A Return to the Blog??

So....It's been a while since I've actually, really blogged on here.  And I'm not sure how many of you readers are still out there. But, on the off chance that some of you lovely people are still floating around (and you know who you are!), I thought I'd try to resurrect the old blog.

I've recently come to the conclusion that I need to read more of the classics.  Modern books just aren't doing it for me the way they used to, and I'm finding that I'm generally frustrated with weak plot twists, poorly written romance, and just general drivel.  Not saying that all contemporary writers are bad, but lately, I've been picking all the bad ones.

Those of you who follow me on Goodreads (I'm linking my account if you want to follow me) might know that I'm in a book group called "Catching up on Classics, where we read...the classics.  (I'm also linking that here).  We have four or five titles a month, and it's really a lot of fun.

When I first started this blog, I would write about the books I was reading for school (and for fun).  I miss doing that, so this is going to be my attempt at starting up again.  Ideally, I'll write about the books I'm reading, including supplementary information, like videos, articles, and other readers' reviews.  It should be a lot of fun!

I miss blogging, and I miss you all.   If you're still out there (and again, my most devoted blogging friends know who they are!) I would love to start up the conversation again!

Reasons Why You'd Want Me on Your Team if the Zombie Apocalypse Starts

So....not gonna lie, but I've been thinking a bit about the zombie apocalyse recently.  Not seriously, of course.  Honestly, I think we have a better chance of being taken over by sentient super-computers than zombies, and even that is not very likely in my book.  Still, I've been thinking about zombies.

Now, everyone has their ideal "team" for the zombie apocalypse.  And a lot of these teams involve characters like Chuck Norris or that weird kid down the street with the guns.  And I confess, I haven't thought much of it.  But, I do have a few people I would put on my own list.  First would be that shady character I alluded to a few months back: the Weasel.  Personally, I'm not a fan of him, but the guy is ex-military, he likes me...a lot, and he's still a bit "off".  That means I'd have a crazy ex-solider with guns and knives who wants to protect me and would possibly do reckless things, such as jumping into a crowd of zombies, which would give the rest of us a chance to escape.  I'd also bring my brother, because he's athletic and smart and funny (so he could keep all our spirits up).  I'd also bring a priest friend of mine who happens to be a black belt in several types of martial arts (great for defense and religious support).  Finally, I'd bring my friend Sarah (super smart) and maybe one or two of the guys from Physics club.  Oh!  And this really ripped sophomore in my writing class.

The question here of course is "But, Em, why would all those people want you on their teams?"  And honestly, I can understand the confusion.  But, there are plenty of reasons why I'd be great on a zombie survival team....and here's why....

1. Bookworm.  So, this might not seem like a great survival tactic, but I'm really well-read.  This knowledge ranges to all sorts of topics, and makes me a useful well of information.  At first it might not be that important, but trust me, there will come a time where you wish you knew how to identify some poisonous plant or figure out if your symptoms are zombiism or something less fatal, and I'll be the person to come to.  My speed reading will also allow me to take in a lot of information very quickly.  In addition to that, I can tell plenty of stories from the books I've read, which will provide entertainment on those cold, dark, terrifying nights.

2. Writer.  Being a writer provides its benefits, too.  For starters, I pay a lot of attention to people.  Human nature is the bread and butter of the writer, and I spend an unhealthy amount of time observing the behavior of people around me.  Not sure if that guy is going to hurt or help us?  I might not be able to tell every time (especially if he's a good actor), but I could give you some pretty solid advice.  And of course, you'll need someone to chronicle our adventures and detail anything we've observed concerning the epidemic.  This, and the sense of deductive reasoning which comes with being a writer, will also help us in our travels.

3. Emotional Support.  I might not be the easiest person to get to know but I do feel very deeply for people when they are suffering.  And in this ragtag group, I'd be the one to emotionally support each of our members.  Best friend turned and you had to shoot him?  I'll hold you until you stop crying.  And if you need to make a difficult decision, I'll be there to act as your sounding board.  Sometimes, that's all a person needs.

