorrow as one of the organized trips, but I think I'll just go along and see Licensed to Wed instead. Sleep! Before 2am! Wow.

Friday, July 13, 2007 - Sleep...haha, yeah right!

This has been the craziest week ever. For no apparent reason though. For the past, oh, 4 nights I have gone to sleep at 3:30am. Why the fuck hell non-expletive can I not go to sleep at a reasonable hour?! Ironically, this whole sleep issue has come up twice today. First in Master Student. On Tuesday, like 6 people fell asleep during that class. I don't blame them, it's boring. But that is the reason why curfew got pushed back. Coincidentally, we happened to read Chapter 2 - Planning for Thursday. So yesterday I had to listen to how much of a bad, non-master student I am/will be because I don't use a planner, write down everything, and get 8 hours of sleep. There was this study tip of studying TWO hours for every hour in class. That would mean 14 hours of studying EVERY day, except weekends, this summer. Apparently the writers of Master Student are writers because they aren't good at math. 7 hours in class, 14 hours of studying, 8 hours of sleep. Sounds like 29 hours to me. What planet is that? I couldn't ever imagine studying for 14 hours in one day. I couldn't imagine doing anything for 14 hours in one day, maybe sleeping. So we filled out all of these time management and to do list charts, but it seems like a waste of paper to me. I don't think I really need an extensive planner, but just something to write everything down in by date so I won't forget.

After Master Student, I was headed to lunch as I ran into Imani and Bonvincent, who told me that the line at the Cafe was long, like almost out the door, so we headed over to find somewhere in the University Center to eat. Si Senor had a decent sized line, so we headed over to Skibo. Now I have heard about this Skibo place before but never really knew where it was or what they had on their menu. It was hidden in some corner on the upper level of the UC. This place wasn't small or deserted or anything either, just somewhat off the beaten path. By the time we got there, half of our Master Student class was already there! We looked over a menu while in line and it looked like they had better food than in than anywhere else on campus. It was reasonably priced, and everything looked and smelled good as people walked by. I wanted an Amp SOO bad. But I really didn't want to pay $3.00 for it when I can get it for $1.75 elsewhere. I ended up going the safe way and just getting a 9in cheese pizza + fountain drink. $5.75. A pretty decent price, although I could get a 12in pizza and a can of soda somewhere in the city for that price. Nonetheless, we went to sit down and waited for our numbers to be called. The dining area was really nice. There were traditional chairs and tables, and then couches and such. I guess because it is the Skibo Coffeehouse, although they sell way more than your typical Starbucks. While waiting, interesting topics came up, such as a small random balcony over the dining area, which we concluded was for public suicides after CMU became too much. Numbers were called before and behind all of ours. Everyone that got a sandwich or soup or salad of some sort got their food first, but all of us pizza-eaters were last! I was 238, Richard was 224, Imani was 231, and Bonvincent was 233. I remember when 242 was called a LOUD sigh was heard. But as soon as anyone's number was called, they leaped up before confirming the last digit completely. It was like eating at the Cafe like forever had turned us all into raging (vicious plural noun) that couldn't wait to eat real food. The pizza was okay. It wasn't bad, just not amazing or anything. It tasted like a DiGiorno, even though it was fresh.

I made it back to my room with enough time to take a 20 minute nap before Junior Assembly and exchange books. It was quite refreshing. In Junior Assembly one of the first issues that they brought up before the main topic was the sleeping issue. People were falling asleep in classes and such and this program costs $400,000 total, so you are an expensive risk, blah blah THIS IS NOT SUMMER CAMP blah blah YOU ARE HERE TO LEARN and have fun blah blah we care about you and your education this is a great experience so don't mess it up or we'll kick you out! Even though I don't go to sleep at a reasonable hour, I don't fall asleep in class. Honestly, I think people fall asleep in class because they think that it's boring. I'm sure everyone knows that, but it's just one of those unmentionables. So anyway, during this lovely session, there were REAL LIVE CMU students. They basically told us stuff about CMU that they encountered and whatnot, and then we got to ask them questions. Of course there was no one there with anything close to my major of interest, so I just listened while they spoke about architecture, economics, studying abroad, statistics, and some other stuff that I really wasn't interested in. They did bring up something about CMUs involvement in the DARPA Grand Challenge, but there wasn't much for them to elaborate on. I didn't chime in, even though I knew ALL about it.

