DAMN IT.

not having internet has fully SCREWED me over. i missed the damn assignment for the kite runner, cause i can't check my stuff out of school.

:[ i hate everything.

okay FINE.

I NEVER post because I'm a complete failure. I did not realize the rough draft was due today. I have been keeping notes and watching a lot of documentaries, as well as finishing up Helter Skelter. So, I haven't written much of my rough draft. I am the type of person who sits down with a cup of tea and cranks out an A paper in two hours, which makes me bad with deadlines but okay in the longrun. Unfortunately I'm going to have to present something, so I have a few paragraphs and hopefully that's sufficient.
I am really looking forward to getting VISTA off my computer finally. I hate VISTA so much. If you for some reason are thinking about VISTA, buy a gun and shoot yourself in the leg instead. The experience is much the same. VISTA has completely ruined my wifi capability, due to some security glitch the people on the HP helpline can explain better than me. I was told the only way to fix my problem was install a new OS (or reinstall the old one); since I have no way to backup my files, I am not going to lose all my stuff for VISTA to screw me over. Again.
So, thankfully I have a wonderful friend named Jesse Wade who is helping me out with getting the virus that is VISTA off my computer and getting Windows 7 on there instead. Well, I mean, he is providing the OS, I am the one putting it on my computer. WHICH BRINGS ME TO MY NEXT POINT.
I am changing my major! Yep, the college freshman changes her major... surprised? No? Lol. Seriously though, I have been in Biology 1101 for almost an entire semester and I don't think I have ever hated a subject so much. I thought I would be okay with it, since I was in high school, but boy was I wrong. College Biology is a complete torture chamber for me. And if I hate Biology 1101 that much, what am I going to do in 1102? Microbiology? Anatomy and Physiology 1&2?!
The answer is now NOTHING, since I am dropping the BSN major like it's hot. I would like to be a nurse, but... it just isn't for me. I am not taking the easy way out, but why would I do something I absolutely do not like? Plus, I have a plethora of anxiety issues and I work poorly under pressure.
Not to mention, I really really really don't think I'd get along with other nursing students and ultimately other nurses. I am... not a preppy girl. And that seems to be about 95% of the nursing major students. If you are a nursing major and you aren't an bleach-blond tan gigglebox in $200 jeans, I am not talking about you. But if you are, chances are I won't get along with you. I have nothing in common with these people, and being someone who has been an outcast more or less msot of my life, I just don't want to feel that way anymore.
So... I am changing my major to IT! I am really good with computer stuff already, and I genuinely enjoy it. I am going to get my BS in Information Technology with a dual concentration in Software Development and Network Security. It's a mouthful, but it sounds like so much fun to me. And I can relate to other computer nerds. When I make jokes they don't just stare at me and kind of give an awkward insincere laugh. It is safe to say my humor is not for everyone. ...especially not most of the nursing majors.

So that is the News of Nichi. Hopefully the sheer volume of this post makes up for what I was lacking in previous posts. I'll cross my fingers.

i ain't trifling with no stale ass bread.

Ok, here's the deal. I know I'm supposed to update this twice a week, but I just can't bring myself to. Nobody else seems to be able to, either. I do try to update fairly regularly, but I no longer have wifi at home (thanks, drug-addled mother!) and have to use my iPhone's internet to do anything. Blogging from an iPhone is just not going to happen, I am sorry. And I've been so sick lately, my attendance has been sporadic. Hopefully it won't negatively impact my grade! I hate cold/flu season!
Anyway, I don't have much to say. I'm working on my research paper. My topic is The Manson Women, as in the female followers of Charles Manson. I find it really interesting that they followed him and three even killed for him. It's just really interesting that he was SO charismatic. I mean yes, he was a psychopath and a genuinely 'evil' guy, but he was charismatic enough to convince people to KILL OTHER PEOPLE FOR HIM. He fed them LSD and brainwashed them, and as much as it's sickening, it's IMPRESSIVE.
Enough about that, I'm sure I'll have to post my research paper when it's done anyway.
On a lighter note, and I hope nobody gets pissed off at me for using 'ass' (I have done so well up until now with keeping my cusses down to almost nothing!)...

BLOG post.

Under this is my essay, which is supposed to be posted. Should have posted it a while ago, which grouches me out cause I probably did it earlier than anyone else. But, I posted mine later!
I am not the best blogger, but hey.
Enjoy the essay, be kind.

