Something is wrong in the universe

I read a lot of blogs. I empathize with the people whose blogs I read. I want to hug these people (in a very, very NON creepy, safe way). I wish I was good friends with a large chunk of them because they make me laugh, make me think, and make me want to have conversations with them.

But lately, the vast majority of my blog friends have been sad, down or depressed. It's not just one; it's several. And to add to this, CB has been having a hell of a hard time dealing with medical school (long story short: the student promotions committee recommended him for disenrollment for making a D in his 12 hour pharmacology course, though it is perfectly within the limits of the school's policies, though he has met all qualifications to continue onto 3rd year of medical school. Basically he now needs to do phenomenally well on his Step 1 test this Friday if he wants to stay in medical school. No pressure or anything.).

I know I don't know most of these people, aside from a couple, and those I do know I don't really ever hang out with in real life, but my heart aches for these people. I want to tell them all that it will all be okay in time (cliche), that there are people out there who don't even know them and still care about them and their well-being.

Something is wrong in the universe that so many people are hurting right now for all kinds of reasons.

Something is wrong in the universe that I only think just now that something is wrong in the universe because the people I happen to read are hurting, when really, thousands if not millions hurt everyday.

I wish someone would fix the universe.

Thoughts on returning to school after a 2 week break.

I'm exhausted.

And I have a mountain of grading, which is impossible for me to finish by the time grades are due for last semester. Fantastic. 

Meanwhile,

I made chicken last night- the healthy kind. It was pretty good. 

At last a break....

From all the teachings...

Last Friday marked the beginning of a glorious 2 weeks off. I gave exams to 73 students, gathered all my wonderful teacher prizes (I got a Coach keychain!!! numerous candies, cookies, chocolates, breads, etc, a Jonas Brothers CD- how I love 8th grade girls, candles, Christmas ornaments... ahh glorious stuff to crowd my kitchen and dining room table), and went home.

Since then... my apartment has exploded with clothing. I spent Friday afternoon at the movies and then that night I hung out with my most favorite teacher friend PR. She is more than twice my age, and she is my former professor, but I owe my job and where I'm at in life to her. So we hung out for a long time, and then we were joined by other teacher pals. Good times with the Latin teachers. 

Saturday was cool. I got a pedicure and manicure and that night went to the Nutcracker ballet with my mom, brother and his gf. I have NEVER seen a ballet before, so I was super excited. We had aaaammmmmaaaazing seats in a box. Box A, just to the left of the stage. 

I am going to try to embed pictures, but they never go where I want them to. So, we will see

Self-Portrait

Brother's gf and I

My toga dress. Thanks for making me buy it last February whore.

 Our view of the stage

Mom and I.  She usually smiles bigger than that. 

When I got home,  I proceeded to stay up till 3am changing out picture frames with CB and I's engagement pictures. Here is a random sampling- there are hundreds- I will choose 3 or 5. 

I spent Sunday doing a lot of last minute Christmas shopping. I am done with everyone except a whore in Florida, a hook in Paris, and PR.  Sunday night was CHRISTMAS with Dad. This year my dad has opted out of regular Christmas, as he is very stressed out with his job, etc. So he is going golfing in California instead. Thus, brother and I had Christmas together with him last night. He got me an Ipod touch. I was so so sososososososo excited. I LOVE the ipod touch. 

Today, I had planned on cleaning my apt because it is such a disaster. Instead I went out and finished one last Christmas shopping detail. Then I found out that Neiman Marcus REALLY doesn't sell their amazing gingerbread cookies anymore. WTF? Those were the best gingerbread cookies ever... remember CD? When we went on our search? I had to do it alone this yer, and I was unfruitful. : (

After grocery shopping with the masses... I came home and watched NCIS, passed out for an hour, then finished wrapping prizes. 

And that is how I have spent the past 3 days of being off. 

Nevermind the 4 inch stack of exams on my desk. And the bag full of papers from the semester to grade.

About ME

While doing my usual blog surfing, I came across this on my friend's blog. Intrigued, I too have completed this Youniverse thing- where you click on pictures over a given set of topics- and it creates a kind of personality profile. This is what mine came up with:

Mood- Sofisticat: You're romantic in your outlook and love the simplicity of nature. You can be a little nostalgic and like landscapes that make you feel calm. When it comes to art, you're a little unconventional but you appreciate precision and hard work. You are consistently impressed by the discipline and focus of true artists, whatever their field. You're a discerning music listener, romantic and passionate. You love the buzz you feel from watching a live performance- there is no better escape.

Fun- Thriller: You're insatiable! Your thirst for affection never drops. You've got a high sex drive and appetite for lurve (? wtf is lurve?)... For kicks you like to indulge in your great passions. You are happy to live highs and lows; you are fiercely loyal and passionate. You like to be part of the big picture. When it comes to the holidays, you like to explore and immerse yourself in another culture. Always on the go, you take in as much as you can. You find it hard to switch off, as you like absorbing new information all the time. And what turns you off? People who seem smart, until they light up and you realize they are stupid enough to be heading for an early grave.

Habits- Junkie Monkey: You love being a little naughty. Nothing beats getting up close and personal with the object of your affection. When it comes to drinking, you've got a little bit of a sweet tooth (I clicked on a picture of a soda :) ) and you don't get too hung up on making healthy choices... As for the home, you have a very cool and contemporary taste. You like your surroundings to be simple and functional, cozy and approachable.

Social- Thoughtful: For you friendship is all about being there for one another. You can't imagine life without your best friends. And they're the first place you go when you need advice, or a shoulder to cry on. You have a strong sense of justice and human rights. When you think of freedom- you think of democracy, one of your most treasured possessions.

Overall- it was actually pretty amazingly accurate. I recommend you waste some time doing it too. : )