Some things never change, like my compulsion to speak Italian when I bevo il caffe. Or my compulsion to speak Italian in general. I could go on forever about la bella lingua, but that's not what I'm here for.
I'm done! (That's what the title means) All my take home exams are turned in, all my finals are taken, I sold some books back, I'm in the process of packing and cleaning the apartment, Christmas music is playing...
And I've been reading Isaiah: "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it'" (30:21). Good stuff, especially since I'm still not sure what graduation will mean for me!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Singles and Couples Manifesto
After Wednesday's tardy snow day (while everyone else knew before school started that classes would be canceled, SNC declined to close campus until after 9...so I ended up going to my first class before I could enjoy a day off :) ), Thursday and Friday flew by. Today Andrea and I schlepped all of our finals materials to Kavarna to get out of the apartment and accomplish something. And I wrote a pretty solid manifesto on the interdependence of the human race.
Singles & Couples, the class I wrote this manifesto for, is my favorite this semester. We have been reading literature supporting the autonomy versus relationship of individuals and discussing which is more natural, how each one plays out in real life. After writing our initial thoughts on single v couple for class this week, we each had to take into account what our classmates wrote and expand that into an actual manifesto. Anyways, here it is:
It did not surprise me to learn that in the entirety of our class, no one wrote a manifesto on the complete independence of humans. It is clear by our collective thoughts we lean towards interdependence or at least a balance of autonomy and relationship, though that balance might differ from person to person. Caitlyn, Sam and I were the only ones who wrote on the complete interdependence and our manifestos each reiterated the idea of connection even when we think we are alone. Caitlyn writes, “Although one can be physically alone, one can never truly be alone.” The three of us commented on the fact that even when we aren’t surrounded by people, our thoughts are still influenced by everyone we have interacted with and any measure of autonomy we have is just another form of connection—whether to thoughts or memories or places influenced by others.
Jody, Chloe, Tess and Matt each wrote on the balance struck between relation and independence. Chloe believes, “the best situation is a balance of extremes,” while Matt and Tess each agree that the balance differs by individual, since, as Tess writes, “if everyone had the same balance of autonomy and relationship there would be no sense of an individual." Jody brought into the discussion Rainer Maria Rilke’s thoughts on autonomy and relationship: “I hold this to be the highest task for a bond between two people: that each protects the solitude of the other.” These manifestos get at a piece of the truth, but I still believe they are too moderate, too balanced. They avoid the extreme of relation in fear that humans just might be completely interdependent. It’s a scary thought, that each of us is connected to each other, but taking into account ideas from Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway and Michal Cunningham’s The Hours, it is easy to understand the essential connectedness of human beings.
Humans were created for relationships in all senses of the word: familial, brotherly and intimate. We rely on connections throughout our entire lives, from conception to even death, which is the only other shared experience we have with humankind besides birth. Sex, our most essential action as a species, is physically the closest people can get. Two separate individuals become one. If connections weren’t imperative for our growth and fulfillment, why would our most vital action involve such a degree of connection? As individuals, we form our identities through those we do or do not relate to. We are students in relation to teachers and friends or enemies in relation to peers. Clarissa Dalloway may have married Richard Dalloway for the sense of individuality she could retain, because “there is a dignity in people; a solitude; even between husband and wife a gulf; and that one must respect,” (Woolf 181) yet the title of the book remains Mrs. Dalloway, showing the reader that at the end of the day, Clarissa is connected to Richard. In fact, Clarissa herself articulates her undying connection to the entire world through what she calls a mist: even in death, she thinks, “she survived, Peter survived, lived in each other, she being part, she was positive, of the trees at home; of the house there, ugly, rambling all to bits and pieces as it was; part of people she had never met; being laid out like a mist between the people she knew best” (12). Clarissa even deems herself part of people she has not met, key in the connectedness of the human race.
While everyone seeks solitude at some point, they generally do not seek it permanently. Some solitude is even just a different form of connection—solitude with a book is connection to another world and its characters; solitude with only thoughts is a connection with the inner self and the inner self to the processing of outside stimuli. Those who would believe humans crave solitude at some point, who quote Rilke in his protection of the solitude of humans, have dismissed the first part of that quote which discusses the “highest task for a bond between two people.” Rilke admits solitude happens, but only in the sense of strengthening connection. I view solitude as an inner sanctum within the greater realm of relationship. Yes, sometimes we do things on our own, but we remain connected in our thoughts of others, in our existence within the same places in which others have previously existed.
Peter Walsh gets at this eternal connectedness human beings experience as he muses about Clarissa’s party:
For this is the truth about our soul, he thought, our self, who fish-like inhabits deep seas and plies among obscurities threading her way between the boles of giant weeds, over sun-flickered spaces and on and on into gloom, cold, deep, inscrutable; suddenly she shoots to the surface and sports on the wind-wrinkled waves; that is, has a positive need to brush, scrape, kindle herself, gossiping. (244)
Humans have that need to crash into other humans, to brush against them and connect with “gossip,” or any news of others. Even if we do this as individuals, we do it in our eternal need, eternal quest, for connection with others.
Singles & Couples, the class I wrote this manifesto for, is my favorite this semester. We have been reading literature supporting the autonomy versus relationship of individuals and discussing which is more natural, how each one plays out in real life. After writing our initial thoughts on single v couple for class this week, we each had to take into account what our classmates wrote and expand that into an actual manifesto. Anyways, here it is:
It did not surprise me to learn that in the entirety of our class, no one wrote a manifesto on the complete independence of humans. It is clear by our collective thoughts we lean towards interdependence or at least a balance of autonomy and relationship, though that balance might differ from person to person. Caitlyn, Sam and I were the only ones who wrote on the complete interdependence and our manifestos each reiterated the idea of connection even when we think we are alone. Caitlyn writes, “Although one can be physically alone, one can never truly be alone.” The three of us commented on the fact that even when we aren’t surrounded by people, our thoughts are still influenced by everyone we have interacted with and any measure of autonomy we have is just another form of connection—whether to thoughts or memories or places influenced by others.
