I know I posted this poem last year, by Longfellow, but it doesn't get old. So Merry Christmas, friends!
Christmas Bells
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Till, ringing, singing on its way
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime,
A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound
The Carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And in despair I bowed my head;
‘There is no peace on earth,’ I said;
‘For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!’
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
‘God is not dead; nor doth he sleep!
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men!’
12.25.2007
12.22.2007
where pleasure moments hung before
I am finished with my Christmas shopping. Finally.
The mall was absolutely crazy today and as I darted through the Christmas shoppers, I was amazed to see that though I didn't think it was possible, Christmas has become even more commercial than in years past. All of the stores have their special 'Christmas wares' - you know what I'm talking about. At Target the boxes are red and have the word 'holiday' somewhere on them, and inevitably, the price somewhere as well. There are 'lists' of each stores special gift items, plus items that are sure to be a hit as stocking stuffers. You can even buy them pre-wrapped.
It's a little bit ridiculous. Now, I will admit that I do love Christmas. I love getting gifts for people and seeing them smile when they open the festive looking package. However, one of my holiday pet-peeves are those people, who, laden with bags, stop 'because there's another sale table over there - did you see it? we've got to go and look.' They buy for the sake of buying. Sales are infectious. You think you're saving money, but really, we just increase our spending every year a little bit more because the sales are all that much better.
Other things that drive me nuts? Clearly, today, tomorrow and Monday are when the last-minute shoppers are out. Clearly, I don't want to be wasting my time getting stuck behind the meanderers that have all the time in the world, seemingly. Also - people who swoop in and take your parking spot from the other side even though you have your blinker on. I also really dislike sales people that comment on your purchases as if they were in on the secret (even though I suppose they technically are).
On the humorous side - the absolutely hideous holiday dishes that seem to be popping up everywhere. I'm ok with the classy, mistletoe or Christmas tree ones - but NO SNOWMEN. Honestly - if I wanted a 24 piece place setting of Frosty, I'd have bought it when I was a kid. Apologies to anyone who actually likes that stuff. It's just not me. On the dishes side also, I heard a mother say to her kid today, "don't touch that, it's breakable, you touch and it breaks, it's glass and if you break it, I have to pay for it!" (Mind you, her voice got more and more shrill as she went on.)
The best part of my day was my trek to Ingebretsen's in Minneapolis - it's hard to not drool over everything. The beautifully painted (and probably mass produced) dala horses, the rosemaled dishes, and hand made nissen all make me wish I was grown up and had somewhere to put stuff like that. Someday.
And now, since I am done, I can sit on my couch, enjoy my Christmas tree, some wine and relax. I'm exhausted from schlepping all over town today and will not go out tomorrow. Naomi is in charge of the rest of it. And she's in charge of wrapping stuff. :) I think tomorrow will be a day to make Christmas treats for the family.
Quote o' the day:
"Isn't it funny that at Christmas something in you gets so lonely for - I don't know what exactly, but it's something that you don't mind so much not having at other times." ~Kate L. Bosher
The mall was absolutely crazy today and as I darted through the Christmas shoppers, I was amazed to see that though I didn't think it was possible, Christmas has become even more commercial than in years past. All of the stores have their special 'Christmas wares' - you know what I'm talking about. At Target the boxes are red and have the word 'holiday' somewhere on them, and inevitably, the price somewhere as well. There are 'lists' of each stores special gift items, plus items that are sure to be a hit as stocking stuffers. You can even buy them pre-wrapped.
It's a little bit ridiculous. Now, I will admit that I do love Christmas. I love getting gifts for people and seeing them smile when they open the festive looking package. However, one of my holiday pet-peeves are those people, who, laden with bags, stop 'because there's another sale table over there - did you see it? we've got to go and look.' They buy for the sake of buying. Sales are infectious. You think you're saving money, but really, we just increase our spending every year a little bit more because the sales are all that much better.
Other things that drive me nuts? Clearly, today, tomorrow and Monday are when the last-minute shoppers are out. Clearly, I don't want to be wasting my time getting stuck behind the meanderers that have all the time in the world, seemingly. Also - people who swoop in and take your parking spot from the other side even though you have your blinker on. I also really dislike sales people that comment on your purchases as if they were in on the secret (even though I suppose they technically are).
On the humorous side - the absolutely hideous holiday dishes that seem to be popping up everywhere. I'm ok with the classy, mistletoe or Christmas tree ones - but NO SNOWMEN. Honestly - if I wanted a 24 piece place setting of Frosty, I'd have bought it when I was a kid. Apologies to anyone who actually likes that stuff. It's just not me. On the dishes side also, I heard a mother say to her kid today, "don't touch that, it's breakable, you touch and it breaks, it's glass and if you break it, I have to pay for it!" (Mind you, her voice got more and more shrill as she went on.)
The best part of my day was my trek to Ingebretsen's in Minneapolis - it's hard to not drool over everything. The beautifully painted (and probably mass produced) dala horses, the rosemaled dishes, and hand made nissen all make me wish I was grown up and had somewhere to put stuff like that. Someday.
And now, since I am done, I can sit on my couch, enjoy my Christmas tree, some wine and relax. I'm exhausted from schlepping all over town today and will not go out tomorrow. Naomi is in charge of the rest of it. And she's in charge of wrapping stuff. :) I think tomorrow will be a day to make Christmas treats for the family.
Quote o' the day:
"Isn't it funny that at Christmas something in you gets so lonely for - I don't know what exactly, but it's something that you don't mind so much not having at other times." ~Kate L. Bosher
12.14.2007
I know what I know
Friends, the following was a part of The Writer's Almanac today. The whole poem is really good, so if you are interested in seeing it, click the link above. However - these last few lines really stood out to me and I felt the need to post them here for you to see. It's stunning!
Goodbye good friends. Alas,
some goodbyes are like death;
they bring the heart to earth
and teach it how to die.
Earth, here we come again,
we're going out to grass.
Think of us now and then,
we'll think of you. Goodbye.
From: "Farewell to Teaching" by George Johnston, from The Essential George Johnston. © The Porcupine's Quill, 2007.
Goodbye good friends. Alas,
some goodbyes are like death;
they bring the heart to earth
and teach it how to die.
Earth, here we come again,
we're going out to grass.
Think of us now and then,
we'll think of you. Goodbye.
From: "Farewell to Teaching" by George Johnston, from The Essential George Johnston. © The Porcupine's Quill, 2007.
12.09.2007
Can’t take a good day without a bad one
So today, i got ridiculously excited about Christmas and all that. I found a couple of recipes for candy that I wanted to try and I decided to make some bread too. The bread was just kind of a random, I want to make my own bread thing (Molasses Whole Wheat). It turned out deliciously.
The candy, however, was a different story. Let me preface this whole thing by saying that when we were little, my parents used to make a big deal out of Christmas. We used to spend a day making sugar cookies, gingerbread cookies and frosting them as a family. My dad used to make tons of candy and cookies and we'd get to help him with it. Now, not so much. So today I decided was going to be my day. I found a recipe for peppermint bark (really easy to make) and good too. The caramels, not so much. My caramels look like caramel sauce with a skin on the top of them. Sad. I'll have to try again and be more patient.
At any rate, that's the story of today.
Is it Christmas break yet?
"In journalism, there has always been a tension between getting it first and getting it right." - Ellen Goodman
The candy, however, was a different story. Let me preface this whole thing by saying that when we were little, my parents used to make a big deal out of Christmas. We used to spend a day making sugar cookies, gingerbread cookies and frosting them as a family. My dad used to make tons of candy and cookies and we'd get to help him with it. Now, not so much. So today I decided was going to be my day. I found a recipe for peppermint bark (really easy to make) and good too. The caramels, not so much. My caramels look like caramel sauce with a skin on the top of them. Sad. I'll have to try again and be more patient.
At any rate, that's the story of today.
Is it Christmas break yet?
"In journalism, there has always been a tension between getting it first and getting it right." - Ellen Goodman
12.08.2007
the future comes right ’round to haunt me
And one more C.S. Lewis quote for you all.
ONE more class left.
Quote o' the day (for my FRIENDS):
"Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art... It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival." - C.S. Lewis
ONE more class left.
Quote o' the day (for my FRIENDS):
"Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art... It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival." - C.S. Lewis
12.02.2007
got me looking so crazy right now
After hibernating this weekend because of the snow, I'll be ready to get back to work. But, it's been a great weekend. Why? Because yesterday, Naomi and I went on some errands to stock up for the weekend. Pizza, beer, cheese and wine, movies. And a shovel - the last one at Home Depot, in fact.
Today, I spent the day listening to MPR, reading, eating said pizza and drinking beer, watching the Vikings game. Then we decided to put up our tree. After getting it out of our dusty basement, putting it up, we decided it was kind of pathetic. So we went and got a real tree. We always had real ones growing up and it's exciting to have it here. It smells like fir tree, and once the branches settle, we'll get to decorate. Yay! Plus, I made Mexican hot chocolate last night and it was delicious! The other best part? Not having to go out, get ready and all that.
And now, back to the real world, because I've got to revise my paper and read a book for class on Wednesday. TWO classes left.
Quote o' the day:
"We do not truly see light, we only see slower things lit by it, so that for us light is on the edge--the last thing we know before things become too swift for us." C.S. Lewis
Today, I spent the day listening to MPR, reading, eating said pizza and drinking beer, watching the Vikings game. Then we decided to put up our tree. After getting it out of our dusty basement, putting it up, we decided it was kind of pathetic. So we went and got a real tree. We always had real ones growing up and it's exciting to have it here. It smells like fir tree, and once the branches settle, we'll get to decorate. Yay! Plus, I made Mexican hot chocolate last night and it was delicious! The other best part? Not having to go out, get ready and all that.
And now, back to the real world, because I've got to revise my paper and read a book for class on Wednesday. TWO classes left.
Quote o' the day:
"We do not truly see light, we only see slower things lit by it, so that for us light is on the edge--the last thing we know before things become too swift for us." C.S. Lewis
11.28.2007
pain’s the only way to happiness
Oh I've got a rant, friends. So be prepared.
Yesterday and today, I used precious vacation hours to work on this stupid paper. I had The Collected Letters of C.S. Lewis: Volume III Fed-Ex'ed to my house. I wrote, I bitched, I wrote. I drove to two different libraries in search of books, I scrambled and fought for parking spaces where there were none.
I spent five dollars and wasted 64 sheets of paper on copies of my paper for our critique groups tonight. I worried, I stressed, I ate. I stress-ate.
I drank eight cups of coffee. Today.
I stressed some more.
And we had only a half an hour to discuss our papers. I did not get my one-on-one with the professor to find out exactly what it was I needed to do since I missed class. I did not need eight copies of my paper. And I did not need to stress.
Why? Because we only looked at the first f***ing paragraph.
So yes. I'm not in a good place right now. You'd better believe that this professor will get a less than savory performance review from me when this class is over.
(Abs, I'm sorry I didn't call you, but I was too busy fuming on my way home to do anything except sing along to angry Fiona Apple songs.)
End rant.
Now, a plea. If you believe in a higher power that looks after animals, think good thoughts for Zorro tomorrow. He is getting his teeth cleaned. And I have to admit, I'm nervous. Updates to follow, surely.
Quote o' the day (we'll be done with C.S. Lewis when I have turned in this paper):
"Experience: that most brutal of teachers. But you learn, my God do you learn." - C.S. Lewis
Yesterday and today, I used precious vacation hours to work on this stupid paper. I had The Collected Letters of C.S. Lewis: Volume III Fed-Ex'ed to my house. I wrote, I bitched, I wrote. I drove to two different libraries in search of books, I scrambled and fought for parking spaces where there were none.
I spent five dollars and wasted 64 sheets of paper on copies of my paper for our critique groups tonight. I worried, I stressed, I ate. I stress-ate.
I drank eight cups of coffee. Today.
I stressed some more.
And we had only a half an hour to discuss our papers. I did not get my one-on-one with the professor to find out exactly what it was I needed to do since I missed class. I did not need eight copies of my paper. And I did not need to stress.
Why? Because we only looked at the first f***ing paragraph.
So yes. I'm not in a good place right now. You'd better believe that this professor will get a less than savory performance review from me when this class is over.
(Abs, I'm sorry I didn't call you, but I was too busy fuming on my way home to do anything except sing along to angry Fiona Apple songs.)
End rant.
Now, a plea. If you believe in a higher power that looks after animals, think good thoughts for Zorro tomorrow. He is getting his teeth cleaned. And I have to admit, I'm nervous. Updates to follow, surely.
Quote o' the day (we'll be done with C.S. Lewis when I have turned in this paper):
"Experience: that most brutal of teachers. But you learn, my God do you learn." - C.S. Lewis
11.26.2007
When I looked for you I almost passed you by
The Chronicles of Narnia are good books.
But may be ruined forever for me because of this paper that I must write. C.S. Lewis is endlessly fascinating. If I were writing a paper on him, I'd be all set. But the publishing history of these seven books? Not so much.
But I shall plod on, because if I want to make it through the rest of this semester, I need to finish this blasted paper.
Thanksgiving was good - I was glad for the time off, as I'm sure all of you were. Time to chill out, sleep, and wear fleece pants and a sweatshirt. Because that's what I did pretty much all day Saturday and Sunday. Whilst reading said Chronicles.
I wish I had more interesting things to say, but the only thing I can share with you is this - remember the smell of libraries during finals time? Sitting in the dusty stacks, with headphones on, the smell of old books, hard work, sweat and tears. Silence that can make someone completely sane go crazy...because you know that in that silence, you've got work to do, but all you can do is sit and listen, waiting for someone else's scream of frustration when they can't find the book that they want. But you'll listen in vain, because we only scream inside our heads, hands and eyes frantically searching for that 812.92473 LD40WP book that isn't where is should be, even though it says that the book is not checked out yet. But then, you find the book, you breathe that sigh of relief, pay your library fine, and walk out to get the coffee you promised yourself when the victory was achieved.
And then the wireless doesn't work at the coffee shop.
Happy Monday, campers.
Quote o' the day:
"Far better things lie ahead than any we leave behind." - C.S. Lewis (who else?!)
But may be ruined forever for me because of this paper that I must write. C.S. Lewis is endlessly fascinating. If I were writing a paper on him, I'd be all set. But the publishing history of these seven books? Not so much.
But I shall plod on, because if I want to make it through the rest of this semester, I need to finish this blasted paper.
Thanksgiving was good - I was glad for the time off, as I'm sure all of you were. Time to chill out, sleep, and wear fleece pants and a sweatshirt. Because that's what I did pretty much all day Saturday and Sunday. Whilst reading said Chronicles.
I wish I had more interesting things to say, but the only thing I can share with you is this - remember the smell of libraries during finals time? Sitting in the dusty stacks, with headphones on, the smell of old books, hard work, sweat and tears. Silence that can make someone completely sane go crazy...because you know that in that silence, you've got work to do, but all you can do is sit and listen, waiting for someone else's scream of frustration when they can't find the book that they want. But you'll listen in vain, because we only scream inside our heads, hands and eyes frantically searching for that 812.92473 LD40WP book that isn't where is should be, even though it says that the book is not checked out yet. But then, you find the book, you breathe that sigh of relief, pay your library fine, and walk out to get the coffee you promised yourself when the victory was achieved.
And then the wireless doesn't work at the coffee shop.
Happy Monday, campers.
Quote o' the day:
"Far better things lie ahead than any we leave behind." - C.S. Lewis (who else?!)
11.22.2007
you begin to wonder why you came
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, when everyone seems to be in a good mood and people are cordial to each other, even if they don't know each other, I feel compelled to write a little something about what I am thankful for. Mostly, I'm thankful for the people that are in my life. Those people that care about the little details, the people that know what goes on in my everyday life and the people that maybe don't, but care enough to send an email or give a call. We can all be thankful for family and friends, but I wanted to take a moment to actually recognize things I appreciate about all of you:
1. You listen. You listen to all my psychotic ramblings about stupid things that you've probably heard me talk about a million times and don't bother telling me so. Thank you - it's very gentle of you to not point out my small obsessions.
2. You tell me things about you. We all get so entrenched in day to day activities, that sometimes, we need someone else's life to shake us out of our own self-absorbedness (yes, I made up that word just now).
3. You make me laugh. Even if it's just something stupid, I appreciate that.
Those are just a few that encompass all of you, but there are many small, individual things that make each of you important to me in different ways. (I'm starting to sound a little weepy, so I'll quit with that tangent...)
Other things I'm thankful for? Traffic cops (I'm serious!), my health, good books, snow, good music, coffee and those extra few minutes when I actually feel like I can make dinner, sit down and eat it. I'm thankful for intelligent people who tell me things that I don't know. I'm thankful for people that don't think the same way that I do. I'm thankful for the white lies that people tell me that make my day better, even though they may not be 100% accurate or true. And I'm thankful for opportunities. Even if I don't take them, they are still there. And who knows, maybe one of these days, I'll work up enough courage to actually do those things.
