13 days ago, I embarked from this very room on a grand adventure.
I have since traversed the country to its lengthy Pacific Coast, and faced the conditions in the untamed North.
Now, what a wonder it is to be relaxing safe in my Mortensen apartment, with a big bowl of soup and rice cooling, and a mug of tasty tea steeping... clocks ticking, interstate humming. I can wear light, comfortable clothing, and bare feet without having to worry about getting my feet wet or dirty. The clutter is my clutter, and easily managed. OH! It is good to be back.
Los Angeles High Lights:
On Friday when I was on my own to explore Hollywood, I got off the metro and walked the wrong way all the way to some place called "Mount Olympus" where Hollywood Avenue ended! I should have figured that the expansive blocks of apartment buildings would not have yielded Amoeba Music and hip coffee shops... After finding Hollywood, and walking the right way, I really enjoyed perusing, and when Nathan caught up with me, we had warm drinks and figured I walked an extra 3 miles.
Every Museum we went to was great. I saw Van Gogh's Irises, two seascapes by Turner, a small Frida and some big Diego Riveras. I also saw some Andy Warhols. A whole room full in fact... and even though I don't hold his art too close to my heart, it was still a fine experience to see some of the originals of the posters and stamps that have made their way into pop culture common place. I saw some really clothing on display, and have decided that a fun out fit to have would be that of a French Man in the 1700s. I think the the long coat, fitted vest, and pants that buttoned around my knees would be very fetching.
After getting supplies at the farmers market, Nathan (my cousin, who I was visiting) made a delicious dinner and we watched one of the Christmas gifts he got his friend.
In n Out Burger and its delicious healing powers. YUM!
Lots of good food as a matter of fact! Thai the first night, an Ethiopian lunch (we ate with our fingers!) Fish Tacos, and blueberry cheese cake from, "The House of Pies."
A completely deserted (except for some kelp...) Venice Beach. I got my picture taken with the faithful umbrella. Wet feet.
One night, because Nathan's friend got a gift certificate for christmas, he took us out to a movie at the Arc Light Theater, which is big and fancy. We saw "The King's Speech." Both I, and Nate's friend Colin dozed off a little... At least I had the excuse of that being the day I walked too much. THe movie wasn't bad at all.
Our last full day included the In n Out Burger, Huntington Library and Museum, a visit to Occidental College near dark, a stop at "Inteligencia" coffee for warm drinks and Hipster watching, a stop at the Observatory, the fish tacos, pie, naps, and finally a visit to the "Upright Citizen's Brigade" theater for star studded comedy.
I think the Huntington was my favorite, probably because they wooed me right off the bat with their 17th century globes, John Locke notes, and original Audobon illustrations. The gardens were beautiful too, if wet and hurried.
Inteligencia was Nathan's surefire hipster zone. He promised I'd see some, and he did not let me down. I had been expecting to see lots of California hipsters, but until that night, they had remained quite hidden to avoid the rain. My hot chocolate tasted weird. Like it might have been enjoyed by the Aztecs centuries ago, but not by me with my Swiss Miss Sensibilities.
I had never had a fish taco before, and Nathan told me that the place we went could very well be the best place to get fish tacos. Pretty good!
The Observatory was windy, wet and cold, but the view was amazing. Worthy stop.
And then, the next day, we got a Japanese lunch, and then went to the Airport. Nathan's flight left at 1, but mine wasn't until 6. I could have stayed behind and checked out down town, but by then I was weary and soggy enough to just go with and wait. I like airports. I read, wrote letters, got McDonalds and had a right swell time.
I got sad when Nathan left. We didn't talk much, but I account that to us still being of a different age. Where I hung out with Claire, Nathan was always her big brother, and big brothers are sometimes kept at a distance, especially by little girls. I hope that our relationship will continue to blossom in the years to come. It won't even be a whole year before I see him again! Hooray family weddings!
My mom picked me up from the air port and drove straight home, where I spent the rest of my time until now. Home is wonderful, but I am delighted to be back.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Vespers Week
I was going to blog while my meal cooked, but I got distracted. Now I blog while contentedly munching brown rice and venison steak.
Yesterday was a lot of fun.
I will start at the beginning.
Vespers started on Friday, so after class I got on the bus to take us all to Central Lutheran. Snow had been falling for a couple hours, and the 10 minute drive took 40. I made it on time though, and I played with Brass Chamber in the entry way for the third year. I didn't play very well though.
After we were done, Steve gave us a ride back to Augsburg, which was great because then we didn't have sit for another 2 hours before going home. When I did make it back, I went across 94 to watch "The Great Dictator" with Colin, Renee, Aidan, Paul and Steve-J. After that, I ran into a friend who was visiting my neighbor, and she invited me over to play Smash Brothers. We didn't actually play for that long, probably because I am so terrible, they didn't see the point in it. I do want to practice.
These events lead up to why I stayed in bed as long as possible yesterday morning, even though I'd hoped to get some work on my biology project done. I barely made the bus at 12:30, and then spent the rest of the day at the church. Same deal this time through, only I think we played much better.