Jody, Chloe, Tess and Matt each wrote on the balance struck between relation and independence. Chloe believes, “the best situation is a balance of extremes,” while Matt and Tess each agree that the balance differs by individual, since, as Tess writes, “if everyone had the same balance of autonomy and relationship there would be no sense of an individual." Jody brought into the discussion Rainer Maria Rilke’s thoughts on autonomy and relationship: “I hold this to be the highest task for a bond between two people: that each protects the solitude of the other.” These manifestos get at a piece of the truth, but I still believe they are too moderate, too balanced. They avoid the extreme of relation in fear that humans just might be completely interdependent. It’s a scary thought, that each of us is connected to each other, but taking into account ideas from Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway and Michal Cunningham’s The Hours, it is easy to understand the essential connectedness of human beings.
Humans were created for relationships in all senses of the word: familial, brotherly and intimate. We rely on connections throughout our entire lives, from conception to even death, which is the only other shared experience we have with humankind besides birth. Sex, our most essential action as a species, is physically the closest people can get. Two separate individuals become one. If connections weren’t imperative for our growth and fulfillment, why would our most vital action involve such a degree of connection? As individuals, we form our identities through those we do or do not relate to. We are students in relation to teachers and friends or enemies in relation to peers. Clarissa Dalloway may have married Richard Dalloway for the sense of individuality she could retain, because “there is a dignity in people; a solitude; even between husband and wife a gulf; and that one must respect,” (Woolf 181) yet the title of the book remains Mrs. Dalloway, showing the reader that at the end of the day, Clarissa is connected to Richard. In fact, Clarissa herself articulates her undying connection to the entire world through what she calls a mist: even in death, she thinks, “she survived, Peter survived, lived in each other, she being part, she was positive, of the trees at home; of the house there, ugly, rambling all to bits and pieces as it was; part of people she had never met; being laid out like a mist between the people she knew best” (12). Clarissa even deems herself part of people she has not met, key in the connectedness of the human race.
While everyone seeks solitude at some point, they generally do not seek it permanently. Some solitude is even just a different form of connection—solitude with a book is connection to another world and its characters; solitude with only thoughts is a connection with the inner self and the inner self to the processing of outside stimuli. Those who would believe humans crave solitude at some point, who quote Rilke in his protection of the solitude of humans, have dismissed the first part of that quote which discusses the “highest task for a bond between two people.” Rilke admits solitude happens, but only in the sense of strengthening connection. I view solitude as an inner sanctum within the greater realm of relationship. Yes, sometimes we do things on our own, but we remain connected in our thoughts of others, in our existence within the same places in which others have previously existed.
Peter Walsh gets at this eternal connectedness human beings experience as he muses about Clarissa’s party:
For this is the truth about our soul, he thought, our self, who fish-like inhabits deep seas and plies among obscurities threading her way between the boles of giant weeds, over sun-flickered spaces and on and on into gloom, cold, deep, inscrutable; suddenly she shoots to the surface and sports on the wind-wrinkled waves; that is, has a positive need to brush, scrape, kindle herself, gossiping. (244)
Humans have that need to crash into other humans, to brush against them and connect with “gossip,” or any news of others. Even if we do this as individuals, we do it in our eternal need, eternal quest, for connection with others.
Monday, December 7, 2009
my brain won't sleep
On multiple occasions today people told me I looked frazzled. I don't know why; maybe it was my inability to make eye contact with anyone or the way I was always a little bit out of breath, no matter where I was. Today felt like playing catch up. Like I missed a couple hours somewhere, into some time black hole, and had to run the rest of the day to stay on track. For some reason I felt rushed the entire day and still I feel a couple hours behind the rest of the world.
The good (obvious? anxiety-inducing?) news is the semester is rolling (crawling? racing? I really have no idea if it's time or me moving slowly) to an end. Seven more classes, two more papers, four more finals. And suddenly I'm a second semester senior. I don't know if I should barf or cheer.
The good (obvious? anxiety-inducing?) news is the semester is rolling (crawling? racing? I really have no idea if it's time or me moving slowly) to an end. Seven more classes, two more papers, four more finals. And suddenly I'm a second semester senior. I don't know if I should barf or cheer.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
almost finito...
Even though this week of school is only two days long, it's one of my busiest this semester.
I had a paper due in one class today a group paper/presentation in my other one. The paper was on breaching social norms. I did this by bringing a regular mug of coffee to class instead of putting it in a travel mug. I didn't mean for this to be weird at first, but people made comments about it so I continued my experiment at work in order to write the paper on it.
The group project was on the Oneida Community of the 1800s, which became the Oneida Corporation Ltd...yes, that means all of that silverware was first manufactured by a bunch of communists. Communists who believed in complex marriage (all men married to all women) nonetheless.
I just finished the paper due tomorrow morning for art class, the one comparing The Assumption of the Virgin to Untitled (Portrait of Ross in L.A.). Then I have a book discussion and finally I have to do a lesson plan for my tutoring session Wednesday morning.
Then I can come home!!
I had a paper due in one class today a group paper/presentation in my other one. The paper was on breaching social norms. I did this by bringing a regular mug of coffee to class instead of putting it in a travel mug. I didn't mean for this to be weird at first, but people made comments about it so I continued my experiment at work in order to write the paper on it.