I could list so many more, but I need to keep an eye on my squash.
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you. I hope you get good food, rest, and time with those that you love.
Quote o' the day:
"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." -John Fitzgerald Kennedy
1. You listen. You listen to all my psychotic ramblings about stupid things that you've probably heard me talk about a million times and don't bother telling me so. Thank you - it's very gentle of you to not point out my small obsessions.
2. You tell me things about you. We all get so entrenched in day to day activities, that sometimes, we need someone else's life to shake us out of our own self-absorbedness (yes, I made up that word just now).
3. You make me laugh. Even if it's just something stupid, I appreciate that.
Those are just a few that encompass all of you, but there are many small, individual things that make each of you important to me in different ways. (I'm starting to sound a little weepy, so I'll quit with that tangent...)
Other things I'm thankful for? Traffic cops (I'm serious!), my health, good books, snow, good music, coffee and those extra few minutes when I actually feel like I can make dinner, sit down and eat it. I'm thankful for intelligent people who tell me things that I don't know. I'm thankful for people that don't think the same way that I do. I'm thankful for the white lies that people tell me that make my day better, even though they may not be 100% accurate or true. And I'm thankful for opportunities. Even if I don't take them, they are still there. And who knows, maybe one of these days, I'll work up enough courage to actually do those things.
I could list so many more, but I need to keep an eye on my squash.
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you. I hope you get good food, rest, and time with those that you love.
Quote o' the day:
"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." -John Fitzgerald Kennedy
11.17.2007
ain’t nobody that can sing like me
I realize this is my second pointless post of the day, but... things to note.
Ok. That's all.
- The Mall of America is scary.
- Dating websites ads are scary, as we've already discussed, but the latest ad I saw was for NoMoreDates.com. Umm...yeah. Scary.
- The end of daylight savings time is sad, because now it is dark so much faster. And it's only just begun.
- I'm going to a Vikings game tomorrow. And that's funny.
- Madison Badger fans are everywhere this weekend.
Ok. That's all.
it's never gonna be that simple
I said I wasn't going to do anything today. So far, I haven't.
I was talking to Marta today and she mentioned something that was on December 1st. And how that's in two weeks. Seriously? Two weeks? When did it become December?
And that's all I've got to say about that.
Quote o' the day:
"Beauty, more than bitterness, makes the heart break." - Sara Teasdale
I was talking to Marta today and she mentioned something that was on December 1st. And how that's in two weeks. Seriously? Two weeks? When did it become December?
And that's all I've got to say about that.
Quote o' the day:
"Beauty, more than bitterness, makes the heart break." - Sara Teasdale
11.15.2007
you make me smile, please stay for awhile
San Diego was great - a really good change of scenery.
To sum up:
1. Daylight savings time affects CA too.
2. Dodge Calibers are a little ridiculous.
3. I'm not good at driving up really scary steep hills...my palms sweat. A LOT.
4. Colleen and I were total higher ed marketing geeks. We learned a lot, but mostly, we got a chance to meet people and say, hey, I'm having that same problem!
5. I got to see the actual Dead Sea Scrolls. It was amazing.
6. I get seasick. A lot.
7. My aunt is pretty damn cool.
8. I'm not good at public speaking.
And for my random music/writing plug of the night, I would suggest you all go and check out Alison Krauss and Robert Plant's collaboration, Raising Sand. Rolling Stone gives it 3.5 stars (click here to read the RS review), but I give it 4.5. It's an unlikely duo that ends up being pretty freaking awesome.
On a side note, do you ever wish you could just blurt out what you really want to say without having to think about the consequences?
Quote o' the day:
"Those who agree with us may not be right, but we admire their astuteness." - Cullen Hightower
To sum up:
1. Daylight savings time affects CA too.
2. Dodge Calibers are a little ridiculous.
3. I'm not good at driving up really scary steep hills...my palms sweat. A LOT.
4. Colleen and I were total higher ed marketing geeks. We learned a lot, but mostly, we got a chance to meet people and say, hey, I'm having that same problem!
5. I got to see the actual Dead Sea Scrolls. It was amazing.
6. I get seasick. A lot.
7. My aunt is pretty damn cool.
8. I'm not good at public speaking.
And for my random music/writing plug of the night, I would suggest you all go and check out Alison Krauss and Robert Plant's collaboration, Raising Sand. Rolling Stone gives it 3.5 stars (click here to read the RS review), but I give it 4.5. It's an unlikely duo that ends up being pretty freaking awesome.
On a side note, do you ever wish you could just blurt out what you really want to say without having to think about the consequences?
Quote o' the day:
"Those who agree with us may not be right, but we admire their astuteness." - Cullen Hightower
11.08.2007
it was the summer of my discontent
I got to work this morning at 7:15.
I will be relying on LOTS of coffee today and a little help from my friends. I actually had something to say, but somewhere between here and work and now, I forgot what it was.
Maybe it was the fact that I do believe today that we've yet to have a hard frost, except the kind of frost that is just enough so that you have to scrape off your window shield in the morning. And it's NOVEMBER 8th. It's insane. I'm sure you are all remembering last fall when I was complaining of the lateness of the snow. Maybe it's because this fall has flown by and I've not really gotten a chance to experience it, or maybe I'm adjusting to this 'new' MN weather, but this fall/early winter, I'm not minding the beautiful weather. In fact, it can go on for as long as it wants.
Happy Thursday. And I hope you all got more sleep than I did.
Quote o' the day:
"The trouble about trying to make yourself stupider than you really are is that you very often succeed." - C.S. Lewis, English essayist & juvenile novelist (1898 - 1963)
I will be relying on LOTS of coffee today and a little help from my friends. I actually had something to say, but somewhere between here and work and now, I forgot what it was.
Maybe it was the fact that I do believe today that we've yet to have a hard frost, except the kind of frost that is just enough so that you have to scrape off your window shield in the morning. And it's NOVEMBER 8th. It's insane. I'm sure you are all remembering last fall when I was complaining of the lateness of the snow. Maybe it's because this fall has flown by and I've not really gotten a chance to experience it, or maybe I'm adjusting to this 'new' MN weather, but this fall/early winter, I'm not minding the beautiful weather. In fact, it can go on for as long as it wants.
Happy Thursday. And I hope you all got more sleep than I did.
Quote o' the day:
"The trouble about trying to make yourself stupider than you really are is that you very often succeed." - C.S. Lewis, English essayist & juvenile novelist (1898 - 1963)
11.07.2007
take me the way I am
So I had way too many ideas about what I had to say today, so this might be a big conglomerate of randomness.
Many of you have asked how the procedure went on Monday (thanks!) - it went fine, I don't really remember any of it, but apparently, they couldn't see any problems with the naked eye, but I have to wait for the biopsy, which should be in seven to ten days. (On a side note, when did we become a seven to ten day society? Everything is seven to ten business days. Seriously.) So, as far as they're concerned, I've done all these tests, etc. only to find out that I do not, to their basic knowledge, have any sort of malabsorption problem with the gluten products. Not that I'm wishing it on myself, but I would rather have an answer than have to do more medical tests.
Chivalry at the grocery store is a very big thing, I've decided. Last night I wanted to make some soup to have for the week, along with brownies for one of the 'old guard' of SMU because he's been so helpful, and obviously, needed to make a trip to my local grocery store. I ended up going to the Cub because it was on my way from where I was coming even though I get turned around and they don't have as good a selection. However. As I got in line, the guy in front of me, (who was buying so many juice boxes, I couldn't even count), not only made sure that there was enough room for me to unload my stuff, but actually took my brimming basket from my hands and put it up on the conveyor for me. I've decided that since chivalry has gone by the wayside, a gesture like that is actually very romantic. He even put the divider up between our groceries. Where are these chivalrous grocery store men and how do I find them?! Apparently, I need to go to that Cub more often!
As of class tonight, I'm actually kind of enjoying it. (Now that we only have four classes left.) Tonight we talked about literary magazines, which I absolutely adore, for no other reason than that I worked on one and it was a great experience. Also, my book review that we had to write for class last week is going to be published in the next issue of Rain Taxi! Which is pretty awesome.
A few random wrap-up points:
Happy trails, campers.
Quote o' the day:
"When I was younger, I could remember anything, whether it had happened or not." - Mark Twain, US humorist, novelist, short story author, & wit (1835 - 1910)
Many of you have asked how the procedure went on Monday (thanks!) - it went fine, I don't really remember any of it, but apparently, they couldn't see any problems with the naked eye, but I have to wait for the biopsy, which should be in seven to ten days. (On a side note, when did we become a seven to ten day society? Everything is seven to ten business days. Seriously.) So, as far as they're concerned, I've done all these tests, etc. only to find out that I do not, to their basic knowledge, have any sort of malabsorption problem with the gluten products. Not that I'm wishing it on myself, but I would rather have an answer than have to do more medical tests.
Chivalry at the grocery store is a very big thing, I've decided. Last night I wanted to make some soup to have for the week, along with brownies for one of the 'old guard' of SMU because he's been so helpful, and obviously, needed to make a trip to my local grocery store. I ended up going to the Cub because it was on my way from where I was coming even though I get turned around and they don't have as good a selection. However. As I got in line, the guy in front of me, (who was buying so many juice boxes, I couldn't even count), not only made sure that there was enough room for me to unload my stuff, but actually took my brimming basket from my hands and put it up on the conveyor for me. I've decided that since chivalry has gone by the wayside, a gesture like that is actually very romantic. He even put the divider up between our groceries. Where are these chivalrous grocery store men and how do I find them?! Apparently, I need to go to that Cub more often!
As of class tonight, I'm actually kind of enjoying it. (Now that we only have four classes left.) Tonight we talked about literary magazines, which I absolutely adore, for no other reason than that I worked on one and it was a great experience. Also, my book review that we had to write for class last week is going to be published in the next issue of Rain Taxi! Which is pretty awesome.
A few random wrap-up points:
- I succumbed to the lure of the peanut butter M&M's tonight. They were damn good.
- My sister bought a HUGE box of kettle corn from a coworker's boy scout. Does anyone want a bag or two?
- Brownies make everything better.
- The Anoka-Hennepin levy passed, so my dad will continue to be a teacher.
- If you didn't vote yesterday, you should feel bad. At my precinct, I was only the 107th voter. That is a disgrace. Voting may be a little like flossing, we don't want to do it, but it is EXTREMELY important.
- If you haven't heard of the poet Sara Teasdale and enjoy poetry, check her out. She was one of the rocking women poets of the early 1900's and writes positively luminously.
Happy trails, campers.
Quote o' the day:
"When I was younger, I could remember anything, whether it had happened or not." - Mark Twain, US humorist, novelist, short story author, & wit (1835 - 1910)
11.04.2007
losing love is like a window in your heart
Happy Sunday, everyone. It was a beautiful weekend and now, well, it's almost over.
I've spent my weekend catching up with old friends, catching up on myself and doing laundry. It hasn't been the most fun weekend, but certainly productive and I feel as if I've accomplished a lot.
Today, Steve and I walked around St. Paul along Summit Ave. I haven't spent that much time over there and it was absolutely beautiful. All those old homes, the sunshine and fall leaves, combined with excellent company, was just what I needed. We had a lot to catch up on.
It was, finally, the perfect fall day.
Tomorrow, I will hopefully find out about the celiacs, finally, so wish me luck. And hopefully, I will not get sick. The rest of this week promises to be extremely busy, and we have our orchestra concert next weekend. And then it's off to San Diego.
I hope that everyone has a fantastic week.
Quote o' the day:
"Why is it that our memory is good enough to retain the least triviality that happens to us, and yet not good enough to recollect how often we have told it to the same person?" - Francois de La Rochefoucauld, French author & moralist (1613 - 1680)
I've spent my weekend catching up with old friends, catching up on myself and doing laundry. It hasn't been the most fun weekend, but certainly productive and I feel as if I've accomplished a lot.
Today, Steve and I walked around St. Paul along Summit Ave. I haven't spent that much time over there and it was absolutely beautiful. All those old homes, the sunshine and fall leaves, combined with excellent company, was just what I needed. We had a lot to catch up on.
It was, finally, the perfect fall day.
Tomorrow, I will hopefully find out about the celiacs, finally, so wish me luck. And hopefully, I will not get sick. The rest of this week promises to be extremely busy, and we have our orchestra concert next weekend. And then it's off to San Diego.
I hope that everyone has a fantastic week.
Quote o' the day:
"Why is it that our memory is good enough to retain the least triviality that happens to us, and yet not good enough to recollect how often we have told it to the same person?" - Francois de La Rochefoucauld, French author & moralist (1613 - 1680)
10.29.2007
I couldn’t get a clear view
Note to self: making that many cookies is dangerous.
I tried to stop and buy a violin string today. Givens isn't open on Monday. Seeing as how I'd already paid to park, I called my sister and we went out. It was fun. I sometimes think that we'd be even closer if we didn't live together. Like now.
Two days left here and then I will be in my own bed again. I can't wait.
And now I need to write.
Happy Halloween week, kiddos.
Quote o' the day:
"There are lots of ways of being miserable, but there's only one way of being comfortable, and that is to stop running round after happiness. If you make up your mind not to be happy there's no reason why you shouldn't have a fairly good time." - Edith Wharton
I tried to stop and buy a violin string today. Givens isn't open on Monday. Seeing as how I'd already paid to park, I called my sister and we went out. It was fun. I sometimes think that we'd be even closer if we didn't live together. Like now.
Two days left here and then I will be in my own bed again. I can't wait.
And now I need to write.
Happy Halloween week, kiddos.
Quote o' the day:
"There are lots of ways of being miserable, but there's only one way of being comfortable, and that is to stop running round after happiness. If you make up your mind not to be happy there's no reason why you shouldn't have a fairly good time." - Edith Wharton
what goes around...
So much for an exciting World Series.
What happened to the thrill of October baseball?
Quote o' the day (OK, so I wanted a quote about Mondays, and this one was about Mondays AND baseball...perfect!):
"MONDAY, n. In Christian countries, the day after the baseball game." - Ambrose Bierce (American Writer, Journalist and Editor, 1842-1914)
What happened to the thrill of October baseball?
Quote o' the day (OK, so I wanted a quote about Mondays, and this one was about Mondays AND baseball...perfect!):
"MONDAY, n. In Christian countries, the day after the baseball game." - Ambrose Bierce (American Writer, Journalist and Editor, 1842-1914)
10.28.2007
Shouldn’t it be that easy to just be happy
Things to note.
There will be no pictures from my trek out to William O'Brien with Alison and Ben, because I couldn't find my camera. Alison is holding the picture of us hostage on her camera. But it was a beautiful day and we had fun (though we did not see any deer or frogs as the trail map told us we would). We stopped at the Village Scoop in Marine on St. Croix on our way back (I LOVE the mint chip...).
For those of you that actually like my dorky stories, I will share this one with you. As most of you probably know, we are in the midst of our fall rehearsals for orchestra. Since I've been house sitting, I've got loads of time to practice and no one around to care when I do it. So I've been really gung ho about my violin this week. My E string was kind of worn, so I ordered a new set of strings so I could replace all four of them. Of course, the string that I needed to replace the most was the E (also, in my opinion, the hardest to change). Wouldn't you know that I got over zealous with the peg, forgot about the fine tuner and it snapped. So I had to put the old one back on. I'll have to stop at Given's tomorrow on my way home from work. A quick plug for our concert on Nov. 10th. You should all come, because you will rarely get to hear a tuba concerto. And because the Tchaikovsky 4th is pretty awesome. If you want more details, let me know.
And also to note that I made 10 dozen cookies today. I wanted to make cookies for our meeting tomorrow and got excited about having extras. So I made two batches of the Nestle Tollhouse cookies, not realizing that they make about 5 dozen each. Whoops. Chocolate chip cookies anyone?
The Rockies just got a run and now are only behind by one... things could actually get exciting!
Quote o' the day:
"There are two golden rules for an orchestra: start together and finish together. The public doesn't give a damn what goes on in between." - Sir Thomas Beecham
There will be no pictures from my trek out to William O'Brien with Alison and Ben, because I couldn't find my camera. Alison is holding the picture of us hostage on her camera. But it was a beautiful day and we had fun (though we did not see any deer or frogs as the trail map told us we would). We stopped at the Village Scoop in Marine on St. Croix on our way back (I LOVE the mint chip...).
