"Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no child-like faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.
Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies!"
--Francis P. Church, from the New York Sun, September 21, 1897.
Christmas soon! Christmas Christmas Christmas! Woo0000 Christmas!
I realized I have more to say about Christmas songs other than my hatred of "Christmas Shoes." And while I do love Christmas music, after 187 renditions of "Do You Hear What I Hear?" this month, I'm ready for a little change.
I have therefore very thoughtfully compiled a list of some of my favorite Christmas songs seldom heard on the radio. I've also provided links, and hopefully they all work properly. Please enjoy!
Simple Birth by Barbara Higbie
Darlin' (Christmas is Coming) by Over the Rhine
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen by Barenaked Ladies
Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy by Bing Crosby and David Bowie
My Christmas Card to You by The Partridge Family
The 12 Days of Christmas by John Denver and the Muppets
Happy holidays, everyone!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
Bad Drivers
"What is it you want, Mary? What do you want? You want the moon? Just say the word and I'll throw a lasso around it and pull it down. Hey, that's a pretty good idea. I'll give you the moon, Mary."
--George Bailey, It's a Wonderful Life
Today we'll be talking about bad drivers.
Every once in a while I'll be driving down the highway at a comfortable 68 mph when all of a sudden I'm blinded by brake lights. And after creeping and crawling for a quarter of an hour I find out that all of this traffic was caused by a fender bender. Not a car crash -- a fender bender. All lanes are open, cops are already on the scene, yet people feel the inexplicable need to slow to 15 mph in the middle of the highway to take a look. They might as well come to a complete stop, put it in park and bring out their binoculars like they're at some damn safari.
Do these people not understand that they're not the only people on the road? Keep it up and you'll have something much worse than a fender bender.
And while we're on the subject, why do people feel the need to drive 15 below the speed limit whenever they see a cop? They're zooming along at a healthy 70 mph, they see a cop, they SLAM on their brakes and start going 50 mph. Who do they think they're kidding?
One more jab, then I'm done. It seems like whenever I'm waiting for a parking spot or a pump at the gas station, people take their sweet ass time. It is, without a doubt, the smallest amount of power that can go to a person's head.
They see that I want the parking spot, and they decide that they need to touch up their lipstick before putting the car in reverse. Or clean their car. Or they need to make a quick phone call, which, in my imagination, always goes something like this:
"Hey, Joe. I'm just getting out of the mall, the crowds are crazy. Some chick behind me wants my spot. No, I'll move when I'm good and ready. It's really funny, actually, there's like a line of cars behind her. MWA-HA-HA!"
Bastards.
Anyway, Happy Holidays!
--George Bailey, It's a Wonderful Life
Today we'll be talking about bad drivers.
Every once in a while I'll be driving down the highway at a comfortable 68 mph when all of a sudden I'm blinded by brake lights. And after creeping and crawling for a quarter of an hour I find out that all of this traffic was caused by a fender bender. Not a car crash -- a fender bender. All lanes are open, cops are already on the scene, yet people feel the inexplicable need to slow to 15 mph in the middle of the highway to take a look. They might as well come to a complete stop, put it in park and bring out their binoculars like they're at some damn safari.
Do these people not understand that they're not the only people on the road? Keep it up and you'll have something much worse than a fender bender.
And while we're on the subject, why do people feel the need to drive 15 below the speed limit whenever they see a cop? They're zooming along at a healthy 70 mph, they see a cop, they SLAM on their brakes and start going 50 mph. Who do they think they're kidding?
One more jab, then I'm done. It seems like whenever I'm waiting for a parking spot or a pump at the gas station, people take their sweet ass time. It is, without a doubt, the smallest amount of power that can go to a person's head.
They see that I want the parking spot, and they decide that they need to touch up their lipstick before putting the car in reverse. Or clean their car. Or they need to make a quick phone call, which, in my imagination, always goes something like this:
"Hey, Joe. I'm just getting out of the mall, the crowds are crazy. Some chick behind me wants my spot. No, I'll move when I'm good and ready. It's really funny, actually, there's like a line of cars behind her. MWA-HA-HA!"
Bastards.
Anyway, Happy Holidays!
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Christmas Shoes
Adult Ralphie: [narrating] The old man stood there, quivering with fury, stammering as he tried to come up with a real crusher. All he got out was...
The Old Man: Naddafinga!
--A Christmas Story
I love Christmas music. I usually start listening to it in mid-October, ignoring all those stubborn people who insist that such things must wait until after Thanksgiving.
When I was younger, my favorite Christmas song was "Santa Claus is Coming to Town." We have this home movie of my dad singing it with me. It goes a little something like this:
Dad: He sees you when you're...
Me: Seeping.
Dad: He knows when you're...
Me: UP!
Dad: He knows if you've been...
Me: Bad-or-good.
Dad: Santa Claus is coming...
Me: ...TO TOWWWWWN!!!!
I was only two, and completely adorable.
Anyway, there is one Christmas song that is played year after year that makes me want to track down the artist, rip out my own ears and throw them at him. It's called "Christmas Shoes."
This has got to be the WORST SONG EVER WRITTEN. There are so many things wrong with it that I don't know where to begin explaining what's wrong with it. Even the title of the song is ridiculous. But I'm sure as hell going to try.
For one thing, it's a cliche starring a grumpy man who has been sucked into materialism and has forgotten the true meaning of Christmas. Oh, the unexpected horror. And the only thing in the world that can make him believe again is a little boy whose mother is dying.
And I realize that saying that so casually makes me sound like a bitch, but hear me out.
Why did he leave his mother's side if she's so ill? Why isn't he with his family? AND! This kid goes out on Christmas Eve to get his sick mother a present? What the eff took him so long? He's apparently old enough to be out and about on his own, so I don't want to hear any excuses. And he goes for a pair of shoes? Really? Shoes are not exactly a thoughtful gift, especially if he picks them out at the last minute amongst a hoard of other shoppers. And they're probably ugly if a nine-year-old kid picked them out, let's be honest.
Then we find out that not only did this kid forget to buy his own mother a gift, but he didn't even bring enough cash to purchase it. He turns to our hero of the song and is all "Wtf am I gonna do, Sir?"
And of course...
So I laid the money down, I just had to help him out
I'll never forget the look on his face when he said
Mama's gonna look so great
Wow, what an incredibly generous man! He's so wonderful! He helped a child! What a beautiful gesture! His heart grew three sizes that day! Now he knows what Christmas is all about!
My GOD.
The Old Man: Naddafinga!
--A Christmas Story
I love Christmas music. I usually start listening to it in mid-October, ignoring all those stubborn people who insist that such things must wait until after Thanksgiving.
When I was younger, my favorite Christmas song was "Santa Claus is Coming to Town." We have this home movie of my dad singing it with me. It goes a little something like this:
Dad: He sees you when you're...
Me: Seeping.
Dad: He knows when you're...
Me: UP!
Dad: He knows if you've been...
Me: Bad-or-good.
Dad: Santa Claus is coming...
Me: ...TO TOWWWWWN!!!!
I was only two, and completely adorable.
Anyway, there is one Christmas song that is played year after year that makes me want to track down the artist, rip out my own ears and throw them at him. It's called "Christmas Shoes."
This has got to be the WORST SONG EVER WRITTEN. There are so many things wrong with it that I don't know where to begin explaining what's wrong with it. Even the title of the song is ridiculous. But I'm sure as hell going to try.
For one thing, it's a cliche starring a grumpy man who has been sucked into materialism and has forgotten the true meaning of Christmas. Oh, the unexpected horror. And the only thing in the world that can make him believe again is a little boy whose mother is dying.
And I realize that saying that so casually makes me sound like a bitch, but hear me out.
Why did he leave his mother's side if she's so ill? Why isn't he with his family? AND! This kid goes out on Christmas Eve to get his sick mother a present? What the eff took him so long? He's apparently old enough to be out and about on his own, so I don't want to hear any excuses. And he goes for a pair of shoes? Really? Shoes are not exactly a thoughtful gift, especially if he picks them out at the last minute amongst a hoard of other shoppers. And they're probably ugly if a nine-year-old kid picked them out, let's be honest.
Then we find out that not only did this kid forget to buy his own mother a gift, but he didn't even bring enough cash to purchase it. He turns to our hero of the song and is all "Wtf am I gonna do, Sir?"
And of course...
So I laid the money down, I just had to help him out
I'll never forget the look on his face when he said
Mama's gonna look so great
Wow, what an incredibly generous man! He's so wonderful! He helped a child! What a beautiful gesture! His heart grew three sizes that day! Now he knows what Christmas is all about!
My GOD.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
The Swing of Things
"So, this is my life. And I want you to know that I am both happy and sad and I'm still trying to figure out how that could be."
