Norse Notes: Adriana

Hey Everyone!

2008-03-26T12:55:00.000-07:00

Honestly, this has been the longest I've gone without writing a word, I am soo sorry, my life this second semester has been very different and much busier than before so to break it all down for you here are some of the things I've been doing in the past four weeks:

1.) Childcare: Every Tuesday night I go to do some babysitting for Helping Services in town. This is a great opportunity because I get to make some extra cash, by spending two hours entertaining a few kids.

2.) Ethnic Arts: The weekend of 7-9th of March was the annual Ethnic Arts Festival here on campus. This festival included an array of food, dance, and entertainment from all over the world. I was involved by performing in the first part of a three piece Bollywood dance.

3.) Research Paper: That same weekend I had to write my Paideia Research paper. Which was on a woman named Victoria Woodhull, who was the first woman to run for President. Thankfully, it's finished and I don't have to worry about it until after spring break.

4.) Friend: That same exact weekend my friend Gennie from Texas came to visit.

5.) Sickness: I've spent a big chunk of time being sick, with a cold, a cough, a fever... or all three at the same time

5.) Tutor: Thanks to the amount of time I was sick I fell behind on my Stats coursework, forcing me to get my first tutor. It's not bad at all, and he's helping me catch up.

6.) Bowl-a-thon: Some of my classmates from my Social Work class put up this fund raiser to help the mentoring program in Decorah. Bowling was tons of fun.

7.) 18-credits: I am taking a total of 18 credit hours this semester, which let me tell you is a lot on my plate. These are Paideia, Sociology, Statistics, General Psychology, Service Learning for Social Work, and a fitness class called Walking, Jogging, Stretching.

8.) Service Learning: I am working to put on the SAPA Run/Walk this year, it's a run to promote sexual awareness on campus. I am also working on a Sexual Awareness Mock Trial in which I will be the victim's very close friend.

9.) SPRING BREAK!!!

Once again sorry for leaving this to the last minute.. Hope everyone is doing great.. and I will be better about posting weekly in the coming weeks.

Until next time,

Adriana

Oh! What A Day!

2008-02-23T16:44:00.000-08:00

Right before I came to college I had the very strong belief and conviction that Saturday was NOT a day for homework. I am sure that this belief is shared by the masses, but today for the first time, I broke that belief.

You see, I am at the Library on Saturday night. Not only that but I have been here since 9:30 this morning. You may wonder... Why is she doing such crazy thing? Well I will tell you. I fell behind on my courses. I was sick for most of last week with a very bad cold. In turn I missed two Statistics classes and fell behind really bad. Not only do I have to catch up, but I have to do the work that is due on Monday. I am trying to do a week's worth of homework in one day. Let me tell you it's quite the task.

On top of that we just started our Research unit (something every first year student will have to do) in Paideia. I have been trying to get caught up with most of my classes as well as start researching my topic. Which by the way is on Victoria Woodhull who hold and behold (was the first woman to run for president in the U.S.)

So, you may wonder was is the moral of this story... TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF! Being sick is not fun, and let me tell you when you fall behind in college classes it is very hard to catch up (not impossible though) So I hope everyone is having an amazing Saturday (or at least better than mine) And I will keep you updated!

Leave comments = D

Until next time,

Adriana

Busy Times

2008-02-12T12:35:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone!

I'm sorry I have neglected this blog, the start of Spring Semester did not go as smoothly as planned, so I have been full of things to do.

Spring semester is upon us and like I mentioned it did not start off well. I had to change my schedule, I missed my first Statistics class, I went to the wrong room for my Sociology class, I missed my first Paideia discussion. All in one day! It was chaotic, the result of this -- having to catch up during the first few days of class. But after a few days spent in the library, I am finally back on track.

Apart from the chaotic start of the semester, I have really enjoyed all of my classes. I am taking Paideia, Sociology, Statistics, Psychology, and Service Learning (Social Work). I absolutely love all my classes but the work load is much heavier than last semester.

My Service Learning Course is my favorite thus far. This class is a One Credit course, that is a follow up to my J-term class. It involves working as a volunteer for different service organizations, as well as working in a project created by me. There is only seven students in this class and we only meet once a week, but it is not an easy class. It is a completely student-led class. I am really excited to start working in my service learning. One of the projects that I will take part in is the Sexual Assault Prevention/Awareness Run, which will take place in the spring. I am excited to start learning and helping.

