Bittersweet

I didn't actually get to fly on this bad boy- but it was pretty cool to look out the window in the sea-tac airport to see this!

I just returned "home" to my dorm room in Pullman, Washington- a Junior/Senior at WSU studying Pharmacy. While I was happy to come back into my routine, I think this might be one of the sadder returns I've had. In the last couple years, coming back home (real home) has been a bit of a stressful time. Between returning to my parents house and trying to balance visiting and work and play, it always seemed so nice when I got to return to my cozy little room, away from the drama that comes with any family. This last Christmas break however, seemed so low key and was refreshingly drama-free, despite a couple bumps, it was a wonderful trip. So, of course, this time I was extra sad when I returned back to school. It doesn't help that I know the next time I will get to cuddle my puppies or my mommy will be in the month of May as I'm not coming home for spring break. Spring semester is always a bit glum, what with the slump after the holidays, the dark weather, and the misconceptions about how warm it really is outside (its always windy here...), and now I just know it's going to be a long one!

The first day of class was today and this was the weather we had:

Doesn't look like much- but in the bipolar Washington weather it was windy and snowing and by early afternoon it was all slush and was "raining" snow from the trees as it all melted. There's still some on the ground of course, but man- not fun in the early morning when nothing is plowed and you have to hike all the way across campus for an 8 am unnecessary music course (don't even ask). 

While it's been a bit boring here with no homework or studying (or puzzles) to do- I know it's gonna kick up next week! Plus it's my 21st birthday tomorrow! Woot.... It doesn't seem quite as special when you're not around family but instead in class surrounded by soggy strangers. 

I was lucky enough to have a little birthday dinner with family before I left home and had my favorite birthday dish ever- Taco ring!

And of course some yummy mint ice-cream cake!

So, I guess I shouldn't be too sad- as I know good things are coming and someday I'll have my own little doggie (I really do miss them).

Happy January all!

December 2012 Birchbox

Happy January!

My sister and I recently subscribed to this wonderful little site called Birchbox.
Here's what it is:
You pay $10 per month and in return they send you an adorable box full of mid-size beauty samples, each month they send out ten different variations of boxes so everyone gets something a little different. So I've decided to make a post each month displaying the samples I got in that months box! Yes, I know it's January, but I didn't get back to school from Christmas break until Yesterday and my box arrived during break. So here goes!

My Box contained:

29 Cosmetics: 29 Preserves Skin Care Collection-

ModelCo: FIBRE LASHXTEND Lengthening Mascara-

Nicole Richie Fragrances: Nicole by Nicole Richie-

Number 4: Clarifying Shampoo-

La Fresh: Eco-Beauty Acetone-Free Nail Polish Remover-

$50 off on RENTTHERUNWAY.com

So far, I have only actually used the nail polish remover, as my morning was quite rushed today. But I have heard good reviews on the shampoo and the skin care collection (here- my sister got one in her box).

La Fresh: Nail Polish Remover: 

Although I'm sure this is only because the nail polish remover was acetone-free and healthy and all that, plus I'm used to the heavy duty stuff- it didn't impress me. It almost felt dry right when I opened it and it didn't feel like it was working all that well. Although I must say that it smelled lovely (like oranges) and didn't leave a nasty chemical smell at all (probably because there was no acetone- duh- but still). 

ModelCo: Lengthening Mascara:

While like I said above, I have not used this yet, I can't help but LOVE the little mirror on the side! So cute!

I know that wasn't the greatest review of my box but I'm looking forward to doing a bit more blogging and getting more boxes!

-Beka

Soundtracks

Just a quick update blog. As I've been studying for finals and finishing up last assignments I've found myself making new playlists and listening to lots of music to kind of soften the whirlwind. So as I looked at the music I'd put together I realized how much of it was from movies or TV shows* and thought I 'd share some of my favorites :)

TV show favs: (okay I guess there's only one-but they seriously have some good music)
Gossip Girl (who couldn't include this one)
     Specific favorites: - Three Wishes - The Pierces
                                 - Young Folks - Peter Bjorn and John

Movies:

Tangled
    Specific fav:           -I See the Light - Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi

Cold Mountain
   Okay all of the songs but the ones by the Sacred Harp Singers are especially cool

Twilight Movies (I know, but there's actually good music- and no matter what I still like the books...)
    Specific favorites:   - A Thousand Years - Christina Perri
                                  - Flightless Bird, American Mouth - Iron & Wine
                                  - My Love - Sia
                                  - Clair de Lune -Debussy
                               