--The Perks of Being a Wallflower
I've been a complete slacker for the past week or two when it comes to my Couch to 5K project. For one thing, it became way too cold to run outside so I decided to join a gym. Thing is, there are two gyms in my area. So I debated for a while which one to join, then when I finally figured that out, my credit card had expired and I hadn't been sent a new one...yada yada yada, long story short, I finally joined Planet Fitness in Fairfield today.
The gym is a lot nicer than I thought it'd be. It's only $10 a month with a $1 membership fee. There are tons of machines there. I ran on the treadmill for 13 minutes today, which is better than I thought I'd be able to do after having such a long hiatus. I also did some of the weight lifting machine thingies. (That's the technical term, right?)
Anyway, it felt really good to be running again. It's hard to get the motivation to even walk the fifteen feet to my car in the 20 degree weather, so hopefully I can keep this up.
Also, I've been cleaning out my bedroom closet. I've got a ton of boxes from high school and college filled with letters, newspaper clippings, papers. and various ribbons and plaques. It was really fun looking through everything, and made me miss college a bit. I tried to consolidate all those shoe boxes into one big box. So far so good!
P.S. The quote for today is from one of my favorite books. Go read it.
--The Perks of Being a Wallflower
I've been a complete slacker for the past week or two when it comes to my Couch to 5K project. For one thing, it became way too cold to run outside so I decided to join a gym. Thing is, there are two gyms in my area. So I debated for a while which one to join, then when I finally figured that out, my credit card had expired and I hadn't been sent a new one...yada yada yada, long story short, I finally joined Planet Fitness in Fairfield today.
The gym is a lot nicer than I thought it'd be. It's only $10 a month with a $1 membership fee. There are tons of machines there. I ran on the treadmill for 13 minutes today, which is better than I thought I'd be able to do after having such a long hiatus. I also did some of the weight lifting machine thingies. (That's the technical term, right?)
Anyway, it felt really good to be running again. It's hard to get the motivation to even walk the fifteen feet to my car in the 20 degree weather, so hopefully I can keep this up.
Also, I've been cleaning out my bedroom closet. I've got a ton of boxes from high school and college filled with letters, newspaper clippings, papers. and various ribbons and plaques. It was really fun looking through everything, and made me miss college a bit. I tried to consolidate all those shoe boxes into one big box. So far so good!
P.S. The quote for today is from one of my favorite books. Go read it.
Monday, December 6, 2010
It's the Holiday Season...
"Once again we find ourselves enmeshed in the Holiday Season, that very special time of year when we join with our loved ones in sharing centuries-old traditions such as trying to find a parking space at the mall. We traditionally do this in my family by driving around the parking lot until we see a shopper emerge from the mall, then we follow her, in very much the same spirit as the Three Wise Men, who 2,000 years ago followed a star, week after week, until it led them to a parking space."
--Dave Barry
I usually consider December to be my favorite month. Ironically, it can also be the most stressful.
The reason for both is Christmas. I think I like the anticipation that goes along with Christmas more than the day itself. The entire month of December is devoted to Christmas songs, cookies, TV specials and decorations out the wazoo.
It's also a time of shopping. On every December 26th, I promise myself that I'm going to get my shopping done early next year. And the day after every Thanksgiving, I think to myself, "Pfft, I've got plenty of time." And then mid-December comes around and I'm all, "WTF, where did the time go?!"
Aside from the usual holiday stress, things are going alright in my life. We finally found a wedding church that's pretty close to our reception site, so I'm feeling much better about things. I have my bridal party all set, including two of my 3-year-old cousins (one of whom is my godson) to be my ring bearers. They're going to be absolutely precious.
Next on the list will probably be finding a photographer/DJ/florist/pianist and picking the food and cake to serve at the reception.
I know this post is kind of all over the place today, but I'm in the computer lab at school with the sixth graders and I felt like updating.
--Dave Barry
I usually consider December to be my favorite month. Ironically, it can also be the most stressful.
The reason for both is Christmas. I think I like the anticipation that goes along with Christmas more than the day itself. The entire month of December is devoted to Christmas songs, cookies, TV specials and decorations out the wazoo.
It's also a time of shopping. On every December 26th, I promise myself that I'm going to get my shopping done early next year. And the day after every Thanksgiving, I think to myself, "Pfft, I've got plenty of time." And then mid-December comes around and I'm all, "WTF, where did the time go?!"
Aside from the usual holiday stress, things are going alright in my life. We finally found a wedding church that's pretty close to our reception site, so I'm feeling much better about things. I have my bridal party all set, including two of my 3-year-old cousins (one of whom is my godson) to be my ring bearers. They're going to be absolutely precious.
Next on the list will probably be finding a photographer/DJ/florist/pianist and picking the food and cake to serve at the reception.
I know this post is kind of all over the place today, but I'm in the computer lab at school with the sixth graders and I felt like updating.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Black Friday
"Slow down and everything you are chasing will come around and catch you."
--John De Paola
This one is for you, Chris!
I've heard that I haven't been updating my blog as often as I should. Seeing as my last post was in early November, I can't really deny that. My days have mostly been spent stressing out over the wedding, my ever-frustrating job search and various other bumps in the road. Also, I'm never sure how much I should write about my wedding planning. I don't want to become too annoying.
Anywho, I hope everyone enjoyed their Black Friday! (Oh yeah, and Thanksgiving.) My family and I were crazy enough to get to Kohl's at 3 a.m. this year. And all in all, it was a pleasant experience. Much better than last year, at least.
Last year I had just gotten off of my crutches from a sprained ankle. It had started to really hurt after four hours and my sister fetched me a wheelchair. Not only do I hate unwanted attention, but we went into a lot of crowded shops with narrow aisles. It mostly went like this:
Me: Ow!
Jen: Sorry.
Me: GAH!
Jen: Whoops.
Me: JEN!!!
Jen: My bad.
Anyway. The wedding planning is going well. Kinda. I'm having a hell of a time finding a church in which to get married. I'll feel much better when we have that booked.
Side note 1: I've seen Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 twice already. And I don't care if you judge me. I judge YOU if you haven't seen it. I'm looking at you, parents.
Side note 2: There are two episodes left of Dexter for this season. This show is most definitely adding to my stress level. It. Is. Epic.
I'll start writing more regularly. Promise. But right now, I've got to take this third grader down to dinner.
--John De Paola
This one is for you, Chris!
I've heard that I haven't been updating my blog as often as I should. Seeing as my last post was in early November, I can't really deny that. My days have mostly been spent stressing out over the wedding, my ever-frustrating job search and various other bumps in the road. Also, I'm never sure how much I should write about my wedding planning. I don't want to become too annoying.
Anywho, I hope everyone enjoyed their Black Friday! (Oh yeah, and Thanksgiving.) My family and I were crazy enough to get to Kohl's at 3 a.m. this year. And all in all, it was a pleasant experience. Much better than last year, at least.
Last year I had just gotten off of my crutches from a sprained ankle. It had started to really hurt after four hours and my sister fetched me a wheelchair. Not only do I hate unwanted attention, but we went into a lot of crowded shops with narrow aisles. It mostly went like this:
Me: Ow!
Jen: Sorry.
Me: GAH!
Jen: Whoops.
Me: JEN!!!
Jen: My bad.
Anyway. The wedding planning is going well. Kinda. I'm having a hell of a time finding a church in which to get married. I'll feel much better when we have that booked.
Side note 1: I've seen Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 twice already. And I don't care if you judge me. I judge YOU if you haven't seen it. I'm looking at you, parents.
Side note 2: There are two episodes left of Dexter for this season. This show is most definitely adding to my stress level. It. Is. Epic.
I'll start writing more regularly. Promise. But right now, I've got to take this third grader down to dinner.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Europe pics
"We do not stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing."
--George Bernard Shaw
Greetings, Bloggerland!
I have had a request to see some more Europe pictures! I actually made a video slide show of all of my photos set to music, but it was too long to publish on YouTube. So you're going to have to settle for Picasa.
Hopefully this link will work. If it doesn't, I will figure it out eventually.
Here they are!
Enjoy :)
--George Bernard Shaw
Greetings, Bloggerland!
I have had a request to see some more Europe pictures! I actually made a video slide show of all of my photos set to music, but it was too long to publish on YouTube. So you're going to have to settle for Picasa.
Hopefully this link will work. If it doesn't, I will figure it out eventually.
Here they are!
Enjoy :)
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Stress
“"I wonder what Piglet is doing," thought Pooh. "I wish I were there to be doing it, too."
--Winnie the Pooh
So it turns out that planning for a wedding can be incredibly stressful.
Our date is set for about eleven months from now and I'm already freaking out about the humongous to-do list I found on theknot.com. Granted, I tend to worry about everything for eons, but I don't think it's just me this time. Just setting a date proved to be stressful enough for me to have my first emotional breakdown.
