So I guess it’s been a little while. Hey. How’s it goin?

Today is laundry day. Thrilling, I know. Recently, though, life has been pretty exciting around here. Not the wednesday that just happened, but the one before.. Colleen and I went to see Butch Walker, her obsession. I had only heard one song of his before… but now I completely understand why she loves him so much. He is pretty much amazing, for lack of a better word. We were about three or so feet away from him…ah, yes. It was a good night. Colleen then proceeded to follow him up to LA, where he was playing again on Thursday!

Thursday, also, was Bethany’s birthday!!! HAPPY 21st! again… because it really is a great birthday. A day older, and all of a sudden there is a whole new world you are allowed to get into. crazy. So anyway, we went out to dinner, sang, they tied balloons all over our birthday girl… good times.

At some point during dinner we started talking about where we should go friday. Since bethany had school in the morning, we couldn’t exactly go do too much that night, so we planned to do something exciting friday. Someone mentioned vegas. hmm.. vegas.. why not. we picked up em and eva from the airport after dinner, asked them what they were thinkin for the weekend… and eva suggested vegas. We then stopped by the Huron house to see the guys; turned out they were leaving for vegas in the morning too! So, ya know.. sometimes these things just work out… after all that, we just had to go.

Just about the time Bethany got out of class, Colleen was just getting home from LA.. we met up with Kendra’s mom… got the van, and were off. Got stuck in traffic, drove forEVER, but we made it.

So anyway, we were staying at Sam’s so we stopped by there first, dropped off our stuff, got ready to go out, etc etc. We made it down to the strip, met up with people, waited around for a water/light show that was supposed to be happening but apparently we were there at the wrong time, so that didn’t work out. We went through a few different casinos, walked around a bit, but eventually ended up at O’Sheas which is by Imperial Palace where everyone was staying. I lost a dollar at the dime slots. Big spender, I know. But then there was Bethany. Her and Colleen were just cruisin along by the craps tables… and they decide to watch for a little bit (“yea, you know, the one they play on friends” … that was the extent of their craps knowledge). Well, just for fun they decide to each throw in $5 because it was a $10 minimum table. They lose, first try. But, still interested in the game, they stick around to watch and start talking to some of the people that were playing. Hearing that it is her birthday, one of the people then ask bethany if she would like to roll for them. It was the whole ‘maybe this stranger will be good luck on her birthday’ thing. Well.. it worked. Bethany started to win these random people lots of money. Against all odds, of couse. So, considering these people were winning, and most likely consuming a bit of the free alcohol that came nonstop in the direction of the table for anyone playing or standing near, they offered bethany some money to get her back in the game. From there it’s anyone’s guess as to how she started winning like crazy. Beginner’s luck? Birthday luck? who knows… but whatever it was, all I know is that I was sitting a little way away (didn’t want to mess with the streak)… and bethany would look over every now and then to update me on how much more she was winning. I would get a thumbs up, and see the pile of $25 chips grow steadily. Apparently, the other people at the table were winning thousands of dollars off of bethany’s lucky rolling… giving her pointers on what numbers would be coming next (and other such superstitious gambling tricks) … of course all the while as we were standing around calculating the statistics and improbability of it all. At one point, I went outside to get some fresh air… and on my way through the casino, there was a girl walking back in the direction of the table that was saying to the guy she was with, “wait, we have to go watch bethany roll…” ha. that was all that I heard, but it was enough to know they were all glad she walked in there that night…

About 5 or so hours later, Bethany $400 richer, we walked out of the casino with the sun in the sky (past sunrise.. it was well into the morning by then). We found our way back to get some sleep, and then headed on home. Stopping for breakfast…lunch, rather… on bethany of course

it was a good trip.