Steve brought us home again, and then I went to an Mpirg party. I didn't know it was going to be an Mpirg party. Oliver who invited me, just said that I should come, and that he'd be heart broken if I didn't. So I walked by myself all the way into the Seward Neighborhood, and to my delight, when I arrived, saw many people I already knew! Oliver did introductions, and I was soon set free to socialize. I actually succeeded too. The dynamic was very good, probably because everyone there were political canvassing, extroverted types. SO GREAT!
I made friends, and had moments with old ones, and it was fantastic.
I spent a really long time in a room talking about History and politics with an Mpirg worker, met a boy from Morris who knows Josh and who is awesome, and after an incident involving an unlocked bathroom door, vowed to hang out with Kathy for the last time (before actually doing it, after all these years!).
When the rest of the Augsburg people started leaving, I went too because I didn't want to walk back alone, and then Alex and I went to Hard Times (one hour before they closed!).
This morning I woke up at a decent hour considering the late night, and was able to do some work on biology before meeting with Hunter, and then I practiced for my trumpet Jury.
Now that I've eaten, and blogged, it is time for me to get back to work. I am going to do some reading, and if I can, I will write some of my religion paper too.
Yesterday was a lot of fun.
I will start at the beginning.
Vespers started on Friday, so after class I got on the bus to take us all to Central Lutheran. Snow had been falling for a couple hours, and the 10 minute drive took 40. I made it on time though, and I played with Brass Chamber in the entry way for the third year. I didn't play very well though.
After we were done, Steve gave us a ride back to Augsburg, which was great because then we didn't have sit for another 2 hours before going home. When I did make it back, I went across 94 to watch "The Great Dictator" with Colin, Renee, Aidan, Paul and Steve-J. After that, I ran into a friend who was visiting my neighbor, and she invited me over to play Smash Brothers. We didn't actually play for that long, probably because I am so terrible, they didn't see the point in it. I do want to practice.
These events lead up to why I stayed in bed as long as possible yesterday morning, even though I'd hoped to get some work on my biology project done. I barely made the bus at 12:30, and then spent the rest of the day at the church. Same deal this time through, only I think we played much better.
Steve brought us home again, and then I went to an Mpirg party. I didn't know it was going to be an Mpirg party. Oliver who invited me, just said that I should come, and that he'd be heart broken if I didn't. So I walked by myself all the way into the Seward Neighborhood, and to my delight, when I arrived, saw many people I already knew! Oliver did introductions, and I was soon set free to socialize. I actually succeeded too. The dynamic was very good, probably because everyone there were political canvassing, extroverted types. SO GREAT!
I made friends, and had moments with old ones, and it was fantastic.
I spent a really long time in a room talking about History and politics with an Mpirg worker, met a boy from Morris who knows Josh and who is awesome, and after an incident involving an unlocked bathroom door, vowed to hang out with Kathy for the last time (before actually doing it, after all these years!).
When the rest of the Augsburg people started leaving, I went too because I didn't want to walk back alone, and then Alex and I went to Hard Times (one hour before they closed!).
This morning I woke up at a decent hour considering the late night, and was able to do some work on biology before meeting with Hunter, and then I practiced for my trumpet Jury.
Now that I've eaten, and blogged, it is time for me to get back to work. I am going to do some reading, and if I can, I will write some of my religion paper too.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
November
How do I catch up on everything since Election Day!
I will go weekend by weekend.
The first weekend in November was the National Rabbit Breeders Association Convention here in Minneapolis. My mom had a booth to sell pottery, and I went on Sunday to booth sit while she went to Owatonna. Then, Hillary came and we looked at all the bunnies. Hundreds of them.
While I still favor the noble Rex, my fondness for English Spots is growing. I think that when the time comes for me to get a house rabbit, it will be an English Spot.
The next week, I left after Religion class on Thursday to hop on a plane and go to DENVER for the National Women's Studies Association Conference with Annika, Lucretia, Gina, Christine, Murriel and Jessica Nathanson. It was amazing, and really got me Jazzed for the rest of my academic career.
This Thursday was Harry Potter day, and Alan picked me up at 8 to go get ready to see the first part of the LAST set of movies. We met up with Mitch, Ali and their friend... Laura? At Perkins, and then went to the theater. We were very early, and I ate a ton of pop corn. Eventually, Hillary was able to get tickets, and she joined us! The movie itself was good. I haven't read the book since it came out in 2007, so I was not nitpicking. I really liked it. I can't wait until the next one comes out! I might be in Australia. I wonder what that does to release dates.
Friday, Sara came down from Superior to see The Room at the Uptown Theater with some of her friends. Alan and I went too. Tommy Wiseau was there in the flesh. I had never seen the movie before, and knew nothing about it other than that it is BAD. Sara let me use her spoons to throw. Another very fun experience.
Sara stayed at my apartment that night, and then in the morning Visser and Caite picked us up to go to a Coffee Expo in Uptown. Codey had been really excited about it. The expo was smaller than last year, but I still got my fill of free tea, coffee and pastries. When we got bored, we went to Cody's work and ate delicious Thai food. Then we played video games. Well, they played video games. I worked on my Religion 200 project.
Earlier that day, I got a text message from Oliver asking if I wanted to go to an amateur trapeze show. Of course I did! We would have to leave at 7:30, and I had to get Sara safely to the Northstar train. Because of all this, I missed the Honor's play, which I am kind of bummed out about, but the trapeze show made up for it.
