Worth the Candle

Yes! Week 15 means FINALS WEEK!! and since I am already over halfway done with my finals (and I'm not worried about the rest) I can be happy!! I already had my German final today. It was pretty easy and I'm not worried about it at all. Later tonight I have my Spanish final and on Wednesday I have my Chinese religions final. Then I'm homeward bound.

Katie and I had to rearrange our room for the last time this weekend. We've taken down all the posters and pictures. All that remains on the walls are two of our puzzles. We have decided to randomly split the puzzles because we know we won't be able to decide who gets which otherwise. Everything is so bare! I only sleep in this bed for two more nights! I am excited to go home for the summer, but it hasn't completely sunk in yet. It was always so easy to accept before because I knew what to expect. Now, I'm just speculating about how much summer will be.

One thing for sure is CHINA this summer! I was at the doctor's office on campus this morning for my travel appointment. They gave me a Hepatitis A shot and I'm going to take the Typhoid pills once I get home. The best part about it? I got a red Crayola Crayon band-aid!
There was also a mistake in the financial aid department and I was never notified that I also received the need-based (in addition to the merit-based) Dean's Scholarship. The two scholarships completely cover the entire program fee. That means I only need to buy the plane ticket over there and back! YES!!!

I suppose that's all for today. I can't wait to see you, and you and you!

Okay, I'm chickening out. It's 2:00 and I have a final on Thursday, but I'm going to bed. Mom always recommends a good night's sleep so here goes. Let's hope the final grade proves that Mom is always right.
Today was superb! My classes went normally, I had a super long, but super good meeting in the lobby tonight, and Katie and I planned the rest of our 8 days together over carry out. Classic. I definitely will miss a few things once I'm home for summer:
1.) Carry out
2.) Crazy lady's laugh in the dining halls
3.) Cold brownies for dessert
4.) Sharing a toothbrush holder with Katie and having "couples" toothbrushes
5.) Sharing a room with Katie *see below
6.) Checking my mail with a key
7.) 518 Harrison!

One thing I've noticed about when I go home, is that it's weird to sleep without someone else in the room. It sounds so weird, and it is not one of the things I would have imagined that I would have gotten used to, but I have. It's hard to sleep when Katie is still awake and when she's not here. Plus, I'm sad that next year I won't have a roommate at all. I'll be very glad for my own room, but I think it's going to be much different. Katie and I get along so well that it's never a burden to live together. We just kind of coexist.
Now, with another burst of energy and motivation, I am off to finish some extra credit assignments. Happy Week 14 WMU!!

...right down week 14's lane! YES! for Tuesdays. Tuesdays go by quickly, I get 3 classes out of the way in 6 hours and after a Tuesday is over, I can happily say I am halfway through my week. And at the end of today I can say I'm halfway through my last week! Yay for week 14!! I'm finishing up regular classes this week and then preparing for 3 exams next week. I will only be here at WMU for 8 1/2 more days.
Another bonus of the week, White Velvet now has two more flavors. So, if you are interested, come try some! We have pomegranate and peach-mango (soooo yummy) and if you're feeling adventurous, you can mix them. For real, it's healthy and oh-so-tasty!
But, alas, it is time to walk to class. More to come on the exciting adventures of Sydney Small, the almost sophomore and a half!
Adios, chicos!

Well, tonight, I am happy to announce I completed one of my life goals. I beat a game of Minesweeper. It has taken me quite a while to figure out the logic, but-no worries-I've got it down now. I would like to thank insomnia, especially, for contributing the time it took to understand this game and also a special shout out to my friends and family. I really would not be where I am today-champion of one single game (out of 60, which will not be further mentioned) of Minesweeper.
Thank you to all who made this possible tonight.
Champion of the Mines,
Sydney Lynn Small

I don't think Katie's birthday surprise is going to work out. It looks like Katie is going to be up pretty late doing homework and I really don't want to be. Plus, the poster is pretty "janky" in Katie language. I think I'll put her sign on the door and leave her present on her desk after work tomorrow.

Today was pretty lazy. I really, really should have studied some Chinese for my final, but I just plain didn't. I need some pointers on how to pound the characters into my brain. I'm kind of at a loss. On the up-side, Katie and I watched Bridge to Terabithia, I got to Skype with Ira twice, we got free ice cream b/c we are awesome recyclers and only five more days until Solo & Ensemble. I'm very excited.

I'm ready to get this week rolling. It's always better once Monday after work is over with. This week I have 3 days of work, 4 days of school and Friday I am meeting my conversation partner. His name is Muhammed and he's from Saudi Arabia. We are going to meet for an hour for each of the weeks that I'm still here to help improve his English. That should be interesting, too.

Now, I must ready myself for sleep. Until later, my friends

Big news of the night: I just chopped off my bangs. Well, not completely off, but they're pretty short. And yes, my shirt does say "Milk, I am your father." It's Ira's if that explains it.

Today was a good day of throwing around some froyo and rescuing Stewart, Katie's car. I'll admit, I didn't do a very good job of it. I did put the jumper cables on the wrong part of the battery and the consequences could have been a lot worse. I shouldn't have had to been talked through it quite so thoroughly, but I gained the life experience, right?

We also watched Matilda tonight. I definitely forgot how much I enjoy the creations of Roald Dahl. Authors are brilliant people. And speaking of brilliant people, tomorrow begins the Harry Potter love fest. (J.K. Rowling being the brilliant lady.) Katie has the first year extended edition and we are going to bathe in it! It shall be lovely as we've been planning this for a while. It's taken some time finding a free weekend, but alas! (earwax) it has been discovered.

This week is also Katie's birthday. I have a little surprise up my sleeve so I'll keep you updated. On Saturday I get to meet the choir in Big Rapids for State Solo & Ensemble (providing that Ira gets much better!). I am very excited for that. I think summer will feel very close once next weekend clears away. I only have 2 more weekends and 2 1/2 more weeks left of my first year. Everyone is saying it, but this year has just disappeared. The days and weeks go by slowly, but it seems the months and semesters have just vanished. It's actually quite impressive.

For now, I shall leave you with thoughts of Harry Potter and Matilda dancing in your head, much like sugarplums at Christmastime.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

I DO NOT LIKE BREAKING RULES! and unless you didn't read that as if I were yelling at you: I DO NOT LIKE BREAKING RULES! Nada, zip, nunca, never, ever, ever. I do not have a reason for this except that I was raised correctly and I do not like breaking rules. I, personally, do not understand why it is appealing for most people to break the rules. It is not one of my favorite past times. It makes me uncomfortable. It makes me feel guilty. I can't ever justify it. I just plain don't like it.
So, if you are breaking a rule, please do not include me. If you feel like breaking a rule, please do not ask me to help. If you are blatantly disobeying someone please do not add me as an accomplice. I do not want to be a part of breaking any rules.
Thank you