Final......procrastination

So I am in the middle of finals week. At my university, some classes just put the test in our testing center and you can just take it whenever. Other classes schedule their finals, and so you have to take it at a specific time in a specific room. 

Finals week started Friday and go through Wednesday. The only day that we can't take finals is Sunday (I am at a religious private university, so it's like illegal to do anything on Sunday, not really but close). My calculus final was scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, and English was early Saturday morning. That left two other finals to take in the testing center whenever I wanted. I took my religion final friday morning and just got it out of the way. Then I took my scheduled finals. This left my Chemistry final. I hate my Chemistry class. I understand everything during lecture and when I am doing the homework. When it comes to the tests though, I can't get any answers right. I got the lowest score ever on a test in this class. These tests frustrate me to no end.

So my plan was to take the test today after getting some cramming in. As I studied though, I realized that I apparently lost any and all understanding. I just became totally frustrated that I gave up. Tonight is one of my roommate's last night so I decided to study until she was done with her clean check and checkout then spend time with her. She has become one of my closest friends at school and so I was willing to procrastinate my frustration to hang out with her.

Right now I am sitting on my bed with all of my study materials around me. She and my other roommate I am really close with are on a computer finding music to steal from each other. One is sitting on at a desk, the other is standing and dancing to every song played. 

Worth bombing a test? I think yes

Boston

Ok I know everyone is talking about Boston and such, but I have some thoughts I feel I just have to share. 

First let me say that this is such a sad tragedy. It is awful to think that someone can just do something like this with little to no remorse. As a runner, this is more dear to my heart. I cannot imagine working so hard to try to make it to the gold standard of running, making it through the finish line and then watching my family members be hurt because they came to support me. Or not being able to finish because it was ruined. There are a lot of sad things that come from this, and I just pray for those effected that they will find peace during this hard trial in their life.

My feelings about this is has to do with what we can learn from this. There are many reasons why this act of terror may have occurred. None of them good, I assure you. But obviously this wasn't some sort of major organization, or responsibility and bragging would have ensued by now. One of the possible reasons left is whoever did this was trying to be famous. Let's think about this. The students who shot up Columbine, the guy who shot up the midnight premiere of dark night rises, and the guy shot the school in Connecticut up all have one thing in common. They died famous, with their pictures plastered all over the news. When the person who did this is caught (not if, but when. It is imminent) this will happen again. Their name(s) will be forever known. Even if it is for bad, they will be famous.

Do the criminal(s) that committed this horrific crime need to be brought to justice? Definitely. Do they need to pay for their crimes? Dang straight. However, rather than plaster their faces and names everywhere, there is something that we need to do instead. Numerous videos that were posted showed the immediate response after the first blast. People ran TOWARD the blast. Not away, but toward to do anything they could to help. These heroes who risked second death, possible illness from after effects, and lost nights of sleep, need to be the faces that are plastered all over the news. They are the ones that need to be famous. Now this isn't the reason why they did this. However, remembering them, rather than these selfish criminals, sends a message loud and clear. You will not be remembered for doing wrong. Doing what is right. Putting your life on the line for the lives of others. Thinking of those around you before yourself. All of these things are what makes you famous. You shouldn't do it for the glory. But I would rather have you saving lives simply for the honor than taking lives for the honor. 

I am grateful that there was not more people hurt. I am grateful that the other devices were caught before they exploded as well. I am grateful that my sister's brother in law was safe and was able to help those in need. I will remember him for thinking of himself last, and doing what he could to help the many injured. I will remember him. Not the name(s) and face(s) of the person(s) at cause of this vicious attack. I will continue to run and run hard especially because of this event in history. 

Stay safe everyone. Be kind to everyone. You will never know how your kindness will affect someone. And please, if you want glory, be a hero. Not a zero.

What is this power?

Okay girls have you ever had the experience of boys being able to get you to do something that your never would have considered before? It is the most annoying thing ever.

