No, it's a giraffe.

So the building I live in right now is getting torn down in less than a year (so they say) so we can pretty much do whatever we want to the building. Including tagging. Plus lots of you already know I have a thing for saying "rawr". I've been doing this little dinosaur (not so little at the moment) all over the place, starting in Austin, Texas. 


Kiwi is in Holland! Jiska and I are really happy about that 'cause Kiwi is pretty badass. Though he's taking a nap right now... he's old. (Not really, just like teasing him because he is a few years my elder.) I picked him up from the airport at nine in the morning yesterday then we hung out in Amsterdam for a bit. Laughing, joking, catching up on stories. I realized I made a lot of word jokes going from Dutch to English, my boys at Caspar Fagel would be very proud of me. (Also I didn't know it was 'Caspar', always thought it was 'Casper'. I blame Bob because that's what he wrote down for me.) I took him to the DSB last night. He had a blast! We ended up only a few people left at the bar, something like 11 or 13. More flour got everywhere and because of that more rounds were made. Bier hier, bier hier! Though to technically be considered "sitting" at the bar I sat on both youngster and enigma's lap. That was fun. I don't think the barman wanted to accept that, but he did. Thanks!


Sailor tried to steal my scarf again! And we ended up in the boys lavatory! (Again.) Strangely with peanut butter guy and one of my year mates. Though they did splendidly. Helped give me my scarf back. Thanks boys! This was after I ran all over the DSB chasing sailor who had full grasp of my scarf. Short lived though. I'm quick and strong... well strong enough to keep holding on.


For the record my girlfriend and I did NOT use tongue when we kissed. It was a simple peck on the lips. Sorry to burst your bubble boys, but it didn't happen. We were just being silly. Though she is mine (and I hers, she's currently fighting mister for me), and I can be pretty protective. 


Well the Dude and I might move in together, that would be awesome! Especially since our taste in movies, music, and food is very similar. Plus we both don't go and visit our parents on the weekends. Namely because his are in Italy and mine are in Texas, makes it kind of hard to pop in for the weekend. We're looking for potentially a third member to move in with us. We really want to make a DSB house. I keep meaning to ask my girlfriend if she wants to but for whatever reason I keep getting distracted. Hey! Want to move in with us? 


So I ended up having a really deep conversation with a friend last night. He cares and I'm really appreciative of that. But don't you ever make me cry again. Especially in a public place. I prefer not to cry period. That's the best way to watch me walk away and end the conversation. Also, I'm considering deleting my blog. I know a lot of you like to read it, but I feel this is starting to get out of hand. It's my way of expressing myself and getting things off my chest and keeping a record of the things I did so I can come back and read them later and laugh at myself or remember the things I learned and the obstacles I got over. But I find myself unable to really put all of that in my blog. Sure the nicknames do a bit of concealing. You make think you know who fits all the nicknames, but can you actually know? (Insert smirky face here. Hah!) The nicknames aren't enough. I'm a flirt, a bitch, a girl, a friend, super forgetful, and a confused Texan and I don't want to be judged because the things I write down get twisted and skewed into something I don't mean or never did. 


Anyways. I'm not doing OK. I put a smile on my face for you. But I'm working on it. And no this is not an open invitation to ask me "what's wrong?" I'll just blatantly ignore that question. 


I think I'm going to go play in the rain and then Kiwi and I are building a blanket fort. That's fun. Got to enjoy the simple things in life, because when life gives you lemons you make red wine. (I love confusing life.) But when life gives you melons... well, you may be dyslexic. 


- This child at heart

I even said it in Dutch!

I'm trying not to name the colleges I like in my blog even though they all find out anyways. But, I couldn't help it with this picture. There are a couple others that are also pretty awesome. A ride at the fair was called "Chaos". I took a picture of the sign that said "you have to be this tall to ride this ride" and we all had a good laugh because you have to be a certain height to ride Chaos. (Insert winky face here.) 

So are you ready for the re-introduction of nicknames!? Because now I am officially a first year at the DSB and the IP weeks are over! So we have my mister who, I guess you could say makes me a little less single than I've been the past couple of months. But wait! (You say... right?) What happened to that other guy you like? Uhm, yea, no. I'm just not going there. (Vague.) Anyways, me and mister are super cute. Also between the two of us we're allergic to everything. Guess what? That's super awesome. We went to the store the other day and were looking at sweet things like this:

Me: Oh this looks yummy!