The Hunger Games (at first I didn't like any of the songs but then saw this video, and I changed my mind)
   Specific favorites:  
                                 - Safe & Sound - Taylor Swift feat. the Civil Wars (also love them atm)
                                 - Tomorrow Will be Kinder - The Secret Sisters
                                 - Come Away to the Water - Maroon 5
                                 - Eyes Open - Taylor Swift

Also this cd full of piano soundtrack music that my sister Whitney and I always listened to, that I love <3 <3
            "Cinema Performed on Piano"- James Patrick Dunne, Ron Merritt and Dan Troxell
                  Favorites: - Somewhere in Time
                                  - Forrest Gump Suite
                                  - On Golden Pond
                                  - When I Fall in Love
                                  - John Dunbar Theme



Just thought I'd share a little bit of what I've been listening to ! Plus needed a little break :P

* Obviously I know these aren't only  from the movie/show

-Beka
 

Kony, Facebook, and Time

First, yes I am going "jump on the band wagon" and post about Kony 2012.

If you have not seen the viral video you can watch it here, but if you are even somewhat connected to the world, I 'm guessing you've seen it.

I gotta admit I was pretty touched by the video, and think the cause is a good one. So I was pretty shocked when I saw all the negativity it sparked on places like facebook and youtube videos (which had nothing to do with Kony 2012, someone had just started a comment war). I couldn't believe people wouldn't support something like this, though I can see how it's controversial.
People posted links showing how not all the donations went directly to the fund, but instead to things like transportation and compensation. Others posted how "people are JUST NOW caring? This is old news, and I honestly don't care about some crack pot youtube video maker" (real quote).

Now, I believe this is taking it a little far. People claiming that those "jumping on the Kony bandwagon" are dumb, don't even realize they've jumped on one as well. The hater band wagon (yes hater), some people always need to have a negative approach to things, and I'm sorry but that just gets old.
While I believe that money in charities should be going to the cause, I think it's also important to remember if there weren't people who could carry out the aid and be there in the thick of the cause, there wouldn't be one. So without some of the money going towards compensation or travel costs, there could not be a charity at all. If you've ever participated in charity or volunteer work, you would know the crazy amount of work, paperwork, organization, etc. that goes into even small project. Just something to consider.

This brings me to the subject of facebook. I was pretty amazed to see how fast Kony 2012 spread, and it was all due to facebook, to the passing of information in seconds across thousands of miles. Looking at how gloablized our world has become, it's pretty frightening. On that note, I also think people should be careful of how they say things and what they post on this monster of facebook. I have recently read comments and status updates on facebook saying things like "f the civilians they want to send us overseas to deal with something that isnt our problem. just f them." That is absolutely ridiculous. So, just a reminder to people who rage on facebook. Don't. Because it just makes you look bad, period.

Anyways, enough of all that.
I have one day of class, one weekend, and then I will be in Seattle squeezing my nephew and hanging out in the sun eating good food, and having fun!
I cannot wait!!!!

<3

Caution! They're addicting...

Muddy Buddies

Ingredients-

9 Cups Chex (any kind)

1 Cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/2 Cup Peanut Butter

1/4 Cup butter or marg.

1 tsp. Vanilla

1 1/2 Cup powdered sugar

Recipe-

1. Microwave chocolate chips, PB, and butter uncovered on high for 1 minute. Then stir. Microwave for 30 more seconds or until smooth. 

2. Stir in vanilla

3. Pour mixture over cereal in a large bowl, stir until evenly coated

4. Pour into a 2-gallon resealable bag.

5. Add powdered sugar and shake well until all are coated. 

6. Spread on wax paper

7. ENJOY!!!

OR

You can be an ultra lazy college student like me and buy it premade in the little bags.

Either way, this is a must must must have! But make sure you make enough, it's addicting ;)

Hooks and Needles

I learned how to knit from my 1-2 grade teacher Cheryl Hilmes. We got to pick two colors of yarn and two colors of clay (I made mine match of course) and made our own wooden needles with clay toppers, then proceeded to make these awesome square hats with tassels on top. Honestly you can't get cooler than that, but I didn't knit again until a couple years ago when I decided to make my boyfriend some mittens out of this lovely gray and white yarn my sister spun. I only ended up making one (and still haven't finished the other one). What a nice girlfriend I am right? Anyways, despite my lack of diligence in starting and finishing projects I recently tried picking up crochet again, which until a couple weeks ago I only knew how to make long long loong chains. I have now made 4 headbands, am on my fifth and am about to try and make my newest nephew a baby blanket. So I don't know what changed but I love love finishing a project, especially one that takes only 2 hours max from start to finish. If you didn't see my last post here's a picture of my "works" so far.

