As I sit here and think about going into work today, I just wanna bury myself into my blankets. Blaaaah. I'd rather be working on homework for school. Because lord knows I need to.

I also want to get back to my crafting, but... that will probably have to be put off, at least until my job gets tired of putting up with my idiocy and stops scheduling me. Which I do foresee happening, and we all know how I'm so very clairvoyant.

Halloween costumes. I need help. Batgirl, Harley, a Green Lantern, Robin, Harajuku girl or what? I just can't decide! I know it's a bit early to be considering, but if I get it now I won't be standing around in crowded costume shops the day before Halloween.

Fuckin' Virginia.

I really really miss Publix.

I fear the CVS people have no idea what they're doing. They told me that I can only get my prescription this Wednesday or Thursday since that will be 24 days after I got my last one.

It could be my fault. Probably is since I only gave them one of my insurance-type cards. But...

They're not nice. :<

Well. I'm sitting here, on the couch, an hour after work got out, and feeling like a jerk. I do wish I could say that it wasn't my fault, but... to be honest, it totally was. Sometimes, I get off of work late. Very late. Obviously. And on those nights, often Jon comes to meet me. You know, so no boogeymen will get me. And I do like that, because it's both nice to have company and I always feel a bit safer with him about. I tried to text him at 11:45 to let him know that I would be leaving early and he didn't need to show up period. Obviously, the main mistake was that I didn't call. He didn't get the text, so when my co-worker asked me if I wanted a ride I thought "sure, why not? i let jon know i was going to be home early. this means that i'll just get to see him an entire half an hour earlier!'. Well, let's face it... that was stupid. Jon didn't get the text and even if he had, he probably was on the bus at that point anyway, so it didn't matter. However, if I had called him, I could have waited and spent an extra two hours with him this evening. Bah on Chelsea. I don't really know if he's miffed, but... he has every right to be, in my opinion. 

On that note, silly bus system. When someone drives me home, I get there in about 10 minutes. The walk plus bus ride to work puts it in the area of 45 minutes. Lame. I love public transit, but sometimes I wish it was a tad bit more convenient.

To look on the brighter side, I'm getting better at handling the registers. I still ask too many questions and still tend to be really slow, but I'm working on it. I can only hope the managers like my work enough to pass it on that I'm a good employee so I can continue to get lots of hours. I can't be sure if anyone thinks I'm any good, but... we're all quite nice to one another, so that is a big plus.

Jon has turned me into a fan of Buffy. I never thought I would be. The episode I partially watched was seriously lame, so I swore off the series altogether. Funny, then, that I am now watching it with Jon every chance I get. Ah, how things change.

Thank you grandma and Jon for my birthday presents! I know only one of you reads this, but it holds still. I wore the lovely argyle sweater grandma got for me to work today and am waiting to open the other present with my cousin (at grandma's request). Jon's were probably the most awesome of the lot, since he bought me a bundle of Asimov novels and the video game BlazBlue (seriously crazy game!). Better yet, there is still one more present yet to arrive! I am thrilled! Working on my birthday sucks, but knowing people care makes it way better.

School starts this Tuesday. Am I ready for grad school? I really couldn't say... I will probably hang out on campus all day, buying books, wandering around, you know, the usual. Then classes begin at 4:30, if I'm not mistaken. I think it shall be both glorious and nerve-wracking. Yay! Thankfully I should only be working about 20 hours come that time. Or... come the week of the 7th, anyway. I imagine I will be needing to utilize that time for lots of study and research rather than earning an hourly wage.

