And.... exhale...

Wow. Finals week is done. I did not think I would make it through. Travis helped me not stress too much but its been rough. Test after test after presentation after paper after grade..... it's never ending. It is enough to drive a person insane- case in point -> me. This school gives you a great education. You are not just a number, your knowledge is not reduced to merely the bubbles you scribble in on a scantron- the teachers truly care. They expect you to come out of their class fully versed in whatever subject it may have been they were teaching. Wonderful, great in the long run, overwhelming for testing purposes. Each professor expects multiple essays for their final. Needless to say, after this last exam this morning my hand could fall off. Through all of this I still have had to go to work, which I do enjoy but is a daily toll on my nerves. I love kids but sometimes- well lets just say I'm going to discipline the heck out of my own kids. No need for parenting class I already know what NOT to do. A couple of these kids could use a good swift kick in the behind- butI will not be the one to issue it to them for obvious reasons. Too, on top of everything are my duties as an RA. Everyone seems to think that it is my personality to be nitpicky- which it might be and very well could be a reason why I got the job- but alas, it is my responsiblilty to maintain the safety and clenliness of this house and ensure all rules are followed. Lets just say, I love my housemates (my friends), but they do not seem to take me seriously. I'll crack down next semester- I have no choice. Nyman beware. Christmas shopping has been going pretty well. Of course there is still more I need to buy and am constantly thinking of people to give gifts to. Usually I'm pretty cheap but this year I've gotten into the spirit of giving. I have a trickle of an income so I think its ok. Devestating news- Travis does not think he will be coming back to SVU in the Spring- actually its pretty much for sure. This place is not the same with out him. He is my very best friend- has been for a long time. We have made SVU our home. It is our little fun place and we have grown to love it. It won't mean anywhere close to as much if he isn't here. Therefore, I am dreading coming back in January- even considering running away to Aruba to avoid the deadness of this place without my best friend. Dad already paid tuition so we'll see how that goes. It looks like there is supposed to be a snowstorm tonight through tomorrow evening. Oh and when do I plan on leaving?- Tomorrow afternoon. This should be fun.

Early Christmas

Last night was the annual Buena Vista Christmas parade. There were lots of floats in it and tons of people from the town lined the streets to watch and cheer. It's not something that you'd see every day in Fairfax, thats for sure. I was in the parade with the YMCA float. The kids had a great time shouting "Merry Christmas" and waving from the float they were seated on. I handed out candy-canes to kids who were watching. I was pretty much famous :) SInce our float was near the front we got to get off and watch the rest of the parade. Churches, businesses, antique cars, organizations, and mostly fire and rescue squads from all over sent their vehicles. It really was lots of fun. I got made fun of by my co-workers because I was standing there watching intensly. Tomorrow we have another one- in Lexington. That one should be just as fun, if not more. In the morning I will be volunteering at a Christmas Party by Project Horizon for children. Santa will be there and we'll paint faces, decorate cookies, things like that. I guess thats it, Chiristmas season is offically here! PS- Totally got a 21 out of 20 on my oral Spanish presentation today. I'm pretty darn proud of myself next time. PSS- Sorry no pictures, still no camera. PSSS- THERE IS A MOUSE IN OUR HOUSE!! I saw it in the kitchen a few nights ago. Alyssa spotted in in my room last night and later heard it scratching inside the walls. We have mouse killer set out but it has obviously not been successful. Possible story on this to follow. Have a good one.