Coffee before/during class always seems like a good idea. And it never is.
Today I had a lot of things that I wanted to accomplish. But then I got caught up in last minute discussions about billboard art and slogans and my whole day seemed to be gone. Tomorrow, I have a million meetings, one of which is off campus and I didn't know that until today. I am slightly aggravated by it all.
But enough complaining. Class tonight was good, as per usual and I have decided that I have a goal for my class. It makes me feel like I have a purpose going forth in the semester and that's a good thing to have.
And here is a website for you all to check out - because it's pretty cool: http://writersrisingup.com/.
Just keep breathing and maybe you'll make it through the week.
"Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing ever happened." -Sir Winston Churchill
2.11.2008
2.10.2008
I give up, I let you win
And here we are friends! I have, once again, a Monday night class. And it is Sunday at 10:20 and I can't seem to get myself writing the things that i should be writing. Instead, I am listening to music, feeling still a little embarrassed that one of the bass players in our orchestra has now busted me twice singing at the top of my lungs at a stoplight on the way home. Apparently, we live by each other.
I'm also cursing myself and the stupidity that said it was a good idea to go full force at the gym yesterday and then sit all day today reading for class, because needless to say, I'm kind of sore. But I guess in the grand scheme of things, that isn't so bad. But I do think that the fact that I'm sore is good. I had every intention of doing some yoga today, but then it was ridiculously cold outside and my sister and I ended up hibernating in our pj's all day with hot tea. She watched Six Feet Under while I read and tried to block out the noise of the wind, the TV and the cats. It's amazing to me how such small things can be such great distractions.
At any rate, a couple of things to note. My parents invited me over for dinner tonight before orchestra and as a result, I got free dinner, some fruit soup that I shall have for lunch tomorrow, some muffins, coffee and a chocolate bar from their fair trade shop at church and a cookbook that is all about making desserts. My dad has caught on to the fact that I am, without question, my father's daughter and cook when I am stressed and love to make sweet things, especially cakes. Cooking is an extremely soothing past time, I recommend it.
I also am recommending the book A Very Long Engagement. I am willing to bet that some of you have seen the movie with French subtitles and the actress Audrey Tatou, but haven't read the book. It is phenomenal, without question. I know, you're all saying that I say that about every book - but really. If you enjoy historical novels, you will enjoy it.
As for musical recommendations, I recently have been listening to Grieg violin sonatas while I read and they are also amazing. So yes. If you like classical music - check it out!
And now, I'm going to write about landscape and memory as it pertains to my dead. Because that is the best thing I can write about right now.
Quote o' the day:
"After you have exhausted what there is in business, politics, conviviality, and so on -- have found that none of these finally satisfy, or permanently wear -- what remains? Nature remains." - William Wadsworth.
I'm also cursing myself and the stupidity that said it was a good idea to go full force at the gym yesterday and then sit all day today reading for class, because needless to say, I'm kind of sore. But I guess in the grand scheme of things, that isn't so bad. But I do think that the fact that I'm sore is good. I had every intention of doing some yoga today, but then it was ridiculously cold outside and my sister and I ended up hibernating in our pj's all day with hot tea. She watched Six Feet Under while I read and tried to block out the noise of the wind, the TV and the cats. It's amazing to me how such small things can be such great distractions.
At any rate, a couple of things to note. My parents invited me over for dinner tonight before orchestra and as a result, I got free dinner, some fruit soup that I shall have for lunch tomorrow, some muffins, coffee and a chocolate bar from their fair trade shop at church and a cookbook that is all about making desserts. My dad has caught on to the fact that I am, without question, my father's daughter and cook when I am stressed and love to make sweet things, especially cakes. Cooking is an extremely soothing past time, I recommend it.
I also am recommending the book A Very Long Engagement. I am willing to bet that some of you have seen the movie with French subtitles and the actress Audrey Tatou, but haven't read the book. It is phenomenal, without question. I know, you're all saying that I say that about every book - but really. If you enjoy historical novels, you will enjoy it.
As for musical recommendations, I recently have been listening to Grieg violin sonatas while I read and they are also amazing. So yes. If you like classical music - check it out!
And now, I'm going to write about landscape and memory as it pertains to my dead. Because that is the best thing I can write about right now.
Quote o' the day:
"After you have exhausted what there is in business, politics, conviviality, and so on -- have found that none of these finally satisfy, or permanently wear -- what remains? Nature remains." - William Wadsworth.
2.09.2008
sooner or later, one of us must know
It is eight below and the wind is so strong that I feel I can actually use the words, "the wind is howling" and not have it be a complete cliche. We are under a winter wind chill weather advisory for another hour and the wind shakes my window panes and I feel that my room is actually colder than usual because of it.
The landscape of Minnesota winters is difficult now, and though I remember it being difficult as a child, I also remember it being more fun. I used to love shoveling and making tunnels in the large piles of snow that lined our driveway. I remember when we'd have days that school was canceled because of wind chill and we'd make hot chocolate and popcorn and watch movies. My dad would be home from school, we'd play games and do puzzles. I loved those days and tonight, one of the coldest nights that we've had in awhile, I was out and about and eventually decided that I needed to get home. And how as an adult, these kinds of days are not as fun, shoveling is a chore and we don't like to embrace the time that we have at home. In fact, there are days that we fight it - at least I do.
