The uncertainties in my life currently outweigh the certainties which can make for quite an uneasy feeling. But having faith in that things will work themselves out is keeping me in check.

UNCERTAINTIES
- my place of residence for the '08-'09 school year
- when I'll get over this horrible illness they call THE FLU (ps: it's going around OSU like wildfire, so wash your hands all the time, keep Airborne on hand and don't share drinks!)
- if I'll get into the design program next year when I apply again
- if I should even apply again

CERTAINTIES
- I am taking a full course-load with four classes next quarter. I've decided not to drop History of Art 212.
- I won't be graduating on time (if I was on a four-year track I'd be out of here by spring of 2009)
- I'll still be in school when the main library re-opens after three years of renovation

I've never taken summer classes. If I did, I'd definitely be able to graduate sooner, so that's an option I'm contemplating. All of the people I know that have graduated on time or are going to graduate on time have taken classes during at least one or two summer quarters, or have taken 4 classes the majority of their quarters. This is very telling, and influences my future and plans to graduate sooner than later. There's always an alternative, better way, or reasonable explanation for these kinds of things. So, 4-class-spring-quarter, here comes a formerly 3-class-per-quarter-ONLY student!

My apologies for the negativity my posts have been composed of in recent times, I promise it's due to the fact that I'm so desperately longing for spring! I blame everything on the weather.

Posted by thegreatkate at 9:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Yes, it snowed all week. On Tuesday after class I stopped to take some pictures with my new cellphone to depict the environment around campus.

The West Campus parking lot, also known as an ice skating rink.

My feet were completely buried.

Remember when I mentioned that sometimes you need all of your rain AND snow gear at the same time? It's true.

5 inches! The snow was cotton candy-like, fluffy and soft, melted quickly. Later, it turned into pounds of ice.

I t was so cold! Even inside my car! The angry stare is actually not angry at all - my eyes are extremely sensitive to the brightness of the sun reflecting from the snow. Ouch.

I enjoy snow, but I don't think I can say enough how badly I want it to be spring! I've scheduled for spring quarter and am very excited about my classes - English 367.05, Design 203 and Design 310. My design 203 class lasts until 6:30PM every Thursday, which is perfect timing for spring Thursday picnics!

Posted by thegreatkate at 4:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Don't ever expect them or get your hopes up for them. Ever. They just DON'T happen at Ohio State.

Get your UGGs/rainboots/boots of any kind, heavy coat, sweat pants, mittens, scarves, hats, earmuffs, hoodies & umbrellas ready, and have them prepped for use at a moment's notice .. sometimes for use all at the same time - like today.

I scraped a sheet of ice and 5 inches of snow off of my car this morning and slid my way on the roads to school. I parked on West Campus in a lot with thousands of other students' cars that were parked nowhere near the actual parking lines - people just DON'T KNOW HOW TO DRIVE IN SNOW! This, in my opinion, should all be grounds for a snow day, but.. wishful thinking, hm? I sucked it up and trekked in the freezing rain to both of my Tuesday classes.

There's been only one snow day at Ohio State that I can recall since I've been here. It was last Valentine's Day - so, this same week last year. Sarah Silverman (the comedian) was supposed to be performing a free show for students, but it was cancelled and never rescheduled (sad.) That there was a snow day was miraculous.

In the meantime while all you crazies are praying for snow days, I'll be trying to figure out my life and going to two advising appointments AND scheduling for spring '08 on Thursday. Ah, such is the college life of confusion and contemplation.

Sprrriiinnnggggg hurry up so my friends & I can have picnics on the Oval and so I can start working on the Mosaic mag. layout!

Posted by thegreatkate at 9:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Today I received my self-addressed stamped envelope in the mail from the Department of Industrial, Interior & Visual Communication Design.

As I opened the letter I hoped and prayed and almost choked over my racing heartbeat, my eyes searching for "Congratulations! You've been accepted...."

but instead,

"I regret to inform you that you have not been selected to enter the design program for autumn quarter 2008."

I wish I could articulate how I'm feeling right now, but I'm feeling so many different things that I can't. The most prevalent is overwhelming disappointment and failure.

Something I was so sure of...was never a sure thing at all. I'm at a true loss for words.

Ohio State, you'll help me find my way again...right?

Posted by thegreatkate at 3:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

My previously quoted "number one prospect" in the way of off-campus housing has failed and is no longer a prospect at all. The landlord is seeking fewer occupants than our quad o' roomies.

Searching the OSU housing site and multiple local properties dilligently, we've happened upon a cute 4-bedroom place on King Avenue near the medical center. It's one-half of a duplex, with a front porch and a balcony. The rent, divided by four, is nearly the same as I'm paying now, but I'm able to make it now sooo..I guess I'll be fine.

(Is it ridiculous of me to hold out hope for finding a place with hardwood floors?!)

The most important thing, really, is close proximity to school. The place on King Avenue meets that goal, so hopefully we'll all four like the interior of it when we go on our tour next week.

In other news, Spike Lee is coming to the Wexner Center next week to receive his Wexner Prize. I'll be attending a private event in which he'll be speaking with students in a Q&A-format. I believe there are still tickets available to the general student event, held also at the Wexner on Tuesday - see the ticket desk @ the Wex for more details!

Posted by thegreatkate at 2:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)