Mario v. Zelda

Video games are becoming a more and more integral part of childhoods. Over the years, several video game franchises have made their mark on the industry. Few, however, have attained the level of greatness that The Legend of Zelda and Mario Brothers have. If you look at any Top-10 list of video games, you are likely to see at least one appearance of each franchise (oftentimes, more than one). Suffice it to say, both of these video game moguls have altered history. While their profound impact on the world of video games is shared, there seems to be few other similarities, at least until one looks beyond the surface.
The first Mario Bros. game, if “Donkey Kong” (which only features Mario, in a primitive form) isn’t taken into account, appeared in 1983. This predates the release of the first Legend of Zelda game by three years. The first Mario Bros. game, simply titled “Mario Bros.”, was a stand-up arcade game, whereas The Legend of Zelda was made for the Nintendo Entertainment System, a home console (although Mario Bros. has been re-released multiple times, and is now available on the NES as well.) The general mode of game play is also very different. The Legend of Zelda is a complex and unique game (even in 2D), utilizing puzzle solving, action, adventure, and role-playing. While Mario Bros. was a relatively simple platform game, its descendents (while still maintaining the genre of ‘platform game’) evolved the game play in many ways.
The Mario Bros. franchise is unique, as it features two protagonists: Mario and his brother Luigi. For most of the 2D games, in one-player mode, you may play as either brother; in two-player mode you and a friend each play as one (although you never truly play ‘together’, you simply take over when they complete a level or die.) Mario tends to play a much larger role than that of his brother, though Luigi is definitely considered a protagonist of the series. The Legend of Zelda only has one leading man: Link. This character has gone through more complicated development than those of Mario and Luigi, evolving into a complicated story that spans centuries. Mario and Luigi are short and pudgy stereotype Italian-Americans, whereas Link is a lanky, elf-eared Hylian (one of many fictional races that appear in the Zelda series). Despite the characters’ vast differences, they share a common goal: save the princess.
The princesses, unlike their heroes, are actually vastly similar. Princess Peach of the Mario Bros. series and the titular princess Zelda are both blondes (usually), and both typically are seen wearing pink or other pastels. Both characters have a generally kind and dignified nature, and are fairly smart (despite their helpless roles). In most plotlines, they have both been captured by the main boss, and both rely on their respective saviors for rescue. This formula is not always used, but has been a major and oft-repeated theme throughout both series. The princesses are each featured in games in which the roles are reversed: Princess Peach saves Mario in Super Princess Peach on the Nintendo DS. Zelda sets off on her own adventure to return the favor in The Legend of Zelda: Zelda’s Adventure, and The Legend of Zelda: Wand of Gamelon on the Phillips CD-i, though it is important to note that these games were poorly-received and also not considered canon.
Both games require you to attack enemies, although the enemies are definitely not the same. Enemies from both series, however, tend to be fantasy rooted in reality. The enemies, while different, seem to share a common factor: they do not exist in our reality, but things like them do. Even the manner of attack itself is radically different; Mario and Luigi typically attack using a jumping mechanism, whereas Link uses a sword for most of his attacks (slingshots also play an integral role in his arsenal). A defining difference, though, is that Link has a shield, whereas Mario and Luigi are not able to block attacks in most games (they must simply get out of harm’s way in time.) Both games feature mini-bosses, and one main boss (Bowser in the Mario Bros series, Ganon in The Legend of Zelda), although the smaller bosses in The Legend of Zelda are admittedly a little harder to get rid of.
The system of being attacked is even different. In Mario Bros, when you are attacked, that is it. You start the level over, or from a checkpoint you came across earlier in the level. This is true in all instances without power-ups; if you have a power-up, you lose your power-up but remain playing until you are out of power-ups, and only then must you start the level over. The Legend of Zelda features a heart system; you begin with three hearts and toward the end of your game Link can have upwards of fifteen hearts (depending on the game and your skill level). When attacked, you lose a heart (or a fraction of one, if your enemy is weaker). When all hearts are lost, you begin at the beginning of the level again (usually further back than Mario Bros would send you). Albeit infuriating, both systems work well for their respective games.
Each game has its own unique fantasy world, with its own creatures and surroundings. The fictional world of Mario Bros consists of mushrooms, feathers, stars, and fire-flowers for power-ups, coins to be collected (100 coins usually gives you an extra life), and bricks that are jumped underneath and smashed with the player’s head. The enemies vary, but the most recognizable are the koopas (which resemble turtles) and goombas (which seem to be little mushrooms with angry eyebrows and pointed teeth.) Link’s world is more medieval, featuring many fantasy races of creatures such as Fairies, Gerudo, Gorons, Hylia, Koriki, Sheikah, and Zora. Link is faced with battling an array of opponents as well, usually fantastical renderings of bats (Keese) and spiders (Skulltula), or other imaginative fictional monsters. Both games feature one similar reoccurring enemy: a story bound incarnation of a Venus Fly-Trap plant (Mario Bros.’ Piranha Plant and the Deku Baba of the Zelda series).
These worlds are both elaborated upon and expanded throughout the span of each series, evolving immensely but still remaining familiar. This is perhaps one reason the games are so popular; the fantasy world you go into is the same (or very similar) each time you visit, be it in 2D on the NES or in sophisticated 3D on your Wii. It’s refreshing to know that although imaginary, the world seems finite and true to itself. The fact that these games have been around for so long, but are able to retain such a strong sense of acquaintance is nothing less than astounding, and is exactly what makes these games so great.
The fact that both games are able to attain this level of familiarity could be attributed to perhaps the most important similarity of all: they are from the same creator. Shigeru Miyamoto is responsible for the existence of both empires. Of course, he didn’t do it all alone, but the creative mind behind both games is the same. This creativity and ingenuity is precisely the reason he has come to be called the “Walt Disney of the video game world” and the “father of modern gaming”. This common factor explains the thorough development of the fictional worlds the games take place in, the attention to detail paid to the characters and enemies, and the captivating nature of these games. Almost every similarity these game empires share can be traced right back to Shigeru Miyamoto.
Of course, the defining similarity in these games is not their creator. The most crucial likeness of these franchises is simply their impact upon the world of video games. It is hard for most people, myself included, to imagine the world of video games as they are today without Mario Bros. or The Legend of Zelda. Often imitated, these games have become not only a great experience to the player, but they have become a mold for games to come. These games are not only a source of nostalgia; they are part of the strong and sturdy foundation that is laid for the future of gaming.

compare, contrast

I'm not exactly sure about what to do with this compare and contrast essay. I'm a little partial toward doing something about video games, since I have been playing a lot lately and I've been known to make a pretty good presentation about my knowledge of video games. (For instance, I did a 25 minute slideshow on the history of home consoles). So, I would like to do something in that vein. The only problem, now, is ... WHAT?
In other news, I rocked a Psychology exam today, I believe. I am pretty sure an A in that class is going to happen. I don't want to be cocky, but I am feeling pretty optimistic. :]

Book Reviews!!!

I just finished two books, called Tricks and Pygmy. Both were enjoyable, but coming from my favorite authors, that's expected. I really do enjoy anything written by Ellen Hopkins or Chuck Palahniuk. They are just both so incredible.

Pygmy is unique, as it is an epistolary novel, and in very very broken English. It's about a young male (on the lower end of his teen years) coming to America, under the guise of an exchange student. His actual objective, however, is some unexplained (until deep into the novel, but I would just ruin it if I said what it was) act of unspeakable horror. The members of the group rarely speak in America, and call one-another 'comrade'. The country they come from isn't explicitly discussed, but is a fictional mashup of most communist countries. Pygmy's name is never revealed, as Pygmy is a nickname derived from his smallness; he simply refers to himself as "Operative Me". He is referred to by his communist counterparts as 'Operative 67'; everyone in America calls him Pygmy.
Pygmy is a gripping novel, taking you through Pygmy's journey to the capitalist greedy pig-dog nation of America. Hate softens, people grow, and things are learned. This is not the hero's journey... this is the anti-hero's journey. And I could barely put the book down along all the turns of this journey.
I would go into more depth about the plot, but this isn't SparkNotes. It isn't even an important book review, it is a cop-out so I don't have to discuss my boring life



Alright, so Tricks was a pretty good book, too. It's written in Ellen Hopkins' signature prose style, visually appealing and almost lyrical. It has five separate narrators, which seems a little tricky (no pun intended, please) but is very easy to adjust to. This could be me, as I am used to her other novels (most of which have multiple narrators). It takes a while to get to really 'know' the characters, but once you do you really FEEL for them. Sensitive people may be drawn to tears by this book. It is very gripping and emotional, tinged with a bit of dry humor, and a whole lot of genuinely good writing.
The plot, as the name implies, shows how each of the five characters found their way into prostitution. The characters (by the way, two males and three females) are all quite separate in the beginning of the novel, but all end up in the same place and a similar situation. They interact together, although minimally, but in a brilliant and intricate way. It makes them just seem all the more real.

