Welcome to Human Communication

This morning I only had one fifty minute class, human communication. I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but as I walked in, I noticed that for once most of the students appeared to be close to my age. As the instructor walked in, she seemed just a little bit too excited to be there.

She began class by taking attendance, and then she said that we would be going over the syllabus, and if we were lucky, we would get to our first in class activity. Before she started to go over the syllabus, she explained how to log into blackboard. It is really difficult, trust me. Then she brought up the syllabus and started going over it.

When she got to the part about the textbook we were supposed to have, one guy raised his hand and started to give a five minute explanation as to why he didn't have his book. You see, he has been in the hospital for the last three weeks for something to do with his gull bladder, and he was late in filing for his financial aid. When he did file for financial aid, something didn't work out, so he had to file it again. Now he is waiting for the financial aid to come through before he can get his book. If the financial aid doesn't come through, it could be next Wednesday before he can get the book, and he may even have to drop the course. He isn't sure yet. Neat story, I know.

After listening to the story, the instructor told the guy that he would just have to play catch up when he got his book. He replied by saying that he definitely would because he had made sure to write down the assignment. The instructor continued on, and as I watched her, I couldn't help but think that she should have been a kindergarten teacher rather than a college instuctor. She was just too chipper. I am not anti-happy, but there comes a point when you are over doing it and talking in little kid voices. Oh well, better happy than mean I guess.

As the end of the class approached, the instructor said that she had an activity we could start and finish Monday when we have class again. She passed out index cards to each one of us that had a word written on it. What we had to do was find the person with the opposite of our card. For example, I had "day" so I had to find the person with the card that said "night."

Everyone was quiet as she handed out the cards, except for the guy with the gull bladder problem. When she handed him his card which said, "high, " and he immediately yelled out, "I resent that. I use Visine for my allergies." The instructor just smiled and moved on. God bless that man.

Once all the cards were handed out, we found our partners. Mine was a chick named Chelsea who had graduated from Republic in May. She has a boyfriend of two years, and she played softball her freshman year of high school. She was just going for general education classes at OTC, because she doesn't know what she wants to do yet.

I told her about me and tried to think of something interesting about me, but I really couldn't. You see, we have to introduce our partner to the class on Monday, and we have to say one interesting fact about them. I told her that I would have said it was interesting that I have a sweet tattoo on my wrist, but the man in the back, who was covered in tattoos, has me beat on that one. She did not find my comment even remotely amusing.

And so, my time in human communication drew to a close. It was an interesting fifty minutes, and I am sure it will be a class filled with plenty of good writing material throughout the semester.

How to Write a 5 Paragraph Essay....a Journey into Political Science

The second class I had today, was none other than good ol' political science. From looking at the book, I could tell it wouldn't be too difficult. I was just wondering what kind of people would be in my class.

When I first entered the room there were only three or four people in there, but it quickly filled up as more and more people entered. I was just sitting there minding my own business when all of a sudden an old guy with an eye patch walks in. Now I have nothing against people with eyepatches, I just found it rather strange that his highly resembled that of a pirate.

As he walked down the center aisle, I was silently praying he didn't sit next to me. I mean, after all, there were several other empty seats. But low and behold, he did sit right next to me. We didn't say a word the whole class time. He kind of scared me. I did however, have to keep myself from staring at the eye patch. I couldn't help but wonder how it would look if I painted on a skull and crossbones with some white out.

To keep myself from staring, I looked at the other guy who was sitting next to me. He looked to be about my age. He was drawing mountains on his paper. It was neat, I guess.

Finally class started as the instructor took role. He mispronounced my last name even though it isn't that hard. After taking roll, he passed out index cards where we had to write some information about ourselves and give our contact info. Then we went right into going over the syllabus. The syllabus didn't look any different than ones you would see in high school. On it was the basic course objectives and grading scale. There was also the rules for an essay we would have to do.

