Day 4 of this Sensenbrenner Life.
I have officially decided to blame the Sensenbrenner on the corruption of my phone charger. For some reason, after plugging the charger into the wall in the Room, the charger will no longer charge the phone and instead comes up with the error message "Unauthorized Charger". Inconvenient? I'd say so!
Other strange things have been happening as well, for example on Sunday night I had my alarm clock set for 7 AM for Monday morning. Not changing the time, I thought this would work out well for the next day, when to my surprise, my clock did not go off at 7. Luckily I had gotten up on my own before this time so as to not be late to work in REH. When I walked by the room later, I realized the alarm was going off and rushed to change it, noticing the alarm had been set for 8 AM. Hmmm.
I continue to stay going here in the room. On occassion, a door will slam or a person will yell something inaudible to the floor or a 'friend' down the hall. Of course everytime this happens I jump, making this a rather uneasy place to simply relax for long periods of time. I have tried to no success to develop some sort of friendly connection with the other inhabitants of the floor, who seem to keep to themselves as well, and will not respond when you even say 'hello!'. Village attitudes? I think not.
I was fortunate, however, to have been invited over to my fellow REH worker's apartment to play Disney trivia, a fun-filled game which makes one realize that there are more Disney films out there than you think! This does show that yes, there can be entertainment in this place, however, I am quite sure board games are a regular occurrence in the Village.
Yet life continues, and the realization that soon it will be June,with only two months until this temporary exile will be over.
Lesson of the Day: Double check the alarm clock before falling asleep, even if you did not tamper with it, mysterious things happen here.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
Moving In - The First 48 Hours
It has now been just over 48 hours upon checking into the Sensenbrenner this weekend, just to let you know that I am currently alive.
The morning of the day of the move in came like most others, I woke after sleeping upon my comfy blue Carriage House apartment couch, pleasantly got ready, and welcomed my parents who would be helping me move / clean.
After a brief breakfast, the painstaking process of packing and moving commenced. Realizing I could not take all of my processions I had grown accustomed to in the Village, much was to be left behind in storage. Kitchen supplies for no kitchen.... boxed, decorations and art once adorning all of the beautifully finished walls and vaulted ceiling.... stored, books once filling the shelves..... sent away... and slowly, my beloved apartment was disappearing.
Slowly, over the course of about 7 trips to and from the Sensenbrenner, down 3 flights, up 3 flights, the chosen items were brought, with the main items being the summer clothes, computer, printer, a few books and decor, a smaller TV, non-perishable foods, and a few, but not many, random things.
Finally, after 8 hours, it was time to shut the door and with tremendous sadness, I removed the Village flag (folded in the appropriate manner) and locked the door.
(SILENCE)
I thanked and watched my parents leave and then it was off to figure out this room. I looked upon my door to Room 310 where a pleasant "Welcome to SNC" sign was located. Past this, I began to sort through my various items I had brought for this endeavor and the long process of rearranging items. One of the two closets was designated for clothes and food, the other for random non-clothes and food items. My beautiful plants luckily survived the trip and have not responded negatively to the Sensenbrenner water.
I next investigated the bathrooms... 3 sections, sinks, toilets, and showers with a strange color tiling, flourescent lights, and tinted windows. Hmm.
I sat upon my newly made bed and thought for a long time. If anything else, this room will be a place of contemplation as it forces you into a state of undistraction...
SUDDENLY, a rumble from down below. CARTS. Yes there were carts and people pushing them going across the cement blocked walkway, making rumbling noises along the way. This continued for a few minutes and then went away. 10 minutes later it returned, then again, until I lost track of this obnoxious distraction to my getting-used-to-the-room time, but why anyone should have to 'get used to' this place is beyond my understanding of the world.
I eventually fell asleep and awoke the next morning particularly tired. After spending a day sitting at the room, it began to sink in that I could not return to my Village apartment for over 2 months. The answer to this pain was to go shopping, which after church I did, getting such necessary supplies as 3M tabs, shower shoes, and etc.