Aside from all my academic obligations and homework, I am also working hard for the Ethnic Arts Festival, which will take place March 8th. I am involved in a dance and a fashion show. I have practice twice a week, and I am excited because all our hard work and practice will pay off. I also do childcare for Helping Services on Tuesday nights, which is a fun way to earn a bit of extra cash.

All in all, Spring Semester will be very busy time indeed, but don't worry I will make sure to keep you updated.

Once again, feel free to make any comments, ask questions, share your favorite quotes, give me suggestions. Anything to make this space better. I want to extend a thank you to the person who commented last blog!

Well take care and stay safe!

Until next time,

Adriana

"If you take responsibility for yourself you will develop a hunger to accomplish your dreams." --Les Brown

J-term... Mission Accomplished!

2008-01-25T14:07:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone!

So finally J-term is over. It has been quite a trip. These first year seminars are supposed to be very thought provoking and exciting mine definitely has been. I have definitely learned a lot, and I am excited for the Spring Semester to begin.

Last night as we were sitting around me and my friends realized how fast time has gone by. It seems like only yesterday that we walked down the hall. Full of dreams, expectations, and A LOT of luggage. As we sat around discussing this, I realized that a lot of things have happened in the past months, as a freshman at Luther College.

I feel a different person from when I left home. Somehow I feel more independent, many even a little bit older. Granted I still have my moments, when I just want to curl up, and call my mom, and have her take care of me. But for the most part this has been a great experience.

Now I'm not only done with one semester, but in a couple of days Spring Semester will be here, and with it the chaos, of having to manage everything. I am really looking forward to this.

In honor of the upcoming semester me and one of my roommates got creative and decided to improve our room. The results were amazing. Also, I got a digital camera, so I have been a little picture crazy the past few days!

So all of you out there, (if there is anybody) feel free to comment. Give me suggestions on how to make this better. Ask questions. Give me something you would like me to talk about. Share your favorite quotes. I want to make this blog the best it can be for the upcoming semester. Help me OUT!

Thanks in advance! Have an amazing weekend... I'm looking forward to your insight!

Until next time,
Adriana

"Knowledge about yourself binds, weighs, ties you down; there is no freedom to move, and you act and move within the limits of that knowledge." -- Unknown

Snowday... At Luther?

2008-01-17T19:11:00.000-08:00

I had a SNOWDAY today... my first and probably last one ever! This week in Decorah, it's supposed to snow a lot, and we are supposed to get a couple of inches, which for the most part we already got.

Yesterday, when I heard the news I quickly turned to my all-knowing friend Rachel, and asked her, if there was snow days in college. Sadly, she said no. Later, however, I received an e-mail from my J-term teacher, asking us to check our e-mail in the morning in case the training session scheduled for today was canceled. Hoping for the best I woke up five minutes before training and gladly found that the training was canceled. Yay!

And even thought i would have loved to spend all day in bed or frolic in the snow, I had a lot of things to do. I spent most of my morning looking up YouTube videos, for a project for my class. This project consists of picking a song and essentially making a 'music video' that somehow relates to a topic we have discussed in class. I also spent a few hours watching the movie Enough, the one with J-Lo, in which she is abused and in turn ends up killing her abusive husband, for class.

After that I had to go to practice for this dance that me and a group of friends are performing in March. It is an Indian piece, and honestly it has been harder than I expected, but fun. We are performing this dance for the Ethnic Arts Festival, which will take place in March, like I already mentioned. It's an exciting time for the different ethnicities present on campus to show everyone a taste of their culture, through music, art, and food. It's going to be an exciting time! I'll keep you updated on that. Have a safe weekend everyone! Stay warm : )

Until next time,

Adriana

"To believe your own thought, to believe that what is true for you in your private heart is true for all men - that is genius." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Volunteer Training

2008-01-09T13:59:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone!

Today I had a very exciting and informative day. It was the first day of my volunteer training for the Domestic & Sexual Abuse Resource Center, this training is part of my first year seminar. I will be certified as a Level 1Crisis Worker, which will enable me to work as a volunteer for the Crisis Hotline, once I finish. The training consists of four training sessions that go from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m, with breaks in between.