Friday was, for me, something of an action-packed day, much to my surprise. After all, very rarely do I get off my butt to make my life any more exciting than it already is. I started the day by making the long trek out to get my Virginia license, probably so long because I had to ride the bus to get there and we all know that takes longer than just driving your own car. Before I leave, I pack all of my items into a plastic folder and stick them inside a plastic purse. I had everything that you could want to establish your identity: birth certificate, passport, social security card, driver's license. In addition, I brought my credit card statement, two of them actually, which had been coming to Jon's apartment for the last two months. Needless to say, I felt prepared. I walked in to the DMV, told the lady that handled customers before they actually got in line that I had just moved here from out of state and wanted a new license. Fair enough. So she told me I needed proof of residence and identification material. No problem! I hold out my credit card statement proudly and say "I brought all of my credit card statements!" and without missing a beat or even looking up at me from the papers she was scribbling on, the lady replies "Oh, no, you can't use a credit card statement. It has to be a bank statement, utility bills, or a lease. A credit card statement won't work." Not only did that take me by surprise but it certainly took the wind out of my sails. I had been sure that it had said generically 'bills', but that was not so. Well, that ended in a very quiet journey home with both me and Jon looking somewhat put out and me feeling a bit guilty for dragging him out there early. The driver's license issue is not resolved. I either will have to get a copy of the lease (which Jon added me to) and visit the DMV on Monday or just order a Florida license online and work this out after Tuesday (when my current license expires).

The day did get better, however, when we got home because while I was gone I had gotten a call from Borders! When I called the manager back, he told me that he wanted to interview me for the job, if possible, that very day. Being the lazy creature I am, I had nothing else planned so I agreed, told him I'd be there at 1 o'clock, hung up the phone, and promptly proceeded to freak out about my lack of interview appropriate clothing: obviously I hadn't thought everything through before I applied for the job. I made do with the clothing I had and met the general operations manager for an interview. To make the whole set of events more shocking, he hired me on the spot, right when the interview was finished. Surprise! Soon I will be a Borders employee. I go in for my training on Tuesday and I imagine I will have quite a terrible time handling their computers: they use a completely outdated program, reminiscent of that crap Dillards saddled their employees with. Yes, that's right. I go in for my first day of work on my birthday. Perfectly dreadful. On top of that, I go in late enough that when I manage to get home Jon will probably already be asleep so we won't be able to celebrate my birthday. Well, the upside is that I have a job. There are enough downsides right now that I don't even want to think about them, so we'll save that for later.

Of course, on the way back home from Borders, we rode the 28A bus, different than the bus we took to get there slightly (the 28B). Naturally, we expected it to go to a nearby apartment complex that we could exit at and walk home from. Nope. That is exactly where the two buses differ. Right before those apartments, the 28A turns left when the 28B turns right. Therefore, it took us much longer to get home, mainly because we weren't ready to hop out and walk 20 minutes in the rain to get back to our apartment. Good times.

...

I was going to post that on Saturday, but... it got away from me, as you can see... Anyway, it's all still relevant. :/ Just now I've worked two shifts at Borders. Woohoo. Borders bookseller right here. It isn't too bad, actually...

job-hunting today~! wish me luck! i would like to start my school year off with a job. :x

...assuming of course that my grad school will allow that.

spent the evening with laura. feel about... 9,000x better. yep. lego star wars will do that to a person. we are inept jedis, apparently incapable of lifting ourselves on boxes to the second story and if never thought i'd say "fuckin' padme", well, i was wrong.

i'm just now going to sleep, but... that's okay. it'll be a peaceful sleep, i believe.

sam, dad, laura, and i saw gi joe and it was pretty good; we have some complaints about it, many of them aesthetic, but even so we enjoyed ourselves. also, i would molest christopher eccleston. doesn't matter that he's old. so i guess my boy has some serious competition. because, you know how often mr. eccleston is in town.

i think i'm over my problem with past decisions. i doubted them briefly. well, for an entire day, but i made the right choice. or if i didn't, i'll find out soon enough. things can always change.

I suddenly felt incredibly lost today. I guess it all comes with the territory of making huge life-changing decisions. Like, y'know, leaving your home so you can put yourself in debt to get an education when you now no longer have a job, which even without moving in with the boy could put a strain on that relationship (along with the difficulty of keeping in contact with everyone back home).

