Greg, Joy, Megan (Greg's friend), and I are all sitting around Joy's living room. At first glance you'd think it was a quaint cozy evening at home until you realize that all four of us are on our own respective computers doing our own respective thing. This is how the modern person spends an evening together. Kinda sad.
It become truly sad when the thing that brings us all together is the "30 Most Disturbing Twilight Products" article.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
HANDEL'S JUDAS MACCABEUS
I just sat around playing my roommate's cello for the past half an hour or so. It was so fulfilling to just sit down and play my way through Suzuki book 1 + 2 playing and replaying my favorites remembering those years and years of struggle. Years of not wanting to practice, years of finally just sitting down and practicing and not being good at it, years of threatening to quit, years of bajillion recitals and orchestra concerts, years of rental and lesson fees.
And yet tonight after 10 years of lessons/playing and then four years away I could sit down and just play. It was lovely. So I want to thank my parents for the time, energy, and money they poured into my cello playing. I greatly appreciate now.
And yet tonight after 10 years of lessons/playing and then four years away I could sit down and just play. It was lovely. So I want to thank my parents for the time, energy, and money they poured into my cello playing. I greatly appreciate now.
Monday, November 9, 2009
SOGGY SQUISH
I used to hate Raisin Bran. It got soggy and made the milk taste funny.
Now I love it. I can't get enough of it. In fact, I ate two bowls of it today alone. I no longer think it gets soggy or makes the milk taste funny. In fact it's the perfect combination of crunch with squish.
For some unknown reason my house buys TONS of this stuff. Most of the cereals one box is bought and it disappears within a day or two of getting put in the cupboard. But not the Raisin Bran. There is a never ending supply of Raisin Bran, which only adds to my love for it.
Now I love it. I can't get enough of it. In fact, I ate two bowls of it today alone. I no longer think it gets soggy or makes the milk taste funny. In fact it's the perfect combination of crunch with squish.
For some unknown reason my house buys TONS of this stuff. Most of the cereals one box is bought and it disappears within a day or two of getting put in the cupboard. But not the Raisin Bran. There is a never ending supply of Raisin Bran, which only adds to my love for it.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
STUDY STUDY
I'm tired.
It's right in between Week 6 and Week 7. So we're winding up for the end of the term. This is surprising for me because I feel like I've been doing midterms for weeks and yet I still have more to take. Therefore it's odd to be thinking about the end of term and finals. Luckily for me there aren't any major projects or papers due at the end of term, just exams. So I can study how I want, when I want, where I want, etc.
I found the best way for me to learn the information I need to learn is:
1. Go to class.
2. Stay awake in class.
2.5. Pay attention in class/take notes in class even on the mundane stuff. You never know what might show up later.
3. Type up notes.
4. Read through notes, marking things you know for sure you have no idea what they are.
5. Reread notes again.
6. Reread notes again paying careful attention to the information you flagged in #4.
7. Reread notes again.
8. Make flashcards of the notes.
9. Go through the flashcards.
10. Have your brother quiz you on flashcards/notes until you know them cold.
10.5. If #10 wasn't the night before the exam, do #10 again on that night.
11. Do NOT open your notes/go through your flashcards the day of exam. In the middle of the test you WILL start doubting what you got drilled into your head the day before because of that 5 second peak that morning. If you don't know it by that day, looking once more isn't going to make it stick.
And after all that, a couple of weeks later I still know the information.
("Strata volcanoes, such as the ones in the Oregon Cascades, are only found at subduction zones, such as the Juan De Fuca plate and North American plate off of the Oregon Coast, and have andestic magma, which is intermediate-a mixture of felsic minerals (ex K-feldspars) and mafic minerals (ex olivine- one of the most common minerals on earth)...")
Still knowing this information weeks after the last test WILL come in handy not only in life (I mean, come on. Who doesn't need to know the type of minerals in the magma found at various tectonic settings on a regular basis?) but also for when the final exam comes around and I still need to know all that information.
GregUr: If your reading this - I have a geology midterm on Friday. Want to come over Thursday?
On another note:
As I'm studying statistics, I learn a chapter and then allow myself a ten minute break to go look at a map somewhere. GoogleEarth, state topographic map websites, maps in my textbook, geography quizzes on sporcle.com, the giant Corvallis quadrangle on my closet, etc.
It turns my frown from the statistics work upside down.
It's right in between Week 6 and Week 7. So we're winding up for the end of the term. This is surprising for me because I feel like I've been doing midterms for weeks and yet I still have more to take. Therefore it's odd to be thinking about the end of term and finals. Luckily for me there aren't any major projects or papers due at the end of term, just exams. So I can study how I want, when I want, where I want, etc.
I found the best way for me to learn the information I need to learn is:
1. Go to class.
2. Stay awake in class.
2.5. Pay attention in class/take notes in class even on the mundane stuff. You never know what might show up later.
3. Type up notes.
4. Read through notes, marking things you know for sure you have no idea what they are.
5. Reread notes again.
6. Reread notes again paying careful attention to the information you flagged in #4.
7. Reread notes again.
8. Make flashcards of the notes.
9. Go through the flashcards.
10. Have your brother quiz you on flashcards/notes until you know them cold.
10.5. If #10 wasn't the night before the exam, do #10 again on that night.
11. Do NOT open your notes/go through your flashcards the day of exam. In the middle of the test you WILL start doubting what you got drilled into your head the day before because of that 5 second peak that morning. If you don't know it by that day, looking once more isn't going to make it stick.
And after all that, a couple of weeks later I still know the information.
("Strata volcanoes, such as the ones in the Oregon Cascades, are only found at subduction zones, such as the Juan De Fuca plate and North American plate off of the Oregon Coast, and have andestic magma, which is intermediate-a mixture of felsic minerals (ex K-feldspars) and mafic minerals (ex olivine- one of the most common minerals on earth)...")
Still knowing this information weeks after the last test WILL come in handy not only in life (I mean, come on. Who doesn't need to know the type of minerals in the magma found at various tectonic settings on a regular basis?) but also for when the final exam comes around and I still need to know all that information.
GregUr: If your reading this - I have a geology midterm on Friday. Want to come over Thursday?
On another note:
As I'm studying statistics, I learn a chapter and then allow myself a ten minute break to go look at a map somewhere. GoogleEarth, state topographic map websites, maps in my textbook, geography quizzes on sporcle.com, the giant Corvallis quadrangle on my closet, etc.
It turns my frown from the statistics work upside down.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009
SLAP OF HANDS
There are many sports that are "team sports." Soccer, basketball, football, the list goes on. And I'll give them that yes they need a team to play them, but in each one of those sports the potential for stars to stand out is huge. Every one of those has individuals celebrity associated with them.
I believe one of the reasons crew has not gotten this sort of fame is because there is no room for stars. No room at all.
And that's why I love it. The word "team" takes on a whole new meaning. And it's not just sitting on that starting line next to some of the most prestigious crews in the nation, knowing that somehow all four of you aren't going to stop rowing until you're two thousand meters down that buoyed lane.
Team is finishing a test piece on the erg and turning to the girl next to you and slapping hands. No words, just a slap. It's the slapping of hands after Every Single piece day after day because you both did it. It's turning to that girl who has been with you stroke for stroke across millions of meters, having her look at you and remind you that what you just did was extraordinary.
Your time isn't taking you to the Olympics, heck it's not even getting you a seat in the boat for the weekend race, but what you just did was extraordinary.
It's extraordinary because you didn't get it for the spotlight. You did it for that slap of hands from a Teammate.
And that's why I row.
I believe one of the reasons crew has not gotten this sort of fame is because there is no room for stars. No room at all.
And that's why I love it. The word "team" takes on a whole new meaning. And it's not just sitting on that starting line next to some of the most prestigious crews in the nation, knowing that somehow all four of you aren't going to stop rowing until you're two thousand meters down that buoyed lane.
Team is finishing a test piece on the erg and turning to the girl next to you and slapping hands. No words, just a slap. It's the slapping of hands after Every Single piece day after day because you both did it. It's turning to that girl who has been with you stroke for stroke across millions of meters, having her look at you and remind you that what you just did was extraordinary.
Your time isn't taking you to the Olympics, heck it's not even getting you a seat in the boat for the weekend race, but what you just did was extraordinary.
It's extraordinary because you didn't get it for the spotlight. You did it for that slap of hands from a Teammate.
And that's why I row.
Monday, October 19, 2009
M
We have a love seat that came with the room. It's greenish gray and not very attractive. This really bugs my roommate M. Today I came home to a purple sheet covering it. It's a pale ugly purple that just makes the couch stick out in the room. Sticking out in a room where five girls have their stuff is a BIG feat. Everyone has pictures, colors, posters, etc all over the place that there is no overwhelming theme at all. But M decided that our ugly couch needed something to make is less ugly and since one of our walls is purple picked up sheet to "match" it. The wall is a deep purple that I love, the sheet is a pasty icky fake purple that I hate. It also cost $30. M didn't go to Goodwill to get said sheet. No. She went to Bed Bath and Beyond and got one with good thread count. And she wants us to pay her back. I'm not going to. I had no problem at all with the old couch, in fact I liked it better then new covered couch.
All of this happened half an hour ago. Just two minutes ago, M just told me she knows an upholster that could reupholster our couch if we wanted it. I didn't know what to say...I wish I had my headphones on so I could pretend I didn't hear this.
On top of this I have not had that great of a day. Lots of little frustrations and stresses adding up and M is acting like it's a crime that I've been gone all day (class, fiddle lessons, meetings with advisor, practice, student athletic leadership board, midterms) and now wants to talk to me. Ugh.
All of this happened half an hour ago. Just two minutes ago, M just told me she knows an upholster that could reupholster our couch if we wanted it. I didn't know what to say...I wish I had my headphones on so I could pretend I didn't hear this.