4. Convenient Zombie Snack.  Yes, as much as I hate to admit it, this last entry is also true.  I'm slow.  I'm unathletic.  So, if the zombies are chasing us and you need to get away, just shoot me in the leg or something and I'm down.  I have a high tolerance for pain, so hopefully I won't suffer too much, and you'll all be able to escape.  Plus, if I don't get eaten, but instead just turn, then I'll be a pretty slow and pathetic zombie.  I won't be able to get you without a lot of trouble.  So, at least at this point, you won't have to worry about killing me.  I'll just stumble after you for a little while, rotting and bleeding everywhere with my new-found zombie pals, and eventually starve to death.

What about you guys?  Any of you think you'd be valuable assets to a zombie apocalypse survival team?  And what about survival plans?  Or the zombie apocalypse even happening?  Tell me what you guys think in the comments!

An Emmy Update

So....it's been about two weeks since I've last posted on here....and honestly, for me, that's not too bad.  I mean, it hasn't been like those terrible dry stretches where I go months without a single update, or all I post are mediocre book reviews (as opposed to the pretty bitchin' book reviews I also write).  Right now, my issue is that I have a lot going on, but not much that would be fun to read about.

 

For example, I am suffering majorly from the dreaded "senioritis".  And while my grades are doing just fine (no problems here at all), I'm having trouble keeping focused and really committing myself to projects and such.  Not saying I want to graduate and leave everything behind, but at the same time, I don't really want to stay here too much longer.  It is an awkward balance between running to graduation and hiding under the bed (and having to be drawn out from under there by my ankles).

 

All that being said, I have been getting some more leads on jobs, and (fingers crossed, knock on wood, spit in your hat, etc.) I'll (hopefully) be employed by the time I graduate (maybe).  If all goes well, I'll work for a few months, then start up an online grad school program for library science (while I'm still working) in the Spring (ie. January).  I'm afraid of waiting too long before going to grad school...I feel like if I let this pass me by NOW, I will never want to go back.  So, having a definite idea of what I want to do with things should help me keep on track.

 

That being said, not much is going on in my life.  I mean, I'm keeping up with classes, there has been some drama and shit, and I'm preparing to graduate in May.  As excited as I am, I still cannot believe that....I mean, seriously.  So, yeah....reading a bit, but not much, working on classes, looking for jobs...that pretty much sums up my life right now.

 

I wish I had more to say...and I wish that I had more to post about in general.  How is everything with you guys?  Do you have any questions for me?  I would love to hear from y'all!  But, anyways, for now: TTFN and I'll be in touch soon.

Quote

Daphne du Maurier totally describes me in this quote....I feel like she "gets" me :)

 

“But luxury has never appealed to me, I like simple things, books, being alone, or with somebody who understands.”

 -Daphne du Maurier

Finals Week

It's nearly three in the morning.  I've gone past the slap-happy stage to the dead-exhaustion stage.  I need sleep.  I'm going to fail my Earth Science final tomorrow....or is it technically TODAY?

I don't care.  I'm going to bed.

Faceplant Fail

Finals today and yesterday.  Two more days to go.  I'm pleased to say that my finals so far were fine.  I got the second most difficult one out of the way (Greek History), and my easiest (Modernist Literature).  But, I'm going to have a hell of a time with my finals on Thursday and Friday.  Earth Science is going to be the worst one, and Tudor Literature is no walk in the park, either.  Still, I'm almost done, and that makes me really, really happy.

And now for the title event....I was chilling with Rachel and Movie Boy, watching Inglorious Basterds.  I actually rather liked it, but it was just too violent for me.  I think if it was a bit tamer, I would have really liked it.  For such a dark topic (a bunch of American Jews killing Nazis), it was actually pretty funny.  We didn't watch the whole thing, since we didn't have much time.  Mostly just select clips that Movie Boy wanted to show us.

I walked him back to the library, and was on my way back, looking for Rachel, when I epically faceplanted.  I honestly don't know what happened; I just tripped over my own two feet!  There was no ice or snow (strange for December), but we had been having a ton of rain, so I didn't just fall, but I fell into a mud puddle.  Well, half of me did.  The right leg of my jeans, from the ankle to the knee was covered in mud.  And besides the initial shock and embarrassment, I had to deal with a blood-red stinging and burning in my hands where I had ripped the skin open.  The one was mostly just grazed, but the other needed to be bandaged.

