distractions...DON'T YA JUST LOVE EM!

So, It's exam week. I have my 7th and final theory exam tomorrow, so what am I doing you ask? blogging. I would be studying , but certain things are hindering my intake of useless knowledge about theory.

1. GNATS: These stupid little bugs have been circling around my head all week. hundreds of them. what could attract them to my lair of knowledge you ask? well, in addition to the fact that we live in a tree house, many things. Maybe these little creatures enjoy my hairspray, perhaps the smell of jewie's latkes are still wafting off of my clothing, or maybe, just maybe, these little annoyances want my beloved study snacks. All of these excuses are unacceptable. The death toll is up to 3 gnats, and it will rise soon.

2. ILLNESS: When I have to lysol my living space 3 times a day, something is wrong. All i ask is that you take meds or at least put your germy little hand to your mouth when you cough. Then walk your nasty body to the bathroom and wash said germy hand with warm water and soap. you learned this is kindergarten. Maybe your brain is filled with more important things now, like which brand of peanut butter is better than the other...but I will tell you, that knowledge will get you nothing more than a sandwich!

3. FACEBOOK: Why is the site so addictive? I find myself stalking people I haven't thought of in years. "Why hello long lost elementary school boyfriend!...300 tagged pictures!!...don't mind if i do!"...this is the best distraction! because a study break can turn into 3 hours of meaningless staring at pictures of your ex boyfriend's sister's cat who looks great in his peter pan costume that came with a matching green hat that stays secured to his head with a small piece of elastic...or just writing dumb comments on your friend's wall because you know that she too, is on facebook...and of course not studying.......GOOD LUCK ON EXAMS!!!

My take on France

I have recently returned from a trip across the pond to lovely France. It should be pointed out now that I do not speak French besides the key phrase "Parlevous ingles?" So, I entered this beautiful country as the ignorant and uniformed American. On the seven and a half hour flight to Paris I thought it would a better idea to watch three movies than to sleep. So, needless to say when we arrived at 11:30 am I was less than chipper. After being told by the customs man that I look like Ke$ha I set off to get some euros from the atm only to discover I did not know how to use a European atm. Once I finally had my fake looking money I headed to the buses- the advised way to get to downtown Paris. The head and shoulder shampoo needing, non english speaking friends I made on the cattle car, I mean public transit, told me I was a good person because I did not get upset when the pumped into me. Is it normal in France for an accidental run in to be met with a knock down drag out fight?  After a nice man helped me find my proper subway I sprinted away to my next train- hey I've seen the movie Taken- I finally found our house for the next two nights. In a continuance of my genius I decided instead of sleeping I would take on Paris by myself. Three hours and twenty seven blisters later I found my way back to the house and proceeded to pass out on the bed- over 24 hours since I had last slept. France being the amazing place it is I had a wonderful time on my trip. the Louvre was awesome and Normandy was inspiring but the main thing I want to discuss is this little European contraption called a bidet. This can only be described as a the product of a toilet, shower and water fountain having a child. It can be found in many bathrooms directly by the toilet. I had to consult wikipedia as to the proper use for this odd looking contraption- basically its a way to get everything all clean. Now they are getting really progressive and combining a toilet and a bidet... woa dream big! I'm sorry France I think I'll do as the Charmin Bears do and leave the high pressure wash downs to you.

a tree house to some. an unstable shack to others. but home to all.

As of lately it seems that our precious squirrel house has been falling apart. In honor of our humble home, I have decided to take you on a tour through our house and to let you in on all of the hidden charm.

First things first. As you enter our home, you will be impressed to see that we have a state of the art security system. If it is past 9 pm, his name is Jerry. If it is during the day, our lives are protected by a 3 digit code that is sure to keep out all thieves and pervs. Oh, you look thirsty, let's go to the kitchen. Watch out and please don't trip over our fancy red cooler. It is a one of a kind ice chest that you won't find in any other house. Just dip your cup in and grab a refreshment. We don't go for that automatic stuff. We appreciate manual labor, so if the cooler gets empty or a little too watery, don't panic. Someone will be out soon to wheel it away and replenish it. Thanks to our high security, our thermostat is protected by a thick plastic encasement. It is kind of like a zoo animal. You may admire it, but don't even think about touching it. And yes, it is 80 degrees down here, so let's continue upstairs.