Anyway, both those books were successes, and I am now reading 'The ABORTION Myth: Feminism, Morality, and the Hard Choices Women Make' by Leslie Cannold. I suppose I should get into a nonfiction book or two before I go on to read some Hunter S. Thompson or other fiction. It only seems fair.

How do I feel about my essay?

Personally, I am kind of bummed out about my essay. It is nothing specific that happened to it, it is not that I don't know about my subject enough, it just didn't turn out like I wanted. I couldn't quite get things to come out specifically just how I wanted them. As a writer, that is really a big problem for me.
Things I've changed about my essay based on my comments? I guess the prevailing opinion is that my essay singles out cat-haters and doesn't appeal to them. I've tried to fix it around to where it was more widely appealing, but there is just no more I can do. I am so disappointed about it, believe me, but I just can't make it work for you guys that hate cats.
It is impossible for ME to make MY essay appeal to cat-haters (emphasis on the 'ME' and 'MY' because I won't say it is impossible to do, it is just impossible for me to do). It is an essay about cats, and unless I wrote about how much I hate them it wouldn't appeal to a cat-hater. If I toned down the love for my cats and tried to make it more 'middle of the road', it would make my essay less effective, because you wouldn't see how much they have changed me as far as my capacity for love. It is just so difficult to please everyone, and I've been stressed out about this stupid essay since it was assigned, so I am just glad it's over.

Hopefully next time will be better, and I will make at least a B. :[

Cold Weather: Win

I know this is the subject of everyone's thoughts as well, but I am just going to go and say this: I love Fall. I like Winter more, but I like Fall a lot as well. I don't like Summer, and Spring isn't my favorite (I have horrible seasonal allergies), but overall I am more happy during this time of year because it is just generally much more enjoyable. I don't break out in sweat just walking to the car, and I don't spend $300 a month keeping my house cold enough to live in.
I am so thrilled with it being cold, despite the mild sore throat and the fact that I am going to have to maybe put socks on sometime this winter. (I haven't worn socks in almost two years.)
In other news, here is something for you to look at. It is from here.







I don't have very much to say, I am reading Pygmy by Chuck Palahniuk right now, and it is pretty good so far. Nothing else to really say.

second draft, still a work in progress i think.

Nichole Jackson
September 29, 2009
Mrs. Aiken – English 1101
Cats: Love, Laziness, and Learning
Having cats has been an enriching experience for me. It seems as though people either love cats or hate them; there is not much in between. I am definitely on the ‘love’ side of the argument, as many know I have three cats and adore them. The experience of having cats is a unique one that many have not experienced, and teaches one a lot about responsibility and love. Karen Brademeyer once said: “Who among us hasn't envied a cat's ability to ignore the cares of daily life and to relax completely?” This is very true, and I feel that having cats has definitely taught me to take a break and enjoy just lying around and doing what they do sometimes: a whole lot of nothing.
My personal experience with cats has been a good one. Sure, they have their downfalls every now and again. I know I’ve had my share of frustrations stemming from my furry friends lying across my laptop and schoolbooks while I’m trying to finish important homework. I’ve had the lovely surprise of waking up to spot cat vomit on the newly vacuumed carpet. I have also been perpetually adorned with cat scratches fairly consistently for the past few years. Still, my cats are a great source of joy in my life and I would not trade their company for anything… even a clean carpet and finished homework.
Each cat has their own personality, much like humans. All of my three cats are definitely very different. I love each of them dearly, for all of their different personalities. Each cat has their own reactions to daily life, to one another, and to me. In fact, I find that it is the things that make them so different are the things that make them so special to me. I appreciate their different personalities, and could barely imagine my life without them. The interactions between two different cats are priceless, thus there is never a dull moment (at least, when everyone’s awake!)
Rummy Cat is definitely our little buddy. He is the first one to run to the door when I come home, and he is the cat most often cuddled up in my bed. He is my faithful escort through my morning routine: he follows me into the bathroom, eats breakfast with me, and as I leave he stands by the door as if to say “Mom, do you really have to go to school today?” He is a shorthair, but his fur is thick and dense and soft. His eyes are bright and green and full of expression; he is definitely the most charismatic of all my cats. When someone comes to visit, he immediately runs to them and tries to impress them with his sweetness and playfulness, forcing his head under their hand and purring. He is only a year old, but big for his age and very rotund and stocky.
Bollie is his twin sister, but you wouldn’t know it simply by looking at them. They share the same grey fur and green eyes, but the similarities end there. She is tiny, smaller than any cat I’ve ever had, and just as shy as her brother is friendly. She’s very vocal, but rarely uses the typical ‘meow’, instead making a strange little “brrrrt” noise that sounds a lot like a pigeon. She eats as much as any other cat, but in a much different way. She dips her paw into the top of the auto-feeder, and scoops out a few kibbles to eat on the counter. She is a good eater, but remains lanky and has a certain awkward cuteness that grows on you. Although she is quite shy, she is sweeter even than her brother and she loves attention from those she is comfortable with. Bollie loves being held, and has an affinity for curling up on your chest with her head on your shoulder.
Last is China, who we more often affectionately refer to as “Chi” or “Chi-bear”. She is the only longhair in the house; her fluffy white fur seems to be her defining feature. When people first see her, their reaction is usually “Wow… that’s a beautiful cat.” Her feet are large and although she is not a polydactyl, they remind me of snowshoes. Her legs, face, ears, and tail are all grayish and striped, and in her age her fur has taken on a brownish tint. She was adopted from Petsmart, and because of this she seems to have an appreciative personality. I can sometimes see the gratitude for being rescued in her big blue eyes when she looks up at me.
I took the time to describe my cats to accurately show exactly how I feel about them. They are not simply furry live ornaments in my home. They are very special to me, and they brighten my life in a multitude of ways. They are a source of humor; I can recall many a good laugh over them chasing one another through the house, galloping like furry little horses. They are also a great comfort, coming to my rescue when they see I am sad to curl up with me and make me smile. I couldn’t imagine going without the company of my cats, as they have become such a fixture in my life.
The funny stories about my cats are endless. If I had the time, I would have a twenty-page paper about just how silly they can be. Chi-bear gets embarrassed easily, and I remember once she lost her footing and slipped right into the mop bucket full of soapy water. In her shock and horror, she tore through the house with her head low, soaked and embarrassed. I also remember putting Bollie in a little shirt meant for a tiny dog. She responded by slouching down, awkwardly (and with a strange speed for how low she was) propelling herself backwards, and making my best friend and I hyperventilate and cry tears of laughter. There are so many more stories, but I believe I have made my point. Cats are, in short, the best comedic relief one could hope for in a home.
Cats are definitely a learning experience. Having cats teaches you forgiveness, and to show love despite anger. A cat is a huge responsibility, as you have to change their litter and feed/water then consistently. They make messes and knock things over quite a lot, so there is a lot of cleaning up after them to be done. A cat depends on you for its quality of life, and as a pet-owner you learn to be determined to make that life the best you can. It is akin to being a parent in many ways (although quite different I am sure), as you have a duty to care for them and a joy from raising them.
I know I personally have learned a lot from having cats. I feel that I have become a better, more responsible, more loving person, and I have my fur-babies to thank for it. I know that not everyone loves cats (and many, in fact, hate them), but I know I love mine and that I want them to remain as happy as possible for as long as possible. They have shaped me so much, and changed my life in a positive way. I am, in conclusion, very thankful for the experience that is being a cat owner.