Besides my sore knees and my stinging hands, what hurt the most was my bruised pride.  A couple of people saw me fall (including Rachel--I found her!!!) and one good Samaritan actually tried to see if I was okay.  I waved her away before she got too close; I was really, really embarrassed, and I didn't want the attention.  When I get hurt, I usually try to just shake if off and ignore it (fencing taught me that--you can't cry out every time something hurts during practices).  That doesn't mean I don't like being babied about it AFTERWARDS, but when it initially happens, I just don't want people to talk to me.

Just felt like rambling about my epic spill today.  I'm curious to see how I'll feel in the morning.  My wrist and knee are already starting to act up.  Details perhaps tomorrow.

My First Big-Girl Drink, or Vodka is a Kicker

I've been twenty-one for a couple months now, but since I'm not much of a drinker, I usually just settle for a Mike's Hard Lemonade or something similar.  I've just never really cared to drink something more than that.  I just don't really care for alcohol. It's okay, but it's not OMG!  MUST DRINK!

So, anyway, Italia has been asking me to go out drinking with her all semester.  Finally, I conceded, and we agreed to go....right in the middle of finals week.  We actually went out tonight.  Now, remember, I don't drink.  So: One, I have a low tolerance.  Two, I don't really know what drinks are good and what drinks are too strong.  Italia and her friend both ordered Sex on the Beach, and since there was a buy-one-get-one deal (but you had to get two of the same drink), we agreed to just get four Sex on the Beaches (is that the correct plural???) and split them between the three of us.  In the end, Italia and her friend ended up just sharing the extra.

I felt fine.  It was okay; the alcohol taste was strong, but not terrible, and it was such a small glass.  Even though I tried to drink slowly, I felt like I finished pretty quick.  I still felt fine....until I went to turn my head.  It felt like my brain was sloshing around.  THAT was not what I was expecting.  Not at all.  And after a while, when the swimmy feeling didn't go away, I started to realize that this fruity little drink was stronger than I had expected.

Talked to Rachel about it after I got back.  Apparently, there's vodka in Sex on the Beach.  Durr....I guess I have a lower tolerance than I thought; either that, or vodka's pretty strong.   Although, in my defense, I haven't had much, so I shouldn't be so concerned.  I'll build up a tolerance (albeit slowly, since I don't drink much).

Emmy Returns

It took an email from one of my blogging friends to make me realize just how absent I've been on this blog.  I mean, I log on several times a week, read your posts, etc., but I haven't been posting anything real and personal lately.  Just movie clips and stuff like that.  I want to apologize.

Earlier this year, I went through a lot of stress and dealt with a lot of crap.  I know some people who read this blog are somewhat connected to everything, and I just didn't want to talk about it.  In other words, I was hiding.  No more.  If I want to talk about something on MY BLOG, I shouldn't be afraid to do that.  I've been yelled at for saying things here--WITHOUT naming names or pointing fingers, just referencing vague groups of people--and I've taken down a lot of posts because I was trying to please everyone.  This is my blog, though.  If I want to talk about things that bother me, I should be able to.  I want you all to know how I'm doing, to share, in a small way, in the good things that happen to me, and to have you there for me when things go wrong.  I don't want to hide.

There are going to be some changes here.  I'm going to talk about things.  You'll be updated more.  I want to be a blogger again, not an anonymous writer.

It's good to be back.

A "Surprise" Outside

Before I go to bed, I like to leave a slight gap in the blinds to let the sun shine in so I can wake up to a bright, sunny day (granted the sun is shining).  There's a tree outside my window, but it's kinda scraggly, and I don't really take it much into account most of the time.  I surely noticed it today though, because it was white.  My scraggly brown-and-black tree was WHITE.  Yeah.  You guessed it.  Snow.