At my university, there is this mountain that over looks the university with a letter on it, symbolizing our school. It's a western thing. I don't quite understand it, but it is amazing to look at on certain days. Anyways, there is this trail that leads up to it that you can hike and overlook campus and the rest of the city. 

This last Thursday, I guess my roommates got asked to go hike it Friday night with a bunch of other kids from our church group. I had no idea about it until that night when I got a text from the roommate that was really considering it asking if I was going. I just replied I have no idea what you're talking about. My other roommate and I had kind of a long day leading up to it, and we were both tired (from differing health conditions. Mine was my head injury that is still not wanting me to have fun in college). The three of us went over to our best guy friend's dorm to watch a movie. The roommate considering the night hike decided to call the kid organizing it to see who was going. She was enticed by a boy she had just discovered was really awesome. My other roommate and I just kind of laughed at her and started to watch the movie without her. 

Not two minutes later, I got a text message from the boy I am interested in saying him and his roommates were going on the hike too and invited me and my roommates to come. I, of course, was then very torn. I decided to go. Complaining to my roommates that I hated boys the whole time leading up to the hike. (This is of course sarcasm. I was just frustrated that I got enticed into a hike when I should have been resting just because the right guy asked)

Of course I enjoyed the hike and I am so happy that I went. It helps when you have really awesome motivation. After the hike, my roommate, the boy and his roommates and I took a late night Mickey D's run. On the way back my roommate asked how when she asked, I said no but when he asked I went.

I proceeded to answer after we had said good-bye to them by saying what is more enticing: your roommate or the boy you're interested in. 

Really it's not that difficult of a choice. But why do that have to hold so much power??

Hmmm car crashes and head injuries

So all of us kids in our family have our thing about driving that we're known for. Like my oldest sister is an animal killer. Not that she means to at all, she just happens to always be the one who hits an animal. My brother is a speed demon. He just is always going fast. Both of these siblings though, I would trust with my life driving. My other sister though. I avoid driving with her at all costs. She is just plain horrible. 

What am I known for you ask? Well now, it's car wrecks. I reached number two Saturday night. I have now been in either the same amount, if not more, car wrecks than all three siblings combined. Neither have been my fault. I narrowly evaded tragic accidents that would be my fault with my awesome driving skills. But then I am forced to a stop. As soon as the realization that the coast is clear, I get rear ended. Both times. I am just that skilled.

Are you interested to know this weeks story? Well if you aren't, just stop reading. If you are, well I am here to indulge you.

Our church group at college had this totally awesome sledding party in the middle of nowhere. It was complete with a tow rope and six different tube runs. I am one of the fortunate few with a car, so of course I was asked to drive. I drove my roommate, three of our "brothers" and our RA which is basically the seventh roommate. The total number of people was six. The total number of seat belts were five. The boys in our car are huge, so one girl had to sit on the other girl's lap in the middle just so that they all fit. I had done this a number times, so I wasn't exactly worried.

Well this said sledding party was at nighttime. In the darkness it was difficult to see creatures lurk in the night. On the way up, the car in front of me had to stop really fast right as we were getting close due to deer crossing the street. And the deer here are huge. I am from a place where we just have tiny little white tail and that is all that I have ever really seen. Well I am four states away and they have behemoths of mule deer here. (Don't judge me but my family hunts, so I know the difference really well. The size difference just surprised me that is all) 

So we spent the next two hours sledding down a bunch of man made snow with a ton of people who are absolutely amazing. Needless to explain, it was just a blast. Incredible fun.

When the time to drive home came, we were all on a fun high so to speak. We were all super happy, and just wanted to have a fun ride home. The boys were playing a song that they loved and the car was just filled with the loud sounds of glorious fun. Can you see where this is leading?

I was being an aware driver, but still trying to have fun at the same time. Well out of no where this deer decided it needed to begin it's journey to the other side of the road right in front of my car. I immediately slammed on my brakes and narrowly escaped hitting this bigfoot deer cross species that would have just destroyed my car. 