Haha, they also explained the "communication issue" from last Saturday in Junior Assembly. Apparently while in a class or lab or something, someone, who writes crazy stories all the time, decided to write a horror/murder/mystery story involving SAMS people with unique ways for each of the characters to die around CMU. Someone looked over their shoulder and mistook it for a hit list and anonymously reported it. I think it is hilarious now, but it of course in the post-911, VT, blah blah dangerous world that we live in we must take the necessary precautions. She said that they confiscated her notebook for evidence, but I want to see the story lol!

On to electronics...um, yeah. Major suxors! Interesting how I like this class some days and how I hate it others. I never really love it though. Only 1 week left! We'll probably be working on that dice game sometime next week.

So off to dinner and then to the lab, after an interesting situation with TJs cake, and we are off to Baker. Group projects REALLY don't work well. Like, ever. I ended up doing all of the work, but the presentation looks beautiful, so it is okay, I guess. I still have some work to do for tomorrow. But I'm ssssssssllllllllleeepppyyyyyy......

Tueday, July 10, 2007 - Interesting

Physics was cool today. This just proves it. The last 1:30 minutes are the best.



Electronics was also cool. I finished up my counter yesterday. It uses a 555 and 4017, which counts from 1-10, and the LEDs flash accordingly. We finished up working with the sirens and started with transistors today. In the video below, notice how the it counts faster when I switch out the capacitor.



Yesterday I re-Googled Quizno's and found out that there was another one on S. Craig St., and 1 street over from Forbes. This was a much shorter walk. I find Quizno's with no problem, but just to my luck, they have made recently made made changes to their menu. There is only one thing that I like a Quizno's. The delicious meatball sub. Guess what is off of the menu? S. Craig St. just happens to have tons of restaurants though, so I went back to Maximum Flavor again and got popcorn chicken and fries for only $4.95. About the same portions that Zuccarelli's gives, but almost half the price. Besides the fries being soggy from sitting in the heat trapped styrofoam container for the 10 minute walk back, everything was pretty good. I might try the Noodley place over there one day.

After I got back I did some homework and all of that good stuff, but I always save Cog for last. I don't know why. It happened to be the day before the first deadline, Unit 4, was due. I was on Unit 3, Section 2, the last one before 4. But for some reason, it didn't like my answers and wouldn't give me gold bars :(. Eventually...around 2:30am, I just gave up, accepting that I might get a B or something. In the morning I decided to go to the lab a little early, and within 5 minutes...just like that...I finish the unit. It is a miracle, because he walked in and checked the progress like 15 minutes later.

I knew that SAT prep would suck, and it still does. I honestly just want to read the book, do the examples alone, and see what I can do from there. But no. I have to cover the words with my fingers, wait for everyone else to get the answer, and use time wasting method. Now they do have some pretty good methods, but I think I can adapt them to my learning/test taking styles better. There is another diagnostic this Saturday. Let's see if I can raise my score 200 points like they said by using POOD, POE, ballparking, hiding the answers, and plugging in! -_-

Speaking of learning styles...everyone is really hating Master Student. It is okay, but still kind of boring. So boring that apparently 6 people fell asleep during class. So boring that because of this, curfew was pushed back an hour to allow everyone more time to sleep! Yeah right, as if everyone will now go to sleep immediately as they get to their rooms right after 10. The RAs were disturbingly happy about this. Apparently a bunch of people already drink tons of Bawls, and I guess Kool-Aid & Coke is the new (or just something that I haven't heard of) recipe for an intense sugar high, so they'll be awake anyway. I don't really need any assistants, for some reason I am just naturally awake late, regardless of what time I went to sleep or woke up the night before. As in, I woke up at 6:40 this morning, and it is now 1:01am. I could stay awake for another hour or two with no troubles. But I won't. Not tonight.

That's my cue. Goodnight. Ugh IT IS SO HOT. I feel like I'm in a sauna or something 24/7. Well not 24/7, but a large part of the 24. It actually feels like it did a few days after the hurricane with no power. You can't even stay cool by remaining still. I don't look forward to going to sleep. And YES, hot air does rise...I feel it!

