Allison's Blog

I was so excited to not have class this morning because we got back late from our tennis match last night and I was so just wanting to sleep in. In response to what Ivan said I will keep talking about tennis but I'm not asking anyone to listen or care because I just have to blog about something for this class otherwise I would never touch the blogosphere again. I have to say that after yesterday I am jumping on to the "I Hate OWU" bandwagon because the girls we played were extremely bitchy and obnoxious. Anyway, my roommates are sick and I am deathly afraid of contacting whatever they have. I'm taking a class this semester called "Plagues and Peoples" and so as a result I'm freaking out about getting any disease that we discuss in class. I'm litterally convincing myself that I have the symptoms when I really don't have anything close...its so strange! Well I hope everybody enjoys the OC tonight and yes I do think that Marissa is sickenly skinny.

Ahhh Tuesday Morning. I had to get up at 7:30 this morning to eat breakfast so that I can take what is hopefully my final blood test. I'm so tired already so this is going to be a rough day. In addition to that my roommates are all sick with the flu or some sort of virus and all so that is just tons of fun. I was reading through the blogs and I want to wish Monty a happy birthday. I just remembered that I did see him at the villa on Thursday night and it was his birthday but I must have totally forgot about that. Anyways we have a match at Ohio Wesleyan today and it definitely will not be the same kind of rivalry that the Lacrosse OWU game was. By the way, did anyone see the mother of the denison player who was puking her guts out at the game and had to be escorted out by security. Wow, what a joke! But I have to say that its times like the lacrosse game this weekend that Denison's social scene looks up. I mean everyone was wasted and having a good time and no one really stopped that fun or broke it up or got written up so I guess we just need more sporting events as an excuse to party.

Too many things to say today. Did anyone witness the psych experiment in action in Huffman last night. My roomies and I were getting some ice cream when this kid knocked us out of the way and started burying his head into the ice cream containers and furiously digging out some ice cream. HE didn't say anything or make any facial expressions and just ran off to a table. We were laughing and thinking like "What the Hell?" All of a sudden the kid came back and told us he was doing a psych experiment to see how we would react to it. He proceeded to get three other groups of people with this same thing. I felt like we were on candid camera or something!

I also was reading Scott's Blog and I felt the need to comment on his little story from Freshman year. I really hope that things have gotten better for him since then because if any of the story is true it is just so pathetic that I would wish better things for him. It really sucks that the girl would be so selfish but by the same right, totally humiliating her and proving his manhood really doesn't make him look so great either. I get the impression that this was a long time ago and that he is a much different person now and so we should applaud him for that. I hope that you have better luck nowadays.

I have to say that I am little pissed off about having to get up this morning and come to class where we simply arranged our meeting times and headed out. I really would have appreciated it if we could have set up our times via the blogosphere like the Comm 228 class got to do but oh well. This weekend was awesome I have to say...I got to see my boyfriend and hang out Saturday night with my tennis girls so what could be better. I also just got a new laptop which I am so psyched about although I am totally retarded when it comes to computers so I'm not really sure what to do with it quite yet. I can't wait for this weekend either because it is DG dad's weekend and my dad is coming to visit. My friends and I can't wait to take our dads out for some drinks, it should be some great bonding time so if any of you see us with some older men...come hang out! The internet is down right now and won't let me link to any one's blogs so I guess this is all there is.

Well its time for our big match with Allegheny today. Sorry that I was so busy yesterday that I couldn't post anything. Its raining too and the Lax game is going to be a muddy mess! Ahhhh have a great weekend everyone!

Well I was reading Kristin's blog and she must be a huge fan of the OC just like my roommates and I are. I was just wondering if people like Marissa or think that she is so annoying because she almost ruins the show for me but I love seth and his humor so that makes up for it. I was thinking today about how on spring break with the tennis team we got so bored driving around to our different matches that somewhere outside of Atlanta we started playing a game to see who knew state and country capitals. It turns out that I know a whole lot more than I thought I did. We were all stumped on Sri Lanka as an example and so I asked Ramanan and he gave me some interesting info about Sri Lanka that I didn't know and I bet a lot of other people in the US don't know. By the way, Columbo is the capital in case anyone was interested. Gotta head to the airport now.

