5.5 hour break

Hey guys so today I have two of my finals- Principals of Finance and Ethics. What that means is I have a 5 and a half hour break between my classes. So today I'll be sitting in the library watching southpark.

It's such an amazing thing that berkeley college has free wifi for its students and pretty comfy couches located throughout the building. Otherwise I'd have to use a desktop computer and I just don't find sitting at a desk all too appealing in comparison to lounging on a comfy couch.

On more academic levels I finished my principals of finance final today and I think I did really good! The only question I wasn't too sure on was one involving IRR. In truth, I wasn't too sure what IRR even was. However, after trying a bunch of different formulas and equations I think I got how to solve the problem!

I also got my research paper back from Principals of finance and I got an A-. I'd tell you why I got the minus but I haven't the fondest notion because he didn't write any comments on my paper.

Personally I can't stand when professors do that because I almost feel as if they didn't read my report. Nonetheless, he said if I ever needed any help in the subject to feel free to bother him so I''m sure he wont mind if I ask him about that minus.

An interesting Email

Hey guys, I just checked my Berkeley College email and received a rather interesting email.

"Dear Honors Students,

In recognition of the outstanding academic achievement that acceptance into the Berkeley College Honor Society represents, each of you who is registered for HON200 in the Winter Quarter, beginning January 2011, will receive an iPad as a gift from the College. The leather binding of the iPad will be embossed with the words Berkeley College Honors.

The iPad will be used extensively through the Honors Seminars as a way to surf the internet, to read electronic texts, to keep a journal and even to develop the components of a portfolio that will track your learning in a very personal way.

Please note that the iPad will be offered only to those students registered in the program.

Sincerely,

Dr. William Cipolla

Director, Honors Program"

I just figured I'd post this. Do good in Berkeley college and get a free ipad! I think you need a 3.8 GPA after a year enrollment in order to be accepted and get your free ipad. I remember filling out the paperwork and whatnot but I didn't think I'd be accepted. I definitely didn't think I'd get a free ipad out of it.

Almost the final week

Hey guys so we're almost at the final week of this loooovely journey of Fall'10. I'd like to thank everyone out there who emailed me and told me to keep at it, and wished me luck. I'm proud to say I think I've done just fine this quarter and will continue my academic learnings and what not.

I've given in my Principals of Finance report that was a whopping 20 pages-- all of which was written in one night. Totally not a good idea. So, now all I have to do is prepare for the onslaught of finals. I know my Principal of Finance final is in a week from today, and the other two classes I haven't the fondest notion. That's probably not a good thing.

I suppose i'll find out when my law final is in an hour or so. You know, I really am going to miss these two hour breaks, which I spend typing away on my laptop. At first, I found it a tad awkward not knowing where to go or what to do but after you get in the cycle of doing it twice a week everything just seems to fall into place.

So far all of those who hate their schedules, don't worry you'll get into the habit of it sooner or later.

Phone-less for a day

I always knew I depended on technology for a lot of things. I mean, I bring me laptop to school everyday, I check my email like 4 times a day, I don't even bring one book to school because every textbook I have is on my computer, and I haven't taken notes by hand since sophomore year in high school- and chances are the note taking was none too frequent.

However, I figured I'd be able to survive without my cell phone for the day- but I am finding it very hard. Even as I write these words i'm wishing I had my iphone 4 with me because it carries all of my music. Instead I find myself listening to the dull hum of the computers next to me and my own constant typing. Yet as odd and naked I feel without my beloved iphone I must say that being 'unplugged' from technology seems to make me more creative, and more sociable.

I mean, as I write these very words and listen to the cacophony of sounds idly I can't help but feel inspired to zone out through my writing. Yet I'm not quite sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing. I mean, have I become so dependent on music and other singular forms of socializing that I need to escape into my written world of stories in order to cope with reality? That's probably just the novelist in me talking.

Regardless, I must say Berkeley college has given me the means to write a story as I have found a nice nook within the A building. Wish me luck guys, I don't even know what I want to write about- but I'll keep you posted.

Words of the wise: Listening to nothing lets you hear yourself.

Back to school

I hope everyone had an amazing thanksgiving! Mine was alright. Sadly my older brother got sick so I made it my mission to irritate the contagious little bugger until turkey time. But enough about my randomness.

What the passing of thanksgiving really means is that it is crunch time in school as we only have a couple of weeks left before the quarter closes. It also means research projects and finals. Something I just can not be cheerful about. I find that everyone becomes just a tad more stressed than usual at these times so I suggest that instead of cramming every piece of knowledge you've learned in the last few months into your head you take a deep breath and relax.

Personally, when I stress out in my classes I tend to do worse not better. However, if you take a laid back approach and tackle each problem strategically then you'll do a lot better.

As I've mentioned in previous blogs you can also use the Academic Support Center to help you out in your studying if need be. I know that I find them very useful!

Good luck guys, I'm gonna go work on my Principals of Finance project!

Food for though: What is 'happiness'?

Zumba Fitness!

Hey guys, I'm pretty sure I blogged about Zumba before seeing as its the only gym class I follow religiously, but I got news in regards to it.

Today was the release date of the new Zumba Fitness video game, and I of course ran out to the nearest electronics store searching for it. The first store I hit was best buy on 5th avenue and 45th street and after 20 minutes of searching I asked a guy who worked there if he knew of it. I must say I love the response when I say the name "zumba" and "video game." What's a zumba? They tend to ask which launches me into a lengthy explanation about the dance workout routine it is. However, I suppose to the gaming community its even harder to comprehend.

Regardless, the first store I found didn't have it because it was on back order. Instead of waiting a day or two I decided to hike up to Rockafeller center where there is a gamestop. I must say that Rockafeller center is absolutely gorgeous at this time. I suggest you visit the area and go iceskating at least once in your lifetime its absolutely magical. As for the game, I'll tell you once I get home to play it.

Moral Obligation to Vote

In Ethics a friend and I have been singled out to debate the entire class on whether their is a 'Moral Obligation' to vote, as a resident in the United States. The idea of two students arguing against the opinion of 25 students at first might seem scary, or just unfair, but I believe the odds are actually in my favor. Perhaps it is because I find myself to be the best debater in the class, and partnered with a close, but less argumentative, number two.

Regardless, the topic is one I feel very strongly on because I personally don't see a need to vote in elections unless I feel strongly towards a candidate. My argument for the class will be the following:

The word Moral is defined as the 'right' principals of behavior which are conformed to by the majority. The word Obligation is defined as a duty; an action that must be done. These two words together bring up the phrase "Moral Obligation" that is often thrown about freely in order to make subjects comply. One major misuse of the word is involved in voting. Frank Pavone, the president of Priest for Life, was one of the main coiners of the belief that their is a moral obligation to vote. He claimed that their is a moral obligation to vote, and urged people to go out and vote against pro-abortion laws.

Even in the 'Scripture' of moral voting their is an underlying agenda. Frank Pavone would have you believe that their is only a Moral Obligation to vote when you are voting for a Moral reason. I assure you if you disagree with Pavone, then you are released from having a 'moral obligation' of some sort.

Outside of the Christianity and religious yucks trying to push their influences into the peoples minds their is more proof that their is no 'Moral Obligation' to vote. Approximately only 50% of the United states population cast a presidential ballot in presidential elections. The percentage is even lower in local elections. As the webster dictionary states, something is moral only when it is grossly accepted by the public. If half of the population does not vote then it is not GROSSLY accepted as a moral.

...

The debate continues in much more depth but how do you guys like it so far?

Sick *sad face* and email accounts

Hey guys, today I'm writing to you from the comfort of my own room. For today is the day I admit... I have a bad cold. I've emailed my Professors of my lovely cold and am now taking refuge under about 20 blankets in order to keep myself warm.

My cat says hi! Shes walking on my computer as we speak... lovely little kitten devil...

As I was saying before, being sick has one benefit, it gives me a reason to talk about the email system in berkeley college. As you all know you are given an email account when you first register at the school. This email account is how they contact you, your professors will notify you, and how everyone pretty much communicates. My email is even hooked up to this blogging account to notify me every time someone comments!