Mister: Yea! (checks package) It has lactose in it. Hmm, this looks good.

Me: (Nod in agreement, check package) It may contain peanuts. 

After about 30 minutes of this, we got very depressed and just left the store with no sweets. This could be a blessing in disguise though. I won't be gaining weight due to senseless sweet snacking. I will just be gaining weight from all the beer I will be drinking at the DSB. Hellooo freshmen 20! I will find a way to battle that.

Did I mention I am now an official member of the DSB? Mhmm. Yep. I did it. Also if you  have never eaten with the DSB in a whole I suggest you find a way to do so. There is never a dull moment at the DSB. We have something we do which is to make random statements. They don't have to make sense, they don't have to be true (in fact they shouldn't be), but you do  have to say it confidently. Then someone stands up and agrees or disagrees and then makes a new statement. Also, if you want to tell a story you have to walk. On the tables. 

Yesterday was so much fun. Everyone was all relaxed and happy and no longer all stiff and tough looking. Especially the members of the IC, it was nice to actually get to talk to them casually. Hugo especially was relaxed. He flung whipped cream at me. So, I got a spoon full of whipped cream and apple tart, stood up on the table, walked across the table, stood in front of him (still on the table), dropped the cream and tart all over his head, then dropped the spoon. The great thing is when you stand up everyone shouts "politesse" (literally means "politeness" but in this context basically means shut up), so as soon as I stood on the table I had everyone's attention. He was a good sport about it and cleaned my coat and we shook hands afterwards with giant smiles on our face. Then we partied. Everyone partied. (We all got fairly buzzed from the free wine at the dinner.) 

Year 2006 I think it was (sorry if I'm wrong!)[Edit. I was wrong, 2005, thank you.] gave whiskey because they're badass. Then they filled my cup with whiskey. And by "fill" I mean it was filled. So, it goes without saying, but I'll say it anyways, I got fairly smashed. I went home with peanutbutter guy. We were going to watch Dr. Who but that kind of didn't happen. We were too drunk and too tired so we just went to sleep. Okay, well I was too drunk. 

Also, Finnegan really isn't doing good. I'll fix him soon. Like tomorrow soon. 

Time to go make chili for the boys! And drink some more beer. They're going to teach me stifsja (spelling?). 

- This first year

Let them have cake!

Well, tomorrow is the last day in the IP (introduction period) weeks. 

(Bob: niet hopen.)

Thanks... I love it when people read my blog over my shoulder while I'm writing it. They always seem to need to comment. This makes me a bit nervous though...

Anyways, or maybe that's today and tomorrow is just a party? Either way, this is it, I'm about to no longer be a noviet. And goodness gracious I'm excited! So excited I made cakes. One for the EC (told ya I'd do it) and one is for the house I'm staying in. (There is a small part on the ''yall are awesome!" cake that doesn't have chocolate on it because Fritz doesn't like chocolate.) 

Today was pretty nice. I got my dress for inaguaration and I had the girls lunch today with the all boy's college Octopus. They really know how to put on a good lunch. I also sat down and did some writing for a song and worked on some chords for one of my songs. Oh and I made cakes, but I think that's pretty obvious. 

Last night was a lot of fun, though I didn't get all the signatures in my book and I started off the evening with what I can only think to be a really bad hangover. I talked to lots more people and learned about even more colleges. Also got asked to a few activities for Monday. I think I have my decision pretty set for which college is my number one choice. All fingers crossed they ask me to join.

So remember how I said I wouldn't do nicknames these two weeks? Man, its super hard. There is so much I want to say! (Write!) Well, wannabe boytoy is now going to be called baldy because he got his head shaved. (And it's a more solid, easy nickname. Wannabe boytoy is just too long.) Got to admit though, doesn't look too bad on him. It'll be nice to actually be able to talk to him again tomorrow. (Remember, just friends.) Of course I like someone, but knowing me I can't ever just like one person. I always seem to be torn between people. But I think I'm statisfied with not having a boyfriend, especially with all the things still on my plate. Plus, I'm really more concerned with making good friends. That's making me the most happy at the moment. I know I've said it many times before, but I really do love the DSB. Though, I digress. Those two will get nicknames later.

Well it's time for me to get into some dingy clothes because I'm about to head to the DSB where the next three something hours will be spent getting really, really dirty. I'm looking forward to it though. 