I know some of you love snow.  My brother loves snow.  The Roomie (now in France) loves snow.  I think it's pretty, but I'm not interested in going out in it.  So far, it looks like it's only a dusting, but even so, I take this to be a very bad sign....ie., winter is coming.  And did I mention that I'm not going home for like two more weeks, and I don't have a winter coat on campus?  I have several jackets.....but not a coat.  And, I don't have hats or scarves, either.  I have sweaters.  So....if you guys don't hear from me in a while (either posting on my blog or commenting on yours), then it probably means I've frozen to death in a crazy snow storm that sorta popped up out of nowhere.

I think I'm going to knit myself a scarf this weekend.  I don't exactly have TIME or MONEY, but I'm sure I can think of something.  I have blue and green yarn in the dorm, but it's too thin to be warm, and besides, I'm already using it to make a light blanket.  I'm thinking some nice, thick magenta wool-blend.  As for a pattern, I'm just going to go with garter stitch; basic, reliable, and simple.  Either that, or I'll go all out and do something like basket weave or raspberry stitch.  I don't want to make anything too complicated, though, since I'm going to have to have something to wear by Monday.  Haha; that's the problem.  I really need something to keep me warm, and trying to make a pretty pattern like raspberry stitch will take me FOREVER to do.  So, it comes down to appearance or usefulness.  I'm going to go with usefulness.

Good Reads

Hey!  Just curious, but do any of you have an account on www.goodreads.com?  I've just started an account, and so far, I have no friends on the site.  I was wondering if any of my wonderful bloggers would happen to have accounts as well?  I'd love to friend you on the site :)

If you have an account, and would like to friend me, please include your user name in the comments.  If you don't want me to post your comment on Ramblings, then just include something along the times of "don't post this" somewhere in your comment :)

A Miserable, Rainy Friday

I think the title of this post about sums everything up.  Today, is grey, rainy, cold, and miserable, and as much as I love the rain, I do not want to be out in it.....not on a day like today.  Sadly, I had to though, seeing as we had a field trip for my Earth Science lab.  The lab itself was very interesting; we looked at all kinds of cool rock formations and such.  I personally think geology is kinda cool :)

But, the issue of course, was the rain.  Wandering around in the rain was not fun.  By the time I got back to campus, I was already soaked with a deep cold that goes right to the bones.  I'm already sick, and this certainly did not help.  I honestly wouldn't be surprised if I don't have much of a voice tomorrow!  But, I'm trying to take care of myself....I took off my wet pants, shoes, and socks, and changed into something a bit more comfortable.  It's at times like this that I wish my grandparents hadn't moved.  They used to have this big old house with the nicest fireplace.  I wish I could just curl up on the couch in front of the fire and read a book.  When I get my own house, I'm going to have to get one with a fireplace!

Right now, I'm just waiting for Matt to call me so that we can go and get dinner.  It's been nice getting to hang out with him more these past few days.  I feel like we go for really long periods of time without talking; it's sad :(

Been listening to Mika, which is a fun diversion from my present, sick, miserable state, haha.  If you've never listened to any of his music, you have to check him out!  I LOVE Mika :)

Also, I need some help from y'all, especially the guys.  I'm writing a screenplay for my screenwriting class, and I'm having trouble with the lead male's motivation.  Gentlemen, what qualities would a woman have to possess to make her worth waiting twenty years for (especially when you can have any woman you want)? What would make this woman so special?  That's the issue I'm having right now....I can't figure out why he would want to wait for her (because, honestly, she's a little bit bland).  Please help!  Thanks :)

And.....here's some Mika!  Enjoy :)

What is Fun?

Fun is staying up late with a really good friend, eating good food, and watching When Harry Met Sally, which people have been trying to get me to watch for months now.  And after the food is gone and the movie is over, it's even more fun when you realize just how slap happy you are, and start playing around on Tumblr, where you find a picture that says YOU ARE A SUPERHERO!  THE OBJECT TO YOUR LEFT IS THE SOURCE OF YOUR POWER; THE OBJECT TO YOUR RIGHT IS YOUR WEAKNESS.  In this case (since Rachel was holding the computer), the source of her power was moi, and her weakness would be the notes from her class for today....she has a test in it and was studying before I came over.  The question that arises: does this mean that she'll fail the test since it's her weakness?  And if I come to the test with her (and I'm the source of her power), does that mean she'll get like a 105% on the test?

