Ten on Tuesday

It's been a while...here goes!

1. I have now taken at least one test in each of my classes. I am proud to say that I rocked my Calc test, and, thanks to a few bonus points, did a good job on my Biology test! Yay me!!! I think that there is just something to be said about doing good on the first test of the semester to give you hope to carry on. I am feeling good about both of these subjects. My only complaint about my classes thus far is in regards to my Biology lab. I don't really like my lab partners at all. Yes, I could change tables, I know, but the sad fact is that I would probably be no better off anywhere else. I guess that means that I will have to buck up. My complaints about my lab partners are that: A) We do not work at the same pace at all. I have a feeling that it is largely due to B) A guy in the group flirts with a girl in our group incessantly. My opinion is that if they want to pursure something of that sort, that really isn't my business and they can do that outside of class, so that we can do work. (I'll step off my soapbox now.)

2. In Calculus, we are now working on differentiation. I am happy to say that I understand this concept quite well. Well, most of it, because I did have to go ask for help on a few problems. It is quite refreshing to have to do something in Math that actually challenges me; that must mean that I am learning! We have a test coming up pretty soon, so hopefully that will go alright for me again.
3. One thing about my Calc class that I don't like? Ah, yes. The fact that it is ITV. It hasn't been *that* bad in the past month, but, then again, it has also acted up a lot over the past week. Last Tuesday, I think that someone hacked into the class, as we suddenly heard two men with Indian accents talking through the line. That was quite bizarre. Furthermore, this week hasn't been so great, either (I know it's only Tuesday), because there have been numerous issues with frozen images. When that happens, we have to disconnect, reconnect, then catch up with what everyone in Tonkawa was doing while we were disconnected. Then, our teacher (who really is a nice lady) goes over it quickly, so we don't lose too much time, but in the process of doing so, everyone in Enid is totally confused and frantically scrawling down all of the mumbo jumbo on the screen. Ugh. I am over this.
4. Yesterday morning, I woke up with a stuffy nose and a sore throat, as if I slept with my mouth open. I should've known then that it wouldn't be good from there. I made it through yesterday alright, and I took some medicine before bed. However, I woke up this morning, and, at first thought, I thought I had strep (oh joy), but after examining it, I realized that it was just drainage. Now, I sound as if I am a chain smoker or like I have some serious illness, but the reality is that I just have congestion and gunk in my lungs/throat. Here's hoping that I will be on the mend through the week.

5. Enough with all of this depressing news! How about something good? Tevis recently received a scholarship from NOC, and was invited to attend a recognition banquet, to which he could only bring one guest. Guess who got invited to join him? Yes, it was me! I am so proud of him and his accomplishment and cannot wait to get all dressed up to go support him! Hooray!
6. We held Cole's meet & greet on Sunday afternoon. Thankfully, the rain was contained to Friday, and we had beautiful weather for Sunday! It was a great celebration for all, and we had quite the turnout. My aunt Pat, Aunt Marla, the Siebert girls (family friends), Debra, Emily & Gina's in-laws, my cousin Vickie, and Tevis were all in attendance, plus all of our crew (of course). Cole was all decked out in his denim pearl-snap shirt & Wranglers (my parents' Christmas/birth gift to him), and was as adorable as ever. In the madness of getting everything ready though, I forgot my camera at home and didn't get any pictures. Drat. I know that my mom, Gina, & Emily did, though, so it will be alright. (Yes, I could've gone home, but it wasn't worth it at that point.) I loved getting to see everyone, and had many great conversations. What a good day!

7. Some of you may notice that Mimi wasn't mentioned in any of this weekend's celebrations. I'll fill you in. About a week ago, she took a tumble while she was in Hennessey walking along a sidewalk. As far as we know, nothing was broken, but she is very bruised and swollen still. For that reason, she decided that it would be in her best interest to stay home from church & Cole's party. After everything settled down after the party, Mom, Gina, Emily, Andrew, Cole, and I all went over to pay her a visit, while also taking her some food. I was glad that I went over there because I could tell that it really brightened her day by getting to see us. She got to love on Andy and Cole, and chat with all of us. Andrew was never more than a step away from Cole, it seemed, as he was always giving him kisses/hugs/pats. He was definitely in rare form that night, as he became increasingly ornery as the night progressed, although he was pretty funny!

8. I really didn't watch the Super Bowl. I watched most of it up until half time, until I started dozing off, then left to see Mimi. I figured that I will more than likely live to see plenty more Super Bowls, but Mimi is 94, so I should take advantage of any opportunity I have to be with her. Besides, I'm really not into football, or any other professional sport, for that matter. I might watch a game on occasion, but I don't follow any of these sports by any stretch. I liked quite a few of the commercials, as usual, but I really wasn't impressed by Madonna's halftime show...maybe it's a generational thing. All I know is that I didn't feel the magic and easily could've lived without seeing it. While watching the Super Bowl, I did realize one thing: 2012 is a Summer Olympics year! Now that, that is a sporting event that I will watch extensively. I love the Summer Olympics! Oh goody! :)

9. With all of this talk about sports, here's a sporting update that is relevant to me. Tonisha's & my racquetball experience is going quite well. I have noticed a definite upswing in our abilities, and I have also stopped getting so sore after playing. I must say that my coordination is gradually improving, although I still have quite a way to go. We have gotten to the point that we can return each other's hits, although we spend an inordinate amount of time chasing the ball around the floor (I'm pretty sure that professional players frown upon this.). I have also realized how racket angle has a lot of play as to how the ball will bounce. Wouldn't you know that the math major would recognize this! Hopefully, we can keep up with our hobby!

10. On a last, random note, Andy has finally gotten to the point where he can say my name much better. It has been quite the phenomenon, as none of my nephews thus far have been able to properly pronounce my name before they were 2.5. Andy, having recently hit the 2.5 mark, has progressed from calling me "Na" or "Da" to "Manna". I know it isn't "Amanda", but it is progress! Yay Andy!

Have a great week, everyone!