As I stated before, I realized I had escaped possible disaster and watched the deer turn and high tail it away from the road. Brilliant deer. Before I could do anything else though, out of no where my car was slammed into. I don't really remember the next immediate seconds but I do know that my head suddenly hurt really bad and my RA screamed "Oh my gosh!"

This being my second wreck, I was well versed in what to do. I immediately made sure my passengers were okay, the boys reminded me to pull off the side of the road, I parked the car and got out. It turned out the girl that hit me was also from my church group. I told her the reason why I suddenly stopped, and she explained that she saw it too. I was beginning to struggle to think clearly, but I ignored it and tried to get the problem at hand taken care of. 

We looked at both of the cars and neither one seemed to take any damage. I explained that we still should exchange insurance information, but should take care of it when we got back to the dorms. I just couldn't really think about finding my insurance card in the jockey box at the time.

While we discussed what to do, one of the boys made sure my car was still driving okay. My roommate switched into another car that stopped to help, I denied any attempts to not let me drive and we drove away. Many times during our exchanges I kept stopping to hold my head. I have never felt it hurt the way it did. 

The return ride home went without incident and the other driver and I exchanged insurance information. Then I faced the music and called my parents. I explained that there was no damage but my head was really hurting. I was beginning to not be able to not think clearly and process things very well. My dad said to go get checked out. 

12:30 at night in the ER just did not sound appealing but I didn't have the energy to fight him. My other roommates who were not in the car went with me to the ER. What was supposed to be a four hour wait turned out to just be a 1 and a half hour wait. I told my roommates to keep me awake, because we didn't know the degree of my head injury and you just don't sleep with head injuries. 

Their way of keeping me awake was to keep me talking. Eventually clear thought just vanished and I started spouting things without self censoring. My roommates became super tired and let's just say everything and anything became funny.

In the room we found a picture that we just couldn't help but laugh at. 

We tried to come up with what to say about it. I think bird poop and malicious attacks came up, but to be honest, I don't remember most of our discussion.

Is there a body in there?

The final exchange of the night came from me, which I think scared the girls a little bit. I quoted a movie that they hadn't really seen before, and the quote, well it would concern you too if this unfamiliar quote came out of your friend with a head injury.

Well the doctor overall spent about two minutes with me. Apparently two questions and feeling someone neck means that their headache is from emotional distress. As time has gone on though, my parents and I are pretty sure I have a concussion. Moral of the story? Big deer are just plain trouble. 

Another one bites the dust!

If I had to name one thing that I am really passionate about, my close number two would be adaptive sports and Paralympics. No, I am not one that competes in these awesome sports, but I know many that do. I really enjoy watching and helping out at these sporting events and practices. Many people don't know about them, but really, if you have a chance, check it out.

One of the reasons why I am really passionate about this lesser known sport is because of the changes that I have seen it make in the athletes for the best. I know that without sports, I, personally, would be a different person. I have learned many of great lessons from running track and cross country. For those that participate in adaptive sports, it can make an even bigger difference. Adaptive sports are sports catered for the physically disabled. They allow amputees, paraplegics, quadriplegics, blind, deaf, small people, and others classified as physically disabled to compete in sports. The athletes that get the chance to participate are learn from and are changed by the sport. They learn to overcome the challenges that their body gives them. Confidence grows as they realize that they are just as amazing, if not more amazing than abled bodied athletes. Watching the joy on their faces is that much more rewarding when they reach feats that are amazing for any person, regardless of physical challenges. 

The reason why I am discussing this is from an experience that I had today at school. During lunch, I was sitting in the cafeteria-type area in our student center. I was sitting at a table by myself, when the area got a little more busy. A guy whom I never met asked if he could share my table. I, being the nice person I am, of course said yes. Usually when this happens, you sit at the table in silence as you both snarf your food in the rush to get to the next class. Both of us must have had some time, because he started the conversation with me.

It was very casual, he asked me about what class I had next and when. I told him that I was done and was just eating before I started studying for the test I was going to take this afternoon. He asked for what class and I told him that it was chemistry (a horrible class to take really). 