This is why I stress that not only do you check your email once a day, but if you can, set it up so your phone will notify you every time you get another email.

Well guys I know this was a short blog but I don't want to give my computer a virus! Hah, its a joke because I'm sick and... yeah it wasn't funny I know....

Words of the wise: don't let a sick 19 year old work a toaster...

redbull, and midterms!

Hey everybody out there in interwebz land!

Ok, so I'm typing to you on a redbull high and having just finished my Principals of finance midterm. Probably wasn't the brightest idea because I wrote so much extra information I had to ask for an extra book half way through. Sad part is I didn't know ANYTHING on one of the questions and I couldn't even pretend to know it. I managed to guess 3 out of 5 of the elements of the question but on the other two I just gave up. Hopefully partial credit will at least get me a B on this midterm.

So, as stated previously I'm on a redbull high! yes, I've drank 2 medium (12 fl) redbulls and it's not even 10:00AM. In fact, I probably drank them before 9:30. BUT I DIGRESS!

In really really really REALLY good news, my business law class posted the midterm grades and I got a brilliant A in the class. Can I get a w00t w00t? Ok, I should attempt to calm down because some of you probably think I'm insane as is, but I assure you there is a thin line between insanity and genius... I walk that line!

In other news, I would like to offer you all the greatest studying tool in the whole wide UNIVERSE! You probably already use it, but I assure you you don't to its full potential. Acronyms! For my law exam I made a bunch of acronyms in order to remember the lengthy amount of information it required me to. For example- CLOC is an acronym for the elements of a contract. Consideration, Legal Purpose, Offer and Acceptance, and Competency. Another one I made up for Law was for the elements of Fraud. KIRD- Knowledge, Intent, Reliance, and Damages.

If you can't form a word out of them you could always create a sentence to remember it. Remember, from elementary school, how you learned the 9 planets in our system? My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nine Pizzas. Though, Pluto is no longer a planet... I suppose it should go My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nachos... I blame the RedBull...

Today's words of the wise 19 year old: Never over think anything, you have one life to live waste it DOING things, not THINKING of what you COULD do. Though I'm sure these words can be turned obviously against me.

Midterm day? Or Not.

So as I posted Tuesday today was the day of 2 of my 3 midterms. Well, I showed up at 8:00 AM with a redbull in hand ready to take on the evil Principals of Finance test, but there was no teacher there. Apparently class was canceled. A couple of students were scattered in the class room chatting about how they wished they would have checked their blackboard... Silently I wished I had did the same.

So for all Berkeley college students I make a very very very strong suggestion that before you leave everyday, in the morning, check you Berkeley college email and blackboard. Otherwise you might look like a drowned cat as you sit in the library (it was raining and in my rush to be on time I forgot an umbrella).

Also to help remedy the problem I found out that blackboard has an Iphone Ap that you can install to alert you of announcements, and guess what, It's free! So for all you apple fanatics(I'm one and proud), I suggest you go download that free ap so you wont be like me.

Outside of me looking like a drowned cat, I have good news! I am officially done with my online course and I'm most definitely getting an A!!! Yes, that information needed to be in bold red letters... I would suggest taking accelerated course online to everyone who wants a competitive course because I find them to be very good.

Words of the wise: Don't forget your umbrella...ever.

The week of Midterms is upon us >.>

Hey guys, so its the last class before 3 midterms and I must say I am tired. In Principals of Finance we went over all the material and what not but I still don't feel terribly confident. For the test we need to memorize a bunch of ratios which I'm having a hard time committing to memory. That's why I'm attempting to think up catchy songs to help me memorize them. Wish me luck!

Outside of Principals of finance Business Law and Ethics are also having reviews today. In ethics we'll be submitting our own questions for the test. Hopefully it'll be an easy A because I have so much to study for as is. On that note everyone out there should take advantage of the Academic Support Center, which has super helpful people who are always willing to help you out. Personally I'd like to work there, but I'll wait until next year to try out.

In order to work there you have to have gotten an A in the course and also get a recommendation from the teacher. I would prefer to teach either Law or English but because I am an accounting major I doubt I'd be able to grab Law.

Oh, and my online course has its final this week wish me luck taking it! I've been doing good in the class and if my project and final go over well I'll have my first online A!

BUT, I digress... Midterms are all day thursday so wish me luck!

Words of the wise: Uses ASA before week 6 >.>

Spark of inspiration

Well, I know I don't usually post on Fridays and this late but I felt a need to talk about my latest spark of inspiration. Today I sat down and wrote a 7 page short story in about an hour and I must say, I very proud of myself. The problem is, what should I do with it? I would really like to give it to someone to read but I find that friends will only say "wow it's really good." Even teachers say that to me now and I find it rather irritating.

So I ask all readers who have an interest in English to leave a comment with there email if they would like to read it a review it. I think it would be a great idea to get a real peer review outside of school, so I hope everyone out there is willing to help.

The story is written in third person narration and is a conversation between Jane, Mary, and Daniel. It's in medias res, so there is no strict introduction in that sense. I personally think it adds more to the story. I'd love to hear what you guys think. Oh, by the way the entire think is about love and my personal ideas behind it.

Words of the wise: There are always people who wish to help its just a matter of finding them and asking.

Week 5

So we're nearing the half way point of our studies for this semester meaning the next week is going to be filled we lots and lots of midterms. I mean, between studying for Business law II and principals of Finance, I'm struggling to finish my final report that is due by Sunday for my online Ethics course.

That's the bad thing about doing an accelerated course before you know it it's over. Though I have gotten most of it done! All that I need to do is add a conclusion and create the bibliography page.

On that same note I am extraordinarily happy to say that I received a 100 on my last exam in that class meaning that as long as I get a B on this project and a 85 on the final test I will be getting my lovely A. Whew, I thought I might have to settle for less than perfection in this class but it seems that online courses are in fact a strength of mine.

I know this is a short post guys but I don't want to be late for ethics (the one that's not online).

I leave you with these wise words: Never settle for anything less than what you're worth.

Halloween

By far my favorite holiday ever, is halloween. There's just something about dressing up and acting like an idiot that i find appealing. Although normally I try and mix beauty with terror this year I decided I was going to be the most gruesome creature I could create. I'm a zombie.

Now most people just but a nice costume for a fair price but not me- I make my own costumes. So even though I saw a pretty decent zombie costume with tattered clothes and a skeleton mask, I took the more expensive route and bought a load of supplies.

Liquid latex, prosthetic gores, pints of blood, and a pair of scissors destroying and outfit. It was all worth it for the response I got out of my Girl Scout troop at the annual halloween party. Everyone kept telling me how I "didn't look like Jessica" I suppose zombification really does that to you.

I made the costume and applied everything myself and I must say it was not easy. I mean, my bathroom looked like a murder scene by the time I was ready.

Is the financial crisis of 2009 a business ethics scandal?

So my online course has recently handed out the project for the course. It irked me a bit that she didn't tell us more in advance and she left most of the class in bewilderment because no one knew where to find the information on the project. Eventually we found it in week four's welcoming notes, and quickly we began to discuss it on the discussion board.

Most people are choosing to write about the Enron case because it is by far the biggest and most well-known business scandal case. However, outside of that what other cases are there? I mean there are none so publicized that research is a matter of typing a word in google.

Being the rather difficult student I am I decided to enter more 'maybe' territories and argue that the financial crisis of 2009 was caused by a ethics scandal within banks. The fact that banks were giving out loans to people they knew couldn't pay them was morally wrong and because of those actions the stock market took a major hit.

What do you guys think about this topic? Green or Red light?

Words of the wise: Its always more fun to play in the gray but it may not be the wisest decision for your grade.

MTA makes me Angryface a lot

Does anyone ever wonder why the MTA is allowed to be a monopoly when their are so many antitrust and antimonopoly laws in our society. Can anyone really argue that the MTA is not a monopoly in New York? The public has no other option but to take the fair hikes and just pay them but its starting to get unrealistic!

I remember when the bus fair was $1.50 and it stayed that way all throughout my childhood, but now they want to raise it from $2.25 to $2.50. Although it may seem like a barely significant change it becomes quite noticeable when you look at the fair increase in monthly metrocards- a favorite of college students.