The training was held in Baker Commons which is clear across campus from where I live. Not knowing how long it would take me to get there on foot, I decided to leave super early, with my hair wet (bad idea, I had a horrible headache by the time I got there). I got there on time, thankfully. And I soon discovered that other people from the surrounding area, and other Luther students besides our class were participating in the training. This was great, because some of my fellow students from the fall Social Work class were present, it was a great time to catch up (during breaks of course).

However, the first training session didn't got as smoothly as planned. We were interrupted by a double booking, and we had to trek back to campus and find another place to meet. At the end it turned out just fine, and we got to hear very interesting information about Domestic Violence. We even finished a half an hour early. All in all, the first training session was very exciting and I can't wait for the next three. I'll keep you updated!

Until next time,

Adriana

"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose." Dr. Seuss

Here We Go Again... 2008!

2008-01-03T20:08:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had an absolutely amazing winter break... I didn't. It wasn't bad but I certainly hoped it was absolutely amazing. I worked, and most of my friends were in holidays in Mexico, so I spent a lot of the time doing nothing at home.

Christmas day, however, was pretty awesome. I got a new laptop and tons of clothes, always good to start off the New Year. But now I'm back, and getting into my routine here on campus.

Looking back at my fist semester on campus it's really surprising. I can't quite believe it. Really... I finished my first semester of college? And I have my respectable grades to prove it?!

I'm excited for what the New Year, and the new semester has to offer. I'm open to new experiences, people, and classes... starting of course with my first year seminar during J-term. Basically we take one class for three and a half weeks. Pretty sweet huh?!

I'm taking a class called Crisis Intervention, it's main focus is on violence. Domestic violence, in its many forms... sexual, physical, mental and emotional. I was super excited for this course, and today during our first class session I was not disappointed. Except for the fact that I have homework. But I'll get over it... I always do.

Until next time...

Adriana

"Hold on, cause the world will turn if you're ready or not".

Flats and Snow

2007-12-07T12:33:00.000-08:00

Finally!!!! The time has come... I am free!!!

It is Friday... and I am done with all my classes for this semester!!!
Yay!!! Granted I still have finals, but after that I will be completely and utterly free for about two weeks or so....

I'm just sooooo excited!!!

Now that I got that out of my chest, let's get down to business... or not!
I suppose snow and flats don't qualify under the "business" header, but Oh! well...

Let me you about my hectic week, I have been so busy with things to do... From writing papers, to writing more papers, and so on and on... the last bit of this semester has been a hassle. This week, I've been trying to keep up with my school work. A task not helped by the snow on the ground. I just want to put on my boots get out there and go sledding. But I have restrained. Instead I sit at the library doing my homework, or back in my dorm... doing homework. But finally, the time has come... and tonight me and my friends are going (cafeteria tray) sledding!
I can't wait.

Now snow means, many things... hot chocolate, sledding, winter boots, and Christmas! NOT FLATS! Yesterday, crazy me decided to wear flats... why you may ask... Well, the snow had ceased to fall and the walking paths were cleared of all snow. So I felt that I could venture out in my very-slippery-not-very-warm-flats... VERY BAD IDEA!! On my way back from dinner later that night, I walk outside just to find that (gasp!) it was snowing ONCE AGAIN!!! Needless to say, by the time I got to Olson, my feet were closer to Popsicles than body parts! Thanks to my foolishness, I am coming down with a cold :( So please don't wear flats, if there is snow in the ground.

Well, sorry for my short entry, but the snow is so very alluring. I have to get out there and play! Have a great weekend... and stay safe!!!

Until next time...

Adriana

P.S. Sorry for the crazy picture of me... it was taken last week during the first mini snow storm

"First comes the sweat. Then comes the beauty--if you're very lucky and have said your prayers"--George Balanchine

And then... there was Olson (and Snow)

2007-11-29T20:28:00.000-08:00

Hey there!!!

So, it's Thursday, and after my way-too-short break I'm back in the swing of things, but actually I'm just so glad to be back. Because being back means, we're closer to Christmas, I'll be going home, the semester will be over, and I get to see my friends.

That is one of the greatest things of being back. Dorm life, and hanging out with my girls from Olson. You see Olson is my dorm. When I was a prospy, most upperclassmen told me not to live in Olson, however, most of these people had not lived in Olson, so they couldn't tell me the REAL Olson.