I really want to be an acrobat... Yet another dream. I guess I will just keep doing sit-ups until the day comes in which I need to use my formidable abdomen to hoist myself into the sky.
The show was great. We had front row seats, and everyone was awesome. The last performance even used Moulin Rouge's "Roxanne." After the show, we mingled a bit, and then returned to Augsburg.
There was ice on everything, which made for great sliding. We slid all over the foot bridge, and then, on the way back to Mort, Oliver fell on the sidewalk, so we slid around there for a while too. Once in Mort, Oliver and I parted ways, and I joined with Jenny to watch a sad movie (Friday evening, I watched "Boys Don't Cry" with QSU, VERY SAD.) I wanted to watch more sad movies, so we put in Edward Scissorhands. I hadn't seen it in at least 10 years, and really enjoyed myself.
Random sleeping patterns made last week fly by, and now it is already Thanksgiving week, so we only have three days of class.
Last night, I stayed up until 6am finishing my I believe project. I think it turned out really nice.
Now. It's 7:30. My room says that I should go to sleep now, and do EVERYTHING in the morning. Everything that I planned on doing today, which was a lot, and resulted in a few pages being read about Mendel and Genes, and then some cleaning.
I called my Mom for guidance. She said to get out of here and get more done. So I will... but I am hungry and tired. Argh.
I will try to make a grilled cheese using dinner rolls.
Wish me luck.
I will go weekend by weekend.
The first weekend in November was the National Rabbit Breeders Association Convention here in Minneapolis. My mom had a booth to sell pottery, and I went on Sunday to booth sit while she went to Owatonna. Then, Hillary came and we looked at all the bunnies. Hundreds of them.
While I still favor the noble Rex, my fondness for English Spots is growing. I think that when the time comes for me to get a house rabbit, it will be an English Spot.
The next week, I left after Religion class on Thursday to hop on a plane and go to DENVER for the National Women's Studies Association Conference with Annika, Lucretia, Gina, Christine, Murriel and Jessica Nathanson. It was amazing, and really got me Jazzed for the rest of my academic career.
This Thursday was Harry Potter day, and Alan picked me up at 8 to go get ready to see the first part of the LAST set of movies. We met up with Mitch, Ali and their friend... Laura? At Perkins, and then went to the theater. We were very early, and I ate a ton of pop corn. Eventually, Hillary was able to get tickets, and she joined us! The movie itself was good. I haven't read the book since it came out in 2007, so I was not nitpicking. I really liked it. I can't wait until the next one comes out! I might be in Australia. I wonder what that does to release dates.
Friday, Sara came down from Superior to see The Room at the Uptown Theater with some of her friends. Alan and I went too. Tommy Wiseau was there in the flesh. I had never seen the movie before, and knew nothing about it other than that it is BAD. Sara let me use her spoons to throw. Another very fun experience.
Sara stayed at my apartment that night, and then in the morning Visser and Caite picked us up to go to a Coffee Expo in Uptown. Codey had been really excited about it. The expo was smaller than last year, but I still got my fill of free tea, coffee and pastries. When we got bored, we went to Cody's work and ate delicious Thai food. Then we played video games. Well, they played video games. I worked on my Religion 200 project.
Earlier that day, I got a text message from Oliver asking if I wanted to go to an amateur trapeze show. Of course I did! We would have to leave at 7:30, and I had to get Sara safely to the Northstar train. Because of all this, I missed the Honor's play, which I am kind of bummed out about, but the trapeze show made up for it.
I really want to be an acrobat... Yet another dream. I guess I will just keep doing sit-ups until the day comes in which I need to use my formidable abdomen to hoist myself into the sky.
The show was great. We had front row seats, and everyone was awesome. The last performance even used Moulin Rouge's "Roxanne." After the show, we mingled a bit, and then returned to Augsburg.
There was ice on everything, which made for great sliding. We slid all over the foot bridge, and then, on the way back to Mort, Oliver fell on the sidewalk, so we slid around there for a while too. Once in Mort, Oliver and I parted ways, and I joined with Jenny to watch a sad movie (Friday evening, I watched "Boys Don't Cry" with QSU, VERY SAD.) I wanted to watch more sad movies, so we put in Edward Scissorhands. I hadn't seen it in at least 10 years, and really enjoyed myself.
Random sleeping patterns made last week fly by, and now it is already Thanksgiving week, so we only have three days of class.
Last night, I stayed up until 6am finishing my I believe project. I think it turned out really nice.
Now. It's 7:30. My room says that I should go to sleep now, and do EVERYTHING in the morning. Everything that I planned on doing today, which was a lot, and resulted in a few pages being read about Mendel and Genes, and then some cleaning.
I called my Mom for guidance. She said to get out of here and get more done. So I will... but I am hungry and tired. Argh.
I will try to make a grilled cheese using dinner rolls.
Wish me luck.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Election Day and other Endeavors
Election Day, Election Day!
This morning after Mary Lowe's class, Erica and I went together to vote (awww, Roommie time!). We even did some research on the candidates before walking across the foot bridge to our polling place.
This is my second time voting, and my first time voting in Minneapolis. I am very excited, though it would have been nice to vote up north where my voice might be a little stronger. Oh well. I still feel good. Voting makes me remember why I started college as a poli-sci major, and it makes a career in politics seem not as obscure. I think it would be fun to serve on local committees, and who knows!