Monthly metrocards will be jumping from $89 to $104 a high increase for the already broke college students paying $25,000 tuition a year. Not to mention they've been cutting services left and right. buses that used to come every 7 minutes come 4 times an hour and usually all at once. Trains don't seem to ever run on weekends, and even on weekdays I normally have to deal with a train being over crowded because they cut back on the service.

Why is it that they cut services and ask us to pay more. Does anyone understand how a company can ask us to pay more for less of a good? I believe the MTA needs to be regulated by the state as a state program of transportation NOT a business.

I mean, we're constantly being told to help the environment, and unclog the city by using public transportation, but they're making traveling rather irritating. Not to mention they keep raising toll prices, which makes it hard to get into the city at all.

The MTA is a monopoly, which is allowed to exist because it was given the 'OK', but because it's ran as a business its filled with crooked higher-ups who give themselves raises freely and raise the fare of their irked subjects who are forced to pay.

Explain to me how this is productive to our environment? I would love to hear what you guys think.

Words of the wise college girl: If the MTA continues this way find a way to sleep in your first class so you'll get there in time.

Zumba and Scrabble

Hey guys so, for once I'm actually posting from the comfort of my own home, and I just felt a dire need to mention how much I love Zumba.

Zumba is a fairly new workout class that involves a mixture of different dancing, though hip hop and latin seem to be most prominent, and I must say it doesn't feel like a workout. I genuinely feel like I'm just hanging out and dancing with a bunch of friends. Its so unlike most step classes where your eyes will dart occasionally to the clock. Zumba is like having a party where you just dance and have fun. Oh, and for the record the dances aren't the classic stretches that most aerobics classes call 'dancing'. In Zumba you are getting low and shaking you butt!

Although it may not feel like you are working out it is a great workout nonetheless. An hour of Zumba burns on average 600 calories. From experience it also makes you just feel better with all the movement and catchy songs its hard not to smile and laugh.

Outside of Zumba I have become re-addicted to my most beloved board game- Scrabble. over the last few days I've played 10 games online and haven't lost a single one. I was wondering if their are any other Berkeley College students that like scrabble, if so perhaps we can form a little group within the school. After all, their is club hour still.

Todays words of the wise 19 year old: Always bring water when going to the gym, and try not to get sweat in your eye... it hurts.

Homework >.>

So, as many of you may know from previous blogs this was the semester I decided I was going to stop being a lazy procrastinator and do my work early- not on the date of the deadline. So far I think I'm doing pretty well, I'm ahead two assignments in Principals of Finance, and I haven't missed any assignments in any other class. I find that I even anticipated assignments before they come out because I'm eager to clear my plate so they wont get in the way.

It's all very odd because I find that this productivity has carried over to more than just school work. I have been going to the gym more often, keeping my room cleaner, and just doing everything in a more timely manner. Perhaps it is possible to change who you are with a little work. Well, not 'who you are', but definitely get rid of some bad habits.

My principals of finance teacher even told me I should look into majoring in finance because I'm so bright in the subject. personally I think he is confusing good work ethic with intellect. I still find that the only subject that comes naturally for me is law and due to such I should become a lawyer.

Regardless, I'm just proud to say I have tamed my procrastinating ways and that everyone else out there should do the same. in retrospective I'm kind of procrastinating right now instead of writing a 15 page paper that's due in a month from now. I suppose I'll never be perfect in the whole scheme of things.

Word of the wise: If you risk nothing, you risk even more.

Accelerated Courses

This semester I decided to not only take my first online course, but also my first accelerated course. An accelerated course last half the normal term but is worth the same amount of credits. However, it is said that the work is a lot harder because is tightly packed in all at once.

This being only the second week I have already taken 1 GHA, been required to write 8 discussion board posts(I wrote more than 8 though), handed in a 1-2 paged homework assignment, and read a total of 4 chapters. I must say in comparison to my regular ethics course it seems to be very fast paced.

The reason I bring up my regular ethics course is because the online accelerated course is business ethics and I find the two are closely related. So far in ethics all we've done is review the international declaration of human rights. Personally I find myself taking a shine to the fast paced online accelerated course because I enjoy doing my work when I am free, rather than attending a class every certain day at a set time.

Furthermore I find the discussion board to be my most favorite tool in all of blackboard because it forces students to interact and have a discussion about a posed question. I for one enjoy this because theirs no awkward pause like their is in class in, which the professor must mediate. Perhaps its because I'm a thriving girl who lives off of the computer age, but I love the ideas behind it.

Grade wise in the class I have gotten a 92 on my GHA, a 100 on by written assignment, and complete 4/4 on my discussion board posts. So with a positive view I hope that I can achieve my first A on an online course!

Todays words of the wise: "Life is what happens while your trying to please everyone else." John Lenin

Day 2 Ethics and Business Law II

So, just like on last Tuesday I find myself in the midtown manhattan library writing to you guys about how my day has been so far. To start I suppose I should talk about Business Law II and Ethics which I had also yesterday but I didn't mention.

Nothing significant happened in Business Law II because the professor hadn't posted the syllabus yet and just generalized what the class would be about. However, I do find that he seems like a funny guy and that I think he'll make this class a very interesting one. One of the things he asked when he started the class off was if the stand fell on him and broke his nose could he sue. The answer was no because he is an employer for Berkeley college and would receive workers compensation instead.

Ethics was slightly more involving because the professor ignited my argumentative side and caused me to inquire on how he can personally claim that humans are good by nature. He claimed that as children we have an innate sense of fair and unfair and because of that we are good by nature but occasionally flawed. My rebuttal was simply a child only cares when they themselves are the one being treated unfairly. If they are the favored child then they wouldn't complain. It is because of this, that my conclusion is humans by nature are governed by self interest.

As for my second day of Principals of Finance it started of pretty bad but ended pretty good. I was late for the class at first because of the horrible rain and slow train service and got the glare of death from the professor when I walked in. However once I opened up my laptop and organized all my things the professor called on me to answer a series of questions. Luckily for me being the nerd I am I had done the assignments 2 in advance so I knew everything he was talking about even though I hadn't heard the previous discussion.

After proving my knowledge to the professor class continues up until break where I had a slight conversation with another student- his name eludes me. He was a senior in Berkeley and asked if he could check the questions he had for the first assignment with mine because he used the book in the school library. I obliged and showed him the questions which were the correct ones he was suppose to do. In the end we had a brief conversation on the price of textbooks and I offered to send him the correct question for the first two assignments so he would be able to do his homework while he waited for the next textbook.

Words of the wise: Make friends with people who you may need in the future its called networking.

Day one of class!

Hey guys, so I'm on my 2 hour break right now after just finishing my first class of Principals of Finance. The class seems pretty good and I was on time luckily because he seems to be a real stickler on arriving on time. The professors name is Elliot Ponchick and overall he seems like a rather interesting guy. I don't have much of an opinion on this class just yet because it was the first day but I'm sure I'll do just fine in it.

Sadly I HAD to buy the textbook. I bought the ebook of for $114; my bank account is in pain right now. All of his homeworks are directly taken from the text and require you to have done the reading beforehand. I really like the fact that he posts all the homework beforehand because being the nerd that I am I'll try and complete them all within the next week or so. After all, I really like my perfect average.

So as I stated before I have a wonderful 2 hour break which I'm on right now. Since I am in the midtown campus this semester I decided to return to my favorite place near the school- the manhattan midtown library.

The library is right around the corner of the 'B' building and offers a quite place to read, go online, or do work. Before college I was never a fan of libraries but ever since I stumbled into this library I find this place very relaxing. I suppose I'll start that mesh of work for finance now though.

Words of Advice: Being ahead may not be the best thing but doing homework ahead is always a benefit .

Textbooks

So, textbooks... I hate them! honestly I find that I've bought countless textbooks for stuff I could have just looked up online numerous times and I must say it is very upsetting. this semester I won't be buying my textbooks until I absolutely need them because shelling out $200 for a pointless book I'll never use just seems like such a waste.