So, I feel like I have two homes these days… one on Evening… the other in the corner of the Miramar Office Depot Copy Center. It’s insane… seriously… in the last two weeks I have made hundreds and hundreds (literally!) of copies… one at a time, one page, another page, flip the page and repeat. Since I’m there for hours at a time, I have to take breaks every now and then to let other people use the machine. They never seem to believe me when I say I’m going to be a while. People always try to be polite and wait until I’m finished. But if they did… they might die of boredom like me. Today I actually resorted to singing christmas songs in my head.. that’s how bad it’s getting. Well, that, while balancing on one leg, yoga style.

So, we spent the first 10 minutes or so of class this morning talking about para-aminobenzoic acid (aka PABA, aka sunscreen) … it was good timing considering yesterday I spent hours at the beach with the girls and got fried. If only I had reapplied… hah, at least riss and ash got it too… I don’t think bethany was quite as bad. maybe I should just give up on the whole tan thing and stay in the shade…

Got a haircut the other day… but while I was there, the fire alarm started going off… so there I was, half of my hair in clips all over my head, half of it nicely cut and dried, standing outside in the robe thing they have you wear. yes… it was very sexy. lol… but, though there was no fire, I did find out that Amy works there… ran into her outside. so, that was good I guess. hah, good stuff.

Riss has been here for almost a week now, which is awesome. She came down to help Bethany move in. Soon she will be going to Stanislaus… so that’s closer to here than home at least! I feel a road trip coming soon…

Keely on the other hand just had to move back up to that crazy place that is way too north of here… but hopefully ill get to visit this year. I’ve still never been to Oregon.

ooo… almost forgot. Today, I got my sexy blue tunic-ish volunteering outfit. I’m going to be volunteering at Sharp Memorial Hospital… possibly starting next wednesday, but maybe the week after that, depending on when they can start my training.

Only two weeks left of second summer session… I can’t believe it! Test on monday.. gotta go study and finish my laundry! yay for laundry day.

Happy Birthday to Tel today! Thinking of you buddy! actually, I do believe he comes home soon… that’s very exciting.

also coming home… kendra! colleen! and bethany! … all very soon. man, how excited am I.

seriously… my friends are all over the world… its craziness

I would write more, but I have to go to class… every day now. Actually, I’m pretty fond of summer school.. it’s not as bad as all of the warnings I got from people…

ciao ciao.

I finally found Kendra’s site… which of course should not have been so difficult considering it’s just kendrakadas.com but what can I say… sometimes I’m a little slow. But yea, if you ever want to read about some crazy adventures in Africa, you should check it out.

I, on the other hand, don’t exactly have meaningful cultural experiences to share… but regardless, I’ll share what I have…

Yesterday (sort of cultural), I finally got the whole Blacks Beach experience. It’s been a while since I’ve been down there, and I think before I only went at odd hours in the middle of the week. But, when you go running midday on a Saturday, it’s quite a different atmosphere. I wish I were brave enough to join the nudist community (“Blacks Beach Bares,” as I learned, is their official name), but I’m not sure I see that happening in my near future. One guy, who quickly became our favorite… came trotting down the hill with his backpack, radio (the silver kind, with the super long antenna) and walking stick with no other care in the world.

Yesterday, also, was Tiffany’s 21st! very exciting. We went to On Broadway in downtown… one of her friends had the hook up, so she got us in cheaper, which was pretty exciting. I hadn’t gone out yet in downtown… but I have a feeling there is much to come in the future. I’m not sure if it was the trek down to the beach or the dancing the night away, but today my butt is killing me (overshare, yes, but too bad for you, because if you’re reading this, you get to hear about it anyway)!

ahhh… I just got a power surge warning on my computer… I always accidentally kick the wires under my desk… the lights in the room flicker, and my printer turns off… but this is new… I should probly go check it out…

I should be sleeping right now, but I just tried… and I can’t yet… so here I am. This entry is in honor of Kendra… she is in Africa right now. I’ll try to think of a few good stories just for her… she appreciates my long, meaningful, heartfelt stories