- This soon to be a dirty, dirty girl

Sad day for Finnegan

I found this on my computer from the first time I went to Delft. Pretty niffty huh? It has nothing to do with Finnegan though. Finnegan is my computer... well macbook to be super specific. He's dying. The trackpad is slow, the camera is broke, he takes forever to boot up: I think he may have the flu. AHH I gave Finnegan novietentyfus!! I need to take him to the mac shop today and see if he can get fixed. (And how much that may cost.) Thus! Posts may be delayed for awhile. (Aww, shucks!) 

Other than that I have another lunch today with one of the colleges. Speaking of college, I need to get my college information from Texas and very soon. Why are they taking so long!? I may just end up sitting in the classes this week so I don't get so behind, but I'm starting to worry I won't be getting into the school this year. Sad day for this girl too. To top it all off it's all rainy and windy and stuff. Also I have a mega headache. Whine, whine, whine! It's my blog I'll do whatever I want. Pout. 

Anyone know of any good second hand shops in Delft? I still need to buy a dress for the inauguration. Also, I'm looking for a bigger and warmer vest. 

[drie uur later]

Well $#%@. I went and talked to the international office today and found out that because my Dutch isn't proficient enough I have to take an intensive Dutch course before I can enroll into TU. That starts in November. Well at least I will be doing something. Why didn't anyone tell me this sooner!? Also... the Dutch for foreigners page on the TU website is in Dutch (face palm) this helps.

Lets see, lets see... how to end this post so I don't sound like I'm super sad today...

OH OH I know!! I get to mingle with more DSB members tonight and ask about their colleges. I also get to help plan the inauguration party with my fellow year mates today! Wonder what we're going to do for a theme? Hah, please not Spongebob (our year song is to that tune). 

- This mildly disappointed girl

Boot Camp

I drank beer out of this boot. Like a boss. (Four times.) It's Hello Kitty too. I wouldn't suggest it; drinking out of a boot. It smells like rubber and unless you drink it all at once (which, trust me, is a very, very hard feat to do... pun so intended) the beer will taste a bit off. Last night at the DSB was fun, though I'm pretty sure I left my sense of direction at the bar. Luckily, it found me this morning. 


So I'm banging through a crash course in Dutch. Maar mijn nederlands is niet goed. Oke, beetje beter. Writing things out and seeing how they're spelled really helps. And since I have the alphabet down now, people can spell things out to me in Dutch and I understand the pronunciation a little bit better. 


Now time to add to the list of things I didn't even consider would be different in Europe. Crutches. Didn't think they would be so different, but they are. Instead of them going all the way up to your armpit and resting your body on them like that, you stick your arm through a ring and hold on a hand grip. The ring is attached to a bar that is slightly bent for support so you're resting your weight on your arms. It's weird and hard to describe. Anyways, I have them because I fell down the other night and someone stepped on my ankle during a bit of chaos. (Fun chaos.) It's just badly sprained and still a bit sore, but it swelled up so big! The EC and a couple of my nestors kept telling me to sit down and that I needed to go to the doctor and make sure its okay. They were happy when I came back the next day with crutches. They are really, really nice. I feel like I should thank them more often... maybe I'll bake them a cake. But goodness gracious! The DSB has so many stairs! So yesterday I only brought one crutch and today I'm not bringing any crutches. I'll just wrap it again and make sure to be careful. 


We get to find out who is in what colleges tonight! I've been making some guesses but everyone just kind of winks at me and smiles while shrugging. It's fun. I can tell when I'm right though because they're so proud of their colleges that the blossoming smile on their faces kind of gives them away. I really can't wait to talk to all the DSB members about their colleges. You get to know your year mates really well and become a family with all of them. We're all equal and we're all going through the same thing. You can really tell that we're already so close with how everyone interacts with each other and how kind everyone is to each other. We make jokes, we tease and laugh, and if someone needs help you bet everyone is going to offer to help. It's great. Then, there is the bond through the colleges. That's even tighter. Your college is your family. The people you will be with and know for the rest of your life. It kind of sounds like a crazy extreme commitment, but I like it. Especially since moving over here alone. I don't often talk about how homesick I am sometimes or how much I miss my family, but I do. I already kind of feel like the DSB is my second family. It's nice. 


More people in the Netherlands are reading my blog and I can only help to think that some of them are DSB members (especially since some of the DSB members told me they read my blog). So, hi DSB members! How are you today? ... mhmm, interesting. Hold that thought, I'm writing a blog. Can we finish this conversation tonight? Kay, thanks! 


