Pleasant Surprises

Before leaving Australia, I was informed that my credits hadn't transferred properly.

I thought I hadn't done the appropriate courses to graduate!

I went to the Faculty of Arts, they said I needed to get the credits approved by Science. I went to Science, they said, "How are we meant to approve of credits you attained under the ARTS stream?" I may have cried (it had started to rain, so I'm not quite sure).

Today, I receive a clarification email. Today, I am relieved. 

Relief, via Email.

Surprises of a Different Kind

The UPS man came to our door today with a large, rectangular package. It is customary for this to happen, as my dad usually orders his archery and shooting equipment online, and it is delivered straight to the house. Imagine how perplexed I was to find my name sitting on the box. What in the world?! I hadn't ordered anything of that magnitude, nor had anyone told me to expect a Christmas present in the mail. Logically, I opened it. 

The first box was confusing to open. It led me to another box, slightly smaller but of the same proportions. I cut that open to reveal...

Hmm... What could it be?

Tada!!

A Guitalele!

I was having all sorts of heart palpitations and saying, "What?! No Way!" to no one in particular. I'm surprised my commotion didn't instigate Hammer's curiosity! But... a Guitalele. Sent by no one in particular, no name, no nothing, except for some extra strings, a DVD, a stand, and a tuner?

Cuya Jun! 

My cousin Jun has a unique love for guitars, and every moment with him is a valuable lesson in chords and hand positions. When I last visited him and baby Janek, he showed me his guitalele- essentially, the body size of a ukelele, but it has six strings and a thick neck as the guitar does. He told me, "Yamaha is the only brand that makes them." Low and behold, the puzzle pieces aligned in my brain, and I gave him a call, thanking him and his family!

Me and baby Janek (Cuya Jun's son)!

Obviously, the day's ups left me in an awesome mood. I decided to do dinner for the family - The Costco Way. I found a recipe to suit the groceries we had, and voila! Lemon Greek Styled Chicken, here for you! It was a hit at the dinner table. Which actually is our breakfast table. What a confusing occurrence!

Thank you, Costco, for providing me with your latest cookbook and novel inspiration!

Well, I forgot to take a photo of the finished result... but here's the chicken marinading! On it's way to greatness (lemon, oregano, red pepper flakes, olive oil - easy and delicious marinade).

It's not often that people blog about raw chicken... I feel bad for my Vege friends.

Having lived with many different people over the years, I know that lemon chicken is a hit among even the tamest omnivores! Thank God for simplicity and satisfaction. Of these friends, however, I'd like to make a special shout-out. Someone's 22! 

Me and CaraCuz

This girl has been such an awesome friend. Sure, we only lived together one semester, but we've cried together, and gone to concerts together, and painted our nails together, and done headstands together. Not to mention the many many nights spent playing mah jong, liverpool and 500 together. True friendship! My thoughts and prayers for you on this awesome day. Have a blast, CaraCuz!

One last thing...

The surprises haven't only been on me. I've got a few surprises up my sleeve, but of course, can't reveal them! It's so much fun, though, to be a mastermind, cunning and caring. Pass it on! Oh, here's a surprise- the first link to my recital. http://youtu.be/68SWe2dDPAM . Pleasant surprise, hey?