Oh yes... I forgot the shower experience. In the morning realizing that I would need to use these 'public showers' I began to prepare a bundle of new clothes, towels, and soaps I would need for this new experience. I proceeded to the showers area and to my satisfaction they were all available. After waiting 3 minutes, the water finally came to be warm and I began my low-water pressure shower. How anyone is to not get their other belongings wet is beyond my current comprehension, but I will need to evaluate the best method of this in the near future.
That evening, I returned to find the room extremely and unpleasantly hot, and immediately began the army of fans and other items to cool down the room, which did NOT work fast enough. I lay on my bed and luckily eventually the sun went down and a cool breeze commenced.
In going to the rest room, I found it odd that I suddenly heard both male as well as female voices in the male-only bathroom. In fact, it sounded like quite the social was going on. MUCH to my disdain, a hair-cutting party for a student on the floor had commenced in the sink area with about 4 female friends. Immediately returning to my computer, I found a RA friend who investigated and kindly reported back that they would be leaving soon, and no, they would not be sent away as I inquired (we have stricter laws obviously in the Village). I settled upon the alternative rest room down the hall, but this invasion must certainly not continue.
Sitting in my room, I again began thinking of my beloved Village I had left behind and put in a movie on my laptop, as it wouldn't play on the desktop. I comfortably fell asleep watching ( I will need to finish it tonight as I need to know what happens to Harry Potter) which started my current day, Day 3 of life in this... place.
I shall continue to be strong today/tonight in the great spirit of the Village. As an ambassador of the lifestyle of the Village, I must show to the other on the floor (who I have yet to meet) that yes, residential life can be brighter than this. We must not loose hope as we fight for survival in this place they call.... the Sensenbrenner Hall.
Lesson of the Day: Always wear 'shower shoes' as the tiled floor is not pleasant.
The morning of the day of the move in came like most others, I woke after sleeping upon my comfy blue Carriage House apartment couch, pleasantly got ready, and welcomed my parents who would be helping me move / clean.
After a brief breakfast, the painstaking process of packing and moving commenced. Realizing I could not take all of my processions I had grown accustomed to in the Village, much was to be left behind in storage. Kitchen supplies for no kitchen.... boxed, decorations and art once adorning all of the beautifully finished walls and vaulted ceiling.... stored, books once filling the shelves..... sent away... and slowly, my beloved apartment was disappearing.
Slowly, over the course of about 7 trips to and from the Sensenbrenner, down 3 flights, up 3 flights, the chosen items were brought, with the main items being the summer clothes, computer, printer, a few books and decor, a smaller TV, non-perishable foods, and a few, but not many, random things.
Finally, after 8 hours, it was time to shut the door and with tremendous sadness, I removed the Village flag (folded in the appropriate manner) and locked the door.
(SILENCE)
I thanked and watched my parents leave and then it was off to figure out this room. I looked upon my door to Room 310 where a pleasant "Welcome to SNC" sign was located. Past this, I began to sort through my various items I had brought for this endeavor and the long process of rearranging items. One of the two closets was designated for clothes and food, the other for random non-clothes and food items. My beautiful plants luckily survived the trip and have not responded negatively to the Sensenbrenner water.
I next investigated the bathrooms... 3 sections, sinks, toilets, and showers with a strange color tiling, flourescent lights, and tinted windows. Hmm.
I sat upon my newly made bed and thought for a long time. If anything else, this room will be a place of contemplation as it forces you into a state of undistraction...
SUDDENLY, a rumble from down below. CARTS. Yes there were carts and people pushing them going across the cement blocked walkway, making rumbling noises along the way. This continued for a few minutes and then went away. 10 minutes later it returned, then again, until I lost track of this obnoxious distraction to my getting-used-to-the-room time, but why anyone should have to 'get used to' this place is beyond my understanding of the world.
I eventually fell asleep and awoke the next morning particularly tired. After spending a day sitting at the room, it began to sink in that I could not return to my Village apartment for over 2 months. The answer to this pain was to go shopping, which after church I did, getting such necessary supplies as 3M tabs, shower shoes, and etc.