After a little discussion, we came to what my major is. I gladly told him that I was majoring in exercise science. Just as gladly, he replied that I was in the most popular major on campus. Shocker. This kid knows what he is talking about (eye roll). Even more gladly, I told him that it is a very common pre-health major and can be taken in many different directions. This of course set me up for the question, "what do you want to do with it?" Freely and excitedly I explained occupational therapy. This time, rather than a quick response, I received a puzzled look. Before going on, I should say that he is an international relations major, so we come from polar opposite backgrounds. I had to explain that occupational therapists helped people live life fully, despite injuries or developmental problems, working with their fine motor skills. This included helping someone recovering a stroke relearn how to use their hand, or helping people with spinal chord injuries return to normal life. Before I could go on, he summed up the rest for me by stating "Therapy."

The thought "Brilliant kid we got here," may have run through my mind. 

I clarified the distinction between occupational therapy and physical therapy. Physical therapy must have been the one familiar word because he then had to proceed to tell me his experience and fascination with physical therapists. Impressive. He told me that they had to know more than doctors. Not wanting to really make a distinction between the two, I just kind of laughed.

Continuing with my story, I told him that I wanted to work with adaptive sports athletes, therefore needing both the exercise science and occupational therapy background. Even more puzzled, he stated, "I would think once a person needs therapy for fine motor skills, they can't really be an athlete." I just love when know-it-alls make really ignorant statements. Needless to say, he kind of struck a cord with me.

I informed him of two things. First, anyone can be an athlete, even his grandma. Second, adaptive sports cater to the disabilities faced by the athletes, like using specialized wheelchairs. 

"Oh, so you just can't go professional with it."

Strike two dude. Just keep digging.

"Oh, no you can go professional." Cue eyebrow raise and more puzzlement. "Have you ever heard of the Paralympics? They are professional athletes. It's just most of the public doesn't know about it" This was just one example of how one can go professional. I was ready to tell him more, but I decided to let him respond first.

"I'm not one for handicapped Olympics."

Strike three. Time to throw this guy out. Usually, I would, but I have really been trying to be nicer.

Making sure what I was talking about was clear I stated, "Oh it isn't Special Olympics. Special Olympics is for those with cognitive disabilities, while the Paralympics are for those that are physically disabled. You know Oscar Pistorius? Most people know about him from the Olympics this year. He competed in the Paralympics as well. What is amazing, is that the people competing in the Paralympics were accomplishing the same feats as those who are in the Olympics. They overcome their disabilities and achieve the same great things. That is what is amazing, at least to me."

His face said it all. He was starting to shut down. 

"I don't really watch the Olympics. I only watch ice skating....and volleyball."

"Oh they have that in the Paralympics as well. They sit on the floor and use their arms to scoot around. They aren't able to use their legs."

Surprise again on his face. "How tall is the net?"

"Way shorter. Probably near tennis net height."

I think he got his sea legs after this.

"I was going to say, it is hard enough to get it over the net standing, it would be much harder sitting."

I should have told him about shooting a basket from a wheelchair at a basket the same height as for standard basketball. Unfortunately the thought didn't occur.

"I think the court is shorter too."

"Well I think that they don't need to change. Maybe not, with not being able to move as fast and all."

"I think there are less people on the court as well, but I could be wrong."

Then comes my favorite line that came out of this man. "I need to go back to bed."

Our conversation kind of stopped a little bit, and changed to the weekend and being sick. He finished his meal, muttered something about leaving. We exchanged names, he told me it was nice to talk to me and that we will probably never see each other again. I agreed and he practically ran off. 

I think this is the one time I can say that I was most definitely not the one discombobulated in this experience. 

However, I once again failed to make a friend out of a person I met. I really need to work on my people skills. Also, another trait has been added to my list of a future husband. 

Knows sports and is willing to accept sports that he may not have heard of.

A Story that Only Music Nerds Will Enjoy

One of my all time favorite things is music. It can make, break or change the outcome of the day. So I realize that to some this may not make sense, but I think it will make you giggle anyway. 

