Aren't I awful? Seriously, I need to get my act together.
To be honest, I didn't expect for college to be this...much.

It's a lot to deal with, and I'm doing the best I can, but sometimes our best doesn't reach the threshold of "necessary." I'm working hard to meet it though, so we'll see how that goes.

Here's my helpful hint of the day (that I need to start following), when you get a syllabus, make sure to assign yourself reading AHEAD of time, and make sure you get it done when you assign it. I can say quite safely that reading is the number one priority for me since it takes so much time, and is so important for passing classes.
Don't worry though, I'm not failing (not even close, actually) and I've got good grades. In fact, I just got a strange email from the Residential Programs and Services offices saying that there was a special floor of the apartment housing on campus reserved for Honors College Students.

Now, this was strange for me, not because of the whole new apartment buildings thing, but because I didn't know I was apparently in the Honors College. I have to double check with them and make sure its not a typo--which I'm halfway convinced it is--or a bad email, but it'd be pretty cool if it were true. Regardless, my goal is to get into the Psych Honors Fraternity, so we'll see how everything else turns out.

Hm, onto relationships? I think so.

My love life? Dead. Yours? Probably not so much.
Here's the thing, if you don't party a ton and don't drink until oblivion, it's really hard to meet "nice guys" or even just guys in general. To date, I've only met a handful of mildly interesting guys outside of parties, and I don't want to start anything (dating, hooking up, FWB, etc.) with someone I met at a party. There's one or two guys that I've met in classes, but I'm not even mildly interested in them because they've both made it abundantly clear that they are "party boys."

I'm not a party girl, in case you couldn't tell. I prefer a book, a movie, or a ridiculous adventure to going out and getting smashed. Not to say I don't, but only in moderation (I don't get blotto) and I'll never try anything irresponsible (driving drunk, drunk dialing, drunk hooking up, etc.) that'll get me into huge amounts of trouble.

Now here's the million dollar question. Why can't all men be Mr. Darcy? He was moody and unsightly and not really the handsomest guy ever (according to the book, the actor in the movie was adorable in a not-perfect-but-still-a-little-good-looking-in-a-"doesn't-care" sort of way), but he was respectful and kind and WASN'T AFRAID TO ARGUE. That's a huge turnoff when the guy agrees with EVERYTHING you say and doesn't actually have an opinion of his own. Or when he's just kind of "well I'm too cool to have an opinion on politics, so I'm not going to discuss them with you, partially because I think the less I talk, the less you'll talk, and the more likely it'll get that I'll get lucky."
Really. I've dated that. More than once.

Or what about the guys you see already attached? Ever notice that the girls are either A) drop dead gorgeous, B) A and/or also very very intelligent, or C) A combination of A and B or one of them, plus having a ridiculous sense of humor. You can't help hating them, but you can't because they're so gosh darn nice. It's really very frustrating.

I'm trying to keep a good outlook on things. It's only first semester, I don't need a relationship right now, I need to concentrate on friends and grades and family and blahblah blahty blah.

I should listen to my own advice more often, but I try not to listen to fools.

Lets see...ooohhhh. Holiday shopping. Now, I'm Jewish, but I call it Holiday shopping because, to be honest, a small minority of my friends are also Jewish, and we rarely exchange gifts.

Anyways, gifts for friends? Lucky Mag (I need to stop quoting them) did a gift spread, and it was pretty good, but it didn't distinguish anything for those of us who have to pay for school/books/EVERYTHING on top of the hols.

• The Best Friend: Something personal. It doesn't have to be horribly expensive, but make it matter. Make it be something you know she'll get a kick out of, because it's an inside joke, or something you know she's wanted since forever. Or make it yourself. Ideas? Bookworms, don't get them books; get her a journal, or a book diary, then make a list of books you think she'll like, plus maybe adding them in there. Sports fans? Instead of that Jersey, how about two tickets to a game? Music addicts? Make him a mix CD, but add your own recordings of your voice telling a funny story, then tag on maybe his favorite CD, or a cool vintagey clock radio.
• The Acquaintance: A nice card, and some candy or nice chocolate is nice for a girl, but for a boy that you agreed to exchange gifts with (rare, but hey, some people do it) maybe get him an inexpensive techy-gizmo or a new scarf. Believe me, boys are starting to get more into scarves as time goes on, and I've had more than one friends say that he wants one, but is too embarrassed to actually buy one. Boys are weird, but we have to indulge them sometimes, right?
• The Significant Other: Similar to the best friend, but maybe for your man, get him something that the two of you can use/do together. Is he an adrenaline junkie? Skydiving lessons, and tag yourself on there with him. Actually, an increase in endorphins is directly linked to a better love life, because people are attracted to others who do things with them, and the increase in endorphins are going to make you happy. He'll connect the happy feeling with you, and who knows, things could get very happy afterward. ;)
• The Parent: You know your parents. You don't need me to tell you what to get them! Unless your father is like mine, and throws down the cop-out "All I want for Hanukkah is my family's love and blah blah blah," in which case, good luck and let me know when you figure out what the hell to get him.