 

I am still a beginner, with only a couple types of stitches down, but soon I hope to make some cute little amigurumi, which if you don't know what those are go here. Can't wait to see where else this takes me!

<3

New Toys

In a few weeks it will be Spring Break and I will be heading over to the West side to see my sister and her family in Seattle and I cannot WAIT because this means not only will I get to see Whitney and Steve, I will get to meet their first baby boy and my newest nephew Riggs William Harness (who you can see more about here http://riggs366.blogspot.com/).
So as I was thinking about all the fun things we were going to be doing and how I couldn't wait, I remembered my camera. While it's not horrible, it is definitely old, chunky, and in need of a replacement. So, I went ahead and (with some advice) got the Canon ELPH 300 HS Powershot point and shoot digital camera. I do not claim to be any great photographer, or even good, but I am so happy to finally have something that can take some good pictures for me!
I thought it would be fun to experiment with it now and learn how to use it fully before going on my little vacay in March. So I took a few pictures of some of the things I love in my room <3
Enjoy!

Skype Time with Riggsy

New notebook (see last post!), m&ms and V8- what better!?

Theodore mean muggin me

WSU!!!!!!! and pink <3

* After some Zumba *

My newest love, will post on this some more later...

Have always loved piggy banks and love notes from my love<3

If you know me well, you know how important this "rag" aka my blankie is to me

Hope you liked the pics, I love love love the camera, so fun AND easy.

<333

Ecosystem Life Notebooks

I'm not usually one to be extreme about recycling and such. Not that I don't think we need to preserve our natural resources and leave a softer footprint on our Earth, I just grew up in a place that did not (and doesn't really still) facilitate recycling as much as other places. But I have got to say this company is amazing.

I went to our campus bookstore to buy a moleskin book for recording my efforts at the gym, which I have been going to almost every day now, and stumbled upon a display of "Ecosystem Life" notebooks. At first I was drawn to them for the bright colors, and then the possibility of a cheaper price.

Well I ended up buying one, and when I began unwrapping it at home I read the front inside cover which says underneath the line where you enter your contact info

"If found, refer to the ID number on the back pocket and go to www.ecosystemlife.com"

I thought "whoa, no way," and sure enough there was a little code in a leaf on the back page. But it gets even better. When I went to register my new little book online there's a page called "ingredients." Once there you can register the same code and find out where, when, with what, and by how many people your book was made! It is so cool to me to be able to see behind the scenes of something as simple as a notebook, and that it took 291 people (purely in the United States!) collectively to produce it.

Just thought I'd share this nifty little moment of my day.

<3

New Blog Title

I was recently looking through blogs I've found on Pinterest and I decided I needed to change the name of mine. While its title "Coin Conscious" made sense to people who know well my love of finding free money on the ground, it seemed like it could come across that my blog was the type which gave advice on penny pinching and useful ways to save your money, so I changed it to something a little more accurate to the things I write about, not that I write about libraries, but I certainly spend enough time in them! Just today I became the mayor (foursquare) of my favorite one at school :)

Sorry for the uneventful post, but I thought my few followers should know why this new blog was popping up in their lists :)

<3

An addition to the last post....

Once again, I found Pooh in a very strange spot this morning, but it kind of made my day.

Pooh squished between the wall and the bed, under my blankie

Hope everyone has a nice day :)

Poor Pooh...

My bed at college seems to expel things from it. My topper is always sliding off, pillows slide through the cracks, I wake up in between the wall and the bed (no joke), so I thought I would post a couple of pictures of where I have found my lovely little pooh bear stuffed animal.

Hanging on for dear life to the "top" of my bed rail

Found sitting among the cans at the end of my bed

I don't know what it is, but finding him in a new "tight" spot makes me laugh everytime :)

Update and Thanksgiving

I know it's been a while since I've posted, so I wanted to do a quick catch-up blog and post some pictures.