I know there aren't any nicknames in this post (and I know how much y'all love to decipher the nicknames) but I'm afraid all the juicy details about who I like and who did what will have to wait until after the inauguration. Don't worry, the inauguration is next Friday. 


- This homesick chick

Good morning...

Last night was a good night. We celebrated Jiska, Wybren and my birthday last night and well into this morning. In fact, I went to bed somewhere around 3:30 in the morning and woke up at 7:30 to find people still awake.

"I thought you were going to bed?"

"... I went to bed..."

Now I'm eating breakfast which consists of hotdogs and a really good mango. Right now students are asking 'how did you afford fruit!?' I saved up and boy was it worth it! Boy is sitting across from me... he has to go to work soon, but he's just staring at his phone. I want to throw something at him. He threw it back. Jerk.

So I joined a studentenvereniging. (Like a fraternity, but coed, so more like a frarority.) I really don't know a good English translation for it, no one does. Not even Google! All it does is say 'student' and I guarantee you that this does not translate to just 'student'. Anyways, it's called DSB and it's in Delft. This week, in fact today, starts the introduction weeks. I guess you could technically say that that started two weeks ago with the OWee and the DSB boot camp from Hell, but this is for all the members that signed up this year and survived the boot camp. I actually thought it was a lot of fun, aside from the terrible allergic reaction I had to the lactose products that got thrown on me (all of us). Though I think the first two rules of DSB boot camp involve me not talking about DSB boot camp. I would like to say that despite their tough guy act, I got four of my mentors nestors to smile while we were in carre (that formation that you always see the military guys get into). They weren't supposed to do that because they were supposed to be intimidating, but really they're all just super cool and sweet guys. This year DSB broke some records! We got 74 new students, 13 of which are girls! There were two camps though and I only had two other girls in mine. Needless to say, we became very good friends in those three days. I also have a butt load of bug bites all over me and I itch. UGH!! 

One of the guys I met in DSB also organized that foam failure party. He was also one of my mentors nestors at the camp. I've only recently gotten to know him and he already really likes me, to the point where it's getting a bit annoying and frustrating. He came last night to the party and brought guitarist. According to wannabe boytoy, guitarist and wannabe boytoy are 'best friends' and as such I wasn't allowed to kiss guitarist. This demanding behavior is one of the many reasons I am not attracted to wannabe boytoy. There are a few others like: he really wants a relationship and I really don't. So anyways, guitarist and I get along pretty well and I'm interested in hanging out with him even if it is just as friends. It's been awhile since I had someone so passionate about music as a friend and it'd be fun to collaborate with him. (Insert oh that's what they're calling it now-a-days jokes here.) 

Last, but not least, asshole (or 'ass' for short) apparently wants to apologize. I know, we didn't go over this yet. SO here is the story. I briefly mentioned the OWee, which is a week where all the different studentenvereniging throw huge parties to recruit new members. While partying at the DSB (I need to work on how flirty I become when drunk) I became super cuddly with this one guy for maybe about 30 minutes. I drank a lot that night, I mostly remember sitting on a one person couch with cuddly guy having his arm around me and another guy who refused to give up the couch thing. Cuddly guy (and Jiska too as I later found out!) were trying to get me to kiss cuddly guy. The reasoning behind this was "You have to kiss me! If you do that guy there will join the DSB! So we have to kiss!" Even with a bit of alcohol on board that logic didn't sound solid and thus it didn't happen. Then I proceeded to get distracted, potentially by a need to go to the bathroom which tends to happen to drunk people, and left. The only other time I talked to him was when I was leaving to which, due to DSB tradition, he tried to throw me into the canal. Since then cuddly guy has been a total ass, hence the name change. Especially at camp where he was one of my nestors. Then last night he asked for my number so he could apologize to me. Before you go thinking 'maybe he's not an asshole after all'; he hasn't apologized yet. He hasn't even contacted me yet. And if he wants to apologize he can do so this evening at the introduction social drinking...thing. Thus, his interest in obtaining my number has me a bit curious. 

Anyways, I'm going back to bed. Guitarist and wannabe boytoy are still in my room sleeping since guitarist lives too far away and was supposed to stay at wannabe boytoy's place, but due to a bit too much alcohol ended up in my room. Lame.

- This hangover battling girl