I find it so upsetting that companies overprice these books because they know college students are forced to pay the outrageous prices. Normally I'll buy e-books which should be significantly cheeper since they have no material cost but their only $20 cheaper than the hardcover counterparts.

The benefits for e-books over textbooks are the following: 1) No back problems by lugging them around, and 2) easy searching.

I hate the thought of buying more textbooks so I'll wait until last minute aka when a homework is assigned. Words of advice: Last minute might be a good thing....

Statistics is a no go...

So, remember how I talked about taking an online course and what not. Well, they finally posted up the basic information about what I'll be needing for the class and what not. So I check the required Textbook and see that theirs also a software we must buy with the textbook and in big bold letters the teacher writes "NOT COMPATIBLE WITH APPLE".

You must be friggin kidding me. I have been running Apple computers since my childhood I remember the imac g3 and its big bulky backing and pretty blue see-though windows, I remember the powermac laptops, and my first laptop the g4 macbook. All of the technology in my home tends to be decorated in a little apple logo and even these very words I type are written on my beloved macbook pro. So for someone to tell me that a program simply wont work with my computer but still require me to take the class I'm a -tad- upset.

Obviously the teacher wasn't the most computer literate and she meant that it doesn't run on Apple operating systems- the beloved OS. So the simple way of going around this is to use bootcamp (a free apple program), and run windows on my computer. Sadly I've sworn to never run such a horrible operating system on my beloved computer-- Its just not cool...

Words of advice: Find out the required computer before enrolling in a class...

New semester so soon!

So, in a whopping 12 days the fall semester will be starting and I'll be balancing school, a job, hanging with friends, and of course, this blog. Think I can do it? Although some of you may say no, I think I can do it since I'm awesome and all >.>. Though I will admit their were times where instead of paying attention I'd be writing a blog on how the teacher was being nonsensical. Then there were times where I'd be working at 1AM and the store would be empty- I brought my law book and would be catching up on reading. As for socializing >.> I still am a bit of an anti social within the college.

BUT, I have faith that with the start of this new semester I will become better at my time management and manage to do everything in a timely manner. It be a lie to say I didn't scoff as I wrote those very words. I mean, I'm a procrastinator those sort of habits don't just die over night. Plus, some of my best work comes out of staying up until 5AM with a Redbull at hand and music blasting. However, I will try my very best to be a good student something that my grades reflect. Now that I think about it I'm amazed that I made it through my first year with a near perfect average of 3.919.

Alas my standards are set high as I will attempt straight A's this semester in order to boost my average just a bit more. Fellow students with me luck on my endeavors.

Words of advice: Always aim for the impossible that way when you don't reach your goal you wont be disappointed.

Dave and Busters in NYC ^.^

To those of you who have never been to Dave and Buster's I must say that it is a necessity that you visit especially the one in Manhattan on 42nd street and broadway. Dave and Busters is every adult gammers dream and is basically an adult Chuck E Cheese where there is great food and tons of games. From shooting games like Rambo and Time Crisis, to the classic DDR machines, to big spin-y wheels where you win lots of tickets. Its just a whole mess of fun for everyone!

Well, today I went to Dave and Busters for my fourth of fifth time and like every other experience I had an amazing day. The reason I bring all of this wonderfulness of Dave and busters up is because Berkeley College does a Dave and Busters day and I'll be attending when next they do it. Last year they did it in the 42nd street one and charger $5 for entry and you got a $10 game card. There was all supposedly a bunch of food and it was all quite fun.

Sadly, I didn't go being too meek of a freshman and what not. However, I IMPLORE YOU all Berkeley College students should attend this event it just seems like a lot of fun and you can even bring out of school guests too!

To throw in randomly, Dave and Buster's also has a GIANT crane machine too-- I have two huge dolphins from it.

Words of advice: If you're afraid of the dar just close your eyes and run.

Is more less?

I know this is probably a very hard to discuss topic but I need to know... Is more sometimes less? I know, confusing way to word things but I can't think of a better way to word it. The reason I ask this is because at work I was written up for my outfit which was a red shirt, black leggings, and red shorts over the black leggings. Yes, the shorts were VERY short, but I was wearing leggings so what did it matter? That was my logic, I was in fact wearing more clothing than required because I have worn just leggings and a shirt before and received no 'write up'. Apparently someone (an annoying coworker) has complained that I was wearing short shorts which was against dress code. Mind you that this coworker had worn leggings numerous times.

To make a long story short because I wore the shorts I was pulling more attention to my rather voluptuous behind. I understand this, but why is it that wearing more clothing counts as wearing less at times? I mean under this same principal leggings should be like walking around pants-less.

I suppose I need the 'male' point of view on this so please comment. Also, all fashion majors please explain the concept of accessorizing adding 'less' to an outfit.

Words of the wise: Red shorts are a nono at work >.>

What I want to do...

Hey guys, I realized I never really touched on what I wish to do with my life and although I am an accounting major this defines very little about what I wish to do.

As some of you may have guessed I am very passionate about writing and take pleasure in simple storytelling and overdramatizing daily activities. I love writing, yet I will never do it as a career because I find being forced to write will destroy all the emotion I have towards it. My father is a photographer and I never see him take pictures for simple pleasure anymore, and although he loves his job it is still a job meaning he is forced to compromise his views often. From this I have learned that perhaps you shouldn't work as what you love because you risk loving it.

However, I do not plan on having my miraculous articulation skills go to waste in some dead end job. I want to be a lawyer who will argue her way through the legal system pursuing the masses to see her side. I've always enjoyed arguing and turning words against people and I am always told I have a natural ability to argue and win against foes, so being a lwayer just seems to be the logical decision.

I do plan to write while I am a lawyer, though. In my fantasy world where everything goes according to plan I'll publish a book or two while I work as a lawyer and never become rich off of it, but one day someone would do a report on one of my books. However, this is in my fantasy world...

Words of the wise: Dream big, and live trying.

New York

Having lived in New York my entire life I often wonder what tourists find so interesting in the grey jungle known as the big apple. People are constantly trying to scam tourists with 'gold' watches, or 'hot' deal, and yet tourist seem to enjoy every ounce of the trash people scheme. I mean, what's so interesting about staring up at a tall building? I just don't get it...

I've been to the empire state building when I was little, and also to the statue of liberty and what not. However, none of it was ever very significant to me. Their are only a few places that I can stay at for hours in the city, and my favorite one would be 42nd street's toys R us. The reason I can stay there for hours is because of the rather well kept DDR machines they possess and my love for pressing buttons. I don't know why but when I see a toy possessing lots of buttons I just have to press them all... I'm the girl you keep the 'red button' away from.

Outside of DDR at toys r us, my heart would go to the Elevated acre in downtown manhattan. Its a beautiful peaceful grassy area located 2 stories above the ground filled with trees, grass, and benches. Its never over populated and its always perfectly clean, to me the ElEvated acre is a must see. However to tourists, its too much like home I suppose.

Todays words of the wise: We always want what we don't have.

Older Brother, school, and poem

So, my brother has always had a way with words- his words being the most cruel and striking by far. Although he is normally a lot less dramatic when he chooses to pick a fight with me today he was very over the top. His topic this time was school and how I am destined to fail. I know, amazing big brother, right?

For about 30 minutes he told me how school is pretty pointless because I'm destined to be mediocre because that's just the way I am. I want to be a lawyer, and he said I could be one, but it wouldn't matter because I'd still just be average. Average, I hate that word i hate the idea of being nothing more than outside of the ordinary. I have always strived to be above average intellectually, but perhaps I'm destined to just be apart of the masses. That however wasn't the worst of what he said...

As of current I work as a cashier in Pathmark, he said I might as well keep that position. That is my biggest fear. So after an hour of crying my eyes out I decided to ignore him and write this lovely blog. Whilst writing this I feel a need to stress I will not give up in school. I will graduate, and then go to Law school, and I will not be an average face. School is important even if its just to enable your dreams to come true.

On a completely different note, I wrote a poem that is suppose to be read as a conversation and I'd love to know what you guys think of it.

There's nothing quite so pure as the written word my dear,

so lets have ourselves a little poem.

Because the words we mean cannot be spoken,

the truth and lies become convoluted in the middle ground.