Well, today I've come to the realization that I have so much work and my boyfriend is coming to visit for the weekend so that last thing I want to think about is all the work that I have. I wish there was a way that we could push the speeches back until wednesday because I have two exams, two tennis matches and all before Monday so I don't know how much help I will be to my group. I was reading Jessica's blog and she was talking about her first flight and it reminded me of a horrible flight story that my roommate told me. The people that she went on springbreak with flew home to massachusetts on this old plane that lost the pressure that planes are supposed to have and they started falling. The oxygen masks came down and everything and needless to say they were scared out of their minds. Luckily the plane was able to make an emergency landing and they were alright. I can't even imagine it because planes make me nervous under good conditions. I hope that I haven't freaked anyone out about getting on a plane!!! Have a great wednesday!

I am heading to the doctor this mlorning to have some tests done for my on-going health problems so maybe this time I'll figure something out. My roommate went to Jamaica and when I was telling her the story that Kyle told in class today she was cracking up because I guess she ran into some crazy people like the one he saw. She brought back all of this Tortuga Rum from the cayman islands in all different flavors so we can't wait to try them out. It sounds like Andrea had a good time staying here at Denison. I think that she stayed in my room in Shep for a part of the break at least and she and my other roommate definitely hung out because she was telling that same story about getting busted for a keg. Honestly if we're all 21 what is the big deal about a keg...I just don't understand it. Also the whole ban on drinking games is just ridiculous I don't know how they begin to regulate it. Ahh but thats Denison for you.

My Spring Break was spent with the Denison Men and Women's tennis teams in Lexington, VA, Hilton Head, SC and Atlanta, GA. We left last weekend to play our first match against Washington and Lee University in Lexington. They were the #2 ranked team in the country and we were fortunate enough to beat them in the closest match we've ever had. So we were very excited to knock off the #2 ranked team. We stayed at a very shady hotel in Virginia that smelled like rotten eggs and wasn't exactly clean so that was a little upseting. We headed to Hilton Head next where we stayed at a gorgeous beach house and got to take in the sights of Hilton Head and hang out at the beach even though it was not very hot. We ate at some great restaurants in Hilton Head. Our two favorites were Hudsons (an awesome fish house) and Le Bistro (a delicious Mediterranean Restaurant) so if you are ever in Hilton Head check these places out. Unfortunately we weren't able to drink at all because we had matches and practice all the time but we had a really good time bonding with each other and listening to the Black Eyed Peas. After Hilton Head, we headed to Georgia where we played Emory who is the # 1 ranked team in the country. We came up short against Emory but we played a good match and we'll be ready for them at the National Tournament. I guess this spring break seems pretty uneventful compared to other people's wild stories, but we had a really great time and I haven't been able to say that the last two years when we were stuck on spring break with the tennis team. I just want to tell all my tennis girls...you are amazing and I had a great time...national championship here we come! Also I want to say thank you to Ethan for making the trip so fun...you guys were awesome for cheering for us and putting up with my bitching Saturday night. Thanks again!

So its the last day before Spring Break...I can't believe it finally came. I'm so glad that we didn't have class today because I got absolutely no sleep at all. My roommates went out to the bar last night and came back throwing up for like 2 hours in our bathroom which was sooooo annoying, I couldn't fall back to sleep. Then one of them proceeded to pass out and snore the loudest snoring that I have ever heard in my life. I tried to go sleep in our common room but that didn't work either because my other roommate was pulling an all-nighter studying for an exam. Needless to say I was glad to be able to get the extra hour that I did get. I hope everyone has an awesome break and that you are all healthy and happy because I know I'm hoping for that. Hang in there Ethan things will be better this year (It couldn't be any worse)!

Even though it is Thursday I'm excited because I only have one class tomorrow before break. I woke up this morning and I am so dizzy from this medication I'm taking for my heart. It's worse than being dizzy when you're drunk or hungover. I'm telling you I've never experienced it before and let me tell you that it sucks. Hopefully I'll get used to this stuff soon because I don't think I can last much longer. Because of this whole thing, I haven't been able to drink in quite awhile which means that my 21st birthday came and went without any real excitement. So when I'm able to start drinking I plan to invite the whole blogosphere to help me celebrate at the bar...I guess it makes it better with something to look forward to. I can't help but read everybody's spring break plans and be a little jealous. I think we all need to go to the bahamas or hawaii or on a cruise. I'm still waiting for an awesome spring break like that. Our tennis spring breaks always have their own charms, but its not the spring break that all college students envision. Well have an awesome time everyone! And check out the picture on Darren's page because it is great!!! What a hot group of guys! Yeah Peck!