But things are coming along. Slowly but surely, they are coming along. I just need to take it one step at a time. Much like Couch to 5k!
I've given myself a bit of a break. I'm now trying to run 20 minutes every other day. And when the day comes when I don't feel like collapsing after the last minute, I'll try to run 25 minutes. And when I say I feel like collapsing, I'm not exaggerating. I have seriously considered lying down in the grass on the side of the road. The only thing that stops me is the fear that some stranger will get the wrong idea and call the cops to report a decomposing body.
So...twenty minutes for now.
In other news, I had a dream the other night that I was still living with my college roommate, Kate, and that we had left out dishes for a Thanksgiving feast we had just hosted. Which is very, very odd because A.) We kept our apartment eerily clean throughout my college years and B.) We could never make anything much more elaborate than Hamburger Helper.
Anyway, I got back from a baseball game where I had caught two baseball bats (not baseballs...bats) and finally cleaned all the dishes. Then I noticed that the walls looked like they were moving, and when I got a closer look I realized that the walls were covered with insects. It was the most disgusting thing. I tried vacuuming them up but the vacuum was really weak. And there were roaches and maggots everywhere. I woke up in a panic.
I looked it up on on some dream interpretation website and found out that if you are dreaming of insects it means you're worried about something. But I also looked up what it means if you dream you are at a baseball game and that means you are feeling calm and satisfied about something.
In conclusion, dream interpretation is complete bullshit.
--Winnie the Pooh
So it turns out that planning for a wedding can be incredibly stressful.
Our date is set for about eleven months from now and I'm already freaking out about the humongous to-do list I found on theknot.com. Granted, I tend to worry about everything for eons, but I don't think it's just me this time. Just setting a date proved to be stressful enough for me to have my first emotional breakdown.
But things are coming along. Slowly but surely, they are coming along. I just need to take it one step at a time. Much like Couch to 5k!
I've given myself a bit of a break. I'm now trying to run 20 minutes every other day. And when the day comes when I don't feel like collapsing after the last minute, I'll try to run 25 minutes. And when I say I feel like collapsing, I'm not exaggerating. I have seriously considered lying down in the grass on the side of the road. The only thing that stops me is the fear that some stranger will get the wrong idea and call the cops to report a decomposing body.
So...twenty minutes for now.
In other news, I had a dream the other night that I was still living with my college roommate, Kate, and that we had left out dishes for a Thanksgiving feast we had just hosted. Which is very, very odd because A.) We kept our apartment eerily clean throughout my college years and B.) We could never make anything much more elaborate than Hamburger Helper.
Anyway, I got back from a baseball game where I had caught two baseball bats (not baseballs...bats) and finally cleaned all the dishes. Then I noticed that the walls looked like they were moving, and when I got a closer look I realized that the walls were covered with insects. It was the most disgusting thing. I tried vacuuming them up but the vacuum was really weak. And there were roaches and maggots everywhere. I woke up in a panic.
I looked it up on on some dream interpretation website and found out that if you are dreaming of insects it means you're worried about something. But I also looked up what it means if you dream you are at a baseball game and that means you are feeling calm and satisfied about something.
In conclusion, dream interpretation is complete bullshit.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
What I've Been Up To
"Why are there so many songs about rainbows?
And what's on the other side?
Rainbows are visions, but only illusions
And rainbows have nothing to hide
So we've been told and some choose to believe it
I know they're wrong, wait and see
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection
The lovers, the dreamers, and me."
--The Rainbow Connection, Kermit the Frog
I've been busy lately.
I'm still working at The Boys & Girls Club. My heart pretty much melted when I was greeted by a chorus of "MISS ALEX!!!" from all my second and third graders my first day back. I missed them, and I still love working there, even when they get out of control and drive me crazy.
I've also jumped back into my Couch to 5K project, and I really wish I could say it's been an easy transition. I went back a week in my program so I could ease my way back in, but I seem to have hit a wall. Maybe I'm just out of practice, maybe the chillier weather is affecting me, maybe my asthma decided to get back at me for making my lungs work double time, I don't know. I'm finding it hard to run more than 20 minutes without having to slow to a walk. But I'm not going to quit. Because I'm getting married next year. And I want to look damn good in those pictures.
Speaking of which, I'm going reception hall shopping this weekend with my mom, sister and sister-in-law. I've been looking forward to this. I feel like there's not much I can do until I find a hall and set a date. Then I can get a better idea of the theme and colors and whatnot.
It's kind of funny. I have been planning my wedding day since I was in the fifth grade. I still have all these clips and Word documents filled with wedding gowns and flower arrangements. But now that I have a ring on my finger, I'm not sure about ANYTHING. I've completely changed my mind about all of it. So I'm pretty much starting from scratch.
Anyway, I really wanted this post to be about the rest of my Europe trip, so here we go. Paris.
It. Was. Amazing.
And I'm not going to go into details about everything we saw, but I will say that we had a hell of a good time.
Our hotel was less than a five minute walk from Notre Dame, which was INCREDIBLE to see. I wanted to go up the tower to see the gargoyles, but a long line and a strike prevented that. Still, it was gorgeous. We saw it at night and in the daytime.
We also took a side trip to Versaille and toured the chateau. It was CRAZY crowded and kind of hard to move around on account of all the tour groups, but absolutely gorgeous. We toured some of the gardens, but did not walk the 40 minutes to Marie Antoinette's quarters. Check us out below at the Hall of Mirrors. OOooohh!
And we HAD to go to the Eiffel Tower. Even though it was really cloudy the day we went up, at least we can now say that we've been up the Eiffel Tower.
And yes, we went to the Louvre and saw the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. We went to the Rodin museum and saw The Thinker and The Kiss. We saw Napoleon's tomb and saw the stained glass windows at Sainte Chappelle (Oooh pretty). We went to Sacre Cour and Moulin Rouge and Pig Alley. We saw some amazing art at the Orsay museum, even though most of the Van Goghs and Monets were on loan. We went for a walk on Rue Cler, got the fixings for a nice picnic and ate it by the Eiffel Tower. And we went to the Orangerie museum and saw Monet's Waterlilies. Which, by the way, are ENORMOUS. Who knew!?
And of course, we ate a lot of French food. One night we decided to skip dinner altogether and just get dessert. A very smart and tasty plan. That crème brûlée was quite exquisite.
I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to see all these amazing places (and eat all the amazing food). We had a truly fantastic time, and I would love to go back. There's still so much to see!
And what's on the other side?
Rainbows are visions, but only illusions
And rainbows have nothing to hide
So we've been told and some choose to believe it
I know they're wrong, wait and see
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection
The lovers, the dreamers, and me."
--The Rainbow Connection, Kermit the Frog
I've been busy lately.
I'm still working at The Boys & Girls Club. My heart pretty much melted when I was greeted by a chorus of "MISS ALEX!!!" from all my second and third graders my first day back. I missed them, and I still love working there, even when they get out of control and drive me crazy.
I've also jumped back into my Couch to 5K project, and I really wish I could say it's been an easy transition. I went back a week in my program so I could ease my way back in, but I seem to have hit a wall. Maybe I'm just out of practice, maybe the chillier weather is affecting me, maybe my asthma decided to get back at me for making my lungs work double time, I don't know. I'm finding it hard to run more than 20 minutes without having to slow to a walk. But I'm not going to quit. Because I'm getting married next year. And I want to look damn good in those pictures.
Speaking of which, I'm going reception hall shopping this weekend with my mom, sister and sister-in-law. I've been looking forward to this. I feel like there's not much I can do until I find a hall and set a date. Then I can get a better idea of the theme and colors and whatnot.
It's kind of funny. I have been planning my wedding day since I was in the fifth grade. I still have all these clips and Word documents filled with wedding gowns and flower arrangements. But now that I have a ring on my finger, I'm not sure about ANYTHING. I've completely changed my mind about all of it. So I'm pretty much starting from scratch.
Anyway, I really wanted this post to be about the rest of my Europe trip, so here we go. Paris.
It. Was. Amazing.
And I'm not going to go into details about everything we saw, but I will say that we had a hell of a good time.
Our hotel was less than a five minute walk from Notre Dame, which was INCREDIBLE to see. I wanted to go up the tower to see the gargoyles, but a long line and a strike prevented that. Still, it was gorgeous. We saw it at night and in the daytime.
We also took a side trip to Versaille and toured the chateau. It was CRAZY crowded and kind of hard to move around on account of all the tour groups, but absolutely gorgeous. We toured some of the gardens, but did not walk the 40 minutes to Marie Antoinette's quarters. Check us out below at the Hall of Mirrors. OOooohh!
And we HAD to go to the Eiffel Tower. Even though it was really cloudy the day we went up, at least we can now say that we've been up the Eiffel Tower.