In Ogilvie, there is a man named David Youngquist, and though I have not met him yet, he is one of my heros. He has done significant work and planning around Ogilvie's Back to the Tower Days, and through his Ogilvie Facebook page really appears to be vitalizing our community. Even more significantly, a couple weeks ago he spoke up against some bigoted gay-bashing in a very concise and respectful way. I admire his work, and will support him if he ever decides to go further.
Seeing his work also gives me hope that some day, wherever I end up, I will be able to make a difference too, and that is exciting.
~*~*~*~
October was a party.
I am now coming down from a high that lasted at least three weeks. It wasn't bad by any means, but it definitely was a scattered mindset that I am glad is starting to become more focused. At least I can tell myself that, these first days of November... we'll see what the rest of the month brings.
In October, every week was jam packed. I don't think I have ever been so exuberantly social my whole life. I went on DATES.
I think that is where my "crazy" mindset comes in.
Dates.
I had never "Dated" before. Not in the sense in which "Asking out" means asking OUT, and not like high school's "going out." Boy oh BOY is it fun. I like doing things, and I like meeting people, and I like boys... who would have thought there was an activity that satisfied all those interests!
Of course it has come with much confusion about expectation and etiquette, but I am learning, and my research on "Free Love" is providing some insight ;)
RESEARCH
September and October were angsty months - again, I don't want to put November up as being entirely different just yet- now I embark with more resolution.
I lacked ambition. My classes bored me. I didn't want to anything but sleep, doodle and explore the realm of possibility AWAY from campus. I became frustrated, and wondered where the Lily I once knew had gone... and then, with the advent of TWO research papers coming due this month, I think I have found my academic spirit again. I hope it lasts.
I haven't actually proposed these papers yet, and I know that my topics are too broad and with some discussion with professors will be narrowed.
The first is for Honors 200, religion, taking a "core belief" and it's connection to a contrasting or contraversial topic. I am taking Humanism (Which is great) and Morality. I don't know if Mary Lowe will approve of that... so maybe I could make it Humanism and Free Love... or contraception... or something. Whatever the case, I have a bunch of library books that I am excited about, and spent my morning reading the introduction to a compilation of writings by Victoria Woodhull, late 19th Century, "Suffrage, Free Love, and Eugenics." *drool
My other paper is for Modern Britain and Ireland, and is to be a biography. I have chosen to research "Lord Haw-Haw" and his traitorous Nazi radio broadcasts to England during WWII. I will use him as a point around which to study radio's affect on war morale. I think. This too is pending on discussion with Jacqui.
:)
Reading about Victoria Woodhull and her time also got me excited about my Senior thesis opportunity with Larry Crockett on the foundations of pragmatism during the Civil War. Humanism ties into this as well, and from a Historical perspective I think could be loads of fun.
Next week, I will be attending the National Women's Studies Association Conference, and I am REALLY looking forward to it. I like conferences as much as I like free air travel, hotel rooms and good company. I can't wait. It will get me really pumped for my research, and towards a goal of presenting next year either at the National Honor's Conference, Phi Alpha Theta, an ACTC conference or all of the above. Yum. It will employ many of my passions and talents and even get RECOGNIZED. Reasonable goal, I think. :)
This morning after Mary Lowe's class, Erica and I went together to vote (awww, Roommie time!). We even did some research on the candidates before walking across the foot bridge to our polling place.
This is my second time voting, and my first time voting in Minneapolis. I am very excited, though it would have been nice to vote up north where my voice might be a little stronger. Oh well. I still feel good. Voting makes me remember why I started college as a poli-sci major, and it makes a career in politics seem not as obscure. I think it would be fun to serve on local committees, and who knows!
In Ogilvie, there is a man named David Youngquist, and though I have not met him yet, he is one of my heros. He has done significant work and planning around Ogilvie's Back to the Tower Days, and through his Ogilvie Facebook page really appears to be vitalizing our community. Even more significantly, a couple weeks ago he spoke up against some bigoted gay-bashing in a very concise and respectful way. I admire his work, and will support him if he ever decides to go further.
Seeing his work also gives me hope that some day, wherever I end up, I will be able to make a difference too, and that is exciting.
~*~*~*~
October was a party.
I am now coming down from a high that lasted at least three weeks. It wasn't bad by any means, but it definitely was a scattered mindset that I am glad is starting to become more focused. At least I can tell myself that, these first days of November... we'll see what the rest of the month brings.
In October, every week was jam packed. I don't think I have ever been so exuberantly social my whole life. I went on DATES.
I think that is where my "crazy" mindset comes in.
Dates.
I had never "Dated" before. Not in the sense in which "Asking out" means asking OUT, and not like high school's "going out." Boy oh BOY is it fun. I like doing things, and I like meeting people, and I like boys... who would have thought there was an activity that satisfied all those interests!
Of course it has come with much confusion about expectation and etiquette, but I am learning, and my research on "Free Love" is providing some insight ;)
RESEARCH
September and October were angsty months - again, I don't want to put November up as being entirely different just yet- now I embark with more resolution.
I lacked ambition. My classes bored me. I didn't want to anything but sleep, doodle and explore the realm of possibility AWAY from campus. I became frustrated, and wondered where the Lily I once knew had gone... and then, with the advent of TWO research papers coming due this month, I think I have found my academic spirit again. I hope it lasts.