OH YEAH! Tomorrow, well today, is 7/11! Do you know what that means? Free slurpees!

edit: I did it again! It is 3:05am and I am not asleep! What is wrong with me! And to comment on Emile's comment, these are not Dillard people. Different, very very different...in a good way. And you're the one that IMed me at 2:15am...yeah...I'm going to try to go to sleep again now

Saturday, July 7, 2007 - First Weekend, Fun?

Started off the day with a whodunit. There were flyers around stating that there was a meeting for everyone at noon, starting in the lounge, moving over to a small auditorium in Margret Morrison. Apparently there were some "communication" issues. Some sort of problem I guess. Everyone was confused, I guess except for the people in the know. People were asking questions for clarification, but the same vague responses were given. "Um, lets just say there are some really bad com-mun-ication issues." And then it was revealed that it was something that was either really serious or just a really bad practical joke or misunderstanding. Then comes the detective of CMU Police. Uh-oh, this is serious. He explains the reason why police officers have been roaming our dorm halls and staircases and lounge, and that his door is always open blah blah serious confusion. By the time I got back from the Waterfront there were signs everywhere saying that this issue had been resolved and that it was just a misunderstanding. Still confused.

The public transportation system in Pittsburgh is quite different than that of Broward County. You pay when you get off, and then buses have plushy seats. The buses run frequently and are really clean too. The first 59U going to the Waterfront was completely full, so we had to take the 61C instead, which wouldn't drop off AT the waterfront, but close enough. Similar to taking a bus and getting off on Sunset Strip compared to 56th.

[Interruption]There is a Musical Movie Marathon tonight, starting um...NOW. Rent, Purple Rain, and Dream Girls. I am SO there. Do these people know me?!
OMG THEY SUCK! They turned off Purple Rain and now we are watching The Wiz. What ADD people...not even 20 minutes into The Wiz and that is turned off to watch Dreamgirls [/Interruption]

I saw Transformers at the Waterfront on Saturday. It was a great movie. I was surprised that I actually liked it, being that it was all action-adventury. There was a bit of comedy too. I want Bumble Bee! The waterfront is a beautiful shopping center. The selection of stores, restaurants, and entertainment is as extensive as Sawgrass, but it is outdoors and beautiful. I ate at Panera Bread, as I had heard great things about it before. There was a great selection of soups, salads, and sandwiches, but nothing much that grabbed me. Individual breads looked good, but I'm still not much of a sandwich person. I had the Chicken Caesar Sandwich, which was great. We coincidentally all met up at the bus stop at the same time and went back on the 59U, and the RAs and most of the people that came back on this ride stopped and got off at Boston Market. 2 others and I continued the 5 minutes back to campus.

Sunday was a slow, peaceful...well somewhat, day. After waking up late, and then having the town hall meeting, I went over to the Baker cluster to do some Cog so I wouldn't get distracted by my laptop around 2ish, and then around 3-4ish, I went for a walk...in search of Quiznos. Google Maps said that there was a Quiznos on Forbes Avenue, just past Banquet Street. Now little did I realize that this was a mile away. It didn't feel like a mile going there, but coming back in the sweltering heat it felt like 3 times as long. By the way, I never found Quiznos. I settled for a McDonalds instead, realizing that I had already crossed Banquet St. with no Quiznos in sight. I ordered the usual, 2 Snack Wraps, a medium fry, and a Barq's (no Dr. Pepper!). I chose to eat inside, and there was only one small table at the front(back?) near the window. There was a woman sitting at a nearby table that seemed to be staring at me almost every time that I looked up, occasionally taking a drink from her small beverage. Now, everything on her tray was completely empty, including the drink after a few minutes. I began reading my physics book to distract myself from getting too creeped out, but I would occasionally look up to dip a fry in ketchup or get a sip of my drink, and I'd see her...looking directly at me! I was finally finished and left...quickly. Less than 3 seconds after I got up, she got up too! I dashed out before she could even make her way to the trashcan and was already halfway down the block when she walked out. Luckily, she went the other direction.