And yes, we went to the Louvre and saw the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. We went to the Rodin museum and saw The Thinker and The Kiss. We saw Napoleon's tomb and saw the stained glass windows at Sainte Chappelle (Oooh pretty). We went to Sacre Cour and Moulin Rouge and Pig Alley. We saw some amazing art at the Orsay museum, even though most of the Van Goghs and Monets were on loan. We went for a walk on Rue Cler, got the fixings for a nice picnic and ate it by the Eiffel Tower. And we went to the Orangerie museum and saw Monet's Waterlilies. Which, by the way, are ENORMOUS. Who knew!?
And of course, we ate a lot of French food. One night we decided to skip dinner altogether and just get dessert. A very smart and tasty plan. That crème brûlée was quite exquisite.
I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to see all these amazing places (and eat all the amazing food). We had a truly fantastic time, and I would love to go back. There's still so much to see!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Home and Happy
"Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow airport. General opinion's starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed,k but I don't see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere. Often it's not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it's always there--fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, old friends. When the plane hit the twin towers, as far as I know none of the phone calls from the people on board were messages of hate or revenge--they were all messages of love. If you look for it, I've got a sneaky feeling you'll find that love actually is all around."
--Love, Actually
I'm home! And I had the most incredible time anyone ever had anywhere!
I'll start with the biggest news...
I'M ENGAGED!!!
My boyfriend of six and a half years (we started dating in high school) finally popped the question in Switzerland!
It was only our second day on vacation, and we had just gone up to this mountain called the Schilthorn via cable car. We had perfect weather, and were in high spirits. Check out that view:
We spent about an hour up there, then took the cable car back down to where we were staying in Murren and decided to hike down to Gimmelwald. After walking downhill for a long time, we saw this bench with a perfect view of the village and the mountains:
After resting on the bench and talking for a while, he got down on one knee and proposed. He couldn't have picked a better spot! My memory is a little fuzzy after that. All I know is that my knees were shaking and I squealed a little.
The rest of the trip was spent kind of as a celebration of our engagement. I spent a lot of time staring at the ring, then smiling goofily at Kyle, then staring at the ring again.
The whole trip was amazing, but this was definitely the highlight! I'm really happy and excited to get started on the planning process.
I'll be sure to talk more about the trip in later posts, but I was just too excited about being engaged. All you need to know about Switzerland is that it is GORGEOUS and you must go there NOW.
--Love, Actually
I'm home! And I had the most incredible time anyone ever had anywhere!
I'll start with the biggest news...
I'M ENGAGED!!!
My boyfriend of six and a half years (we started dating in high school) finally popped the question in Switzerland!
It was only our second day on vacation, and we had just gone up to this mountain called the Schilthorn via cable car. We had perfect weather, and were in high spirits. Check out that view:
We spent about an hour up there, then took the cable car back down to where we were staying in Murren and decided to hike down to Gimmelwald. After walking downhill for a long time, we saw this bench with a perfect view of the village and the mountains:
After resting on the bench and talking for a while, he got down on one knee and proposed. He couldn't have picked a better spot! My memory is a little fuzzy after that. All I know is that my knees were shaking and I squealed a little.
The rest of the trip was spent kind of as a celebration of our engagement. I spent a lot of time staring at the ring, then smiling goofily at Kyle, then staring at the ring again.The whole trip was amazing, but this was definitely the highlight! I'm really happy and excited to get started on the planning process.
I'll be sure to talk more about the trip in later posts, but I was just too excited about being engaged. All you need to know about Switzerland is that it is GORGEOUS and you must go there NOW.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Bon Voyage!
"The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page."
--Saint Augustine
Well, this is it. In about 17 hours I'll be boarding a plane to Europe.
Packing was much less a hassle than I thought it would be. I'm guessing this is due to my premature anxiety and my obsession with making lists. I've been putting things together for this trip for the past several weeks, so I didn't really have to hunt anything down at the last minute. I have exactly one suitcase and one backpack. I'm wearing a t-shirt, a sweater, and a hoodie on the plane tomorrow. How's that for space-saving?
The funny thing is, no matter how prepared I feel, I know that this trip is not going to go 100% smoothly. There's always the possibility of flight delays, insufficient euro, rude Frenchmen, etc. But I'm okay with it.
While I finished packing today, I realized that the plug for my hair straightener or my Ipod charger will fit with the adaptor Kyle has. And at first I was uber frustrated. But then I thought to myself, "Self...is this trip going to be any less amazing if you don't have perfect hair? Or if you can't listen to music on the plane?" And the answer is no. I'm not going to sweat the small stuff. I'm just going to enjoy myself.
So farewell, everyone! In just a couple of days, I'll be staying in this hostel in the middle of nowhere, so don't expect any updates until I return on October 16.
WOO HOO!!!
--Saint Augustine
Well, this is it. In about 17 hours I'll be boarding a plane to Europe.
Packing was much less a hassle than I thought it would be. I'm guessing this is due to my premature anxiety and my obsession with making lists. I've been putting things together for this trip for the past several weeks, so I didn't really have to hunt anything down at the last minute. I have exactly one suitcase and one backpack. I'm wearing a t-shirt, a sweater, and a hoodie on the plane tomorrow. How's that for space-saving?
The funny thing is, no matter how prepared I feel, I know that this trip is not going to go 100% smoothly. There's always the possibility of flight delays, insufficient euro, rude Frenchmen, etc. But I'm okay with it.
While I finished packing today, I realized that the plug for my hair straightener or my Ipod charger will fit with the adaptor Kyle has. And at first I was uber frustrated. But then I thought to myself, "Self...is this trip going to be any less amazing if you don't have perfect hair? Or if you can't listen to music on the plane?" And the answer is no. I'm not going to sweat the small stuff. I'm just going to enjoy myself.
So farewell, everyone! In just a couple of days, I'll be staying in this hostel in the middle of nowhere, so don't expect any updates until I return on October 16.
WOO HOO!!!
Friday, October 1, 2010
Deep Breath...
"The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience."
--Eleanor Roosevelt
I'm starting to freak out a little about this Europe trip. I keep waiting for something to go wrong. Also, packing is going to be a nightmare. We're not checking any bags; we're just bringing two carry-ons each. And we're going to two different climates. And I need to bring four pairs of shoes. Also, I know maybe six words in French.
I've made made a list (surprise!) of little things I still have to do before our departure in less than a week. Holy shiz, less than a week. It seems unreal. I don't think it's really going to sink in until the plane lands in Switzerland and all the signs are in German or Rumantsch or whatever the hell they speak in Zurich.
It's at the point where my heart starts to pound like I've just run a mile whenever I think about it. So let's transition.
I mentioned in a blog post a few days ago that my Couch to 5k program required me to run for 20 minutes straight. Well folks, I did it! Twenty minutes of running without stopping. I was going pretty slow near the end and I kind of felt like diving off a cliff, but I did it! Gwen (I've named the lady who tells me when to run and when to walk Gwen) told me that I can really call myself a runner now. So take that, Past Me! I did it!
I'm beginning to realize that running is not just a physically demanding activity. There were moments in that 20-minute run when knew I was about to collapse, but I pushed myself through. Then I was able to run for another ten minutes. So I think a big part of it is all in your head. Confidence is key. And part of the reason I was able to push myself is because of the fantastic support I've been getting from my friends and family. BIG thank you to everyone for the encouragement!
--Eleanor Roosevelt
I'm starting to freak out a little about this Europe trip. I keep waiting for something to go wrong. Also, packing is going to be a nightmare. We're not checking any bags; we're just bringing two carry-ons each. And we're going to two different climates. And I need to bring four pairs of shoes. Also, I know maybe six words in French.
I've made made a list (surprise!) of little things I still have to do before our departure in less than a week. Holy shiz, less than a week. It seems unreal. I don't think it's really going to sink in until the plane lands in Switzerland and all the signs are in German or Rumantsch or whatever the hell they speak in Zurich.
It's at the point where my heart starts to pound like I've just run a mile whenever I think about it. So let's transition.
I mentioned in a blog post a few days ago that my Couch to 5k program required me to run for 20 minutes straight. Well folks, I did it! Twenty minutes of running without stopping. I was going pretty slow near the end and I kind of felt like diving off a cliff, but I did it! Gwen (I've named the lady who tells me when to run and when to walk Gwen) told me that I can really call myself a runner now. So take that, Past Me! I did it!
I'm beginning to realize that running is not just a physically demanding activity. There were moments in that 20-minute run when knew I was about to collapse, but I pushed myself through. Then I was able to run for another ten minutes. So I think a big part of it is all in your head. Confidence is key. And part of the reason I was able to push myself is because of the fantastic support I've been getting from my friends and family. BIG thank you to everyone for the encouragement!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
The Sesquipedalian
"'Well,' said Pooh, 'what I like best...' and then he had to stop and think. Because although eating honey was a very good thing to do, there was a moment just before you began to eat it which was better than when you were, but he didn't know what it was called."
