I may be in over my head. I've gotten involved alright. Three jobs this semester. 40 hours a week and 12 credits. Any bets on how long before melt down? I've been looking at football calendars. I keep seeing girls with "It's Game Day" shirts on. There are fliers everywhere I look for events every night of the week! I realize how much more time I'm going to need to get active in campus life.
All summer I thought "why were you never involved?!" Now I remember. By the time I get home from a full day of classes and five hours in an office, I realize my week is halfway over. I've missed 6 events (Shape UR Yoga Booty, End of Summer Pool Party, Zumba Flash Party, Part-Time Job Fair, Ice cream social, and a Bengal Wednesday) . There's no going back. Only forward. It means giving up one of my Friday nights to go to an ISU event. Or worse, a Saturday night. Choosing to go to a football game instead of a date, or heaven forbid, FOR a date. Choosing a dance over a movie night with friends or even getting my homework done. I'm not sure how I'm going to fit everything in.
Anyway... enough complaining. It's time to plan ahead. I pulled up the ISU calendar. Looks like there's a football game this Saturday. I'm trying to be positive. I'm trying to like it. This really is a first. Nanette Nielson is going to a football game. Hell might freeze over. Farm animals might start flying. The end of the world might come early. At least you've been warned.
XO, Nanette
P.S. I'm so excited for Gabriel Iglesias to get here. This man is funny people. It's Oct 7. Get your tickets.
An Idaho State University 6th year senior tries student life for the first time
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
The week concluded...
Week overall: win.
Being a more participatory student: fail.
There was SO much going on this past week. I didn't get to go to ANY of it. I suspect some of you are in the same boat. With working in the evening and 6 classes, time just sort of escaped me. I am proud to say though, that I am current and slightly ahead on homework, although that will last a total of MAYBE three weeks and then I'll be looking for things to distract me.
I never reported in on my Tuesday/Thursday classes. I might have made a mistake. They are LONG days.
It's homework and reading intensive. But that's not the hard part. Those of you who have met me, understand through body shape alone that I prefer eating to moving. Two physically active classes in one day is a leap for this stationary/office job kind of girl. Thursday was the first day I experienced the full wrath of my laziness. It was hard. It was exhausting. Then Friday and Saturday came along. I could barely walk. Here's the other thing, these classes were NOT hard for some of the other members of class. But one should never measure progress by comparison to others, but comparison to self and MAN, do I have room for improvement. I'm hoping that after about two or three weeks, it gets less hard and my body will start adjusting.
Lately, as part of the renaissance of self, I've made it a goal to do something creative every day. Now, creative writing class's homework assignments do not count. I've taken to visual journaling. Trying to take a photo, paint (poorly) or doodle to pair with an observation that day. I'll post the less personal ones here when I get them scanned in.
Have any of you been trying new things this semester? Any classes that you might regret signing up for? Tell me about your first week!
XO, Nanette
Being a more participatory student: fail.
There was SO much going on this past week. I didn't get to go to ANY of it. I suspect some of you are in the same boat. With working in the evening and 6 classes, time just sort of escaped me. I am proud to say though, that I am current and slightly ahead on homework, although that will last a total of MAYBE three weeks and then I'll be looking for things to distract me.
I never reported in on my Tuesday/Thursday classes. I might have made a mistake. They are LONG days.
9:00 - 10:00 Swim
11:00 - 12:00 Form and Analysis (aka, hard and frustrating, the second time I'm taking it).
12:00 - 1:00 Diction (learning IPA and applying it to French, German and Italian).
3:00 - 4:00 Dance Basics
4:00 - 5:15 Pedagogy (learning how to teach voice lessons).
5:30 - 10:00 Work.
It's homework and reading intensive. But that's not the hard part. Those of you who have met me, understand through body shape alone that I prefer eating to moving. Two physically active classes in one day is a leap for this stationary/office job kind of girl. Thursday was the first day I experienced the full wrath of my laziness. It was hard. It was exhausting. Then Friday and Saturday came along. I could barely walk. Here's the other thing, these classes were NOT hard for some of the other members of class. But one should never measure progress by comparison to others, but comparison to self and MAN, do I have room for improvement. I'm hoping that after about two or three weeks, it gets less hard and my body will start adjusting.