The "bad" thing about Olson is that there is only three floors of first years. The rest of the hall is full of upperclassmen, and it doesn't help that it is on the bottom of a hill, and most people have never been inside of it. In short, Olson is a mystery for those who don't reside there. But to us, it is like a hidden treasure.

The small number of first years residing in this hall help us bring us closer. And so let me tell you about those girls who I just absolutely love, and have become my family away from home. Rachel, Merima, Gennie, Sammy, Madison (one of my roommates), and Courtney...

These girls are always there when I need them. If I need to vent, complain, argue, relax, or just hang out, I can count on them to be there for me. In just a matter of seconds, literally since they all live just down the hall. Actually next door, since we all just hang out in Gennie's, Sammy's, and Rachel's room. So let me tell you a little about dorm life.

Living in a dorm is one of the greatest experiences in college. I mean it's not all rainbows, but it is definitely an experience worth having. I mean, it's just great having your friends right next door, and living with people you like it's just convenient.

Now let me tell you a little bit about these girls:

(From Left to Right: Gennie, Courtney, and Rachel)

Gennie is from Waco, Texas... she is one of the funniest, most fashionable girls on this floor. Not one day goes by without Gennie making everyone around her laugh. Usually with her funny sarcasm, and her neverending phrases, you are sure to smile around her.

Courtney is a basketball, softball player who has a bio class. Why mention bio, as you may find out bio classes are a big deal, and if one of your friends is in one of the bio classes you know the horrors of it. Anyway, all this amounts to me seeing her once a week, twice if I'm lucky, but hanging out with her is just so much fun. (Like tonight)

Rachel is a genius. Seriously, she is. (Even though every time I tell her she just laughs) Anyway, during our first conversation we found out we shared the same birthday. What a conversation starter! Anyway, she's a genius, and she loves making smart remarks, an

d being sarcastic. It just adds to the charm of this girl.

(From Left to Right: Sammy and Madison)

Sammy loves making fun of me. You see I'm only 4"11 (Gasp!) so she

calls me midget, lawn gnome, and variations of those, but it's ok because she says them in a loving way. J/K ; ) Anyway, this girl is just fun to hang out with, especially because we are always picking on each other.

Madison is one of my roomies!

She's so fun. We have late-night ramen-cheese-and-tortilla parties every once in a while. We talk in Spanish to eac

h other (I'm fluent, she is taking spanish) She's very chill, and fun to hang out with.

(From Left to Right: Me and Merima)

"Hello my name is Merima. I'm from Serbia". That is the phrase she repeats over and over again. This girl is awesome. She's so loud, and fun to be around. Around her you cannot help but laugh. And her accent is just lovely. Meri is one of those girls you just can't help but love.

Anyway, so there they are the lovely girls. Before I go I wanted to share a tidbit of information. Last night as I was typing this blog, I got sidetracked by the presence of SNOW. Which led to running outside (around 12 a.m.) and taking pictures, because Luther College is just the most amazing place when it's snowing. So by the time I got back it was too late to do anything but sleep! So sorry for the late entry this week! Have a great weekend!

Until next time,

Adriana

"In solitude we give passionate attention to our lives, to our memories, to the details around us." - Unknown

Home Sweet Home

2007-11-22T14:41:00.000-08:00

Finally, the countdown is over... I am HOME!

You know, when I left home the first time, I thought I would not miss it. I mean, I knew I would miss my family, but freedom seemed so sweet back then. And freedom is awesome... but let me tell you... I was ready for a break.

After a very frustrating week, (I had to write three essays on top of all my homework) I was ready to let my brain rest for a little bit. So coming home was a blessing, not only did I get to see my family, but eating a homecooked meal after the caf food, was a prospect I could not resist.

Let me introduce you to my lovely family...

Mom- Paulina, she's the best mom. Not only does she make sure that I have everything I need at school, she also takes care of my baby sister, holds a full time job, drives my sister everywhere, and to top it all off she cooks like a professional chef... : )

Bro- Best known as Pepe. My older brother holds a full time job, helps my mom, loves soccer, and takes a lot of time to look his best all the time. He's a fun guy when he wants to be, but he can be a pain if he wants to be (P.S. Mission kick my brother out of my room failed)

Sis- My sister, Andrea, is a sophmore in high school. She's a cheerleader in the fall, and plays soccer in the spring. She's very fashionable, and she likes to shop and talk on the phone. (Like a typical teenage girl) She's very outspoken though, but she's fun to be around.