So here I am, thinking rather introspectively about everything as a result of my class and aided by the fact that it is cold out and I have the house to myself. The only sound besides the wind and the cats chasing around the house, is the Writer's Almanac podcast and Mr. Keillor himself reading it. I guess if you have to have background noise and need some company, he's really not a bad person to have around.
And that brings me to my actual point of writing this. My class is called Landscape and Memory and very much is about remembering and making yourself remember things as they relate to the landscape, etc. But I've gotten of on a tangent with that and am thinking about how we choose to not remember things. And how we do that because we repress things that painful. And subsequently, how pain and remembering pain imprisons us in so many ways. We get stuck because of one thing - one small thing that has forever influenced the kind of person we are.
And that interests me. Because sometimes, that builds up and we become difficult for others to read and even difficult for ourselves to understand.
Now it's time for me to hit the hay, since today I joined Lifetime and was a little overzealous with the exercising and I know that tomorrow, I will definitely pay for it.
Hope that you are all staying warm and that the wind, instead of keeping you awake, is lulling you to sleep.
Quote 'o the day:
"Not that I want to teach you to compartmentalize, but it's worked really well for me." -DK, on our first night of class.
The landscape of Minnesota winters is difficult now, and though I remember it being difficult as a child, I also remember it being more fun. I used to love shoveling and making tunnels in the large piles of snow that lined our driveway. I remember when we'd have days that school was canceled because of wind chill and we'd make hot chocolate and popcorn and watch movies. My dad would be home from school, we'd play games and do puzzles. I loved those days and tonight, one of the coldest nights that we've had in awhile, I was out and about and eventually decided that I needed to get home. And how as an adult, these kinds of days are not as fun, shoveling is a chore and we don't like to embrace the time that we have at home. In fact, there are days that we fight it - at least I do.
So here I am, thinking rather introspectively about everything as a result of my class and aided by the fact that it is cold out and I have the house to myself. The only sound besides the wind and the cats chasing around the house, is the Writer's Almanac podcast and Mr. Keillor himself reading it. I guess if you have to have background noise and need some company, he's really not a bad person to have around.
And that brings me to my actual point of writing this. My class is called Landscape and Memory and very much is about remembering and making yourself remember things as they relate to the landscape, etc. But I've gotten of on a tangent with that and am thinking about how we choose to not remember things. And how we do that because we repress things that painful. And subsequently, how pain and remembering pain imprisons us in so many ways. We get stuck because of one thing - one small thing that has forever influenced the kind of person we are.
And that interests me. Because sometimes, that builds up and we become difficult for others to read and even difficult for ourselves to understand.
Now it's time for me to hit the hay, since today I joined Lifetime and was a little overzealous with the exercising and I know that tomorrow, I will definitely pay for it.
Hope that you are all staying warm and that the wind, instead of keeping you awake, is lulling you to sleep.
Quote 'o the day:
"Not that I want to teach you to compartmentalize, but it's worked really well for me." -DK, on our first night of class.
1.31.2008
you want it two ways, are you in or out?
Sarah said the other day that she wished things were like they were when they were simple.
I concur.
I just bought my books for class and I think it's going to be really interesting and amazing. We shall see if I'm right.
I'm off to finish my book, but wanted to say that.
Quote o' the day:
"The simplest things are often the truest." - Richard Bach, (American Writer, author of 'Jonathan Livingston Seagull', b.1936)
I concur.
I just bought my books for class and I think it's going to be really interesting and amazing. We shall see if I'm right.
I'm off to finish my book, but wanted to say that.
Quote o' the day:
"The simplest things are often the truest." - Richard Bach, (American Writer, author of 'Jonathan Livingston Seagull', b.1936)
1.30.2008
silent all these years
Bet you can't guess where that lyric came from (Lisa).
I feel like I need to qualify the statement about not being pregnant. That really should have gone right after the fainting at work statement. Number one, I fainted because I had blood taken earlier that day and had to be carted off in an ambulance to Abbott (apparently I was convulsing?). Number two, I paid enough to buy like 25 EPT tests for what they charged me to tell me I was not pregnant, even though I gave them three reasons why I could not possibly be pregnant at this time in my life. So that is what that was all about. Just so you are all aware. Not pregnant in any way, shape or form, and not even worried about it.
And then, this is from the book I'm currently reading and it's amazing:
"I lie down again with my back in the pine needles, and it feels good to breathe the ice-cold air. I look up between the tree trunks to the sky, which is completely clear and full of stars, and it slowly turns around, the whole world turns slowly around and is a huge, empty space. Silence is everywhere, and there is nothing between me and the stars, and when I try to think of something, I think of nothing. I close my eyes and smile to my self." - In the Wake, Per Petterson
Please read it. And read Out Stealing Horses, also by him, and is equally amazing. Have a cup of coffee and think of Norway while you read it and you shan't be sorry.
Off to clean my stuff up so that the cleaning lady doesn't clean it up for me.