--Winnie-the-Pooh
I'm a pretty big fan of words. I always had fun with vocabulary tests and spelling bees. In fact, I'm still bitter about misspelling the word "porpoise" in the fourth grade. I looked forward to getting new vocabulary books throughout high school.
But when I got to college, the vocabulary quizzes came to a halt. So I did what I always do in times of boredom and stress: I started a list.
The internet is a fantastic thing, isn't it? I just started googling fun words with crazy definitions and before I knew it I had filled a couple of pages in my notebook o' lists.
And now, a vocabulary lesson.
Sesquipedalian: Given to using long words
Phantasmagoria: A shifting series of phantasms, illusions, or deceptive appearances, as in a dream or as created by the imagination.
Discombobulate: To confuse or disconcert; upset; frustrate
Flibbertigibbet: A chattering or flighty, light-headed person
Twitterpated: Confused by affection or infatuation
Tintinnabulation: The ringing or sound of bells
Defenestrate: Throw through or out of the window
Brouhaha: Excited public interest, discussion, or the like
Syzygy: An alignment of three celestial objects, as the sun, the earth, and either the moon or a planet
Save an endangered word and use one of these in a sentence today! Let's bring them into casual colloquy!
--Winnie-the-Pooh
I'm a pretty big fan of words. I always had fun with vocabulary tests and spelling bees. In fact, I'm still bitter about misspelling the word "porpoise" in the fourth grade. I looked forward to getting new vocabulary books throughout high school.
But when I got to college, the vocabulary quizzes came to a halt. So I did what I always do in times of boredom and stress: I started a list.
The internet is a fantastic thing, isn't it? I just started googling fun words with crazy definitions and before I knew it I had filled a couple of pages in my notebook o' lists.
And now, a vocabulary lesson.
Sesquipedalian: Given to using long words
Phantasmagoria: A shifting series of phantasms, illusions, or deceptive appearances, as in a dream or as created by the imagination.
Discombobulate: To confuse or disconcert; upset; frustrate
Flibbertigibbet: A chattering or flighty, light-headed person
Twitterpated: Confused by affection or infatuation
Tintinnabulation: The ringing or sound of bells
Defenestrate: Throw through or out of the window
Brouhaha: Excited public interest, discussion, or the like
Syzygy: An alignment of three celestial objects, as the sun, the earth, and either the moon or a planet
Save an endangered word and use one of these in a sentence today! Let's bring them into casual colloquy!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Patience
"A new tree had grown from the stump and its trunk had grown along the ground until it reached a place where there were no wash lines above it. Then it had started to grow toward the sky again. Annie, the fir tree that the Nolans had cherished with waterings and manurings, had long since sickened and died. But this tree in the yard--this tree that men chopped down...this tree that they built a bonfire around, trying to burn up its stump--this tree had lived!"
Betty Smith, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
On my first day at the Boys and Girls Club, I distinctly remember thinking, "Well, I can cross elementary school teacher off my list of potential career options, because there's no way I'm going to be able to handle this for long."
That was a week ago. And I don't feel that way anymore. I've been working with second and third graders every day. And every day I come home feeling worn out, frustrated, and, somehow, ready to go back.
It's hard to explain how I feel about working with these kids. I'm really enjoying it, and I love building relationships with them. And at the same time, I'm frustrated.
This is a school that was on academic watch just a few years ago, and now has the rating of "continuous improvement." It's not in the best neighborhood. A good number of the kids have behavioral issues, most likely caused by an unstable home environment. I'm guessing that during the school day, their teachers have to spend most of their time on a few unruly students while the other kids are forced to wait. Therefore, most of the school is really far behind. It's really unfair.
I wish I had more time to work with them on their homework. There are 15 kids trying to get my attention at once, all claiming to need help. And I don't think they've ever really learned to try to work out the problems themselves. They get frustrated so easily, and they just start shouting out numbers without really trying.
A typical tutoring session with a second-grader:
Me: Okay, what is 9-6?
Student: One.
Me: Why do you think it's one?
Student: Two.
Me: No, but it's okay. Just take your time and think it thro-
Student: Seven.
It seems to go like that for a lot of the kids. They don't really care how to get the answer, they just want the result. Which is kind of ironic, because that's exactly what standardized testing is training them to do.
Le sigh.
Personal note 1: According to Couch to 5k, I'm running for 20 minutes straight tomorrow. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...
Personal note 2: Leaving for Europe in FREAKING. 11. DAYS. WOO!
Personal note 3: There is a new trailer out for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I. Just FYI.
Personal note 4: DID YOU WATCH THE PREMIERE OF DEXTER? WASN'T IT AMAZING?!
Betty Smith, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
On my first day at the Boys and Girls Club, I distinctly remember thinking, "Well, I can cross elementary school teacher off my list of potential career options, because there's no way I'm going to be able to handle this for long."
That was a week ago. And I don't feel that way anymore. I've been working with second and third graders every day. And every day I come home feeling worn out, frustrated, and, somehow, ready to go back.
It's hard to explain how I feel about working with these kids. I'm really enjoying it, and I love building relationships with them. And at the same time, I'm frustrated.
This is a school that was on academic watch just a few years ago, and now has the rating of "continuous improvement." It's not in the best neighborhood. A good number of the kids have behavioral issues, most likely caused by an unstable home environment. I'm guessing that during the school day, their teachers have to spend most of their time on a few unruly students while the other kids are forced to wait. Therefore, most of the school is really far behind. It's really unfair.
I wish I had more time to work with them on their homework. There are 15 kids trying to get my attention at once, all claiming to need help. And I don't think they've ever really learned to try to work out the problems themselves. They get frustrated so easily, and they just start shouting out numbers without really trying.
A typical tutoring session with a second-grader:
Me: Okay, what is 9-6?
Student: One.
Me: Why do you think it's one?
Student: Two.
Me: No, but it's okay. Just take your time and think it thro-
Student: Seven.
It seems to go like that for a lot of the kids. They don't really care how to get the answer, they just want the result. Which is kind of ironic, because that's exactly what standardized testing is training them to do.
Le sigh.
Personal note 1: According to Couch to 5k, I'm running for 20 minutes straight tomorrow. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...
Personal note 2: Leaving for Europe in FREAKING. 11. DAYS. WOO!
Personal note 3: There is a new trailer out for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I. Just FYI.
Personal note 4: DID YOU WATCH THE PREMIERE OF DEXTER? WASN'T IT AMAZING?!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
The Boys and Girls Club
"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."
--Leo Buscaglia
Yesterday was my first day with the Boys and Girls Club, and the only word I can think of to describe it is "chaotic."
I worked with Miss Catherine and the second and third graders all day, and it was pretty hectic. Kids were running around like maniacs (or like kids who had just gotten out of school) and it was hard to keep them all straight. There are a few who just refused to settle down and listen, but you get that with any group of more than 10 children.
I was incredibly overwhelmed yesterday. I was basically thrown into a throng of students and told "good luck!" It's one of those jobs that I'm going to have to take one day at a time and learn as I go. I know this because today was a lot easier. I'm starting to build relationships with some of the kids, and becoming more familiar with how to handle certain things. I swear, kids have to go to the bathroom every two minutes.
It will be even better when I know their names and I don't have to shout "Hey! Red shirt!" whenever someone tries to run down the wrong hallway.
So basically, so far so good. The first week of a new job is never easy, and I don't think I'll ever use the word "easy" to describe my work with this program. But I do think I'm going to really learn to love it.
Today a little boy said to me "I like to help other people. Do you know why? Because I get an allowance."
You've gotta give him points for honesty.
--Leo Buscaglia
Yesterday was my first day with the Boys and Girls Club, and the only word I can think of to describe it is "chaotic."I worked with Miss Catherine and the second and third graders all day, and it was pretty hectic. Kids were running around like maniacs (or like kids who had just gotten out of school) and it was hard to keep them all straight. There are a few who just refused to settle down and listen, but you get that with any group of more than 10 children.
I was incredibly overwhelmed yesterday. I was basically thrown into a throng of students and told "good luck!" It's one of those jobs that I'm going to have to take one day at a time and learn as I go. I know this because today was a lot easier. I'm starting to build relationships with some of the kids, and becoming more familiar with how to handle certain things. I swear, kids have to go to the bathroom every two minutes.
It will be even better when I know their names and I don't have to shout "Hey! Red shirt!" whenever someone tries to run down the wrong hallway.
So basically, so far so good. The first week of a new job is never easy, and I don't think I'll ever use the word "easy" to describe my work with this program. But I do think I'm going to really learn to love it.