For those of you that actually like my dorky stories, I will share this one with you. As most of you probably know, we are in the midst of our fall rehearsals for orchestra. Since I've been house sitting, I've got loads of time to practice and no one around to care when I do it. So I've been really gung ho about my violin this week. My E string was kind of worn, so I ordered a new set of strings so I could replace all four of them. Of course, the string that I needed to replace the most was the E (also, in my opinion, the hardest to change). Wouldn't you know that I got over zealous with the peg, forgot about the fine tuner and it snapped. So I had to put the old one back on. I'll have to stop at Given's tomorrow on my way home from work. A quick plug for our concert on Nov. 10th. You should all come, because you will rarely get to hear a tuba concerto. And because the Tchaikovsky 4th is pretty awesome. If you want more details, let me know.
And also to note that I made 10 dozen cookies today. I wanted to make cookies for our meeting tomorrow and got excited about having extras. So I made two batches of the Nestle Tollhouse cookies, not realizing that they make about 5 dozen each. Whoops. Chocolate chip cookies anyone?
The Rockies just got a run and now are only behind by one... things could actually get exciting!
Quote o' the day:
"There are two golden rules for an orchestra: start together and finish together. The public doesn't give a damn what goes on in between." - Sir Thomas Beecham
10.27.2007
I try to stay busy...
The sun is shining, the sky is blue and the tree are beautiful - I'm going hiking and I couldn't be more thrilled. There will be photos forthcoming.
Enjoy the day, friends.
Quote o' the day:
"The leaves fall patiently
Nothing remembers or grieves
The river takes to the sea
The yellow drift of leaves." - Sara Teasdale
Enjoy the day, friends.
Quote o' the day:
"The leaves fall patiently
Nothing remembers or grieves
The river takes to the sea
The yellow drift of leaves." - Sara Teasdale
10.25.2007
I need something to believe in
There are moments, days, when I find myself overwhelmed by beauty in everyday things and by simple acts of kindness that come so unexpectedly at a moment that you need it the most.
Today as I was cleaning up my dishes from dinner, I looked out the window and the moon was so beautiful that it absolutely took my breath away. A full moon, or almost full, it was high up in the dusky blue sky, with grays and purples and pinks below it. Framed with fall foliage of various colors, I stopped. Tonight, on my way home from a reading, I saw a shooting star. It completely overwhelmed me.
Couple that with the fact that this reading I went to at Magers & Quinn, of a poet who has just written a beautiful book of poems about living in the country and about her step-son going to war and I just find myself needing to take a deep breath and let these things wash over me.
Two recommendations for the evening:
Dan Wilson's new CD, Free Life, is fabulous. For those of you that are familiar with Semisonic, he was the lead singer and has just now released his solo album. The link above goes to the story they did in the Star Tribune that is almost as fabulous as the CD itself.
The poet that I went to see was Ann Iverson. The poems were beautiful and incredibly emotional, without being overly political. Check out her book, Definite Space. If you like poetry, you won't be sorry.
Quote o' the day:
"This moment contains all moments." - C.S. Lewis, (British Scholar and Novelist. 1898-1963)
Today as I was cleaning up my dishes from dinner, I looked out the window and the moon was so beautiful that it absolutely took my breath away. A full moon, or almost full, it was high up in the dusky blue sky, with grays and purples and pinks below it. Framed with fall foliage of various colors, I stopped. Tonight, on my way home from a reading, I saw a shooting star. It completely overwhelmed me.
Couple that with the fact that this reading I went to at Magers & Quinn, of a poet who has just written a beautiful book of poems about living in the country and about her step-son going to war and I just find myself needing to take a deep breath and let these things wash over me.
Two recommendations for the evening:
Dan Wilson's new CD, Free Life, is fabulous. For those of you that are familiar with Semisonic, he was the lead singer and has just now released his solo album. The link above goes to the story they did in the Star Tribune that is almost as fabulous as the CD itself.
The poet that I went to see was Ann Iverson. The poems were beautiful and incredibly emotional, without being overly political. Check out her book, Definite Space. If you like poetry, you won't be sorry.
Quote o' the day:
"This moment contains all moments." - C.S. Lewis, (British Scholar and Novelist. 1898-1963)
10.22.2007
home alone tonight, nothing brings me down
If anyone gets the song from my title tonight - I will buy them a drink (that's if you're in the near area...).
This weekend was pretty darn good. Even orchestra was ok - despite all of the yelling at that we got because we were wasting time with mistakes. But, we had a good time Saturday and Saturday night - good food, games and just general relaxing. And no sasquatches. And my cake turned out pretty good despite the mess that I made while making it.
Now to read a book, write a review on it and practice.
Ooh... and I finished the NY Times crossword puzzle today. I think I may have never actually been able to do that by myself until today. :) (I did look up a few things, but whatever.)
I did actually have something to tell you, friends - but I do not, at this moment remember what it was. So sleep well tonight and hopefully, tomorrow is as beautiful as it was today.
Quote o' the day:
"He who hesitates is a damned fool." - Mae West
This weekend was pretty darn good. Even orchestra was ok - despite all of the yelling at that we got because we were wasting time with mistakes. But, we had a good time Saturday and Saturday night - good food, games and just general relaxing. And no sasquatches. And my cake turned out pretty good despite the mess that I made while making it.
Now to read a book, write a review on it and practice.
Ooh... and I finished the NY Times crossword puzzle today. I think I may have never actually been able to do that by myself until today. :) (I did look up a few things, but whatever.)
I did actually have something to tell you, friends - but I do not, at this moment remember what it was. So sleep well tonight and hopefully, tomorrow is as beautiful as it was today.
Quote o' the day:
"He who hesitates is a damned fool." - Mae West
10.18.2007
and i’m falling but i’m not dreaming
Today as I drove to work, my windshield got splashed numerous times with large amounts of water as other cars hit large puddles that collect in the large potholes and uneven roads that wend their way through NE. And even though I know that the glass protects me from the water - that there is no way that it will hit me, I shrink back, I blink and am amazed each time that I am still fully dry. It's the same way those few times that I sit behind home plate at the Twins' games. I know that the net will catch those lightning fast foul balls that fly backwards and threaten to knock someone unconscious, but I react, instinctively shielding myself from the ball.
Instinct. Reflex. They protect us in so many situations that could be harmful. We know, instinctively when there is something that might knock us down and keep us down. But how do we keep ourselves from over-reacting to something that might go either way. In our lives, we encounter situations in our professional lives, our 'friend' lives, and in our love relationships that turn out badly. Maybe more than once. How do we discern these good situations from the bad? When do we shut out the instinctive voice in our head that says - watch out, you're going to get drenched, get out of way? Because maybe, this time, it will be different.
You can't turn off instinct. And if your reflexes don't work, you may have something physically wrong with you. But you can, when there is the slightest chance that things will turn out different, open yourself up to that possibility and embrace it. Yeah, you might get drenched, but it might be the kind of water-soaking that only comes with a really good rain. The kind that hits you when you're standing in the cul de sac and swimming in a puddle in the middle of the storm.
On a side note, today was a pretty shitty, craptastic day. But it turned out all right in the end and I'm tired enough where I might just be able to sleep in this huge house tonight.
Tomorrow is Friday. TGIF.
Quote o' the day:
"Telling us to obey instinct is like telling us to obey "people." People say different things: so do instincts. Our instincts are at war.... Each instinct, if you listen to it, will claim to be gratified at the expense of the rest...." - C.S. Lewis, (British Scholar and Novelist. 1898-1963)
Instinct. Reflex. They protect us in so many situations that could be harmful. We know, instinctively when there is something that might knock us down and keep us down. But how do we keep ourselves from over-reacting to something that might go either way. In our lives, we encounter situations in our professional lives, our 'friend' lives, and in our love relationships that turn out badly. Maybe more than once. How do we discern these good situations from the bad? When do we shut out the instinctive voice in our head that says - watch out, you're going to get drenched, get out of way? Because maybe, this time, it will be different.
You can't turn off instinct. And if your reflexes don't work, you may have something physically wrong with you. But you can, when there is the slightest chance that things will turn out different, open yourself up to that possibility and embrace it. Yeah, you might get drenched, but it might be the kind of water-soaking that only comes with a really good rain. The kind that hits you when you're standing in the cul de sac and swimming in a puddle in the middle of the storm.
On a side note, today was a pretty shitty, craptastic day. But it turned out all right in the end and I'm tired enough where I might just be able to sleep in this huge house tonight.
Tomorrow is Friday. TGIF.
Quote o' the day:
"Telling us to obey instinct is like telling us to obey "people." People say different things: so do instincts. Our instincts are at war.... Each instinct, if you listen to it, will claim to be gratified at the expense of the rest...." - C.S. Lewis, (British Scholar and Novelist. 1898-1963)
10.15.2007
even I’m getting tired of useless desires
I'm supposed to be writing a paper right now, and as usual, I've gotten myself so freaked out about that blank word document that I can't make myself get started.
The other part of it is that this professor has ground all of any will or excitement I had for this class by being a pill about our papers. I think our entire class is worried about how this next paper will turn out, grade wise.
So what have I done tonight? Made cookies, had dinner, read a lot on the subject of my paper, but so far, no actual writing. I've got my MLA books out and am all ready to go. This is why I never write at home. I can't do it - I will do ANYTHING to avoid doing it. Hence the mad cookie making.
And now I'm sitting here, waiting for that stroke of genius to hit me and then I can start writing. But for now, I have Smetana's My Country playing and can hear the clock ticking. My cup of Lipton's "Quietly Chamomile" is brewing and my sister has called me from Albuquerque at least two times and the cats want all of my attention and are getting none of it.
And now we've switched from major to minor in the Moldau theme in the Smetana...things are getting ominous. I should take this as a sign and start working on said paper ASAP.
I should also be sorry I've wasted all of your time with this blathering. Here's a funny tidbit - the ATM's at MCTC speak to you in a British accent.
We're back to major mode, but I should still sign out. Maybe now I can write about the backlist of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.
Quote o' the day:
"Generally speaking, everyone is more interesting doing nothing than doing anything." - Gertrude Stein
The other part of it is that this professor has ground all of any will or excitement I had for this class by being a pill about our papers. I think our entire class is worried about how this next paper will turn out, grade wise.
So what have I done tonight? Made cookies, had dinner, read a lot on the subject of my paper, but so far, no actual writing. I've got my MLA books out and am all ready to go. This is why I never write at home. I can't do it - I will do ANYTHING to avoid doing it. Hence the mad cookie making.
And now I'm sitting here, waiting for that stroke of genius to hit me and then I can start writing. But for now, I have Smetana's My Country playing and can hear the clock ticking. My cup of Lipton's "Quietly Chamomile" is brewing and my sister has called me from Albuquerque at least two times and the cats want all of my attention and are getting none of it.
And now we've switched from major to minor in the Moldau theme in the Smetana...things are getting ominous. I should take this as a sign and start working on said paper ASAP.
I should also be sorry I've wasted all of your time with this blathering. Here's a funny tidbit - the ATM's at MCTC speak to you in a British accent.
We're back to major mode, but I should still sign out. Maybe now I can write about the backlist of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.
Quote o' the day:
"Generally speaking, everyone is more interesting doing nothing than doing anything." - Gertrude Stein
10.11.2007
I find a fatal flaw in the logic of love...
Warning. Major griping about the grocery store ahead.
The NE Rainbow is full of U of MN students. All over the store, stopping and talking to each other in the aisles. I never noticed it before, but tonight, they were everywhere.
The lines were ridiculously long for 7:30 on a Thursday night and they were out of a lot of things that I would normally get. And for some reason, I always manage to grab the cart that doesn't drive straight. So then I end up steering all crazy all over the store.
But, it is sort of fun, because you look in their carts and they have the typical ramen noodles, soda, noodle-roni, etc. It made me smile and remember when we used to run to the ghetto Sunmart at 10 for groceries and snacks.
Ok, so maybe not major griping.
Anyone want to take a guess at the lyric today? Kudos to Lisa for guessing the Ryan Adams' lyric.
Quote o' the day:
"I have a new philosophy. I'm only going to dread one day at a time." - Charles M. Schulz, Charlie Brown in "Peanuts," US cartoonist (1922 - 2000)
The NE Rainbow is full of U of MN students. All over the store, stopping and talking to each other in the aisles. I never noticed it before, but tonight, they were everywhere.
The lines were ridiculously long for 7:30 on a Thursday night and they were out of a lot of things that I would normally get. And for some reason, I always manage to grab the cart that doesn't drive straight. So then I end up steering all crazy all over the store.
But, it is sort of fun, because you look in their carts and they have the typical ramen noodles, soda, noodle-roni, etc. It made me smile and remember when we used to run to the ghetto Sunmart at 10 for groceries and snacks.
Ok, so maybe not major griping.
Anyone want to take a guess at the lyric today? Kudos to Lisa for guessing the Ryan Adams' lyric.
Quote o' the day:
"I have a new philosophy. I'm only going to dread one day at a time." - Charles M. Schulz, Charlie Brown in "Peanuts," US cartoonist (1922 - 2000)
10.09.2007
I worked hard for every little bit I got
Ever since the 35 bridge collapsed, they've had traffic cops at every light in NE, holding our hands through the stress-inducing, rage road causing, annoying traffic. Monday they were not there. And you know what? We all made it on our own. Sure, there was traffic, but no more than usual. I actually think that it was faster. Maybe because I left my house at the insanely early time of 7:30, instead of 8, but it went ok.
And I thought, maybe, just maybe, we've gotten to the point where they can let us go. Let go of our hand and let us walk, or as the case may be, drive, on our own. But then this morning, they were back. In their bright yellow, with their whistles, hats and light sabers; waving us through red lights, stopping us at green lights and whistling severely at those who do not listen. They had yesterday off because of Columbus Day, I guess.
That begs the question, when will it end? Will we wake up, drive to work one day to find that traffic laws actually apply? Or, will they keep guiding us through what is sure to be at least the next two years of construction (if they ever actually come up with the cash and a plan) until the bridge is complete? And on a grander scale, when do we know when the appropriate time to walk away is? When do you say, I've had enough hand holding and simply let go?
But before I wax too philosophical, I need to vent. Even before the afore mentioned bridge collapsed, surely, the most detested words in all of Minnesota were, "Road Work Ahead." And now, with no other ways to go, those road signs nearly cause me to have a stroke. They have been repaving a road that is a fairly major road near my house and thus detouring traffic onto our 30 mph residential road. And now, they're finished with that, but they are working on the intersection of the two major roads also near my house. Any guesses as to where traffic is being detoured? You got it - our road. So you see, people that don't normally drive that road want to go 50 and I want to piss them off, so I go exactly the speed limit. Which is not something I'm really known for doing. Because there are often cops on the road, just waiting. And I don't know about those idiots, but I don't really need another speeding ticket.
So yes. Roads lead us to where we need to be, but what do we do when the roads aren't accessible? Or passable? I want to be the guy whizzing by all of cars, cars that stack up behind one another like rows of ladybugs in the afternoon sun. The guy who rides his scooter to work and gets to laugh at all of us suckers in our cars.
Maybe I should learn to take the bus.
Quote o' the day:
"Americans will put up with anything provided it doesn't block traffic." - Dan Rather (American TV newscaster, b.1931)
10.08.2007
I never asked you to care
Tonight we went and saw the "Global Voices" at the Guthrie and the guest was Sir Ian McKellan himself. And it was fantastic. He was humorous, kind and just generally interesting to listen to. One of those people that has lived a fantastic life and is generous enough to sit and share it with the little people.
I don't have many stories from Homecoming because it was pretty normal, not too many exciting things happened. But, Mark and I did get stopped by an older gentleman in the new campus center and he asked us where the chapel was. To which I replied, we're alumni too, I don't know where they moved it to. He just smiled and wandered off. I must look enough like a student to pass for one. The concert was good and I can't really believe the people that were there, there were so many. Almost 110 people played in the alumni orchestra.
And now I'm home and it's the second week of October and I'm pretty sure that things aren't slowing down anytime soon. They seem to be speeding by me at breakneck speed and I'm not in control any more. So I'll let go, let the dust settle and see where I come out.
Anyone want to guess where the lyric title is from this week?
Quote o' the day:
"I hate quotations. Tell me what you know." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
I don't have many stories from Homecoming because it was pretty normal, not too many exciting things happened. But, Mark and I did get stopped by an older gentleman in the new campus center and he asked us where the chapel was. To which I replied, we're alumni too, I don't know where they moved it to. He just smiled and wandered off. I must look enough like a student to pass for one. The concert was good and I can't really believe the people that were there, there were so many. Almost 110 people played in the alumni orchestra.
And now I'm home and it's the second week of October and I'm pretty sure that things aren't slowing down anytime soon. They seem to be speeding by me at breakneck speed and I'm not in control any more. So I'll let go, let the dust settle and see where I come out.
Anyone want to guess where the lyric title is from this week?