Welcome to the second floor. As we walk up the stairs you are obviously greeted by a gorgeous piece or artwork that resembles a Chinese inspired partition. Our den has beautiful white sinder block walls. A few of the lamps are functioning and when found, the remote usually has batteries. Each room has two desks and one bed. To dissolve any fights that may occur over which roommate gets the bed, we have sleeping barracks..i mean porches. These porches have antique bunk beds with antique window units. Most rooms are well lit, but some rooms have an added charm of a flickering light or maybe no light at all. Our spacious study rooms have two computers. It is always fun to play the old game of "Guess Which Computer Works Today". That game is fun, but it is not nearly as fun as "Find the Internet". Everyone loves that game. We love it so much that we play it all day. Sometimes you find us crouching in hallways or near windows...just trying to find the internet. Such a tease, that internet. As soon as you get it, it runs off, and there you are left chasing it again. When we tire from such games, we love to clean up in our community bathrooms. Now our bathroom is the real gem. It reminds me of the old children's story: Goldilocks and the Three Bears. One of these showers is too hot. One of these showers has no water pressure. But one of these showers is juuust right! All of these showers have matching curtains and each curtain does its part as it struggles to hang on. This tour has come to an end. Mainly because I am tired.

Nothing can top our humble home and all of its unique amenities.

greetings, from a former cave dweller

what a great day! After an entire year of fuming with jealousy over this incredible blog, I am officially a contributor. You are probably racking your brain wondering why I have not joined sooner. Well, you see, I didn't live in the house last year. Therefore, my skills were not desired. But no need to dwell in the past..my dream has been fulfilled, and now I get to share my random thoughts with blogger world.

Last year I lived in an apartment or a cave (depends on who you talk to). It was a spacious home with a den, kitchen, private bathroom, private bedroom, and a bed that allowed me to roll over. Obviously, times have changed. Goodbye personal space, hello shoebox! Before you sink into a depression out of pity, let me share with you a few reasons why this shoebox definitely trumps my once beloved cave..

Only in the house can you...

• Find squirrels in your bed and respond with laughter instead of horror
• Experience someone who compulsively fluffs her pillow
• Return home at night to discover half of the Publix bakery in your living room
• Stare out your bedroom window for hours
• Watch Lifetime movies in a dark place that reminds me of the cave..the Vortex
• Hear people singing or yelling at all hours
• Find at least one person to accompany you to the rec
• Gaze at a large poster of boys in red track suits
• Get banned from adjusting the thermostat
• Send out a search party for a friend who likes to drunk creep into rando beds
• Consider it a victory when you make it to your bunk without demolishing a fan
• Live within twenty feet of all your best friends..cheesy but true!

The squirrel

As I am sure everyone knows the squirrel is the revered and loved mascot of Alpha Gamma Delta. The reason being that in 1909 the founders of AGD (probably Whats-her-face Butterworth) thought that the squirrel was a curious creature and thus should represent our beloved sisterhood. Over the last 3 years as an Alpha Gam I have grown to love this little critter. Why you may ask? Because, next to the lemur, it is the cutest animal known to man. Would it be cute to see a turtle sliding down a fireman pole... no! But a squirell how precious! I love being able to walk across the quad and see them nom noming on an accorn or scurring up a tree. Squirrels are nice animals, not ferocious like a lion or pointless like a dolphin. Can any other sorority  see their mascot on a daily basis? I think not. I would rather not see a phi bear or a panda bear on my daily trek to class. I think the most important reason why I so love the squirrels is because of the abundance of types of squirrels. Black squirrels, brown squirrels, red squirrels and flying squirrels. Who doesn't love an animal that can fly? I mean hello! Winner right there!!!!

Songs that define the Fronthall Ballers

"Empire State of Mind" by Jay-Z

--Lash. Broadway is in her future.

"Waitin' On A Woman" by Brad Paisley

--Kat. As seen from the eyes of Michael :)

"If I Ever Leave This World Alive" by Flogging Molly

--Sage. Irish song. By Irish band. That sings about Irish things.

"Get Out of This Town" by Carrie Underwood

--Jody. Come May she's going to run. Far, far away...

"Sweet Disposition" by The Temper Trap

--Courtney. Because she has one :)

"Teach Me How to Dougie" by Cali Swag District

--Morgan. Need I say more?

"Bitter Sweet Symphony" by The Verve

--M.A. Mary means bitter. Alice means sweet. Think my mom planned that when she named me?

Think I'll pair movies with my peeps next time. Suggestions from the floor??

Love, M.A.

13 Uses For Your Gameday Shaker

Well, It's Football season again! I, sitting at the football game the other day, was inspired to write this blog, so here it goes!

1. Stirring your drink
2. poking the person in front of you in the back
3. pointing out things on the field or in the stands
4. interesting clothing additions....for some people
5. to block the unwelcome rain from your freshly straightened hair
6. for 8 year olds that want to thread the shaker through their ponytails
7. use as a broom to sweep nasty things off the seats
8. to reach that unreachable itch on your back
9. as a comb to part your hair
10. to get the tangles out of your hair
11. to practice conducting as the band plays
12. to draw to words on your friend's back during the boring parts of the game
13. and finally to cheer on your favorite team! Roll Tide!