Today a little boy said to me "I like to help other people. Do you know why? Because I get an allowance."
You've gotta give him points for honesty.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Jobs and Things
"Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind.
'Pooh,' he whispered.
'Yes, Piglet?'
'Nothing,' said Piglet, taking Pooh's paw, 'I just wanted to be sure of you.'"
--Winnie-the-Pooh
Well kids, I've landed myself a job. It's only part-time, but I think I'm really going to love it. It's with the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Cincinnati, and I'll be working with kids (K-8) after school. Which means helping them with their homework, doing crafts with them, and running around outside. I start on Monday, and I'm really excited about it!
I graduated from college with a degree in journalism, but I did take a few education classes. I've always gone back and forth between journalism and teaching, so maybe this job will further help my decision. If I love working with the BGCGC, maybe I could go back to school and get my teaching certificate. Plus, now I can ease up on all the job applications and cover letters unless it's a job I really, really want.
In other news, I'm on week 4 of Couch to 5K. Today went as follows:
Run 3 minutes
Walk 1.5 minutes
Run 5 minutes
Walk 2.5 minutes
REPEAT
I was really dreading this one. But I was completely surprised that I was able to do it without wanting to kill myself. It was hard, but it's not like I expected it to be easy! So I'm moving right along with that.
Also, HUGE shout-out to my cousin Jason, who saved me several hundred dollars by putting new brake pads and rotors in my car, Dexter. My brakes no longer squeak, and my steering wheel doesn't feel like it's about to fall off every time I slow down. I'm incredibly lucky to have a cousin who knows cars, and who is always willing to help me out.
And I got to watch his little boy, Logan, while he was working on my car. Logan is a freaking adorable and stubborn three-year-old. He kept making me smell his socks to gauge my reaction. So I asked him what my hair smelled like, and he said "Frisch's" without having to think about it.
I have no idea. I haven't eaten at Frisch's in ages.
'Pooh,' he whispered.
'Yes, Piglet?'
'Nothing,' said Piglet, taking Pooh's paw, 'I just wanted to be sure of you.'"
--Winnie-the-Pooh
Well kids, I've landed myself a job. It's only part-time, but I think I'm really going to love it. It's with the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Cincinnati, and I'll be working with kids (K-8) after school. Which means helping them with their homework, doing crafts with them, and running around outside. I start on Monday, and I'm really excited about it!
I graduated from college with a degree in journalism, but I did take a few education classes. I've always gone back and forth between journalism and teaching, so maybe this job will further help my decision. If I love working with the BGCGC, maybe I could go back to school and get my teaching certificate. Plus, now I can ease up on all the job applications and cover letters unless it's a job I really, really want.
In other news, I'm on week 4 of Couch to 5K. Today went as follows:
Run 3 minutes
Walk 1.5 minutes
Run 5 minutes
Walk 2.5 minutes
REPEAT
I was really dreading this one. But I was completely surprised that I was able to do it without wanting to kill myself. It was hard, but it's not like I expected it to be easy! So I'm moving right along with that.
Also, HUGE shout-out to my cousin Jason, who saved me several hundred dollars by putting new brake pads and rotors in my car, Dexter. My brakes no longer squeak, and my steering wheel doesn't feel like it's about to fall off every time I slow down. I'm incredibly lucky to have a cousin who knows cars, and who is always willing to help me out.
And I got to watch his little boy, Logan, while he was working on my car. Logan is a freaking adorable and stubborn three-year-old. He kept making me smell his socks to gauge my reaction. So I asked him what my hair smelled like, and he said "Frisch's" without having to think about it.
I have no idea. I haven't eaten at Frisch's in ages.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Dinner Party
"'First of all,' he said, 'if you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you'll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.'"
--Atticus Finch from Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird
I have a small obsession with making lists. Top 10 movies, favorite books, favorite smells, most memorable high school moments, etc. I even have a journal dedicated to lists.
I'm not sure what this says about me. But I am tickled to share a list with you today--the most fantastic dinner party one can imagine.
So here it is. My top 5 dinner party guests (note: this is my fictional list. Maybe if you ask nicely I'll share the non-fiction one)
1. Dexter Morgan
First of all, if you have no idea who this is, then SHAME. ON. YOU. Dexter is a drama series on Showtime. Michael C. Hall plays Dexter, a likable serial killer working as a blood analyst in Miami. It is crazy how you start dreading the day this guy gets caught. Watch this show. You'll thank me.
2. Homer Simpson
Okay, need I say more? Homer is nothing if not entertaining. I'm been a Simpsons fan since before I can remember, and Homer has always been a favorite. It was hard to decide among Homer, Bart, Mr. Burns and Ralph Wiggum. But I don't think I could resist the shenanigans Homer would surely bring to my dinner party.
3. Harry Potter
Yes, Harry Potter. There's my inner nerd shining through again. I am a HUGE Harry Potter fan. I'm one of those people who sees the Tuesday midnight showing every time a new film is released, and the one who stands in line at Barnes and Noble from 7:30 p.m. until 12:01 a.m. Nope, not at all ashamed. They're fantastic books.
4. Atticus Finch
Imagine the conversation you could have flowing with this suave father/lawyer from To Kill a Mockingbird. I don't think I need to explain my choice with this one. The quote of the day says it all.
5. Samwise Gamgee
Did anyone else bawl like a baby in the theater every time Sam proved his loyalty to Frodo? It seemed like the tears were flowing every time he was in a scene. Sam is by far my favorite Lord of the Rings character. It's his story, after all.
And there you have it! Who wouldn't want to come to this dinner party?
If anyone else wants to share their Top 5 Fiction Dinner Party guests, please feel free to leave it in a comment. I'm curious to see what everyone else thinks!
And seriously, watch Dexter.
--Atticus Finch from Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird
I have a small obsession with making lists. Top 10 movies, favorite books, favorite smells, most memorable high school moments, etc. I even have a journal dedicated to lists.
I'm not sure what this says about me. But I am tickled to share a list with you today--the most fantastic dinner party one can imagine.
So here it is. My top 5 dinner party guests (note: this is my fictional list. Maybe if you ask nicely I'll share the non-fiction one)
1. Dexter Morgan
First of all, if you have no idea who this is, then SHAME. ON. YOU. Dexter is a drama series on Showtime. Michael C. Hall plays Dexter, a likable serial killer working as a blood analyst in Miami. It is crazy how you start dreading the day this guy gets caught. Watch this show. You'll thank me.
2. Homer Simpson
Okay, need I say more? Homer is nothing if not entertaining. I'm been a Simpsons fan since before I can remember, and Homer has always been a favorite. It was hard to decide among Homer, Bart, Mr. Burns and Ralph Wiggum. But I don't think I could resist the shenanigans Homer would surely bring to my dinner party.
3. Harry PotterYes, Harry Potter. There's my inner nerd shining through again. I am a HUGE Harry Potter fan. I'm one of those people who sees the Tuesday midnight showing every time a new film is released, and the one who stands in line at Barnes and Noble from 7:30 p.m. until 12:01 a.m. Nope, not at all ashamed. They're fantastic books.
4. Atticus Finch
Imagine the conversation you could have flowing with this suave father/lawyer from To Kill a Mockingbird. I don't think I need to explain my choice with this one. The quote of the day says it all.
5. Samwise Gamgee
Did anyone else bawl like a baby in the theater every time Sam proved his loyalty to Frodo? It seemed like the tears were flowing every time he was in a scene. Sam is by far my favorite Lord of the Rings character. It's his story, after all.
And there you have it! Who wouldn't want to come to this dinner party?
If anyone else wants to share their Top 5 Fiction Dinner Party guests, please feel free to leave it in a comment. I'm curious to see what everyone else thinks!
And seriously, watch Dexter.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Wine
"How is 'education' supposed to make me feel smarter? Besides, every time I learn something new it pushes some old stuff out of my brain. Remember when I took that home wine-making course and I forgot how to drive?"
--Homer Simpson
Something I may not have mentioned about my family--we're a bunch of wine freaks.
I never liked wine when I was younger, but I'm starting to get into it now. When I was growing up, we went on a lot of family vacations. And there were plenty of times we'd be driving along and see a sign for a winery, and of course we'd have to stop.
That was about the time I would sit on a random bench outside until the rest of my family was finished trying various reds and whites.
My attitude toward wineries changed completely about two years ago. I didn't think I'd have to explain to my parents that this was due to the fact that I turned 21 and was finally able to participate. But I did.
Anyway, this afternoon Vinoklet Winery was having a festival, so I went there with my parents, grandma and uncle Bo.
I took a lot of artsy pictures. The place is absolutely gorgeous.
My mom, me, my dad, my uncle Bo and my grandma Mimi
(or as I call her, "Gangsta Meems")
We all split a bottle of their famous Traminette (Mmmmm) and checked out all the crafty booths. It was an enjoyable atmosphere.