Quote o' the day:
"I hate quotations. Tell me what you know." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
10.03.2007
I never seem to do it like anybody else
Three things of note.
Today was a very long day. And here I sit on my couch eating cashews, whilst I wait for my kitchen floor to dry (finally got around to it...SO much cat hair).
First thing to note - I am incredibly lucky. I left my car window rolled down tonight during class (but locked the doors). Nothing in my car was stolen, and there was no weird person waiting in the back of my car to mug me or any other such nonsense. Which is kind of scary-lucky, because we have gotten a ton of emails about the 'security' issues on campus lately. What's even stranger is that this is the second time I've done this and not had anything stolen.
Second thing - my dryer is apparently throwing money at me. First a nickel in with my dry clothing, then a dime in with the towels, and now, a quarter in with my dry sheets. AMAZING.
Third thing is there is a song out there called " 'j' for jules." It's not even remotely related to me, lyrics wise, but I just heard it on my iTunes, and that is extremely random. Apparently, it was on the first ever Cities Sampler. It should be my new song.
And for my token reference to class/literary things, everyone should check out the Twin Cities Book Festival next Saturday (the 13th).
J is for Jules.
Quote o' the day:
"If only we'd stop trying to be happy we could have a pretty good time." - Edith Wharton US novelist (1862 - 1937)
Today was a very long day. And here I sit on my couch eating cashews, whilst I wait for my kitchen floor to dry (finally got around to it...SO much cat hair).
First thing to note - I am incredibly lucky. I left my car window rolled down tonight during class (but locked the doors). Nothing in my car was stolen, and there was no weird person waiting in the back of my car to mug me or any other such nonsense. Which is kind of scary-lucky, because we have gotten a ton of emails about the 'security' issues on campus lately. What's even stranger is that this is the second time I've done this and not had anything stolen.
Second thing - my dryer is apparently throwing money at me. First a nickel in with my dry clothing, then a dime in with the towels, and now, a quarter in with my dry sheets. AMAZING.
Third thing is there is a song out there called " 'j' for jules." It's not even remotely related to me, lyrics wise, but I just heard it on my iTunes, and that is extremely random. Apparently, it was on the first ever Cities Sampler. It should be my new song.
And for my token reference to class/literary things, everyone should check out the Twin Cities Book Festival next Saturday (the 13th).
J is for Jules.
Quote o' the day:
"If only we'd stop trying to be happy we could have a pretty good time." - Edith Wharton US novelist (1862 - 1937)
10.02.2007
fall asleep with the window open
The hosteas outside my front door are adorned with small, yellow leaves, looking as if they are blooming, the rain won't stop coming down and for the first time this fall, I put on my smartwools and drank a Shipyard Pumpkinhead Ale. It was fabulous.
After dropping off my sister (late as usual) early this morning, I made it in to work. What's that Van Morrison song? my mama told me there'd be days like this? It wasn't a truly horrible day, since there were some bright spots in between all of the meetings and general craziness. But it wasn't a good one. So here I sit. Reading my book for class tomorrow night which I am most certainly not excited about, and being a little bit lonely because it's just me and the cats. And listening to some kind of depressing Bob Dylan.
But. I do have some fun things. Like independent bookstores and how much fun they are. I had to visit Micawber's Booksellers in St. Paul for class just to get a sense of the indie feel. And I loved it. For all of you bookish people out there - they had handwritten recommendations that you knew were by Hans or Jen or whoever had hand-selected this book to be a recommendation. I bought two of them. And since it's not SO overwhelming, like Barnes and Noble, I actually got to peruse the entire store in about a half hour. I feel like that is a place I would go back to.
The other fun thing? Independent publishers like Milkweed Editions and Graywolf. Support them if you can because it is worth it. I may not like this professor very much, but I am certainly appreciating books more than I did. It takes a LOT of effort, especially if you are an unknown to get things published. So support and you will see.
And on that note - I got to meet one such author at a reading last Thursday and it was fantastic. Except my mom was disappointed that I did not use my Norwegian to thank him. Since he was Norwegian. I was too busy trying to not look like a goggly-eyed idiot when he was signing my book.
Saturday night was spent at Electric Arc Radio, which is put on by some Hamline graduates and it is fantastic. October 13th the musical guest is Storyhill, so anyone who wants to go should. It's like a new Prairie Home Companion. Ask me if you want to know more/go with me.
Sunday was the launch party for rock, paper, scissors, and I was stunned at the amount of people that turned out and at how well the magazine itself turned out. It's beautiful! I can't believe that all the work we did actually is done and that it is a finished product now.
And the Shipyard Pumpkin Ale. Fantastic. I promise it is worth the $7.95 for the six pack.
I'll be heading up to Fargo/Moorhead this weekend and hopefully running into some of you fantastic people that I miss. Because we all have news and things that we're doing that we don't share enough.
My lofty goals for the evening? In no particular order:
1. Clean our kitchen floor
2. Do a couple of loads of laundry
3. Practice my violin (might be too late for that)
4. Drink a cup of tea and take a hot bath
5. Read the rest of my book... (maybe that should be first)
Quote o' the day (yes, MORE Robert Frost):
"Happiness makes up in height for what it lacks in length." - Robert Frost
After dropping off my sister (late as usual) early this morning, I made it in to work. What's that Van Morrison song? my mama told me there'd be days like this? It wasn't a truly horrible day, since there were some bright spots in between all of the meetings and general craziness. But it wasn't a good one. So here I sit. Reading my book for class tomorrow night which I am most certainly not excited about, and being a little bit lonely because it's just me and the cats. And listening to some kind of depressing Bob Dylan.
But. I do have some fun things. Like independent bookstores and how much fun they are. I had to visit Micawber's Booksellers in St. Paul for class just to get a sense of the indie feel. And I loved it. For all of you bookish people out there - they had handwritten recommendations that you knew were by Hans or Jen or whoever had hand-selected this book to be a recommendation. I bought two of them. And since it's not SO overwhelming, like Barnes and Noble, I actually got to peruse the entire store in about a half hour. I feel like that is a place I would go back to.
The other fun thing? Independent publishers like Milkweed Editions and Graywolf. Support them if you can because it is worth it. I may not like this professor very much, but I am certainly appreciating books more than I did. It takes a LOT of effort, especially if you are an unknown to get things published. So support and you will see.
And on that note - I got to meet one such author at a reading last Thursday and it was fantastic. Except my mom was disappointed that I did not use my Norwegian to thank him. Since he was Norwegian. I was too busy trying to not look like a goggly-eyed idiot when he was signing my book.
Saturday night was spent at Electric Arc Radio, which is put on by some Hamline graduates and it is fantastic. October 13th the musical guest is Storyhill, so anyone who wants to go should. It's like a new Prairie Home Companion. Ask me if you want to know more/go with me.
Sunday was the launch party for rock, paper, scissors, and I was stunned at the amount of people that turned out and at how well the magazine itself turned out. It's beautiful! I can't believe that all the work we did actually is done and that it is a finished product now.
And the Shipyard Pumpkin Ale. Fantastic. I promise it is worth the $7.95 for the six pack.
I'll be heading up to Fargo/Moorhead this weekend and hopefully running into some of you fantastic people that I miss. Because we all have news and things that we're doing that we don't share enough.
My lofty goals for the evening? In no particular order:
1. Clean our kitchen floor
2. Do a couple of loads of laundry
3. Practice my violin (might be too late for that)
4. Drink a cup of tea and take a hot bath
5. Read the rest of my book... (maybe that should be first)
Quote o' the day (yes, MORE Robert Frost):
"Happiness makes up in height for what it lacks in length." - Robert Frost
9.24.2007
my friends, my habits, my family, they mean so much to me
Again - from a song.
See if you can guess. Hint - it's not from what I'm currently listening to.
I haven't blogged in awhile, mostly due to the major craziness with work. Yes friends, it's true. I got to take crazy boss' place! They offered me the job straight up, which was what I wanted them to do. Now I've got a little bit of a - oh my god, what did I do - thing going on, but this too, shall pass.
After our class last week, I now know what I want to do when I grow up. I want to be an editor or work at a small publishing press. However, since most of these people are in it for life and LOVE it, someone would have to die for me to get a job at one of these coveted places.
We visited Graywolf Press and got to meet four of their eight employees. They talked, we listened, we toured and were told to take a book. Just pick one. Take it right out of their review copy storeroom stash. This, friends, is precisely why I took this seemingly stupid class this semester and I'm positively thrilled and actually looking forward to class this week.
It also makes me wonder how people that are not much older than I am manage to land spectacularly cool and awesome jobs like that. But then again, my job is pretty sweet now too.
And on that note, I'm off to bed since I have decided that I want to be AT work by 7:30 tomorrow. But first, I'm writing a response paper on book buying experiences. Wahoo.
See if you can guess. Hint - it's not from what I'm currently listening to.
I haven't blogged in awhile, mostly due to the major craziness with work. Yes friends, it's true. I got to take crazy boss' place! They offered me the job straight up, which was what I wanted them to do. Now I've got a little bit of a - oh my god, what did I do - thing going on, but this too, shall pass.
After our class last week, I now know what I want to do when I grow up. I want to be an editor or work at a small publishing press. However, since most of these people are in it for life and LOVE it, someone would have to die for me to get a job at one of these coveted places.
We visited Graywolf Press and got to meet four of their eight employees. They talked, we listened, we toured and were told to take a book. Just pick one. Take it right out of their review copy storeroom stash. This, friends, is precisely why I took this seemingly stupid class this semester and I'm positively thrilled and actually looking forward to class this week.
It also makes me wonder how people that are not much older than I am manage to land spectacularly cool and awesome jobs like that. But then again, my job is pretty sweet now too.
And on that note, I'm off to bed since I have decided that I want to be AT work by 7:30 tomorrow. But first, I'm writing a response paper on book buying experiences. Wahoo.
9.12.2007
where my soul once stood
I am in disbelief about how many people have not heard of or read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.
Last week, our first week of class, we had to say what our favorite book is. I had a moment of total panic/forgetfulness/spazziness and totally forgot. Then I proceeded to run on at the mouth for about 5 minutes and now the whole class thinks I'm crazy, for sure.
But in reality, my favorite book of all time is the afore mentioned tree growing in Brooklyn. And surprisingly, many people have not read it/heard of it. And this makes me sad to no end. It is a fabulous book and one of only three that Betty Smith published. So go. Go and read it.
For those who might be curious, and even if you don't care - most of the time, my blog titles are song lyrics. If you can guess right - you might get a cookie.
All right - I'm tired and it's going to be a long two more days of the week - I swear that in my mind, it's already November.
Quote o' the day:
"We do what we must, and call it by the best names." - Ralph Waldo Emerson, US essayist & poet (1803 - 1882)
Last week, our first week of class, we had to say what our favorite book is. I had a moment of total panic/forgetfulness/spazziness and totally forgot. Then I proceeded to run on at the mouth for about 5 minutes and now the whole class thinks I'm crazy, for sure.
But in reality, my favorite book of all time is the afore mentioned tree growing in Brooklyn. And surprisingly, many people have not read it/heard of it. And this makes me sad to no end. It is a fabulous book and one of only three that Betty Smith published. So go. Go and read it.
For those who might be curious, and even if you don't care - most of the time, my blog titles are song lyrics. If you can guess right - you might get a cookie.
All right - I'm tired and it's going to be a long two more days of the week - I swear that in my mind, it's already November.
Quote o' the day:
"We do what we must, and call it by the best names." - Ralph Waldo Emerson, US essayist & poet (1803 - 1882)
9.11.2007
all these vanishing points...
Right now I'm supposed to be reading a book called "So Many Books: Reading and Publishing in an Age of Abundance," and writing 500 words on my reaction.
So far, my reaction is to be completely ADD and not be anywhere near finishing the book.
And because it is FALL, friends.
The air is crisp, I snuggle up to my cats, homemade soup and biscuits actually sound good and taste better. Leaves turn colors, my mom makes apple pies, I can break out my collection of sweaters and fun socks, and my down comforter is actually useable. Barley John's has bonfires at night and once a week I get to meet intelligent people and talk to them about things that matter to me. And even though my hair has to be this ridiculously long for another week and a half, I am happy that the humidity has vanished. Photos of a new hairstyle forthcoming in a couple of weeks!
I've finally finished my summer project, Hamline's student literary magazine, rock, paper, scissors. I was on the design team and did most of layout. I met some really awesome people and I can't believe that we will have a finished product soon! Stay tuned for information on the launch party.
All right...I need to go and get on with reading about too many books. Which I still think is impossible. Hmm...maybe I have the start to my paper?
Too many things to do!
Quote o' the day:
"Silent gratitude isn't very much use to anyone." - Gertrude Stein, US author in France (1874 - 1946)
So far, my reaction is to be completely ADD and not be anywhere near finishing the book.
And because it is FALL, friends.
The air is crisp, I snuggle up to my cats, homemade soup and biscuits actually sound good and taste better. Leaves turn colors, my mom makes apple pies, I can break out my collection of sweaters and fun socks, and my down comforter is actually useable. Barley John's has bonfires at night and once a week I get to meet intelligent people and talk to them about things that matter to me. And even though my hair has to be this ridiculously long for another week and a half, I am happy that the humidity has vanished. Photos of a new hairstyle forthcoming in a couple of weeks!
I've finally finished my summer project, Hamline's student literary magazine, rock, paper, scissors. I was on the design team and did most of layout. I met some really awesome people and I can't believe that we will have a finished product soon! Stay tuned for information on the launch party.
All right...I need to go and get on with reading about too many books. Which I still think is impossible. Hmm...maybe I have the start to my paper?
Too many things to do!
Quote o' the day:
"Silent gratitude isn't very much use to anyone." - Gertrude Stein, US author in France (1874 - 1946)
9.10.2007
turn yourself around, you weren’t invited
I have not blogged in forever. I just haven't had that much to say.
However, in the last month, the following things have happened.
1. They fired my boss - yippee!
2. I slightly seperated my shoulder playing softball. It still hurts.
3. I had a flat tire that cost a bundle to fix because when I hit the pothole that caused my hubcap to fly off, it also so severely dented my rim that my tire has been leaking air for the last two months. And I drove to Montana on that tire. Fantastic. So I had to replace the rim AND the tire.
4. I started class again and had to pay $30 for a $10 book because the prof seems a little disorganized and did not order any of our books ahead of time.
5. I got tickets to see Sir Ian McKellan at the Guthrie (that's actually a positive thing as well).
So that's me in a nutshell. I'm sure I will have more blogs forthcoming, but for now, I need to ease myself back into the school year and normality. I need routine, people. I don't do well without it. I spend too much money and eat out too much (thereby getting a little bit chubby).
At least my dress for Anna's wedding still fits.
Cheers.
Quote o' the day (oh I bet you all are so excited!!):
"A man can be happy with any woman as long as he does not love her." - Oscar Wilde, Irish dramatist, novelist, & poet (1854 - 1900)
However, in the last month, the following things have happened.
1. They fired my boss - yippee!
2. I slightly seperated my shoulder playing softball. It still hurts.
3. I had a flat tire that cost a bundle to fix because when I hit the pothole that caused my hubcap to fly off, it also so severely dented my rim that my tire has been leaking air for the last two months. And I drove to Montana on that tire. Fantastic. So I had to replace the rim AND the tire.
4. I started class again and had to pay $30 for a $10 book because the prof seems a little disorganized and did not order any of our books ahead of time.
5. I got tickets to see Sir Ian McKellan at the Guthrie (that's actually a positive thing as well).
So that's me in a nutshell. I'm sure I will have more blogs forthcoming, but for now, I need to ease myself back into the school year and normality. I need routine, people. I don't do well without it. I spend too much money and eat out too much (thereby getting a little bit chubby).
At least my dress for Anna's wedding still fits.
Cheers.
Quote o' the day (oh I bet you all are so excited!!):
"A man can be happy with any woman as long as he does not love her." - Oscar Wilde, Irish dramatist, novelist, & poet (1854 - 1900)
7.22.2007
taking the long way around...
Tomorrow I will officially be another year older.
What, might you ask, have I done in that year of time? Sometimes, I can't even answer that question, yet I feel like I need to write something down that marks the 25th year of my life. It's been a year worth noting, many interesting things happened to me, many good things, and thankfully, not too many bad things. I won't bore you all with the details, only to say this - I finally am at a point where I feel like a 'grown-up.'
Driving home the other day, I realized that this is indeed my home and my parents home is no longer my house. It's my neighborhood and my car, my bed, my kitchen, and strange as it is - this is something that has only recently occurred to me. I guess I never really felt like I left home - like I was away on some vacation or at college. But after two years, it's sunk in that there is no 'going home again.' To quote the storyhill boys, "Can you ever go home again?"
