Fresh Perspectives

J...O...B!  I'm not too fond of those three letters, but you'll all be proud to know that I finally got a job.  My parents tried to force me to get one for the past two summers, but I made excuse after excuse and weasled my way out of it.  When I started college, they actually told me I didn't have to get a job.  It's funny how kids are more likely to do something when it's not shoved down their throats. (Parents: hint hint!)  Anyway, I decided a little extra spending money would be nice and something to occupy a few hours in the afternoon is probably a good thing for me.  So, now I'm working for a law firm downtown three afternoons a week.  That's right everyone, I'm being productive and contributing to society!!!

This is what my job consists of: answering the phones, taking messages, sending emails, going to the bank, post office, and UPS store.  It's really not too bad; the hardest part is remembering how to work the phone.  I never knew a telephone system could be so complicated (there has to be 50 different buttons on that thing!).  So far, I've been getting along fine, besides hanging up on a few people and a peculiar little man telling me he liked my eyebrows. (Never had that compliment before! ha).  It's going great though! Only one more week until my first paycheck (yay).

Any ideas about what I should spend it on??

Posted by Kendall at 09:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Don't you just love Halloween?!  It's an excuse for big kids to play dress up, and dress up I did! I was a 50's girl.  You know, the ones with the poodle skirt and the little hankerchief that goes around the neck.  I've already worn my costume twice and there's still 2 more days until October 31st; this makes me feel somewhat better about spending $58 (errr) on my costume.

 Anyway, I had quite an adventurous weekend! Friday night, my friend Lauren and I were good samaritains and attempted to rescue a dog.  Some friends of ours from Virginia were on the way down to Columbia and they picked up a stray dog (don't worry...it didn't have rabbies or anything).  They decided it was a dumb decision since they were coming to stay in the dorms and called the pound.  Lauren and I freaked out because the puppy was sooo cute.  So, we put it into the back of her Land Rover, and headed to her house (on the Northeast side of town).  Her parents had no idea we were coming.  So, we showed up unexpected with a stray dog.  Needless to say, they weren't too excited about our little 'surprise'.  We fed the dog and gave it some water, then let it rest.  The next morning, though, Lauren's mom said they dog broke through the screen on the porch and ran away.  At least we tried, right?!

Saturday was GAMEDAY, and even though we didn't win, I had a lot of fun at the game.  But I did make one observation:  Tennesse fans are obnoxious! And if I hear the song Rocky Top one more time, I'm gunna go crazy!  Another thing I'm gunna go crazy about is this week coming up!  I have so much going on; I'm already stressed out.  Honestly, I wish I could just skip over it, but I guess that's not possible unless I somehow discover how to travel through time and since that's not gunna happen anytime soon, I'll just have to get through it the best I can!  One of my good friends used to always say:  Worrying is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do, but it gets you nowhere.  For some reason, that saying has always stuck in my head.  So, regardless of how busy and stressful my life gets this week, I will try my best to remember my friend's advice.  As for now, I'm heading to sleep early tonight, since tomorrow....IT begins!

Posted by Kendall at 07:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So, if you've been reading my blog, then you know about the drama surrounding my first English paper.  Mine was the only one not graded.  Anyway, in class on Tuesday, the professor began handing back our second paper.  Class was almost over so he told us that when he called out our name we could pick up our papers and leave.  He called out everyone's name, and I was the only one left in the class.  I'm sure I looked pitiful sitting there alone.  My professor didn't really notice me sitting there and began packing his stuff up.  I slowly walked up to the desk and told him that he didn't call my name.  He looked dumbfounded and maybe a little embarrassed.  I just said I'd come get it the next day during his office hours.  Well...today, I rushed over to his office in between classes, and to my surprise (sarcasm) it still wasn't graded.  I'm starting to think the "English Paper Monster" is out to get me or something.  My professor promised he'd have it to me by tomorrow., so we'll see.  Next time he hands back our papers, I'm not getting my hopes up!

 P.S.  I need help! My mom's 50th birthday is next week.  (I'm sure she's be "ecstatic" about me sharing her age, but I have no idea what to get her.)  I'd really appreciate some suggestions!

Posted by Kendall at 09:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I spent the majority of my Fall Break in Clemson visiting some friends from high school.  I know what you're thinking...why in the world would you spend a break in the most worthless town in South Carolina? I almost felt like a traitor but I just had to go see one of my good friends, Katherine, who goes to school there.  You'll be happy to know that I didn't dare wear anything orange.  I wanted to cringe everytime I looked at that hideous color, but....I made it through.  And now, it's actually not so bad being back at school.

This blog was really short, but I have a busy day and I promised myself I'd manage my time  better now that I'm back at school.  So, now it's off to reorganize my closet with the 20 pounds of winter clothes I brought back...