If you're at all into wine, I highly recommend making a trip out here. And get their traminette. And then you may thank me.
When we got home, it was to find my cat Albert all tuckered out. I couldn't resist including a picture of him:
--Homer Simpson
Something I may not have mentioned about my family--we're a bunch of wine freaks.
I never liked wine when I was younger, but I'm starting to get into it now. When I was growing up, we went on a lot of family vacations. And there were plenty of times we'd be driving along and see a sign for a winery, and of course we'd have to stop.
That was about the time I would sit on a random bench outside until the rest of my family was finished trying various reds and whites.
My attitude toward wineries changed completely about two years ago. I didn't think I'd have to explain to my parents that this was due to the fact that I turned 21 and was finally able to participate. But I did.
Anyway, this afternoon Vinoklet Winery was having a festival, so I went there with my parents, grandma and uncle Bo.
I took a lot of artsy pictures. The place is absolutely gorgeous.
My mom, me, my dad, my uncle Bo and my grandma Mimi(or as I call her, "Gangsta Meems")
We all split a bottle of their famous Traminette (Mmmmm) and checked out all the crafty booths. It was an enjoyable atmosphere.
If you're at all into wine, I highly recommend making a trip out here. And get their traminette. And then you may thank me.
When we got home, it was to find my cat Albert all tuckered out. I couldn't resist including a picture of him:
Friday, September 10, 2010
I Wish I Could Go Back to College
"I wish I could go back to college.
Life was so simple back then.
What would I give to go back and live in a dorm with a meal plan again!"
--From "Avenue Q"
*Warning* This post was written with a small dose of pessimism!
It seems incredibly unfair that I graduated from college in one of the worst economic climates possible.
I've been unemployed for about three weeks now, and I've been to a few job interviews. I have had two people comment on the fact that I am a college graduate, and not in a good way. They were wondering why I was applying for a dead-end job.
I would love to respond with, "Oh, I completely agree with you. It is complete bullshit that a college degree doesn't get you anywhere right now. But those are the breaks."
I don't mean to complain. It's just frustrating that instead of finding a job I would really like, I'm forced to broaden my search to "ANYTHING."
Let's move on.
Running update: I'm on week 3 of my Couch to 5k adventure. This was my routine today, times two:
Run 1.5 minutes
Walk 1.5 minutes
Run 3 minutes
Walk 3 minutes
I am not going to lie. It did not feel good. It was not easy. My last 3-minute run happened to start at the bottom of a humongous hill, which is just bad timing on my part. But I did it.
Apparently in two weeks, I'll be able to run 20 minutes without stopping.
Haha. These people are crazy.
Life was so simple back then.
What would I give to go back and live in a dorm with a meal plan again!"
--From "Avenue Q"
*Warning* This post was written with a small dose of pessimism!
It seems incredibly unfair that I graduated from college in one of the worst economic climates possible.
I've been unemployed for about three weeks now, and I've been to a few job interviews. I have had two people comment on the fact that I am a college graduate, and not in a good way. They were wondering why I was applying for a dead-end job.
I would love to respond with, "Oh, I completely agree with you. It is complete bullshit that a college degree doesn't get you anywhere right now. But those are the breaks."
I don't mean to complain. It's just frustrating that instead of finding a job I would really like, I'm forced to broaden my search to "ANYTHING."
Let's move on.
Running update: I'm on week 3 of my Couch to 5k adventure. This was my routine today, times two:
Run 1.5 minutes
Walk 1.5 minutes
Run 3 minutes
Walk 3 minutes
I am not going to lie. It did not feel good. It was not easy. My last 3-minute run happened to start at the bottom of a humongous hill, which is just bad timing on my part. But I did it.
Apparently in two weeks, I'll be able to run 20 minutes without stopping.
Haha. These people are crazy.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Autumn
"Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns."
--George Eliot
We got a little taste of autumn this weekend, and the highs were only in the low 70s. This is my kind of weather.
My favorite season growing up was summer, but it kind of lost its appeal when I realized I was no longer getting a three-month vacation. Fall is by far my favorite season now. The weather is crisp and cool, the trees are colorful and gorgeous, and Halloween is a great opportunity to get crafty.
It's supposed to be back in the 90s for the rest of the week, so I'm enjoying this weather while I can. My friend Amanda and I went to Miami Whitewater Park Saturday for an 8-mile bike ride, and last weekend Kyle and I went raspberry picking with my brother and sister-in-law (which Zach and Mandi turned into homemade raspberry ice cream!).
I hope everyone else out there is ready to get out there for fall! There are so many fun options this season. Tons of festivals, pumpkin patches, corn mazes AND!! The Ohio Renaissance Festival. (I'm definitely, definitely going here sometime soon. You can expect a post of me embracing my inner nerd).
Running update: I'm in week 2 of my "Couch to 5k" running program, so I'm running 1.5 minutes at a time instead of just one. It feels pretty great!
--George Eliot
We got a little taste of autumn this weekend, and the highs were only in the low 70s. This is my kind of weather.
My favorite season growing up was summer, but it kind of lost its appeal when I realized I was no longer getting a three-month vacation. Fall is by far my favorite season now. The weather is crisp and cool, the trees are colorful and gorgeous, and Halloween is a great opportunity to get crafty.
It's supposed to be back in the 90s for the rest of the week, so I'm enjoying this weather while I can. My friend Amanda and I went to Miami Whitewater Park Saturday for an 8-mile bike ride, and last weekend Kyle and I went raspberry picking with my brother and sister-in-law (which Zach and Mandi turned into homemade raspberry ice cream!).
I hope everyone else out there is ready to get out there for fall! There are so many fun options this season. Tons of festivals, pumpkin patches, corn mazes AND!! The Ohio Renaissance Festival. (I'm definitely, definitely going here sometime soon. You can expect a post of me embracing my inner nerd).
Running update: I'm in week 2 of my "Couch to 5k" running program, so I'm running 1.5 minutes at a time instead of just one. It feels pretty great!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Typing Tutor
"You have to believe in yourself, that's the secret. Even when I was in the orphanage, when I was roaming the street trying to find enough to eat, even then I thought of myself as the greatest actor in the world."
--Charlie Chaplin
I still remember my family's very first computer. We have this home video of my brother and sister at Christmas jumping up and down and squealing over this odd-looking television, while I just kind of sat there looking extremely confused. (Give me a break, I was six).
One of the first games we got was called "Typing Tutor." It was exactly what it sounds like, and yes, I did consider it a game. I learned my way around a keyboard with that program. After each lesson, there was a game in which words would drop down from the top of the screen, and you had to type them before they reached the bottom of the screen. It was hella-fun.
I quickly became a speedy typist, and I owe it all to my humble beginnings with Typing Tutor. According to various typing tests on the interwebz, and the typing class I took in ninth grade, I type an average of 90-95 wpm with at least 95% accuracy.
By the way, I hope the picture I chose for this blog post isn't too creepy. The person in the photo kinda reminds me of the girl from "The Ring." And I was going to include a picture from that movie for comparison's sake, but the only photo I found literally scared me too much to look at for more than two seconds. But I digress.
Last week I went to the temp agency Adecco, and they sent me a few tests to measure my typing skills and knowledge of Microsft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, etc. I got a call this morning from the agency, and while I was above average on all of the programs, my score for the typing portion, which graded my speed and accuracy, was 118%. The guy I talked to said he didn't even know that was possible. And he even used the word "phenomenal," which made me feel kinda nice.
But even though it's a nice little ego boost, I hope this doesn't mean I'm destined for a lifetime career doing data entry.
--Charlie Chaplin
I still remember my family's very first computer. We have this home video of my brother and sister at Christmas jumping up and down and squealing over this odd-looking television, while I just kind of sat there looking extremely confused. (Give me a break, I was six).
One of the first games we got was called "Typing Tutor." It was exactly what it sounds like, and yes, I did consider it a game. I learned my way around a keyboard with that program. After each lesson, there was a game in which words would drop down from the top of the screen, and you had to type them before they reached the bottom of the screen. It was hella-fun.
I quickly became a speedy typist, and I owe it all to my humble beginnings with Typing Tutor. According to various typing tests on the interwebz, and the typing class I took in ninth grade, I type an average of 90-95 wpm with at least 95% accuracy.By the way, I hope the picture I chose for this blog post isn't too creepy. The person in the photo kinda reminds me of the girl from "The Ring." And I was going to include a picture from that movie for comparison's sake, but the only photo I found literally scared me too much to look at for more than two seconds. But I digress.
Last week I went to the temp agency Adecco, and they sent me a few tests to measure my typing skills and knowledge of Microsft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, etc. I got a call this morning from the agency, and while I was above average on all of the programs, my score for the typing portion, which graded my speed and accuracy, was 118%. The guy I talked to said he didn't even know that was possible. And he even used the word "phenomenal," which made me feel kinda nice.
