Last few hours of being underage...

...And I'm hanging out on the computer. Just kidding, I did stuff today. I got a haircut (The "B" haircut for those who voted) and while playing Mario Party 8, out loud musings earned me some bangs cut by Kylee herself. I can't remember the exact age I last had bangs (single digits, no doubt), but it's weird falling under another white person stereotype. However, I'm liking it so far.

I attempted to meet a girl on my floor by asking where the laundry room is even though someone already gave me vague directions. I introduced myself off hand and she told me where it was and then went back to her room. Hm. Either I'm a lot scarier (weird??) than I've been told or she's rude. Guess I'm not going to have many friends on my floor of...three...other people.

Speaking of the girls at my school, I'd like to make an announcement:

DEAR ROANOKE COLLEGE FEMALE STUDENT BODY:

WEARING A SWEATSHIRT AND LEGGINGS IS NOT OKAY. LEGGINGS ARE NOT PANTS. PLEASE COVER AT LEAST HALF OF YOUR ASS TO SHOW YOU HAVE A SLIGHT PIECE OF DIGNITY. LEAVE YOUR "LEGGINGS AS PANTS" STATEMENT IN THE PRIVACY OF YOUR OWN HOME. THERE ARE OTHER WAYS TO HAVE GUYS CHECK OUT YOUR REAR. I SUGGEST "JUICY" OR "PINK" PANTS OR EMBELLISHED BUTT POCKETS ON JEANS.

THANK YOU.

I'll be at the bar tonight. If you're not there with me, have a round for me. Thanks.

Back in VA. Yeah.

My return to Roanoke has been...placid. I enjoyed setting up what little I had in my room -- no decorations, no microwave or refridgerator, not even my cheap full length mirror from Walmart -- and spending some quality time with Kylee and her Wii. I hit the gym this morning and discovered how horrendously out of shape I was but that's okay because there were few people to judge me. However, I was laughed at by the girl next to me when my iPod switched to a new song that's volume was TEN TIMES LOUDER THAN THE LAST SONG so I nearly blew out my eardrums and yelped as I lunged to fix the skewed volume settings. I guess I would've laughed too if I wasn't bleeding out of my ears.

I discovered today I was at my lowest weight since I started checking it at college, but then sighed when I realized it was from lack of muscle. Swedish power bars, anyone?

I bought my required paperbacks, ate some poptarts, and intended on getting a hair trim today but the salons were all booked. I feel like trying something new but at the same time terrified. Bangs? Too much work to manage. Layers? Too boring. Super short hair? I'll save that when I have kids and too busy for long showers. I really don't know what to do if I wanted to do something different with my hair. Suggestions?

Having alone time forces me to read (ugh, I know, right?) and after reading a few chapters of "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" (I recommend), I consulted my 'Zaar "Great Style" book and followed it's advice. As part of my New Years Revolution, I intend to spend less of my fashion money at Forever 21 by buying only basics and fewer dresses, coats, "fancy" tops, etc. Fewer.
As such, I used my Gift card to buy some tanks, a new crisp white t-shirt and button down, and some cheap jeans. A good start. Hopefully I can keep to this when spring/summer clothing rolls around.

I like my living conditions so far -- I'm directly across from the bathroom and a water fountain, I have one neighbor and the rest of my neighbors are on the other side of the bathroom or a floor above. If anyone ever visits, there's plenty of room for you on my floor. I can probaby fit about seven marines on my floor. I doubt Andy or Mo read this so that reference is meaningless to everyone else.

I am famished. I wonder what Chef Bob is serving this evening.

At least I update more often than Maddox

Why does no one ever make New Years resolutions anymore? Are people so lazy and vain enough to think they don't need to change or better themselves? Or is it because people try to avoid guilt when they give up on their resolution halfway through January or February? Determination and consistancy seem to be rare these days, or at least in the people I've been asking.

My New Year resolutions include being more forward-thinking and active about my dreams of working as an editor in a publishing company or as a part of the editorial staff for a fashion magazine. As such, I'm going to make an effort to buy less frivolous party clothes for frat parties and attempt to purchase more items that I will more likely be wearing after college. I have begun to finally "find" my style (many thanks to Anne for giving me Harper's "Book on Style" for Christmas! It really helped me!) so now it's that much easier to shop for myself.

I've also decided to try something new for my blog: since I'm constantly browsing Forever 21, I'm going to make a way to guarantee that I'll be updating once a month. Once or twice a month, I will collaborate things I particularly like on Forever 21 and make an outfit that costs $100 or less. This will not only show what my "style" is being defined, but also be a good source of procrastination and maybe help my friends find something they like as well.

So here's the first one -- hopefully of many:

I have created a "wish list" so you can find all of the items in one easy place.
Just go to Forever21.com, click "wish lists" and look up by email: ecparke@roanoke.edu and select BLOG January.

For the record, I would suggest the pearl earrings for day, diamonds for evening, and the cameo earrings if they're your style. This is an outfit I'd wear to class sophomore year or going out, like to the movies, a dinner, or a 21ST BIRTHDAY PARTY THE ELEVENTH!! I already have a strapless red dress and the same blazer, but as every fashionista knows, never wear a designer or store look head to toe. These things are just what I'd put on manikins. (sp?) Clearly my time in England influenced my fashion tastes; if I had layered on some necklaces, selected a sequined purse and picked out booties with studs, this would totally look Topshop. But I digress.

I know it's not exactly LA fashion as F21 is all about, but whatever. BTW does anyone else think the girl posing in that blazer looks stupid?

Happy New Years!