When we got to the point where we were discussing the essay, he explained that it would be our midterm and a due date would be given later. It was going to be a series of opinion papers. We had to take three controversial issues, pick a side, and write why we believe what we do, supporting it with facts. I was thinking it was going to be difficult until he said that they only had to be a page each, and MLA format was optional. Piece of Cake.

As we continued to go over the syllabus, we came to another portion that said something about writing five essays for a portfolio. The instructor then told us that portfolio was just a fancy term for binder. Then he explained that the five essays were going to be difficult, but we have the whole semester to do them. Then he said the length they had to be and I about cracked up right there. They only have to be 250 words minimum with a 500 word maximum! How hard is that?! Apparently it was hard for some in the past, because he went on to say that he has had people trying to cheat that minimum, but he will catch it.

He then decided to give us his secret method to writing a good paper. Waiting for some intellectual wisdom, I waited eagerly. Then he said, "Write a five paragraph essay." He then proceeded to explain how to write a five paragraph essay and even how to write a paragraph starting with the topic sentence and following with supporting details. Neat. Thank you oh wise sensei of college writing.

As the class progressed, I couldn't help but think that my instructor was exactly like Coach Madden, my 9th grade Civics teacher. In fact, I felt like I was repeating that class over again. I am not trying to be mean. He did seem like a nice guy. He had taught high school for 34 years, and he was now teaching part time at the college. The only problem I had with the class was that I felt like I was back in high school. I came to college looking for something to challenge me, and so far, it's not looking too good. But who knows, I could be surprised in the end.

After one full day of classes, two things are for certain. College will definitely be an experience, and of course, it will be great writing material!

Wikipedia, a Serial Killer, and Weird People....My First Day in Intro to Baking.

Today was my first day of college, and believe me, it was an experience. The first class I had was introduction to baking. I was excited because it was actually a culinary class. Walking into the room, I shook the chef's hand and introduced myself. Before long, everyone was there and class began.

We started by going over the syllabus. As chef was reading through the syllabus, we came to a part that said we would have to do a report over a certified pastry chef. Chef explained that the report had to be enough to please him, which meant about a page and a half. It also had to have the sources cited, but MLA format was not necessary. Oh and let's not forget, Wikipedia is a valid source. As I was sitting there, I couldn't help but think I didn't belong. I am not saying I am extremely intelligent or anything, but even I know that anyone can edit Wikipedia! Heck, I created an article about myself a couple of years ago, and I edited the article for Pomona and Willow Springs!

As class continued, we got to the portion of class where we played the, "get to know your classmates game." One by one, we had to stand up and tell a little bit about ourselves and why we were there. When it got to be my turn to say why I was there, I couldn't help but think, "I don't know, you tell me." Watching each of my classmates give their introductions, each one seemed a little weird to me. I mean, I know I am far from normal but some of these people were way further away from normal on the spectrum than me! I know this maybe a little, ok very sterotypical, but I did make notes about each one of my classmates and how I felt about them:

Girl who sat next to me: Very strange. Kind of ran/skipped everywhere she was walking. Kind of had the emo look going on...wants to bake wedding cakes. I would guess she was around 20 years old.

Chick who sat on the other side of me: Class suck up. She was in my summer online class, and I saw her the one time I had to come in to take a test. She laughed at all the chef's jokes and asked tons of pointless questions....and I thought I was a suck up. She definitely got on my nerves a little. She acted as if she knew everything already.

Random chick down the row: A little slower than everyone else, but still nice all the same. She was going into baking because she baked with her grandma at home.

Artistic wonder: Kind of cute. Acted as if he knew everything already. Has been in school 8 years. First wanted to get an art degree then switched to culinary....only one in uniform for the day....ate peanut m&ms which are gross....plain would have been a much better choice. Drank Dr. Pepper which was a good choice.

Business Lady: She came dressed in business attire. 46 years old, she worked in the corporate world her whole life. Decided it was time for a change....talked to me at fifteen minute break...I don't think she likes me because I am young, as if I control that.

