Come On Eileen

I've already decided that the soundtrack to Summer '09 is the popular one hit wonder, and my personal favorite 80's song, 'Come On Eileen' by Dexy's Midnight Runners.

It's absolutely magical.

Here we are, doing what any Midwestern teenagers will do on a Monday night: loiter around Target.

"Guys look! I found the AllSpark! And it was on freakin' clearance!"

new strings

I finally did it.

I re-stringed my guitar. All by myself.

It was a good thing too, because the previous strings have probably been there since I bought the guitar. Which was ehhh, 3 years, give or take a few years. Why did it take me so long? Well I guess the number one thing was that I was too scared. I thought I would either snap the strings and/or break the guitar. At last, I mustered up the courage to find a helpful website and do the deed (Ok, so the "finding a helpful website" didn't take that much bravery, it just required me to get off of Facebook, which is tougher than it sounds).

As soon as I snipped the strings and tuned them up, I began to play.

Wow.

I never really realized how beautiful my guitar could sound. I'd always blamed my less than stellar playing (hey, I only just re-picked it up a couple months ago), on the age of the strings, but I guess inside, I just thought I sucked.

Now there is hope for me. I do not sound nearly as bad as before, but you can still tell that I'm a beginner.

I feel like changing the strings is sort of a symbol to how this summer is going to be. I'm never going to know how wonderful these next few months will be until I try. I know it sounds unbelievably corny, but even sappy things can be true.

Summer

And so is the long awaited return of ... me (Sorry, I'm not nearly as narcissistic as this sounds).

I won't go too much into detail, but basically the stress and elation that comes with the incoming end of the school year got to me, and I just couldn't find the time or energy to set myself down in front the computer.

However, all the last minute papers, projects, and finals are over and I am free to do as I please.

Expect a lot more writing from me this summer because ... I got a laptop! The very weight of it on my lap and the sound of the keys clacking merrily away is more than enough motivation to keep me wanting to continue this blog.

I've named him Sheldon.

I'm eager to bring him with me into some coffeeshop, sip on some chai, and join the ranks of laptop toting, "cool" people. I'm aware that last sentence has prevented me from ever being "cool" but hey, a girl can dream right?

Onto a different, but still very exciting topic: summer.

The long awaited days of sun, fun, and sleep has finally arrived and I am ready for it. I've compiled a list of all the things I want to do for these next freedom filled 3 months and I intend to follow through.

• Read 50 good books. By good, I mean substantial, thought provoking books. I've created an account on http://www.goodreads.com/ and hopefully I'll be able to find some good ones to peruse through. I'm open to any suggestions.
• Watch at least 5 cult classics. This list could include: This is Spinal Tap, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Pee Wee's Big Adventure, Freaks, and Harold and Maude.
• Become amazingly fit. I'm planning on swimming, biking, running, volleyball, tennis, and canoeing. I'm going to get off of my ass and do more.

I'll add to the list as the days go on.

Hope the beginning of everyone's summer is going well.

Go Away

The past week here in Rochester, MN has brought us some pleasant weather.

Keep in mind that "pleasant weather" actually means above 25 degrees to me (I go out in flip flops and a sweatshirt if the thermometer reads over 32).

But I was greeted with some disconcerting news this morning.

It's going to snow tonight.

I hate snow.

When will spring come?

When will school be out and when will the summer finally be here?

I don't think I can survive anymore below freezing weather.

Making the Most of the Summer