So, I recently gained access to something that may possibly be the end of me. Actually, two things… one being Steve, who of course I’ve always been in love with, but just recently got control of (not a good thing). Steve, aka Steve-o the Tivo is my new good friend and just today recorded for me not only daytime television while I was in class (I do love my Ellen)… but also America’s Got Talent AND Project Runway. Sad, I know. Secondly, I also just gained control of an online blockbuster movie account. Like I said, not a good thing. I’m usually not even a big TV person. You know, a movie here and there, a few must-watch shows, but nothing crazy. But, oh, look at me now… don’t worry though, there’s still hope. I’m going to set my limits…

One thing I am hooked on though… Grey’s Anatomy! soooo good. yep, it’s a winner, that’s for sure.

Ok, story number one. A little background; I officially started all of my fitness classes this week, if that’s what you want to call them. I would rather call them something like ‘Hell, on a fitness ball’ and perhaps ‘Step class of death’, but then that’s just me. Anyway, so I went to the biomed library today, which requires you to go down about a flight and a half of stairs. I didn’t think anything of it, you know, because when you’re going down, you dont think about the fact that you will eventually have to go back up. But then there I was, an hour and a half later… looking up at a flight of stairs that looked a mile long… wondering if I could call someone to come pick me up and carry me out of there. One thing’s for sure… that saying about ‘whatever goes up must come down’… well it definately works the other way around too, and it sucks… I barely made it out of there… thought some of my muscles were actually falling off of my legs.

Speaking of my classes, though… kinda funny story about monday. Since there are a few more girls than guys in my latin dance class, we switch up partners every couple of minutes. Well, I decided to wear my heels this week… turned out to be a good decision for the actual dancing part (much easier than my tennis shoes!) but not so great for my partners. lol… there are a few tall ones in there for sure… but there are also a few that, well… I’m not sure they really appreciated dancing with me. One of them, I think, standing next to Marissa, would have looked short. Seriously… and picture that, with me, in four inch heels, trying to salsa…

Can you say that… salsa? does that count as a verb… or do you need a ‘the’ in front of it? hmm… not sure. that’s interesting.

So, I went to play pool with Z the other night. I think I might become a pool person. Once, when he was over talking to someone else, I almost got all of the stripes in before hitting in any of the solids. Messed up on one though, stupid ball that got away. Other than that I was golden. Didn’t beat Z at all though. Almost… a few times. I think a rematch is coming soon.

Oh, also, I took Toula to the vet yesterday… she is officially (by the strict standards of the National Association of Feline Health and Fitness) and overweight cat. Well, I’m not sure if such an association exists, but either way, I have a fatty by vet standards, and I have been advised to put her on a diet. lol… the belly has to go!

one last story just for that friend of mine that is hopefully not catching  malaria or typhoid or some other life threatening disease or virus as I write this:  So, oh my gooodness, I went to the mailbox today, but the mail lady was still there… so I stood there for a while… but she was too slow, so I gave up and went back inside. I’m not sure if we have any mail.

good night! good morning! sweet daydreams!

Currently NOT reading: my OChem book

Kendra and I did freaking awesome on the last midterm without opening the book once. We both did alright on the midterm before that after opening it once. So… no more. That thing is staying on my shelf from now on.

So… Toula has now learned how to open the door to our room. Over the weekend she sat outside the door all night… meowing and scratching at the door… until she realized that usually even when it’s closed, it doesn’t actually close ALL the way. So, sure enough, now she just comes in on her own… I just wish she could learn how to open the door to our apartment. It could have come in handy when I locked myself out the other day. No one around… my roomates were off in other parts of San Diego… and there I was… standing outside my door after I had just locked myself out. I knew it too, as I was closing the door I could feel myself locking it even though I KNEW that I didn’t have any keys. But it was too late. What a sad moment that was… (luckily though I have my ways… and I got back in after a little bit of strategic planning).