On top of this I have not had that great of a day. Lots of little frustrations and stresses adding up and M is acting like it's a crime that I've been gone all day (class, fiddle lessons, meetings with advisor, practice, student athletic leadership board, midterms) and now wants to talk to me. Ugh.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
FIGHT SONG ON REPEAT
Yesterday morning in the weight room, some of the football team were working out at the same time as us. Normally, music is played through the loudspeakers. It's typically some rock, pump up music. Except when the football team is in there, it's always some...unusual. Last week we had the red-shirt freshmen working out so we weren't allowed any music. The week before we had the specials team working out with us and we listened to some metal. This week, I'm not sure who was with us but the music choice was the most interesting of all. It was the USC fight song. Over and over and over and over again for an hour straight. (We're playing USC this weekend in football.)After the second time through we all just wanted to kick the football players out so it would stop, but about half hour into it was surprising motivating. Unfortunately that didn't last very long. We were all very happy when the football players left and we got the last ten minutes of our practice in quiet.
Friday, October 9, 2009
ALARM
I've been getting up at around 5:30 every day for the past couple of weeks. Today was the first morning I did not want to throw my alarm against the wall to punish it for waking me up. I guess this means, my body is adjusting finally.
This morning's calmness might have also been helped by my 9pm bedtime.
This morning's calmness might have also been helped by my 9pm bedtime.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
MUSICAL PANCAKES
Last night, Greg came over.
We made pancakes. In fact, we made pancakes for more then just the two of us. We started cooking them and girls kept showing up. The peanut butter, the butter, and the nutella were all pulled out. It was quite fun.
Spontaneously, Greg sat down at the piano and started flipping through a praise music book sitting around. He played piano and I sang. It was quite fun.
And we rounded off the evening by watching So You Think You Can Dance.
We made pancakes. In fact, we made pancakes for more then just the two of us. We started cooking them and girls kept showing up. The peanut butter, the butter, and the nutella were all pulled out. It was quite fun.
Spontaneously, Greg sat down at the piano and started flipping through a praise music book sitting around. He played piano and I sang. It was quite fun.
And we rounded off the evening by watching So You Think You Can Dance.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
THE CLOTHES: BACK IN SCHOOL
Being back in school, I'm reminded why I'm doing my clothes experiment. I see girls in my house get up at 6am for their 8am class to blowdry their hair, curl their eyelashes, etc. I wake up at 7am for my 7:30am weight session and am ready in five minutes (to be fair I'm going to workout at the athlete's weight room where no one has expectations for your clothes except that it's Oregon State and/or Nike gear). But then I go to class and all around me there are constructed outfits and perfectly ruffled hair and matching shoes everywhere. and it's not just the girls; even the guys are in on the obvious peacocking.
I wore a pair of non-brand name jeans, a white t-shirt, sneakers, and braided hair today. It took me all of ten minutes to get ready after my shower today. (It would have taken less but I braided my hair and I only did that because I didn't want to braid it before practice this afternoon.) I felt comfortable and like I fit into this room and yet it took waaay less brainpower and time then a lot of the people in that room. And seriously who are you getting dressed up for? We're sitting in a 200 person lecture for 50 minutes. No one is paying you any mind.
I wore a pair of non-brand name jeans, a white t-shirt, sneakers, and braided hair today. It took me all of ten minutes to get ready after my shower today. (It would have taken less but I braided my hair and I only did that because I didn't want to braid it before practice this afternoon.) I felt comfortable and like I fit into this room and yet it took waaay less brainpower and time then a lot of the people in that room. And seriously who are you getting dressed up for? We're sitting in a 200 person lecture for 50 minutes. No one is paying you any mind.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
MAPS! MAPS! MAPS!
These were on my list of required "books":
- topographic map of the Corvallis, Oregon quadrangle
- map of the Wilamette River water quality from 2008
-steroscopic glasses (see below)
- Atlas Stenograms. A WHOLE book full of 3-D maps! Well they're 2-D until you look at them thru the steroscopic glasses.
I walked out of the bookstore with a very smug look on my face thanks to all my required maps. I think even if they weren't required I would have wanted them. Seriously, once I'm done with this term, they're totally going on my wall!
- topographic map of the Corvallis, Oregon quadrangle
- map of the Wilamette River water quality from 2008
-steroscopic glasses (see below)
- Atlas Stenograms. A WHOLE book full of 3-D maps! Well they're 2-D until you look at them thru the steroscopic glasses.
I walked out of the bookstore with a very smug look on my face thanks to all my required maps. I think even if they weren't required I would have wanted them. Seriously, once I'm done with this term, they're totally going on my wall!
Monday, September 28, 2009
I LOVE MY MOTHER
My mother sent me a letter that she had written me in August 2008, just near the end of my time at the ranch. It was strange reading it because it was like a puzzle piece of time in my life falling into place. In the letter there were bits and pieces of little things in life that I'd never heard the details about just the end result. Or things I'd never heard a reaction about. It was very heart warming to read. And the same time it made me miss my mother very much.
I SEE PEOPLE
There are so many people on campus!!
It's crazy. I mean, it's not anymore then last year. I'd just forgotten.
Biking is dangerous.
It's crazy. I mean, it's not anymore then last year. I'd just forgotten.
Biking is dangerous.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
BROTHERLY LOVE
I went to church this morning with GregUr. We then strolled a block over to Becca, Bonnie, and Jenna's house just to chat. They were all just waking up but we had a pleasant conversation about what books Greg does NOT need to buy.
Walking a couple blocks farther we came across Safeway where we purchased frozen pizza, superglue, soap, apples, and various other things.
We then headed back to my house to cook our frozen pizza. While the pizzas were cooking we munched on chocolate covered peanuts, cucumber salad, chips and salsa. All of which we found in the left-over fridge here. Yeah! Free food! We also attempted to glue my phone back together with the superglue I had just purchased but we realized it didn't make it into my bag.
So Greg, being the awesome little brother he is, biked back to Safeway to get it back, while I did the dishes.
We then spent the rest of the afternoon watching my Netflix movie, Stage Beauty (Which we enjoyed. It ended happier then we were expecting), doing laundry and gluing my phone back together. Overall a very pleasant Sunday. And it's only 2:45 in the afternoon.
Walking a couple blocks farther we came across Safeway where we purchased frozen pizza, superglue, soap, apples, and various other things.
We then headed back to my house to cook our frozen pizza. While the pizzas were cooking we munched on chocolate covered peanuts, cucumber salad, chips and salsa. All of which we found in the left-over fridge here. Yeah! Free food! We also attempted to glue my phone back together with the superglue I had just purchased but we realized it didn't make it into my bag.
So Greg, being the awesome little brother he is, biked back to Safeway to get it back, while I did the dishes.
We then spent the rest of the afternoon watching my Netflix movie, Stage Beauty (Which we enjoyed. It ended happier then we were expecting), doing laundry and gluing my phone back together. Overall a very pleasant Sunday. And it's only 2:45 in the afternoon.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
SLEEPING AT OXFORD
My house, Oxford House, seems nice. It's a little odd because I'm gone all day and here at night which the opposite of the majority of everyone else. They have nothing to do all day (classes don't start until Monday) except bum around the house and then all the activities happen at night when I'm winding down and going to sleep. I'm interested to see how stuff plays out with my study room mates. One seems nice enough, but a little stand offish to meeting people. The second seems a little lonely. She spends a lot of time on her computer and doesn't really think to take it into a public room where she might run into people to talk to. and the third I've seen for all of ten minutes. The sleeping porch seems to be working out well. The bunk beds are fairly new so they don't creak and shake therefore you don't hear/feel everyone moving around all night. And people are good about being quiet.
Crew has also started. Today was day two and I am exhausted. In fact I want to be in bed right now. But I am writing for you folks. Anyways, it's going well. We've had two assessments: a long cardio one (60 min L4 if you know OSU crew lingo) and a weightroom one. The two easiest of the five total assessments. I did really well on both. I hit my goal exactly for the L4 and I did on the high end of good in the weight room (various flexibility tests, pull-ups, sit-ups, push-ups, wall sits, planks). Today they took out two eights full of the people who had achieved their goal for L4 (that leaves about 20 people erging). The water was lovely! and I had total "ah ha!" moment in the boat on a technical part of the stroke I have been working on all last year.
I haven't seen much of GregUr though. We went bowling together on Monday night. That was fun. I've been insanely busy with crew stuff which makes it hard to see him. I hope to rectify this situation soon.
I have made an effort to play my fiddle everyday. I'm actually playing stuff that sounds like a melody! In fact just today I spent a chunk of time figuring out to play a Irish tune called Spootiskeery. I just listened to the song bit by bit and worked it out. It was very satisfying. Ok so I only figured out the first bit but that's something, right?
I also bought $460 worth of books today. Actually the athletic department bought them for me but still that's a lot of books! I was biking home with a bag on each handle bar and I could quite literally feel my bike being dragged downwards. Getting all my books and looking at my syllabuses, I've come to realize I have the work cut out for me. Most people only take four classes a term (about 14-15 credits). I'm taking five (17 credits) and all them are upper division classes. (The only other upper division class I've taken so far is the one class I didn't get an A in. I got an A-. Horrors of Horrors! :) ) Anyways I talked to the Katrina, the athletic academic adviser, and she said to try it out for the first week or so and see how it goes. If it's going to be insane I can drop one. I have room in my schedule to pick it up later.
Ok I think that's a long enough update for now. Sleep time!
Yesterday evening, we had a team get together and filled out little bios that we hang on our lockers. One of the things we had to say was what we liked to do. I said "Sleep"
I thought Dad would get a kick out of that.