The group project was on the Oneida Community of the 1800s, which became the Oneida Corporation Ltd...yes, that means all of that silverware was first manufactured by a bunch of communists. Communists who believed in complex marriage (all men married to all women) nonetheless.
I just finished the paper due tomorrow morning for art class, the one comparing The Assumption of the Virgin to Untitled (Portrait of Ross in L.A.). Then I have a book discussion and finally I have to do a lesson plan for my tutoring session Wednesday morning.
Then I can come home!!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Life Options
I've known for quite some time that I'm an internal processor, but for some reason I've forgotten that lately. My journaling--whether by blog or the old fashioned way--has gotten stale. After the conference this past weekend, though, I remembered just how much I need journaling to stay sane.
This past weekend was the Life Options conference in Minnetonka, MN. It was sponsored by Cru, so they provided a Biblical perspective for choosing our futures. I didn't go expecting to learn exactly what to do or to come away with my future all neat and orderly, but I was interested to see what they would say.
Because only juniors and seniors went, it was one of the more mature and serious conferences I've been to. Sure, we had fun--the emcee joked around, speakers showed us movie clips from October Sky and The Lord of the Rings--but they got down to business right away.
The focus speaker for the weekend was Roger Hershey, who I've heard before at Big Break. He's amazing and just a really wise guy who really emphasized keeping an eternal perspective. Other speakers and breakout sessions I went to discussed ways to not go crazy during this transition time and what the workplace can be like.
After one of our campus times where we each discussed things on our minds, I decided it was time to get all my thoughts out on paper. I had a hard time relating to the group what I was thinking, but in a jarbled fashion I pretty much told them about my contentment with where I'm at. During the quiet time I then had, I found this verse: "And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you" (Psalm 39:7). It really summed up my feelings.
I don't know where I'll be in a year, or nine months, or barely six months. I do know what I need to do tomorrow though, and the next day. So I'll start there. It's like walking through the woods with only a lighter to see where I'm going. I don't need a giant search light, the small flame will do. I'll get out of the woods eventually.
This past weekend was the Life Options conference in Minnetonka, MN. It was sponsored by Cru, so they provided a Biblical perspective for choosing our futures. I didn't go expecting to learn exactly what to do or to come away with my future all neat and orderly, but I was interested to see what they would say.
Because only juniors and seniors went, it was one of the more mature and serious conferences I've been to. Sure, we had fun--the emcee joked around, speakers showed us movie clips from October Sky and The Lord of the Rings--but they got down to business right away.
The focus speaker for the weekend was Roger Hershey, who I've heard before at Big Break. He's amazing and just a really wise guy who really emphasized keeping an eternal perspective. Other speakers and breakout sessions I went to discussed ways to not go crazy during this transition time and what the workplace can be like.
After one of our campus times where we each discussed things on our minds, I decided it was time to get all my thoughts out on paper. I had a hard time relating to the group what I was thinking, but in a jarbled fashion I pretty much told them about my contentment with where I'm at. During the quiet time I then had, I found this verse: "And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you" (Psalm 39:7). It really summed up my feelings.
I don't know where I'll be in a year, or nine months, or barely six months. I do know what I need to do tomorrow though, and the next day. So I'll start there. It's like walking through the woods with only a lighter to see where I'm going. I don't need a giant search light, the small flame will do. I'll get out of the woods eventually.
If Grace is an Ocean, We're All Sinking
Tomorrow I promise I will write something about my weekend in Minnesota.
Tonight I need to share this song with you.
We sang "How He Loves" a lot this summer. We did it during worship at our big group meetings and my five roommates and I sang it around our apartment almost daily. I have the lyrics written out on a giant sheet of paper in my room now because when I read them it reminds me of the summer and I can't help but be in a good mood.
It's an awesome song, both lyrically and musically. Ask Andrea, I've spent the past week listening to every version of it on youtube. Here is the David Crowder Band version with lyrics.
Tonight I need to share this song with you.
We sang "How He Loves" a lot this summer. We did it during worship at our big group meetings and my five roommates and I sang it around our apartment almost daily. I have the lyrics written out on a giant sheet of paper in my room now because when I read them it reminds me of the summer and I can't help but be in a good mood.
It's an awesome song, both lyrically and musically. Ask Andrea, I've spent the past week listening to every version of it on youtube. Here is the David Crowder Band version with lyrics.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
disclaimer
Okay, just to make some things clear. I did/do not mean my last post to offend/discredit teachers or education majors in any way. I think that the idea of me teaching is just so foreign to me, I don't know how to describe this feeling that maybe it's what I'm supposed to be doing.
It's like growing up knowing that I'm not attracted to redheads. Not because there is anything intrinsically wrong with redheads, but just because I'm just not attracted to them. So I base all my dating experiences on that knowledge and come to find out I've somehow fallen in love with a ginger. Yeah, that sums it up. Growing up I just wasn't attracted to teaching; all of my higher education choices reflect the different path(s) I've chosen and yet I somehow still arrived at destination: teaching.
I promise I'm going to stop making a big deal out of this soon (though I'm not sorry that I am making such a fuss--I'm allowed to obsess about my future a little). Tomorrow I meet with a representative from career services so he should help me figure out if I'm at all suited for educating--and if not what would work better.
It's like growing up knowing that I'm not attracted to redheads. Not because there is anything intrinsically wrong with redheads, but just because I'm just not attracted to them. So I base all my dating experiences on that knowledge and come to find out I've somehow fallen in love with a ginger. Yeah, that sums it up. Growing up I just wasn't attracted to teaching; all of my higher education choices reflect the different path(s) I've chosen and yet I somehow still arrived at destination: teaching.