Oh yes... I forgot the shower experience. In the morning realizing that I would need to use these 'public showers' I began to prepare a bundle of new clothes, towels, and soaps I would need for this new experience. I proceeded to the showers area and to my satisfaction they were all available. After waiting 3 minutes, the water finally came to be warm and I began my low-water pressure shower. How anyone is to not get their other belongings wet is beyond my current comprehension, but I will need to evaluate the best method of this in the near future.
That evening, I returned to find the room extremely and unpleasantly hot, and immediately began the army of fans and other items to cool down the room, which did NOT work fast enough. I lay on my bed and luckily eventually the sun went down and a cool breeze commenced.
In going to the rest room, I found it odd that I suddenly heard both male as well as female voices in the male-only bathroom. In fact, it sounded like quite the social was going on. MUCH to my disdain, a hair-cutting party for a student on the floor had commenced in the sink area with about 4 female friends. Immediately returning to my computer, I found a RA friend who investigated and kindly reported back that they would be leaving soon, and no, they would not be sent away as I inquired (we have stricter laws obviously in the Village). I settled upon the alternative rest room down the hall, but this invasion must certainly not continue.
Sitting in my room, I again began thinking of my beloved Village I had left behind and put in a movie on my laptop, as it wouldn't play on the desktop. I comfortably fell asleep watching ( I will need to finish it tonight as I need to know what happens to Harry Potter) which started my current day, Day 3 of life in this... place.
I shall continue to be strong today/tonight in the great spirit of the Village. As an ambassador of the lifestyle of the Village, I must show to the other on the floor (who I have yet to meet) that yes, residential life can be brighter than this. We must not loose hope as we fight for survival in this place they call.... the Sensenbrenner Hall.
Lesson of the Day: Always wear 'shower shoes' as the tiled floor is not pleasant.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Surviving the Dorm: Futon Shopping
One week to go before the last move in day.
After looking at many different dorms, I felt one of the necessary items to a successful and classic dorm experience would be to invest in a futon and so it was that today I had the pleasure of going with a dear friend futon shopping. A simple plan, go to the department store, select a nice futon, and return home. Little did I know about the acquired fine art that is furniture/futon shopping....
We began around 6 PM. After seeing a sale on furniture online at Shopko, I decided to have the search start there. I had pre-determined I wanted a wood futon with a earth tone color for the fabric, not to dark and not to light, leaving black and white out of the color scheme. Little did I also know the limited colors futons come in...
We began by testing out three futons, each was nice, but I had settled on a particular mattress that I felt most comfortable in while not being sucked down into, and a very nice wooden pieces for the armrests which included a small compartment for remotes, etc. Better yet, all the futons were half-off, making it only more appealing to get one sooner than later. It was especially distressing to know that the cushion/mattress, the armrests, and the frame all had to be purchased separately. Being the savvy consumer I am, I decided that we should maybe check out a few more stores that might have something better.... which began a long process of going store to store, just to be sure.... Now instead of going into great detail, as it's late and I am tired from such an adventure, the following is a summary...
Target - No suitable futons, only an ugly sleeper sofa.
Big Lots - No futons.
Kmart - One futon that only came in grey with black wood which looked old and worn out without even being used..., so no.
Sam's Club - Had a very nice all-wood frame with a nice earth-toned comfy cushion with accent pillows, but was a few hundred dollars over budget... so no.
Walmart - Only pictures of futons which lead me to suspicion, the cushions were also small and the whole thing looked structurally weaker from the photo.
Sears - No futons, but a lot of bedding (but we were not shopping for bedding, so fail).
Other Shopko - Same as first Shopko.
So it was at the second Shopko on the other side of Green Bay where I decided to take the plunge and purchase the futon which I had originally liked from the start with the mattress I had also enjoyed. Next question... color. The sample had half the cushion in chocolate brown and the other in a tan color to compare for shopping. The tan won as I felt it would not be so dirty looking and not so hard to be kept looking fresh and clean. So I took the tags for the three things, cushion, arms, and frame, and proceeded to the check out where I enjoyed the half-off sale and at which time we proceeded to wait, after having to run back having originally forgotten the frame ticket.