Divorced Woman Harboring Deep Hatred: She stood up and explained in a tone that implied she was harboring rage deep inside that she had just gotten divorced and it was time to do what she wanted to do. I say all the power to her...you go girl.

Nursing Chef: This chick looks my age but is really like 22. She can't decide whether or not she wants to be a nurse or a chef and wants to find a way to incorporate both into her career.

Undying Love Chick: She is the closest to my age. She is 19 and is engaged to her boyfriend. She explained that they have been dating a year and will be married in a year and a half when she turns 21. She will then be moving to Kansas City. Chef said something about rushing into marriage and all of the old people nodded their heads. Undying love chick replied by saying that they will have been together for two and a half years when they are married so that is plenty of time.

35 Years in Manufacturing Lady: She had spent the last 35 years working in manufacturing when the plant closed. Now she felt it is time to do something she really enjoys. Her sister works for Taste of Home...she went into full detail about this and how she could get us all magazines.

Coffee Chick: She carried her mug of coffee like it contained liquid gold. She is originally came from New Hampshire but moved to Springfield for personal reasons. A criminal perhaps?-Note she is not the serial killer...we will get to him later.

39 Year Old Hick Trucker: He had been a trucker for a very long time, but then he hurt his back two times. So, his wife told him to go get his culinary degree. That's why he is there.

Blonde headed guy who looked sleepy: He was obviously too cool to be there. He looked like he thought he was much better than anyone else in the room.

Marketing Guy: He was enrolled in marketing classes at Missouri State, and then he decided to go into culinary. He was very quiet the whole time.

Chick with the Facial Piercings: She bakes a lot of stuff and just gives it away because it is only her husband and her. She seems kind of strange. Mental note: make friends with her so she makes me food.

Serial Killer: He was in the military for eleven years. Wears extremely thick glasses and makes a lot of nervous gestures like he is paranoid. Could potentially hold entire class hostage.


And that, is my beautiful class. : )

Time for School

Tomorrow is my first day of college classes, so I decided that today I would go see where all my classes were. After all, I didn't want to be the idiot running down hallways asking everyone in sight how to get to classes. Ashly decided she wanted to go with me and find hers too.

When we got to OTC, I had to run in the book store to get one final book they had to order for me. Once I had the book in hand, we stood in the long line. I am sure we were quiet entertaining for anyone listening to our conversation. Ashly explained to me that it wasn't that hard to cook, and all you had to do was throw a bunch of ingredients in a pot, add some salt, and stir. She said her grandma could teach me all I needed to know about cooking, and I wouldn't even have to pay for the classes. Then she proceeded to tell me that I was so smart she thought I would become an astronaut, because of course, all smart people become astronauts.

After talking about how I should become an astronaut, she made me promise that I would go to the moon before I die. I said I would see what I could do. Then she told me that not only did she want me to become an astronaut, I had to build the rocket. I told her no biggie like it was no big deal and proceeded to check out.

As I was leaving, I turned around and noticed almost everyone in line was watching us. I am sure they thoroughly enjoyed our conversation in the book store. I could already tell that the short time we were on campus together was going to be interesting.

After running to my car and dropping off my book, we headed to student services so I could get my student id card and Ashly could get her schedule printed off. We got in the huge line and waited our turn. While waiting, an OTC helper came by and asked what we were waiting for. I told her, and she told me that the id card machine was broken at the moment and if we wanted to print Ashly's schedule we could just go to the computer lab as long as she knew her password. Thankfully she did, so we followed another chick who needed her schedule printed up the stairs to the lab.

While we were following the girl, she turned around and said that she had no clue where she was going. So that didn't really help us. We ended up asking someone for help, and they directed us the right way. After about ten minutes of searching, we did eventually find the lab and got Ashly's schedule printed off. We told the chick who had been searching with us goodbye, and we were on our way.

