Now I’m starting to have doubts about the University of Phoenix. The reason why is, it’s expensive. It would be much cheaper for me to just go to the University of Utah, even though their program isn’t accredited through CACREP. So, now I’m thinking I’ll simply work for a year until I can get back into school. I’m planning on applying to the University of Utah, Colorado State–again, Arizona State, Oregon State, and Portland State. All of these programs, except Utah’s are accredited and would provide a solid and thorough education. That said, I’m sure Utah’s would do the trick as well. It isn’t accredited, but I would still get licensed, and I was informed that their program meets CACREP standards. I guess as long as it would help me start a career in counseling I wouldn’t complain. Either way, I feel a lot more prepared this second time around for whatever reason. Maybe it’s because I know what to expect now. Before, I had no idea what I was getting myself into and I had more than a few moments where I had to question what I was doing. Now, I feel more focused and determined to get done what I need to.

On another note, hourofthedragon will now be a more personal blog where I write about personal thoughts and such–no more pop culture references here. For that, head on over to my new blog, monolithofevil, which I have linked to the side. I’m also thinking about getting a web host either here or on WordPress. The reason being, I like the templates better. They look more professional. So, stay tuned. There may be some changes coming.

Things got off to a promising start when I finally learned that I would not be living on-campus like a had planned. Now, this wouldn’t have been that big of a deal, except that I had a job at Colorado State that started August 11. For weeks leading up to my move, I regularly contacted the housing department in order to get some idea of when I could move. They kept telling me that I was “next on the list.” No matter what I said they just kept telling me this and that I had nothing to worry about. I explained over and over again to them that I had a job depending on my being there, so I had to know exactly when I could move. Again, they kept saying that I there wasn’t anything to worry about. Now, I’ll admit. At this point, I should have starting looking for something off-campus, but I had already paid my $150 deposit, and they kept telling me not to worry, so I trusted them–for some ungodly reason. Finally, one week before I had to be there for my job, I called and was a little more unpleasant with them. This time, I was told that they no longer had single apartments, that I was “next on the list” still, and they could stick me with a roommate on August 30. Again, I explained I couldn’t wait until that date because of my job, not to mention school that started August 25. I asked if I decided to go with a roommate, would I still be next in line to get a single apartment. I was told I would be, but there was no way of knowing when that would be. So, in a fit of rage, I demanded my money back and told them to take me off their list–I would look off-campus.

What irritated me about this incident, wasn’t the fact that I wasn’t getting a place on-campus, but the fact they evidently didn’t think it was important enough to ever tell me. I had to call them. Were they going to wait until I actually moved to tell me I wouldn’t have a place to live? That’s what it seems like. Second, if they were so overcrowded at the graduate apartments, why take, and keep, my deposit for so long? I would think they would have known months in advance how overbooked they were going to be. In which case, they shouldn’t have even accepted my application or deposit. Well, I never did find a place to live in that week, so the weekend before I was to make my debut as a CSU employee, I packed up the essentials and moved into the Best Western.

Now for the job. I was really looking forward to starting my new job. I would be working directly with students, and it would have been a nice change of pace, besides, I was getting in-state tuition because I was working at the school–at least that’s what I thought. It turns out, that since I was only getting 15 hours a week, I wouldn’t be getting any kind of tuition waiver. So instead of my tuition being about $7,500 per year, I would be paying around $20,000; $40,000 for two years! I’m the first to admit, I should have looked into what my benefits were, or weren’t beforehand, but I swear to God, this must have been the only student-job that didn’t have some kind of tuition waiver. This changed my thinking completely about moving to Colorado for school. I mean, my goal is to get my Master’s degree, but I also have a goal to do it with the least amount of debt possible. After learning I would not be getting any kind of tuition waiver, I tried looking for any loophole. I even tried looking into the Western Student Exchange program, but with that I had to have been admitted as a Ph.D. candidate. After accepting the fact that I was going to have to pay a lot more for school than I had planned, I seriously started double checking my options. I got online at the hotel and discovered that the University of Phoenix has a Master’s of Counseling in Utah, and it’s accredited by CACREP, the same accreditation I would have gotten in Colorado. For the record, I’m still unsure about University of Phoenix. The program is accredited, and I’m not so much concerned about that, but I am worried about potential employers’ perception of the school. Anyway, I talked to my advisor about being disappointed with my tuition and all, and he suggested I at least look into University of Phoenix, because the cost of school is a real concern. So I drove home and decided it would be best to either attend University of Phoenix or reapply for next Fall, but only if there is an excellent chance of getting some kind of tuition break.