Thursday is like Friday, except it's not Friday.

I always see Thursday as being 'like Friday' since it's my last day of class for the week, but it isn't Friday at all. But there is no TGITH, so I guess I have to explain myself every time I express how happy I am about it being Thursday.
I am inexplicably tired today, maybe since I woke up at 6:25 am? But I am usually not quite as exhausted as I am today, maybe it's the culmination of a week's worth of waking up too early and staying up too late.
I have to fix up my essay completely, and I think the most difficult thing about it is trying to make it appeal to non cat-lovers. I have trouble relating to that, since I have always been a cat person and I don't know how non-cat-people think. I guess that is my goal for the day, because I need an A in this class, and having a crappy essay is just something that eats away at me.
High point of my day so far: Getting to sit outside and read Pygmy by Chuck Palahniuk for almost an hour, waiting on class to start. ...AWESOME.

cats, and hey... a book review!

Since I just posted my essay, which is about my cats, I decided to supplement it with photos of the aforementioned cats. Also, I have nothing worthwhile to blog about. So, there you go. Cat pictures. Because if you all didn't think I was a crazy cat lady before this, now you have no doubt.

This is Rummy Cat, my fat boy. You can't tell how fat he is, but he is really, really, really fat. We don't over feed him specifically and he is healthy, but he is a chunky little fella.

He takes good pictures because he knows how handsome he is, and he likes having everyone know. I think he could be a cat-food-bag model, but I guess every crazy cat lady thinks their cat is model material.





This is Bollie, who I tend to call 'Mommy's Little Monster'. She is skinny and has big ears, and she kind of looks like a mouse or a bat (without wings). She is generally pretty ugly and awkward, but I love her. She had a really bad bout with some Dermatitis, and her fur is just now growing back right. For a while there, people would just look at her and go "What the hell is wrong with your cat?"

This is China, who we usually call 'Chi' or 'Cheese'. She is fluffy and she used to be kind of mean, but she has gotten nicer as time passes. You can kind of see her big foot at the bottom. She has seriously huge feet for a cat, which I love, cause I have size 10 feet myself and maybe I can relate to her a little, or something. Also, they look like snow shoes. What is not to like about THAT?


Hi, Chi.









P.S., since I am trying to make a habit of posting short little snippet 'book reviews' on here, since it is literary-based and I feel the need to prove I CAN READ.

I just read 'Better' by Atul Gawande, and it was awesome. I haven't read any nonfiction in a shamefully long time, but this has hooked me back on the wagon and man, it is a good read. Basically, the author presents three key virtues that he believes are integral to the foundation of a successful doctor : diligence, doing right, and ingenuity. I do feel that it carries over into all health professions, such as nursing, therefore I felt this book was relevant to me.
Instead of just describing how these three virtues can be implemented, he brings to the table a plethora of (often heartfelt) real-life examples, from both patients and doctors. It covers a wide range of issues in medicine one on the 'other side' (meaning, one who is not a doctor) wouldn't ever think of themselves. The book comes across as genuine, well-meaning, and informative. I can safely say I enjoyed it!

My Essay

Having cats has been an enriching experience for me. It seems as though people either love cats or hate them; there is not much in between. I am definitely on the ‘love’ side of the argument, as many know I have three cats and adore them. The experience of having cats is a unique one, and teaches one a lot about responsibility and love. Cats are lethargic beings, and I feel that having cats has definitely taught me to take a break and enjoy just laying around and doing what they do sometimes: a whole lot of nothing.

My personal experience with cats has been a good one. Sure, they have their downfalls every now and again. I know I’ve had my share of frustrations stemming from my furry friends lying across my laptop and schoolbooks while I’m trying to finish important homework. I’ve had the lovely surprise of waking up to spot cat vomit on the newly vacuumed carpet. I have also been perpetually adorned with cat scratches fairly consistently for the past few years. Still, my cats are a great source of joy in my life and I would not trade their company for anything… even a clean carpet.

Each cat has their own personality, much like humans. I personally have three cats, and they are all vastly different. I love each of them dearly, for all of their different personalities. Each cat has their own reactions to daily life, to one another, and to me. I find that it is the things that make them so different are the things that make them so special. I appreciate their different personalities, and could barely imagine my life without them.

Rummy Cat is our little buddy. He is the first one to run to the door when I come home, and he is the cat most often cuddled up in my bed. He is a shorthair, but his fur is thick and dense and soft. His eyes are bright and green and full of expression; he is definitely the most charismatic of all my cats. When someone comes to visit, he immediately runs to them and tries to impress them with his sweetness and playfulness. He is only a year old, but big for his age and very rotund and stocky.