I promise I'm going to stop making a big deal out of this soon (though I'm not sorry that I am making such a fuss--I'm allowed to obsess about my future a little). Tomorrow I meet with a representative from career services so he should help me figure out if I'm at all suited for educating--and if not what would work better.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
future?
I've been looking at volunteer services lately, thinking maybe that's something I'd like to do after graduation. It's all a part of my grand plan to not get a real job (ok, not exactly that, but to not get an office job or a job that requires me to wear nylons). Anyways, these volunteer organizations are very similar to the Peace Corps, except they are all faith-based so most operate out of churches or other spiritual organizations.
When I first started looking I narrowed down the nearly 200 options to about 50 and just today I got my list of options down to 28. It's hard, though, to know which ones are most suited to me and which ones will provide the best opportunities for post-service. They are all between 1-2 years long, though there is an option to renew, and they all provide things like housing, insurance, a stipend, and this really awesome thing called loan deference. The biggest differences are the locations (urban, rural, domestic, international...) and the actual placement (healthcare, education, human services, youth ministry...).
I'm not sure if I mentioned this already, but lately it seems all I do is teach, which makes me wonder if that's what I'm supposed to be doing. My entire life I've avoided association with any sort of "education" background--going so far as to take offense when people ask me if I'm going to school to be a teacher or if I'm in English Ed as opposed to "just" English. To set the record straight, I'm English, emphasis in creative writing and minor in sociology. No education classes at all. And I'm completely pleased with my decision--in fact, contrary to statistics they gave in high school (that the average student changes their major 6 times) I never once questioned my major.
Slight digression. Back to me, teaching. I do work at the Writing Center, where I consult students. I'm teaching writing to a home-schooled teen. And lately I've had several people tell me I should be a teacher. It's weird. And now that I've been looking into these volunteer programs, there are several teaching ones--some that would provide me with a grad school education upon completion of the program.
I still feel like a move into the education world would be like folding my hand, saying, yep all of you were right, I'm going to end up teaching anyways...and we all know with my stubbornness it'll take a lot to get me to do that.
Oh, how I long for the days of patrons...is there anyone out there willing to pay me/provide me shelter in return for a lifetime of short stories and poems?
When I first started looking I narrowed down the nearly 200 options to about 50 and just today I got my list of options down to 28. It's hard, though, to know which ones are most suited to me and which ones will provide the best opportunities for post-service. They are all between 1-2 years long, though there is an option to renew, and they all provide things like housing, insurance, a stipend, and this really awesome thing called loan deference. The biggest differences are the locations (urban, rural, domestic, international...) and the actual placement (healthcare, education, human services, youth ministry...).
I'm not sure if I mentioned this already, but lately it seems all I do is teach, which makes me wonder if that's what I'm supposed to be doing. My entire life I've avoided association with any sort of "education" background--going so far as to take offense when people ask me if I'm going to school to be a teacher or if I'm in English Ed as opposed to "just" English. To set the record straight, I'm English, emphasis in creative writing and minor in sociology. No education classes at all. And I'm completely pleased with my decision--in fact, contrary to statistics they gave in high school (that the average student changes their major 6 times) I never once questioned my major.
Slight digression. Back to me, teaching. I do work at the Writing Center, where I consult students. I'm teaching writing to a home-schooled teen. And lately I've had several people tell me I should be a teacher. It's weird. And now that I've been looking into these volunteer programs, there are several teaching ones--some that would provide me with a grad school education upon completion of the program.
I still feel like a move into the education world would be like folding my hand, saying, yep all of you were right, I'm going to end up teaching anyways...and we all know with my stubbornness it'll take a lot to get me to do that.
Oh, how I long for the days of patrons...is there anyone out there willing to pay me/provide me shelter in return for a lifetime of short stories and poems?
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Sunday again.
This past week I was feeling pretty buried in school and stressing about life. My quiet times were rushed and skimmed the surface, but then I decided to revisit Ecclesiastes. Such a good idea.
This book is written from the point of view of a great teacher who has pretty much seen/done it all and finds that most of this world is meaningless, or vanity. He does find meaning in life, though. I appreciated this verse: "A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God" (2:24).
Like this week: once I started letting go of all the things I was worrying about, things started looking up. I found a ride to Minnesota for a Project Reunion when it seemed I would be stranded in De Pere, my test on Friday did not leave me wanting to cry, I got a paper written way before it was due instead of minutes before having to turn it in...and I felt way more relaxed.
Then I got to spend the weekend with amazing friends! It was great to reconnect with my summer roommates, coworkers, and all the people I got to know so well. It was like we never left South Carolina! Eric and I even found a balloon from Ryan's (I'm still at a loss as to how it got there?) which led to shenanigan-reminiscing.
The only lament I have? Aaron Rodgers breaks my heart...
This book is written from the point of view of a great teacher who has pretty much seen/done it all and finds that most of this world is meaningless, or vanity. He does find meaning in life, though. I appreciated this verse: "A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God" (2:24).
Like this week: once I started letting go of all the things I was worrying about, things started looking up. I found a ride to Minnesota for a Project Reunion when it seemed I would be stranded in De Pere, my test on Friday did not leave me wanting to cry, I got a paper written way before it was due instead of minutes before having to turn it in...and I felt way more relaxed.
Then I got to spend the weekend with amazing friends! It was great to reconnect with my summer roommates, coworkers, and all the people I got to know so well. It was like we never left South Carolina! Eric and I even found a balloon from Ryan's (I'm still at a loss as to how it got there?) which led to shenanigan-reminiscing.
The only lament I have? Aaron Rodgers breaks my heart...