15 minutes passed..... then 30..... then at around 40 minutes later, after hearing apologizes for the wait and the state of their stock room, we saw a cart coming down the way. And then, to my horror, the cart person had brought out a cushion that was a display model featuring both colors as well as the wrong arms....
Back went the car with the two-toned cushion and incorrect arms. 15 minutes passed.... 25ish..... and finally, the cart returned with a few more assistants and we proceeded to the car. After rearranging the seats, leaving the back window open, stuffing a lot of futon into the back, the car was finally packed and full of futon.
And so it is that I am one step closer to being more prepared for the start of my highly anticipated project. I have something to sit on in the Sensenbrenner, while not as good as my couch back at the apartment, I feel this futon will do.
Days Until the Move: 7
Tomorrow's Project: Planning the move-in logistics.
After looking at many different dorms, I felt one of the necessary items to a successful and classic dorm experience would be to invest in a futon and so it was that today I had the pleasure of going with a dear friend futon shopping. A simple plan, go to the department store, select a nice futon, and return home. Little did I know about the acquired fine art that is furniture/futon shopping....
We began around 6 PM. After seeing a sale on furniture online at Shopko, I decided to have the search start there. I had pre-determined I wanted a wood futon with a earth tone color for the fabric, not to dark and not to light, leaving black and white out of the color scheme. Little did I also know the limited colors futons come in...
We began by testing out three futons, each was nice, but I had settled on a particular mattress that I felt most comfortable in while not being sucked down into, and a very nice wooden pieces for the armrests which included a small compartment for remotes, etc. Better yet, all the futons were half-off, making it only more appealing to get one sooner than later. It was especially distressing to know that the cushion/mattress, the armrests, and the frame all had to be purchased separately. Being the savvy consumer I am, I decided that we should maybe check out a few more stores that might have something better.... which began a long process of going store to store, just to be sure.... Now instead of going into great detail, as it's late and I am tired from such an adventure, the following is a summary...
Target - No suitable futons, only an ugly sleeper sofa.
Big Lots - No futons.
Kmart - One futon that only came in grey with black wood which looked old and worn out without even being used..., so no.
Sam's Club - Had a very nice all-wood frame with a nice earth-toned comfy cushion with accent pillows, but was a few hundred dollars over budget... so no.
Walmart - Only pictures of futons which lead me to suspicion, the cushions were also small and the whole thing looked structurally weaker from the photo.
Sears - No futons, but a lot of bedding (but we were not shopping for bedding, so fail).
Other Shopko - Same as first Shopko.
So it was at the second Shopko on the other side of Green Bay where I decided to take the plunge and purchase the futon which I had originally liked from the start with the mattress I had also enjoyed. Next question... color. The sample had half the cushion in chocolate brown and the other in a tan color to compare for shopping. The tan won as I felt it would not be so dirty looking and not so hard to be kept looking fresh and clean. So I took the tags for the three things, cushion, arms, and frame, and proceeded to the check out where I enjoyed the half-off sale and at which time we proceeded to wait, after having to run back having originally forgotten the frame ticket.
15 minutes passed..... then 30..... then at around 40 minutes later, after hearing apologizes for the wait and the state of their stock room, we saw a cart coming down the way. And then, to my horror, the cart person had brought out a cushion that was a display model featuring both colors as well as the wrong arms....
Back went the car with the two-toned cushion and incorrect arms. 15 minutes passed.... 25ish..... and finally, the cart returned with a few more assistants and we proceeded to the car. After rearranging the seats, leaving the back window open, stuffing a lot of futon into the back, the car was finally packed and full of futon.
And so it is that I am one step closer to being more prepared for the start of my highly anticipated project. I have something to sit on in the Sensenbrenner, while not as good as my couch back at the apartment, I feel this futon will do.
Days Until the Move: 7
Tomorrow's Project: Planning the move-in logistics.