Bollie is his twin sister, but you wouldn’t know it simply by looking at them. They share the same grey fur and green eyes, but the similarities end there. She is tiny, smaller than any cat I’ve ever had, and just as shy as her brother is friendly. She’s very vocal, but rarely uses the typical ‘meow’, instead making a strange little “brrrrt” noise that sounds a lot like a pigeon. She eats as much as any other cat, but in a much different way. She dips her paw into the top of the auto-feeder, and scoops out a few kibbles to eat on the counter. She is a good eater, but remains lanky and has a certain awkward cuteness that grows on you. Although she is quite shy, she is sweeter even than her brother and she loves attention from those she is comfortable with. Bollie loves being held, and has an affinity for curling up on your chest with her head on your shoulder.

Last is China, who we more often affectionately refer to as “Chi” or “Chi-bear”. She is the only longhair in the house; her fluffy white fur seems to be her defining feature. Her feet are large and although she is not a polydactyl they remind me of snowshoes. Her legs, face, ears, and tail are all grayish and striped, and in her age her fur has taken on a brownish tint. She was adopted from Petsmart, and because of this she seems to have a appreciative personality. I can see the gratitude for being rescued in her big blue eyes when she looks up at me.

I took the time to describe my cats to accurately show exactly how I feel about them. They are very special to me, and they brighten my life in a multitude of ways. They are a source of humor; I can recall many a good laugh over them chasing one another through the house, galloping like furry little horses. They are also a great comfort, coming to my rescue when they see I am sad to curl up with me and make me smile. I couldn’t imagine going without the company of my cats, as they have become such a fixture in my life.

The funny stories about my cats are endless. If I had the time, I would have a twenty-page paper about just how silly they can be. Chi-bear gets embarrassed easily, and I remember once she lost her footing and slipped right into the mop bucket full of soapy water. In her shock and horror, she tore through the house with her head low, soaked and embarrassed. I also remember putting Bollie in a little shirt meant for a tiny dog. She responded by slouching down, awkwardly (and with a strange speed for how low she was) creeping backwards, and making my best friend and I hyperventilate and cry tears of laughter. There are so many more stories, but I believe I have made my point. Cats are, in short, the best comedic relief one could hope for in a home.

Cats are definitely a learning experience. Having cats teaches you forgiveness, and to show love despite anger. A cat is a huge responsibility, as you have to change their litter and feed/water then consistently. They make messes and knock things over quite a lot, so there is a lot of cleaning up after them to be done. A cat depends on you for its quality of life, and as a pet-owner you learn to be determined to make that life the best you can. It is akin to being a parent in many ways, as you have a duty to care for them and a joy from raising them.

I know I personally have learned a lot from having cats. I feel that I have become a better, more responsible, more loving person, and I have my fur-babies to thank for it. I know that not everyone loves cats, but I know I love mine and that I want them to remain as happy as possible for as long as possible. They have shaped me so much, and changed my life in a positive way. I am, in conclusion, thankful for the experience of having cats.

of cars and iPhones.

I was going to say I didn't have anything to blog about, but I most certainly do. Since Thursday after class, I've had a lot go on! Bullets are my favorite way to express emotion, so... here we go!
Since Thursday after class I:

• got a car
• got an iPhone

I guess that isn't very much, quantity wise, but quality-wise we are talking serious stuff.


Okay, here is a photo of a car that is just like mine, but is not my car specifically. It is a 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier. It only has two doors! The angle makes it look terrible, but really it is a nice little old car. It only has 70,000 or so miles on it, and it has a sunroof that I will never ever use! Also it came with a broken Kid Rock cd, which I thought was a really nice touch. But seriously, my car is boss. I am thrilled. I have already dubbed it the 'Cadavalier', since it is a Cavalier and I thought that was kind of clever. It isn't. I think my favorite thing about this car is the fact that it has keyless entry. I am not yet over the novelty of having a remote for my CAR on my key ring.

In other 'I got new stuff' news, I also FINALLY jumped on the wagon and got an iPhone. I would post a picture of an iPhone, but don't you know everyone already has one and knows what they look like. So, in lieu of posting a real photo of an iPhone, like mine (I did not opt to purchase the crochet model, as seen in the photo) I decided to go with posting instead this lovely internet gem. If you want an iPhone, but don't feel like switching service providers, or paying a lot of money for a phone (oh but it's so much more...), you can MAKE YOUR OWN! You can thank me later. Unfortunately, this model doesn't seem to be compatible with apps and your cat might gnaw on it and tear it apart, but HEY!


Anyway, enough blogging for today. Tune in next time for... well, the same boring crap.

thursday thursday thursday!

Today is the best day of the week for me, being that it is Thursday and this marks the end of my school week. Not that I don't have homework, because I do, but I can do that in my pajamas at midnight if I want (which is probably what's going to happen.) I can say that school is definitely burning me out; waking up early is my least favorite thing to do and I have to do it too often. It's not school itself, it's the getting out of my warm awesome bed and getting up and braving the day. Just not something I enjoy.
Anyway, this is going to be REALLY short since I have to start working on my essay. I realize nobody reads this regularly and it's not important, so I'd rather just get to what I need to do as opposed to writing about my mundane existence. Booooring.

q and a.

"What was the greatest challenge that you faced in the composition--was it: finding a topic? getting the computer to cooperate? adequate development? Whatever it was, explain the challenge in writing and what you did to handle it."

I would have to say that the biggest issue I faced was trying to overcome my writer's block. I got stuck in a lot of places, trying to find the right word here or the right phrase there. I also had issues with my topic, not that I didn't immediately know what I wanted to write about, but I debated all through the paper as to whether or not it was relevant. I don't think my topic reached enough people, or gave enough room for adequate description. I could be wrong, but that's my opinion.

"In another paragraph, explain how YOU reacted to reading other blogs. Did you enjoy it? What it more of a pain and aggravation? What did YOU gain in reading and , more importantly, commenting on the blogs you read?"

I really enjoyed reading other blogs. It was a unique experience, in that I don't usually get to read a lot of other people's work (except for when I was editor of the Literary Magazine in high school; too much of a good thing). It was a nice change.

I'd write more but I am DAMN ANGRY right now (as most people in the class know, cause I can't shut up), cause my dad bought HIMSELF a new car (which is a 2 door little Honda, MY PERFECT CAR) instead of focusing on the huge problem - my carlessness. I wouldn't be so mad if he didn't have a working condition truck already and we weren't "ACTIVELY SEARCHING" for a car for me right now.
Why did he say I couldn't have it, you ask?
It was "too nice."

tgi...th?