Crew has also started. Today was day two and I am exhausted. In fact I want to be in bed right now. But I am writing for you folks. Anyways, it's going well. We've had two assessments: a long cardio one (60 min L4 if you know OSU crew lingo) and a weightroom one. The two easiest of the five total assessments. I did really well on both. I hit my goal exactly for the L4 and I did on the high end of good in the weight room (various flexibility tests, pull-ups, sit-ups, push-ups, wall sits, planks). Today they took out two eights full of the people who had achieved their goal for L4 (that leaves about 20 people erging). The water was lovely! and I had total "ah ha!" moment in the boat on a technical part of the stroke I have been working on all last year.
I haven't seen much of GregUr though. We went bowling together on Monday night. That was fun. I've been insanely busy with crew stuff which makes it hard to see him. I hope to rectify this situation soon.
I have made an effort to play my fiddle everyday. I'm actually playing stuff that sounds like a melody! In fact just today I spent a chunk of time figuring out to play a Irish tune called Spootiskeery. I just listened to the song bit by bit and worked it out. It was very satisfying. Ok so I only figured out the first bit but that's something, right?
I also bought $460 worth of books today. Actually the athletic department bought them for me but still that's a lot of books! I was biking home with a bag on each handle bar and I could quite literally feel my bike being dragged downwards. Getting all my books and looking at my syllabuses, I've come to realize I have the work cut out for me. Most people only take four classes a term (about 14-15 credits). I'm taking five (17 credits) and all them are upper division classes. (The only other upper division class I've taken so far is the one class I didn't get an A in. I got an A-. Horrors of Horrors! :) ) Anyways I talked to the Katrina, the athletic academic adviser, and she said to try it out for the first week or so and see how it goes. If it's going to be insane I can drop one. I have room in my schedule to pick it up later.
Ok I think that's a long enough update for now. Sleep time!
Yesterday evening, we had a team get together and filled out little bios that we hang on our lockers. One of the things we had to say was what we liked to do. I said "Sleep"
I thought Dad would get a kick out of that.
Monday, September 21, 2009
THE CLOTHES: LAUNCH
So I've purged my wardrobe. Partly because I just don't have room for it all and partly because I'm doing an experiment this year. I've gotten rid of all printed clothing (except for Oregon State gear because I'm required to wear that at practice) So it's all solid colors. Only the basics.
The fashion world and how much emphasize we as a society put on how we look has been driving me nuts recently. I mean seriously, so I spend $25 on a shirt that I wear to
"look nice" every once in awhile. And when I do end up wearing it, I wear it for all of a couple hours - taking it off waaay before it's dirty. I understand the value of looking groomed and put together; I completely understand that unless I want to totally throw off everything this whole societal institution offers, I have to buy into the looks-market somewhat. But why should what clothing brand I'm wearing have any say in my daily interaction with people? I feel confident enough in my personality to be able to express myself in a whole slew of other ways then the pieces of cloth I have draped around my body.
So my experiment is just to see who I met, who I befriend, etc with understated clothing. What happens when I don't necessarily making any statement with my clothes.
According to the scientific method I need a hypothesis. Crap. I don't have one.
I'm taking this slow though. I basically just sent mom home with a duffel bags of shirts, keeping all my sweatshirts/outer wear. I also have a boat load of hats, scarves, socks, shoes, a few dresses/skirts, and pants to mix things up. Who knows maybe my next step will be get rid of all those accessories.
The fashion world and how much emphasize we as a society put on how we look has been driving me nuts recently. I mean seriously, so I spend $25 on a shirt that I wear to
"look nice" every once in awhile. And when I do end up wearing it, I wear it for all of a couple hours - taking it off waaay before it's dirty. I understand the value of looking groomed and put together; I completely understand that unless I want to totally throw off everything this whole societal institution offers, I have to buy into the looks-market somewhat. But why should what clothing brand I'm wearing have any say in my daily interaction with people? I feel confident enough in my personality to be able to express myself in a whole slew of other ways then the pieces of cloth I have draped around my body.
So my experiment is just to see who I met, who I befriend, etc with understated clothing. What happens when I don't necessarily making any statement with my clothes.
According to the scientific method I need a hypothesis. Crap. I don't have one.
I'm taking this slow though. I basically just sent mom home with a duffel bags of shirts, keeping all my sweatshirts/outer wear. I also have a boat load of hats, scarves, socks, shoes, a few dresses/skirts, and pants to mix things up. Who knows maybe my next step will be get rid of all those accessories.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
MAC AND CHEESE
All I wanted was mac and cheese.
I had a box of Safeway brand still in my cupboard. For lunch we didn't have milk or butter so I used soy milk, sour cream, and some cheddar cheese we had. It looked sooo good. Super cheesy and gooey. It tasted like straight sour cream. It went down the disposal.
For dinner we had a box of 15 box of Costco brand mac and cheese. Since lunch I've bought milk and butter so we should be set. The cheese mixture from the box turns out to be florescent neon glowing radioactive orange color. NOT natural. But oh well, mac and cheese is mac and cheese in my book. Hey, I'll even eat Easy Mac. First bite seems ok until I realize my tongue is coated with grainy cheese sauce. Needless to say it did NOT taste better then it looked.
I gave up on my mac and cheese for the day and just made myself a turkey sandwich for dinner.
I had a box of Safeway brand still in my cupboard. For lunch we didn't have milk or butter so I used soy milk, sour cream, and some cheddar cheese we had. It looked sooo good. Super cheesy and gooey. It tasted like straight sour cream. It went down the disposal.
For dinner we had a box of 15 box of Costco brand mac and cheese. Since lunch I've bought milk and butter so we should be set. The cheese mixture from the box turns out to be florescent neon glowing radioactive orange color. NOT natural. But oh well, mac and cheese is mac and cheese in my book. Hey, I'll even eat Easy Mac. First bite seems ok until I realize my tongue is coated with grainy cheese sauce. Needless to say it did NOT taste better then it looked.
I gave up on my mac and cheese for the day and just made myself a turkey sandwich for dinner.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
SICK ROOMMATES
My fiddle lesson was cancelled yesterday. The teacher was sick. This was disappointing.
On a happy note, Jenna and Becca have arrived so I am no longer living by myself.
On a happy note, Jenna and Becca have arrived so I am no longer living by myself.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
401KEG
I saw this on someone's facebook and found it amusing. Not that I claim to be following it.
If you had purchased $1000 of shares in Delta Airlines one year ago, you will have $49.00 today. If you had purchased $1000 of shares in AIG one year ago, you will have $33.00 today. If you had purchased $1000 of shares in Lehman Brothers one year ago, you will have $0.00 today.
But, if you had purchased $1000 worth of beer one year ago, drank all the beer, then turned in the aluminum cans for recycling refund, you will have received $214.00. Based on the above, the best current investment plan is to drink heavily & recycle. It's called the 401keg.
If you had purchased $1000 of shares in Delta Airlines one year ago, you will have $49.00 today. If you had purchased $1000 of shares in AIG one year ago, you will have $33.00 today. If you had purchased $1000 of shares in Lehman Brothers one year ago, you will have $0.00 today.
But, if you had purchased $1000 worth of beer one year ago, drank all the beer, then turned in the aluminum cans for recycling refund, you will have received $214.00. Based on the above, the best current investment plan is to drink heavily & recycle. It's called the 401keg.
FIDDLE ME TO THE MOON
I just bought myself a fiddle and all its accouterments! I spent three hours this morning in a local music story looking over violins, bows, case, etc. The man has been selling/repairing/restoring stringed instruments in Corvallis since the 1970s and was Extremely helpful and informative. And I have my first fiddle lesson next Monday at 11am!
My heart is very happy with the purchase. My bank account on the other hand isn't.
My heart is very happy with the purchase. My bank account on the other hand isn't.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
JONAS BB HAZE
Mel and I have made it to Denver!
We left St Louis on Monday morning at 5:00 am and drove drove drove all day across Missouri, Kansas, and East Colorado. We hit Colorado in late afternoon and every hill we crest we expect to see the mountains bam! there in front of us. They never come. In fact, we make it all the way into Denver proper before we even outlines of the mountains. The westerly winds have pushed California wildfires ash etc across half the country and over the Rocky Mountains and Denver is coated in the haze. It's almost like a cross between LA smog and Oregon fog. That with the moon glowing orange last night makes the whole thing slightly discombobulating.
But last night I hung out with my friend Biff. We sat on his front porch eating burgers and shooting BB guns at tin cans lined up on a fence. I'd never shot one of those before I actually had a pretty good shot. We totally shredded a Coke can, it was sliced into three different pieces. Pretty good if I do say so myself.
Denver also seems to be the place where I come across Jonas Brothers. Mel and I were in Walgreens today flipping through the magazine racks and there tucked behind a USWeekly magazine someone had shoved a Rolling Stone's Everything Jonas Brothers special edition including five posters. So naturally we had to buy it. Currently we have the five posters sprawled across Hannah's living room floor (Mel has put first dibs on the Nick Jonas one) and Mel is immersed in the articles and I am telling you all about it. We have both decided we would like to meet them because they seem like funny guys.
We left St Louis on Monday morning at 5:00 am and drove drove drove all day across Missouri, Kansas, and East Colorado. We hit Colorado in late afternoon and every hill we crest we expect to see the mountains bam! there in front of us. They never come. In fact, we make it all the way into Denver proper before we even outlines of the mountains. The westerly winds have pushed California wildfires ash etc across half the country and over the Rocky Mountains and Denver is coated in the haze. It's almost like a cross between LA smog and Oregon fog. That with the moon glowing orange last night makes the whole thing slightly discombobulating.
But last night I hung out with my friend Biff. We sat on his front porch eating burgers and shooting BB guns at tin cans lined up on a fence. I'd never shot one of those before I actually had a pretty good shot. We totally shredded a Coke can, it was sliced into three different pieces. Pretty good if I do say so myself.