So, that is pretty much what happened. I didn’t come back because I was homesick, or I had a nervous break down or anything or the sort. In fact, for the short time I was there, I loved Fort Collins. It had a nice small-town charm, and everyone I met was really nice. Well, everyone except my boss. My first day on the job I got lost on my way to work. Laugh if you want to, but I had barely gotten into town the day before, and I didn’t know my way around. I got online and accessed a map, so I knew pretty much where I was going, but I got thrown off by road construction and a detour. Anyway, I tried calling my boss just to let her know I was on my way, but I was lost, but she didn’t answer. She never answered her phone. I guess I could have tried to communicate with her through my exceptional telekinetic powers, but I needed to save my energy for my first day of work. So I finally arrived for my first day, and before I could say anything, I got, “First, it’s not cool that you’re late on your first day!” ‘Okay,’ I thought, ‘my boss is a bitch.’ I apologized and tried to explain why I was late, and that I tried to call, but it was obviously all my fault, so I just gave up.

I’ve got to admit, my job was a lot harder than I ever would have imagined. There was tons of information that I was expected to remember in a short time, and that made me a little uncomfortable, but I think I would have been able to stick through it. Especially since I got in contact with the girl I had replaced, who also worked on campus. She gave me some good insight, and it was nice to have someone on my side. In the end, I still couldn’t justify paying so much for school. When you consider that after I graduate I’ll most likely be making something in the low to mid thirties a year, it didn’t make sense to take out a bunch of loans that would have been $50,000 or more. To me, the whole idea is to get my loans to total less than the estimated amount of what my first job will be. Well, it makes sense to me.

So no one needs to get worried or anything, because I’m fine. I have moments where I think, ‘what just happened?’ But I think, in the end this was a good decision. It will have to be, and I’ll make it the right decision. I look at it as one more year of good work experience. That can’t hurt. I’m still going to move out as soon as possible, so we’ll have another place to hang out. So look forward to that. And in the meantime, I’ll probably reapply to CSU, and apply to Arizona State and maybe even a few other places. Well, I hope that all makes sense. It was a very hard decision for me to make, but ultimately, I don’t want to be in debt my whole life. That’s what my decision was based on entirely. I feel embarrassed and maybe a little ashamed for my lack of forethought, but I’ll learn from it and plan things better next time. With that, I leave you with the famous words of Phyllis Bottome:

“When you make a mistake, don’t look back at it long. Take the reason of the thing into your mind, and then look forward. Mistakes are lessons of wisdom. The past cannot be changed. The future is yet in your power.”

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It’s actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I’ll assume you’re playing the game and I’ll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don’t want to play on your blog, or if you don’t have a blog, I’ll leave my memory of you in my comments.

Around two months ago I paid a $150 deposit for a single apartment on campus, because in a perfect world, I would never have to live with a roommate again. Sure, I’ve had some decent roommates, but I could count them on one hand–or maybe two fingers. The rest of my history with roommates is just terrible, and I don’t think I need to go into details here. The bottom line is, I don’t want a roommate. So around a week ago I contacted the Housing Department to see when I could move in, since I got hired to work at Colorado State as a counselor in the Biology Department. And what kind of response did I get back? Nothing. They didn’t tell me one damn thing–except that there wasn’t anything available in the singles complex I applied for two months ago. My question is this: when were they planning on telling me? When I showed up and had no place to live? When I voiced my frustration, I was told I could wait until August 30, when the next unit would be available. Man, don’t these fools get it? I explained to them a zillion times, I need to be moved in by August 11 because I have a job. Besides, school starts August 26, how in the world could they expect me to move in the 30th? Let me tell you, all of this makes me feel real exited about going back to school

So now I’m considering living off campus. I don’t care if the place I get is unfurnished. I’ll find some used furniture on Craigslist or something. I just don’t feel like wasting my time with people who aren’t willing to help me or understand my situation. Once again, I’m in a situation where the administration refuses to use common sense and stick strictly with their workplace policies. Seriously, would it be that big a deal if they let me move in before someone on the waiting list? I mean, I do have a job depending on it. I’m pretty sure other students would understand. But no, they have to stick to program policies. I can’t wait to become a school advisor or counselor because I’m going to break program policies left and right–if it helps someone out isn’t it worth it? Isn’t the main goal of working in school administration to help people? I guess not.

Anyway, I was reading my friend’s blog about his fears and such and thought I would like to participate in the madness:

My Favorite Place to be alone as a kid and now and why:

I don’t remember having any special alone place when I was a kid. Probably in the backyard shooting hoops. That was my time to be alone, and sometimes I hated it when my friends would come over and interrupt.

