Best Birthday Present Ever!

I got an A on my source review paper!!!

I've been really worried about my first writing project for my Medieval Literature and Law course. I've never written a source review before, and I was really worried I was doing it incorrectly. I wrote it in a way that made sense to me and while I was horribly sick with the imitation Flu. My professor is known for being a hard ass. He's also my adviser for the Med-Ren program, academic mentor, and now the director of my culminating project. Basically, to me, he's God; he holds my academic career in the balance. I aspire to reach his level of "smartness," and impressing him is a really difficult task.

I got my paper back today at the end of class. I was really anxious and worried. Despite his assurances that the quality of the class's work as a whole was great, I thought I would be one of the exceptions. I was praying for just a B+ (that's like an A with almost any other professor). I wasn't going to look at my paper before I got home. I was just going to grab it and run.

However, my professor handed me my paper and said, "Lan, I've read your writing several times now, and this is the best writing I've seen from you." My jaw literally dropped, and I asked, "Are you serious?!" He answered, "Yes." I asked at least 3 times more, "Are you serious?!" I could not believe it. He answered "Yes" every time.

Dumbfounded, I walked out to where Dustin was waiting for me. I started waving my paper around, saying, "I got an A! Dr. Rabin praised my writing!" I finally got a chance to read his note which read:

"Lan,

This is outstanding work. Your research is very impressive, and your discussion is intelligent and closely argued. While I've made a few notes on the hard-copy, on the whole, this very well done, and foreshadows and excellent final paper.

Congratulations!

A"

This is high praise coming from Dr. Rabin! It's really helped restore my confidence in myself, my writing ability, and motivation to finish grad school!

Do You Believe?!

I am ALMOST FINISHED with my Masters degree in English and my Certificate in Medieval and Renaissance Studies! I met with my adviser today, and we counted all my courses multiple times. I found I could count my 600 level History course as my one elective outside the department thus making my coursework complete! Next semester I only have to take one class to finish my Medieval Renaissance Certificate, and I'll be writing my culminating project and studying once more for my foreign language exam! Keeping my fingers crossed that I will finish and graduate on time! I'm kind of kicking myself for taking 12 hours (4 classes) this semester because I could've saved myself some heartache and sorrow by taking two next semester. However, this gives the opportunity to focus entirely on my writing!

Anette Olzon, the singer for one of my favorite bands Nightwish, has a new album coming out! She recently recorded a song with the Finnish rock band Rasmus. The song is called "October and April;" it's a beautiful duet between Anette and the lead singer of the band, Lauri. The music video is being released tomorrow or rather later today! 

My birthday is now two days away! I will be 24 on the 24 of October! I plan to celebrate by going to Gattiland, drinking, and watching Hocus Pocus--all with friends of course!

ABC Family is supposed to have started the 13 Days of Halloween. However, I have not yet seen a single Halloween film or themed TV show on there yet! I've been placating myself with cheesy Disney and Cartoon Network Halloween movies and shows.

Play Day!

My first real play day since school started. I asked off from work, so I could go to a cook out in Shelbyville with Dustin's family. I met all his aunts and cousins. I must admit they are pretty, white trash HOWEVER they are nonetheless VERY GOOD, NICE people. His aunts, cousins (almost all are 34+ women), and grandma all smoke like chimneys and drink cosmopolitans. The uncles just kind of stand around awkwardly and talk to one another. Except AJ, whose very comfortable with all the women, and equally as white trash. I guess I should rephrase and say, they're just very Kentucky type, southern people is the most tactful way to describe them. I find them hilarious and so much fun. However, I am a little worried about how they're going to mesh with my slightly conservative Asian family, especially my slightly snobby, uppity aunts on my mom's side, at our wedding (whenever that happens).

I'm feeling so sick from all the food I ate today. At the cookout, I ate a brat, bacon & cheese burger, and a piece of pineapple upside down cake. Despite being raised in the South (NC, SC, KY --though it's techinically a border state), I'm not a fan of most Southern food.  I just can't stand the taste of potato salad, canned greenbeans, most types of pasta salad, and deviled eggs. It's not a salad if it doesn't have greens and involves mayonnaise. On the way back to Louisville, Dustin and I stopped by Homemade Ice Cream and Pie Kitchen; I ate orange sherbet & got a buttercream cupcake to take home; Dustin got banana ice cream--both were super delicious. Homemade Ice Cream and Pie Kitchen--yet another place I could write an ode about.

When we got home, I passed out and slept for three hours; I blame the allergy medicine. I woke up, and we went to the Granville for my friend Sutton's 23rd birthday. I was starving when I woke up, so I ordered chicken strips and cheese fries at the bar. Those cheese fries were the most delicious cheese fries in existence and tasted even better dipped in ranch. I believe they are largely responsible for the current ill state of my stomach. I'm not used to eating overly cheesy, rich and fried foods. I tend to overindulge when I do and end up paying for it. Totally worth it though!

Today was a just a really great day. First, one I've had in a while. I got plenty of sleep, I didn't have to work, then go out. I just have been out of the apartment pretty much all day. I think I've really socializing with my friends outside of class and work. My head's been clear all day; I haven't been stressing over homework or grumpy about events at work. Just a little socialization helps me focus better and be productive.

Right when I got home, I had the cleaning mania. I scooped the litterbox, cleaned the bathroom sink and tub, swept the bathroom floor, pulled out all the trash so Dustin could take it out, and cleaned out the fridge. I did it all in an hour and a half max. Now, I'm feeling kind of tired and ready to crash. I wish my stomach was feeling better; I took two pepto, but it's not helped yet. I'm just going to brush my teeth and go back to cuddling in bed with Lily (my kitty) and Dustin.