On my personal shopping list?
Best friend? Inside joke gift (it would embarrass her if I put it up here), and a combination photo album (a few pics of us inside) plus journal. She likes to write and read, so I'm also going to get her a book-review diary. Hopefully she doesn't read this. :)
Mommy? I'm going in to get her something nice when we go shopping for my birthday.
Daddy? A lisence plate cover for his car from his Alma Mater.
Brother? LOTSA MUSIC. I need to figure him out still, but I'm sure he'll be fine.

Everyone else? Cards and candy. :)

For me? Well, I'd like this pair of boots.

They're practical and pretty. Two of my favorite words. Anyways, they're Steven Boots, Frencchh.

Also, here's my big dilemma for the holidays.
PARTY DRESSES.
Love it. Okay, well lets just say I have a dress thing. I love them. I love the swingy-twirly-girly wonderful feeling you get when you get into a dress you feel sexy in. And my mission this winter is to get that, in one dress!

Here are some options, and what's so wonderful about each of them!

THE L.B.D. (Little Black Dress)
Alright, so this first one seems simple, right? RIGHT! That's the point! Despite the fact that the model looks miserable (if I were that thin, I'd be pretty pissy too), the dress itself can take on a few extra embellishments that other, more vibrant dresses can't take. Maybe a few cute chunky gold bracelets, and a pair of scalloped, fun tights, a cute pair of warm booties, and she's set for party-hopping!


Okay, so I have a thing for lace, as you'll begin to see with this dress and the next few. But I can't help it! This is one of the only embellishments that can be so classy and sexy at the same time. Sometimes with certain materials (mesh, tulle, etc.) you get a certain vibe (prostitute, prom queen, etc.) that may not be positive. I like lace because it's going to give you a cool, contemporary but classic feel; very Audrey Hepburn, I think. Also, this dress specifically has some good details. The single pleat in the center of the skirt is forgiving of wider hips or thighs, and the lace at the top of the dress can cover up a fuller bust (if you're modest) or give a girl with a smaller chest a bit of a mysterious-sexy sort of boost.

Again, the lace. This one is a little harder since it is so form fitting, but if you're comfortable with your waist and hips, this is a good dress to have. The longer sleeves contrast the short hemline, and give you more modesty on top. Always good to tease, never to leave nothing to the imagination. This doesn't need tons of accessories, and if you're cold, throw on a pair of opaque black tights and heels, or maybe (if you're daring) a pair of scalloped or designed tights, and a pair of tough ankle boots. Very chic. An asymmetrical leather jacket is always great over lace.

This one is so sweet! It's showing just enough skin through the holes so that you don't need to worry about the higher neckline being a little marm-ish. I like the way it hits too. Not everyone can wear a baby-doll hemline, so it's good that designers are throwing variety in there. You don't need anything really crazy to go with this, maybe black tights (really, it gets COLD) and a pair of cute, but not too-tall heels. The hemline is short, and it'll look even shorter the higher your heel.


This is the L.P.D. Little Purple Dress. Every girl should have one (this is on the top of my list this year as well) and it's a great staple. The fabric is such that you can go from day to night, adding or subtracting accessories and a cardigan (work appropriate) or a cute pair of sky-high heels.
Last, but my favorite! This dress is gorgeous and has everything going for it. The lines are wonderful (since it ties in at the center, but above your waist, it slims you from that point down, and draws the eye inward and up) and the asymmetrical hemline is great if you're a little uncomfortable with your thighs. It shows just enough to be sexy, but not so much to make you squirm. Also, the sweetheart strapless neckline is a great addition, definitely if you have a smaller bust!



I think that's all I've got for now, and as usual, I hope I update more often!
Love,
Miss Guided