Clayton's engaged

So my cousin, best friend and apartmentmate Clayton is engaged. It is an odd thing for me, especially considering the fact that he's about my age. I don't really know how to react- I'm very happy for him, of course, but it's still really odd to me. It makes me feel old.

My generation is all getting married. Half of my best friends from high school are now either married or engaged.

My Phone

So I flew through L.A.X. yesterday, and got caught up in the Rose Bowl crowd (mostly Oregonians). As I went through the security checkpoint, there was a problem with my laptop, so I had to run it through again. As I was dealing with that, my cell phone got picked up and put in a time-locked drop box for valuables. None of the people there could open it, and I was unable to get in for my phone. The phone will not be available until Monday morning, meaning I am going to have to start school without my phone.

Luckily, I was able to get a hold of Heather and still get home happily.

I am trying to be stoic, and in reality, it isn't too bad.

$250

So at the BYU-Utah game (which, I might add, BYU won), I found a gift certificate under my seat for $250 off of a minimum $1000 purchase from Sierra-West Jewelers. I have been trying to figure out what I want to do with it. Some of my options are:

1. Find someone I can get engaged to in a hurry;

2. Buy a ring now for the future;

3. Buy a diamond now to be fitted for a ring in the future;

4. Try to sell the certificate somehow.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Basic History Classes

I am sick and tired of basic history classes. I have not yet (and considering the amount of time left in the semester, this means 'will not') bought the textbook for my American History class; I routinely skip it; I don't study for it. I got an A on the test and wrote an "excellent essay (the only comment on my essay)."

In my World history class, my teacher gave me an A- on my book dissection just to be mean and nasty and in order to keep me coming to class, since she takes roll (which I think is stupid. After all, this is college). The only way for me to have made that essay better would have been to actually read the book and not write the essay the night before it was due, and those suggestions seem ludicrous to me. Who does she think I am?

I think that the History Department needs to have some kind of test-out exam, or offer an accelerated class where you can take both classes at once. After I finish my classes, I am going to go complain to the department; that way it will be clear that I am doing it because I think the department will be better for it and not just to demonstrate what a super genius I am (there was never any DOUBT of that).

In other news- Mommy said that I was accepted for the French Huguenot Scholarship, which is nice, since I am following in such massive footsteps.

Die Zauberflöte

I have been listening to Die Zauberflote this week. I really like it, especially Papageno's parts; one of the few examples of really good baritone parts. It made me remember the time Crystal and I went with a group in High School and we saw it performed. I remember enjoying it, but I don't know if I really appreciated it the way I do now. I was discussing music with my freshman students, and many of them had never even HEARD of The Magic Flute, and those who had hadn't seen the opera. I hadn't really considered how lucky I was to have had the opportunity to see it. I feel the need to thank Mr. Wills for arranging the trip and for encouraging me to go. I would love to go see it again-- perhaps I will go after I learn German. :)

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