Now it would be one of these three places:

There is a trail in Draper that I jog regularly. I like being outside and I especially like this trail because a lot of the time no one else is on it. Jogging for me is a type of meditation. When I’m angry or upset, I can go jog and clear my mind. It mind sound stupid, but it’s relaxing. Although, after I hurt my knee, it’s been harder to get myself motivated to jog.

I also like going on hikes in the mountains. Sure, it’s much more fun with others. But for small hikes, sometimes I like going it alone. I love hearing the sounds of nature and being right smack dab in the middle of it.

Anyplace that is quiet. Usually this means going to a library. I like going to the library sometimes just because of how quiet it can be. Now, public libraries are often filled with noisy little kids. I can understand and respect that. But the library at the University of Utah was always, always pitch quiet. A lot of times I’d drift off. I think I drooled on myself once.

Irrational fears and OCD moments:

Fears:

The most obvious fear of mine is sort of hard to explain. Years ago I was diagnosed with a social anxiety disorder. This means that I have irrational fears about participating in certain societal events. But not all things that involve my participation in society. For example, I have no problem going to the movies or hanging out with friends and that type of thing, but let’s say I have to give a presentation in front of a big group. Then I get real nervous. Needless to say, there were times in college that were more challenging than others, but I would always suck it up and do what I had to do. Graduate School will probably provide even more challenges, but I’m not too worried. And I’ve learned of ways to deal with my anxiety and panic when they arise.

Heights. But not all heights. Just heights without barriers. For example, Dead Horse Point in Moab is not a good place for me to be hanging out. There are way too many cliffs for me to fall off of. The Grand Canyon wasn’t too bad because they have barriers, but there were spots that made me nervous. I don’t know if I’d be able to walk out on that horseshoe walkway or not.

Jerusalem Crickets: These crickets are invaders from another planet. I’m convinced. Somehow they’re plotting to take over the world.

Bees, wasps, various stinging incarnations of evil: Sorry Jared. I too, have never been stung. Not because I’m afraid of bees, but because I’m cautious. I did get bit by one of those giant mountain bees though. It somehow got into the sleeve of my shirt. My arm had a big red rash for about a week after that.

My heart stopping: I don’t like sleeping on my left side because I can feel my heart beating, and I think, ‘if my heart stops, I don’t want to be able to feel it.’

Swimming: But not just regular swimming. Swimming indoors during an earthquake. Man, that would stink getting trapped underneath the water by a piece of the ceiling. First you get smashed, but not enough to kill, just enough to daze you a little, but not enough so you don’t realize you’re about to drown.

Horror movie fear: Waking up and seeing Christopher Walken eating my nuts. Just kidding. Waking up to find I’ve been buried alive.

OCD things:

I’m OCD about cleanliness. I can’t stand things being out of order. I’ve gotten better though. I no longer alphabetize my cereal. I’m always licking my lips or picking at something–ears, head, nails, teeth, etc.

Songs that get stuck in my head:

It’s always the goofy ones:

The Super Mario Brothers theme.
Oompa Loompa Doopitee Doo.
The Brady Bunch
I want my baby back, baby back, baby back, baby back…ribs
Mana Mana
The Smurfs theme

Okay, not always:

Try Me by James Brown
I Want You by Marvin Gaye

There are tons more. Lots of times I wake up with some obscure song stuck in my head.

Oh, I just got off the phone with Housing. I’m going off campus, baby!

See ya!

For years baseball fans have cried foul whenever anything innovative is suggested that might make the game more up-to-date, or even interesting. People always argue the fact that baseball has a storied tradition that simply can’t be broken. Unless, the powers that be somehow think that new innovative suggestion might make money. Major League Baseball executives were obviously watching too much professional wrestling when they came up with the “Turn Ahead the Clock Day,” even changing some of the teams names. For example, the New York Mets briefly became the Mercury Mets. I wonder if Vince Russo was in the house.

“Turn Ahead the Clock Day” included teams donning futuristic jerseys with big, confusing graphics and colors. Among others, the Seattle Mariners, Pittsburgh Pirates, Colorado Rockies, Kansas City Royals, and Tampa Bay Devil Rays were teams that participated in this cockamamie scheme.