BUT. When I think of the terms my father put it in, I feel much better. Because this IS an adventure. And maybe it won't work out and maybe I'll hate school and Virginia and everything, but that's all a part of the adventure, because, well, if you knew everything was just peachy keen and absolutely perfect, it wouldn't be much of an adventure, right? I think so anyway. Things will probably go wrong and right, but that should just be a test of my problem-solving skills. Possibly.

Either way, I feel much better and I didn't even have to directly dump my issues on other people. Indirectly is much more fun, you know.

I'm still going to miss everyone desperately, like Laura and Steph and Mike and, well, even all of Sam's friends. Of course, I'll likely miss my family most, but that's no surprise.

As of right now I'm flying up on Saturday, in the afternoon. I feel a bit like I must have disappointed Jon with that choice of days, but... my family was overjoyed that I get to spend an extra day or two in Florida with them.

We all went to see Star Trek at the dollar theatre last night and I am more than tempted to go again tonight; after all, it's just a dollar! But tonight is GI Joe time. Yes, that's right. :3

Also, I'm busily learning to crochet. I figure I might be able to bring my crochet hooks on the plane when my knitting needles would likely be confiscated. Now, what I can make in 2 hours, well, who knows? Maybe I'll have a nice little coaster made up for Jon by the time I reach Virginia. Not that we are crazy for coasters, but there's little else you can use a small square for.

Getting that out of my system has made me a happier and less sad-faced girl. I suppose LJ is good for something.

fantastic day yesterday. did nothing but clean, sip coffee, and buy silly items from borders. in fact, i almost forgot it was a holiday (something i do frequently, really).

now, i'm not one to usually buy magazines, since i tend to consider them a waste of money. but after nearly a month of deliberating and the realization that borders only had one copy left yesterday, i bought the last issue of nintendo power. why, you ask? interestingly, it wasn't because of the cardboard pokemon that you can build (even though i am excited about that). it was because its cover was graced with images from kingdom hearts: 358/2 days. come to find out, when i opened it, there was a similarly massive article on muramasa: the demon blade. both are slated to come out in 'fall 2009', though i think muramasa has a more definite date of 'september'. despite the fact that i'm starting classes in grad school and will be looking for a job around that time, i just know i will be obsessed with at least one of those games, if not both. though... since i won't actually have a wii in virginia, i suppose i won't have the privilege of playing muramasa when it comes out.

in other news, my car sounds like she's about to die. i feel very guilty about the whole thing, because i definitely could have put a little bit more time and money into the upkeep. dad suggested that she's acting up because i'm leaving; y'know, breaking the whole symbiotic car-human bond. i am inclined to agree. however, i am hoping to bring her to a car hospital tomorrow morning (aka aamco).

After gorging myself on 3 seasons of Doctor Who now I'm trying to drown myself in Heroes. As of right now? I'm making some serious progress. Almost done with the second season already. Not that it was particularly long, but... Still, it takes some effort. Right now, I'm trying figure out why people are saying the 2nd season sucked. I mean, maybe it wasn't as good as the first season and maybe it will have a lame ending since it was created during the writers' strike. However, it still seems good to me right now.

Back to good 'ole tutoring, yessiree. All study halls and sitting in on an anthro class now. A pretty awesome gig, all things considered. And I found that, even not considering boy-related nostalgia, I didn't mind being back in football study hall. Kinda like I belonged there. Yeah, the guys are all pretty annoying on a daily basis, but I guess that it's been a daily part of my life for almost a year now. So, in a sense, I've gotten used to them. I even enjoy their idiocy, in some cases.

I will be moving to VA soon! Also, probably moving in with the boy. Crazy, I know. Chelsea liking someone enough to spend outrageous amounts of time with them and not trying to kill them. I must be turning over a new leaf.