Posted by Kendall at 11:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Mysteriously, the only two rooms in the entire building of Capstone whose lights don't work are mine and my sweet-mate's!  They cut off yesterday around 4 or so.  At that point, it didn't matter since it was still sunny outside.  But around 7 or so, I began to worry. My situation really goes along with the saying "you don't know what you have until its gone" because now I am truly beginning to appreciate the simplicity of a little electrical flow! I feel like I'm back in the dark ages!

Let's see, I did my homework in the dark (or attempted it, at least), I went to the restroom in the dark, I took a shower in the dark, and I somehow managed to get dressed and put on make-up in the dark.  Now...that's talent!

I just called the maintence crew from the housing department, so hopefully this problem will be fixed pretty soon, but if you have any spare flash-lights lying around....I wouldn't mind a bit if you sent em' my way!!

Posted by Kendall at 12:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I spent this past weekend in historic Charleston, South Carolina, my favorite place in the entire world.  (Whether my mom approves or not, that's where I'm moving this summer!)  I'll admit it, I'm a dork when it comes to History, more specifically, American History.  And my favorite part of American History is conflict...wars...and I enjoy learning about the Civil War the most!  I just crave for knowledge of history, it's just short obsession.  To bad math books don't entice me the way history ones do!! But anyway, I just love Charleston for it's historic value.  Whether I'm shopping in the market where slaves were onced traded or on the Battery looking across the water at Fort Sumter, I always wish I could go back to different points in time! Alright though....enough of my love for history!

I went to Charleston on Friday to see Widespread Panic, one of my favorite jambands! I had a blast.  The band played two really great sets.  I stayed with a friend who goes to the College of Charleston.  She lives in an old Charleston-style home with about 25 other girls.  I got stuck sleeping on the floor, but it wasn't too bad.  Saturday, we went to the Citadel to see our friend's game who plays Rugby.  Although we didn't get to see him (he had cons...one of those Citadel things), I did get to see my first Rugby game and wow...it can get rough! The other thing I love about Charleston is that there's always something to do.  So Saturday night, I jumped around from place to place visiting old friends and meeting new people as well. After only a few hours of sleep Saturday night, I headed back home on Sunday for a long afternoon of studying psychology.  I guess it payed off though because I feel pretty confident about how I did on it!  I have a long two days ahead of me though before Fall Break.  Tons of work.....blah!  Off to do some studying.

 P.S. Someone needs to turn back on the heat outside because this cold weather is killin' me!!! 

Posted by Kendall at 02:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I have been sick for the past month.  I'm telling you, I should be in one of those cold commercials where the person has a pink nose and a swollen head. That's how I feel....constantly, and it's not fun!  A persistent cough, a runny nose, swore throat, and swollen tonsils (the size of golf balls) are some of my symptoms.  And to make matters worse, I found out that my sweetmate has the dreaded...MONO!  When I found out, I immediately became a hypochodriac.  I started connecting all of my symptoms with those of mono and 'diagnosed' myself.

Now, I'm the kind of person who would rather get better on my own then go to the doctor.  Don't know why, I've just always been that way.  The only time I make a trip to the doctor is if it's completely necessary.  Well, for the past few weeks, I've been telling myself that I would get better soon, but no!  So, yesterday, I made an appointment at the Thomson Student Health Center.

 My appointment was at 2, so I got there a few minutes early to fill out the normal paperwork.  I was in and out in less than half an hour with 2 prescription medicines.  How's that for good service?  The nurse and doctor who saw me were so nice, too, and they helped alleviate the fear of me having mono. I'm not saying I'm gunna rush out to the doctor the next time I have a little cold, but it's definitely great to know that the system here at Carolina is really efficient and helpful!

Posted by Kendall at 10:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This weekend, me and two of my best friends (Kelly & Lauren) hopped in the car around 5 on Friday afternoon and headed for the Upstate.  Our destination was Spartanburg, to visit Sarah, a friend from high school who's a freshman at Wofford.  Now, regretfully, I will admit, I already had somewhat of a vision (okay, stereotype) of what Wofford would be like.  All I've heard is that it's a small school full of rich kids with polo's and pearls.  I'll be honest...most of the people I met were rich, and did own polo's and pearls, but I completely loved them!!  I guess 'polo's and pearls' originally came with a bad connotation, but my view was definitely changed.  Sarah knew absolutely everyone...but that's to be expected when the college you attend is smaller than your high school.  But anyway...it defnitely made me more open-minded about smaller schools, but at the same time, the trip allowed me to appreciate a big school like Carolina!

 Saturday, we came back because Kelly had a sorority meeting.  So Lauren and I decided to come back to my dorm and take a nap.  We got NO napping done!  We sat there, on me bed, and wasted two hours of our lives laughing obnoxiously to Dane Cook.  I'm tellin' you, I LOVE that guy.  He is absolutely hilarious, so if you've never heard any of his comedy.....get on it! Your stomach will hurt and your jaw will be sore from laughing so hard -- guarenteed.