Lately, as part of the renaissance of self, I've made it a goal to do something creative every day. Now, creative writing class's homework assignments do not count. I've taken to visual journaling. Trying to take a photo, paint (poorly) or doodle to pair with an observation that day. I'll post the less personal ones here when I get them scanned in.
Have any of you been trying new things this semester? Any classes that you might regret signing up for? Tell me about your first week!
XO, Nanette
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
First Day Of School... Side A
Normally, as a music major, the piece of paper in my planner would have between eight and ten classes listed and it would barely equate to 13 or 14 credits. This semester, I feel like a more normal student with my mere six classes.
Today was Creative Writing Workshop with Ms. Goslee. Now, she made it very clear that whatever happens in class, stays in class (very much so like Vegas). So I can't divulge too much about what goes on in there, but I will certainly say it's a classroom full of very interesting characters. The mom, the accountant, the handful of english majors that haven't decided to seek a more cash oriented degree, that girl with the emo hair and the skinny jeans, the overeager, but I'll tell you what's missing... the apathetic. It's absolutely lovely to have a class that everyone seems invested in. This isn't a prerequisite. This isn't a goal class. It's a collection of interesting people with interesting stories (I hope).
Ms. Goslee is chipper and fun. But firstly, I noticed her very curly and playful hair. She is humorous. She is definitely clever. Today during class I noticed a man through the window in the door going into his office, another English professor I assume. He sports the same curly hair. And Ted, an English grad student friend of mine, also sports the same natural perm. I can't help but be led to the conclusion that their brain is so crazy, so full of ideas and so creative that their hair is charged by the rapid electricity of constant thought.
It was a great 50 minutes. Now, let's get serious, Nanette. You WILL go to class. You WILL be prepared. You WILL NOT get lazy or procrastinate-y or excuse-y. You will be curly headed and full of creativity. And THAT is the bottom line!
How was yours? Do you have any goals for yourself this semester?
XO, Nanette
Today was Creative Writing Workshop with Ms. Goslee. Now, she made it very clear that whatever happens in class, stays in class (very much so like Vegas). So I can't divulge too much about what goes on in there, but I will certainly say it's a classroom full of very interesting characters. The mom, the accountant, the handful of english majors that haven't decided to seek a more cash oriented degree, that girl with the emo hair and the skinny jeans, the overeager, but I'll tell you what's missing... the apathetic. It's absolutely lovely to have a class that everyone seems invested in. This isn't a prerequisite. This isn't a goal class. It's a collection of interesting people with interesting stories (I hope).
 |
| Great Aunt Loma - Look at those curls! |
It was a great 50 minutes. Now, let's get serious, Nanette. You WILL go to class. You WILL be prepared. You WILL NOT get lazy or procrastinate-y or excuse-y. You will be curly headed and full of creativity. And THAT is the bottom line!
How was yours? Do you have any goals for yourself this semester?
XO, Nanette
Friday, August 19, 2011
Chicago
One of the great benefits of making friends in different majors all over campus - free stuff. For example, last night I got to go to the final dress rehearsal of Chicago for free because it's "friends and family night." Totally cool. Totally the right price. However, after seeing it, I'd pay the $10 for a ticket. It was colorful. It was sparkly. It was sexy.
Sherri Dienstfrey, the director, took a great interpretive step with her crescendo-ing theme of circus. As the show progressed make-up was added, costumes got more colorful and the spectacle became more grand as the trial of Roxy became more involved and more ridiculous. It accentuated the message that the perception or sense of justice held by an audience (or country) can be manipulated by our want for the fantastic and gruesome. In a way, the things we're fascinated by reflect our nature: The yearning to find a bit of good in a criminal, our want to believe that people are innocent, our want for violence and drama, our tendency to look for the next bit of grotesque and curiosity that will keep our interest piqued.