I haven't actually proposed these papers yet, and I know that my topics are too broad and with some discussion with professors will be narrowed.
The first is for Honors 200, religion, taking a "core belief" and it's connection to a contrasting or contraversial topic. I am taking Humanism (Which is great) and Morality. I don't know if Mary Lowe will approve of that... so maybe I could make it Humanism and Free Love... or contraception... or something. Whatever the case, I have a bunch of library books that I am excited about, and spent my morning reading the introduction to a compilation of writings by Victoria Woodhull, late 19th Century, "Suffrage, Free Love, and Eugenics." *drool
My other paper is for Modern Britain and Ireland, and is to be a biography. I have chosen to research "Lord Haw-Haw" and his traitorous Nazi radio broadcasts to England during WWII. I will use him as a point around which to study radio's affect on war morale. I think. This too is pending on discussion with Jacqui.
:)
Reading about Victoria Woodhull and her time also got me excited about my Senior thesis opportunity with Larry Crockett on the foundations of pragmatism during the Civil War. Humanism ties into this as well, and from a Historical perspective I think could be loads of fun.
Next week, I will be attending the National Women's Studies Association Conference, and I am REALLY looking forward to it. I like conferences as much as I like free air travel, hotel rooms and good company. I can't wait. It will get me really pumped for my research, and towards a goal of presenting next year either at the National Honor's Conference, Phi Alpha Theta, an ACTC conference or all of the above. Yum. It will employ many of my passions and talents and even get RECOGNIZED. Reasonable goal, I think. :)
Friday, October 15, 2010
Things that I don't have to learn how to do, which happen to be AWESOME
Speak English fluently and well.
Type on a keyboard.
READ.
I guess that is all.
It just struck me as I finished up my Mary Kingsley paper how good I am at typing, and when I thought about it, it's a pretty difficult thing to learn.
Remember when they'd put cardboard covers over your keyboards so you couldn't peek? And now we can pump out words without even thinking about where our fingers go. Mental_Floss has a quiz to see if you can identify places on a keyboard without cheating, I didn't do well, yet I can type like a champ.
And think, there are some people- most notably our parents- who didn't have to have cardboard things over their keyboards, they didn't even have keyboards and now they still type like chickens, if they even know where to start!
Mmm. 21st Century! Thank you for being my home.
Type on a keyboard.
READ.
I guess that is all.
It just struck me as I finished up my Mary Kingsley paper how good I am at typing, and when I thought about it, it's a pretty difficult thing to learn.
Remember when they'd put cardboard covers over your keyboards so you couldn't peek? And now we can pump out words without even thinking about where our fingers go. Mental_Floss has a quiz to see if you can identify places on a keyboard without cheating, I didn't do well, yet I can type like a champ.
And think, there are some people- most notably our parents- who didn't have to have cardboard things over their keyboards, they didn't even have keyboards and now they still type like chickens, if they even know where to start!
Mmm. 21st Century! Thank you for being my home.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Study Break
Taking a quick study break to share how great it feels to sit down to a project-In this case discussion notes and a book review of "A Voyager Out: The Life of Mary Kingsley" by Katherine Frank- and not have to think about ALL the other things I need to do, and just work.
I haven't even finished the book, but I feel good about my abilities, I have my discussion plotted out, and even though the Review part will be time consuming, I think I will be able to scrape that together in time too.
It is nice. People who I vent my frustrations to tell me that I need to find a place in my school work where I can really just ENJOY myself, and not worry about other things or people. All this time I've spent WORRYING about getting things done, and getting good grades, which then makes me start hating school, and even History... But then, to sit down over a good text, underline, organize, plot and analyze without thinking of time or "priorities," Wow.
I WILL do poorly on my Biology and French quizzes tomorrow, but I don't even mind if I can just turn this project IN. :)
Last night, I hung out with some people for a couple hours, and then when Erica and I returned to our room, we both stayed up until two. I scheduled my next week, and sent some important emails, but I also watched a whole episode of That 70s Show, because it has been a while, and really is at its best when enjoyed at odd hours.
I remember a time last summer, when I stayed up ALL night watching it, and then went for a run as the sun rose. Mmmm.
After I went to bed, I received a text message from an intriguing new person, who I met up with today.
Because I was up so late, I went to sleep after my 8am class, slept until 12:30, and didn't do anything but wile the way the hours on facebook until brass chamber. Then Jazz band, then RENDEVOUS.
Returned here after 6, shared my adventure with Hillary, and have since been in the Suite working away.
Going home tomorrow.
I haven't even finished the book, but I feel good about my abilities, I have my discussion plotted out, and even though the Review part will be time consuming, I think I will be able to scrape that together in time too.
It is nice. People who I vent my frustrations to tell me that I need to find a place in my school work where I can really just ENJOY myself, and not worry about other things or people. All this time I've spent WORRYING about getting things done, and getting good grades, which then makes me start hating school, and even History... But then, to sit down over a good text, underline, organize, plot and analyze without thinking of time or "priorities," Wow.