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
wasn't i supposed to write a paper tonight?
1. Do you sleep with your closet doors open or closed?
yes, they are either open or closed.
2. Do you take the shampoos and conditioner bottles from hotel?
yes, sometimes.
3. Do you sleep with your sheets tucked in or out?
they always come out so i've stopped tucking.
4. Have you ever stolen a street sign before?
negativo.
5. Do you like to use post-it notes?
i use them like a fiend.
6. Do you cut out coupons but then never use them?
every now and then. most of the time we use our coupons.
7. Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of a bees?
ew ew ew. that wouldn't end good either way.
8. Do you have freckles?
nope.
9. Do you always smile for pictures?
ugh...i always make weird faces. it's a little obnoxious.
10. What is your biggest pet peeve?
ignorance? but i'm a hypocrite.
11. Do you ever count your steps when you walk?
not that i know.
12. Have you ever peed in the woods?
i'm sure it's happened.
13. What about pooped in the woods?
ladies don't poop.
14. Do you ever dance even if there's no music playing?
yes.
15. Do you chew your pens and pencils?
on occasion.
16. What kind of vehicle do you drive?
whatever kind people let me drive.
17. What size is your bed?
too tall.
18. What is your Song of the week?
anything by sufjan stevens.
19. Is it okay for guys to wear pink?
of course.
20. Do you still watch cartoons?
sometimes, yes...
21. Whats your least favorite movie?
alien vs. predator
22. Where would you bury hidden treasure if you had some?
in my bank account. :)
23. What do you drink with dinner?
water. milk. more water.
24. What do you dip a chicken nugget in?
no nuggets for me!
25. What is your favorite food?
gelato.
26. What movies could you watch over and over and still love?
The Little Mermaid? Pride and Prejudice.
27. Last person you kissed/kissed you?
mom/dad before coming back to school
28. Were you ever a boy/girl scout?
nope.
29. Would you ever strip or pose nude in a magazine?
nope.
30. When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper?
Friday night! to Marina.
31. Can you change the oil on a car?
in theory.
32. Ever gotten a speeding ticket?
nope.
33. Ran out of gas?
nope.
34. Favorite kind of sandwich?
i love me some nutella. or peanut butter and honey.
35 Best thing to eat for breakfast?
banana pancakes.
36. What is your usual bedtime?
usually before midnight. i'm getting old.
37. Are you lazy?
i'm never too far from it.
38. When you were a kid, what did you dress up as for Halloween?
princess. witch. princess. crayon? princess.
39. What is your Chinese astrological sign?
i have no idea.
40. How many languages can you speak?
fluently? one.
41. Do you have any magazine subscriptions?
nope.
42..Which are better legos or lincoln logs?
legos all the way.
43. Are you stubborn?
you better believe it.
44. Who is better...Leno or Letterman?
Letterman, actually.
45. Ever watch soap operas?
ugh. no.
46. Afraid of heights?
not really.
47. Sing in the car?
yes.
48. Dance in the shower?
i have done this.
49. Dance in the car?
aaaa...yes.
50. Ever used a gun?
no.
51. Last time you got a portrait taken by a photographer?
senior photos? summer 05...dang.
52. Do you think musicals are cheesy?
they have to be.
53. Is Christmas stressful?
it shouldn't be.
54. Ever eat a pierogi?
no?
55. Favorite type of fruit pie?
cherry.
56. Occupations you wanted to be when you were a kid?
ballerina. something that allowed me to wear heels. doctor. gardener. taxi cab driver.
57. Do you believe in ghosts?
no, Mom calls them spirits.
58. Ever have a Deja-vu feeling?
haven't i taken this quiz before?
59. Take a vitamin daily?
yes.
60. Wear slippers?
to class.
61. Wear a bath robe?
no.
62. What do you wear to bed?
whatever i fall asleep in...sweats usually.
63. First concert?
oh jeez...Skillet? Or Coldplay.
64. Wal-Mart, Target or Kmart?
TARGET. always.
65. Nike or Adidas?
Converse?
66.Cheetos Or Fritos?
Fritos, yes.
67. Peanuts or Sunflower seeds?
sunflower seeds w/ shells.
68. Ever hear of the group Tres Bien?
i think so actually...
69. Ever take dance lessons?
yes. tap for a tiny bit and ballroom.
70. Is there a profession you picture your future spouse doing?
that's a weird question.
71. Can you curl your tongue?
yes.
72. Ever won a spelling bee?
in third grade.
73. Have you ever cried because you were so happy?
i think so.
74. Own any record albums?
no.
75. Own a record player?
no.
76. Regularly burn incense?
no. candles.
77. Ever been in love?
i'm in love with Jesus.
78. Who would you like to see in concert?
Michael Jackson
79. What was the last concert you saw?
Ben Harper in Roma.
80.Hot tea or cold tea?
hot unsweet. cold sweet.
81.Tea or coffee?
yes!
82. Sugar or snickerdoodles?
sugar.....
83.Can you swim well?
yes.
84.Can you hold your breath without holding your nose?
yes.
85. Are you patient?
um...most of the time.
86. DJ or band, at a wedding?
DJ
87.Ever won a contest?
yes. a coloring contest.
88. Ever have plastic surgery?
no.
89. Which are better black or green olives?
i like both, in moderation.
90.Can you knit or crochet?
knit my first scarf this past week!
91. Best room for a fireplace?
the library room.
92. Do you want to get married?
yes.
93. If married, how long have you been married?
n/a.
94. Who was your HS crush?
Orlando Bloom, Anakin Skywalker.
95. Do you cry and throw a fit until you get your own way?
i might, on occasion.
