The Word "Application" and My Top Ten

The word "application" is one that I have said, written, and typed probably hundreds of times in the past year. The first thing that comes into my head is paperwork. The second thing is deadline. The third things is a more general idea of tedium mixed with anxiety. If I step back a bit and think about it, the word probably means application in the sense that you have to apply yourself to some task (in this case filling out applications).

OK, done with that. I finished my MEA scholarship app today and tonight I'm scrambling to write essays for both the RA and FA ones, which are both due tomorrow by five. The problem is, I really don't want to be an RA. I really want to be a residential FA. However, if I don't get that job, I would still rather be an RA than a regular FA. But I really don't want to be an RA and yes I know I already said that. So the dilemma right now is do I just not do the RA application and use the time to finish the FA one and study for my midterm tomorrow, or do I push to do everything? I guess I might as well since Michelle and Ryan both already filled out the recommendation forms.

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The other purpose of this post is my list of:
Top Ten Study Spots @ U of O, in no particular order:

1. Dorm room- not the best environment, but major points for convenience and not having to deal with the weather.
2. The Laundry Room- my favorite for writing essays, its five flights away from my bed, but without having to go outside
   
3. The Lounge late at night- easy proximity to anything in the hall, plus the TV has some pretty weird things on at 3am
4. The Library- superior concentration, moderately comfortable, but too far away to convince myself to walk at night- this is really best for getting some work done during the day
5. The Law Library- closer to the dorm than the big library, very quiet and nice tables and lighting, but it closes at 12am
6. The Buzz coffee shop- I have done a lot of reading here, plus they have easy access to food and coffee
7. That weird lounge thing on the main floor of the EMU- very comfy chairs and nice decor, everybody in there is reading, but there are no tables, and I'm kind of a table girl, but this spot is ideal if I have 20 minutes and decide to spend it getting some reading done.
   
8. The Skylight area of the EMU- Generally pretty quiet with excellent light, pretty available seating, but I just never seem to get anything done up there...
9. Starbucks, Cafe Roma, or Lillis Cafe- coffee shop feel can be great if you like popular music and lots of buzzing chatter, but it can be hard to find a table and it is very tempting to listen to other people's conversations instead of working.
10. Common Grounds cafe in Hamilton Commons or Dux Bistro in LLC- these are very conveniently located and well known to me and I usually eat meals at one or the other, but some really strange people hang out in Common grounds and Dux always feels overcrowded.

So, in summary: my hall, the libraries, the student union building, or a coffee shop- not too original, but I've been feeling like I need to write up the list. I keep coming back to my dorm thinking "Oh my goodness I have so much work to do and I don't know where I want to go to try and do it!" And now I can look at the handy list with the pros and cons. Places I didn't mention are really anywhere that there is a random table in a hallway or popular walkway. I hate trying to sit there but then having to look up every time someone walks past. Unfortunately, such spots are the most frequent type near lecture halls and classrooms. I just don't have that kind of concentration. Obviously.