Quote o' the day:
"Inspiration is wonderful when it happens, but the writer must develop an approach for the rest of the time... The wait is simply too long." - Leonard Bernstein, US composer & conductor (1918 - 1990)
I feel like I need to qualify the statement about not being pregnant. That really should have gone right after the fainting at work statement. Number one, I fainted because I had blood taken earlier that day and had to be carted off in an ambulance to Abbott (apparently I was convulsing?). Number two, I paid enough to buy like 25 EPT tests for what they charged me to tell me I was not pregnant, even though I gave them three reasons why I could not possibly be pregnant at this time in my life. So that is what that was all about. Just so you are all aware. Not pregnant in any way, shape or form, and not even worried about it.
And then, this is from the book I'm currently reading and it's amazing:
"I lie down again with my back in the pine needles, and it feels good to breathe the ice-cold air. I look up between the tree trunks to the sky, which is completely clear and full of stars, and it slowly turns around, the whole world turns slowly around and is a huge, empty space. Silence is everywhere, and there is nothing between me and the stars, and when I try to think of something, I think of nothing. I close my eyes and smile to my self." - In the Wake, Per Petterson
Please read it. And read Out Stealing Horses, also by him, and is equally amazing. Have a cup of coffee and think of Norway while you read it and you shan't be sorry.
Off to clean my stuff up so that the cleaning lady doesn't clean it up for me.
Quote o' the day:
"Inspiration is wonderful when it happens, but the writer must develop an approach for the rest of the time... The wait is simply too long." - Leonard Bernstein, US composer & conductor (1918 - 1990)
1.28.2008
today I’m sinking lower than the sun does on a Sunday
What's the song? Your move, friends.
I haven't posted in a long time. I've not felt like writing. I've been busy with work and post holiday celebrations. In the last month, I have: fainted at work, made a new friend, been told I am not pregnant (really, I was worried for a minute!), felt extremely happy, felt extremely low. Gotten drunk on a Thursday night because of a small thing that should not have upset me. Felt like I can't do my job, felt too young, too incompetent and felt pretty kick ass all at the same time. I made meatloaf that rivals my grandma's, broken a few dishes and spilled too many things to count. I have also made a complete fool out of myself and been without a voice for almost a week. And I have seen three of the best picture nominations and one in the animated category (Persepolis - if you haven't seen it, check it out - it's really interesting!).
It's amazing that January is almost over. I'm glad, because that means we are so much closer to spring and that means that my vacation starts over (in June) and that I will start my new class. Monday night classes are generally not that fun, but we shall see. The prof is amazing and I'm feeling rejuvenated just thinking about it.
So there you have it. Bring on the leap year - I'm ready for it!
Quote o' the day (really, it should be the quote for this month):
"The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right place but to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment." - Dorothy Nevill
I haven't posted in a long time. I've not felt like writing. I've been busy with work and post holiday celebrations. In the last month, I have: fainted at work, made a new friend, been told I am not pregnant (really, I was worried for a minute!), felt extremely happy, felt extremely low. Gotten drunk on a Thursday night because of a small thing that should not have upset me. Felt like I can't do my job, felt too young, too incompetent and felt pretty kick ass all at the same time. I made meatloaf that rivals my grandma's, broken a few dishes and spilled too many things to count. I have also made a complete fool out of myself and been without a voice for almost a week. And I have seen three of the best picture nominations and one in the animated category (Persepolis - if you haven't seen it, check it out - it's really interesting!).
It's amazing that January is almost over. I'm glad, because that means we are so much closer to spring and that means that my vacation starts over (in June) and that I will start my new class. Monday night classes are generally not that fun, but we shall see. The prof is amazing and I'm feeling rejuvenated just thinking about it.
So there you have it. Bring on the leap year - I'm ready for it!
Quote o' the day (really, it should be the quote for this month):
"The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right place but to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment." - Dorothy Nevill
1.06.2008
I know more than I knew before
It's been quite a while since I've written anything, friends and I don't have that much to say. There are entertaining stories a plenty from Christmas, New Year's, etc., but I don't have time to tell you them all right now. Another time - or else, if you want to know, ask. :)
But, I did want to say that I wish for you all a very happy 2008. I've had several people tell me that they've got a good feeling about this upcoming year and I would say for once, I actually have to agree. In 2008, I will not be so defeatist and believe more in good things, good moments, and good people.
If you care to share a resolution (you don't need to share the private ones that you hope no one ever finds out about), feel free. I like knowing what other people resolve. Because, we all "get by with a little help from our friends."
Quote o' the day:
"We have so much time and so little to do. Strike that, reverse it."
- Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
British juvenile author (1916 - 1990)
But, I did want to say that I wish for you all a very happy 2008. I've had several people tell me that they've got a good feeling about this upcoming year and I would say for once, I actually have to agree. In 2008, I will not be so defeatist and believe more in good things, good moments, and good people.
If you care to share a resolution (you don't need to share the private ones that you hope no one ever finds out about), feel free. I like knowing what other people resolve. Because, we all "get by with a little help from our friends."
Quote o' the day:
"We have so much time and so little to do. Strike that, reverse it."
- Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
British juvenile author (1916 - 1990)
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