96. Do you have kids?
no.
97. Do you want kids?
yes, i think?
98. What's your favorite color?
i have a lot of blue things...but i also enjoy a good red every now and then.
99. Do you miss anyone right now?
lots of people!
yes, they are either open or closed.
2. Do you take the shampoos and conditioner bottles from hotel?
yes, sometimes.
3. Do you sleep with your sheets tucked in or out?
they always come out so i've stopped tucking.
4. Have you ever stolen a street sign before?
negativo.
5. Do you like to use post-it notes?
i use them like a fiend.
6. Do you cut out coupons but then never use them?
every now and then. most of the time we use our coupons.
7. Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of a bees?
ew ew ew. that wouldn't end good either way.
8. Do you have freckles?
nope.
9. Do you always smile for pictures?
ugh...i always make weird faces. it's a little obnoxious.
10. What is your biggest pet peeve?
ignorance? but i'm a hypocrite.
11. Do you ever count your steps when you walk?
not that i know.
12. Have you ever peed in the woods?
i'm sure it's happened.
13. What about pooped in the woods?
ladies don't poop.
14. Do you ever dance even if there's no music playing?
yes.
15. Do you chew your pens and pencils?
on occasion.
16. What kind of vehicle do you drive?
whatever kind people let me drive.
17. What size is your bed?
too tall.
18. What is your Song of the week?
anything by sufjan stevens.
19. Is it okay for guys to wear pink?
of course.
20. Do you still watch cartoons?
sometimes, yes...
21. Whats your least favorite movie?
alien vs. predator
22. Where would you bury hidden treasure if you had some?
in my bank account. :)
23. What do you drink with dinner?
water. milk. more water.
24. What do you dip a chicken nugget in?
no nuggets for me!
25. What is your favorite food?
gelato.
26. What movies could you watch over and over and still love?
The Little Mermaid? Pride and Prejudice.
27. Last person you kissed/kissed you?
mom/dad before coming back to school
28. Were you ever a boy/girl scout?
nope.
29. Would you ever strip or pose nude in a magazine?
nope.
30. When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper?
Friday night! to Marina.
31. Can you change the oil on a car?
in theory.
32. Ever gotten a speeding ticket?
nope.
33. Ran out of gas?
nope.
34. Favorite kind of sandwich?
i love me some nutella. or peanut butter and honey.
35 Best thing to eat for breakfast?
banana pancakes.
36. What is your usual bedtime?
usually before midnight. i'm getting old.
37. Are you lazy?
i'm never too far from it.
38. When you were a kid, what did you dress up as for Halloween?
princess. witch. princess. crayon? princess.
39. What is your Chinese astrological sign?
i have no idea.
40. How many languages can you speak?
fluently? one.
41. Do you have any magazine subscriptions?
nope.
42..Which are better legos or lincoln logs?
legos all the way.
43. Are you stubborn?
you better believe it.
44. Who is better...Leno or Letterman?
Letterman, actually.
45. Ever watch soap operas?
ugh. no.
46. Afraid of heights?
not really.
47. Sing in the car?
yes.
48. Dance in the shower?
i have done this.
49. Dance in the car?
aaaa...yes.
50. Ever used a gun?
no.
51. Last time you got a portrait taken by a photographer?
senior photos? summer 05...dang.
52. Do you think musicals are cheesy?
they have to be.
53. Is Christmas stressful?
it shouldn't be.
54. Ever eat a pierogi?
no?
55. Favorite type of fruit pie?
cherry.
56. Occupations you wanted to be when you were a kid?
ballerina. something that allowed me to wear heels. doctor. gardener. taxi cab driver.
57. Do you believe in ghosts?
no, Mom calls them spirits.
58. Ever have a Deja-vu feeling?
haven't i taken this quiz before?
59. Take a vitamin daily?
yes.
60. Wear slippers?
to class.
61. Wear a bath robe?
no.
62. What do you wear to bed?
whatever i fall asleep in...sweats usually.
63. First concert?
oh jeez...Skillet? Or Coldplay.
64. Wal-Mart, Target or Kmart?
TARGET. always.
65. Nike or Adidas?
Converse?
66.Cheetos Or Fritos?
Fritos, yes.
67. Peanuts or Sunflower seeds?
sunflower seeds w/ shells.
68. Ever hear of the group Tres Bien?
i think so actually...
69. Ever take dance lessons?
yes. tap for a tiny bit and ballroom.
70. Is there a profession you picture your future spouse doing?
that's a weird question.
71. Can you curl your tongue?
yes.
72. Ever won a spelling bee?
in third grade.
73. Have you ever cried because you were so happy?
i think so.
74. Own any record albums?
no.
75. Own a record player?
no.
76. Regularly burn incense?
no. candles.
77. Ever been in love?
i'm in love with Jesus.
78. Who would you like to see in concert?
Michael Jackson
79. What was the last concert you saw?
Ben Harper in Roma.
80.Hot tea or cold tea?
hot unsweet. cold sweet.
81.Tea or coffee?
yes!
82. Sugar or snickerdoodles?
sugar.....
83.Can you swim well?
yes.
84.Can you hold your breath without holding your nose?
yes.
85. Are you patient?
um...most of the time.
86. DJ or band, at a wedding?
DJ
87.Ever won a contest?
yes. a coloring contest.
88. Ever have plastic surgery?
no.
89. Which are better black or green olives?
i like both, in moderation.
90.Can you knit or crochet?
knit my first scarf this past week!
91. Best room for a fireplace?
the library room.
92. Do you want to get married?
yes.
93. If married, how long have you been married?
n/a.
94. Who was your HS crush?
Orlando Bloom, Anakin Skywalker.