I'm not sure you can - and I certainly can't rewind the last year, so I shall put more effort into making this next year even better, hopefully with less mistakes, less craziness and more time to do things that I actually want to do.
That being said - this weekend was fabulous with a dinner at Sawatdee (love the green curry), ice cream cake with my parents, a Twins game and HARRY POTTER! (Yes, I read the entire book on Saturday...I'm a fast reader - don't judge.)
And now, I should get some sleep - because at the end of this very long and drawn out week, I am going on VACATION. And I want to be able to enjoy that, and not be sleep deprived.
Quote o' the day:
"Sooner or later we all discover that the important moments in life are not the advertised ones, not the birthdays, the graduations, the weddings, not the great goals achieved. The real milestones are less prepossessing. They come to the door of memory." - Susan B. Anthony
What, might you ask, have I done in that year of time? Sometimes, I can't even answer that question, yet I feel like I need to write something down that marks the 25th year of my life. It's been a year worth noting, many interesting things happened to me, many good things, and thankfully, not too many bad things. I won't bore you all with the details, only to say this - I finally am at a point where I feel like a 'grown-up.'
Driving home the other day, I realized that this is indeed my home and my parents home is no longer my house. It's my neighborhood and my car, my bed, my kitchen, and strange as it is - this is something that has only recently occurred to me. I guess I never really felt like I left home - like I was away on some vacation or at college. But after two years, it's sunk in that there is no 'going home again.' To quote the storyhill boys, "Can you ever go home again?"
I'm not sure you can - and I certainly can't rewind the last year, so I shall put more effort into making this next year even better, hopefully with less mistakes, less craziness and more time to do things that I actually want to do.
That being said - this weekend was fabulous with a dinner at Sawatdee (love the green curry), ice cream cake with my parents, a Twins game and HARRY POTTER! (Yes, I read the entire book on Saturday...I'm a fast reader - don't judge.)
And now, I should get some sleep - because at the end of this very long and drawn out week, I am going on VACATION. And I want to be able to enjoy that, and not be sleep deprived.
Quote o' the day:
"Sooner or later we all discover that the important moments in life are not the advertised ones, not the birthdays, the graduations, the weddings, not the great goals achieved. The real milestones are less prepossessing. They come to the door of memory." - Susan B. Anthony
6.11.2007
I'm not so sure what this is all about
This is me on coffee. Awake.
I decided to get a coffee before class tonight since I've been ass-tired all day. I seriously am considering taking a day off just for me. However, this week and next, I've got at least two meetings each day. Which kind of sucks, but at the same time, it keeps me away from the craziness that is the fact that people keep asking me what we're doing.
I don't know people. You want to know - ask the boss. I'm sure she's got some kind of plan. But I've never seen it and probably never will. And the word on the street is that she's not working out so well (this from a coworker who hardly ever leaves her office, so it must really be bad). But we shall see if anything happens about that.
I've had some time to think about it. And I just don't know anymore what I want. But I guess that's all right for now.
I'm going to some AMA thing at St. Thomas tomorrow at 7:30 and will have to get up early, but am not sleepy and it's just kind of hot in my house.
So, that being said - here are some new music artists for ya'll to check out. If you want specific song names, let me know, but from what I've heard...these are fantastic (and in no particular order).
Sea Wolf
The Dears
Citizen Cope
Emilianna Torrini
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
The Mary Onettes (on myspace page right now)
the hereafter
Jarvis Cocker
Mae
The Winter Blanket
The Long Winters
Ingrid Michaelson
And I think that's it...for now.
Quote o' the day:
"the most wasted of all days is one without laughter" - e.e. cummings
5.02.2007
there was pain that we talked about
Today I heard this song on the radio and I really felt the need to share it. Here are the lyrics. It's called "Everything Green" by Christine Kane.
They built a highway without much concern
And we cried for the hills and the trees that were burned
Back before hopelessness, long before greed
When everything must have been green
There was rain
And we danced in it
There was mud
And we ran in it
It was wild
Deep inside of everything green
There was pain
That we talked about
There was love
And we let it out
We were made
In the shade of everything green
We watched as they paved, as they worked, as they tore
You said, I have no faith in this earth anymore
Sounded like hopelessness, sounded like need
I grabbed you, we ran to the trees
There was rain
And we danced in it
There was mud
And we ran in it
It was wild
Deep inside of everything green
There was pain
That we talked about
There was love
And we let it out
And we prayed
In the shade of everything green
While stars turn to stardust
And angels talk to us
The world all around us can breathe
We have our guns, our machines and our swords
But I will not hate or destroy anymore
'Cuz after the hopelessness beyond the fear
We'll wake to the magic that's here
(and open our eyes...)
To the rain
And we'll dance in it
And the mud
Put your hands in it
In the wild
Deep inside of everything green
And the pain
We can talk about
And the love
Just let it out
We are made
In the shade of everything green
It is springtime, friends and I couldn't be happier.
Quote o' the day:
"Long stormy spring-time, wet contentious April, winter chilling the lap of very May; but at length the season of summer does come." - Thomas Carlyle
They built a highway without much concern
And we cried for the hills and the trees that were burned
Back before hopelessness, long before greed
When everything must have been green
There was rain
And we danced in it
There was mud
And we ran in it
It was wild
Deep inside of everything green
There was pain
That we talked about
There was love
And we let it out
We were made
In the shade of everything green
We watched as they paved, as they worked, as they tore
You said, I have no faith in this earth anymore
Sounded like hopelessness, sounded like need
I grabbed you, we ran to the trees
There was rain
And we danced in it
There was mud
And we ran in it
It was wild
Deep inside of everything green
There was pain
That we talked about
There was love
And we let it out
And we prayed
In the shade of everything green
While stars turn to stardust
And angels talk to us
The world all around us can breathe
We have our guns, our machines and our swords
But I will not hate or destroy anymore
'Cuz after the hopelessness beyond the fear
We'll wake to the magic that's here
(and open our eyes...)
To the rain
And we'll dance in it
And the mud
Put your hands in it
In the wild
Deep inside of everything green
And the pain
We can talk about
And the love
Just let it out
We are made
In the shade of everything green
It is springtime, friends and I couldn't be happier.
Quote o' the day:
"Long stormy spring-time, wet contentious April, winter chilling the lap of very May; but at length the season of summer does come." - Thomas Carlyle
5.01.2007
burdens of intuition
Well, it's done. I officially have done my reading for class. And it wasn't as scary as I thought it might be. I just didn't look up the whole time. And now, as with last semester, I'm finding that now that it's the end of the semester I'm just starting to know, trust and like these people. It's too bad. In a lot of ways.
Tonight I also let my sister read something of mine - which is probably a first for me. I had written a poem about her, and most of it was about how a sisterly bond is a strong one. But there were moments when I could see her possibly feeling bad about it. And I hope she doesn't - because this poem came out of a day that I needed her and wished she was home.
There has been a lot of things going on and I've been missing these chats with all of you - because, as Colleen says, blogging completes me. I feel like my day is officially over when I've written my thoughts, good or bad, and anything else that I want to throw into the void of the internet out there.
Tonight I'm mostly just excited about what I've written this semester - about 40 or so pages of work. Some poetry, some essays and some just random thoughts. But it's exciting nonetheless. And I'm excited about all that I got accomplished at work today, and what the rest of the week brings.
But... the thing I'm most excited about is - drumroll - my new Teva sandals. They are the most freaking comfortable things I've ever put on my feet. I want to wear them all the time.
And I think that can be it for tonight. I've got lots of other things that I should/could/would write about, but I'll leave you all to guess at them for now.
Quote o' the day (because I know you all missed it):
"You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can not fool all of the people all of the time." - Abraham Lincoln
Tonight I also let my sister read something of mine - which is probably a first for me. I had written a poem about her, and most of it was about how a sisterly bond is a strong one. But there were moments when I could see her possibly feeling bad about it. And I hope she doesn't - because this poem came out of a day that I needed her and wished she was home.
There has been a lot of things going on and I've been missing these chats with all of you - because, as Colleen says, blogging completes me. I feel like my day is officially over when I've written my thoughts, good or bad, and anything else that I want to throw into the void of the internet out there.
Tonight I'm mostly just excited about what I've written this semester - about 40 or so pages of work. Some poetry, some essays and some just random thoughts. But it's exciting nonetheless. And I'm excited about all that I got accomplished at work today, and what the rest of the week brings.
But... the thing I'm most excited about is - drumroll - my new Teva sandals. They are the most freaking comfortable things I've ever put on my feet. I want to wear them all the time.
And I think that can be it for tonight. I've got lots of other things that I should/could/would write about, but I'll leave you all to guess at them for now.
Quote o' the day (because I know you all missed it):
"You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can not fool all of the people all of the time." - Abraham Lincoln
4.24.2007
just a small annoyance to get me through...
One of the most annoying things, I’ve found, is when the ‘now playing’ information doesn’t actually show what is ‘now playing.’ Of course, this happens most frequently when you’ve found a song that you really like and want to know what it is.
For the last two days, the ‘now playing’ song on the Current has been Orange Juice – Moscow. Luckily, the play list portion is correct. Otherwise I’d be even more bugged.
It’s only 9:30 and this day is going far too slowly. And the coffee I got this morning is not serving its purpose as it should.
Quote o’ the day:
"I finally figured out the only reason to be alive is to enjoy it.” – Rita Mae Brown
For the last two days, the ‘now playing’ song on the Current has been Orange Juice – Moscow. Luckily, the play list portion is correct. Otherwise I’d be even more bugged.
It’s only 9:30 and this day is going far too slowly. And the coffee I got this morning is not serving its purpose as it should.
Quote o’ the day:
"I finally figured out the only reason to be alive is to enjoy it.” – Rita Mae Brown
4.11.2007
just a passing moment gone
Friends, all of the sudden, I've been finding new musical artists and loving them. Here are some that you simply MUST listen to:
Rocky Votolato
Au Revoir Simone
Haley Bonar
Roma Di Luna
Thomas Dybdahl
Maria Taylor
Andrew Bird
Dan Israel
And if you don't like listening to the Current, then you probably won't like these artists, but I DO. :) Even if you only check them out of your undying affection for me, I'll be happy. These are things that make me smile.
Tomorrow is our Focus Forum event, so I have to be awake at like 4:30. I tell you, this is going to suck. And all 146 people that are registered better show up just because I want to see the look on KG's face when there isn't "30% attrition." And that's all.
Since I've promised bagels and coffee for those there early, I'd best get to bed. Au Revoir!
Quote o' the day:
"Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy." - Anne Frank
Rocky Votolato
Au Revoir Simone
Haley Bonar
Roma Di Luna
Thomas Dybdahl
Maria Taylor
Andrew Bird
Dan Israel
And if you don't like listening to the Current, then you probably won't like these artists, but I DO. :) Even if you only check them out of your undying affection for me, I'll be happy. These are things that make me smile.
Tomorrow is our Focus Forum event, so I have to be awake at like 4:30. I tell you, this is going to suck. And all 146 people that are registered better show up just because I want to see the look on KG's face when there isn't "30% attrition." And that's all.
Since I've promised bagels and coffee for those there early, I'd best get to bed. Au Revoir!
Quote o' the day:
"Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy." - Anne Frank
4.10.2007
even your emotions had an echo in so much space
I broke my promise today.
I ate at McDonald's. Please don't judge me. I had to eat before class and well, that was the best option given the time that I had. And I remember now...those fries are damn good. And the crispy chicken wrap is not too shabby either.
Class this week was super emotional for some reason - we just read The Known World and I tell you, as beautifully painful as that book is, if you haven't read it, you need to. And read some interviews with Edward Jones and just soak it all in. Times like these I remember why I want to marry a smart writer man so that I can spend the rest of my life reading freaking great literature. And I do mean Literature. But all in good time.
And I'm getting annoyed with the dancing iPods on my screen so I'll be done. And I know you all were waiting for something profound, so here it is.
Quote o' the day:
"Solitude is the profoundest fact of the human condition. Man is the only being who knows he is alone." -Octavio Paz, The Labyrinth of Solitude, 1950
I ate at McDonald's. Please don't judge me. I had to eat before class and well, that was the best option given the time that I had. And I remember now...those fries are damn good. And the crispy chicken wrap is not too shabby either.
Class this week was super emotional for some reason - we just read The Known World and I tell you, as beautifully painful as that book is, if you haven't read it, you need to. And read some interviews with Edward Jones and just soak it all in. Times like these I remember why I want to marry a smart writer man so that I can spend the rest of my life reading freaking great literature. And I do mean Literature. But all in good time.
And I'm getting annoyed with the dancing iPods on my screen so I'll be done. And I know you all were waiting for something profound, so here it is.
Quote o' the day:
"Solitude is the profoundest fact of the human condition. Man is the only being who knows he is alone." -Octavio Paz, The Labyrinth of Solitude, 1950
3.26.2007
your best intentions may not be enough
77 degree weather. Barley John's patio, beer, appetizers and the smell of the bonfire, which gets into your hair, your clothing and permeates until you wash it out, and that smell that drifts into our house. The smell of springtime, rotting leaves from under the snow for all this time and the smell of greenery blooming for the first time since last spring. Walking outside in March with a t-shirt and leaving your window open at night. Driving in the sunshine with the windows open and eating on a patio twice in one day. The soreness in your limbs from actually running outside on hills and pavement instead of in your basement on a flat surface. Birds during the day (hello robins!) and bats at night swooping for insects over the nearly melted ice skating rink. And BASEBALL!
Today was, in a nutshell, amazing and if the weather keeps up like this, I shall have no choice but to be cheerful, bright and shiny.
Happy Monday.
Quote o' the day:
"People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring." - Rogers Hornsby
Today was, in a nutshell, amazing and if the weather keeps up like this, I shall have no choice but to be cheerful, bright and shiny.
Happy Monday.
Quote o' the day:
"People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring." - Rogers Hornsby
3.18.2007
chalk it up to fakeness
I did a TON of laundry today before our second concert of the weekend. We have one of those fake wooden drying racks that everyone has, I think, from Target and it's fabulous. Well, it was fabulous until today when I had hung three or four shirts on it and the whole thing just sort of collapsed. I should have seen it coming, since parts of it have been loose for a long time. But man - the worst day to have that happen. So I went and bought a new one. I tell you - get the expandable one with the mesh flat drying optional thinger. It's AWESOME.
Yes, there is a day when I am excited about drying racks. That day was today.
Then I proceeded to get myself extremely lost on my way to the orchestra concert, since it was at a place we don't normally play at. And I curse those signs that tell you what city you are in - they are deceiving! I had to call my dad and I was angry, late and on the verge of tears, telling him that I was going to be late, so why should I stop somewhere so he could direct me out of there? Extremely irrational, but we got me to where I needed to be and I made it through the concert.
And now I'm trying to do my assignment for Tuesday since tomorrow night is the make-up Storyhill concert. There are no words for how excited I am. All I can say that is if the fire marshall shows up again, I'm chaining myself to one of the boys. Ok, maybe not, but I will be extremely mad.
And now time for bed.
Quote o' the day:
"There is no feeling, except the extremes of fear and grief, that does not find relief in music." - George Eliot
Yes, there is a day when I am excited about drying racks. That day was today.
Then I proceeded to get myself extremely lost on my way to the orchestra concert, since it was at a place we don't normally play at. And I curse those signs that tell you what city you are in - they are deceiving! I had to call my dad and I was angry, late and on the verge of tears, telling him that I was going to be late, so why should I stop somewhere so he could direct me out of there? Extremely irrational, but we got me to where I needed to be and I made it through the concert.
And now I'm trying to do my assignment for Tuesday since tomorrow night is the make-up Storyhill concert. There are no words for how excited I am. All I can say that is if the fire marshall shows up again, I'm chaining myself to one of the boys. Ok, maybe not, but I will be extremely mad.
And now time for bed.
Quote o' the day:
"There is no feeling, except the extremes of fear and grief, that does not find relief in music." - George Eliot
3.17.2007
from a long line of drinkers and dreamers
St. Patty's day and I had orchestra. An Italian concert on St. Patrick's day. And had Mexican food at my parents house. I was multicultural today. We did, however, play an impromptu version of "O Danny Boy" at the very end of our concert. It was great. Ha.
And now we're heading out to get our Irish on for a bit. I'm not Irish. Not in the slightest, but my great grandma's second husband was Irish. Does that count?
Tonight I'm determined to forget the stress of the week, forget that in the next week life could possibly change drastically, forget the idiots that are men and forget all of the external shit that doesn't really matter in the long run and have a good time with some friends. And that's all I've got to say about that.
Happy St. Patty's day.
Quote o' the day:
"Too long a sacrifice/ Can make a stone of the heart." - William Butler Yeats
And now we're heading out to get our Irish on for a bit. I'm not Irish. Not in the slightest, but my great grandma's second husband was Irish. Does that count?