Right now I'm in the library because I am pretty sure they are sick of seeing me in the PSC sitting outside the coffee shop. Also because I was seriously just there for over an hour, since I finished my math test in 30 minutes and left afterward. I walked all the way to my Psychology class, and it was canceled again. I guess that's a good thing, technically, but I hate walking all that way for nothing. There WAS bottled Diet Dr. Pepper in the vending machine in that building though, plus the machine took my card without a hitch this time (out of the ordinary), so it wasn't a total loss I suppose.
Some guy just came in with a leather old-style vintage hard briefcase. I really wish I had a briefcase; that would be sweet. I guess it would be impractical, especially considering the fact I have a laptop bag that can be used as a briefcase if I detach the body-strap. But it's not a leather hardshell brown briefcase.
I was thinking about checking out a book, maybe seeing if they had a little Nietzsche or something, but I have a horrible track record with libraries. I am the worst at checking out books; I have a shameful experience regarding the public library in my town involving a fine that was upwards of $60, and a vow to never return. I don't want to repeat my actions, especially considering the fact that I have to come back here, and if I screw up I'll actually have to take responsibility for my actions. That can't happen.
I guess I could manage to bring the books back; I pass the library (with its book drop-off outside) every Tuesday and Thursday, with plenty of time to return it. I read fast, and I am at loss for anything to do this evening (I should be studying, but I miss reading!) so I could have it back in exactly a week, or less.
I guess I'll give it a shot. I just can't deny my adoration of free reading material. I cannot help myself. ):

(I suppose when your self control is only in jeopardy when you want to check out a book from the library and or buy 50% discounted cookware from Kroger, you are not in too bad of shape. I may not have self-control, but damn if I don't have brand new pots and pans for $25 and a book to read. Maybe I'll make myself some pasta and READ tonight. Aw yeah.

...at least I'm not doing crack)

the good, the bad, and the sneezy

Things that are awesome:

• My psychology class was cancelled for the day, which means I got to sit around and draw horrible little comics and doodles and drink tea.
• Muffins that are almost as big as my whole head. Seriously. I had one today.
• I thought I lost my septum ring today, but I found it like 30 minutes after. Since I lose my septum ring too much and have to buy new ones all the time, that was pretty neat.
• My math test today was pushed back to Thursday since my professor wasn't here last Thursday. That is good, since I didn't study at all.
• My history test curve just got posted, and I initially made a WONDERFUL 67. I cried, thinking I was going to end up failing the class or something, lose my HOPE, blahblah... it ended up that everyone did AWFUL and the curve brought my test score up to a B. TWO LETTER GRADES. I am now worry-free.
• My new refrigerator/freezer combo is working better than I could have ever hoped, and although it is smaller than its late predecessor, it is old and reminds me of the 70s and I like that. Also, since it is not crammed with freezerburnt meat and the like, it has more usable space. Thirdly, it is perfectly clean and disenfected and the only things in it are things we use constantly. No sifting through old condiments.

Things that could be better:

• I am sick. There is no way around it. I have stolen two small rolls of toilet tissue from the bathroom today, and used up the first one and a good bit of the second. I feel like every time I sneeze, people look around shiftily and assume I have H1N1. Which brings me to the point: I just got onto someone for being paranoid about this 'swine flu' thing, and I am sick now. First thing that comes to my mind: I need to go to the doctor and see if this is swine flu, oh my god I am going to die I need to see a doctor immediately I think my body is aching now that is a flu symptom oh man this is the end.
• My mom is the greatest failure of a parent in history, and I have not had a cell phone in about a week due directly to this fact. I also had to buy my own groceries for the first time, also as a result of my mom being Martha freaking Stewart.

I actually don't have that much to complain about, which is pretty sweet. And since I was all bugged out and weird on allergy medicine (I am SO hardcore...) when I left my required blog comments, I am going to go check and make sure I did it right. Word to the wise: Don't take like 4 Benadryl and do pseudo-schoolwork at like midnight. Seriously.

I feel so lame. I'm one of the only people who updates regularly to this thing... I'm a total loser I guess.

):

EDIT: Since this is an English blog and reading pertains to such, I am going to mention that I just finished reading Invisible Monsters by Chuck Palahniuk and it was INCREDIBLE. It is vulgar, gritty, confusing (in the best way possible), surprising, groundbreaking, and just plain INTERESTING. I, and this is saying a whole hell of a lot, think this may be my favorite Chuck Palahniuk book (and I've read all but 3 I believe). Don't read about it online before you read it, though... it is a bunch of surprises and you don't want to ruin it for yourself. But if you are into that kind of stuff (ex. if you liked the movie -or book- Fight Club, you'll dig this!) you should check it out as soon as possible. I MEAN IT.

premium concentrated bloggery

Today has all the makings of greatness, in that I didn't have to go to math class (my professor didn't show up), and I got to drink hot tea and read my book (I know I should be studying, but when do I ever get the chance to read anymore? A: Never.) instead! And since I have two decent classes afterward, my day increased in greatness tenfold.
After this, I'm going shopping for Jeremy's birthday with my best friend (who I haven't seen in a few days), and then I don't have school for four more days! And hopefully somewhere between the end of this class and the beginning of my shopping excursion, I'll get to look at some cars with my dad. We're in the active buying process, and looking hard at a particular car (2003 Honda Civic SI, in the most awesome shade of blue you could imagine) which makes me absolutely giddy.
This entry is lacking in the length department, but I want to finish my essay more than I want to talk about my day, so that's what I'm going to do!

Another Man's Treasure? - (Yes, this is my descriptive essay!)

Another Man’s Treasure?