Oh, I also did a duet with our neighbor over the weekend. We have one neighbor that sings all the time. He is super loud, and we really wonder if he knows how many other people can hear him. So, not only did I record some of it.. but I also joined in for part of the song. I’m not sure if he could hear me, but he stopped for a little bit after I sang so we think maybe he did.

Oh, and also… Congrats to the newlyweds Erin and Buck Menzio!!!

Kendra’s thought. I completely agree. Jack Bauer, aka 24′s dont-mess-with-him-or-something-bad-will-happen-to-you, only-one-that-never-dies-on-the-show Kiefer Sutherland, is the new Chuck Norris. Enough said. 

Spring quarter.. seventh week is about to start. Most other school are almost done with finals. So much has happened since the last time I wrote, I dont even know if I can remember it all… but here goes…

SPRING BREAK!!! GET NAKED!!! hehe… that was the theme of our spring break this year (even though it was lacking much of the get naked part). Kendra, Colleen and I went to Palm Springs, stayed at a country club (thanks to Kendra’s aunt and their place right on the golf course)!, we lounged poolside, went shopping, played bingo, walked through palm springs at night, and slept (ahhh, sleep. I dont get much of that during school)  It was pretty awesome, actually.  Then I went home for a few days and also did absolutely nothing. Also pretty darn awesome. Then it was back to the everyday… back to ochem, bio, physics, and econ.

First weekend into the quarter was soooo much fun! The girls came down. aka the other three of the Fantastic Five (or is it Fabulous? I dont remember, either way, it fits) that dont already live in SD, aka Ash, Riss, and Kee. Actually, Ann came down too, so that was even better! I hadn’t seen Keely in practically years before that. But yea, love those girls. We just hung out, went to the beach, kee and I went for a run to the cliffs, we went to the Padres game (and they had fireworks!)… it was great.

Oh, before I forget… I wanted to comment on something. So… I was searching for some information on Socrates for a paper I was writing last quarter… and I learned something new. I had just found a perfect description of what I had wanted to write about, and Kendra noticed I was looking on Wikipedia. She warned me to be careful about my information… I never before had been warned about wikipedia… so she explained it all to me… how the whole purpose of wikipedia and why it gives you so much free information is because people can add whatever they want to it… that is how it exists… great idea, but scary when you realize you can just click “edit” and add something like “woooo kendra is awesome” to the middle of a paragraph about Sophist debates, which is exactly what I did (didn’t save it though, don’t worry). And, although you would like to believe that anyone who actually adds information to a site like that knows what they are talking about, sometimes you need to double check your information. But, here comes the scary part… I started trying to search for other sources of information (I mean, arguing matters of philosophy and existence, you never can be too careful)… and I started noticing the small print at the bottom of each page… saying such things as ‘information courtesy of wikipedia’ or links to ‘more information’ that bring you to wikipedia. so anyway, not that you can’t trust their information (I am actually thinking of adding some to the sections on Siena if I ever have time, because they are sadly lacking) but its a good thing to be aware of if you are really trying to learn something and want accurate information.

But anyway… enough of that…umm, what else is new… I got a kitty! Her name is Toula… kinda like Tulip but with an ‘ah’ or ‘uuu’ sound insead of the ‘ip’. Finally she has a name, after a few different ones and a while of just calling her ‘chub chub’ and ‘hey little fat belly’. I spent a while trying to figure out an Italian name for her… we thought about calling her Pazza (crazy/insane) or Pancia (belly)… there was a whole list… but I finally decided on Leone (lion)… but then got complaints that it was too hard to say (whatever, no it’s not). But anyway, the name Toula was inspired by the city Tula in Russia (look it up, try it, I bet you wikipedia is at least in the top five results) but yea, I’m sure that’s not how they pronouce Tula in Russian, but I dont know Russian, so oh well. She is a crazy cat. She loves cords (computers, lamps, curling irons, doesn’t make a difference), paper bags, boxes, and her little squishy green soccer ball. Kendra made her a little mouse toy but she seems to have hidden that somewhere… one of these days we are going to find a whole stash of little things she has stolen.