Still alternating between excitement and nervousness concerning grad school in the fall. :x

kittens. everywhere. for serious. i walk out into the garage and as soon as i sit down. BAM. i become a jungle gym for kittens. it's kinda cute, really. almost cute enough that i'm not pissed at them for scratching my knees. and for messing all over dr. lieberman's hose.

anyway, been looking for jobs and apartments in either the alexandria or fairfax area. now that i'm spending my last summer living in florida with my family i think i realize that i'll miss it something terrible. also, becoming nervous because i'm so poor. oh well.

if anyone's wondering, i definitely just got an action figure of sora in his halloween town outfit. x3 if my thesis didn't prove it, i love kingdom hearts waaaay too much.

last day before dad's vacation tomorrow. i'm rather looking forward to it.

It's probably wrong that I can't stop laughing when Sam's character in Fable II is chasing down good, pure-hearted monks to sacrifice to the shadows. But, seriously, with all the squealing and darting to and fro it's hard NOT to laugh.

Obviously, my character should have been evil.

I love summer, I do. What a great lazy life I lead.

Neither grad school I was accepted into offered me any monies. Hawaii did put federal work study into my pocket, but since their prices are higher they damn well should have. I'm dead-set on moving to VA and going to school, so unless Hawaii had offered me lots of money and the title 'Queen Chelsea' I wouldn't consider it. Still, it's nice to know that Hawaii didn't turn me down. Now I just have to arrange next semester's schedule.

After spending the last two weeks obsessed with video games, I'm halfway through Star Ocean:TLH and have beaten Fable II (didn't find all the keys and gargoyles though). What's next, you might ask. Here's your answer: Exo Squad. Probably the best American cartoon ever created. Thorough character development, interesting and complex plotlines (ones that even last for the entire season!), and who doesn't love space travel, race wars, and e-frames?

I got a graduation card in the mail when I got home last week, much to my surprise. It was from the first grade teacher who I had volunteered with. Not only was it a nice sentiment, but it contained a $20 gift card to Borders. Amazing. Kinda surprising, really. I guess being a good (and occasionally likable) person has unexpected benefits.

On that same note, dad and Sam informed me that I have an 'aura'. And it makes people happy. I am not sure that I concur.

Dr. Lieberman's cats left a mess of cat poo on the floor for me. I've been sitting here, ignoring it, in hopes that it might up and disappear. It hasn't. Suppose I should get to work on that...

Officially accepted in GMU, hooray! :3 Now that I've sent them copies of my W2 they should be getting back to me about financial aid... which would be nice, because I seriously need some money.

CAHSA got back to me to let me know that my Asian Studies minor should be fixed by the time of graduation. Great. I'm glad they got in contact with me, but... seriously. That doesn't give me much room to fix up if they mess up.

Students all over the place. I'm ready to be done tutoring. It wears me the hell out, especially when they can't seem to pass.

Oh, also have one more ticket to graduation. Now 6 people can come be bored. Delightful.

I'm just too tired for you to tell, but I'm actually excited. This semester is almost over.

I'M NOT GONNA MAKE IT.

THOSE 500 EGGS. TOO MUCH.

309/500 AND I HAVE TO GO MEET MY FAMILY.

I AM DOOMED.

Psh, means I wasted my day yesterday...

So, after my thorough period of completely freaking out over grad school and my thesis defense, it is time for the freak out to end! Yes indeed.

I did great on my defense yesterday, if my professors' comments were anything to go by. Unfortunately, it seems that the paper I used for my thesis approval pages was wrong wrong wrong and absolutely unacceptable as the first page in my bound thesis. According to one of the program coordinators. Well damn. Means I have to print it out again and have my committee members sign it again. It's fine, really, but I hate giving people the impression that I'm flaky. The fact that that impression is totally accurate does nothing to make me feel any better.