But even though it's a nice little ego boost, I hope this doesn't mean I'm destined for a lifetime career doing data entry.
Friday, August 27, 2010
You Can Do It!
"For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin--real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way. Something to be got through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life."
--Alfred D'Souza
This morning I woke up feeling energetic.
Haha, just kidding. I woke up groggy. Then I lay in bed for about fifteen minutes, then I decided to do something productive.
Since I ended my year of service as a VISTA, I've had some extra time on my hands. And don't get me wrong, I have been applying for jobs and going on a couple of interviews and paying visits to temp agencies. But other than that, most of my days have consisted of defeating Bowser and playing Monkey Island.
Side note: Have you ever played Monkey Island? It's amazing.
Anyway, I didn't want to get in some sort of rut for which I turn into a complete bum, so I decided to go for a little jog this morning. I downloaded this app on my iPod Touch called "Couch to 5k: Get Running!" and it helps you build up your running endurance, starting from scratch. And it's incredibly helpful!
I'm starting off really slow. It starts with a five minute speed walk, then you run for a minute and walk for a minute and a half for a total of eight one-minute runs, followed by a five minute cool down. I can listen to my music while I'm running, and the app puts it on pause to say things like "10 more seconds until you complete your fifth run!" in this really suave British accent.
It's really helpful, and it actually made me enjoy the exercise.
Well, at least tolerate the exercise.
--Alfred D'Souza
This morning I woke up feeling energetic.
Haha, just kidding. I woke up groggy. Then I lay in bed for about fifteen minutes, then I decided to do something productive.
Since I ended my year of service as a VISTA, I've had some extra time on my hands. And don't get me wrong, I have been applying for jobs and going on a couple of interviews and paying visits to temp agencies. But other than that, most of my days have consisted of defeating Bowser and playing Monkey Island.
Side note: Have you ever played Monkey Island? It's amazing.
Anyway, I didn't want to get in some sort of rut for which I turn into a complete bum, so I decided to go for a little jog this morning. I downloaded this app on my iPod Touch called "Couch to 5k: Get Running!" and it helps you build up your running endurance, starting from scratch. And it's incredibly helpful!
I'm starting off really slow. It starts with a five minute speed walk, then you run for a minute and walk for a minute and a half for a total of eight one-minute runs, followed by a five minute cool down. I can listen to my music while I'm running, and the app puts it on pause to say things like "10 more seconds until you complete your fifth run!" in this really suave British accent.
It's really helpful, and it actually made me enjoy the exercise.
Well, at least tolerate the exercise.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Clumsy
"A slip of the foot you may soon recover, but a slip of the tongue you may never get over." --Benjamin FranklinI'm a klutz.
This is a fairly recent discovery I've made, when I realized that people around me don't fall down nearly as often as I do. I've always been a somewhat clumsy person. I trip over my own feet, I fall down standing up. And last night I fell down half a flight of stairs.
It was around 11:30 and I was thirsty, so I decided to sneak downstairs for a glass of water. I'm not sure exactly how it happened, but halfway down I slipped. And the top half of my back landed on the corner of a step. And it hurt like hell.
Have you ever had the wind knocked out of you? It's an incredibly uncomfortable experience. My fall woke my mom, who hurried to my side and starting spurting out frantic questions. And I just kinda lay there, sprawled out in some ridiculous shape in the middle of the stairs, not being able to draw enough breath to answer her. It was bizarre.
Anyway, I'm fine. My back is really freaking sore, and I've taken to holding on to the railing with both hands while going down the steps, but other than that I'm okay.
Do be careful out there, folks. It's a dangerous world, and most accidents happen right at home.
By the way, I've been wondering...how many potential readers do you think I lost from my Bill Murray bashing?
Saturday, August 21, 2010
The Many Faces of Bill Murray
"This is pitiful. A thousand people freezing their butts off waiting to worship a rat. What a hype. Groundhog Day used to mean something in this town. They used to pull the hog out, and they used to eat it. You're hypocrites, all of you!" --Bill Murray as Phil Connors in "Groundhog Day"
Why does the world find Bill Murray so hilarious? This is something I'll never understand. I don't think I like a single movie that stars Bill Murray. And yes, I know he's in Caddyshack and Ghostbusters.
You know how sometimes the video store will honor a single actor or actress by having all of their hit films out in one display? Have you ever seen one for Bill Murray? He is wearing the same expression in almost every picture.
Why are you so bored, Bill? Is being a rich and famous actor so dull that you can't achieve an ounce of emotion?
By the way, this goes for Nicolas Cage, too.
I just don't get it. Aren't actors supposed to have a range of some sort?
Why does the world find Bill Murray so hilarious? This is something I'll never understand. I don't think I like a single movie that stars Bill Murray. And yes, I know he's in Caddyshack and Ghostbusters.
You know how sometimes the video store will honor a single actor or actress by having all of their hit films out in one display? Have you ever seen one for Bill Murray? He is wearing the same expression in almost every picture.
Why are you so bored, Bill? Is being a rich and famous actor so dull that you can't achieve an ounce of emotion?
By the way, this goes for Nicolas Cage, too.
I just don't get it. Aren't actors supposed to have a range of some sort?
Friday, August 20, 2010
Plans for Autumn
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” --Mark Twain
Today is is the last day in my long year as an AmeriCorps*VISTA member, and instead of using this time to make phone calls and sign people up for webinars, I've decided to devote my final eight hours to setting up my all new, highly anticipated (mostly by me) blog.
So welcome, new readers, and welcome back to those who followed "Measuring a Year as a VISTA"! When I was writing for my VISTA blog, I had to be careful what I wrote about. I couldn't get too into my personal life, and there was no way I was going to write about politics, religion or other controversial issues.
This is a chance for me to open up a bit more. And I'm going to start by letting you all in on something I've been bursting with excitement over for months.
I'm going to Europe!
On October 8, 2010, my boyfriend Kyle and I will board a plane for Zurich, Switzerland. And after a couple of hours traveling through and around the Swiss Alps, we'll arrive in the mountain village of Murren.
This absolutely gorgeous little town is literally right smack in the middle of the alps. You can't even get there by train or car; you have to take a cable car or gondola ride. We're going to spend three nights in Murren, just taking in the scenery and hiking to our heart's content.
This is the top of the Schilthorn. We plan on taking a train up here. Breathtaking, is it not?
PARIS!
We've been planning this trip for maybe two months now, and we have our plane tickets and hotel/hostel all figured out. It still seems unreal to me. I'm really, really excited and somewhat terrified at the same time.
I absolutely love to travel, to experience new cultures, to take thousands of pictures of things you couldn't see anywhere else in the world. But I've also never traveled such a great distance without...okay, I was going to say "without an adult" but then I realized that, at age 23, I am an adult. When did that happen?
Anyway, I'm sure we'll be absolutely fine. But if anyone has ever been to Switzerland or Paris, please don't hesitate to share your wisdom.
Today is is the last day in my long year as an AmeriCorps*VISTA member, and instead of using this time to make phone calls and sign people up for webinars, I've decided to devote my final eight hours to setting up my all new, highly anticipated (mostly by me) blog.
So welcome, new readers, and welcome back to those who followed "Measuring a Year as a VISTA"! When I was writing for my VISTA blog, I had to be careful what I wrote about. I couldn't get too into my personal life, and there was no way I was going to write about politics, religion or other controversial issues.
This is a chance for me to open up a bit more. And I'm going to start by letting you all in on something I've been bursting with excitement over for months.
I'm going to Europe!
On October 8, 2010, my boyfriend Kyle and I will board a plane for Zurich, Switzerland. And after a couple of hours traveling through and around the Swiss Alps, we'll arrive in the mountain village of Murren.
This absolutely gorgeous little town is literally right smack in the middle of the alps. You can't even get there by train or car; you have to take a cable car or gondola ride. We're going to spend three nights in Murren, just taking in the scenery and hiking to our heart's content.
This is the top of the Schilthorn. We plan on taking a train up here. Breathtaking, is it not?After three nights in Murren, we're taking an early train tooooo....
PARIS!We've been planning this trip for maybe two months now, and we have our plane tickets and hotel/hostel all figured out. It still seems unreal to me. I'm really, really excited and somewhat terrified at the same time.
I absolutely love to travel, to experience new cultures, to take thousands of pictures of things you couldn't see anywhere else in the world. But I've also never traveled such a great distance without...okay, I was going to say "without an adult" but then I realized that, at age 23, I am an adult. When did that happen?
Anyway, I'm sure we'll be absolutely fine. But if anyone has ever been to Switzerland or Paris, please don't hesitate to share your wisdom.
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