That's why Chicago is a great musical. It's themes extend beyond the time it was written (1975) and the era it was set in (1920's). We see the same sensationalism capture audiences with reality TV today. Honestly, Snooki? Tila Tequila? Kim Kardashian? Paris Hilton? These characters (or more appropriately caricatures) are the parallel entertainment equivalent as the characters in Chicago. Why do we keep coming back to watch them? What about them is so enthralling that they have their own television shows and near-cult followings? It's like real life soap operas... or at least people that have turned their lives into such. I guess it's the drama, the sexuality, the brash and aggressive natures that we don't dare share of ourselves... Are we allowing them to live out situations we only entertain through imagination?
Anyway, what I'm getting at is that it was a fun show. It's not appropriate for all audience members. There is swearing, innuendo, slinky costumes and insinuation of violence. I'd rate it PG-13. There is also a lot of great energy coming from those performers. There is outstanding stage chemistry between Zeke Robinson and Bridget Close. Megan Griggs, Kyle Anderson and Kim Mumford are vocal stand outs. Debbie Bray out did herself with the glitzy and glamorous costumes. The choreography was clever. All in all, It was a night of music, humor and debauchery.
Sherri Dienstfrey, the director, took a great interpretive step with her crescendo-ing theme of circus. As the show progressed make-up was added, costumes got more colorful and the spectacle became more grand as the trial of Roxy became more involved and more ridiculous. It accentuated the message that the perception or sense of justice held by an audience (or country) can be manipulated by our want for the fantastic and gruesome. In a way, the things we're fascinated by reflect our nature: The yearning to find a bit of good in a criminal, our want to believe that people are innocent, our want for violence and drama, our tendency to look for the next bit of grotesque and curiosity that will keep our interest piqued.
That's why Chicago is a great musical. It's themes extend beyond the time it was written (1975) and the era it was set in (1920's). We see the same sensationalism capture audiences with reality TV today. Honestly, Snooki? Tila Tequila? Kim Kardashian? Paris Hilton? These characters (or more appropriately caricatures) are the parallel entertainment equivalent as the characters in Chicago. Why do we keep coming back to watch them? What about them is so enthralling that they have their own television shows and near-cult followings? It's like real life soap operas... or at least people that have turned their lives into such. I guess it's the drama, the sexuality, the brash and aggressive natures that we don't dare share of ourselves... Are we allowing them to live out situations we only entertain through imagination?
Anyway, what I'm getting at is that it was a fun show. It's not appropriate for all audience members. There is swearing, innuendo, slinky costumes and insinuation of violence. I'd rate it PG-13. There is also a lot of great energy coming from those performers. There is outstanding stage chemistry between Zeke Robinson and Bridget Close. Megan Griggs, Kyle Anderson and Kim Mumford are vocal stand outs. Debbie Bray out did herself with the glitzy and glamorous costumes. The choreography was clever. All in all, It was a night of music, humor and debauchery.
 |
| Photo courtesy of A Day To Adore Photography |
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
As school draws near...
It's weird. But this year I'm getting a little excited to start going to class again. Now, I used to feel this way as a little kid because school was a great place to be with friends. It was also a great place to do art projects and play on the playground. It's also invigorating to get new crayons and notebooks... pristine white pages that line up so neatly. I still get a little buzz when I get to go office supply shopping. "A [sharpie], a [sharpie], my kingdom for a [sharpie]!" - Shakespeare.
In the life of Nan, summers are the time when we press the giant "RESET" button of life. They usually have themes. Last summer was the summer of read, the time before was the summer of write and this summer is the summer of rediscovery. It's been a revisitation of all the things I've forgotten about loving.
Now... All these office supply sales are happening and I have yet to get my financial aid refund. Word on the street (aka website and email) is that if you're getting a direct deposit that ISU will be processing those Friday, August 12. This happens every year. The 12th rolls around and no one has gotten their check or deposit. Friends are freaking out. Gradually, the kids at the ISU credit union get theirs first and the people using other banks tizzy even harder.
Just plan on it coming a few days later. You'll still have time for book shopping, paying rent and buying new clothes. Just sit tight. Be patient. Also... as you read this, keep in mind I'm a student with no more knowledge than most other students. I'm not making a promise on behalf of the university... just a prediction on behalf of myself.