You'll raise that glass to your lips and drink my memory away.

As we yearn to fill ourselves with empty calorie conversations.

But we'll do no such thing, and allow ourselves to drift apart.

We used to speak for something, but now we just recycle our lives.

Saving up for another in hopes to fill a never-ending void?

What have we become just a glorified memory for the heart?

No, your memory is painted black with hopes of forgetting.

I suppose that's ok, yours is ripped to shred.

It's only in person do I realize the truth, I suppose unrequited love does that.

I wish I could have loved you, maybe one day I will.

One day will never come because I'll paint you black as you have me.

I'll delete your existence from my memory. Goodbye.

Farewell. To think these were the last words said.

Long Distance Relationships and Boredom

Hey guys, so I know I haven't been very personal on these blogs and I never really talked much about my personal life. Well, awhile ago I started dating a guy younger than me named... Well, his name isn't important. Just know, that he's a great guy and I think that if I believed in love then this would be it. Don't mistake me for a hopeless romantic, he's not my first 'love', and I'm not changing my subscription that 'love' is something Hollywood created.

But I digress, I haven't seen this lovely guy in about 3 weeks because he has moved to Ohio. I don't believe long distance relationships can work, and even though we have been dating 3 months prior to him moving I feel as if distance and time will be the end of this connection. He'll be going to school in New York which is good, but I can't help but feel when Winter break comes not seeing him for 2 months will be the end of this.

I know I'm probably being overdramatic, and I know people have definitely made worse situations work... but I don't like it. His mother loves me though. That's a major benefit from the last relationships. She's threatened me that if I don't come visit her she'll drag my sorry butt to Ohio and never let me leave. But, I have a job and school at no point can I just take off and visit Ohio. Although I do believe my schedule permits for me to go galavanting.

After all, I only have classes on tuesday and thursday meaning I have a 4 day weekend every week. Pretty spectacular no? So I'll try my best to make all of this work but, with the summer boredom kicking in I just feel extremely bitter for him being in Ohio.

Words of the wise: Everyone is childish, so don't bother fighting against it-- because that would be childish.

Driving

Hello everyone out in internet land! So I don't believe I ever touched on one of my biggest fears-driving. Living in New York I always found everything pretty accessible through public transportations, but when I started meeting up with my friend Mathew constantly and the lovely mugging happened in BROAD DAYLIGHT, I found myself taking cabs. Now, each cab cost $16 going to his house and another $16 coming back. Such a large portion of my paycheck became cab fairs that I started thinking its about time I get over my fear.

So about a week ago I signed up for driving lessons... I was petrified. I never drove a car before, my parents didn't drive nor did my brother so this experience was a very new one for me. Sitting in the car I felt my heart beat pounding against my ribcage. "Signal left and turn out" the instructor said. I laughed dryly, I didn't even know which was the break let alone WHERE the signal was. As time ticked by I learned what little I could and soon I was rolling down the street in a whopping 10 MPH. The gas pedal scares me. So today is my third lesson, and hopefully my right and left turns wont suck. I don't know how many times I've felt like crying but waaay to constant that's for sure.

Wish me luck guys and for todays words know: Bravery is not having no fear, bravery is accepting you have fear and overcoming it.

Online course

So, as I told you last week I decided that I would be taking an online course so I can have a total of 16 credits. Well, I have chosen my online course to be- Statistics! I guess a little background information is needed in order to convey my opinions on Mathematics. I haven't taken a math course since Junior year of high school, and that math course was Pre-calculous which I barely attended. I have always leaned more towards english then Math because I find math to be too finite. I mean, I can manipulate a mathematical answer. The answer is either right of wrong no real partial credit there.

My brother, however, is an electrical engineer and a genius in mathematics! He has always used me to check his english papers and reports, and the boasted on solving a mathematical problem that take on average 3 sheets of paper. "You derive the from and " is all I ever really hear when he goes on his "I'm a mathematical genius" rants. HOWEVER, I admit my mathematical skills are...Lacking, and since it will be an online course perhaps I can do the work while my brother is there so he can explain everything in-depth. After all he took statistics and such in High School... I chose AP English and AP history instead.

Todays words of the wise: Play nice with smart folk, they're an amazing asset.

Online courses- "Road to success"

So, as I posted in my last blog I decided that since I have a 3 hour break in between my classes I would take an online course so I would have a total of 16 credits instead of just 12. However, before I can take an online course I had to pass the non-credit class 'Road to Success'. When I found this out I quickly decided to have administration register me for the class so I can take it now.

When I started the course work I noticed that their are only four assignments I must complete in order to be able to take the class. Two writing assignments, one discussion board post, and a 50 question test. So last night I decided I could most definitely dissolve this course-load and began at my work.

The firs assignment asked what I thought the benefits of Online classes were. For that I wrote the following:

Online learning has become progressively more popular as the years go by because students recognize the major benefits of utilizing online courses. Instead of spending an extra $4.50 in traveling expenses, and even more on wasted time many students are choosing to simply log on to their computers when it’s convenient for them.

The flexibility of when and where you must be, allows the student to be free from the normal constraints of schooling. With online courses you are able to access your course work from any location with an Internet connection. So if you’re an intense traveler you don’t need to sacrifice your education. Furthermore it forces you, the student, to accept responsibility. As an online student it is up to you to make the time to and schedule in order to do your work in a timely manner.

Another benefit towards online education is the convenient time schedules you can set up for yourself. The fact that your class is not set at any specific time and you can gain access to course material whenever you so choose is a great benefit towards the student. I myself find myself leaning towards Online Education because I have a 3-hour time slot in my current schedule, which I could fill with online course work.

Although there are many benefits to online education I find that Flexibility and Convenience are the most important. I find this to be true because they are the reason I have decided to so avidly undertake this very course, they are in turn the reason I am typing these words, which you are reading. The ability to choose when and where I can do my work seems, to me, to be a very valuable asset.

The other assignment was about using the library tab which was a short and sweet essay comparing it to google. The 50 questioned test was VERY simple because the answer was true for everything except on question. Lastly I had to post on the discussion board why I think online courses are best for me.

The entire course work took me an hour to complete so I suggest everyone take the "Road to Success" course. After all, if you ever want to set your schedule up so you only have to go to class two days a week its very beneficial.

Today's words of the wise: Everyone is a little neurotic sometimes, as long as you can recognize your neuroticism you can overcome your doubts.

Registration for the Fall

So, I went down to the registration office today to create my fall schedule. Prior to this I have heard horror stories of registration offices and always did my course selection online. However, with bravery I entered the office thingy and had them set me up with the papers I needed to fill out. The process took me about an hour to do, but that's because I'm very persnickety with my course selection, they actually called me 3 or 4 times to see if I was done yet. Low and behold I eventually finish with a schedule that has me going to class on two days a week!

My schedule for the next semester is:

Principals of Finance at 8:00AM-9:45AM

Principals of Management at 12:35PM-2:20PM

Ethics 2:25PM-4:10PM

The schedule so far is a total of 12 credits with a THREE HOUR BREAK . So I decided to try taking on online course as well, sadly that means I have to take a prerequisite online tutorial which I'll be starting tomorrow. Wish me luck guys, and if you're gonna be in the NYC campus feel free to come find me ^.^

Today's words of the ever so wise 19 year old: Love is being able to wake up with that same person and feel in love all over again.

Financial Aid

So, today I am proud to say my Fafsa is done! I know I haven't kept you guys updated on the process but I must say the FAFSA thing is hell no matter what school you're in. For the last month I've been attempting to fax it in but every time I did they would tell me the number got cut off or a form was missing. So I decided today was the day I get off my lazy butt and hand in the papers in person.

Anyone who's ever been in a Financial Aid office knows the long waits, crowded areas, and headaches associated with it. This is why I dread actually going to the place, and tried ever so desperately to avoid it.

I entered the 43 street building around 1:00 and made my way up to the second floor where I would subject myself to the wait of hell. All I needed to do was drop off a few papers and be done, but I knew that with the Financial Aid office nothing was ever so simple. I saw a group of 20 or so students scattered about the room, and another 3 standing on a line in order to sign in.