Also, I got a call from George Mason University yesterday. The call was basically asking me 'why the hell are you applying here and not someplace like Chicago or Berkeley?'. Nice to know that I'm overqualified. Of course, once I explained my reasoning, they seemed to be quite satisfied and told me I should be getting my acceptance letter in the mail within the next few days. And, if there are funds to go around, I'm on the top of the list. Heck yes. I suppose my dad is right: shoot high, aim low. xD Still waiting to hear back from Hawaii, but I'm pretty sure that GMU is the answer. Time to live in Virginia~! Kinda exciting, I think.

I have an unhealthy obsession with Gaia. Seriously. This online easter egg hunt is consuming my morning. And probably will for the next three days. Silly, but fun. And a good way to unwind from my ultra stress-filled week.

I'm proud of this new, pro-active stance I'm taking in life. Not something I'm used to. Though, I fear, it's not extending far enough. I hope my application to GMU doesn't go awry and I have some hope (as small as it might be...) that Hawaii might accept me. However, I waited until the last minute to do all of my grad school applications, which I fear was a bad idea. Maybe my laziness will be punished in the worst way ever.

Oh, yeah, Michigan rejected me. Not surprised about that, honestly, since my application was admittedly half-assed, considering what a great school it is.

Can't seem to get these girls to pass a sociology test. I know something is wrong with their work ethic, but... usually my own efforts can make up for that lack.

I feel a bit sub-par overall at the moment.

I really kinda hate personal statements. Talking about myself in any coherent useful fashion? Uh, no thank you. Generally speaking, I do not have the tendency to reveal myself to the public, if my short sporadic LJ posts are any indication. Also, it kinda feels like I'm bullshitting them. I'm not, of course. I do love Japan and am curious about globalization and blah blah blah, but... the personal statement just seems so ridiculous. A formal paper revealing yourself to your potential professors.

On another note, I want a job. A REAL job. Not just tutoring for minimum wage or cat-sitting every now and then (for good money, of course).

Also, I'm totally exercising now. I would do it every day, but after a day or two of intense exercise my body is like "mmmm... need 12 hours of sleep. no gym tomorrow."

Can't wait to graduate. And there is a small part of my brain completely freaking out about my thesis defense in less than two weeks. I realize it's mostly a formality, but it still makes me nervous.

I am the happiest I've been in a long while. I know it might be a little silly, but... yeah my boyfriend is that great.

Though, I sorta wish I wasn't injured and bleeding. I'm awesome.

I also wish that I didn't have to work on my thesis. Boring.

I admit it. I like compliments. And my thesis chair gave me one today, suprisingly, about my work ethic. Oh, and the fact that I actually take his edits into consideration when I revise my thesis. But, honestly, uh, he publishes articles on a regular basis, so why wouldn't I listen to him? Even I'm not that stubborn.

I'm am still confused by the concept of no numbers, roman numerals, and arabic numbers on my paper. Therefore, I just split them into three different documents. TAKE THAT MICROSOFT WORD, YOU ASS.

Still trying to figure out what I'm going to do with my life. I know I wanna teach, but that's all. Yep. I am beginning to think that I wouldn't mind doing something with students that have learning disabilities. It's a little bit frustrating, but also rewarding.

In other news, it took me literally 20 minutes to get one of the kids in Ms. Le's class to settle down long enough to answer a single question. I tell you. I am happy to volunteer (though I bitch about driving out there every Friday morning beforehand), but... the kids I'm working with right now need even more help than usual. Just means extra attention, I guess, and more patience.

ALSO. Definitely just got a Batgirl poster, the cover from Barbara Gordon's first appearance in the DC Comics. Yeah, that's going on my wall. My dad is awesome, this much is true.

i informed one of my students today that i was writing a paper. a paper over 40 pages and she first gave me a blank, disbelieving look. then she said '40 pages... that's like a book!'

it was really cute. poor thing. i think it boggled her mind, the idea of attempting to write that much.

40 pages isn't really that much.

and i only have 15+ pages done.

erghhhh.