I stopped at 7-11 and got a Slurpee on the way back. Hawaiian Punch slurpees are the shiznit! It's carbonated, sweet, icy, and just delicious. I think the best flavor yet. I mixed the top with the Mountain Dew flavor, but it was better alone. The walk back was pure bliss with my slurpee, but when it was gone, the heat and sloping streets and stairs started to bother me. I got back a few minutes before the marathon began, but I didn't get back downstairs in time for the beginning, so I missed the opening scene, Seasons of Love, of RENT.

The movie marathon wasn't much of a marathon, but everyone definitely enjoyed singing along to Dreamgirls. Especially "Listen" and "And I Am Telling You". I think almost the whole lounge was singing along, and there was more of a crowd in front of the TV every time a sing-a-long song came up. I was sitting on the floor, in front of the couches, so I was just absorbing everything in. It was the same sensation that people used to get when an old Michael Jackson song would come on. "Oooh I'm gonna be Deena!" "You're Effie in this scene!" "OHH this is the gooood part!" "Who's gonna be Curtis?!" "Shutup shutup I want the mic(brush)!" The RAs were even more into it. No one left until after the credits stopped completely, ending the movie with a standing ovation...in front of a large, very large TV screen.

I did all of my homework (well, most) on Friday night, so I didn't have much to do except for some Cog after the movie.

In the meantime, I uploaded some more pictures here.

Friday, July 6, 2007 - First Week

I've been here for almost a week, not quite, although the week of class isn't over yet. I still have to go to Physics and Electronics today. Everything is pretty easy so far, including Conceptual Mathmatics and "The Cog". Cognitive Tutor for all of you out of the know. SAT Prep is so dreadfully SLOOOWWW. I wonder if real college students really have to carry around SO many big heavy books at one time? My bookbag was insanely heavy today, good thing Jansports are forever!

I came up here during lunch to drop off my books and possibly do some work, but um...yeah pulling out my computer was a bad idea. I have plenty of time though. No procrastination yet...well, not much. I guess I should leave tor Physics now...

Electronics is getting a little cooler, though still a bit fuzzy.

this

should soon look like

this

edit: awesome, originally posted at 1:08!

Thursday, July 5, 2007 - A Soggy Day in Pitt

view from my window today

It was very foggy and odd outside when I woke up this morning. I woke up with the worse sinus headache ever, but it went away within an hour. Everyone from away seems to wake up really uncomfortable around here. The birds are REALLY noisy in the morning, and there is construction going on at the surrounding residence halls, so my alarm clock is almost unnecessary now.

I got up and went to breakfast later today, as I arrived way to early to class the previous day. No plain bagels. I tried a wheat bagel instead AND used the bagel slicer. Now either they have a shitty bagel slicer, or I am just stupid. It came out better than yesterday, but it still wasn't sliced to perfection. The wheat bagel wasn't too bad, except for the pieces of random wheat stuff I guess that I could distinctly separate from the bready part.

It was 8:50 when I left the Cafe, with 10 minutes left to get to Baker, almost clear across campus. I walked fast, as did everyone else, with most of the classes start at 9. I made it there in about 5 minutes, but there were a few others that came in after. I remember Mr. Baker saying at the first class don't bother to come in early, as it doesn't matter because he won't be there, so I'll try to arrive right on time. Maybe I'll leave at 8:15 to go to breakfast instead of 8:30.

Conceptual Math was great today. I wasn't expecting to like the course at all, but the Cognitive Tutor CD is great. WHY couldn't I have had this in Pre-Calc last semester?! I would have had an A. When Mr. Baker ended the class, no one wanted to stop. Those moving green and finally gold bars were addictive! The program caters to your individual reactions to problems, so if you miss a specific aspect of a problem, such as finding h in a translation like me, you will most likely get the same problem over and over with different numbers. The concepts are really beat into you.

Master Student was again boring interesting. We did a Learning Style Inventory and a Discovery Wheel chart. It basically identified your strengths and weaknesses in reference to common study, school/work, social related habits. I thought I would like this class a lot, but I really don't like group work and this class is really group-oriented. Something else to just deal with, as I've already gotten used to it. Dr. Tinsley seems like a cool instructor, she makes everything understandable, but I've done a lot of things in the book before on my own. We did some goal setting activity today, with prioritizing and such, if only I had my blue notebook from last semester where I did all of this extensively one day. I'll play along with a positive outlook. For some reason, this class has a negative connotation because it reminds me of FLVS Health SO much.