As if making the Devil Rays jersey even worse would bring in more money. I have an innovative idea that I think plays into baseball’s long-standing tradition–and would also have brought in more revenue. It’s called winning. In my opinion, changing the New York Mets’ name to the Mercury Mets and giving teams “futuristic” uniforms goes against every so-called baseball tradition there is. Besides, they already got the Devil Rays name wrong. They changed their name to the Rays in 2008, don’t you remember? I mean, if you’re going to break tradition, why not make it mandatory for players to take steroids? Hey, it might make the game more exciting, and it would surely produce more revenue. It’s a lot better than giving lousy teams like the Devil Rays “futuristic” uniforms. By the way, there isn’t anything futuristic about that Devil Rays uniform. Unless sleeveless shirts are considered futuristic. Is Major League Baseball suggesting that we will all be lazier in 2021? Because if they are, I have news for them: we already are lazy. We can’t get any lazier. And if we did, I doubt we’d just leave off sleeves. I think if we got any lazier we’d just show up in sweatpants and undershirts, with drawn on logos.

Another idea I have for “Turn Ahead the Clock Night” is changing some of the rules. Why not? Who’s to say the current rules of baseball will still be in play in 2021? I think it’s silly to assume they will. I believe by then we’ll have instant-replay, and hopefully by then, the American League will have done away with the designated hitter. And how about jetpacks? I can realistically envision baserunners literally flying around the basepaths. I guess what I’m trying to say here is: Major League Baseball should have never undergone such an impossible task as “Turn Ahead the Clock Day.” It obviously failed in every way. It neither created any positive buzz, nor did it help out any of the teams involved. It’s taken nearly ten years since for the Tampa Bay Rays to get their act together. It’s also no coincidence that this, their best year in existence, is the year they finally switched up their uniforms. Coincidence? I’ll let you decide.

Army Men – Man, my brothers and I had buckets full of these guys. We even had white and grey ones, which we used as Germans. We used to set our army guys up and bombard them with dirt clods. These only had a certain amount of appeal. For one, you couldn’t put them in various poses–they were plastic molds. This sort of limited what you could do. The guy crawling on the ground, had to always crawl on the ground. However, we had a really cool mountain base and other accessories that went along with the army men. These would have been more fun if the army men would have been compatible with them. But they weren’t, so most of the time we’d use the mountain base for GI Joe.

Gosh, who didn’t have a Mr. Potatohead? If you didn’t, you are a sorry excuse for a human being. Sorry to tell you, but the first question they ask when you go in for your first psychiatric treatment is, “did you have a Mr. Potatohead when you were a kid?” If you answer, “No,” your psychosis is easily explainable. I mean, you can’t really call it a childhood if you didn’t have this toy. However, if you ever had the actual potato Mr. Potatohead, you are one sick puppy. I’d like to see how they came up with this concept. Some demented little boy started putting fake body parts into his potato at the dinner table, giving his opportunistic father an idea that would change child rearing forever.

Weebles wobble, but they don’t fall down. It’s a scientific fact that I get all excited about. Next to trying to figure out the Rubik’s Cube and finding a way to make the Slinky go all the way down the stairs, trying to make a Weeble fall over was one of my top hobbies. I never succeeded, like so many other areas of my life.

Finger Pops – I think I might be mentally challenged because I remember these being a lot of fun. But it turns out, they were just pieces of styrofoam packing material. It just goes to show you: kids aren’t smart.

Look, I’ll be the first to admit, I have no idea who this Ronaldinho guy is, but his uniform looks pretty nice. Soccer….er, I mean football has never quite caught on here in the states, and I certainly have no interest in the sport. I mean, there are way too many teams from way too many countries. And it seems like players are switching around and playing in different leagues all of the time. It’s too confusing. But if I did have any interest in it, I think I’d really like FC Barcelona’s jerseys. The red on blue, with yellow trim, is a classy look that gives Barcelona players a sort of, sophisticated, regal look if you will. On second thought, maybe I’d hate them. Yeah, I’d probably hate them for being so elegant and self-important. But I’d hate them knowing that I secretly liked their uniforms.

“Hey little girl, get back in front of that truck!”

Well, this fella’s got his priorities straight.

Currently, there are twenty men permanently banned from baseball; nineteen of them are due to gambling related offenses. The other, Benny Kauff, was banished after he had been implicated in a stolen car ring. Although he was acquitted in court, Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis deemed Kauff “no longer a fit companion for other ballplayers,” and placed the star outfielder on permanent suspension. Too bad they couldn’t have banned the entire New York Giants team.

Now I understand that back in 1916, baseball fashion didn’t really exist. Back then, players didn’t care how they looked, they simply focused on playing. But I also think that someone back in the early 1900s had common sense enough to know that plaid just wouldn’t look good, let alone, red plaid. Really, how can you take yourself seriously when you’re dressed like a giant peppermint? I don’t know how many games the Giants won because their opponents eyes were burning, but it was a lot, trust me, I checked. Their opponents often claimed they had permanent plaid patterns burned into their corneas. Isn’t that illegal? The great thing about these uniforms was that after games, players could spread them out on the lawn for picnics and socials.