Monday, May 10, 2010
The Project Explained
Today is a very exciting day, in that I will be starting this blog to track the progression of an exciting new experiment which will last until August of this year. I, Michael Poradek, a college Junior, will be checking-out of my upperclassmen apartment at my beautiful college campus and for the next 3 months living for the first time in this thing called a 'dorm'.
Now this won't make sense for you who are reading this at all unless I explain my rationale for this obscure project. For the first year of my college life, I enjoyed the pleasures of commuting to college. It was, don't misunderstand, a wonderful life. A peaceful 40 minute drive to campus, studying and classes and work, and then a pleasant 40 minute drive back home where a home-cooked meal usually awaited me. A few times, I would visit friends living in the dorms, hear stories, see the small, crowded, loud conditions and vow I would never live in such a place as long as I could help it. Yes, I was happy as a commuter student, but was it possible to ever live someplace else on campus and still experience this same satisfaction?
The next year I came to realize that yes indeed it was possible when I applied and was accepted to be the Building Manager for a amazing and magical apartment complex on campus called the 'Townhouse Village', AKA: The Happiest Place on Campus, AKA: The People's Independent Sovereignty of the Townhouse Village. Over the past few semesters I have thoroughly enjoyed my position, which as one of the main perks comes with the opportunity to live in the Carriage House, one of the beautiful, furnished, buildings within the complex in a gorgeous 3rd floor, vaulted ceiling, two-person apartment which I have shared with a roommate of my choice. The apartment is furnished for the most part with the essential furniture and has a full kitchen, appliances, dining area with table/chairs, living room with a big comfy couch and armchair and bookcase, with room for an entertainment center, lamps, and my houseplants, a full bathroom with a vanity, and a bedroom large enough that you do not need lofts with a walk in closet. Yes, the apartment is wonderful. Not to mention, the building itself is private and only residents of the complex can get in by using their exterior keys. On many days, I peer out my window looking down at the beautiful village and landscaping and even yes call down to passers by that I know. If you haven't gotten the hint, life is good in the Village.
Having been rehired for next year as Building Manager, one would wonder why on earth anyone would choose to leave said location. It all started several days ago when I received word that I was fortuanate enough to be hired by the housing department as Summer Conference Liaison. Don't get me wrong, I was so very excited to hear the news, but yet, something made me nervous. Despite the 40 hrs/wk paid internship, and meals and housing, there was a small catch... I would have to leave my beloved apartment in The Village and live until August in 'a dorm'.
Sensenbrenner Hall, the second residence hall / dorm built on campus, which typically (as an all female dorm) houses about 170 female students during the academic year and lays host to a mix of males and females living on campus during the summer months.
It is simply not the same as the Village...... Average Room Size: 170 square feet, relatively the same as my current living room excluding the dining area. Floor: Differentiating shaded tile, as opposed to my carpeted floors and finished linoleum kitchen and bathroom floors. Cabinet Space: Not a walk in. Light Fixtures: A hanging covered fluorescent light fixture... thing, as opposed to various recessed lights and decorative crown molding style wall light fixtures. Furnishings: Let's just say there's no big comfy couch. Kitchen: Public Kitchen on base level. To it's defense, it does feature a beautiful Vatican II style chapel with stained glass windows, as well as a Women's Center, which while I don't intend to use very often, is unique in itself.
Faced with this challenge, I have decided that instead of moping in my self pity for the temporary loss of my Village, I shall see this exile.. I mean, expereince as an educational new adventure. I shall soak in as much of the dorm/residence hall life as is offered, learn about what it is to live in such a place, and to ultimately survive the summer in said dorm with enjoyment and satisfaction. I am checking out of my upperclassmen apartment and into a dorm and I will not be afraid (well, not a lot at least). This is truly an epic experiment and I will use this blog to conveniently 1. write my thoughts for the day in dorm life, 2 record any useful tips/lessons I have learned or discovered on dorm life happiness, and 3 be able to countdown the days until I can finally return to my beloved apartment.... I mean, document and think back on my experience in a positive manner (awkward pause).
And so it begins, 8 days from now I will turn in my keys to the apartment and spend my first night in the Sensenbrenner Hall. I am realizing there is much prep-work to be done, and if I am going to survive this experiment, this move must be coordinated.