Well, I just got back from walking over to the quad today and I found out that we didn't have class! I have to say that is always a relief to know that you have an extra hour of free time...although I have to finish up some work so its not really free time. I guess we won't be meeting for class again until after spring break so I hope everyone has an awesome spring break. I will be going to Hilton Head and Atlanta with the tennis team for spring break so I'm not exactly looking forward to all that driving. Another girl on the team and I will be driving the team in one of four minivans for like 24 hours of total driving or something insane. I'm definitely not the type who enjoys roadtrips that are that long. I'd have to say good luck to anyone else who is driving cross-country this spring break...I'm feeling your pain.

I have a ton of things (including packing) to do before we leave on Friday as I'm sure everyone does. I have a phone interview for an internship tomorrow so everyone wish me luck. I hope that Kyle gets some other internship for the summer since he didn't get the job at NYU School of Medicine. Hang in there, Kyle, you'll get something good. I hate this whole process of finding internships and applying with a coverletter and resume and waiting for interview schedules and all. I'm sure everyone feels the same way. I'm definitely not looking forward to looking for jobs next year at all after this whole mess with the internships. That is enough ranting for one day...happy wednesday to everyone.

Well today is Tuesday and when I was browsing the blogs I noticed Liz's Page where she described her obsession with volunteer fireman. I was totally psyched to learn that her dad had been one because that is really admirable. But I have to be the bearer of bad tidings when I bring up probably one of her not so awesome experiences with volunteer fireman...namely Tom. I'm sure Liz and I can look back and laugh at the days when Tom the Fireman visited Curtis West 4th floor three years ago. We used to watch him pull up in his truck with the flashing lights and sirens and I for one couldn't believe that this guy did this. Well, Liz we're all here for you in case another volunteer fireman causes you anguish and just look back and laugh at those times I just mentioned...I know I do! In other news, I have currently started wearing a heart monitor to try and track my condition that I shared with you all last week. So if you see me wearing a little beeper thing hooked up to electrodes than you won't have to ask me what it is. Hoping for the best results with this so we'll see what happens.

I just got back from President Knobel's house where we had the Phi Alpha Theta (History Honorary) Induction ceremony. We got to eat delicious desserts and shmooze with Dale T. and Tina Knobel for a bit which was a change from the typical Monday evening. The house is really beautiful and I recommend that everyone go and see where our tutition dollars are really going if they have never visited it! On a different note, I really appreciate Ethan acknowledging our new ranking in the Midwest. The women's team beat Gustavus Adolphus, who no one has ever heard of if you aren't from Minnesota probably, and Depauw so it was an awesome weekend. I'd like to wish best of luck to the men's team on spring break as well because they will be playing some tough teams also.

Here are my rhetorical figures with examples from the State of the Union speech. I was unable to find any examples of topothesia and epenthesis in this speech so they are not listed here.

Allegory
My temporary worker program will preserve the citizenship path for those who respect the law, while bringing millions of hardworking men and women out from the shadows of American life.[ allegory ]

Alleotheta
The terrorists continue to plot against
America and the civilized world. And by our will and courage,
this danger will be defeated. [alleotheta ]

Alliteration
And above all, we will finish the historic work of democracy in Afghanistan and Iraq, so those nations can light the way for others, and help transform a troubled part of the world. [alliteration ]

Cause Shown
By all these actions, we will help more and more Americans to join in the growing prosperity of our country [ cause shown ]

Change of Name
If judges insist on forcing their arbitrary will upon the
people, the only alternative left to the people would be the
constitutional process. Our Nation must defend the sanctity of
marriage. [ change of name ]

Characterismus
Our closest allies have been unwavering. America's
intelligence personnel and diplomats have been skilled and
tireless. [ characterismus ]

Epanorthosis
So tonight I propose an additional 23 million dollars for schools that want to use drug testing as a tool to save children's lives. The aim here is not to punish children, but to send them this message: We love you, and we don't want to lose you. [epanorthosis]

Epergesis
Inside the United States, where the war began, we must continue
to give homeland security and law enforcement personnel every
tool they need to defend us. [ epergesis ]

Oxymoron
To cut through the barriers of hateful propaganda, the Voice of America and other broadcast services are expanding their
programming in Arabic and Persian - and soon, a new television
service will begin providing reliable news and information across
the region.[oxymoron]