Denver also seems to be the place where I come across Jonas Brothers. Mel and I were in Walgreens today flipping through the magazine racks and there tucked behind a USWeekly magazine someone had shoved a Rolling Stone's Everything Jonas Brothers special edition including five posters. So naturally we had to buy it. Currently we have the five posters sprawled across Hannah's living room floor (Mel has put first dibs on the Nick Jonas one) and Mel is immersed in the articles and I am telling you all about it. We have both decided we would like to meet them because they seem like funny guys.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
RSS DOG
I went to a Cubs game yesterday. That in itself isn't that spectacular (although it was very fun). What is spectacular though is that the Cubs actually won!
Kristine is 22 today! Birthday's must get slightly anti-climatic after your 21st. But I still hope it was joyful day.
I've gotten my family onto GoggleReader. GR is basically a email-esk place that any website with an RSS feed gets sent to. So then you can read all your blogs etc on page. And it automatically updates when you there's a new post. SOOO all you Urban's out there you better be reading this now that it's so handy.
I smell like wet dog.
Kristine is 22 today! Birthday's must get slightly anti-climatic after your 21st. But I still hope it was joyful day.
I've gotten my family onto GoggleReader. GR is basically a email-esk place that any website with an RSS feed gets sent to. So then you can read all your blogs etc on page. And it automatically updates when you there's a new post. SOOO all you Urban's out there you better be reading this now that it's so handy.
I smell like wet dog.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
ATROCIOUS
My mother called my spelling/grammar in these posts atrocious. Oh well. I've resigned myself to that fact along time ago.
Then it got me thinking...what do my papers for school look like?
Then it got me thinking...what do my papers for school look like?
Monday, August 17, 2009
LUNCH TAKE ONE
For lunch I planned on having: a glass of iced tea, a salami lettuce cheese sandwich, and a piece of fruit. Like most plans this did not work out how I wanted it to.
First off, the slices of bread were moldy so I just pulled another loaf out of the freezer and toasted two slices.
I make me sandwich (looks yummy!) and proceed to pick it up to carry it to the plate on the other counter. I somehow can't get the about-face and the sandwich goes flying landing right in front of the dog where it quickly disappears into the dog's mouth.
Ok, fine. Let's move onto the fruit. Yum, peach! I'm trying to slice it up an somehow I manage to pop the pit so it hit me in the face.
Let's try the ice tea. You'd think I'd realize by now that today is not my day, but no. I no more then pick up the pitcher of ice tea and it slips and bam I'm now swimming in a puddle of ice tea. I had to change every bit of clothing I was wearing.
I am presently taking a break from trying to lunch to write this post. Now that it's done I'm to Take 2 of lunch. Wish me luck!
First off, the slices of bread were moldy so I just pulled another loaf out of the freezer and toasted two slices.
I make me sandwich (looks yummy!) and proceed to pick it up to carry it to the plate on the other counter. I somehow can't get the about-face and the sandwich goes flying landing right in front of the dog where it quickly disappears into the dog's mouth.
Ok, fine. Let's move onto the fruit. Yum, peach! I'm trying to slice it up an somehow I manage to pop the pit so it hit me in the face.
Let's try the ice tea. You'd think I'd realize by now that today is not my day, but no. I no more then pick up the pitcher of ice tea and it slips and bam I'm now swimming in a puddle of ice tea. I had to change every bit of clothing I was wearing.
I am presently taking a break from trying to lunch to write this post. Now that it's done I'm to Take 2 of lunch. Wish me luck!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
SMART KIDS
So I've been asked to blog again. I'm sorry for the delay.
Today I spent three hours in Barnes and Noble with a ten year old kid. We sat in the humor section and read bad jokes to each other/read humorous comics for three hours.
The best part of this was that I was getting paid to do this. I love babysitting smart kids.
Today I spent three hours in Barnes and Noble with a ten year old kid. We sat in the humor section and read bad jokes to each other/read humorous comics for three hours.
The best part of this was that I was getting paid to do this. I love babysitting smart kids.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF TOWN
So I'm home in Chicago. I've been hear about 36 hours and am about to leave to sub in for a counselor for a couple days up at Phantom Ranch church camp.
I get home late Monday night/Tuesday morning and leave early Wednesday morning for the ranch.
At the moment I'm "packing." In reality I'm sitting on Emy's bed with piles of stuff spread out in front of me. I'm taking the "out of sight, out of mind" approach that infants take with their mothers. I can't see the piles of clothes thanks to my computer screen sitting closer then necessary to my face so therefore they're not there.
I get home late Monday night/Tuesday morning and leave early Wednesday morning for the ranch.
At the moment I'm "packing." In reality I'm sitting on Emy's bed with piles of stuff spread out in front of me. I'm taking the "out of sight, out of mind" approach that infants take with their mothers. I can't see the piles of clothes thanks to my computer screen sitting closer then necessary to my face so therefore they're not there.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
VOYAGE OF MADEIRA
Have you ever noticed how people go on "sea voyages" and "road trips?"
Why don't people people go on "sea trips" and "road voyages?"
This post is written in a coffee shop on the edge of campus where I've been taking copious notes on wine production/history over the past three hours. The above thought came to me as I was writing notes on Madeira, an island west of Portugal and Morocco. It was once famous for its sugar cane but then Brazil's sugar was cheaper so they switched over to wine production.
Thanks to the way the winds blow, most of its market was in the West Indies and the recently colonized North America. The sea trips actually seemed to benefit the creation of the wine - the constant movement plus the super hot temperatures somehow added flavors and "softness" to the wine. In fact some extremely snobby costumers would pay to have it shipped west across the Atlantic then back east and finally back west again just to have extra time at sea.
Eventually people realized how ridiculous this was and developed a system on Madeira that would circulate hot water around barrels to get the same effect.
What's sad about all this is that Madeira wines are now mostly thought to be cooking wines. Thanks to this lovely fungi called Phylloxera which when first introduced from North America to Europe in the 1800s totally devastated vineyards by attacking the roots of vines. Grafting and other methods were used to fix this, but Madeira had to replant all their vineyards with different grape varieties which completely bash their wine.
Their best customers ended up being the cause of their downfall. Sad.
Anyways, by writing the above I will not write it in my notebook because I don't think I will forget it now. Hmmm...maybe I'll write all of what I'm studying here. Haha. Don't worry I'll spare you guys.
Side note: Awesome musician a facebook ad got me onto. A modern version of Carole King.
Why don't people people go on "sea trips" and "road voyages?"
This post is written in a coffee shop on the edge of campus where I've been taking copious notes on wine production/history over the past three hours. The above thought came to me as I was writing notes on Madeira, an island west of Portugal and Morocco. It was once famous for its sugar cane but then Brazil's sugar was cheaper so they switched over to wine production.
Thanks to the way the winds blow, most of its market was in the West Indies and the recently colonized North America. The sea trips actually seemed to benefit the creation of the wine - the constant movement plus the super hot temperatures somehow added flavors and "softness" to the wine. In fact some extremely snobby costumers would pay to have it shipped west across the Atlantic then back east and finally back west again just to have extra time at sea.
Eventually people realized how ridiculous this was and developed a system on Madeira that would circulate hot water around barrels to get the same effect.
What's sad about all this is that Madeira wines are now mostly thought to be cooking wines. Thanks to this lovely fungi called Phylloxera which when first introduced from North America to Europe in the 1800s totally devastated vineyards by attacking the roots of vines. Grafting and other methods were used to fix this, but Madeira had to replant all their vineyards with different grape varieties which completely bash their wine.
Their best customers ended up being the cause of their downfall. Sad.
Anyways, by writing the above I will not write it in my notebook because I don't think I will forget it now. Hmmm...maybe I'll write all of what I'm studying here. Haha. Don't worry I'll spare you guys.
Side note: Awesome musician a facebook ad got me onto. A modern version of Carole King.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
WRAP ME UP SOME TOFFEE FROSTY
Well it's the end of the year. Racing season is over (it was a particularly good one). Spring term is wrapping up (only two more days of classes then finals). Dorms are closing (I went dumpster diving for packing boxes last night). End of year awards and banquets are happening (three this week alone).
I feel like it has been a good year. I'm looking forward to the next one.
And I'll leave you folks with this. Every time it plays I can't function. I stop mid-sentence, mid-bite, mid-whatever and just stare. I'm fascinated by it for some unknown reason.
I feel like it has been a good year. I'm looking forward to the next one.
And I'll leave you folks with this. Every time it plays I can't function. I stop mid-sentence, mid-bite, mid-whatever and just stare. I'm fascinated by it for some unknown reason.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
LEAFY GREEN
Overnight it seems that all the leaves have returned. Biking around town it seems like Elmwood St at home with the giant arches of branches stretching across the street, the leaves overlapping. In some places the overlap is so dense the sky is green with blue spots.
Also all the flowers have all come out.
I love it!
If I had allergies I'd hate it though.
Also all the flowers have all come out.
I love it!
If I had allergies I'd hate it though.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Sunday, April 12, 2009
EGGS AND BALLOONS
Yesterday was Mel's birthday so we woke her up with tons of balloons thrown everywhere and "Happy Birthday" song. We also gave her a longboard.
Everyone, literally everyone, is gone for the weekend so we've been slowly and steadly migrating into the hall. So last night when the RAs on duty came to shut down for the night we were all sitting around in the hall, with balloons, a skateboard, a box of Cheez-Its, and shoes. They choose not to comment.
This morning we woke up to Easter basket from Jenna. Her mother was in town a couple weeks ago and they went shopping. She also had set up a little easter egg hunt in the lawn outside our building. It was such fun. Jenna has a good heart.
Everyone, literally everyone, is gone for the weekend so we've been slowly and steadly migrating into the hall. So last night when the RAs on duty came to shut down for the night we were all sitting around in the hall, with balloons, a skateboard, a box of Cheez-Its, and shoes. They choose not to comment.