So this quarter has been pretty crazy. I’m still working at Orphagen, taking four classes, as well as…. yes! the exciting classes. We (Kendra and I that is… we are one unit these days… so I just say we instead of I, makes it easier) go to ‘Yoga/Pilates Blend’ every monday/wednesday before class – 8am baby! (I love that class… hopefully i’ll continue taking it over the summer).. and on tuesdays we go surfing. Second surfing class I got up, but only for a few seconds. But, during last week’s class, I got up for real! I was actually surfing! so awesome. The waves were HUGE that day tho, so I also got clobbered by one that was much larger than myself. Kendra later told me what she saw… one second I was there, and the next all she saw was my board flying high through the air… and no more Kyla At that point in the morning, I finally felt like I was comfortable with where the waves were breaking… but apparently I judged that one wrong… (actually, it was directly after that when I caught the wave though, so maybe the ocean was telling me something… not sure what) lol

AND, last weekend we took the best possible class you can take here at UCSD. That’s right, Underwater Basketweaving! It’s a class you definately cannot leave this school without taking. I would describe it, but the name does that for me. I am actually fairly proud of how my basket turned out… and hey, I now have something to hold my fruit

ok, so im seriously getting tired of writing… but one more thing… I am changing my major! and super excited about it. Pharm Chem is no more. I am now (well, soon to be, once the paperwork goes through) Animal Physiology and Neuroscience. I realized that insead of taking an entire year full of just biochem and pchem, I can still go into whatever I want and actually take more, different classes. So… I get to learn more while hopefully enjoying it even more… so life is good.

xoxo ~ky~

So, it’s official. I should never be left alone with a carrot cake and a skateboard (especially when I should be studying). May sound weird… but not so much. Let me explain (you really dont have to read this…I don’t even know why I tell these stories). So, I made the carrot cake last night. And, not everyone is fond of carrot cake, but eating it makes me feel like I’m eating healthy wonderfullness (even though, i know i know, the health level isn’t really all that high), but, either way… it makes me happy. So yea, too much carrot cake is a, well, great thing. Getting to the point though… I kept running from my room into the kitchen to get another bite of carrot cake, when I noticed that John had left his skateboard out there in the living room… yep, the danvillians (aka those people from danville who now reside in san diego, aka kendra john and gavin) left me to go out to dinner with the other danvillians since Katie is in town. I just like to use that word… danvillians…ha. So, anyway, I just finished going up and down our hallway (which is only about, well… hold on… lemme check…its only about 30 of my feet long) about 20 times on the skateboard. It was my first time on one. Doesn’t exactly count, but maaaan was that fun.

Other interesting tidbits from my life recently: I figured out that I can make it home from campus on my bike not only in like two minutes, but also I only have to to pedal about 5 times. Sweeeet. And, speaking of sweeet, I’ve been saying that a surprisingly lot recently. I never used to say that at all, even when it was the ‘thing’ to say… but yea, now I do all the time. Not sure why. Oh, next quarter is exciting. So, not only am I still working (not sure if I ever mentioned that before but I am working here… and I love my job. yay) but I am also taking some rec classes. Kendra and I realized that we should try to not be so lazy, so we are taking ‘Pilates/Yoga blend’ monday and wednesday bright and early at 8,  Surfing! on tuesdays hopefully having enough time to get back from the beach for class, and Underwater Basketweaving…. don’t even ask me about that one, I have no idea, but I really dont think I can leave this school without taking it. Sounds way too cool. Along with that I’m of course taking wonderful ochem!, physics, econ, and usp (a history of urban design class- sounds way cool) and hopefully I’m going to get into physics oasis so i can pass! it’s gonna be great.