Random

Around this time, I think about what happened two years ago (which of course happened in early May.) I think every year I will always reflect about that time. In a number of ways, I really could not have asked for a better place to have been in and for that I am and will always be grateful. I shudder to think if I were still in NJ what would have happened in addition to the fact that before attending school I did not have insurance.

The warm weather and the change in the smell of the air also influence in bringing about these thoughts and memories. The events that took place before the discovery (also the incredibly hot weather that occurred around that time - it was so hot that at 9:30 PM I deliberately had to go outside and persuaded K to take a walk with me), what happened afterwards, my laziness, moving back to NJ. Sigh.

Edit: I was just reading an old blog and realized that the date was May 5th. Cinco de Mayo, Children's Day, my dad's birthday.

Scents

It's amazing how powerful scents are in bringing back memories. I recently bought a bottle of L'Eau d'Issey since I haven't worn it for awhile, missed it, and wanted to smell it again. Upon spraying it, I was brought back to college immediately - memories of getting ready to go to dances and church (I only wore perfume on days I dressed up and back then I dressed up for church.). It still remains on this shirt I've been wearing at home, so throughout today I've been taking sniffs and getting all nostalgic. I've been branching out with other perfumes but I still have not come across a perfume that has the same hold over me as this one. Memories associated with the perfume itself (not the smell) might play a role in this. It was the first "real" perfume I ever owned. It was a gift my mother bought for me after graduating from high school. It made me feel "grown-up." Another perfume I associate with college is Tommy Girl. The only reason it comes to mind is that I spilled a whole sample of it on my sneakers and even after three washes in the machine, the scent remained. Whenever I wore those sneakers (which was often), I would smell that perfume.

I can't believe it's been ten years since college. Ten whole years have gone by and there are some aspects of college that seem just like yesterday and then other aspects that feel so long ago. I do not intend on attending my college reunion since I do not know too many friends going, will have lots of work to do, and am just awkward in situations where I do not know many people.

I do not know where this post is going. I guess I could write about more memories that different scents bring up. Right now I do not have the time to do that. All I can say is that I am thankful for having a strong sense of smell. Without it, I would not be able to enjoy food or be brought back to all sorts of memories.

A Revelation

I think I understand why I've felt this need to buy things. It's the feeling of "I deserve this! I never see anyone and am not enjoying my life, so I should be justified in shopping online - it's one pleasure that is at my finger tips since I have to use the internet anyway."
The more I think about it though, the more that justification just seems stupid. I've also been browsing way too many style blogs and that makes me feel compelled all the more to look cool and put together (in addition to other pressures). Sigh.
Complain, complain.

Three-Day Weekend

Yes, it is sad, but I am looking forward to the three-day weekend. I will probably stay up on Thursday to do work though. I have to go through let's see, 26 + 22+ 29+ 29 DBQs in addition to regular planning, studying, grading, emailing parents, etc. Ugh. Yes the type you see on an AP exam.
You know what is also sad? It was a "light week" and I am sooo tired. . .

Starting Now

I have to stop spending money. It's crazy how hard it is to save money.

Gah

-I hate Sundays!!
-Where did my week go?
-Weekends are necessary for recovery.

Bittersweet

This break has been bittersweet. I've gotten some stuff done, but not enough. I might have to start sleeping less starting tonight :(

Instead of grading, I chose to read the children's book, When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead and absolutely loved it. I couldn't stop reading it. Before break I also took out The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, but that will have to wait for another time.

So far this break I've gotten a massage, slept lots, graded some tests, seen some friends in NYC and NJ, saw different doctors, ran errands, cleaned and organized my room, ordered more stuff (sigh), and took naps whenever I felt like it. Not so bad, but I do feel guilty about the huge pile of work before me. I just look at it, get all stressed out and then don't do it. Well tonight is about as good as any time to start!

Spring Break

Lots on my plate for spring break:
1. Clean and organize my room
2. Clean and organize my "office space" - it's madness with piles of papers everywhere (all to be graded and given back for the third quarter)
3. Study the remainder of unit 4, study unit 5, and come up with ideas for review of 10,000 years of history
4. Plan for next week so I do not start next week sleep-deprived - C week = hell
5. See friends
6. Go shopping in actual stores
7. Read for pleasure??