I WILL do poorly on my Biology and French quizzes tomorrow, but I don't even mind if I can just turn this project IN. :)
Last night, I hung out with some people for a couple hours, and then when Erica and I returned to our room, we both stayed up until two. I scheduled my next week, and sent some important emails, but I also watched a whole episode of That 70s Show, because it has been a while, and really is at its best when enjoyed at odd hours.
I remember a time last summer, when I stayed up ALL night watching it, and then went for a run as the sun rose. Mmmm.
After I went to bed, I received a text message from an intriguing new person, who I met up with today.
Because I was up so late, I went to sleep after my 8am class, slept until 12:30, and didn't do anything but wile the way the hours on facebook until brass chamber. Then Jazz band, then RENDEVOUS.
Returned here after 6, shared my adventure with Hillary, and have since been in the Suite working away.
Going home tomorrow.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Opportunities, and another week
Whooo hooooo! What a week.
Stressed out sobbing days, followed by days of studious bliss, repeated haphazardly...
Monday, Tuesday, WEDNESDAY.
After Senate on Wednesday, I walked up Riverside to the KFAI studios for the second time. It is pledge week, so I showed up to answer phones. "Doug the Thug" who I met at the Cedar concert told me that I could record a spot too, but that finished at 9... so I answered phones... and by that, I mean I answered one call and registered one pledge of $20. Still, it was a great time. I met some of the other KFAI staff people, and was encouraged further to come back.
One man told me about work in the Legacy project, which is the result of government funding to promote culture and HISTORY. He said it's a big deal, and that people have gone on to MPR to make BIG bucks. If I pursue this energetically, the possibilities are endless. And it's great because I didn't even have to sign up for a program, or try to get scholarships or anything, I just went to a concert, and now here it is!
I am going to go back next wednesday and see if I can actually record a spot, and from there maybe figure out what kind of volunteer work I can devote myself to once pledge drive is over.
Another person told me about community radio in Melbourne, Australia. I had overheard his discussion with another woman about Australian "Americana." He gave me the names of three radio stations in Melbourne, one is an AM activist station, and the others are music based. I have yet to really look into them.
This is extraordinary because I hope to go to MELBOURNE for six weeks next summer to study, and I will therefore HAVE to try to visit these stations. GEE WHIZ! Thinking about it is exciting. Topkat, who I talked to, through following Australian community radio told me that he could couch surf from the top of Australia to the bottom based on his radio connections.
I know radio! Not in a scholarly, or professional way by any means... but I have real experience, and that counts for something? KBEK just happened for me, and this opportunity seems to have fallen in my lap as well... perhaps the universe is gently nudging me towards my vocation?
*Deep Breath
Who knows.
I got into a funk on Thursday, but I am hoping that has cleared up for a while. Meh. I am busy, and am only going to get busier. It's nothing I haven't done before, but the hard part is living up to my own expectations.
One way to start is by camping out in the Honor's Suite on a Friday night reading about Mary Kingsley. Yum.
I read nearly 50 pages (250 more to go by Wednesday).
Student Senate retreat tomorrow, followed by Jenny's Fall Party in the evening. Mpirg bike ride on Sunday afternoon, homework, and then Pirates of the Caribbean with band friends that night. The next couple days have potential.
Stressed out sobbing days, followed by days of studious bliss, repeated haphazardly...
Monday, Tuesday, WEDNESDAY.
After Senate on Wednesday, I walked up Riverside to the KFAI studios for the second time. It is pledge week, so I showed up to answer phones. "Doug the Thug" who I met at the Cedar concert told me that I could record a spot too, but that finished at 9... so I answered phones... and by that, I mean I answered one call and registered one pledge of $20. Still, it was a great time. I met some of the other KFAI staff people, and was encouraged further to come back.
One man told me about work in the Legacy project, which is the result of government funding to promote culture and HISTORY. He said it's a big deal, and that people have gone on to MPR to make BIG bucks. If I pursue this energetically, the possibilities are endless. And it's great because I didn't even have to sign up for a program, or try to get scholarships or anything, I just went to a concert, and now here it is!
I am going to go back next wednesday and see if I can actually record a spot, and from there maybe figure out what kind of volunteer work I can devote myself to once pledge drive is over.
Another person told me about community radio in Melbourne, Australia. I had overheard his discussion with another woman about Australian "Americana." He gave me the names of three radio stations in Melbourne, one is an AM activist station, and the others are music based. I have yet to really look into them.
This is extraordinary because I hope to go to MELBOURNE for six weeks next summer to study, and I will therefore HAVE to try to visit these stations. GEE WHIZ! Thinking about it is exciting. Topkat, who I talked to, through following Australian community radio told me that he could couch surf from the top of Australia to the bottom based on his radio connections.
I know radio! Not in a scholarly, or professional way by any means... but I have real experience, and that counts for something? KBEK just happened for me, and this opportunity seems to have fallen in my lap as well... perhaps the universe is gently nudging me towards my vocation?
*Deep Breath
Who knows.
I got into a funk on Thursday, but I am hoping that has cleared up for a while. Meh. I am busy, and am only going to get busier. It's nothing I haven't done before, but the hard part is living up to my own expectations.
One way to start is by camping out in the Honor's Suite on a Friday night reading about Mary Kingsley. Yum.
I read nearly 50 pages (250 more to go by Wednesday).