Today I finished my last two tests before getting to return home to Anchorage for a week long Thanksgiving day break, woohoo! I am so excited to go home to my sister's baby shower and the holiday feel! The holidays just don't feel the same when you're away from family in a snow-less state. A couple weekends ago Carlo and I made the journey to Wal Mart and did pick up some holiday decorations- which have been nice in the past stressful weeks. I also wanted to share a picture of the delightful little squirrel/s I get to see everyday! Pullman is a wonderland for little woodland animals, and I am always seeing bunnies and squirrels and chirping birds all over. A good "squirrel-watching" location is right on the steps to and from my dorm, so I get to enjoy them all the time. It always amazes me how squirrels are so curious and how their tiny bodies can scamper around so much. Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends!

Carlo is ready for some turkey!

I am ready for Christmas!

A squirrel I met on the way home

My New Obsession...

ENGLISH MUFFINS

So delicious. The first pic is just toasted english muffins with butter and strawberry jam, and the bottom two are of the "pizza muffins" I made today. It was my sister's recipe (not a hard one to follow) you just prep the english muffins with pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings, and then bake in the oven at 350 for about 7 minutes. Instant yum!

Pizza Perfection

Lately Carlo and I have been on a little bit of a pizza craze, and instead of ordering from our College's dining hall, which has cheap, but incredibly plastic pizzas, we decided to order from one of the other places in little Pullman. We found the enticing name "Pizza Perfection."

We  looked at their website online, found the deals page, and ordered  the "Pizza and Side" deal for about $17 (total with tax and delivery fee) a 16" pizza, with two 24 oz soft drinks and your choice of breadsticks. 

They told us 45 minutes.

20 minutes later we get the call to come down.

Awaiting us is a friendly (not creepy) delivery guy with 2 drinks, a large pizza, and a huge bag of breadsticks.

We were in love.

We have now ordered from them many times and they are consistently fast, great tasting pizzas with wonderful service. 

So, if you live in Pullman and need a break from the regular pricey Pizza Hut, try Pizza Perfection (I recommend getting ham and pineapple pizza with the cheesy bread sticks- delish!)

Downtown Pullman

Yesterday Carlo and I were feeling a little bit adventurous (plus he had something he wanted to buy) so we decided to go downtown.
At first we were going to bike, but then Carlo had a better idea of just walking there. Which worked out better seeing as you can't ride your bikes on the sidewalk downtown and we aren't cool enough to ride on the street.
Plus it was much more like a date, and less like running an errand.
So we took some pictures along to way to document our little trip.

Pretty red bush :)

Bunny we saw hanging out under a picnic table on the walk there

The cafe we stopped at for a coffee- looks shabby but was lovely inside.

Mocha frappe and velvet cake- best cake ever

Carlo with the goods 

We had to stop and grab some pork springrolls for dinner! Yum!

It took us two years to finally walk around downtown but we still loved it. 

One more thing

I'm dreaming about..... Michael Buble singing "You belong to me" .... and the Holidays :)

Autumn Daybook

Outside my window... there is a team/group of (drunk?) frisbee players shouting at each other on the playfield. It's also almost midnight here, so the dark adds a certain mystery to the voices.

I am thinking... that I cannot wait until the trees start to change and fall comes.

I am thankful... that my sister's baby is healthy, for two sweet nephews, for parents that love me, for a boy who puts up with all my crap, and for a resilient fish. 

From the learning rooms... I am learning things about monkeys and their ancestors I thought no one should care about. I am learning the secrets behind how things are put together inside us, and how those things are put together and react. 

In the kitchen... I made a successful batch of no-bakes this morning! A significant feat which required multiple trips up and down the hallway balancing pans and ingredients. Dorms really make you appreciate having kitchens and food in the same place. 

I am wearing... a mismatched outfit of blue running shorts, purple top, bare feet, and my new bose headphones :)

I am creating...a universe for my fishy

I am going...to finish my lab tonight.

I am wondering...how this week will go. 

I am reading... Dance of Dragons. Honestly, I  love the series, but don't start reading it if you don't want a very graphic story. The author is thorough in his representation of the lifestyles of the characters in the books and does not leave anything out! Gotta love it though. I will soon be reading People of Darkness for my anthropology class, which I am excited about! Plus it will be nice to have an actual book to read, instead of electronic. 

I am hoping... that I will start to feel better with this new medication :( It is not sitting well with my poor body. 

I am looking forward to...Rugby next week. We are going to be (finally) starting contact for the year with the new girls, yay for no braces and new mouth-guards!

I am hearing... "If I Die Young" by The Band Perry, a sad song but I love it. 