With a heavy sigh I made my way to the line and waited to put my name down. When I got to the front I asked the lady how long the wait was. "About an hour" a pleasant voice replied. 'An hour to drop off papers' my mind instinctively scoured as I scribbled my name and ID number.

"Miss I just need to drop off papers is there any way I can avoid the wait process" I asked attempting to avoid purgatory.

"If you come back tomorrow I can see you instantly, or on friday?" She replied looking at the people who eyed me as I attempted to avoid the crowds

"I have work, any chance I can come back in an hour?" I inquired fully knowing that I'd be eaten by the crowd if I did just get to drop them off.

"Sure" She replied.

WIN! I avoid the horrendous wait que and instead gabbed on my cell phone for an hour as I grabbed food. In truth the Financial Aid office is so much better than any other I know of. Normally they would just shush me and I'd be grumbling angrily as I sit in purgatory.

Todays advice: Always inquire, you never know when it may really help.

A horrible Vacation

My mother always used to tell me that I walked around as if I was invincible, as if nothing could ever hurt me. She said one day, if I wasn't careful, I might just learn how fragile I am. Well, I was mugged today and I must say I sure as hell don't feel invincible anymore.

It was my friends birthday and I was on my way to meet him in Sheepshead bay (Brooklyn). I got of the b82 at Nostrand and kings highway around 12:30 PM and crossed the street to catch the b44. As I saw the bus pull up it stopped shorter than where it normally would due to a van. As I began walking towards it I felt a sudden tug on my bag and the next thing I know I feel someone punch the side of my head causing me to fall.

"Let go of the ****ing bag" one of the girls screamed at me. Instinctively I wrapped my wrist around the bag. Another girl began grabbing at my wristlet which she broke off of the strap. Both of them began punching me repeatedly in the back and side of my head, and all the while I was screaming "HELP, I'm being mugged, call 911!"

20 or so people were watching me get mugged by these two rather large girls but no one helped and jumped in. I started punching back while I hung onto my laptop bag the entire act went on for about 2-3 minutes and by the end of it a rather large crowd had formed. I never let go of my laptop- I'm typing on it right now actually- but I did lose a total of $51. I would have lost more if it wasn't for one person who stood out from the crowd.

The two girls finally ran away when a man got out of his car and came running to the scene. Something apparently told him one tiny little white girl being punched repeatedly by two fat girls in their mid to late twenties was probably a bad thing. He caught one of the girls, the one who was grabbing my bag, and wouldn't let her leave the scene. After he stepped up everyone else grabbed their phones and began calling 911.

Soon the cops came and both girls were arrested I got my wallet back with everything in it- minus $51. So now I'm covered in bruises and cuts and extraordinarily sore. Come friday I have to go to court to make sure they actually get some time in jail, but I'm just amazed at how no one would help me. How I was mugged in broad day light and no one would help me when I was screaming help, when I was being pummeled.

Its funny, because I remember in my psychology class we learned that if many people are present people are less likely to act because they'll just assume someone else can do it. Well, don't just assume someone else can do it because you actually can do something. I know some people may say I should have just given them my stuff and not fault back, but I would be damned if I didn't fight back. Don't let people just push you around, and more importantly don't let others be pushed around.

Todays words are simple: Evil wins when good does nothing...

Hackers

So, I had a rather eventful weekend today. In truth, I felt like I was apart of a bad horror novel where a creepy stalker was hacking into every crevice I've ever made on the internet and feeding me my own information back. In truth, I wouldn't be surprised if said hacker is reading this- I partially hope s\he is. Where to begin...

I was walking home from a long tiring day of work, and being the obsessive email checker I am instinctively whipped out my beloved iphone to check if I had any new emails. As always my yahoo account was littered in junk mail which I began to vigorously delete, and when that was all done I switched to my gmail account where I had a scarce two messages all from the same email.

A foreign email address corrected one of my school pieces, a rather bad Art in Contemporary Society assignment, which I had produced a day earlier. Instinctively I wrote it off as being one of my teacher, he seemed to be the type that would offer such a correction, and in my tired daze I couldn't care much on it. However, as seconds ticked by something inside my mind clicked as a sickening case of paranoia began to attack me. I never gave in that assignment, I had only emailed it to myself.

Insanity is a sickening thing because the lines of reality become blurred in the worst of ways. I realize that now after everything is 'resolved' how overdramatic I tend to be, but I believed that perhaps I was being hacked by someone who knew me best. With a list of ex- boyfriends who would perhaps take pleasure in my pain I realized I deemed none of them clever enough for such an act. The beauty of the mind is how well it works under such extraordinary circumstances. In the midst of this, situation, I felt like I was in a bad novel, dare I say I owe this hacker thanks for inspiring me to write my second story?

Oh digression why must you attack me even now...

*is focusing* To make a long story simple short and sweet...

- Person hacks emails.

- Person posts an old description of me.

- Jessica gets freaked out.

- Jessica changes passwords.

- Jessica rants to friend, somehow gets idea for trashy overplayed novel.

- Jessica decides to undertake an elongated psychology project that will take years to complete.

- Person changes email passwords again.

- Person apologies and calls a sick truce.

- Jessica is irked and wants answers

- Jessica writes this blog.

- Jessica takes an odd pleasure in referring to herself as Jessica, and in this simplified timeline.

...(Might Continue)

Well boys and girls, if you're a hacker... I don't like you very much. If you're THE hacker who put me through all of this... Why? If you're reading this and like candy... so do I! If you wonder what I'm thinking as I write these words, I'm thinking 'I want a puppy'.

Words of the irritated 19 year old blonde who hates hackers: I am the protagonist in my own story, and you the antagonist who pushes me. We'll all see ourselves having gone through change and perceive ourselves in a new light. However, the others will all remain the bad influences that pushed us.

Week 11

So we've reached the end of the 11th week, meaning one more week to go before its all finally over. However, in class my mind was on like never before as I felt like interjecting constantly within my art class.

Spirals, the professor said, have been drawn for ages by people who never interacted. Yet their symbols were all the same. He took this as an inclination that dreams symbols were all similar regardless of the physical connection, that as humans certain signs cross through generations, and traditions.

Sharply I bite my tongue. Perhaps they were stirring water and that is the pattern they saw. Or, if we must get into similarities of cultures, genetically humans are near the same regardless of race. Perhaps humans aren't as original as we'd like to think and people have the same ideas as us hundreds of miles away. I know, crazy thought right?

Ok, I'll tone down on the sarcasm now...

So outside of that lovely bitter thought class went smoothly, and as I write these very words I sit in my English class waiting for class to begin.

I haven't the fondest notion what we're supposed to do today, but when she gave me my 'told tell heart' assignment she told me I should save it and get it published. Funny how even my humourous work is good. I really do hope I can one day become a published writer, and not self published either. I want to be the female Dean Kootz of my generation, but I also want to be a lawyer...

Well, you now all know a little about my inner most aspirations, so I'll leave you with these words of the wise 19 year old. "Over-analyzation will be humanity's demise, and a humorous one at that."

The greatest English Assignment

So, I had an excused absence a couple of days ago in English and in return for not being penalized for my absence opted to do an extra assignment. This is by far my favorite assignment of all times simply because it was on The Tell Tale Heart by Edgar Allen Poe. This is one of my favorite short stories of all time and reading it alone sends me into a fit of over-dramtized acting. So when I was told to simply write something using this amazing piece of literature I was ecstatic. Originally it was implied that I would simply write a review-- but that is too simplistic for might style of writing. So I sat on my computer thinking and thinking...

Then it came to me, I got an idea to copy Poe's style of writing in the short story but instead make it from the old man's point of view. It was amazing! I must say it was by far the most entertaining piece I have written in some time. But I must stress it needs to be read in a sort of mania in order to understand the brilliance behind it. Only fair that I show it to you guys I suppose...

The Told Tale Heart

It was a dastardly day when Death chose to take me.

Its cold shaken hands choked the air from my lungs.

Silently, so silently, yes silently, did my death come.

Such kindness did the lad show me,

I was just an old crippled man,

With a dizzy blue eye, my world was in a haze.