Tonight I'm determined to forget the stress of the week, forget that in the next week life could possibly change drastically, forget the idiots that are men and forget all of the external shit that doesn't really matter in the long run and have a good time with some friends. And that's all I've got to say about that.
Happy St. Patty's day.
Quote o' the day:
"Too long a sacrifice/ Can make a stone of the heart." - William Butler Yeats
3.12.2007
it's boyfriend season
So I've been meaning to write about this for awhile and keep putting it off. Colleen and I have talked about how everytime you log off of MySpace, there's an ad for "TRUE" with men that have extreme photoshopped eyes and it says - "it's boyfriend season."
What exactly is 'boyfriend season?' I'd LOVE to know. Because if there is such a thing, then I am WAY behind. I mean, do they all come out at one time, like deer or pheasants or trout? Is there a specific time that one might have better luck ensnaring one of the male sex? If so, then why in God's name have I had so many bad dates? I must not be looking in the right forest...and I must not have the right equipment. I mean, during boyfriend season, one must have to wear special clothing and special scents - our own special salt lick, our own bait! And I certainly don't have a boyfriend camp set up. I must work on this...
And where are all the men with green eyes? They are apparently out there in droves.
Quote o' the day:
“I, with a deeper instinct, choose a man who compels my strength, who makes enormous demands on me, who does not doubt my courage or my toughness, who does not believe me naive or innocent, who has the courage to treat me like a woman.” - Anais Nin
What exactly is 'boyfriend season?' I'd LOVE to know. Because if there is such a thing, then I am WAY behind. I mean, do they all come out at one time, like deer or pheasants or trout? Is there a specific time that one might have better luck ensnaring one of the male sex? If so, then why in God's name have I had so many bad dates? I must not be looking in the right forest...and I must not have the right equipment. I mean, during boyfriend season, one must have to wear special clothing and special scents - our own special salt lick, our own bait! And I certainly don't have a boyfriend camp set up. I must work on this...
And where are all the men with green eyes? They are apparently out there in droves.
Quote o' the day:
“I, with a deeper instinct, choose a man who compels my strength, who makes enormous demands on me, who does not doubt my courage or my toughness, who does not believe me naive or innocent, who has the courage to treat me like a woman.” - Anais Nin
3.11.2007
oreo madness
You know how when you buy a bag of Oreos you tell yourself you won't eat them so fast? Just one at a time. And then you sit down, and in five minutes you've eaten five cookies. You go to put the bag away and then you stand and eat three more. Soon you've eaten half the bag before you've even put them away.
Then you get them out again and you tell yourself you'll only eat one as dessert, with some milk or as a snack. And pretty soon the whole bag is gone.
And then you tell yourself you'll never buy Oreos again. Until your roommate buys them and leaves them out for you to eat. And then you eat the rest of the half eaten bag.
(Ok, so I didn't actually eat an entire half bag of Oreos...but I'm mad at Naomi for buying them. Because they are sitting on the counter, taunting me. And it's really hard to eat just one. This is also why I don't buy Girl Scout cookies. Evil.)
Quote o' the day:
"Health food may be good for the conscience but Oreos taste a hell of a lot better." - Robert Redford
Then you get them out again and you tell yourself you'll only eat one as dessert, with some milk or as a snack. And pretty soon the whole bag is gone.
And then you tell yourself you'll never buy Oreos again. Until your roommate buys them and leaves them out for you to eat. And then you eat the rest of the half eaten bag.
(Ok, so I didn't actually eat an entire half bag of Oreos...but I'm mad at Naomi for buying them. Because they are sitting on the counter, taunting me. And it's really hard to eat just one. This is also why I don't buy Girl Scout cookies. Evil.)
Quote o' the day:
"Health food may be good for the conscience but Oreos taste a hell of a lot better." - Robert Redford
3.04.2007
never again...
My sister and I watched SuperSize Me this weekend and I officially will never eat at McDonald's again. It's probably the most disgusting thing I've ever seen - in that weird, really fascinating way. I've heard lots of different stories about Morgan Spurlock and the making of the movie, and who knows what's true and what's not. What I can tell you, is - never again.
I'm off to read more about post-modernist fictional realism.
Quote o' the day:
"The more things change, the more they remain... insane." - Michael Fry and T. Lewis, Over the Hedge, 05-09-04
I'm off to read more about post-modernist fictional realism.
Quote o' the day:
"The more things change, the more they remain... insane." - Michael Fry and T. Lewis, Over the Hedge, 05-09-04
3.02.2007
snow in my boots and in my car
SNOW DAY!
Technically we were open at noon, however, my little Canadian Corolla got stuck, yet again. Maybe I'm just not good at maneuvering in the large snow drifts, or maybe it's because they wait forever to plow our place and that's lame. I also remembered that I needed to drive up to CR to the clinic - let me tell you, that was a trip. Visibility was next to nothing, because the snow has started up again and my windshield wipers are crap.
And then my car got stuck again when I got home and tried to park. I had to hoof the snow out of the way and as a result, major snow in my hiking boots and in my car.
Even with all my griping about the snow, there's something fun about the way that our sidewalk is becoming a tunnel and the huge piles of snow everwhere I go. I think we're making up for the last couple of snowless months.
With all the snow, I get a little bombarded with memories of when I was younger. Memories of snow days when my whole family would stay home, eat popcorn and watch movies. These days were always a little bit more special than other times we'd spend together, because there's something magical about the fact that you can't go anywhere. Memories of snow pants and sledding down the 'Knox' hill (I don't think it's there anymore...I don't even think Knox exists anymore), and memories of hot cocoa, warming houses and building snow forts. Once, Alison and I built an entire house in my front yard. Not with a roof, mind you, but at least four rooms with beds, couches and chairs, etc. It was awesome.
I miss being a kid sometimes.
Quote o' the day:
"I can believe anything, provided that it is quite incredible." -Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray, 1891
Technically we were open at noon, however, my little Canadian Corolla got stuck, yet again. Maybe I'm just not good at maneuvering in the large snow drifts, or maybe it's because they wait forever to plow our place and that's lame. I also remembered that I needed to drive up to CR to the clinic - let me tell you, that was a trip. Visibility was next to nothing, because the snow has started up again and my windshield wipers are crap.
And then my car got stuck again when I got home and tried to park. I had to hoof the snow out of the way and as a result, major snow in my hiking boots and in my car.
Even with all my griping about the snow, there's something fun about the way that our sidewalk is becoming a tunnel and the huge piles of snow everwhere I go. I think we're making up for the last couple of snowless months.
With all the snow, I get a little bombarded with memories of when I was younger. Memories of snow days when my whole family would stay home, eat popcorn and watch movies. These days were always a little bit more special than other times we'd spend together, because there's something magical about the fact that you can't go anywhere. Memories of snow pants and sledding down the 'Knox' hill (I don't think it's there anymore...I don't even think Knox exists anymore), and memories of hot cocoa, warming houses and building snow forts. Once, Alison and I built an entire house in my front yard. Not with a roof, mind you, but at least four rooms with beds, couches and chairs, etc. It was awesome.
I miss being a kid sometimes.
Quote o' the day:
"I can believe anything, provided that it is quite incredible." -Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray, 1891
3.01.2007
snow day!
Today was exciting. I went to a multicultural marketing conference in St. Paul where everytime we looked outside it was whiteout conditions or not snowing at all, the guy that ran the conference (the M.C.) obviously either smokes a lot of pot or had just smoked pot, or else he thought he was a comedian with the shakes and the presentations went way longer than they were supposed to. The conference was really quite good, and I learned a lot - aside from one presenter who was clearly there to sell his agency.
At any rate, it was a good time and afterwards Sarah and I met Steve at the Liffey for a drink. Because normally, they have a kick ass happy hour. But not today, because there were the State Wrestling Tournaments going on in the Xcel Center. No happiness for them! Walking to and from the Liffey was entertaining at most, since we both had work shoes on and Fisher had no socks on. Silly girl.
After my white knuckle drive home, it was established it is officially a snow day. If you were to open our front door right now, the snow would probably come into our house. Awesome.
The best part? Feeling like a kid again, watching the scrolling school closing announcements on the news. I bet my dad is happy - no school for him tomorrow or most of the metro. But, of course, we are probably the only university in the state/metro area that is not closed yet tomorrow. All of the school districts around me are closed and we shall see what the roads are like when I get up. It may be a snow day after all. I think I feel a snow fever coming on!
Cheers.
Quote o' the day:
"the listener, who listens in the snow,
And, nothing himself, beholds
Nothing that is not there and the nothing that is." - Wallace Stevens
At any rate, it was a good time and afterwards Sarah and I met Steve at the Liffey for a drink. Because normally, they have a kick ass happy hour. But not today, because there were the State Wrestling Tournaments going on in the Xcel Center. No happiness for them! Walking to and from the Liffey was entertaining at most, since we both had work shoes on and Fisher had no socks on. Silly girl.
After my white knuckle drive home, it was established it is officially a snow day. If you were to open our front door right now, the snow would probably come into our house. Awesome.
The best part? Feeling like a kid again, watching the scrolling school closing announcements on the news. I bet my dad is happy - no school for him tomorrow or most of the metro. But, of course, we are probably the only university in the state/metro area that is not closed yet tomorrow. All of the school districts around me are closed and we shall see what the roads are like when I get up. It may be a snow day after all. I think I feel a snow fever coming on!
Cheers.
Quote o' the day:
"the listener, who listens in the snow,
And, nothing himself, beholds
Nothing that is not there and the nothing that is." - Wallace Stevens
2.28.2007
oops...
I almost forgot!!
The quote o' the day...by the elusive R. Stevens.
"Wasting sarcasm is a sin."
(Does anyone know what Diesel Sweeties is?)
wednesday morning grocery store madness
I stopped at Rainbow on my way to work this morning to get some snacks and food to have at work. Ok. And even though I've completely used up my coffee money for the week, I got a Starbucks. I'm lovin' it.
At any rate. Two things about the grocery store on Wednesday morning.
First thing, there is, ALWAYS, a Little White Civic with a St. Thomas sticker on it in that parking lot. Always in the same spot. Since I have a fondness in my heart for LWC's, I always kind of smile when I see it. This morning, the person had left their lights on. Which, as a former owner of a LWC, I know that can result in a very very dead battery. Since the car is there every time I am there, I'm led to believe that it belongs to a Rainbow employee and well, that would suck to get out of work at 4 or whatever and have a very very dead battery. I went in and told the woman at the speedy checkout and she announced it, but the LWC's lights were still on when I left. Alas.
Second thing, I used the speedy checkout on my way out. Since there was someone behind me, I was hurriedly trying to get all my crap, plus the starbucks cup and not spill. I grabbed the receipt that fell from the little receipt thinger and ran. When I got to work, I looked at the receipt and literally laughed out loud. According to this receipt, I purchased Frisky Feline Favorites, and a shit ton of green grapes. Friends, I purchased none of these things. And I had to laugh. Frisky Feline Favorites. Someone's getting a treat today! :)
To work to work.
At any rate. Two things about the grocery store on Wednesday morning.
First thing, there is, ALWAYS, a Little White Civic with a St. Thomas sticker on it in that parking lot. Always in the same spot. Since I have a fondness in my heart for LWC's, I always kind of smile when I see it. This morning, the person had left their lights on. Which, as a former owner of a LWC, I know that can result in a very very dead battery. Since the car is there every time I am there, I'm led to believe that it belongs to a Rainbow employee and well, that would suck to get out of work at 4 or whatever and have a very very dead battery. I went in and told the woman at the speedy checkout and she announced it, but the LWC's lights were still on when I left. Alas.
Second thing, I used the speedy checkout on my way out. Since there was someone behind me, I was hurriedly trying to get all my crap, plus the starbucks cup and not spill. I grabbed the receipt that fell from the little receipt thinger and ran. When I got to work, I looked at the receipt and literally laughed out loud. According to this receipt, I purchased Frisky Feline Favorites, and a shit ton of green grapes. Friends, I purchased none of these things. And I had to laugh. Frisky Feline Favorites. Someone's getting a treat today! :)
To work to work.
2.27.2007
"do women's thoughts really scatter?"
And that is a line from a poem we had to read for class. I LOVE it. Love it. Because I think they do. At least mine do.
I took one small step for the women of Martin DePorres this weekend while I worked on Saturday. I took the hideous can of death (aka spray disinfectant/AIR FRESHENER) and threw it in the trash. I was careful to use a paper towel to pick it up lest I contract germs or leave any fingerprints as clues.
But alas, the green can reappeared today. And someone sprayed it, again, whilst I was in the bathroom. Now, I have a few clues as to who it may be, but like Laurie Notaro says in one of her short stories - "I may not know exactly who you are, but I know your ugly shoes!"
And according to the signage outside the State Fair, we are thanking Mary Kay for 23 years.
That's all I've got tonight folks.
Quote o' the day:
"Drama is life with the dull bits cut out." - Alfred Hitchcock
I took one small step for the women of Martin DePorres this weekend while I worked on Saturday. I took the hideous can of death (aka spray disinfectant/AIR FRESHENER) and threw it in the trash. I was careful to use a paper towel to pick it up lest I contract germs or leave any fingerprints as clues.
But alas, the green can reappeared today. And someone sprayed it, again, whilst I was in the bathroom. Now, I have a few clues as to who it may be, but like Laurie Notaro says in one of her short stories - "I may not know exactly who you are, but I know your ugly shoes!"
And according to the signage outside the State Fair, we are thanking Mary Kay for 23 years.
That's all I've got tonight folks.
Quote o' the day:
"Drama is life with the dull bits cut out." - Alfred Hitchcock
2.26.2007
well isn't that nice
Ah the snow. After digging my car out last night, moving it twice at work today, I returned to my car at the end of the day, only to see that the huge snow drift that has been living on top of my car for the last couple of days had melted right down my windshield. That was fun. Funny.
And now I'm just glad to have some time to myself after the craziness that was last week and the weekend. This week should be less so...but they are also supposedly doing interviews this week, so wish me luck! I haven't been this nervous about something in a very long time and here's hoping it turns out all right.
There are myriad other things I could write about right now, but I'm just too behind on homework and too tired out to do it. Look for it later in the week.
Happy Monday!
Quote o' the day:
"But in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes." - Benjamin Franklin
And now I'm just glad to have some time to myself after the craziness that was last week and the weekend. This week should be less so...but they are also supposedly doing interviews this week, so wish me luck! I haven't been this nervous about something in a very long time and here's hoping it turns out all right.
There are myriad other things I could write about right now, but I'm just too behind on homework and too tired out to do it. Look for it later in the week.
Happy Monday!
Quote o' the day:
"But in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes." - Benjamin Franklin
2.24.2007
burning rubber
MN. Gotta love the weather - today they were predicting the 'storm of the century' and when I woke up this morning to head to our event, the roads were not bad at all.
In fact they weren't really bad until I left for home at around 7 pm. I did fine until I got into my own parking lot and burned rubber trying to park my damn Canadian car. It got stuck and my sister had to come and push me into the spot. Nice.
At any rate, we didn't have many people at our event today, but we did have a good time at our celebratory happy hour. Definitely a good time. Figlio's $2 happy hour is a good time - because $10 later...well, you're really happy.
I don't have much to say, except that hopefully tomorrow will not bring more snow. Too much going on to get stuck in snow. I hate these late winter storms.
Time for homework!
Quote o' the day:
"The fact that a believer is happier than a skeptic is no more to the point than the fact that a drunken man is happier than a sober one." - George Bernard Shaw
In fact they weren't really bad until I left for home at around 7 pm. I did fine until I got into my own parking lot and burned rubber trying to park my damn Canadian car. It got stuck and my sister had to come and push me into the spot. Nice.
At any rate, we didn't have many people at our event today, but we did have a good time at our celebratory happy hour. Definitely a good time. Figlio's $2 happy hour is a good time - because $10 later...well, you're really happy.
I don't have much to say, except that hopefully tomorrow will not bring more snow. Too much going on to get stuck in snow. I hate these late winter storms.
Time for homework!
Quote o' the day:
"The fact that a believer is happier than a skeptic is no more to the point than the fact that a drunken man is happier than a sober one." - George Bernard Shaw
2.22.2007
the war of resumes...
Well, as most of you know, Colleen, my boss resigned her position at SMU and moved to Hamline. I'm really excited for her because it's a great opportunity.
It also presents me with a new opportunity, as I could have possibly been promoted to her position. After my meeting with the VP today, it so happens that they are posting the position. Advertising it to the outside world. I'm ok with that, really, I didn't feel any sense of entitlement just because I was the next logical choice. I didn't get my hopes up.
However. If there is one thing I hate - it's revising my resume. I'm really very proud of the layout of my resume and the way it looked and read.