95. Do you cry and throw a fit until you get your own way?
i might, on occasion.
96. Do you have kids?
no.
97. Do you want kids?
yes, i think?
98. What's your favorite color?
i have a lot of blue things...but i also enjoy a good red every now and then.
99. Do you miss anyone right now?
lots of people!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
i miss sugar!!
I have never craved milkshakes so much! I'm not even being as strict as I started out--I ate tortilla shells and popcorn--but I have not had any chocolate or cake or cookies. No Snickers that were available at my Writing Center meeting last night. No caramel apples that are sitting on our counter. Dang.
Other new things in my life are the two goldfish swimming around their new home in the apartment. Ariel saw that we had an unused glass bowl here and decided to give us a pair of goldfish for a house-warming gift. Now I get to hang out with Jack and Dora when I'm doing homework!
Other new things in my life are the two goldfish swimming around their new home in the apartment. Ariel saw that we had an unused glass bowl here and decided to give us a pair of goldfish for a house-warming gift. Now I get to hang out with Jack and Dora when I'm doing homework!
Monday, October 19, 2009
sugar fast update
I already cheated.
I want to be honest, this is way hard. And to be fair, I'm not trying to be legalistic so I'm not going to get too down on myself for not following this thing as strict as some might. I had pasta tonight, not whole grain, so there were your basic everyday carbs involved.
I'm counting today as a success, though, because I did not binge on the leftover apple cake on the counter or eat any of the frosting in the fridge or stick a finger in the Nutella in the cupboard--all things I have done on occasion and sometimes all on the same day. Or within the same hour.
I want to be honest, this is way hard. And to be fair, I'm not trying to be legalistic so I'm not going to get too down on myself for not following this thing as strict as some might. I had pasta tonight, not whole grain, so there were your basic everyday carbs involved.
I'm counting today as a success, though, because I did not binge on the leftover apple cake on the counter or eat any of the frosting in the fridge or stick a finger in the Nutella in the cupboard--all things I have done on occasion and sometimes all on the same day. Or within the same hour.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
sugar fast
That's right. I'm doing it, finally. I've been wanting to give up sugar for a while now but never actually did it...and I've decided it's time. I am doing a sugar fast for two weeks (I figured Halloween would be the perfect time to break a fast like this).
So starting today, no sugar for two weeks. Things I will be cutting out include:
-refined sugar (white and brown)
-white breads/crackers
-cold cereal
-things with sugar added (most fruit juices)
Which really leaves me plenty to eat:
-eggs
-vegetables
-fruit (I am allowing natural sugars)
-dairy
-nuts
-whole grains
I've done my homework so I know days 3-5 will be the toughest but once I get to day 7 I'm essentially home free. Also, fasts are traditionally times of spiritual/mental/emotional as well as physical purification and sacrifice, so every time I find myself craving sugar (essentially ALL the time) I'll take that as a chance to instead meditate or think about something outside of myself.
Halloween will mark the breaking of the fast. The plan is to go to Minnesota with friends from Summer Project for a reunion, perfect for breaking a fast--kind of like coming out of hiding back into the community.
Most people probably don't announce their plans for a sugar fast like I have but I find that A. J. Jacobs inspires me to do these things while simultaneously journaling about them and sharing the experience with others. :)
So starting today, no sugar for two weeks. Things I will be cutting out include:
-refined sugar (white and brown)
-white breads/crackers
-cold cereal
-things with sugar added (most fruit juices)
Which really leaves me plenty to eat:
-eggs
-vegetables
-fruit (I am allowing natural sugars)
-dairy
-nuts
-whole grains
I've done my homework so I know days 3-5 will be the toughest but once I get to day 7 I'm essentially home free. Also, fasts are traditionally times of spiritual/mental/emotional as well as physical purification and sacrifice, so every time I find myself craving sugar (essentially ALL the time) I'll take that as a chance to instead meditate or think about something outside of myself.
Halloween will mark the breaking of the fast. The plan is to go to Minnesota with friends from Summer Project for a reunion, perfect for breaking a fast--kind of like coming out of hiding back into the community.
Most people probably don't announce their plans for a sugar fast like I have but I find that A. J. Jacobs inspires me to do these things while simultaneously journaling about them and sharing the experience with others. :)
when i stay up late i have questions like this.
When did knowledge become a means to an end instead of the end in itself?
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
what i was made for
Today we got our tests back in Singles & Couples, my upper level literature course. For the essay part of the test we had to finish a play that Dr. Neary had set up for us, incorporating a number of characters from the 6-7 works we've read in class so far. That was my favorite part of the test, and to be honest I wasn't sure how well I did on the first short essay part, but no worries! I only had a point off the first part and I made up for it by getting extra credit on the creative section. Dr. Neary wasn't exactly offering extra credit on the test but he wrote that it was brilliant and he actually wanted to see it performed. :)
Thank you Jesus for giving me creativity & a passion for writing.
Thank you Jesus for giving me creativity & a passion for writing.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Reuniting!
This weekend was such a great time in Stevens Point, but it was a break from reality--no e-mail, homework (well, I didn't do the homework I have), or agenda--and now I have to face that reality tomorrow even though I'm not sure I'm ready. No Columbus Day for this woman.
When I got to Point on Thursday night, I was reunited with more than just my Project friends...I saw a friend from SNC who was there for Long Weekend as well, friends from CHS who go to Point, a friend from UWGB visiting for the weekend...it was truly a Small World experience.
On Friday we went out swing dancing and got caught up on everyone's lives. It was great to have so many Project people in one room, remembering our favorite things from the summer. Saturday was for taking a walk by the river, playing games, going out to Grazie's and watching a movie (with a projector and a giant white wall). Today we went to church and carved pumpkins (and ate cheesecake for lunch). I loved all the quality time we had and how we all reconnected so easily.
