So, it's 2007. I'll be 22 in a few days (weird to think about). I've only got one semester left of school and then I'm done with my degree. That's hard to imagine. New Year's Eve was fairly uneventful. John and I were snowed into the house. I hate the cold, so we didn't really do much at all. We played a couple games of Scrabble and I called my parents to wish them a Happy New Year. Mom was definitely NOT awake. Wow. Oops. Oh well. So, resolutions...hmm...they just seem so silly. It's like it's supposed to make them easier to accomplish because you made a New Year's resolution. Whatever. Anyway, my "resolutions" (kind of ongoing from before the New Year):

1. Worry less
......
2. Find amusement in the simple things in life
3. Don't do things just to please the people around me
4. Spend more time with the people I care about most

Well, we'll see what happens with those. All of you reading this probably have an idea of how easily I'll accomplish the first one. But hey, no one's perfect, right? Isn't that why we make resolutions. It's kind of a sad way to look at it, but we make resolutions because we see ways where our lives aren't "good enough." Regardless, life is pretty good overall so Happy New Year to all of you.

I've decided that I will add this category to my web log. Today, I drove home from Omaha and there were nine cars and one semi that managed to drive off the interstate into the ditch. There was also John's neighbors who's daughter was dating an idiot who couldn't figure out how to park. So, today's moron count is: 11.

So, I'm sitting in my living room this afternoon, working on Design Studio document sections, making lists, editing the Microsoft Project file and this commercial actually made me stop and do a double-take at the TV:

I couldn't believe they actually put the commercial on national television. I actually laughed out loud. Maybe it's because I'm a nerd, but I thought it was hilarious that they said the words "the most advanced technology you will ever pee on". Other pregnancy test commercials always talk about needing to know early or the potential of having cute babies and stuff. This one was a little different (as you can see). Regardless, the commercial made me pay attention.

I went to my first ever beer school tonight with Meagan. Waiting outside was really cold because of the wind. I still didn't find a beer I particularly liked, but it was a good experience. I learned about hops and had some good pizza.

For those of you reading who don't know what "Beer School" is it's a monthly event hosted by Empyrean Brewing Company (they own Lazlo's & Fireworks) that happens on the first Monday of the month. Basically what happens is you go to the brewery and they give you two free beers before they start the "official" Beer School experience. After your first two beers, then they take groups into the brewing area and the brewer talks about a subject relating to beer. They talked about hops last night. They showed us different types of hops and discussed how to choose the type and how long they last, when they are added in the brewing process, etc. During the talk, they give you another beer to drink while you're listening. Then, when they are done discussing the subject for the night, they take you into another area where they have beer tasting. Each month they select five beers for tasting. They talk about each beer as they are handing them out. They talk about the amount of hops, the type of beer, where it's from and how it's brewed. They give you about two or three swallows of beer to try. On the last beer, they provide a food to go with the beer so you can try the beer with the food. The final beer is typically a seasonal beer brewed by Empyrean. I didn't drink a full amount of any of my beers and I only finished one tasting cup of the various beers they let us try. I don't really like beer (because it's too bitter). However, I would suggest going to Beer School for anyone who wants to try something new. It's free and it's a fun learning experience (even if you don't like beer).

Today is my birthday. I'm 22. I really don't feel that old. Do I look that old?

Maybe I'll grow up eventually, but not today. I definitely still have my childish moments. I don't feel like I have anything really in order for my life. I'm still in college. I haven't lined up a job yet. I feel the same as I always did: a little lost most of the time. I've worked hard over the last four years and I'm almost done with college, but I almost feel less certain about myself than I did in high school. Maybe that was because I was still a little naïve at that point in my life. I can tell I've become a bit more cynical over the last four years, but I can look back and see why that is and I don't feel like it's unfounded. However, I'm still entertained by simple things like making faces at my webcam when I'm on Skype with John or even my stuffed penguin that bounces when I pat him on the head. I still like stuffed animals and video games. Oh well, I don't have to act my age yet...

This is just my opinion, so take it for what you believe it's worth. I got a necklace from John for Christmas (seen below) and it's really pretty. I wear it more than all my other jewelry now (with the exception of my silver ring). I don't typically wear jewelry. In the mornings when I'm getting dressed, I see the necklace John gave me and it makes me smile because it's something that will remind me during the day that I'm loved. It's like when you see a photo of you and your best friend and you remember the memory when the photo was taken (except more abstract). That, and it's shiny!

Meagan and I went to visit Sam (and Olivia) at Sam's new apartment. I hadn't been there yet. Olivia was born about three weeks early but she had a safe delivery. Sam looked good and happy. The baby had a little bit of jaundice and she was asleep the entire time we were visiting. Well, except for when Sam was picking on her. I bet that made her happy. I think I'd be angry if I was a baby taking a nap and someone made me cold and started pinching my cheeks to wake me up.

Sam went back to her hometown for a couple weeks. I'm sure when she gets back, she'll want babysitters. Good thing Meagan and I know nothing about babies.

I thought it was odd enough to be having "Christmas" plans after my birthday, but what felt even more odd than that was getting sick this weekend and missing Christmas. I don't remember the last time I didn't see my mom's side of the family for Christmas. It was a really weird feeling even though I think Christmas would have been a little weird after my birthday anyway. I guess I can find solace in the fact that this weekend actually looked like Christmas unlike most of break. However, things just aren't the same without the tradition of Grandma's house really close to Christmas day with everyone around the big table in the kitchen. I suppose things change and you have to get used to it, but what happens when you're just not ready for the change? What happens when you don't really want to face what the future holds? Either way, it was sad not seeing my family for a Christmas gathering of some sort. It would have been nice to do that. Although, I did hear that the drive was a challenge. Either way, I missed Christmas and I'm not allowed to open my gifts until John and I are together in my parents' house where they can take pictures. ;-)

So, I finally brought my coffee maker to campus. It's been fun to use. Meagan has been talking about how it entertains her because it's fun to look at. It is rather idiot-proof because it won't let you do anything if it needs more water. Meagan made some Gloria Jean's Hazelnut coffee and I've made some English Breakfast tea. I think I could get used to this. However, I need to keep trying new kinds of coffee and I need to get some sugar, cream and milk because I doubt I'll find a coffee I like black. I don't even like tea without at least sugar in it.

Anyway, the coffee maker turns on automatically at 7:45am and turns off automatically at 9:30pm. You can also set it to automatically turn off after a certain time without use. But it keeps hot water in it all day until it turns off for the night. You can also choose the cup size. It came with these things called k-cups that are pre-measured coffee/tea/etc. that you just stick in the top. You can also use your own coffee if you want. Anyway, it's basically the uber-coffee maker. Hopefully I can learn to like some coffees. I haven't found any that I like yet, but I also haven't tried very many kinds.

So, I finally opened Christmas presents at my parents house. My aunt is very artsy-craftsy and she usually makes something fun for the family. This year, all the women got a purse made out of a bra. Yes, a bra. When I pulled it out of the bag, I was just sure that I had gotten a dirty gift from my aunt and I wasn't sure how to respond. After further investigation, I realized that it was indeed a purse and it came complete with tissues and chapstick inside.

It is actually rather cute in spite of being made from undergarments. However, I don't know if I could wear it out in public. I think my entire family is too conservative to actually use them. The funny thing is that I could probably name off girls I know who would definitely wear it out in public and/or even compliment someone who had one and ask about where to get one. I suppose it's not really much different than those corset purses they've had in stores for awhile.

Who knows, maybe someone will read this and call to see if they can buy one? Either way, I don't know that I'll be wearing mine out in public but it will be in my room for a good chuckle every once in awhile.