As of late, I have become intensely interested in compulsive hoarding. Psychology, and various irregularities within it, has always been of keen interest to me. However, that ‘close to home’ feeling hits fairly strong when it comes to compulsive hoarding. I can recall at least a handful of people I care for who have displayed some of these behaviors, with varying severity. No, I did not grow up in a home piled floor-to ceiling with boxes of trinkets and papers and other ‘treasures’, but I know people who did and I’ve seen it firsthand. I must say, at this point, not only does it sadden me; it absolutely fascinates me.
Compulsive hoarding is defined by Wikipedia as “the acquisition of, and failure to use or discard such a large number of seemingly useless posessions that it causes significant clutter and impairment to basic living activities such as mobility, cooking, cleaning, showering, or sleeping.” This is a good definition, because not only does it describe the behavior, it describes the consequences of such. Compulsive hoarders, as I have come to understand, identify themselves as their possessions. When a hoarder’s house is emptied, it is as if their heart is emptied with it.
A sad little familiarity strikes me when I watch things on television about hoarders and see some of the homes piled full of ‘treasures’. I remember a friend I had in my childhood; we will call her Marie for the sake of anonymity. I was sure she had everything: a bigger house than mine, more clothes and toys than I had, infinite food (rarely of the healthy variety) in the kitchen and even sprawling out onto the back porch. I was never at loss for any of those things, it just seemed that everything I had, she had more of. Obviously, I was a little jealous, but as time passed and I grew older, I began to feel sympathy replace my envy.
Every surface of their home was covered with, for lack of a better word, stuff. Their kitchen table and chairs were all piled high with Halloween candy, clothes, trinkets, Christmas decorations, and anything else you could readily imagine. There existed a spare bedroom in which Marie used to practice piano (one of her many short-lived hobbies) that grew so full of toys and clothes and collectibles it could not be used for anything other than storage. Their hallways were lined with boxes full of souvenirs and papers they “might need someday”, limiting the walking area to strictly what was necessary.
Marie’s bedroom was always in squalor, full of so many things that she could never use. The clothing she had so much of filled the closet, the dressers (there were two), and several boxes. She was a girl whose parents indulged in her short-lived but passionate hobbies, such as clarinet (she played through two years of middle school and no more), painting (an easel sat abused in the corner after a use or two), knitting (yarn snaked over her bed, the floor, and even sometimes into the hallway; I am still not sure that she ever completed a project), and reading (unread volumes spilled out from the bookshelf onto the floor , into even more boxes, and under the bed).
Their garage was another cesspool, in which no cars were parked. It was full of boxes (they must have bought them wholesale) that contained Marie’s childhood toys that had made it out of the house, more and more trinkets and ‘gifts’, Christmas trees (note the plural form), and anything else they could fit there that wasn’t crammed into their home. Marie was one of the few lucky enough to have a playhouse; hers was even two-story and had air-conditioning! The only catch was that she couldn’t utilize it, for stuffed animals, play kitchens, and ‘science experiments’ prevented it from any real meaningful use.
Most compulsive hoarders are different than Marie’s family, in that they are typically lower income. The ‘treasures’ they save are usually picked through from garbage, bought secondhand, or handed down from a friend or relative. Marie’s family was a different breed; everything in their home was brand new. The problem seemed to be that every time Marie’s mother (or, eventually, Marie herself) saw something she that caught her eye, she bought it instead of just appreciating its existence. The lines of need and want were blurred and undefined within their family, and eventually want engulfed need.
So, while Marie did have a bigger house and more things than I did, I came to realize quantity wasn’t always as important as quality. The façade of Marie’s family as a picture-perfect Norman Rockwell painting has dissolved with time and wisdom. I have finally stopped seeing her as a fairy princess in her castle, and I’ve finally come to see her family for what they truly are: prisoners in their own lavish home.

trying to be happy.

I had a pretty awful morning this morning, that involved an argument with my father, a little anger toward my boyfriend, and skipping math class. I guess I should probably have just done my business and gone to class, but I wasn't even in the Jones Building by the time my class started at 8, and I didn't want to come in late with a puffy red face. One or the other, sure, but both? No.
Anyway, I am pretty sure I am going to go insane if I don't get my car soon. Seriously. All the 'festivities' of my morning would never have occured if I could just afford a car. People have no idea how lucky they are to have simple things, like a paid-for car (or even just something they can afford to make payments on.) Not having a car is seriously the biggest hurdle I've ever had to face in my life, and I am not being melodramatic.
Think of this: I've never gone anywhere completely alone. I'm at the mercy of others, so I am often late for things like class, events, etc. I am left out of things frequently because if my friends can't or won't go (and pick me up), I can't go. I spend more on gas money, giving it to others, than I would for myself. I can't get a job until I get a car, and my self-employed father has to take me to school every day. COLLEGE.
Being broke is a vicious cycle. Your parents are broke, they can't afford to send you to private school and/or buy you a car. So you can't work, and you have to ride the bus until you find great friends or you graduate. Even if you're a senior. Your parents can't afford to send you to college, and even if you get Pell grant, you still can't afford to go anywhere 'good' (I'm not speaking poorly of Macon State, I am just saying I never had the opportunity to go anywhere else.) You have to go straight to work, or to tech school and get a low-paying job. You have kids. The cycle starts again. It takes a lot of hard work and adversity to rise above that and break the cycle, which I'm trying really hard to do.
My mother isn't in the picture, no help from her at all. My dad is finally buying me a car, but business in August is always slow as all hell, so I am still waiting. I'm not ungrateful; don't get me wrong. I am just so sick of making everyone help me out. I want to be self sufficient. I want to be able to say "I feel like going to do this.", and just go do it without having to bum a ride or drag an unwilling boyfriend along. And I want to be able to finally get a real job, and make money (I worked for my dad, I mentioned he was self employed, this summer. I saved up a lot, and I've spent the vast majority of it on textbooks and gas money.) on a regular basis. Normal things people don't really think twice about are all I really want.
I am so tired of feeling guilty for having to be so selfish. Most of the time, I think I should have probably waited another semester (or another year!) to go to college, so I wouldn't have to rely on people to take me to Macon (I live about 30 minutes away, a little less) and then hear them complain about it, thus making me feel so much worse. I just want to sink into the ground and dissappear, sometimes.
Since this entire blog was depressing, I am going to post a list of happy things, starting NOW:

• kittens
• crayons
• cutting a sheet of construction paper
• orange sherbert
• hot tea
• Chuck Palahniuk books
• good documentaries
• pens that write perfect and smooth
• the smell of the hardware store
• slushies from Target
• anything from Target
• 75% off sales
• Diet Dr. Pepper
• big giant purses
• birthday cake
• musical theatre
• the 'h' in my name
• braiding my boyfriend's hair
• peggle and tetris
• sharpie markers in every color
• coloring books
• getting my nails done
• gladiator sandals
• peach fuzz
• tattoos
• TATTOOS, did I mention tattoos?
• not having writer's block/artist's block
• making faces at dogs in cars
• big fuzzy blankets
• pygmy marmocets
• naps
• new soap/body wash

There is a lot to be happy about and/or grateful for.

I've got to remember that.

cleaning injuries and crinklebugg. my life is exciting.