Student Senate retreat tomorrow, followed by Jenny's Fall Party in the evening. Mpirg bike ride on Sunday afternoon, homework, and then Pirates of the Caribbean with band friends that night. The next couple days have potential.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
The Last Three Weeks, a story of Independence and Adventure
October is definitely autumn. It smells like autumn, and I am even getting excited for winter.
Even though discussion of the weather is the last resort of the unimaginative (Wilde) It feels like a good starting point.
THE WEATHER IS BEAUTIFUL!
We have the windows in our apartment open for air circulation, and it's wonderful because we just cleaned. Now I can use my desk as a desk and not have to DIG to find anything. The apartment is looking really good, especially now that we have more things up on the walls. I am READY, at least domestically for school to really set in.
Oh, but shouldn't it have set in already? Where have I been?
Superficial small talk: I am doing all right in my classes, and I have been meeting lots of people. I say that I've "got the hang of it" but I actually don't know what that means. I know how classes work, and to take my vitamins, but I am not thriving. Or at least I am not living up to my own standards.
My Counselor at CCHP is making me come in and talk to her two weeks in a row... Does blogging about mental issues make me an emo kid? It IS part of my college experience, and the CCHP is a very valuable resource.
Doing School takes a lot of mental energy, and if that energy is scattered or negative success becomes difficult. So I am dealing with it.
That aside, Two weeks ago, I went to the Renaissance with Corinna and stayed the whole weekend. I had a GREAT time. Last week, I went home for the Sticks and Stones art and Cultural event VIII. I worked at the radio station both days, and spent the rest of the time hanging out at the History Center. This year, the headliner bands were Brian Wicklund (a great violinist) and Monroe Crossing (Bluegrass). I also got my face painted, and had a rock carved. I was really busy, but the weekend was fun.
On Sunday night, when I planned on coming back to school, we lost the car keys, and ended up watching Sense and Sensibility. My mother and I left the next morning, and I got to school just as my Monday-Friday alarm went off at 7am.
THIS weekend, I went to the Wilde Roast Cafe, the Mill City Farmers Market, the Cedar Cultural Center and the Unitarian Universalist church.
When I was 14-15, I found the Wilde Roast Cafe's website linked from Outfront Minnesota. I learned all about it. That it is a gay owned restaurant that strives to celebrate the extravegant, and FABULOUS life of Oscar Wilde. For the three years before college, I'd ask to visit every time we came near the cities. Then my first year, when I got on the wrong bus on the way to Codey's, I ended up RIGHT next to it. Still, it took me until now to get there.
I took the bus by myself to the end of the line, and went inside for the very first time. It took me a few moments to realize that I had been waiting for that moment for 5 years, then I couldn't stop smiling. The charming barista gave me my pumpkin pie with extra whipped cream and my "Wilde Carmel" specialty drink and told me that the chairs are PERFECT for studying in. I sat down by the door in a beautiful brocade chair and read about Buddism. (I sat in the chair and knew that I was sitting in the chair, and when I tasted my pumpkin pie with extra whipped cream, I knew that I was tasting my pumpkin pie with extra whipped cream, and when I felt sheer JOY at being in that place, I knew that I was feeling sheer joy at being in that place). Everytime someone came in, I could smell the winter air, and I saw that it was good. I will be back.
When I got back, I went to Anderson where Jenny and some others were playing Mad Gab and Scattagories. I played for a while, and then upon discovery of fire trucks and evacuation of Mort, I walked over to Boulder Court to see what was going on there. An impromtu get together happened, and I ended up hanging out with some really cool people. A couple of whom I hadn't talked to in a long time, and it was fun to discover common ground.
Saturday morning, I woke up early and went to the Mill City Farmers Market with Colin. I invited my Augsem, but no one took the bait. It worked out though. I bought some good smelling soap.
Later, I thought to myself, "I like folk music. I wonder what kind of folk music scene there is in Minneapolis." Turns out that Cedar Riverside is where it is at! I decided to go to a concert at the Cedar Cultural Center. No one who I thought might want to go with me could go with me, so I went by myself. I knew nothing about the performers beyond brief scans of their facebook pages, and I had never been to the Cedar Cultural Center before.
Boy, have I been missing out! That beautiful place has been there all along, and it took me TWO years to get there.
The first band was "The Sunny Era" and I am listening to the Cd that I bought right now... On my music player, the genre says "Rock" but that's not quite accurate. It's gypsy folkish. GREAT! Then it was "The Poor Nobodys" who just released a new cd. I didn't like them as much... and finally, it was the "Brass Messengers," an Eastern European Brass Dance Band. I danced a plenty. SO GREAT!
Then, it just so happens that I sat behind a KFAI dj, who invited me to the studio after the show to take advantage of free pledge drive pizza. KFAI is mostly volunteer, and they said that I could come in and read the news! !!!
Today, I went to the Unitarian church again, and it was good. I would write more, but I am sleepy. Then Erica and I cleaned the apartment, and now I am going to take a nap.
Even though discussion of the weather is the last resort of the unimaginative (Wilde) It feels like a good starting point.
THE WEATHER IS BEAUTIFUL!
We have the windows in our apartment open for air circulation, and it's wonderful because we just cleaned. Now I can use my desk as a desk and not have to DIG to find anything. The apartment is looking really good, especially now that we have more things up on the walls. I am READY, at least domestically for school to really set in.