Tomorrow: Futon Shopping
Now this won't make sense for you who are reading this at all unless I explain my rationale for this obscure project. For the first year of my college life, I enjoyed the pleasures of commuting to college. It was, don't misunderstand, a wonderful life. A peaceful 40 minute drive to campus, studying and classes and work, and then a pleasant 40 minute drive back home where a home-cooked meal usually awaited me. A few times, I would visit friends living in the dorms, hear stories, see the small, crowded, loud conditions and vow I would never live in such a place as long as I could help it. Yes, I was happy as a commuter student, but was it possible to ever live someplace else on campus and still experience this same satisfaction?
The next year I came to realize that yes indeed it was possible when I applied and was accepted to be the Building Manager for a amazing and magical apartment complex on campus called the 'Townhouse Village', AKA: The Happiest Place on Campus, AKA: The People's Independent Sovereignty of the Townhouse Village. Over the past few semesters I have thoroughly enjoyed my position, which as one of the main perks comes with the opportunity to live in the Carriage House, one of the beautiful, furnished, buildings within the complex in a gorgeous 3rd floor, vaulted ceiling, two-person apartment which I have shared with a roommate of my choice. The apartment is furnished for the most part with the essential furniture and has a full kitchen, appliances, dining area with table/chairs, living room with a big comfy couch and armchair and bookcase, with room for an entertainment center, lamps, and my houseplants, a full bathroom with a vanity, and a bedroom large enough that you do not need lofts with a walk in closet. Yes, the apartment is wonderful. Not to mention, the building itself is private and only residents of the complex can get in by using their exterior keys. On many days, I peer out my window looking down at the beautiful village and landscaping and even yes call down to passers by that I know. If you haven't gotten the hint, life is good in the Village.
Having been rehired for next year as Building Manager, one would wonder why on earth anyone would choose to leave said location. It all started several days ago when I received word that I was fortuanate enough to be hired by the housing department as Summer Conference Liaison. Don't get me wrong, I was so very excited to hear the news, but yet, something made me nervous. Despite the 40 hrs/wk paid internship, and meals and housing, there was a small catch... I would have to leave my beloved apartment in The Village and live until August in 'a dorm'.
Sensenbrenner Hall, the second residence hall / dorm built on campus, which typically (as an all female dorm) houses about 170 female students during the academic year and lays host to a mix of males and females living on campus during the summer months.
It is simply not the same as the Village...... Average Room Size: 170 square feet, relatively the same as my current living room excluding the dining area. Floor: Differentiating shaded tile, as opposed to my carpeted floors and finished linoleum kitchen and bathroom floors. Cabinet Space: Not a walk in. Light Fixtures: A hanging covered fluorescent light fixture... thing, as opposed to various recessed lights and decorative crown molding style wall light fixtures. Furnishings: Let's just say there's no big comfy couch. Kitchen: Public Kitchen on base level. To it's defense, it does feature a beautiful Vatican II style chapel with stained glass windows, as well as a Women's Center, which while I don't intend to use very often, is unique in itself.
Faced with this challenge, I have decided that instead of moping in my self pity for the temporary loss of my Village, I shall see this exile.. I mean, expereince as an educational new adventure. I shall soak in as much of the dorm/residence hall life as is offered, learn about what it is to live in such a place, and to ultimately survive the summer in said dorm with enjoyment and satisfaction. I am checking out of my upperclassmen apartment and into a dorm and I will not be afraid (well, not a lot at least). This is truly an epic experiment and I will use this blog to conveniently 1. write my thoughts for the day in dorm life, 2 record any useful tips/lessons I have learned or discovered on dorm life happiness, and 3 be able to countdown the days until I can finally return to my beloved apartment.... I mean, document and think back on my experience in a positive manner (awkward pause).
And so it begins, 8 days from now I will turn in my keys to the apartment and spend my first night in the Sensenbrenner Hall. I am realizing there is much prep-work to be done, and if I am going to survive this experiment, this move must be coordinated.
Tomorrow: Futon Shopping
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