Remember the first day of school, when you had all your new supplies and were all excited to start brand new classes that weren't more of the same-old you suffered through last year, you got to see all your friends again, and it was all so very exciting?

Today's the first day of school. And I am getting way too old for this.

I trekked all over campus after work today to buy my books (amazing how lax you get with that), stopped by the business building to ask about graduating (for reals!) and finally made it to the odd, outcast building in which one of my classes will be held this semester. Campus is filled with the 20-and-under set, making me feel really, really old.

Plus, my one solitary week off was super hectic. Between obsessively watching the Olympics, my parents visited and did a ton of my wedding planning (thanks mom & dad!), I ran a ton, picked up my dress and stashed it at my very generous aunt- and uncle-to-be's house, took engagement pictures, visited with some similarly off of school friends, and basically spent no time just relaxing. And I still didn't get nearly everything done!

Speaking of, my grandmother's birthday is in a couple of days. I didn't forget - but I am just now going to get to send a card ... now if only I can find a picture and make it in the next 10 minutes ...

Finally broke down and created a sparkpeople page. I'm so close to the next trophy and it was an easy 25 points. Lame.

Come join spark and be my friend.

I'll try to keep my health freakishness over there, but I'll warn you now: I've finally ordered the Nike+ system, and I think once I get my account set up I can post neat little widgets about my runs. I'm excited!! I know you're not!!

This was posted on the daily spark (www.dailyspark.com). I only kind of watched it the first time, but it's great.

Guess who has a new hero ...

Last Tuesday I finished my penultimate semester of grad school. Whew! Who takes two classes over the summer??

• Consumer Behavior could have been more interesting, but the rough part was that I didn't fit the demographic of the class at all. No luxury cars, face creams, gourmet cupcakes here. Plus, the group project was pretty tough just to get the members to fill the requirements! It's really a different group than my IOM classes. On the other hand, it was nice not having a final exam (as I didn't read the book).
  
• Financial Statement Analysis was just plain brutal. It's listed as an accounting class - I checked and double checked pretty often. It was taught as a finance class. I've taken both versions before, and they were pretty difficult, so I figured I could work my way through this too. But if you thought financial statements were subjective, wait until you hear some of the analysis "methods" out there! It's almost an entirely subjective class. The homeworks were long (but shorter toward the end), and I can imagine a project added on top would have made it insane. Luckily, the final didn't seem too awful, although I still couldn't venture a guess as to how well I did.
  

Both classes typically filled the four-hour time slot (when most everyone else I know got out early), and both classes I imagine would have been a lot more work in the full fall/spring semesters. But, since there weren't any IOM classes to be found during the summer (why offer the specialization if you're not going to offer the classes??), they were OK substitutes. After all, they make me look much more well-rounded.

Since I bid for fall classes, I've changed my mind on my second class twice. My first class is digital industry strategy class. For the second, I bid and won a finance class, because I felt like I should be taking a finance class and I've already got the finance degree. Then I switched to a high-tech business strategy class, because I'd heard it was good and I really haven't been happy with the finance classes. After this summer, I think I'll stick with IOM classes, so I've signed up for the available two. Why not take classes that will advance your career plans? At least I'll get to see some of my IOM buddies!

Sigh ....

I really did pick the wrong profession.

Look how they use buttercream frosting! It's so perfect but it still has that little swirl. You'd think they'd paid me to advertise ... I wish!

I think my books for next semester will have a little stowaway icing gun in the delivery...

Things I learned this weekend:

• China has come a long way, and I'm kind of proud of them.
  
• I like watching the Olympics for all of the happy people. Although, it makes me wish I put in a little more effort. Also, Olympians are something above human.
  
• Stress makes learning something all that much harder.
  
• If you're going to binge, do it on popcorn. "Accidentally" eating a whole bag is only 105 calories.
  
• Marketing is not for me.

Monday I have a big presentation and project due, which I didn't think my group would be able to pull off (it looks like they did). Tuesday I have an exam that is worth 50% of my grade. Then I have about a week and a half before I start my last semester (hopefully, barring any unforeseen disasters).