But I knew, yes I knew, I knew what was at hand.

He came to me every morning- cheer strained his voice.

He’d greeted me full heartedly, a smile woven and forced.

“Good Morning” His voice would echo throughout the room.

Cautiously, so cautiously, yes cautiously did I trust this fool.

Ever night I laid silent, afraid to make a sound.

Every noise I heard every night made my heart beat pound.

I felt every wind, every dust particle, everything.

Everything, yes everything, oh how everything scared me.

As the nights strung by, sleep was restless.

As the clocks hand ticked, my heartbeat persisted.

Tic Tic Tic, was it all in my dreams?

Tic Tic Tic I knew not what I had seen.

Fearsome, so fearsome, yes fearsome did I lay.

Day after, day after, day after day…

Then the door creaked, I knew I heard a noise

“Who’s there?” I had shouted unaware of the boy.

He stood there smiling, wickedly.

And with a Cheshire smile launched himself at me

One fatal scream was all that escaped my lips.

Then I was smothered to death by the like of him.

Silently, so silently, yes silently did my body lay.

But not quietly, no not quietly, loudly did my heart pray

Tic tic tic was all the boy heard

Tic tic tic was my revenge in full

Tic tic tic no words were said

Tic tic tic…

I then read it out loud to the class, the results were amazing... the teacher simply looked at me dumbfounded... and through this all I begin to wonder Where is the shy girl who entered college?

I know I forgot the 'words of the wise 19 year old girl' in the last blog but I'm sure you'll forgive me. For today I leave you with simple words "if you don't risk anything, you risk even more"

Presentation is done!

So,finally did that Apple presentation and I must say I most definitely secured my A. I burned through a 10 slide powerpoint to start things up, and spoke ever so wisely on the company I've known so well, and just when I can hear my teacher's questionable glare (Yes, I can hear him glare... I'm that skilled), I turn around and say "Let the real presentation begin."

I ask for a volunteer from the audience and sadly no one is willing to come up. Everyone was too shy or lazy but after a bit of coaxing I finally got one girl up and ready to participate. Then, with a sinister smile I open photobooth and ask her to smile into the camera.

You should have seen her face when I asked her to choose her effect. It was hilarious. The one on the right is a glow effect, and the one on the left is the mirror images.

After I had her take numerous photos I opened up imovies and showed them how simplistic it was to create a simple movie. I called the entire movie "Jessica gets an A!!" which sent the glass into a m ild fit of laughter. I concluded the project with playing the short movie I created and called it done. I am proud to say I was applauded, and also inquired on the other features of a mac.

In truth I thought everyone would know about photobooth but apparently I take my apple knowledge for granted. When the class ended my professor simply told me I did an amazing job with my presentation... I would have to agree!

Computer Troubles?

So yesterday was the day I was supposed to present my lovely Apple presentation to the class... did not go well. To start, I designed the project originally the night before because I am a world class procrastinator, and a horrible student at that. I guess what I'm saying is, my lack of preparation was problem one in this story.

But I digress, my project was by all means adequate, and consisted of pretty little slides, and useful bits of information. Something however, was missing. Although this may seem dreadfully odd, the Jessica factor was missing. For the few of you who know me, you'd know that if ever I am excited about giving a presentation you should be afraid. I was never a fan of the classic powerpoint approach, I'd much rather get the entire class involved giving them new insight to put into play- and also assure a perfect grade.

Once in a Psychology class in High school I brought in 20 stuffed animals and asked everyone to choose the one they thought was prettiest. Questionably they begin to murmur their favorites as I concluded with- "Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but the beholders' eyes are all watching the same media." It was an amazing report if I do say so. But I've gone off topic now haven't I?

While sitting in the classroom, right before the start of class a stroke of genius hit me- photobooth. Now, that might sound odd to any non-mac user, and probably still sounds odd to those that know what photobooth is. Well, to start photobooth is a program on Mac's that uses the built in web cam to take pictures. It has many different effects such as squeezing in the head and what not. So, what would this lovely program do in a powerpoint? Absolutely nothing.

Yes, I could but funny pictures of people distorted in the slides for a good laugh, but I had a much better idea. Grabbing a VGA to mini Displayport wire I decided to connect my laptop directly to the projector and present from there. I also figured why not ask for an audience member to make a fool of themselves whilst the presentation occurs.

In short I decided to do a demo of photobooth and imovies instead of the classic powerpoint. sadly that wire I bought... I had no idea where to disconnect the vga wire. When I did find out it was too late... Lesson is, be prepared beforehand...

Words of the wise 19 year old: They were already included in the text actually.... "Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but the beholders' eyes are all watching the same media."

Grades are in

Well guys my economics grades for the midterm and report came in. I was rather fearsome when it came to checking them because he gave a long speech on how not many followed instructions and that the size of the report need not have been bigger then 5 pages- I did 23.

All my fearsome thoughts were unjustified I suppose because I followed the outline topic by topic and included ever bit of information down to a T. Its a good thing I didn't get point off for being to in-depth I suppose- my history for Apple Inc. alone was 3 pages. So wanna know what I got!?!

100!!!!

Yup, I got a 100 on the project, I was ecstatic to see that grade because I really would love an A in this course. Although I didn't start on the best foot in this class, arguing with the teacher and all, I think I have definitely redeemed myself in a positive light.

As for the midterm grade, I'm proud to say I scored a perfect 100 on that too. Now all I have to worry about is my presentation which is the June 8th. Wish me luck guys, I haven't even started creating it yet.

I know this is dreadfully short, but I just wanted to inform you on my grades- must run to Business law I now.

Words of the 19 year old wise girl: It takes a genius to realize its more fun to act like a fool.

A rant of mild importance

A few of my reader have commented on my ending words of the wise, and actually enjoy that best! So after some thought I decided that I would deter away from the classic purpose of this blog and go into a mild rant on a concept that affects every high school and adult mind alike- love. Typically I would break into song but I'll save my antics for a later blog.

I must stress I'm talking about that 'boy meets girl love', not unconditional parental love. As a

quick note, all hopeless romantics don't bother even reading this, you'll hate me by the end of it.

To start, I do not believe in love in its infinite form rather I find that it is a state of mind. When two people 'fall in love' they can just as easily fall out of it. There is no such thing as soul mates in turn, people say these things to reassure them that they have made the right decision in who they chose to consummate with. Now, let me stop making claims and back some of this lovely information up.

ON SOUL MATES

When I was a child I had my first boyfriend named Rob. We were only 12 and the relationship was never more than holding hands and talking on the phone all night but I suppose it was a feat for two 12/13 year olds to stay interested for 6 months. However, after those 6 months finished we decided it simply wasn't working out and we mutually broke up, or so I thought. Within the next 3 years I had kept in contact with Rob as we talked on the phone and he began taking a rocky path of drugs and alcohol. I'm not sure how many times he called me to proclaim his love, to tell me "a drunk mind speaks a sober heart", but each time I shrugged it off. In his mind I was his soul mate, his one and only he would go back to no matter what. Sadly he died later on from those drugs he used to 'fill the void'.

Lets say for a second soul mates are real, if so was Rob simply suppose to die and leave his actual soul mate alone for the rest of her life? Furthermore, why would 'God' do that? Punishing one innocent for the mistakes of another. What if they were both dead, was that some predestined design set forth to make sure they don't enter an unrequited loveless relationship? If predestination does exist, which it would have to in order to make the soulmate theory exist, then that would mean every action in your life is set forth and free will is a worthless illusion.

I like my free will too much! The rebuttal is then that you CAN meet your soul mate its just a matter of if you will- only a small percentage of the population will. I find this to be straight up horse poopy! The people who preach this are just trying to have something rare and nearly unachievable in my opinion...

So I figured every friday will be a new section since this rant has gotten a tad long. Until next time readers- LOVE YA!

Midterms are done

Hello guys, I know its been awhile but I've been super busy with classes and even more so with my personal life. Lately I feel like being single is more work then any relationship ever was. But I digress, the next blog I do will be about my personal relationships for all you lovely nosy reader out there.