Happy Friday, everyone!

Appreciation

I've been feeling a little out of it lately; a little under-appreciated.  And as I was thinking about it, I realized that if you want someone to know that you appreciate them, you have to tell them!  So....I whipped up a little "Rage Comic" for y'all to tell  you how I feel.....

A token of my appreciaton.  (Yes, that's supposed to be me, haha)
Click to enlarge :)

No Update???

Sorry I haven't posted any updates lately; I've been very busy-- which is a good thing :)

I've been working (and I LOVE my new job-- campus writing tutors all the way!), and have been spending a TON of time with friends.  Things are complex right now in my social life, but nothing I can't handle.  If there's anything I've learned about myself, it's that I can handle far more than I would ever give myself credit for.  A lot of it involves quite simply not thinking, but most of it involves prayer.

This past week and the coming week are probably two of the most hectic weeks of the semester: I started working, I started kickboxing, and I'm going to be starting community service by working at a local grade school aftercare program.  Very fun :)

More updates to come in the next few days.  Just really busy, and honestly, right now, I'm super tired.  Falling asleep listening to Bon Jovi-- usually he's more than enough to keep me awake, haha.  Oh well.  G'night y'all, and I'll catch up very soon! :)

Friday Update

Done with another week.  It was a whole day shorter, but at least twice as exhausting.  I feel like I tried to stretch myself too thin.  Too many thoughts are on my mind right now.  Why can't I just stop thinking for a little while?  Don't worry about me, though.  This is nothing that I can't handle....I'm just very tired.  Watched a movie earlier with Italia; we saw The Notebook, and now I'm all mopey.  That was a really sad movie!  This being my first time watching it, I had NO idea what it was going to be like!  Later tonight, it looks like I'll be watching another movie with some of the guys.  That'll be nice.  As much as I need my girl time, I also need my guy time.  Sometimes, I feel like life is less complicated when you're the lone girl surrounded by a group of your guy friends.  It's just nice.  Growing up with a brother and no sisters, I find that sometimes, I just need some guy time.

Going to spend the weekend in the library, I think.  Curl up in one of my favorite sections, kick off my shoes, and just spend some time with the books and the solitude.  Sometimes, there's nothing better than curling up with a good book and just allowing your mind to wander wherever it wants to go.  Right now, I'm reading The Return of Don Quixote by G.K. Chesterton, which so far has absolutely nothing to do with the infamous "Man of La Mancha".  Not to say I'm not enjoying it.....but I am curious as to the title, since that kinda was the reason I picked this book out of nine shelves of Chesterton's writings.

I think I'd like to live in a library.  Just wander around the shelves quiet and content.  There would never be an end to the books I could read.  And I could sleep on the floor, starring up at the ceiling and dreaming of my favorite literary heroes as I drift off to sleep.  Either a library or a lighthouse.  I guess I'm just feeling a little antisocial tonight.  I'm constantly thinking of solitude.

The dining hall food has been a disappointment.  As a result, I'm not really eating much.  Looks like I'll be losing some weight, haha.  More updates to come as the week goes on.  I think I'll try and make a point to at least publish something on Fridays, though.

Have a nice weekend, y'all!

Sick???

I think I might be coming down with something.  It's only just the beginning of September....How can I possibly be sick???  And yet, here I am....sore throat, draining sinuses, and the miserable foreboding that there is still more to come.  I HATE getting sick! :(

On a more positive note, I saw Neo on Friday.  I was super surprised to see him, but catching up was absolutely wonderful!  I've really missed him a lot, and it wasn't exactly easy knowing that I probably was never going to see him again (he had transferred).  I'm happy to be back in touch with him once more.

Classes start up again tomorrow, and it's going to be a super busy week.  But, I'll try to keep posting updates (because I know y'all are just fascinated by what I have to say, haha). 