Around the house... It is cluttered! Who knew that getting a bigger room all to myself meant that it'd feel so messy! And it's not just me ;) I just feel as though I haven't really made the time to put everything in it's right place, my pictures aren't even up yet!

I am pondering... why I am not in Firenze, like my lucky friend Elika.

One of my favorite things... is to wash dishes with my headphones on. So soothing and peaceful. 

A few plans for the rest of the week: Tomorrow: pick up some things at WalMart including a new passport picture, complete my chemistry lab and make notecards :( The rest of the week involves: waking up, eating, class, eating, rugby, shower, bed. Pretty much every day. 

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

The No Bake cookies I made (well whats left of them!)

The credit for this goes to The Simple Woman's Daybook!

Philippines Food Night!

Tonight Carlo and I fried up the rest of the Tapa we made together.
If you are confused as to what "Tapa" is- it's a Filipino food, beef strips marinated in garlic, soy sauce, sugar and other stuff (if you want to make it HERE is the recipe we used)
Five months ago I had no clue what Tapa even was, but after spring break Carlo's mom sent us home with some that were frozen so that all we had to do was fry it up when we got here. Well, I loved it. Loved it! So we finished off the stuff she sent us and proceeded to ask her for the recipe so that we could attempt it ourselves.
We went to Wal Mart this last weekend and picked up all the ingredients, then came home and made a HUGE batch (if that's the right word.) It's a bit (ok a LOT) different than Flor's, but still delicious! And tonight's was very yummy! So maybe by the time I need to, I will be able to successfully cook Filipino food! I'm learning anyways- I'm learning :)

So happy and hungry and ready to eat!

The overall meal- Egg + Rice + Tapa = Delicious/Tapsilog!

A close-up :P

So if your mouth wasn't watering from the description, hopefully these pictures helped! 

I am so thankful for everything, and tonight was one of those nights that really made me realize what a lucky girl I am.

xoxo

Rambling

I am, once again, supposed to be working on a paper about Marxism. A one-page piece of busy work.
So, I decided to blog instead :)

Today I realized the power of talking to your professors. Especially ones whose class you sit in the front row and stare at every day as they break pieces of chalk and create chalk storms in their problem solving.
After receiving a high grade on a recent math test I went in to talk to my professor about what the grade meant as far as my overall grade for the class. He promptly listed off on how he didn't grade with straight percentages and how he assessed the class and its members at the end of the semester. He then went on to congratulate me on the high grade on the test and how I was going to get an A in his class because I was always there and did well on the homeworks. Thank you for making my day Professor Spock :) Yes. He looks EXACTLY like Spock*. But he is very nice and a good teacher so.. no bad feelings.

My bags are packed for Seattle tomorrow and I am on my way to figuring out where I will be living next year. I HAD been placed in a double room with two other roommates, which I quickly tried to get out of, and am awaiting a reply from my hopefully future dorm manager. I am currently trying to get side-by-side rooms with my current roommate in a hall that has single rooms in what used to be double rooms. With large windows. So, much better than the three girls in a double room! Plus I'll have my favorite little roomie close by :)

I am looking forward to being home for the summer. But, not looking forward to the job searching and job. I am trying for something pharmacy related if you know anyone let me know!!! Even without pay, I will work two jobs if I can get an internship or something. Wouldn't that be amazing?

I wish I was going into a field that I could do work from home. Wouldn't that be nice? Although, I suppose it would get boring.  You can't have everything.

I find it amazing that I have four short weeks left of school. Two real weeks, dead week, then finals week. Crazy!

I am meeting with my advisor soon to discuss which classes I will be taking next year, but it's looking like it's going to be full of O-Chem, Bio, and Math. Fun.....

Well I should go finish this paper now :)

One more day until Seattle! In 24 hours I will have just finished a yummy dinner at Bahama Breeze! Can't Wait!

*This is my teacher :) He really is awesome though!

Right and Wrong

So many thoughts have been flowing through my mind.

Opening up.
Letting it out.
Which choice is right? Which is better for me?

Matthew 7:13

A paper.
A test.
A lab report.
Math problems.

3 days until Mom and Seattle.
I can't wait!

xoxo

p.s. If you're into remade/retold fairy tales (who isnt?) I just finished a book called The Rose and the Beast by Francesca Lia Block. WARNING: This is not a book for children. Fairy tales with a darker, modern twist. Gotta say- disturbing. But interesting nonetheless.

Another, more lighthearted retelling is the Princess and the Hound by Mette Ivie Harrison (how can you not love the name?)