In the life of Nan, summers are the time when we press the giant "RESET" button of life. They usually have themes. Last summer was the summer of read, the time before was the summer of write and this summer is the summer of rediscovery. It's been a revisitation of all the things I've forgotten about loving.
- Doodling on saturday mornings while watching cartoons.
- Reading more than one book at a time.
- Afternoon naps
- Swimming in lakes
- Collecting freckles
- Going yard sale-ing
- Taking pictures
- Making myself write again.
Hard life, right? The summer of rediscovery has been light and refreshing. This semester (my last) is padded with classes that I needed to meet financial aid requirements. You know, swimming class, beginning dance, creative writing workshop... stuff like that. I'm hoping that before graduating and going to the great beyond (professional life), I can, again, find what is important to me, thus guiding the career search.
Now... All these office supply sales are happening and I have yet to get my financial aid refund. Word on the street (aka website and email) is that if you're getting a direct deposit that ISU will be processing those Friday, August 12. This happens every year. The 12th rolls around and no one has gotten their check or deposit. Friends are freaking out. Gradually, the kids at the ISU credit union get theirs first and the people using other banks tizzy even harder. FACT OF LIFE: Bank transactions and financial stuff will take time to process.
Just plan on it coming a few days later. You'll still have time for book shopping, paying rent and buying new clothes. Just sit tight. Be patient. Also... as you read this, keep in mind I'm a student with no more knowledge than most other students. I'm not making a promise on behalf of the university... just a prediction on behalf of myself.
XO,
Nanette
Monday, July 18, 2011
Madison Lights & Megan Burt
 |
| Guitarist and Lead Singer of Madison Lights |
 |
| Dastardly Bassinet |
Not to mention that the weather was well-behaved... not a cloud in sight! People were there with their babies, friends, family and dogs. The best thing about gatherings like that is people watching. There were all sorts of interesting things to watch. There was an adorable 3 or 4 year old girl pretending to conduct the band. There was a bassinet suited for a Tim Burton-esque baby. There were dogs of all sort! But the most amazing was the Great Dane that was the size of a baby horse.
 |
| Hula-Hoop Contest Winner |
 |
| Megan Burt |
This Thursday is something completely different. 1) No opening act. 2) BLUES. 3) PURELY LOCAL! Come out and support Soulful Blues! Expect a Billie Holiday and Etta James influenced sound.
XO, Nanette
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Like that old saying goes...
No news is good news, right? The last two silent weeks have been so much fun and so busy, definitely defining the phrase "summer in full-swing." Funny how that works, the crescendo of summer, things getting so fun so fast that it's almost time to start wanting structure and for life to slow down again.
4th of July wasn't super eventful. I was home nursing my 3rd of July sunburn. But the 3rd was awesome. I went with Justin, Aaron, David and Trent down to Glendale Reservoir. It's near Preston. It has boat access, allows booze, campfire, campers and dogs, but it's pretty clean in comparison to the typical lake party places like Twin Lakes. Even on the 4th of July weekend, there was a shore space and it wasn't crazy busy. However, all five of us had not applied enough sunscreen to be out there for four hours.
New Student Orientation (NSO) was last week. The campus was teeming with Freshmen. I missed the morning sessions of information because I was at my other job. However, I made it in time for the ballroom event where all the organizations on campus are invited to set up informational booths.I compiled a video of the people I talked to that represented different departments and clubs. There were so many that I missed getting a good interview with... LGBTSA, Swing Club, Help Desk, Greek Life etc. There were also so many booths that were too busy to get footage of as well, basically all things dealing with financial aid, class schedules and tours of campus. The whole day was topped off with an AMAZING rainstorm. Consequentially, concert on the quad was moved indoors and I just couldn't talk myself into walking there in that stormy weather.