However. Since I haven't changed it much from the original, I had to do a lot of adding and subtracting and with my layout - it makes it tricky. Oy. Can't it just stay the way it is?
At any rate, I am deliciously tired and think that sleep will be very good tonight. And tomorrow is finally Friday. TGIF.
Quote o' the day:
"You're never too old to become younger." - Mae West
It also presents me with a new opportunity, as I could have possibly been promoted to her position. After my meeting with the VP today, it so happens that they are posting the position. Advertising it to the outside world. I'm ok with that, really, I didn't feel any sense of entitlement just because I was the next logical choice. I didn't get my hopes up.
However. If there is one thing I hate - it's revising my resume. I'm really very proud of the layout of my resume and the way it looked and read.
However. Since I haven't changed it much from the original, I had to do a lot of adding and subtracting and with my layout - it makes it tricky. Oy. Can't it just stay the way it is?
At any rate, I am deliciously tired and think that sleep will be very good tonight. And tomorrow is finally Friday. TGIF.
Quote o' the day:
"You're never too old to become younger." - Mae West
2.20.2007
i walk the line
So, my new musical obsession is the Walk the Line soundtrack. Yes, I know it's not actually Johnny Cash singing, and only Joaquin Phoenix, but he does a pretty good job, and I liked the songs. But, the thing I never realized was that "walk the line" is actually a love song. And somehow, that just makes the whole idea of 'walking the line' even more...romantic, for lack of a better word.
Tonight we had to read aloud in class. I read three 'nature' poems that were inspired by the beginning line of a poem we read that was 'I step outside' and I was pleasantly surprised at the reaction I got. I thought I'd post the one that seemed to get the best reaction. My love affair with North Dakota and Montana is inexplainable to most people, except for maybe my dad and any other people (Marts) that feel that strong gravitational pull that those prairies and mountains have. I've been away for far too long and am excited about the possibility of getting back there soon. At any rate...here it is. Completely untitled (I welcome suggestions for both a title and the poem if you have any!)
Prairie grasses and stalks of wheat
nod their heavy heads at me,
silky corn tassels toss their
blond tresses at me
saluting me.
I amble along
I-94, going west.
Sun stretches for miles
clouds dot the sky,
shadows moving swiftly
over the prairie floor.
Cows move
lumbering gracefully
slowly chewing grass.
Horses lay in pastures,
sleeping and watching.
Fields seem endless -
sky opens to heaven.
Vast expanses -
empty.
I drive,
the road worn with
its grooves from so many
that have gone before.
When I was finished reading, she asked me a question that I've never been asked before, which is one reason that I love this professor. She asked me if I felt like I was going ahead on my own or if I feel the weight of those that have gone before. Not a question I've ever really thought of and I think it's the latter. I do feel and think about all of the people - ancestors, strangers, friends, and family that have trod the paths I am on and the ways that I go. Anyone else care to think about that question? I'm interested to hear what others have to think.
And with that...I'm off to bed. I picked Naomi up at 6 AM at the airport this morning and it's been a long day, I've got a headache like you wouldn't believe and am so ready to get out and have some fun tomorrow night!
Quote o' the day:
"The doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live." - Flora Whittemore
Tonight we had to read aloud in class. I read three 'nature' poems that were inspired by the beginning line of a poem we read that was 'I step outside' and I was pleasantly surprised at the reaction I got. I thought I'd post the one that seemed to get the best reaction. My love affair with North Dakota and Montana is inexplainable to most people, except for maybe my dad and any other people (Marts) that feel that strong gravitational pull that those prairies and mountains have. I've been away for far too long and am excited about the possibility of getting back there soon. At any rate...here it is. Completely untitled (I welcome suggestions for both a title and the poem if you have any!)
Prairie grasses and stalks of wheat
nod their heavy heads at me,
silky corn tassels toss their
blond tresses at me
saluting me.
I amble along
I-94, going west.
Sun stretches for miles
clouds dot the sky,
shadows moving swiftly
over the prairie floor.
Cows move
lumbering gracefully
slowly chewing grass.
Horses lay in pastures,
sleeping and watching.
Fields seem endless -
sky opens to heaven.
Vast expanses -
empty.
I drive,
the road worn with
its grooves from so many
that have gone before.
When I was finished reading, she asked me a question that I've never been asked before, which is one reason that I love this professor. She asked me if I felt like I was going ahead on my own or if I feel the weight of those that have gone before. Not a question I've ever really thought of and I think it's the latter. I do feel and think about all of the people - ancestors, strangers, friends, and family that have trod the paths I am on and the ways that I go. Anyone else care to think about that question? I'm interested to hear what others have to think.
And with that...I'm off to bed. I picked Naomi up at 6 AM at the airport this morning and it's been a long day, I've got a headache like you wouldn't believe and am so ready to get out and have some fun tomorrow night!
Quote o' the day:
"The doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live." - Flora Whittemore
2.14.2007
the perfect way to end a crappy holiday
I have to admit. Valentine's Day is not my favorite. And as much as I would love to say it's because I hate all of the commercialism and not because I'm single, it's not. I always think it would be better somehow if I had someone special in my life to share it with. Even if we ended up going to McDonald's and watching something lame on TV - because it wouldn't matter what, it only matters who.
Ever since I was little, my mother has always made a big deal out of giving us Valentine's day treats, a small present or something. Last year we got a gift certificate for a deluxe car wash - practical and totally something that I'd never pay for. But this year, my sister was gone and I didn't get an early morning wake up from my mother. I forgot that it was Valentine's Day until some couple was being ooky on the radio. I deliberately did not wear pink and listened to Fiona Apple on my way into work. I was, as we say at work, a little bit crunchy today. Plus, I had chills all day and that didn't make it better. And when I got home, as I expectantly looked in my mailbox, and once I realized that there was nothing in there for me, I threw myself a pity party. I crawled into my bed, but then couldn't sleep, so that was kind of a bust too.
The only thing that has kept me feeling ok all day was that Storyhill was playing tonight and that I was going to see them. What's not to love? We got there late, the parking situation was horrendous and there were literally hordes of people standing in line. We had tickets, but SO many people. And then - they were all sitting on the freaking floor! I don't know how many of you have been to a concert at the Varsity - but it is NOT a sitting venue. You stand. Especially when there are that many people, you are courteous, stand and move so that more people can get in. I had my toes stepped on at least fifty times, had about four tall gropey couples in front of me (we got in towards the back where people were not sitting) and we were generally in a bad mood about it. But then the boys came on and there was so much love. Until during their fifth song, this crazy man was bopping around in the middle of the audience and finally went up on stage. We all thought he was a nutjob. But then he announces that he is the owner and that they are WAY over their legal capacity and that the fire marshall is kicking us all out. We got 'claim' checks that are supposed to be good to make it up.
ONLY FIVE SONGS. It was the strangest evening ever. So sad for the boys. They looked sad. And we were sad. Really a shame - you'd think they could have counted tickets more carefully and made sure that there weren't so many people. You'd think.
Two things made my day brighter. I got a cute kitty valentine from a coworker that made me smile and my sister called me from Hawaii. She was the only person that actually said, 'Happy Valentine's Day' to me today. Sure, she sounded kind of loaded and she's in freaking Hawaii, but I have to say, it made my night that she called. Sometimes, I forget how close we've gotten and how much I appreciate that.
So there you have it. The perfect way to end the crappiest holiday known to mankind. And to the hope that someday, I will be complaining about how I went to McDonald's on Valentine's Day. :)
Happy Valentine's Day, friends. I'm sending love and thoughts your way, along with the chocolate that is at my desk. Eat it up.
Quote o' the day (Valentine's edition):
"Love does not begin and end the way we seem to think it does. Love is a battle, love is a war; love is a growing up." -James Baldwin
Ever since I was little, my mother has always made a big deal out of giving us Valentine's day treats, a small present or something. Last year we got a gift certificate for a deluxe car wash - practical and totally something that I'd never pay for. But this year, my sister was gone and I didn't get an early morning wake up from my mother. I forgot that it was Valentine's Day until some couple was being ooky on the radio. I deliberately did not wear pink and listened to Fiona Apple on my way into work. I was, as we say at work, a little bit crunchy today. Plus, I had chills all day and that didn't make it better. And when I got home, as I expectantly looked in my mailbox, and once I realized that there was nothing in there for me, I threw myself a pity party. I crawled into my bed, but then couldn't sleep, so that was kind of a bust too.
The only thing that has kept me feeling ok all day was that Storyhill was playing tonight and that I was going to see them. What's not to love? We got there late, the parking situation was horrendous and there were literally hordes of people standing in line. We had tickets, but SO many people. And then - they were all sitting on the freaking floor! I don't know how many of you have been to a concert at the Varsity - but it is NOT a sitting venue. You stand. Especially when there are that many people, you are courteous, stand and move so that more people can get in. I had my toes stepped on at least fifty times, had about four tall gropey couples in front of me (we got in towards the back where people were not sitting) and we were generally in a bad mood about it. But then the boys came on and there was so much love. Until during their fifth song, this crazy man was bopping around in the middle of the audience and finally went up on stage. We all thought he was a nutjob. But then he announces that he is the owner and that they are WAY over their legal capacity and that the fire marshall is kicking us all out. We got 'claim' checks that are supposed to be good to make it up.
ONLY FIVE SONGS. It was the strangest evening ever. So sad for the boys. They looked sad. And we were sad. Really a shame - you'd think they could have counted tickets more carefully and made sure that there weren't so many people. You'd think.
Two things made my day brighter. I got a cute kitty valentine from a coworker that made me smile and my sister called me from Hawaii. She was the only person that actually said, 'Happy Valentine's Day' to me today. Sure, she sounded kind of loaded and she's in freaking Hawaii, but I have to say, it made my night that she called. Sometimes, I forget how close we've gotten and how much I appreciate that.
So there you have it. The perfect way to end the crappiest holiday known to mankind. And to the hope that someday, I will be complaining about how I went to McDonald's on Valentine's Day. :)
Happy Valentine's Day, friends. I'm sending love and thoughts your way, along with the chocolate that is at my desk. Eat it up.
Quote o' the day (Valentine's edition):
"Love does not begin and end the way we seem to think it does. Love is a battle, love is a war; love is a growing up." -James Baldwin
2.07.2007
two things
1. Today I wore a skirt to work. I am sick of wearing the same thing over and over again, and I thought it might be nice to wear something a little dressier. Apparently, I threw everyone's chi off by doing so. At least four people said to me, "You're wearing a skirt?" Yes, I am. I might even do it again. This amuses me on several levels. I didn't realize that I had become that girl that doesn't wear skirts. I didn't realize that my sweater and jeans mentality somehow transferred into my work wardrobe. I'm amused that people actually noticed enough to comment on it.
2. The taps at La Casita were broken tonight so we had to pay for bottles. Even though their taps were broken, they didn't offer any other specials in leiu of the $3 tall taps. Needless to say, there was some annoyance about that.
And that is my two cents. Or things, as the case may be.
Quote o' the day:
"None of us knows what the next change is going to be, what unexpected opportunity is just around the corner, waiting a few months or a few years to change all the tenor of our lives." - Kathleen Norris, Hands Full of Living
2. The taps at La Casita were broken tonight so we had to pay for bottles. Even though their taps were broken, they didn't offer any other specials in leiu of the $3 tall taps. Needless to say, there was some annoyance about that.
And that is my two cents. Or things, as the case may be.
Quote o' the day:
"None of us knows what the next change is going to be, what unexpected opportunity is just around the corner, waiting a few months or a few years to change all the tenor of our lives." - Kathleen Norris, Hands Full of Living
2.06.2007
Terrific Tuesday
Today is the day that I remember why I love MN. Why? You might ask. Especially since it took me a freaking hour to get to work today and the roads were awful.
Because.
Because there is something awesome about the power that nature has. The frigid cold and snow that makes visibility little to nil. Something about waking up to snow falling just hard enough to make people slow down and pay attention to what they're doing. And that's something to reckon with, I think.
And because of the city. I'm in love, friends. I'm in love with our skyline. The way that as soon as I turn onto that road heading south, I can see it. When the sun is shining in the winter the bright rays of light bounce from building to building and the cold frost that stands out here and there, I am reminded of just how much that skyline is a part of me. Or when it rains and the shroud of clouds leave you straining to see the tops of the buildings peeking out from here and there. And today, when I couldn't see the city because of the snow, even once I was downtown, the buildings were still invisible to me, the snow swirling around in a frenzy as cars sat in lines of harsh metal, there was still a softness to the morning. Something terrific happens when it snows, and I can't explain it quite well enough to do it justice.
That skyline is my touchstone. I somehow feel more grounded when I can see it, and when it's not so visible, I feel the tiniest bit disappointed and lost. It's the high point of my bad days and even on the snowiest, rainiest, muggiest days, I can smile when I see those buildings. I hope that you can all appreciate it as much as it deserves. Think on it.
On a completely different tangent, I really enjoyed my class tonight - I think it is going to be fantastic. Tons of work, but fantastic. The prof is amazing - she truly loves writing and loves to teach and that's not something you can fake. Plus, she lives for quotations. So expect some really great ones that will trump even this Robert Frost phase I'm in. More on this to come, I'm sure.
AND...if you haven't heard Patty Griffin, you should run... RUN and buy her new CD. It's amazing. So much love for Patty arriving in my mailbox today. I think the guy in the car next to me on my way to class thought I was having a seizure I was so excited about this CD. The jury is still out on the new Norah Jones CD, however...I will keep you posted.
And that's all I've got for now. Sleep tight!
Quote o' the day:
"I always entertain great hopes." - Robert Frost
Because.
Because there is something awesome about the power that nature has. The frigid cold and snow that makes visibility little to nil. Something about waking up to snow falling just hard enough to make people slow down and pay attention to what they're doing. And that's something to reckon with, I think.
And because of the city. I'm in love, friends. I'm in love with our skyline. The way that as soon as I turn onto that road heading south, I can see it. When the sun is shining in the winter the bright rays of light bounce from building to building and the cold frost that stands out here and there, I am reminded of just how much that skyline is a part of me. Or when it rains and the shroud of clouds leave you straining to see the tops of the buildings peeking out from here and there. And today, when I couldn't see the city because of the snow, even once I was downtown, the buildings were still invisible to me, the snow swirling around in a frenzy as cars sat in lines of harsh metal, there was still a softness to the morning. Something terrific happens when it snows, and I can't explain it quite well enough to do it justice.
That skyline is my touchstone. I somehow feel more grounded when I can see it, and when it's not so visible, I feel the tiniest bit disappointed and lost. It's the high point of my bad days and even on the snowiest, rainiest, muggiest days, I can smile when I see those buildings. I hope that you can all appreciate it as much as it deserves. Think on it.
On a completely different tangent, I really enjoyed my class tonight - I think it is going to be fantastic. Tons of work, but fantastic. The prof is amazing - she truly loves writing and loves to teach and that's not something you can fake. Plus, she lives for quotations. So expect some really great ones that will trump even this Robert Frost phase I'm in. More on this to come, I'm sure.
AND...if you haven't heard Patty Griffin, you should run... RUN and buy her new CD. It's amazing. So much love for Patty arriving in my mailbox today. I think the guy in the car next to me on my way to class thought I was having a seizure I was so excited about this CD. The jury is still out on the new Norah Jones CD, however...I will keep you posted.
And that's all I've got for now. Sleep tight!
Quote o' the day:
"I always entertain great hopes." - Robert Frost
2.05.2007
the evasion of sleep continues...
I should be sleeping. But alas, I am wide awake - so I thought I'd post a few thoughts. Just so no one has to go through withdrawal again. ;)
1. I start a new class tomorrow - I have that whole, first day of school anticipation going on right now. I'm nervous about the new people, as I always am. I'm nervous about my writing, and nervous about the massive stack of books I have to read for it. I am desperately hoping they are good.
2. I was a spazz tonight with cleaning, organizing and went gangbusters on the treadmill again. Here's hoping that 3 miles doesn't come back to haunt me tomorrow. I'm sure it will.
3. I am super excited for new books and new CD's to arrive in the mail. It's really exciting to get that email from amazon saying that my items have shipped. :)
4. I want to accomplish so many things this week that I think I shall make myself dizzy. But in a good way.
5. The Colts won!! (I don't think I've been able to tell you who won the Superbowl since....well, since ever.)
I have a lot of thoughts swirling about in my mind at the moment, but those are the only ones I want to share. :)
Quote o' the day:
"Beauty is not caused. It is." - Emily Dickinson
1. I start a new class tomorrow - I have that whole, first day of school anticipation going on right now. I'm nervous about the new people, as I always am. I'm nervous about my writing, and nervous about the massive stack of books I have to read for it. I am desperately hoping they are good.
