Worst of Times and Best of Times

Two weeks ago I was at my mom’s house watching the animals while she and Richard went to a Christmas Party. I emerged from the house at dinner time to feed everyone their grain to find the barn engulfed in flames. The rest of the night is a blur; I just remember frantically trying to get a hold of my mom… by the time I did, the barn was burned to the ground. Fourteen of the alpacas died, although thirteen of those should have been able to escape since all but one of the barn doors was wide open. We aren’t sure why they stayed inside. But six alpacas escaped, and all three dogs. I was treated for smoke inhalation and various bumps and scrapes - I had jumped the fence and tried to open the one locked door, but it was latched from the inside - but I’m completely fine now. Emotionally… I’m coping. Last week was really hard, but this week has been fine, mostly because I spent the week in Oregon with Colin’s awesome family. I’m not putting this story up for sympathy, it just feels good to get it out there. May the sweet little alpaca souls rest in peace.

And now, on a happier note, my visit to Oregon was amazing. Colin’s mom is so warm and nice and she showed us a great time. We went to a play and a Dickens Feast and had many delicious meals. I’d never been to a Dickens Feast before but you can be damn sure I’ll be going again! It was at a beautiful bed and breakfast. The staff were all dressed up as characters from A Christmas Carol, and we were served six amazing courses while being serenaded by a quartet of carolers. Next time, though, I’m going to wear something slightly more stretchy. But really, I couldn’t have asked for a better meet-the-parents experience. I hope Colin’s dad (whenever I get around to meeting him - who knows when that will be) is just as awesome.

Also in happy news, Lisa is coming to visit on Monday, which means I have exactly until then to get this pig sty of an apartment in guest shape. And believe me, it won’t be finished until the very last second. That’s just how I roll.

Ohhh yes, I almost forgot - I passed all my first semester classes with 3 A’s and 2 B’s! Quite frankly I’m a bit surprised I did so well - some of the courses were really hard- but I’m not about to question it! I definitely learned some good lessons to apply to next semester, mostly involving getting enough sleep. I can’t even tell you how many times I looked up while studying for finals and said, “Clearly I was in class this day because I took notes, but I have absolutely no memory of learning about this.” I guess just being in class isn’t enough - you should also be well-rested enough to pay attention.

So, that is the current news, both sad and happy. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday surrounded by people you love.

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I Got Nothin’

I am less than 48 hours away from finals and have completely run out of CARE. Thursday and Friday I didn’t have class - for the purpose of studying - and didn’t crack a single book, nor have I done so today. Those five weeks of joyous irresponsibility are looming so close that I kind of just want to start early.

Boy, for someone who loves school, I sure do complain a lot.

But as much as I whine about studying, this semester has been pretty good overall. I get along well with my classmates even if I don’t quite fit in - they are mostly into sports and beer, and I am mostly into video games and sparkling wine. I like a good proportion of my instructors. I’m learning a lot of useful information. Last weekend I practiced on my mom for my surface palpation practical and she said she couldn’t believe how much I’d learned already. So overall, school is awesome. I’m definitely ready for a break, though!

Plans for my five weeks off include a trip to Oregon to visit Colin’s mom and step-dad - this will be my first time meeting them and I’m a little nervous and a lot excited. Lisa will also be coming to visit for New Year’s. Oh and I have my very first jury duty. Yay.

Other than that I plan to never get up before noon unless something seriously awesome is going down, cook good food for the first time this semester, and start working out again. I am le excité.

My Amazon Christmas wish list is much the same as last year, but I’m working on it.

*sigh* Alright, I guess I’ll start that studying thing that 99% of my classmates’ facebook posts are about. Vacation starts in t-minus seven days.

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