Now I get to spend tonight reconnecting with Andrea :) and then I have to think about those novels I was supposed to read for this week :( ...Thanksgiving Break anyone?
When I got to Point on Thursday night, I was reunited with more than just my Project friends...I saw a friend from SNC who was there for Long Weekend as well, friends from CHS who go to Point, a friend from UWGB visiting for the weekend...it was truly a Small World experience.
On Friday we went out swing dancing and got caught up on everyone's lives. It was great to have so many Project people in one room, remembering our favorite things from the summer. Saturday was for taking a walk by the river, playing games, going out to Grazie's and watching a movie (with a projector and a giant white wall). Today we went to church and carved pumpkins (and ate cheesecake for lunch). I loved all the quality time we had and how we all reconnected so easily.
Now I get to spend tonight reconnecting with Andrea :) and then I have to think about those novels I was supposed to read for this week :( ...Thanksgiving Break anyone?
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
long weekend...because we work hard here!
Only two classes today instead of three...a couple hours at work...and then home! That's right, it's Long Weekend--the weekend of the year devoted to not doing homework, getting off campus, doing laundry, stocking up on food at home, and making people from state schools jealous. We're spoiled.
I was so excited last night I couldn't even sleep...I was like a small child on Christmas Eve. Today after work (4ish) I get to drive Greg and Andrea to the airport, where they will depart for Arizona, and then Rachel Schindler and I will make the two hour drive back to central WI.
I'll be home tonight and most of tomorrow, and then I'm headed to Stevens Point. There is going to be a small NMB reunion so I'll get to see people from this summer! I can't wait to see everyone...this time in sweaters and pants instead of shorts and swim suits and work uniforms.
Packing is almost done, now I just want to finish this book before I leave. :)
I was so excited last night I couldn't even sleep...I was like a small child on Christmas Eve. Today after work (4ish) I get to drive Greg and Andrea to the airport, where they will depart for Arizona, and then Rachel Schindler and I will make the two hour drive back to central WI.
I'll be home tonight and most of tomorrow, and then I'm headed to Stevens Point. There is going to be a small NMB reunion so I'll get to see people from this summer! I can't wait to see everyone...this time in sweaters and pants instead of shorts and swim suits and work uniforms.
Packing is almost done, now I just want to finish this book before I leave. :)
Sunday, October 4, 2009
weekend list
This weekend I accomplished a number of things:
-Listened to Creedence Clearwater Revival. Obnoxiously.
-Learned CCR tabs.
-Read poetry.
-Attempted writing poetry.
-Wished I was a better poetry writer.
-Checked out four new books from the library in lieu of going to class.
-Knit.
-Watched The Kite Runner with Andrea.
-Got my laughs from mylifeisaverage.com.
-Watched the Chicago Bears make a touchdown off a punt return.
-Turned off TV.
-Helped Andrea bake cookies.
-Ate cookies.
-Started reading Dan Brown's new book, The Lost Symbol.
-Watched Saturday Night Live. On Sunday afternoon.
-Napped.
-Listened to Creedence Clearwater Revival. Obnoxiously.
-Learned CCR tabs.
-Read poetry.
-Attempted writing poetry.
-Wished I was a better poetry writer.
-Checked out four new books from the library in lieu of going to class.
-Knit.
-Watched The Kite Runner with Andrea.
-Got my laughs from mylifeisaverage.com.
-Watched the Chicago Bears make a touchdown off a punt return.
-Turned off TV.
-Helped Andrea bake cookies.
-Ate cookies.
-Started reading Dan Brown's new book, The Lost Symbol.
-Watched Saturday Night Live. On Sunday afternoon.
-Napped.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Grandmas and Brides
Shout out to Grandma! Happy Birthday and I love you!! (PS, Grandpa tells me the candy drawer will be stocked when I come home next week...) :)
In other news, one of my extracurricular activities this semester is being Andrea's Maid of Honor...honestly one of the best out of school things to be involved in. Andrea and Greg don't get married until the end of May (good thing because then I get to live with her the whole school year) but they already have most of the wedding planned: church, reception, caterer, photographer, florist, suits...and THE dress.
Tonight we get to pick up the dress, which took Andrea all of one day to find. I'm not going to go into too much detail (bad karma?) but it's from a little boutique so I'm guessing not many people have this dress. All of us bridesmaids knew it was the one when she tried it on--we loved it, Mom loved it, she loved it...plus the design is discontinued and it just happened to be exactly Andrea's size.
Now we just have to make room for it in our closet next to the watermelon and clover-colored bridesmaids' dresses. And we have to make sure no one spills the beans about what it looks like to Greg, who is very curious about this whole thing...
In other news, one of my extracurricular activities this semester is being Andrea's Maid of Honor...honestly one of the best out of school things to be involved in. Andrea and Greg don't get married until the end of May (good thing because then I get to live with her the whole school year) but they already have most of the wedding planned: church, reception, caterer, photographer, florist, suits...and THE dress.
Tonight we get to pick up the dress, which took Andrea all of one day to find. I'm not going to go into too much detail (bad karma?) but it's from a little boutique so I'm guessing not many people have this dress. All of us bridesmaids knew it was the one when she tried it on--we loved it, Mom loved it, she loved it...plus the design is discontinued and it just happened to be exactly Andrea's size.
Now we just have to make room for it in our closet next to the watermelon and clover-colored bridesmaids' dresses. And we have to make sure no one spills the beans about what it looks like to Greg, who is very curious about this whole thing...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)