Oh, and I think I left my computer mouse at home....that really sucks.  I mean, I can use the touch-pad on my laptop, but I love my wireless mouse! :S

One Week Down...

I just finished up my first week of classes.  Being back on campus has been interesting; stressful at times, exciting at others.  AND, I've had plenty of down-time to actually get homework done!  That's been amazing.  Usually, if I can get away with not doing a reading for classes, I'll just skip it.  This semester, I'm hoping to change that.  The only issue I've had so far, is that even when I read the assignments, it feels like I haven't by the time I get back to class.  Like, Thursday, I was totally embarrassed because I had done the readings, but for the life of me, I couldn't remember anything from book.  So, I feel like now I have to write down everything I read (taking notes and all that) so that I don't look stupid when the professors call on me.

Classes this semester have to be the best I've ever had.  I mean, this is the greatest semester overall.  I'm thrilled. :)  I think my Modernist Literature course is my favorite so far.  We're going to be reading The Picture of Dorian Gray to start off the class; that's going to be great!  Today we sampled a bit of Gertrude Stein, who left the class split in half over their opinions of her.  I like her a lot so far.  I'm going to have to check out more of her writing, although, I will admit that she's a bit bizarre.

Some drama, some complications in my social life, but nothing that I can't handle.  And, even though it kinda sucks right now, things are actually starting to look better.

I start working in the Writing Center in a couple of weeks.  Can't wait :)

Oh, and this evening was interesting.  I was chilling out on the campus, when all of a sudden, someone grabs me from behind and shouts, totally freaking me out.  The best bit?  He was incredibly cute and incredibly embarrassed; we don't know each other, and he thought I was someone else!  My heart is still pounding, haha.  Just wish I could meet him again under better circumstances; that would be so much nicer, haha.

More updates to come.

To all my American readers, have a nice Labor Day weekend :)

Back on Campus

Well, here we go!  Another school year is about to start!  Emmy is officially back on campus; a little dazed, a little overwhelmed, but really looking forward to a challenging and fun semester!

I'm not going to be living with the Roomie anymore :(  She's going to be in France this semester, and living with our friend Rachel second semester.  I'm going to be with the NEW roommate: Italia.  As in she LOVES Italy :)  Sadly, I'm going to be alone for a few days until she's able to move in.  I'm a bit lonely, but I do enjoy the time to myself.

Spent most of the day with Rachel, my new next-door neighbor.  We hung out, cleaned and arranged our dorms, and went to see the guys at dinner.  (The dining hall food sucked as always, so I just had a glass of pop.  Later that night, the two of us ordered Chinese food and had a movie party).  The Princess Bride is seriously the greatest film ever :)  Thanks, Matt, for buying it for me :):):)

Matt and Professor Thomas both seemed to be in good moods.  Although, I will say it was a bit frustrating being embarrassed by the Professor in front of a couple of Freshman that Matt was eating with.  I know I should be used to his antics by this point, but it's never fun being embarrassed so badly, and of course, I can't hide my embarrassment, because my face burns bright red every single time!  Oh well......I did miss him over the summer, and I guess when you're friends with this faux Professor, you have to be prepared for this sort of treatment.  After a couple of weeks, I'll build up a tougher skin.

Really excited for classes to start.  I have some good stuff lined up (hopefully, I'll be able to update more about that later).  For now, I'm thinking I'll just take a break and start to wind down for the night.

G'night, y'all! :)  Looking forward to having more news for you!

I'm Back!

I'm back from vacation, tired, tan, and glad to be back.  For my family, vacation (when it's not spent at home) is not so much a break from doing anything, but a break from the normal routine.  Now, I'm dying for the norm and a break in general :P  But, I will admit that I had a LOT of fun, and all in all, I'm really glad that I went.  Florida is the ultimate vacation spot ^_^

Missed you guys a lot, though, and I hope you're all doing well :)  Now that I'm back, I'll be posting a bit more, lol, and I have some new books to tell y'all about.  (There's an awesome used book shop in the area of Florida we always go to, and I always take my old books there for store credit and buy new ones).

Epic Win!

I got lucky today!