I recently moved into the dorms at my new university. And if you haven't had the experience of using the Wi-Fi on a university campus I will just tell you this: it stinks. It doesn't always work and sometimes decide to not like your computer. Today is just one of those days. When I got home from school I decided that I wan to listen to pandora. I have the app on my iPod but I just realized that on computers there is this awesome ability to shuffle all of your stations together, which makes me tickle with glee inside. 

I must first describe my taste in music before going on in the story. I enjoy music in which I can deeply connect with. Whether that be with the intense emotion that comes from soul music, or the love I feel from alternative/pop men bands, or the head thubbing of Dubstep. I especially love Dubstep remixes of songs. So I have several Pandora stations that are highly diverse, but I connect with and love it all. 

So today I was shuffling my intense music together in a wonderful mash of so much connection that it sometimes creates a small brain explosion, when the internet decides to act up. Suddenly this really cool songs comes on that has base drops but the words of a soul song. I look and on comes Jill Scott, an artist that is known for her slow and sensual music. But it was a dubstep song. This excited me to no end. I mean my two favorite genres that should never even be included in the same sentence were being included in the same song! Immediately I went onto iTunes to put this song on my wish list (poor college student can't even afford a dollar song). But I was watching the bar that tells you when how long you have left until the most amazing song ever ends and it's having a spaze attack a seismic proportions. I just thought silly internet and went back to rocking out to the best song ever. Then I had to get up, and I needed to pause it so that I could continue to hear it. And it didn't pause. At all. Then the most sad realization occurred. 

 Somehow, I'm not really sure what I did to catalyze this mind blowing experience, I managed to get my Excision (one of the dirtiest (heavy bass drops) dubstep songs) channel to play at the same time as my shuffle. This song in fact did not exist.

Random thoughts

I have discovered over the past few weeks exactly how strange my brain is. Most people have learned how to connect their conscious and their subconscious. I have yet to do that. That and develop a social filter, but the filter seems to be going better than the other. This post is all about one thing: my brain is the weirdest thing ever. I don't know what is scarier. Being the person that hears all of the thoughts that travels through it every second or being my mom who gets to hear the stories of how it works. Trust me, it's bad. But don't just take my word for it. Here is a series of events that happen and my brain's reaction to it that have all happened since March of this year.

Examples of things I like fresh out of the dryer: Jeans, sweatshirts, sheets, and pears

Rain coming down hard on the roof of my car: "Oooo the woodland fairies are coming out to give me a little dance

My anatomy teacher expelling the difference between secretion and absorption. He explained that the open space within any part of an organ is called a lumen. In absorption nutrients go through the lumen wall into the blood vessels in the membrane: (to the tune of the song "Get Low" which I haven't heard since I last watched "The Proposal" three months previous) To the lumen, to the wall. Not down the organ wall but to the blood vessels crawl.

Getting up to my alarm clock with an adjustable snooze. I had a 7:30 class and had to leave at 6:45 to get there on time. The plan was to get up at 5:30 to get ready and make food for the day. The alarm goes off: I hope you don't mind, I took a moment of indulgence (the clock said 6:30 and I don't even recall it ever going off beforehand).

Thunder rolling during the night: oh wait, that one was my tummy

Graduating high school: Tah-Done

Heart shaped strawberry: Ah, I love you too strawberry

Watching the movie "Prince and Me": I should play a game where I make up Facebook statuses for random parts of a movie

Not finishing an episode of a crime show: dream about my being the detective

At the end of a bad day: If today had a Facebook fan page, I would not like it

Driving to school only using my thumbs: Thumb drive!

The top break light in my station wagon fell out making it just glow in my trunk space when I put my foot on the brakes: It's the ghost light!

Headlights on cars: see the faces in them

Have three weeks worth of assignments due Sunday for one online class and responses to discussion posts in my other online class due today: get on my long lost blog.

Yup, my brain is really weird. Most of these I did without any thought at all.....actually all of them without any concentration. They all happened in an instant. And speaking of the last one I have classes to go take care of. Thanks for reading, I hope you got as much entertainment out of it as I did thinking of it.