Major news class wise, I go my business law midterm back and I am proud to say I got 3 points above the top score. So the lesson learned is when you think you can only get a 100, think again if you're super smart like me! I know, I'm insanely full of myself at times. Regardless, the test consisted of 8 short response questions and I apparently went into such intense detail I gained extra points. In comparison with the other students it was a super win because I saw people receiving 28's as in 28 out of 100. Given the average wasn't so good so a 50-80 was considered a B.

Outside of this amazing achievement, I've finished taking all other midterms which included Microeconomics, and Art in Contemporary Society. Microeconomics wasn't too bad it was 5 short response questions which resulted in about 5 1/2 pages. I've yet to receive my grade but I'm sure I passed seeing as there was no one question where I knew not the answer. Art however, I blanked out on 2 or the 14 questions.

The art midterm was simplistic enough, typically because John Borba had asked us to define the words beforehand and drilled them into us from day one. However when he drew a tri-circled diagram with an A S and an R (I think) and then asked us what each letter meant I dropped my pen down and laughed. I never even saw such a diagram before.

Regardless as the grades come in I'll tell ya how I did.

Words of the amazing: It's not running from your problems, its a strategic escape!

Hell week

For all those currently attending Berkeley college, you know this is only the first hell week we must hurdle over. The second being at the end of June...I think. Regardless what I am about to rant to you on is-Midterms- *DUN DUN DUN*. Yeah, I decided to add sound effects, and if anyone has a problem with my childish style *sticks tongue out*.

BUT I DIGRESS, as I do so often, from Monday on my day has been riddled with furious writing, and research. To start, Monday I had my business law midterm which I think I did fairly well on. The best part of it by far was when I finished I handed it to Richard Leverson.

"Are you sure you're done?" He asked.

Tiredly I did respond, "My hand hurts, yeah I'm sure"

The test was an open book (open laptop for me) short response exam with a total of 8 questions. Personally I've always been a fan of short response questions since I find that you can maneuver your way around them even if you don't know the complete answer. However in this test I saw no need to avoid directly answering the question- my notes held the answer. The only question I was 100% sure on was one which asked what the 10th amendments purpose was. So with a quick google search I pulled up the 10th amendment Copied it into my notes, and proceeded to decipher its intellectual jargon. This is not cheating, it's simply using my resources wisely.

Outside of Business Law, I also had my microeconomics report due. Sometimes I truly wish I didn't always wait until last minute to rush and do reports. That monday I stood up into the wee hours of tuesday morning tying all loose ends together and create my 23 page report on Apple. By the gods, that project consumed so much of my time I understand why he told us about it on day one. I only wish I would have started it then to, because when I got to class that tuesday I was half asleep and could not think straight.

The only class left in which I have to take a midterm in is Art in Contemporary Society. John Borba, the teacher, swears it's an easy test but I'm skeptical. The one think I know for sure is "A two word definition for art is Aesthetic Invention".

As for a slight divulgement into my personal life... I go into that in the next blog. After all, I much rather catch up on that missed sleep.

Todays words of the wise owl aka me: Always be apprehensive to jump into unknown waters, but never stay on land forever.

By far the most interesting Art in Contemporary society class. A picture of a naked 'woman' is seen and loads of questions are raised. The next thing I know the Professor is screaming out facts of sex. I know not if these facts are true but according to Borba men think about sex every 20 seconds, and women every 40 seconds. I'd love to call this sheer contemporary Freudian garbage, but I find it to be true- much like the rest of freudian ideas.

In reality these were not simply pictures of naked women, rather they were paintings of muses and other inspirational characters. However, the unanimous reaction to it was quite childish and hilarious. The conversation then to another turn when we began talking about Eten Arcadia Ego which could be interpreted to mean "Death is also apart of paradise". What this latin phrase really means is that life is not simply about the ecstatics of this world- death is a phase which is apart of our life.

After that in-depth conversation I left my lovely art class rather bored yet self intrigued next on the wonderful list of activities English. I know I haven't talked about this class as much as I should- normally I tend to rant on my story at the thought of the subject. However, today I'll choose to be a good little blogger and remain on topic as I talk about my dreary school day. English was boring, utterly pointless and boring. I wish I could say I learned something, that some interesting conversation-however off topic- had enlightened me on some different views, but no such thing happened.

In class we went about taking a simplistic quiz, and then talked about sentence fragments and comma splicing. For me this was insulting. I know well enough when a sentence is finished, where a comma should be added and blah. Do review this in anything but an english 1 class is just horrible. But I shall survive, for as long as I know how to write I know I'll stay alive... ok, I'm done.

On a brighter note I'd like to dedicate this post to Jason, the person who commented on my last blog. It means a lot to me to know someone out there is reading all of this! Though I feel like this blog is all to mundane so I've decided to spice it up with an excerpt from my first story. If you like it please tell me and I'll begin posing pages up with my rantings.

The following is the main character ranting on society.

"They were all grey-scale creatures unaware of their own lives; they knew not their true value and lack of purpose within this world. These drones were worse than the computers they associated with and created, because even though those computers may have been void of all emotion, unlike these useless creatures, they existed with a purpose and a function. The mechanics of this world was based on the will of a useless being, which created arbitrary things. But at least those creations hadn’t a choice to survive, unlike their creator. These trivial creatures chose to live in this self-created degrading society. They chose to be the cogs of the arbitrary clock in this hell. I was not one of these nobodies, I couldn’t be one of them; I had a place, a place and purpose outside of the grey. With sad eyes I looked around at the bland world around me. I felt as if I was drowning in the normality, the schedules, and the purposeless activities. With a sad sigh I realized the workings of this bleak and unimaginative society would be my demise."

And for today's words of the wise: Love is not the disease that plagues us, rather it is the cure for our teenage boredom.

Happy Birthday to me!

Yes, I know it's odd for me to blow my own horn but since its now a day AFTER my birthday I figured why not. I am officially 19 and one day old! For those of you wondering, yes my birthday was on Mother's day which in truth kind of sucks because I had to work and didn't really do anything. I was sad about it for a fair amount of time because I'm single, lost contact with a close friend, and my close family was leaving to go to my grandmother's (for mother's day)- all the while I was at work where I didn't even receive a "Happy Birthday". So, to start off, yes I was alone for my birthday, but I made the best of it.

After work, around 7ish PM I decided to take a trip out to my favorite Pizzeria of all time- Original Pizza- and get a chicken caesar salad pizza and a bottle of water. Although it may sound odd, it was rather relaxing sitting alone that day, and with my little black book of stories I decide to scribble a few words down.

Alone for never, home together

Let us elope, they'll find us here

Fire lights the coldest corner

Giving an alluring atmosphere

Climb to the top of the highest spire

To feel the wind in you hair

You feel alive when you're rushing down

Your hands my heart-- we'll disappear.

It's unnamed and I know not what it is exactly but I see it as a selective few words I chose to jot down. As the words suggest I was not completely ok with the alone aspect until I received a lovely call from a good friend of mine who told me they just heard the most amazing song that defined me, I asked 'what?' and he proceeded to serenade me with "Happy Birthday to you..". Yes, it was cheesy but it made me smile to no end and I truly did need that. So, I dedicate this blog to my good friend, and 'not-so-secret crush' who shall remain nameless so I do not incriminate myself.

In other news Mideterms are coming up and with them loads of work that I should be doing. I have a report due for Economics on the 18th, a midterm for Business Law on the 17th, an essay in English due tomorrow, and three art essays due... I know not. I am SWAMPED! I'll survive though, just means I have to cut back on that leisurely writing, no more staring into space, and definitely no more video games of amazingness. I'll return to those dastardly actions in about a week or so when all the rush is over.

In weak relation, iphone OS 4 looks absolutely amazing! I mean, it's so utterly beautiful, and I hear Apple made the chip itself! Does this mean intel will be obsolete soon in Apple Computers? Regardless, dual application usage makes the ipad significantly better and makes me desperately want the newest iphone that is theorized to come out. I embrace my nerdiness, on a side note this is relevant to the before stated school topic because I choose to do Apple as my project in Economics. So I will most definitely be posting more APPLE IS AMAZING propaganda.

For today words of the wise 19 year old Jessica: Live in the now, because there is no definite future.