We spent the next hour going all over campus looking for classes, but it was a fun adventure traveling down many hallways that led in a circle and ending up in the wrong place almost everytime. We did eventually locate all of our classes though, so we will be ready come tomorrow when our classes start.

They Don't Sell Cocaine, Let's Get Crunk Drunk Instead

While in Gulf Shores, it was my personal mission to find a can of Cocaine energy drink and try it. We went to gas station after gas station picking out the trashiest looking ones in search of my controversial drink. I was very disappointed that after about an hour of searching, we were unable to find it.

Stopping at one last gas station, I got out of the car and ran in to see if they had any Cocaine. After seeing they didn't, I noticed another energy drink I thought would be worth trying, Crunk. I had heard of Crunk before, but I had never actually had the chance to try it. I decided to buy a can and try it.

Getting back in the car, Amber and Chelsea asked what I had picked up while inside and I showed them. I was eager to try it, so I popped open the can and took a swig. It tasted pretty good. Heck, with ingredients like pomegranate juice, horny goat weed, and ashwaganda what was not to like?

I had quickly chugged the can, and afterward, I immediately began to feel the "buzz." It made me feel really light headed and happy. So naturally, I told Amber and Chelsea that I needed more. Later that night we went back to the gas station where I had found the Crunk and bought more. They each bought a can, and I bought four. We started drinking them on the way back to the condo and before long, we were all feeling it.

That night was a blast. We danced to ringtones on our phones, sang at the top of our lungs, and took a ton of pictures. We enjoyed getting "Crunk Drunk" and just having a great time hanging out. Crunk is definitely a powerful energy drink, and I wouldn't recommend drinking more than one can at a time if you don't have a high caffeine tolerance like me, but otherwise it is amazing. I am just hoping I can find it in Springfield now that I am back home!

A Sleepy Farewell

This morning while most of the United States was sleeping, Amber, Chelsea, and I got up to depart from the absolutely gorgeous beach in Gulf Shores. We woke up around 4:30, got ready and took off. Although I truly did miss my family and Puggy, I couldn't help but feel a slight bit of sadness as I watched the beach disappear in the rear view mirror.

The past few days on the beach served as an escape for me. I didn't have to deal with anyone's problems or even my own. I could just forget all of them and relax. I enjoyed the chance to write and to just sit back, watching the waves roll in. Leaving the beach meant I would have to enter back into the real world. With a final glance back, I said goodbye to my vacation and to my summer. Heading back to Missouri meant that it is time to start college and make something of myself. I am looking forward to it, but I will definitely miss the carefree nights on the beach.

A Mountain of Fried Okra and More

Today for lunch, we decided to check out Lulu's. From reading on the internet, it sounded like Lulu's was definitely a local favorite, so we were anxious to try it. When we arrived, we were greeted with the sight of a local art market and the sound of live music. The place wasn't that crowded, but then again it was 2 o'clock on a Sunday afternoon.

We were seated and our waitress greeted us. We decided to start with a mountain of fried okra and some good ol' Alabama sweet tea. As we waited for our appetizer, we decided what we wanted to eat, and afterward we started taking pictures of the restaurant. When our waitress came back, she offered to take all of our pictures together. We posed and were satisfied.

As we ate the huge amount of delicious fried okra that was placed before us, a lone guitar player took the stage. He was fairly good, and we decided to take pictures of him singing. As we did, he started to look at us and smile for our pictures. Then when the song was over, he asked how we were doing, and we said we were great.

He continued to play, and it seemed like anytime one of us would look at him, he was looking directly at us. Eventually while we were eating our delicious meal, he came over and talked to us. He was extremely nice. He asked where we were from and told us to come back and see him if we were in town.

After chatting for a brief moment, he went back to play, and we went back to our meal. We finished, stuffed to the brim, and we paid the waitress. We waved as we exited the restaurant, and the singer just smiled as he played. Overall it was an experience I will never forget. I absolutely loved it, and I would recommend Lulu's to anyone looking for a great place to eat in Gulf Shores!