"Spring" Semester

Yeah...the nut job that decided to call this "Spring Semester" obviously has never been to Alaska in mid-January. The new semester started for me yesterday & there is just one (G-rated) word to sum it up~ YUCK! It started with an hour-plus drive into Anchorage on totally crappy roads....like seriously crappy! Then an uber-long hike from the parking lot to my first class in -18 degree temperatures. No, sadly that is not a typo. If you have been unfortunate enough to enjoy such temps you can related to the distinct sensation of taking a breath & feeling the little hairs in your nose literally freeze. Let's just say...NOT pleasant. Then after class one, I rush back to my (cold) car & drive clear across campus to endure an equally as long walk to another class with only 15 minutes to accomplish this task. Uhm...yeah...I was LATE! Professor was not happy, but what can you do??? Oh & did I mention the face-plant I did while walking across the parking lot.....yeah, definitely one of my finer moments! And I get to repeat this fun process 3 morning & 1 evening each week....well, hopefully no the face-plant part. So for your viewing enjoyment I share a photo from my front porch from this morning.....



Please note: it is 9:30 am & there is NO sunlight....BLECH!

you can't not see the mountains in the background which are usually VERY prominent...why you ask? because of the snow that it falling...FUN! FUN! ....it is coming down pretty good but it is super fine so it didn't show up in this photo

can you tell I have a bit of the mid-winter blahs.....yep!

And this is my stack of books for this semester....well except for the 2 that are on my bedside table & the one that is in my purse & 3 that haven't shown up from Amazon yet & the 14 (yes, 14) that I have waiting on hold to pick up at the library today.......I tell ya, the fun just never stops :) So I'd better get to my reading while the house is quiet & the kids are at school. I have an entire book to finish for Canadian Lit. tomorrow & I have class from 7-10pm tonight PLUS the long commute each way

Now if that didn't lift your spirits, I don't know what will :)

50 Random things....

Ok, I saw this on Brittany's blog &thought what better way to get my lazy self back on the bloggin' wagon after an uber-long hiatus.
1. Do you like blue cheese?ewww..no!
2. Have you ever smoked heroin?Blech!! No way!
3. Do you own a gun?Not me, but my hubby does
4. What flavor do you add to your drink at sonic? Sadly, I have never had Sonic!!
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointment? Not usually
6. What do you think of hot dogs? They are UGLY!
7. Favorite Christmas song? Trans Siberian Orchestra's "Wizard in Winter"
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning?Diet coke...I know, such a bad habit
9. Can you do push ups? Yep
10. What do you order at starbucks? SF Cinnamon Dolce Steamer
11. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? Wedding ring
12. Favorite hobby? hands down its reading!
13. How do you eat your eggs?scrambled WELL!
14. Do you have A.D.D.? not that I know of
15. What's one trait that you hate about yourself? I try to do too much at once
16. Middle name? Marie
17. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment...Dang I wish my textbooks would get here, there is wat too much laundry to be done & I need a nap
18. Name 3 things you bought yesterday? Groceries....so that is many, many things...most importantly Diet Coke
19. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink. Water & Diet Coke...that's about it
20. Current worry right now? the aforementioned textbooks
21. Current hate right now? the cold
22. Favorite place to be? Hawaii with my family
23. How did you bring in the New Year? with my family, parents & of good friends at our house playing a crazy video game marathon
24. Where would you like to go? HAWAII!
25. Name 3 people who will complete this? If you are reading this consider yourself TAGGED!
26. Do you own slippers?nope...but I have "House Crocs"
27. What shirt are you wearing?Grey Hooded "North Pole" sweatshirt
28. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets?hello??? we live in Alaska....Flannel baby!
29. Can you whistle? yes
30. Favorite color? Bright pink!
31. Would you be a pirate?can a be a hot pirate like Keira Knightley...if so, then yes!
32. What songs do you sing in the shower? none
33. Favorite girl's name? my daughter's name...but I don't put in on my blog so let's just say it begins with "D"
34. Favorite boy's name? see above...it begins with "R"
35. What's in your pocket right now? no pockets
36. Last thing that made you laugh? Mr. Bean's Holiday
37. Best bed sheets as a child? seriously...you won't believe this but my Empire's Strikes Back sheets under my lacey pink bedspread on my frilly canopy bed
38. Worst injury you've ever had? Severe hernia after I had R.
39. Do you love where you live?
40. How many TVs do you have in your house? 3
41. Who is your loudest friend? Jen :)
42. How many dogs do you have? 1
43. Does someone have a crush on you? I sure hope he does
45. What is your favorite book? Too, too many
46. What is your favorite candy? Reeses's
47. Favorite Sports Team? OSU Buckeyes!
48.What song do you want played at your Funeral? What will I care...I won't be there :)
49. What were you doing 12 AM last night? reading
50. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? Don't the kids realize its Saturday??????