This blogging thing isn't exactly easy for me. I tend to have a pretty mundane existence, and thus have nothing new or exciting to say most of the time. I usually do these right before class starts, therefore I am at the same point in my day every time I write. I'm usually in the same frame of mind. Tired from the two classes before this and waking up at 7am, and ready to finally make it home and (hopefully) manage to take a nap. I'm usually also pretty hungry by this point, so my train of thought wanders to 'food, food, food'. But enough about my gluttony...
Okay, let's see. I did finish cleaning my house, which was irritating but bearable, and definitely worth it. It is truly an unparallelled feeling to have a clean living area. It just takes a huge weight off my shoulders knowing that I'm done with it and don't have to worry about it anymore. It feels great knowing it's OVER!
I did hurt my knee while I was cleaning, which I think is at least noteworthy. Jeremy (my boyfriend of not quite two years, if you didn't gather that from Tuesday's prose I am surprised) was organizing some wires across the room and out of my line of vision. He called me over to come see his finished handiwork, and I jumped off the couch, caught my foot on something, and did a super-dive onto a metal sheet-music stand on the floor. In my pain I managed to look up and mention "Oh hey, it does look great!" before going back to lying on the floor in agony.
Ice on my knee and a 30 minute Sailor Moon break from cleaning was enough to fix me up, and aside from a little soreness I am definitely back in action. Yesterday was my lazy day, after two days of cleaning and a morning of Biology lecture, I was ready to fully enjoy my new sheets ($13 at Target, check that out if you're in the market for some new cheap sheets!) and clean bedroom.
The last thing I can think of to mention is that we finally found a toy my cats will actually PLAY WITH. Well, they like the feather-wand and occasionally they will go to the carpet-covered cat-tower, but any other toys have been nothing but a waste of money. The only thing they've been interested in recently is (to my horror) plastic bags. In an effort to keep them happy and ALIVE, I came home from Target (I shop there a lot...) with a crinkle sack in the form of a giant ladybug (we have since dubbed it 'Crinklebugg'). It's like a plastic bag, but not as unsightly or death-evoking. They mostly just lay on it, or chew on its antennae, but I can't complain. It was a five dollars well spent.

descriptive paragraph.

Nichole Jackson
Mrs. S. Aiken
English 1101 – descriptive paragraph (subjective)
August 25, 2009

Jeremy

His hair is long, hanging past his shoulders in a mix of soft and silken chocolate and black waves, the result of an impulse (but pleasing) dye-job we decided on. The top of it is always hidden by a black knit beanie, concealing a receding hairline surprising for someone only twenty-one years old. His face is, simply put, kind; when he smiles it is wide and with his entire face. The brown eyes he sees the world through are larger than those of most men his age, brighter and more sincere. For someone who listens to fast thumping heavy metal and watches contact sports on ESPN all day, he is remarkably sweet and docile. Black shirts with the names of his favorite heavy metal bands paired with well-worn cargo pants are his daily attire, rarely changing much but suiting him perfectly nonetheless. He smells of laundry detergent most days, though on occasion he hastily sprays a manly, musk fragrance on his tee shirt before getting out of his car. His voice is somewhere in the middle of the spectrum (not too deep, but far from high in pitch), with a very slight southern drawl one would only notice if they weren’t from the South.

my name is not mary poppins.

Tuesdays and Thursdays are always my longest day. I start the day off with math, which was in retrospect a horrible idea (math, as previously stated, is my antithesis). I transition into Psychology, which is a class I thoroughly enjoy. I end my day here, in English, which is also in my area of (at least mild) interest. Although two of the three classes are enjoyable, by the time four or so hours have gone by, I am exhausted.
A few months ago, the high-school me would be aghast at the fact that I was complaining about four hours of school. High school was roughly eight hours of authoritative restriction, twice the time and a quarter of the freedom. However, it is human nature to complain. We are never satisfied with what we have. Nevertheless, I still reserve the right (though I've not earned it) to whine about the meager 'long' day I have ahead of (mostly behind) me.
I am definitely not looking forward to the after-school activities I have to 'look forward' to this afternoon. I'm cleaning my house up this week, which is on my top-ten list of things I abhor. I've always been opposed to dirt and sticky things, which cleaning tends to involve. I'm unphased by blood, guts, and gore (which is probably why I'm becoming a nurse), but dust bunnies and trash have made me gag on several occasions.
The good definitely accompanies the bad, though. I definitely love the feeling of a clean house (which I don't experience near enough, since I have three bad little cats), and I am looking forward to that. So, hopefully by the end of the day I will have a clean house and a better mood.
Let's hope I do.

expectations.

What do I hope to gain from taking English Composition 1101?

Let me start by saying: I am not a person who is against writing. In fact, it used to be one of my major hobbies. I, however, am not an English major. So, automatically, I regard this course with less excicement than say, Biology. This isn't to say I feel the same groaning dread coming into this class that I feel when dragging my feet into my 8AM math, because I definitely do not. I genuinely enjoy the act of writing, putting my thoughts down in some structured form, and sharing them with those who care to read. I purposefuly took Speech Writing and Writer's Workshop in high school. In fact, I was the chief editor of our litery magazine. Writing just hasn't been something I've had time for recently.

I do hope to gain something from this course, even though it is a core class and has little to do with my major (which, by the way, is pre-licensure BSN). I recognize and respect the importance of English, since I have to speak (and in this day and age, write/type) it daily. Although this is composition, the way one writes is typically similar to the way one speaks, which is of vital importance. I understand that the most writing I'll do in my profession will be medical charts, but I hope to further structure my speech (and writing) in a way that inspires respect from both colleagues and patients.

Correct grammar and spelling are actually very important to me. When I see a large chain store (I am looking at you, Taco Bell) use a comma to make a word plural, I instinctively begin to complain to whoever is unfortunate enough to be in the vicinity. I clench my teeth when someone says "ax" in place of "ask", or "mines" for "mine". When I end a sentence with a preposition, my face gets red with embarrassment (although I am fairly confident nobody notices these days, or that some even know what a preposition is).

So, for this class I am excited. I love the English language, and copyediting is in my top 10 list of dream-jobs. My love for the written word is second only to my love for medicine (third comes art, but that is a topic for another post). I hope this course will improve not only my writing, but my speech and articulation. I would like to (and fully intend to) take full advantage of what this course offers.

So, here's to English Composition 1101. Here's to the end of ending sentences with prepositions. Here's to everyone developing some form of respect for the great English language.

... and here's to leaving class and getting a coffee, because I got up at 8 this morning for a math class, and I am exhausted.