This morning we woke up to Easter basket from Jenna. Her mother was in town a couple weeks ago and they went shopping. She also had set up a little easter egg hunt in the lawn outside our building. It was such fun. Jenna has a good heart.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
BOWLING
Last night I bowled a 178. Four strikes in a row and two spares before and after that.
Most of the time I bowl in the 40s.
Most of the time I bowl in the 40s.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
IS THIS REALLY ALL WE HAVE TO TALK ABOUT?
It seems we're running out of things to write about. I will admit I read the whole thing.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
HERE COMES THE SUN
We brought the sun and warmth back with us from San Diego.
The student body has seemed to grow exponentially because everyone is not going from building to building. Everyone's lingering outside.
Don't worry, the rains are back tomorrow.
The student body has seemed to grow exponentially because everyone is not going from building to building. Everyone's lingering outside.
Don't worry, the rains are back tomorrow.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
RUNDOWN ON THE BLOG
1. It is day three of Spring Term.
2. We have a massive (both literally and metaphorically) this weekend in San Diego.
3. You can watch the race live here.
I'm in the Women's Collegiate JV race(or the Jackie Ann Stitt Hungness Trophy) Heat three at 10 PST on Saturday morning. We're the ones in traffic cone orange. We'll also be the ones in front. I'm five seat, port side if you're trying to pick me out.
4. I have been getting home at the earliest 7pm from crew each night this week. It's reminding me of high school. My bedtime has also been pushed to 9:30 so it really is like high school.
5. I am hyper organized this term. My planner is already filled out, highlighted, and sticky noted all over. I've meet with two of my professors already and have basically organized a homework schedule to help lower my stress level. Yeah me!
6. But ask me in three weeks, if I'm still rockin' this organization and we'll have to see.
7. I am now addicted to collegehumor.com. Collegehumor.com is (and I quote from wikipedia): "CollegeHumor is a comedy website based in New York City. The site features a collection of original and user-submitted videos, as well as pictures, articles, and links. As the name implies, CollegeHumor is directed towards and features content that would appeal to the university and college-aged demographic."
This of course means that some of the content is rather inapproriate but the videos about the office staff and the "Jake and Amir" videos are hilarious.
8. As of two seconds ago I've banned myself from any Jake and Amir videos until after San Diego.
9. Revision of #8: ban on any collegehumor.com at all
10. My show, Lie to Me (which is what I want to do with my life, FYI), starts now!
11. More later.
2. We have a massive (both literally and metaphorically) this weekend in San Diego.
3. You can watch the race live here.
I'm in the Women's Collegiate JV race(or the Jackie Ann Stitt Hungness Trophy) Heat three at 10 PST on Saturday morning. We're the ones in traffic cone orange. We'll also be the ones in front. I'm five seat, port side if you're trying to pick me out.
4. I have been getting home at the earliest 7pm from crew each night this week. It's reminding me of high school. My bedtime has also been pushed to 9:30 so it really is like high school.
5. I am hyper organized this term. My planner is already filled out, highlighted, and sticky noted all over. I've meet with two of my professors already and have basically organized a homework schedule to help lower my stress level. Yeah me!
6. But ask me in three weeks, if I'm still rockin' this organization and we'll have to see.
7. I am now addicted to collegehumor.com. Collegehumor.com is (and I quote from wikipedia): "CollegeHumor is a comedy website based in New York City. The site features a collection of original and user-submitted videos, as well as pictures, articles, and links. As the name implies, CollegeHumor is directed towards and features content that would appeal to the university and college-aged demographic."
This of course means that some of the content is rather inapproriate but the videos about the office staff and the "Jake and Amir" videos are hilarious.
8. As of two seconds ago I've banned myself from any Jake and Amir videos until after San Diego.
9. Revision of #8: ban on any collegehumor.com at all
10. My show, Lie to Me (which is what I want to do with my life, FYI), starts now!
11. More later.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
SPING BREAK: SATURDAY
I painted white shoes.
I bought $2 Keds at GoodWill for Mom Jeans but white shoes don't stay white for long with me so we pulled out Allison's paints. Becca and I then proceeded to spend a good 8+ hours for each shoe painting on coolness.
At about seven last night we ran out of shoe to paint. So we made mac and cheese, but all we really wanted to do was to paint more shoes.
At about 10:30 last night, we convinced one of our teammates to drive us to Rite-Aid for more shoes. It was closed.
Now it's the morning and we're going to try again.
I bought $2 Keds at GoodWill for Mom Jeans but white shoes don't stay white for long with me so we pulled out Allison's paints. Becca and I then proceeded to spend a good 8+ hours for each shoe painting on coolness.
At about seven last night we ran out of shoe to paint. So we made mac and cheese, but all we really wanted to do was to paint more shoes.
At about 10:30 last night, we convinced one of our teammates to drive us to Rite-Aid for more shoes. It was closed.
Now it's the morning and we're going to try again.
Friday, March 27, 2009
SPRING BREAK: THURSDAY
Day: Seat racing. 12x1k. Whoo whee...we were a bunch of whipped puppies at the end of it all.
Night: We had a team talent show last night. It was very amusing. My Spring Break Roommates and I went to Good Will and bought ugly sweaters, vests, turtle necks, and the most important part: the mom jeans. The oh so attractive ones that come up above the belly button, get really slim and then stop at the ankles. The ones that make anyone who wears them have a reallllly long butt.
And then we put it all on and did the "Mom Jeans" song and dance. Look it up on Youtube if you don't know what I'm talking about.
We stole the show.
Night: We had a team talent show last night. It was very amusing. My Spring Break Roommates and I went to Good Will and bought ugly sweaters, vests, turtle necks, and the most important part: the mom jeans. The oh so attractive ones that come up above the belly button, get really slim and then stop at the ankles. The ones that make anyone who wears them have a reallllly long butt.
And then we put it all on and did the "Mom Jeans" song and dance. Look it up on Youtube if you don't know what I'm talking about.
We stole the show.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
SPRING BREAK: TUESDAY
Grossness alert:
I cut my knee on a rigger last Wednesday at crew. We were at the pond and so we had to wade into the water to launch so some unsanitary water got in it. I cleaned it out the first chance I got and have been taking good care of it. But it's become swollen, red, and tender. I went to the trainer and she says its not that bad and cleaned it out but if it gets worst come back. I wouldn't be greatly concerned but a novice boy the other week sliced his foot at the pond, it got infected - gangrene. Pretty gross. Had to spend some time in hospital, is limping around on crutches, etc.
Otherwise we went to Good Will and got some...well you'll just have to wait for tomorrow and Thursday...and Friday for that matter. hehehe
I cut my knee on a rigger last Wednesday at crew. We were at the pond and so we had to wade into the water to launch so some unsanitary water got in it. I cleaned it out the first chance I got and have been taking good care of it. But it's become swollen, red, and tender. I went to the trainer and she says its not that bad and cleaned it out but if it gets worst come back. I wouldn't be greatly concerned but a novice boy the other week sliced his foot at the pond, it got infected - gangrene. Pretty gross. Had to spend some time in hospital, is limping around on crutches, etc.
Otherwise we went to Good Will and got some...well you'll just have to wait for tomorrow and Thursday...and Friday for that matter. hehehe
SPRING BREAK: MONDAY
I bought 15 pounds of grapefruit.
Don't worry, I've already started to eat them.
Don't worry, I've already started to eat them.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
SPRING BREAK: THE WEEKEND
Spring Break has started (meaning Winter Term is over!). The dorms closed so I moved in with some teammates.
This weekend we drove to Spokane, Washington to race Gonzaga. It was a good race (we won). Most people go to Florida or New Orleans or home for spring break but I went to Spokane, WA. I'm not sure if you folks have been to Spokane recently...whoo whee...it's hopping. NOT.
We did drive on I-90 which was exciting for me and only me because it's the same road that goes right near my house in Chicago and I was way across the country in Washington! I wanted to hop out and just take the road home.
On Saturday night the team went to Outback Steakhouse. We're in Gonzaga Town and their basketball team was in the Sweet 16 during March Maddness so the game's on. But the Duke vs Texas game also was on. Mel and I both have Duke winning it all (for some unknown reason) so were waaay more interested in that game. The Texas Duke game's score is shoved in the corner and would just disappear with replays and timeouts. It's was obnoxious.
Although the Gonzaga vs Western Kentucky game turned out to be really exciting with Gonzaga winning on a final shot at the buzzer and the whole restaurant erupts in cheers. The Duke game score disappears with only a minute left and a little too close to comfort. The Gonzaga fans stop paying attention but Mel and I are still freaking out. Duke also wins with a nice tada and Mel and I jump up and down and everyone stares at us. The end.
Now I'm back at my teammates house with my new phone (thanks, Mom!) and am thirsty.
This weekend we drove to Spokane, Washington to race Gonzaga. It was a good race (we won). Most people go to Florida or New Orleans or home for spring break but I went to Spokane, WA. I'm not sure if you folks have been to Spokane recently...whoo whee...it's hopping. NOT.
We did drive on I-90 which was exciting for me and only me because it's the same road that goes right near my house in Chicago and I was way across the country in Washington! I wanted to hop out and just take the road home.
On Saturday night the team went to Outback Steakhouse. We're in Gonzaga Town and their basketball team was in the Sweet 16 during March Maddness so the game's on. But the Duke vs Texas game also was on. Mel and I both have Duke winning it all (for some unknown reason) so were waaay more interested in that game. The Texas Duke game's score is shoved in the corner and would just disappear with replays and timeouts. It's was obnoxious.
Although the Gonzaga vs Western Kentucky game turned out to be really exciting with Gonzaga winning on a final shot at the buzzer and the whole restaurant erupts in cheers. The Duke game score disappears with only a minute left and a little too close to comfort. The Gonzaga fans stop paying attention but Mel and I are still freaking out. Duke also wins with a nice tada and Mel and I jump up and down and everyone stares at us. The end.