Lunch is almost the same every day, they just alternate between some sort of noodly or cheesy or seafood dish in addition to everything else. I had a hotdog and fries, but again with the ketchup tragedy, the hot dog was cold by the time I could properly adorn it, but the fries were okay. There was cantaloupe! And it was mighty delicious. I went back up to my room after eating lunch in less than 30 minutes. It started to drizzle on my way up, but it was tolerable "Like a midget spitting on your shoulder" as Damian mentioned yesterday before leaving for Kennywood. I read a few things for various classes and sorted my notebook and desk again as the rain increased. It was pour, and then slow down, and then pour, and then slow down, and then the duct tape fell off the sky and let it all out. See, that is Noelle's Storm Cloud Theory. The atmosphere is similar to a large, almost plastic-like, movable bag. Some holes in the atmosphere has been patched with duct tape, which is why it looks dark when it is about to storm. The water presses on the bag, forcing it down into visible sight on the earth. When it rains, the duct tape gives slowly, with a few drops leaking out, and then finally the whole thing falling off. The rest is difficult to explain with other weather phenomenons. Ask me some other day if you are interested.

I repacked my bag and changed into sneakers because of the rain for Junior Assembly, which was in a small auditorium in the basement of Baker. I walked under the canopy near Hamerschlag, wagering to wait if the rain would let up. It didn't, so I ended up walking out in the rain, getting soaked almost instantly. I walked as fast as I can, but it was tricky going down a slippery incline. Squeaking down the large sloping hall and down 2 flights of stairs, I arrived to the freezing cold room soaked, followed by more dripping-wet people. I don't know why everyone [the staff] thought it was so funny, being perfectly dry with their large umbrellas! The assembly is hosted by the CMARC staff to review whatever and anything for the first part, and also to bring in guest speakers from around CMU and wherever to talk about leadership, college, planning, management and all of that good stuff. A guy from CMU Student Services came to talk about leadership, just what I needed. I don't know why everyone in my group thought that my answers were brilliant, I honestly thought that it was obvious.

It was all clear, yet still foggy/cloudy outside after Junior Assembly ended a little late. Electronics was right across the patch of grass in Doherty Hall, so it was a short walk, not enough time to soak in the sun, or lack thereof. This is the coldest classroom ever, yet there is some concept of turning on another fan to allow warm air in? The instructor presented a brief introduction to 555 chips as the TA passes out some reading material. I understood the schematics better today, and was able to get mine working, although smoking 3 LEDs in the process. I thought that it was my fault, but when Kevin came over to check, he noticed that the chip was bad. Mocking the Mac thing "It's not my fault." I had everything right. My fingers smelled like burnt electronics for a while after though. The only good point of being in this freezing classroom was that I finally dried off, although still freezing.

Dinner was the same as lunch, except that I had a Sierra Mist and salad too. I wanted more cantaloupe, and there was plenty, but it looked like it had been sitting there since lunch. After lunch I went back to my room, but ended up falling asleep instead of doing whatever I planned to do. A nap never hurts. Internet surfing and blogging does. That's my cue. Um.. there is a hall meeting in an hour, so I'll head down there in a few and "hit the books" until then. Gah, I hate that term. ::SMACK:: to you SAT Prep!

OMG I just exploded my Coke! At least it's still cold after 3.5 hours.

Wednesday, July 4th, 2007 - The 4th @ Kennywood

I woke up late today, as the buses didn't leave until 11am. Kennywood was a short drive away, no more than 30 minutes. The park is kind of like Six Flags, as they promote traditionalism. I think they are ranked for several different things. The rides and coasters were all pretty great. I went on all of them, except the water rides and Exterminator, which I didn't come across. I went on Phantom, their biggest and only steel coaster, twice. It doesn't beat the Hulk.

I also had a funnel cake, I don't even recall how many years ago I had one, maybe at Lake Lanier that summer? I still can't eat a whole one, regardless of how delicious it was. I also didn't know that LifeSavers made slushees. Delicious, but unfortunately not carbonated.

I took some more pictures of the room and such, but I really need to read these 60 pages of chapter 1 for Master Student and finish up the physics stuff.

Presents!

Pics from the Past Few Days

The Room

My Cave
My Desk
The Closet