The rest of the weekend was spent catching up on come R&R!  I slept 14 hours from Saturday until Sunday...so I better be well-rested for this up-coming week.  But back to this past weekend....Wofford, Dane Cook, and sleeping...are what I call a good time!

Posted by Kendall at 04:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So, I finally finished my english paper last night at 1:34 am.  It took me FOREVER, but at least I finished it!  I was sorta scared when I left the library since it was in the middle of the night.  Capstone, which is the dorm I live in, is about a 10 minute walk so I called one of my good friends so I'd have someone to talk to.  She answered the phone and I could tell right away she was asleep, so I gave up on that one! Luckily, I met a guy on the way back who lives in Columbia Hall (the dorm right next to Capstone).  That's one thing I love about college! You meet new people everywhere...even on the way home from the library at 2 o'clock in the morning. It's great

 But anyway, as I turned the corner to cross over the Picken's street bridge, I had a realization.  I LOVE CAPSTONE!!  It was late at night, I was tired, and the only place I wanted to be was in my bed.  It was the best feeling in the world to look up and see the lights of Capstone guiding me home.

Capstone is where most of USC's Capstone Scholars live (imagine that!!!).  Without a doubt, it is the best dorm on campus.  It's co-ed and suite style (so....no sharing bathrooms with 30 other people).  Another great thing about Capstone is Gibbs Court, our own personal restaurant on the main floor. (The cornbread is AMAZING; it's definitely better than my grandma's.) And the pizza, grill line, and subs aren't bad either!

But now....off to hang out with some friends! I definitely deserve a fun night out after last night's 5 hour library session!

Posted by Kendall at 08:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I need a break!  I'm sitting in the Library at exactly 12:34 am Wednesday night (well, actually it's Thursday morning) desparately trying to finish an English paper that's due tomorrow.  I think I have officially mastered the art of procrastination.  But anyway, my mind is in overload, so this is my break from Samuel Taylor Coleridge and how his biography is infiltrated into the poem "Frost at Midnight". Wow...just typing that gives me a headache!

 So, since Mr. Coleridge's poem is somewhat of a reflection, I figure I will do a little reflecting myself.  Two weeks ago, our 1st English paper of the year was due.  I was really proud of myself because I finished it ahead of time and really put a lot of effort into it.  Soon, our professor announced he was handing our 'graded' papers back.  The whole class was a bit antsy.  He called the students up one by one to get their papers.  "Bobby....Suzzie.....Tommy (and no, these aren't real names!!).....Kendall....WAIT!! Oops, Kendall, I must have forgotten to grade yours." Errr....it was so frustrating.  My paper was the only one he forgot to grade.  Everything worked out in the end though because he had some free time to grade in the class.  Soon, the professor came over and handed me my paper.  All I noticed was the huge red mark right at the top of the first page.  I'm ashamed to admit it, but....I spelled the FIRST word of my FIRST paper of my FIRST year in college WRONG.  I thought to myself, "You have got to be kidding me! Way to go, Kendall, this makes a great impression! Thanks alot 'Spell-check'!"  In the end though, my grade wasn't too bad.  And Einstein couldn't spell either, right, so I figure I'm okay.

Regardless, I will not leave this library until I have checked every word in this paper for spelling errors.  Back to work though.  Tomorrow morning's coming fast...

Posted by Kendall at 11:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

             Friday night we ate a luxurious meal at none other than…Wendy’s.  You gotta love the 99 cent menu, and especially the crispy chicken sandwiches!  I can’t tell you how many nights Wendy’s has saved my life.  In high school, after being out doing whatever high school kids do late at night, all the girls would pile in one car.  We’d turn on one of those songs that everyone and their mom knows…you know, Journey’s ‘Don’t Stop Believing”, Lynard Skynard’s ‘Sweet Home Alabama’, or Tom Petty’s ‘Free Fallin’.  Then, we’d make our way towards the Wendy’s drive-thru.  After we got our orders, the car would be silent for 10 minutes while everyone devoured their food!  It was great!! Alright though, enough reminiscing about Wendy’s. (Can you tell I’m hungry?!)

            On Saturday, I went shopping, well more like looking since I didn’t actually buy anything.  Then I visited my grandparents.  We ate dinner at Cracker Barrel…what is it with old people and Cracker Barrel?  (I know…food again!)  But really, is it just me or do all old people like Cracker Barrel?  Who knows…

            Anyway, it was great to get away for the weekend, but at the same time, it’s nice to be back in good ole’ Capstone!  I have a busy week ahead of me with a huge English paper due Thursday and some math quizzes…wish me luck!

Posted by Kendall at 01:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)