Now I'm back at my teammates house with my new phone (thanks, Mom!) and am thirsty.
Friday, March 13, 2009
BLUE SKIES AT THE END
You can tell it is the last day of classes and finals are next week because campus seemed empty today. Between classes it seemed like no one was around. Everyone was a)ditching b)finishing projects/papers/presentations all due today or c)already studying for 7:30am Monday morning.
On the other hand, the quad outside the library and the library itself is a swarming mass of backpacks. The chances of finding a table, computer, chair, or even a corner in the library is slim to none. The student union which has couches where people sleep/relax between classes and generally is a stress-free not completely silent place to hang out has turned into a second library where if you even walk too loud, glares are sent your way.
Classes seem to stretch from the normal 50 minutes to a never ending 2 hours. Everyone is trying to contain their excitement that its over but at the same time there's this underlying feeling of stress through it all.
All this is magnified by the fact that it's 65 degrees outside with perfectly clear blue skies.
On the other hand, the quad outside the library and the library itself is a swarming mass of backpacks. The chances of finding a table, computer, chair, or even a corner in the library is slim to none. The student union which has couches where people sleep/relax between classes and generally is a stress-free not completely silent place to hang out has turned into a second library where if you even walk too loud, glares are sent your way.
Classes seem to stretch from the normal 50 minutes to a never ending 2 hours. Everyone is trying to contain their excitement that its over but at the same time there's this underlying feeling of stress through it all.
All this is magnified by the fact that it's 65 degrees outside with perfectly clear blue skies.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
DEAR MR. PRESIDENT BLOGS
I subscribe to a couple different politic blogs including one from Anderson Cooper's show on CNN. This blog is actually more like 15 blogs all combined into one feed, but I can't complain they always have a supposedly unbiased article about the issue (from the New York Times etc ) and then multiple editorials from multiple sides commenting on the issue.
This particular guy has been a favorite of mine recently. Everyday he's been writing a letter to the President. Today's letter is something I've been trying to articulate all week. Especially as I read articles bashing everything, I get frustrated. Things take time.
This particular guy has been a favorite of mine recently. Everyday he's been writing a letter to the President. Today's letter is something I've been trying to articulate all week. Especially as I read articles bashing everything, I get frustrated. Things take time.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
FREEZING UMBRIDGE
I spent four hours this afternoon finishing the fifth Harry Potter book. If you don't remember this is the one with Professor Umbridge the insanely frustrating awful Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher that the ministry has instituted at Hogwarts. She gives out painful detentions, wouldn't let students do magic in the classroom, takes away Quidditch from Harry, and generally is a major pill. I'd forgotten how much this book drove me insane reading it. This is probably the fourth time I've read it and yet I still had to slam the book down and go rant at Mel about what was going on at multiple points while reading it. And then to top it all off Rowling has to go and kill off Sirius the surrogate father for Harry! Freakin' A!
After I was done some of my floor mates wanted to watch the movie. Within three scenes I had get up and walk out of the room I could not handle Umbridge.
Recently (as in within the past two weeks) I've made a change in my stroke (in rowing that is). This is nothing new, I've been constantly tweaking my stroke since Day 1 of my rowing career and switching over to a new team this year I've had even more tweaks to make. Some of those tweaks are less like fine-tunes and more like overhauls. So this change I've recently made is more on the overhaul side of things. And I'm drained. The ache is settled deep in the muscles. There's sore and there's stiff and there's completely wiped out. In my shoulders, my middle back, the outside of my hips, my forearms, my calves. I'm to the point where I'm considering taking an ice bath. In the training room there are two tubs: one with hot water at about 104 degrees and one with water at about 53 degrees. Most athletes just put in a leg or at most up to their waist but surprise surprise rowers whole bodies need be iced so we get to sit up to our necks in 53 degree water for 10 minutes. So anytime a rower says they need to take an ice bath you know its time for desperate measures.
After I was done some of my floor mates wanted to watch the movie. Within three scenes I had get up and walk out of the room I could not handle Umbridge.
Recently (as in within the past two weeks) I've made a change in my stroke (in rowing that is). This is nothing new, I've been constantly tweaking my stroke since Day 1 of my rowing career and switching over to a new team this year I've had even more tweaks to make. Some of those tweaks are less like fine-tunes and more like overhauls. So this change I've recently made is more on the overhaul side of things. And I'm drained. The ache is settled deep in the muscles. There's sore and there's stiff and there's completely wiped out. In my shoulders, my middle back, the outside of my hips, my forearms, my calves. I'm to the point where I'm considering taking an ice bath. In the training room there are two tubs: one with hot water at about 104 degrees and one with water at about 53 degrees. Most athletes just put in a leg or at most up to their waist but surprise surprise rowers whole bodies need be iced so we get to sit up to our necks in 53 degree water for 10 minutes. So anytime a rower says they need to take an ice bath you know its time for desperate measures.
Monday, February 23, 2009
MISH MASH
A few interesting moments from the past couple weeks:
1. I went snow shoeing in the mountains. It was spectacularly refreshing. I wasn't in Corvallis and I wasn't rowing. I was in the mountains with my friends. We were giddy we were so excited to be doing something different. Our good spirits were so high we somehow convinced ourselves it was a good idea to hike back UP Mt. Hood instead of take the chair lift. Our good spirits lasted until 3/4 of the way up but they quickly returned when we saw the summit.
2. The freshmen rowers fell apart. I guess it's been coming. One of us is quitting and moving home at the end of winter term, one is injured and the doctor isn't very informative, one is trying to get back on it after an injury, and then there's me. I've been the most...calm in the center of this black hole that's been swallowing us up. Something snapped about a week and a half ago and I was not happy. BUT I've learned from my year off(yeah!) and didn't shut down but talked to various people, got some encouragement. The team also stepped up major this past half week to boost us freshies. So I feel like the general morale is higher in the Sackett Dorm E Wing 3rd Floor this week, then last week.
3. TT came and visited me! We walked for French Vietnamese sandwiches, we went to a basketball game with a cousin and his kids, she rode the launch at practice, and we went for a stroll into the countryside. It was very good to see her.
4. I bought High School Musical 3.
5. I registered for classes for spring term. Geography of Asia (I'm hoping this one turns out good. I'm not too psyched about it yet, but it's an upper-division geo class, that and I found the books online for $25!), Statistics (math but not, right?), Lifetime Fitness Lecture (required for graduation. yuck!), Yoga (also required for graduation. for some unknown reasons student athletes don't get exempt from the physical fitness requirement. I could take running, swimming, walking, weight lifting, or yoga. Yoga is full of all the student athletes because its the one that interferes the least with training plans), Wine in the Western World (from the Food Science and Technology department. Everyone should have a basic understanding of wine, right? plus the professor got rave reviews), and Intro to Writing (also required for graduation. I hear this one is pretty easy. Readings, grammar lessons,a couple essays etc)
1. I went snow shoeing in the mountains. It was spectacularly refreshing. I wasn't in Corvallis and I wasn't rowing. I was in the mountains with my friends. We were giddy we were so excited to be doing something different. Our good spirits were so high we somehow convinced ourselves it was a good idea to hike back UP Mt. Hood instead of take the chair lift. Our good spirits lasted until 3/4 of the way up but they quickly returned when we saw the summit.
2. The freshmen rowers fell apart. I guess it's been coming. One of us is quitting and moving home at the end of winter term, one is injured and the doctor isn't very informative, one is trying to get back on it after an injury, and then there's me. I've been the most...calm in the center of this black hole that's been swallowing us up. Something snapped about a week and a half ago and I was not happy. BUT I've learned from my year off(yeah!) and didn't shut down but talked to various people, got some encouragement. The team also stepped up major this past half week to boost us freshies. So I feel like the general morale is higher in the Sackett Dorm E Wing 3rd Floor this week, then last week.
3. TT came and visited me! We walked for French Vietnamese sandwiches, we went to a basketball game with a cousin and his kids, she rode the launch at practice, and we went for a stroll into the countryside. It was very good to see her.
4. I bought High School Musical 3.
5. I registered for classes for spring term. Geography of Asia (I'm hoping this one turns out good. I'm not too psyched about it yet, but it's an upper-division geo class, that and I found the books online for $25!), Statistics (math but not, right?), Lifetime Fitness Lecture (required for graduation. yuck!), Yoga (also required for graduation. for some unknown reasons student athletes don't get exempt from the physical fitness requirement. I could take running, swimming, walking, weight lifting, or yoga. Yoga is full of all the student athletes because its the one that interferes the least with training plans), Wine in the Western World (from the Food Science and Technology department. Everyone should have a basic understanding of wine, right? plus the professor got rave reviews), and Intro to Writing (also required for graduation. I hear this one is pretty easy. Readings, grammar lessons,a couple essays etc)
Sunday, February 8, 2009
NO LISTENING
For my Comm class for our final project we have to social or communication experiment and present it to the class. For some reason my group came up with the brilliant that each day we'd cut out one form of communication (reading, writing, speaking, or listening).
Today is the Not Listening Day.
Very hard so far.
I forgot about it this morning so I went to church and half way through the sermon realized I wasn't suppose to be listening. So I decided to start at noon.
It's only 12:50 and I've already run across some issues:
1. I can't listen to music while I study.
2. Ordering food is awkward. Because I can hear them I just can't really respond or acknowledge. So I ordered what I wanted, handed over my card and totally ignored them when they asked if that was all.
3. Jenna, my roommate. Anything she says I can't acknowledge so she's whipped out the white board. This is effecting her because I can talk so I'm talking at her but she can't respond unless she writes it down.
This is going to be an interesting day.
And tomorrow is No Reading...hmmm. I might not be on the computer then
Today is the Not Listening Day.
Very hard so far.
I forgot about it this morning so I went to church and half way through the sermon realized I wasn't suppose to be listening. So I decided to start at noon.