2. I was a spazz tonight with cleaning, organizing and went gangbusters on the treadmill again. Here's hoping that 3 miles doesn't come back to haunt me tomorrow. I'm sure it will.
3. I am super excited for new books and new CD's to arrive in the mail. It's really exciting to get that email from amazon saying that my items have shipped. :)
4. I want to accomplish so many things this week that I think I shall make myself dizzy. But in a good way.
5. The Colts won!! (I don't think I've been able to tell you who won the Superbowl since....well, since ever.)
I have a lot of thoughts swirling about in my mind at the moment, but those are the only ones I want to share. :)
Quote o' the day:
"Beauty is not caused. It is." - Emily Dickinson
2.04.2007
coffee at 10 p.m. is a bad idea
Marta and I went to see "Because I said So" tonight - the late show. And because it's so freaking cold out, we got a cup of coffee before. Well, she got tea and I got coffee. Now, not only am I completely punchy tired, but wide awake at the same time. Gotta love that.
The movie was pretty good. Totally a chick flick, but definitely had funny moments. I don't think it should have gotten all the bad reviews it got! Diane Keaton keeps playing the same character now and that's maybe a little sad. I think she's a good actress, but is stuck in that niche now. Somethings's Gotta Give and this movie are very similar, I think.
But I did not set out to write a movie review at 12:30 a.m. Not at all.
And, in case you didn't already know, coffee at 10 p.m. is a bad idea.
Quote o' the day:
"Forgive me my nonsense as I also forgive the nonsense of those who think they talk sense." - Robert Frost
The movie was pretty good. Totally a chick flick, but definitely had funny moments. I don't think it should have gotten all the bad reviews it got! Diane Keaton keeps playing the same character now and that's maybe a little sad. I think she's a good actress, but is stuck in that niche now. Somethings's Gotta Give and this movie are very similar, I think.
But I did not set out to write a movie review at 12:30 a.m. Not at all.
And, in case you didn't already know, coffee at 10 p.m. is a bad idea.
Quote o' the day:
"Forgive me my nonsense as I also forgive the nonsense of those who think they talk sense." - Robert Frost
2.02.2007
that was the opposite
of what I needed
This morning, as I was driving into work, yes the traffic was horrific, yes I was crabby and glad it was Friday, but MPR was playing Debussy's "Reverie." For those that aren't familiar - it's a beautiful, dreamlike piano piece that really is what the name implies. And as I drove on the winding road between the cemetery and the golf course by my house, there were sun dogs. Rainbows in the sky, with the "Reverie" playing and suddenly, I found myself smiling. Even in the midst of what hasn't been the greatest week and the crappy traffic, I was actually happy in my car. (For those that have driven with me, you know that this is rare!)
But then on my way home, I witnessed an accident, and many other near accidents. People were driving like maniacs and it was snowy and cloudy. Not to say I want it to be cloudy on my way in, but the sun dogs on my way home would have been perfect.
At any rate, I've got lots of plans this weekend and I'm excited. Fluffy girl movies, coffee and shopping - what could be better?!
Happy Friday!
Quote o' the day:
"Music is the expression of the movement of the waters, the play of curves described by changing breezes." - Claude Debussy
This morning, as I was driving into work, yes the traffic was horrific, yes I was crabby and glad it was Friday, but MPR was playing Debussy's "Reverie." For those that aren't familiar - it's a beautiful, dreamlike piano piece that really is what the name implies. And as I drove on the winding road between the cemetery and the golf course by my house, there were sun dogs. Rainbows in the sky, with the "Reverie" playing and suddenly, I found myself smiling. Even in the midst of what hasn't been the greatest week and the crappy traffic, I was actually happy in my car. (For those that have driven with me, you know that this is rare!)
But then on my way home, I witnessed an accident, and many other near accidents. People were driving like maniacs and it was snowy and cloudy. Not to say I want it to be cloudy on my way in, but the sun dogs on my way home would have been perfect.
At any rate, I've got lots of plans this weekend and I'm excited. Fluffy girl movies, coffee and shopping - what could be better?!
Happy Friday!
Quote o' the day:
"Music is the expression of the movement of the waters, the play of curves described by changing breezes." - Claude Debussy
1.31.2007
oh, but frustration doesn't end there.
I am unable to log into my computer at work. The little Mac login dialogue box just shakes at me accusingly. "THAT'S NOT RIGHT! GET IT RIGHT!"
I called every single freaking IT person that there is to call yesterday. I changed my password FOUR times. Two of my coworkers tried to log in and couldn't. SO...it's not me. Thank GOD.
I left desperate messages with three different people last night stating my name, what my computer number is, what kind of computer I've got, what the problem is and if they could please find my office in the building that I'm in at the end of the row of cubes in the middle of the building, and fix it by today, that would be freaking great.
It still doesn't work. Good thing I thought to bring in my laptop today so that I wouldn't be totally useless. I'm sure if I dug around in old papers enough and organized my stuff, I could pass the time. But I did that last night. So...what's a girl to do?
And this morning there are no IT people. They are all MIA.
Gah. Happy Wednesday.
Quote o' the day:
"The truth is more important than the facts." - Frank Lloyd Wright
1.30.2007
a poem
I get the Writer's Almanac delivered to my email inbox each day and today there was a poem that I wanted to share. Enjoy!
Eager
by Kim Garcia
Above the snow, a single maple holding forth
its dying flame. Among the feats of Nature:
the wild
greening from dry bulb, sour alchemy of rot, a rusty
handprint of lichen;
the eager
space-seeking species springing up after fire,
as though they took no lesson from destruction
but to begin again, twice as joyful.
Eager
by Kim Garcia
Above the snow, a single maple holding forth
its dying flame. Among the feats of Nature:
the wild
greening from dry bulb, sour alchemy of rot, a rusty
handprint of lichen;
the eager
space-seeking species springing up after fire,
as though they took no lesson from destruction
but to begin again, twice as joyful.
1.26.2007
things aren't always as they seem
Most of us, when we meet new people, we make snap judgements on what kind of a person they are, based on their appearance, the things they say and do. And more often than not, we find out that we were very wrong. As I get older, I find it easier and easier to let people in. I've somehow overcome the shyness that used to plague me as a child and overcome those past hurts that make it difficult for all of us to allow those new people to see who we really are.
In the few classes that I've taken, I've become friends with people that I might have dismissed initially and learned a lot from them as a result. It's hard to cut people out when you realize that you are so much like them, or that they have things that they can teach you about life, or just being a better person in general. Wouldn't it be great if we could all take that one small step towards releasing those judgements? I think that we could save ourselves a lot of drama and probably live a little more peacefully.
I don't want to be too deep on a Friday afternoon when I'm getting ready for a weekend that promises to be fun, and at the very least, interesting, so I'll stop there. But I wanted to get it out there before I forget. Sometimes, things aren't always as they seem or aren't what we expect. And that - is a wonderful thing.
Quote o' the day:
"Human potential, though not always apparent, is there waiting to be discovered and invited forth." - William W. Purkey
In the few classes that I've taken, I've become friends with people that I might have dismissed initially and learned a lot from them as a result. It's hard to cut people out when you realize that you are so much like them, or that they have things that they can teach you about life, or just being a better person in general. Wouldn't it be great if we could all take that one small step towards releasing those judgements? I think that we could save ourselves a lot of drama and probably live a little more peacefully.
I don't want to be too deep on a Friday afternoon when I'm getting ready for a weekend that promises to be fun, and at the very least, interesting, so I'll stop there. But I wanted to get it out there before I forget. Sometimes, things aren't always as they seem or aren't what we expect. And that - is a wonderful thing.
Quote o' the day:
"Human potential, though not always apparent, is there waiting to be discovered and invited forth." - William W. Purkey
1.23.2007
say that again?
How is it that even on the best of January days - it still feels like winter in MN? Even if the sun is shining and the birds are chirping and the light reflecting off the snow is beautiful, we can still find something to whine about.
Maybe the reason we're bitching is because everyone is crabby because we know that spring is NOT just around the corner. And while we wait patienctly for the groundhog to show his little head, we all dream of warm weather, baseball games, barbeques and those hot days of summer. And we all blame the weather for these midwinter doldrums that make us tired, crabby and sick - it's not the weather. It's our own state of mind. Because when those dog days of summer do arrive, we complain about them too. Hmm...
Yes friends, some of what I've been calling 'horseshit' in my class is starting to sink in. I came to the realization today that I'm always planning my next move, my next day, my next thought, even - and that's not healthy. I need to focus on what is making me happy now. And that might mean that I need to start to enjoy the winter weather instead of complaining about how I wish it was summer. I actually kind of smiled today when I got my heel stuck in snow - it just sunk right into the packed down, dirty snow and slush mixture and for some reason, I found it funny.
I do believe that people come into your life for a reason and I think that one reason was to jolt me out of my 'plannner' mode. Not to say that I still don't have to have a schedule, because I honestly think I'd be running around in circles if I didn't have one, but maybe it's time to let myself be a little bit more relaxed. What was it he said? "Yeah, you need to get over that planning thing."
I know that some of you might be saying, huh? Say that again, J? But it will be good for me.
Quote o' the day:
"In wisdom gathered over time I have found that every experience is a form of exploration." - Ansel Adams
Maybe the reason we're bitching is because everyone is crabby because we know that spring is NOT just around the corner. And while we wait patienctly for the groundhog to show his little head, we all dream of warm weather, baseball games, barbeques and those hot days of summer. And we all blame the weather for these midwinter doldrums that make us tired, crabby and sick - it's not the weather. It's our own state of mind. Because when those dog days of summer do arrive, we complain about them too. Hmm...
Yes friends, some of what I've been calling 'horseshit' in my class is starting to sink in. I came to the realization today that I'm always planning my next move, my next day, my next thought, even - and that's not healthy. I need to focus on what is making me happy now. And that might mean that I need to start to enjoy the winter weather instead of complaining about how I wish it was summer. I actually kind of smiled today when I got my heel stuck in snow - it just sunk right into the packed down, dirty snow and slush mixture and for some reason, I found it funny.
I do believe that people come into your life for a reason and I think that one reason was to jolt me out of my 'plannner' mode. Not to say that I still don't have to have a schedule, because I honestly think I'd be running around in circles if I didn't have one, but maybe it's time to let myself be a little bit more relaxed. What was it he said? "Yeah, you need to get over that planning thing."
I know that some of you might be saying, huh? Say that again, J? But it will be good for me.
Quote o' the day:
"In wisdom gathered over time I have found that every experience is a form of exploration." - Ansel Adams
1.21.2007
duvets and diablo wings
Sunday.
The last day of the weekend. Generally a crappy day in general because you remember that your free time is almost over and that you have to go back to work tomorrow.
We were supposed to have brunch with the parents today, but at the last minute, with the snow we got this morning, Naom and I decided to stay in. She messed around the house, getting rid of the exhorbitant amounts of cat hair that have built up in our lack of cleaning lately, while I read Being Peace by Thich Nhat Hanh for my class.
Then we decided that we were both crabby and wanted to get out of the house. So we went in search of a duvet cover for her new comforter. Not as easy as you might think to find. We went to Linen's N Things, which we both keep thinking is a Bed Bath and Beyond. Nothing but hideous, gold embroidered comforters that belong on my grandma's bed. To the mall! And the story was the same at all of the major department stores there. Finally she bought one just because she was sick of looking.
We stopped for wings and a beer at the Green Mill. The Diablo Wings are THE BEST. Try them next time you are at Green Mill.
When we got home I decided it was finally time to start working on my paper. Which is what I should be doing now. :)
This week is going to be nuts, but I'm ok with that. Being busy is better than being bored.
Anyone want to write an analytic summary/critical review for me?
Quote o' the day:
"In the sex-war thoughtlessness is the weapon of the male,vindictiveness of the female." - Cyril Connolly, The Unquiet Grave, 1944
The last day of the weekend. Generally a crappy day in general because you remember that your free time is almost over and that you have to go back to work tomorrow.
We were supposed to have brunch with the parents today, but at the last minute, with the snow we got this morning, Naom and I decided to stay in. She messed around the house, getting rid of the exhorbitant amounts of cat hair that have built up in our lack of cleaning lately, while I read Being Peace by Thich Nhat Hanh for my class.
Then we decided that we were both crabby and wanted to get out of the house. So we went in search of a duvet cover for her new comforter. Not as easy as you might think to find. We went to Linen's N Things, which we both keep thinking is a Bed Bath and Beyond. Nothing but hideous, gold embroidered comforters that belong on my grandma's bed. To the mall! And the story was the same at all of the major department stores there. Finally she bought one just because she was sick of looking.
We stopped for wings and a beer at the Green Mill. The Diablo Wings are THE BEST. Try them next time you are at Green Mill.
When we got home I decided it was finally time to start working on my paper. Which is what I should be doing now. :)
This week is going to be nuts, but I'm ok with that. Being busy is better than being bored.
Anyone want to write an analytic summary/critical review for me?
Quote o' the day:
"In the sex-war thoughtlessness is the weapon of the male,vindictiveness of the female." - Cyril Connolly, The Unquiet Grave, 1944
1.19.2007
don't you have a record of this?
Ok, so, I need to get my oil changed. I called the dealership where I bought my car because I get free oil changes there since I bought the car there. Kevin, the guy I talked to, not only repeatedly called me "Julie," but also asked me if I knew that I had some service that needed to be done on my car. To which I replied, really? I was unaware that my car needed service, even routine service, besides the oil change. This was the conversation that followed:
"When did you buy the car?"
"End of October or November?"
"Did you have it inspected?"
"Yeah, I would assume so."
"Where did you buy the car?"
"I bought it AT Walser."
"Really? Which dealership?"
And it went on like this like for another minute or two, and once he finally managed to 'squeeze' me into their oil change appointments tomorrow, I hung up and wanted to scream.
HOW do they not know that I bought my car at the freaking dealership?! They should have that in the record, along with my phone, email, address, etc.
Apparently they don't. And apparently, I need service on my car that I JUST bought.
This will be interesting.
wanderlust
So for class last night, we read a book about pilgrimage.
And as of right this minute, I have a huge urge to take a trip somewhere. Fly, drive, whatever. For the weekend - not this weekend, but soon...very soon. Plus I feel like I need to get the hell out of here for a bit - get out of my own mind for awhile.
Anyone in?
Quote o' the day:
"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -- I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference." - Robert Frost
1.11.2007
thinking is a gray area
Today is Thursday and I am extremely glad, because that means that tomorrow is Friday. While I am actually enjoying my class a lot, (our discussion last night about the Power of NOW was really interesting - everyone else felt the same resistance to the book that I did...I think someone even wanted to throw it across the room? Ha.) it's too much work. But the people in it are interesting and have a lot of good things to say. Plus, I think there are only like two people taking it for actual credit (and that includes me), so kudos to those taking it for FUN.
Never. Taking. A J-Term. Class. Again.
I feel sleep deprived and am really glad to have a night at home tonight. Maybe I'll cook something yummy - because I've been eating leftovers for like two weeks. And I don't think I can eat anymore chili. Or anything that is remotely chili flavored. Gross.
On another unrelated topic - if you haven't seen The Last Kiss - don't bother. I wasn't really a fan of the movie, BUT - the soundtrack is great - I can't stop listening to it. Yeah, some of the songs are overplayed, but I like them. And they seem to appeal to my current state of thinking for whatever reason. Check it out - you shan't be sorry.
Everybody's workin' for the weekend.
Quote o' the day:
"We do what we must, and call it by the best names." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
1.09.2007
be in the NOW
We had to read this book for our class called The Power of NOW.
Let me start out by saying that the back of the book states that you need to let go of your ego before reading it. I'm all about self-help - but this book, I really thought it was a bunch of crap. The author talks a lot about how you need to stop resisting, stop labeling and trying to understand what the NOW is. Just BE. Don't think - we're all slaves to thinking. Just BE. And when you reach that point - you must be enlightened. I'm all about people wanting to be enlightened, I really am. But this was just the cheesiest and most annoying way of putting that I've ever encountered. I took Religions of Asia. We talked about dukkah and the four noble truths and I thought that was interesting and cool. But my main problem with this guy was that he was all about mixing Jesus and Buddha and all sorts of shit to make his 'theology.'
Because he's a spiritual master. Whatever.
Maybe if I had picked up the book on my own instead of reading it for class, I would have gotten more out of it. Don't get me wrong, I thought it was interesting, and there were definitely things I could take from it. But it just doesn't fit with my personality and my life situation right now. Maybe something else will work.
At any rate...I now need to finish my paper on spiritual practices. Which is going to suck - because it will be very much a first draft.
I'm never taking a Jterm class again.
Quote o' the day:
"There is no enlightenment outside of daily life." - Thich Nhat Hanh
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