I hit the jackpot thrifting and yard sale-ing this weekend. I found some italian leather shoes and an amazing brass bottle opener in the shape of an owl. I don't even drink stuff that needs a bottle opener. It was just that cool. These are the moving days though. There are yard sales every weekend. One of my friends expressed that she doesn't particularly like yard sales because there's more crap to sift through than at the thrift stores and that she doesn't like to know who had it before her. But I disagree... at a yard sale, I'm less likely to feel like I need to immediately wash my hands upon leaving as opposed to going to a thrift store and feeling filmy when you're done. Yard sales are super interesting to me. It's an opportunity to see what people will part with and how much it costs to get them to part with it.
One of my friends has been in the moving process. It is absolutely amazing how much stuff one person can collect over 5 years. I was helping pack boxes and unpack boxes. Which I really don't mind doing, but I know many who find it tedious and honestly, it's not the most efficient way to get from one place to another. Having moved 3 times in the past few years I've learned the following things.
4th of July wasn't super eventful. I was home nursing my 3rd of July sunburn. But the 3rd was awesome. I went with Justin, Aaron, David and Trent down to Glendale Reservoir. It's near Preston. It has boat access, allows booze, campfire, campers and dogs, but it's pretty clean in comparison to the typical lake party places like Twin Lakes. Even on the 4th of July weekend, there was a shore space and it wasn't crazy busy. However, all five of us had not applied enough sunscreen to be out there for four hours.
New Student Orientation (NSO) was last week. The campus was teeming with Freshmen. I missed the morning sessions of information because I was at my other job. However, I made it in time for the ballroom event where all the organizations on campus are invited to set up informational booths.I compiled a video of the people I talked to that represented different departments and clubs. There were so many that I missed getting a good interview with... LGBTSA, Swing Club, Help Desk, Greek Life etc. There were also so many booths that were too busy to get footage of as well, basically all things dealing with financial aid, class schedules and tours of campus. The whole day was topped off with an AMAZING rainstorm. Consequentially, concert on the quad was moved indoors and I just couldn't talk myself into walking there in that stormy weather.
I hit the jackpot thrifting and yard sale-ing this weekend. I found some italian leather shoes and an amazing brass bottle opener in the shape of an owl. I don't even drink stuff that needs a bottle opener. It was just that cool. These are the moving days though. There are yard sales every weekend. One of my friends expressed that she doesn't particularly like yard sales because there's more crap to sift through than at the thrift stores and that she doesn't like to know who had it before her. But I disagree... at a yard sale, I'm less likely to feel like I need to immediately wash my hands upon leaving as opposed to going to a thrift store and feeling filmy when you're done. Yard sales are super interesting to me. It's an opportunity to see what people will part with and how much it costs to get them to part with it.
One of my friends has been in the moving process. It is absolutely amazing how much stuff one person can collect over 5 years. I was helping pack boxes and unpack boxes. Which I really don't mind doing, but I know many who find it tedious and honestly, it's not the most efficient way to get from one place to another. Having moved 3 times in the past few years I've learned the following things.
- Pick a moving day.
- Collect enough boxes to move all of your stuff (from grocery stores, walmart, liquor stores)
- Set aside what you think you'll need for the two weeks prior to moving, also set aside a tote or box in which to carry said items.
- PACK EVERYTHING ELSE BEFORE MOVING DAY. (If you're so inclined, mark the contents of boxes and clearly mark the heavy boxes)
- Advertise among friends that you need help moving. Be kind. Give them advance notice. Acknowledge that they may only be able (or want) to help for an hour or two. Maybe throw in free pizza and beverage to entice them. They don't have to help you and your move depends entirely on their graciousness and willingness to assist.
- Find one friend with a truck to help, especially. Maybe consider getting them a gift card for helping and a little cash for gas.
My dear friend has been moving for over a week now. I really don't think it needs to take that long. My last move from a house to a studio (so yes, enough stuff to furnish a house) took an hour and fifteen minutes. Of course, I'm subtracting the packing time. Having done this process with many friends in different states of disorganization, please consider the people you're asking the favor of and be prepared to make the most of their time.
Also, I'd love to acknowledge the office of Financial Aid for getting my loans and grants figured out a MONTH earlier this year! My stress levels thank you... and so does my savings account (it wasn't fully prepared to take on the responsibility of paying for school entirely).
43 days until school starts...
XO, Nanette
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)