It's only 12:50 and I've already run across some issues:
1. I can't listen to music while I study.
2. Ordering food is awkward. Because I can hear them I just can't really respond or acknowledge. So I ordered what I wanted, handed over my card and totally ignored them when they asked if that was all.
3. Jenna, my roommate. Anything she says I can't acknowledge so she's whipped out the white board. This is effecting her because I can talk so I'm talking at her but she can't respond unless she writes it down.
This is going to be an interesting day.
And tomorrow is No Reading...hmmm. I might not be on the computer then
Saturday, January 24, 2009
JAMAICA 37
I have spent the past 37 minutes online trying to find a statistic on how much of Jamaica's economy is tourism. Not as easy as it sounds.
The closest I could get was this from CIA Factbook:
"The country continues to derive most of its foreign exchange from tourism"
Golly gee! Thanks!
On the other hand I used my Melodrama line from this summer - "Dark Clouds...Foreshadow of Things to Come" - as the title of the paper I'm writing. hahahaha
ok so I had to change it a little...
The closest I could get was this from CIA Factbook:
"The country continues to derive most of its foreign exchange from tourism"
Golly gee! Thanks!
On the other hand I used my Melodrama line from this summer - "Dark Clouds...Foreshadow of Things to Come" - as the title of the paper I'm writing. hahahaha
ok so I had to change it a little...
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
MUSICAL EL NINO
Interesting Occurrences Today:
1.My Geo professor busted out Abba (yes, as in the Swedish pop group) in lecture. We were learning all about El Niños(the weather phenomena, not the Christ Child)when he clicks to the next slide and Abba starts blaring and he starts singing. But he's not singing the right lyrics, below is a sample of the lyrics he sang:
Have you heard about El Niño?
Pacific Ocean waters warming up again this year.
Best be ready for El Niño
This winter will be hell because
the weather will be weird
And if you own a house upon the beach at Malibu
You should be scared.
It went on from there with three more verses and a chorus all about El Niños and El Ninas. Now in most 300 person lectures this would have been met with dead silence and bug eyed stares. But remember this is a geography class (meaning it's full of people like me) so the whole class busts out laughing and cheering. And my lecture essentially turned into a party until suddenly we were moving on to Atmospheric Stability.
2. On the walk home from the Abba filled Geo class, a man on a bike with a motor goes past. Yes, you read that right: not a motorbike, but a bicycle with a motor. The guy just pedaled along like nothing was out of the ordinary. The continuous sound of a car backfiring harmonized with a metallic whirring was perfectly normal. The fact that he only had to pedal about half as often and the giant gas tank balanced on the cross beam was totally ordinary. In fact, having to concentrate on balancing and carrying a bike that weighs about 125lbs is what all cyclists have to deal with.
3. Musical Ergs. Today I sat down on one erg (1), traded with Katie (2). Alison and Misty switched (3). Misty and Katie traded (4). I swapped with Alex (5). and then Alison traded with Alex (6). Did you follow all that? It's a little unclear why this went down. But it is HIGHLY unusual. Normally we all sit by certain people on certain ergs on certain workouts with a slight factor of when you show up playing into the equation, but today it was all chaos. In the end everyone was happy.
4. I know people! I went and visited one of my TA's in the Geo building during her office hours. My TA wasn't there but I came across five other people I know: My professor from last term, my TA from last term, my professor from this term (the Abba singing one), and this kid I know. This is exciting, people! What's it going to be like when I'm a senior in this building?
5. I've run out of interesting occurrences for the day.
6. I'm going to valet park tonight.
1.My Geo professor busted out Abba (yes, as in the Swedish pop group) in lecture. We were learning all about El Niños(the weather phenomena, not the Christ Child)when he clicks to the next slide and Abba starts blaring and he starts singing. But he's not singing the right lyrics, below is a sample of the lyrics he sang:
Have you heard about El Niño?
Pacific Ocean waters warming up again this year.
Best be ready for El Niño
This winter will be hell because
the weather will be weird
And if you own a house upon the beach at Malibu
You should be scared.
It went on from there with three more verses and a chorus all about El Niños and El Ninas. Now in most 300 person lectures this would have been met with dead silence and bug eyed stares. But remember this is a geography class (meaning it's full of people like me) so the whole class busts out laughing and cheering. And my lecture essentially turned into a party until suddenly we were moving on to Atmospheric Stability.
2. On the walk home from the Abba filled Geo class, a man on a bike with a motor goes past. Yes, you read that right: not a motorbike, but a bicycle with a motor. The guy just pedaled along like nothing was out of the ordinary. The continuous sound of a car backfiring harmonized with a metallic whirring was perfectly normal. The fact that he only had to pedal about half as often and the giant gas tank balanced on the cross beam was totally ordinary. In fact, having to concentrate on balancing and carrying a bike that weighs about 125lbs is what all cyclists have to deal with.
3. Musical Ergs. Today I sat down on one erg (1), traded with Katie (2). Alison and Misty switched (3). Misty and Katie traded (4). I swapped with Alex (5). and then Alison traded with Alex (6). Did you follow all that? It's a little unclear why this went down. But it is HIGHLY unusual. Normally we all sit by certain people on certain ergs on certain workouts with a slight factor of when you show up playing into the equation, but today it was all chaos. In the end everyone was happy.
4. I know people! I went and visited one of my TA's in the Geo building during her office hours. My TA wasn't there but I came across five other people I know: My professor from last term, my TA from last term, my professor from this term (the Abba singing one), and this kid I know. This is exciting, people! What's it going to be like when I'm a senior in this building?
5. I've run out of interesting occurrences for the day.
6. I'm going to valet park tonight.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
PRODUCTIVE SILENT BACKFLIPS
I sat down to do homework today. First on my list to do was Assignment #1 for one of my geography class. Oops teacher still hasn't posted it online. Can't do that.
Next, personality type test for my Comm class that needs to be filled out by someone who's known me forever. Call five different people to try and get someone to fill it out. No one answers. Moving on then.
Third on my list: Read a journal article from Emanuel Nature all about why hurricanes have gotten more destructive since the 1940s. The first two paragraphs I get through no problem, and then I hit an equation with a double integral, theta, a couple absolute values cubed, and then three other variables.
huh?
Let's move on then.
Need to do some reading for my other Geo class. But the library is three blocks away. All I have to do is muster the energy to but on pants, because although Oregon is rather liberal wearing bright yellow boxers with hula girls on them still probably isn't really acceptable.
Oh wait, I'm hungry. Quesadilla first. Suddenly we hear running feet and "fire! fire! fire!" I guess the combination of cheese and tortilla in a microwave had set off the fire alarm. Oh but wait, this isn't your normal fire alarm. It's a silent one. One that only people at the front desk know is going off. Um, anyone else see a problem with this setup?
Back to homework but it's not really going anywhere; let's watch a movie. Batman Begins (note all the Chicago scenes).
Basketball game tonight. FYI this will be the third night in a row I've gone to Gill for a sporting event. Hopefully tonight our team will do better then it did on Thursday where they were ahead the whole game, tied at the end, and lost in OT. Great, just great. Our gymnastics team made up for it though by beating #5 Arkansas last night on the last floor routine of the last rotation. We won by .025. Crazy.
Next, personality type test for my Comm class that needs to be filled out by someone who's known me forever. Call five different people to try and get someone to fill it out. No one answers. Moving on then.
Third on my list: Read a journal article from Emanuel Nature all about why hurricanes have gotten more destructive since the 1940s. The first two paragraphs I get through no problem, and then I hit an equation with a double integral, theta, a couple absolute values cubed, and then three other variables.
huh?
Let's move on then.
Need to do some reading for my other Geo class. But the library is three blocks away. All I have to do is muster the energy to but on pants, because although Oregon is rather liberal wearing bright yellow boxers with hula girls on them still probably isn't really acceptable.
Oh wait, I'm hungry. Quesadilla first. Suddenly we hear running feet and "fire! fire! fire!" I guess the combination of cheese and tortilla in a microwave had set off the fire alarm. Oh but wait, this isn't your normal fire alarm. It's a silent one. One that only people at the front desk know is going off. Um, anyone else see a problem with this setup?
Back to homework but it's not really going anywhere; let's watch a movie. Batman Begins (note all the Chicago scenes).
Basketball game tonight. FYI this will be the third night in a row I've gone to Gill for a sporting event. Hopefully tonight our team will do better then it did on Thursday where they were ahead the whole game, tied at the end, and lost in OT. Great, just great. Our gymnastics team made up for it though by beating #5 Arkansas last night on the last floor routine of the last rotation. We won by .025. Crazy.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
V OF GEESE
Today a flock of geese flew by.
That in itself is not very interesting. What was interesting was that there were hundreds of them. Hundreds of them flying in a giant V overhead. There were so many, they spanned the width of campus. And the squawking was ridiculously. Ridiculously loud. Everyone's attention was called to it. I've never seen so many loud birds in one place.
That in itself is not very interesting. What was interesting was that there were hundreds of them. Hundreds of them flying in a giant V overhead. There were so many, they spanned the width of campus. And the squawking was ridiculously. Ridiculously loud. Everyone's attention was called to it. I've never seen so many loud birds in one place.
Monday, January 12, 2009
CLAUSTROPHOBIC NIGHT
It is now 12:04am. I am out of bed. I have been in bed for the past two hours trying to fall asleep. All I've done is toss and turn. Every time I toss or turn the bunk bed moves, shaking Jenna awake.
The bed is in The Cave. It's a tiny room only wide enough for a set of bunk beds and a tiny walkway. There is a small window on one wall who's sill we sit in when we talk on the phone. But in general the room would not be considered a open space.
Most night I'm fine in there but every once in awhile I get claustrophobic in there. Especially sleeping on the bottom bunk.