Baby sis- My three month old baby sister's name is Abigail. She doesn't do much of anything. Just cries, drools, eats, and sleeps... but I got say she's the most adorable baby I've seen!!!

So, there you go... this is my family...

I hope you enjoy this holiday and have an awesome time with your family. As for me, I'm about to go eat some delicious Thanksgiving dinner (which I spent all day preparing with my mom). Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!! (Don't forget... tomorrow is my birthday)

Until next time,

Adriana

"Thou art to me a delicious torment." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

WARNING! DUE DATES ARE CLOSER THAN THEY APPEAR!

2007-11-13T21:43:00.000-08:00

My planner is full. Full of papers to write, places to go, people to meet, things to do. Not a good itinerary for a member of the Procrasinators Unite (Tomorrow) group. Don't get me wrong, I still get all my work done. But this past week has been, "I'll do this tomorrow", "I have time, I'll do it later", and so on and so forth. It's a big problem, with registration for spring semester coming up, my birthday, break and so many things in my head. I am ready to explode.

I assure you, my dear readers, next year this feeling will come upon you at one point or another. I'm not trying to scare you. But time management is an obstacle all first years have to overcome. What with meeting new people, trying new things, seeing new places, studying becomes that much harder. Along with that, you have more time on your hands, and it just seems like you have all the time in the world to get everything done...

WARNING! DUE DATES ARE CLOSER THAN THEY APPEAR!

My good friend, Rachel Johnson, who happens to be the first person I met on campus aside from my roommates, has this sign in her room. At first I found it very amusing, but after mindless nights of The Office, America's Next Top Model, and Private Practice, I suddenly look over at the sign and realize, "Oh, snaps that paper is due tomorrow!" (Yikes!)

Then again it's not ALL procrasination, there are days (like today), that I spend in the library trying to finish all the homework that I have. And I do, but it's just that much harder for me, trying to cram everything in one day.

All I'm trying to say, I suppose, is try not to procrastinate. At the end, the only person harmed is you. Procrastination leads to many sleepless nights, angry mornings, and groggy days. Not the best idea. But if you do procrasinate... remember a good nap works wonders!

Until next time...

Adriana

P.S. For better effect take naps in a bed, preferably the one in your room ;)

"Charm is a way of getting a yes without having to ask a clear question" -Unknown

You Just Never Know

2007-11-06T20:19:00.000-08:00

I knew I wanted to come to Luther since the end of my sophomore year; it was the perfect fit. A small residential college in the middle of nowhere, small classes, small campus, small world... just like the place I was leaving. But on the five hour ride from Harvard, Illinois (a tiny town in Northern Illinois), I questioned my decision.

What if I don't like it? What if I don't fit in? What if I'm too homesick? What if... What if... What if...

But I could not know until I arrived. Because you never know until, this... until that... always the same... just waiting... because you can expect, predict, assume, but you just can't know until you get there.

I loved it. I fit in. It was indeed the perfect fit. Granted I've had my share of 'moments' with my roommates. I've been homesick. And the first couple of weeks I felt like I didn't belong anywhere. But before I knew it, I had made friends, I had settled into a routine, I had formed a respectful relationship with my roommates, and I had even had some 'adventures' in Decorah.

As the first person in my family to go to college (I have an older sibling, and two younger sisters)my journey has been a little harder than I anticipated. But I survived my first two months at school. I wrote my first college essay, I chose my major (as of right now Social Work), I took my first college midterm, I survived the caf food, I joined a few clubs, I fell off my bed, I went to some parties, and somewhere in there I even found time to do some studying.

After being away for two months, I returned home for Fall Break. Only to find that my brother had taken over my room and even though I did not want to believe it, life had continued without "oh-so-very-important" me.

Now it's November, and I already have a countdown until Thanksgiving(which conveniently happens to be my birthday... *Yay! for birthdays!* )and I just can't wait to go back. This time when I go back home, I'm ready to kick my brother out of my room, and this time I'm ready because I know what to expect.And when I get back to campus I know what not to touch in the caf., I know what my prof. is looking for in an essay, and I'm perfectly at home on this campus. But see, if I would have never left, if I would have been too scared, maybe then I would just have never known.

-Until next time...

Adriana

"To ask timidly is to invite refusal. Ask as though you expected to receive."-Unknown