Paenismus
In their efforts, their enterprise, and their character, the
American people are showing that the state of our Union is
confident and strong.[ paenismus ]

Palilogia
And because you acted to stimulate
our economy with tax relief, this economy is strong, and growing
stronger.[ palilogia ]

Syllogismus
The killing fields of Iraq -where hundreds of thousands of men, women, and children vanished into the sands- would still be known only to the killers. For all who love freedom and peace, the world
without Saddam Hussein's regime is a better and safer place. [syllogismus]

Thank God its Friday...this has been quite a long week! I am totally lost about so I didn't go to the window. Then everyone told me I missed the streakers and I was totally surprised. I mean I don't really understand what possesses people to run around the quad naked while sober. If you were drunk than I could understand the whole thing but from what I understand most of the people were sober!!! I know one of them was a freshman on our tennis team and she is not typically a crazy person, but she did it and so must have something going on in her head we're all not sure about. The streakers seem to bring excitement to the weekday nights. Check out Jordan's blog to see his take on the event. Does anybody know what naked week represents or who decides when it is and basically anything about the streaking?
Anyway we have some big tennis matches this weekend at Depauw. They are not such a great team this year but we are also playing Gustavus Adolphus which is an awesome team that we are co-ranked # 1 with in the Midwest Region. We have a ton of home matches this season and we just got some new uniforms so come check out the tennis girls sometime. I know I keep giving little plugs but everyone promotes their own cause I guess. Have a good weekend all...

Wonderful Town. I went to see this musical Denison is putting on last night because one of my really good friends Elaine is in the show. I have to say that it was an excellent performance even though there weren't a lot of people there...probably because it was a Wednesday night. I wonder if Dr. Gilbert has seen it because there are plenty of jokes about Ohio and even the second song in the musical is called "Ohio". It was pretty funny. I want to congratulate Scott a.k.a. Wreck for doing a fantastic job as the football player. Its worth going to see just for the costumes that he has to wear. While it is 2.5 hours long it is quite entertaining and will leave you laughing. I hope everyone goes to see it tonight!

Today is the big day...the day I hopefully get diagnosed with something so that my endless confusion and frustration over my health issues can be put to rest. I was reading Liz's blog and she had mentioned that I would probably remember her herniated discs a couple years ago and I remember it well. I wonder if she remembers my bout with mono my freshman year and how we both used to just lay on the floor of our rooms because getting into the bed was too difficult! Anyway, I feel like I've never recovered from my mono days and I've had health problems that have set me back ever since. It has really influenced my tennis game...I used to have enough energy to play hours at a time and now I have hardly enough to walk around the tennis court. So enough complaining, I just hope that this doctor's visit today is productive because I have had to sacrifice a lot for it(such as missing out on a typical 21st birthday of getting obliterated) oh well...Health is first priority.
That is all.

So it's finally come. Today is March 2nd and it's my 21st birthday! I'll admit that it sucked because I haven't been able to go out for it due to my recent heart problems that I blogged about last week. I have to go to the cardiologist tomorrow in Columbus and have some tests done so I can't have any alcohol in my system for them...plus drinking heavily might be not such a smart idea at this point. But hopefully, I will get to celebrate my birthday the right way fairly soon. My roommates were great and helped me celebrate by watching sex and the city and getting me a cake and stuff last night so that was really nice. I want to give a shout out to Mardea for having another March birthday. I hope you had a great one! I did have an awesome weekend last weekend so I guess that makes up for my lack of partying now. We have a tennis match at Depauw this weekend too but we will be back playing at Denison in the coming weeks so you should come check the team out because we're really tough this year. Hey Monty come play tennis with me sometime. I can't wait to take on Peck and Darren! I hope my birthday goes well for everyone.

I first of all have to agree whole heartedly with Matt that everybody needs a "mental health" day every now and then. I feel like I definitely do need one most days due to the overload of work that is building up on me right now. Thanks Matt for the hope that I am feeling better. I am feeling much better but I will be going to a cardiologist on Wednesday for some pretty extensive testing so I hope that goes alright. On a different note, the oscars last night were pretty good. It was one of the first years in many that I had seen some of the movies nominated because usually I haven't seen the movie so I don't really care too much about the awards. I love Charlize Theron though and her dress made her look more gorgeous than she already is. I'm sure that dress will be the big hit of the night as we look back at Oscar night. Well I hope everybody survives their Monday.