At the ranch I slept outside all the time. On a rock, a picnic table, a grassy field, a mountain top. I'd fall asleep to thousands of stars and wake up to the sun peaking over Sheep's. I love that feeling of burrowing into the sleeping bag, staying warm with the trapped body heat. and then that brush of cold air as I got up in the morning. It would make sense if that cold air was a harsh wake up call but in reality it was a good morning greeting that made me excited for the glorious day ahead.
Here in The Cave of the bottom bunk I feel trapped. All I see are the glow in the dark stars and astronauts Jenna put on the slats of her bed. I fall asleep to florescent lights and wake up to stray text messages. The air always seems old, stale. Even with the window flung wide open and the van roaring on high. I just want to sleep outside.
The bed is in The Cave. It's a tiny room only wide enough for a set of bunk beds and a tiny walkway. There is a small window on one wall who's sill we sit in when we talk on the phone. But in general the room would not be considered a open space.
Most night I'm fine in there but every once in awhile I get claustrophobic in there. Especially sleeping on the bottom bunk.
At the ranch I slept outside all the time. On a rock, a picnic table, a grassy field, a mountain top. I'd fall asleep to thousands of stars and wake up to the sun peaking over Sheep's. I love that feeling of burrowing into the sleeping bag, staying warm with the trapped body heat. and then that brush of cold air as I got up in the morning. It would make sense if that cold air was a harsh wake up call but in reality it was a good morning greeting that made me excited for the glorious day ahead.
Here in The Cave of the bottom bunk I feel trapped. All I see are the glow in the dark stars and astronauts Jenna put on the slats of her bed. I fall asleep to florescent lights and wake up to stray text messages. The air always seems old, stale. Even with the window flung wide open and the van roaring on high. I just want to sleep outside.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
TWO FRIENDS
I've found a friend. Or more like two friends.
One of them has just recently started hanging out with my group of friends but is going to be one of my roommates next year. I was headed to Intervarsity on Wednesday night and she asked me where I was going and then just decided to tag along. Since then we've worshiped together multiple times, went to church this morning, went to bible study together, and have multiple discussions about our faith. It's awesome to find a friend here that I can connect with on the spiritual level.
My other friend, I met on Day 1 here and instantly connected with her but then neither of us completely followed up on our friendship. But today we both just needed to get out of the dorm so we walked over to a coffee shop. We sat in the coffee shop for three hours talking about everything from what we did on New Years Eve of 2000 to decorating styles to how our OSU team relates to our old club teams to European raves. It was so chill. We just talked, munched ice cubes, and moved our chairs every 15 mins to get the sun out of our eyes.
One of them has just recently started hanging out with my group of friends but is going to be one of my roommates next year. I was headed to Intervarsity on Wednesday night and she asked me where I was going and then just decided to tag along. Since then we've worshiped together multiple times, went to church this morning, went to bible study together, and have multiple discussions about our faith. It's awesome to find a friend here that I can connect with on the spiritual level.
My other friend, I met on Day 1 here and instantly connected with her but then neither of us completely followed up on our friendship. But today we both just needed to get out of the dorm so we walked over to a coffee shop. We sat in the coffee shop for three hours talking about everything from what we did on New Years Eve of 2000 to decorating styles to how our OSU team relates to our old club teams to European raves. It was so chill. We just talked, munched ice cubes, and moved our chairs every 15 mins to get the sun out of our eyes.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
YAWN
Today has been a little wacky.
I woke up at 5:30am to my roommate leaving for practice (she's on the guy's team)and couldn't fall back asleep so I got up and slumped over to the Dixon Rec Center to do the morning workout (we had to do it by ourselves. Stupid NCAA "offseason" rules). was back in the dorm by 7:15am so went back to bed.
Woke up again at 8:30.
Grumbled at Jenna because we have a Ghost in our dorm room who has so far: bitten into a apple and then left it for us to find, stolen Jenna's banana, eaten my PB&J tortilla, and made the photo from my brother disappear. They all just POOF, disappeared. All I wanted was to eat my PB&J tortilla and it's NOT anywhere! I put it on top of my computer and now it's not there. grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Anyways,
went back to bed again. Woke up at 10:15 and finally started the day.
Went to class. Nothing to note.
And then came back and took another hour nap. I was curled up in the comfy chair and shivering the whole time.
Woke up in time for practice.
Dinner. Film showing of King Henry V
and now I'm back in my room, bouncing off the wall.
It's eight minutes past my bedtime and I am BEYOND awake. and I'm hungry...
I woke up at 5:30am to my roommate leaving for practice (she's on the guy's team)and couldn't fall back asleep so I got up and slumped over to the Dixon Rec Center to do the morning workout (we had to do it by ourselves. Stupid NCAA "offseason" rules). was back in the dorm by 7:15am so went back to bed.
Woke up again at 8:30.
Grumbled at Jenna because we have a Ghost in our dorm room who has so far: bitten into a apple and then left it for us to find, stolen Jenna's banana, eaten my PB&J tortilla, and made the photo from my brother disappear. They all just POOF, disappeared. All I wanted was to eat my PB&J tortilla and it's NOT anywhere! I put it on top of my computer and now it's not there. grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Anyways,
went back to bed again. Woke up at 10:15 and finally started the day.
Went to class. Nothing to note.
And then came back and took another hour nap. I was curled up in the comfy chair and shivering the whole time.
Woke up in time for practice.
Dinner. Film showing of King Henry V
and now I'm back in my room, bouncing off the wall.
It's eight minutes past my bedtime and I am BEYOND awake. and I'm hungry...
Monday, January 5, 2009
RIGGER PHOTOS
Below are some photos from training trip in Sacramento last week.
Our rigger (the man in charge of the maintenance of the boats) is also a photographer for row2k.com a big rowing website so he spent a lot of time in the launch photographing us.
Down the 2k lane line.
Catching the water. I figured out this was picture of my arms when I recognized the burn on right arm and the dark freckle on the inside of my left elbow.
Coaches (Emily on the left, Vita on the right)
Last practice of the week. Getting ready to go HIGH in the stroke rate.
Six seat-see the braids?
Never said it was pretty.
Our rigger (the man in charge of the maintenance of the boats) is also a photographer for row2k.com a big rowing website so he spent a lot of time in the launch photographing us.
Down the 2k lane line.
Catching the water. I figured out this was picture of my arms when I recognized the burn on right arm and the dark freckle on the inside of my left elbow.
Coaches (Emily on the left, Vita on the right)
Last practice of the week. Getting ready to go HIGH in the stroke rate.
Six seat-see the braids?
Never said it was pretty.
KING HENRY OF EARTH SYSTEMS
I've decided I freakin' love school.
I only had two of my classes today: Earth Systems Science and Shakespeare: the Middle Plays.
And I'm psyched.
The Geo one should be interesting even if I didn't like the subject (It's part of the major I better like the topic) just because the professor is Hilarious (with a capital H). Example: He had his son call him at exactly 11:10am right in the middle of class. He answered the phone. His son was calling to tell him to remind him to turn off his phone during class. So he had us all pull out our phones and turn them off with him.
The Shakespeare professor seems a little flighty. I mean she knows her stuff but seems like one of those naturally scattered people who has to organize every detail of her life to function normally. But at the end of class she started reading Henry V outloud and you could tell she truly enjoyed it.
So we're reading King Henry V, Much Ado About Nothing, Merry Wives of Windsor, Hamlet, and Othello. So kinda all over the board in terms of tradjey vs comedy.
Anyone know anything about King Henry?
I only had two of my classes today: Earth Systems Science and Shakespeare: the Middle Plays.
And I'm psyched.
The Geo one should be interesting even if I didn't like the subject (It's part of the major I better like the topic) just because the professor is Hilarious (with a capital H). Example: He had his son call him at exactly 11:10am right in the middle of class. He answered the phone. His son was calling to tell him to remind him to turn off his phone during class. So he had us all pull out our phones and turn them off with him.
The Shakespeare professor seems a little flighty. I mean she knows her stuff but seems like one of those naturally scattered people who has to organize every detail of her life to function normally. But at the end of class she started reading Henry V outloud and you could tell she truly enjoyed it.
So we're reading King Henry V, Much Ado About Nothing, Merry Wives of Windsor, Hamlet, and Othello. So kinda all over the board in terms of tradjey vs comedy.
Anyone know anything about King Henry?
Sunday, January 4, 2009
2008 ENDING
I wrote this on New Year's Eve but for some reason it didn't post:
I think it's ironic that I spent the last day of 2008 rowing. 2008, if anything, wasn't about rowing for me. Mel and Jane were saying that wasn't ironic at all, it was their life, they don't seem to do anything else. That wasn't me at all. 2008 meant so much more to me. It meant healing, and growing, and stretching emotionally, mentally, spiritually. In fact the physical side of life was at the bottom bottom bottom of my list of things I did this year. I have a feeling tha I'll remmember 2008 as one of my most - for lack of a better word - important years. or I guess I should say growing years. Painful at times but most definitely for the better. 2008 was not about rowing inthe least. If anything I've learned in 2008 that A LOT can happen in 365 days.
So what does 2009 have in store? Well tomorrow I'll be rowing...
I think it's ironic that I spent the last day of 2008 rowing. 2008, if anything, wasn't about rowing for me. Mel and Jane were saying that wasn't ironic at all, it was their life, they don't seem to do anything else. That wasn't me at all. 2008 meant so much more to me. It meant healing, and growing, and stretching emotionally, mentally, spiritually. In fact the physical side of life was at the bottom bottom bottom of my list of things I did this year. I have a feeling tha I'll remmember 2008 as one of my most - for lack of a better word - important years. or I guess I should say growing years. Painful at times but most definitely for the better. 2008 was not about rowing inthe least. If anything I've learned in 2008 that A LOT can happen in 365 days.
So what does 2009 have in store? Well tomorrow I'll be rowing...
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