Oh, but shouldn't it have set in already? Where have I been?
Superficial small talk: I am doing all right in my classes, and I have been meeting lots of people. I say that I've "got the hang of it" but I actually don't know what that means. I know how classes work, and to take my vitamins, but I am not thriving. Or at least I am not living up to my own standards.
My Counselor at CCHP is making me come in and talk to her two weeks in a row... Does blogging about mental issues make me an emo kid? It IS part of my college experience, and the CCHP is a very valuable resource.
Doing School takes a lot of mental energy, and if that energy is scattered or negative success becomes difficult. So I am dealing with it.
That aside, Two weeks ago, I went to the Renaissance with Corinna and stayed the whole weekend. I had a GREAT time. Last week, I went home for the Sticks and Stones art and Cultural event VIII. I worked at the radio station both days, and spent the rest of the time hanging out at the History Center. This year, the headliner bands were Brian Wicklund (a great violinist) and Monroe Crossing (Bluegrass). I also got my face painted, and had a rock carved. I was really busy, but the weekend was fun.
On Sunday night, when I planned on coming back to school, we lost the car keys, and ended up watching Sense and Sensibility. My mother and I left the next morning, and I got to school just as my Monday-Friday alarm went off at 7am.
THIS weekend, I went to the Wilde Roast Cafe, the Mill City Farmers Market, the Cedar Cultural Center and the Unitarian Universalist church.
When I was 14-15, I found the Wilde Roast Cafe's website linked from Outfront Minnesota. I learned all about it. That it is a gay owned restaurant that strives to celebrate the extravegant, and FABULOUS life of Oscar Wilde. For the three years before college, I'd ask to visit every time we came near the cities. Then my first year, when I got on the wrong bus on the way to Codey's, I ended up RIGHT next to it. Still, it took me until now to get there.
I took the bus by myself to the end of the line, and went inside for the very first time. It took me a few moments to realize that I had been waiting for that moment for 5 years, then I couldn't stop smiling. The charming barista gave me my pumpkin pie with extra whipped cream and my "Wilde Carmel" specialty drink and told me that the chairs are PERFECT for studying in. I sat down by the door in a beautiful brocade chair and read about Buddism. (I sat in the chair and knew that I was sitting in the chair, and when I tasted my pumpkin pie with extra whipped cream, I knew that I was tasting my pumpkin pie with extra whipped cream, and when I felt sheer JOY at being in that place, I knew that I was feeling sheer joy at being in that place). Everytime someone came in, I could smell the winter air, and I saw that it was good. I will be back.
When I got back, I went to Anderson where Jenny and some others were playing Mad Gab and Scattagories. I played for a while, and then upon discovery of fire trucks and evacuation of Mort, I walked over to Boulder Court to see what was going on there. An impromtu get together happened, and I ended up hanging out with some really cool people. A couple of whom I hadn't talked to in a long time, and it was fun to discover common ground.
Saturday morning, I woke up early and went to the Mill City Farmers Market with Colin. I invited my Augsem, but no one took the bait. It worked out though. I bought some good smelling soap.
Later, I thought to myself, "I like folk music. I wonder what kind of folk music scene there is in Minneapolis." Turns out that Cedar Riverside is where it is at! I decided to go to a concert at the Cedar Cultural Center. No one who I thought might want to go with me could go with me, so I went by myself. I knew nothing about the performers beyond brief scans of their facebook pages, and I had never been to the Cedar Cultural Center before.
Boy, have I been missing out! That beautiful place has been there all along, and it took me TWO years to get there.
The first band was "The Sunny Era" and I am listening to the Cd that I bought right now... On my music player, the genre says "Rock" but that's not quite accurate. It's gypsy folkish. GREAT! Then it was "The Poor Nobodys" who just released a new cd. I didn't like them as much... and finally, it was the "Brass Messengers," an Eastern European Brass Dance Band. I danced a plenty. SO GREAT!
Then, it just so happens that I sat behind a KFAI dj, who invited me to the studio after the show to take advantage of free pledge drive pizza. KFAI is mostly volunteer, and they said that I could come in and read the news! !!!
Today, I went to the Unitarian church again, and it was good. I would write more, but I am sleepy. Then Erica and I cleaned the apartment, and now I am going to take a nap.
Friday, September 10, 2010
WTF, Self?
Just now, while talking to my mother about various other dissonances in my life, I remembered something: I am good at biology.
All through my public education, biology was a class I went into without any doubts, that I knew I could pass with ease. The only reason I stopped taking biology and science classes, was because they weren't offered anymore. If I had entered college when I was 14, I would have majored in biology with dreams of becoming a field biologist, and I would have done well.
Then why the hell did I go into my introductory biology class this week with the mindset, "Oooooh, BiOloGy! This is going to be HARD for MEEEE, because I am naught but a silly humanities major. I am SCARED of mysterious ScIencEs!!!"
Stupid.
Stupid #2:
"I talked to Bob today, we are going to play film scores in band this fall. Yeah, I know... FILM SCORES... ha."
Again, 14 year old me would have peed with excitement, but for some reason snobby hipster me is too cool for that.
Things that are not Cool:
Liking band- band is dumb, you only take it because you have to, for your major, or scholarship or whatever. The songs are always boring, and we never play in tune, and O M G what a f*cking waste of time.
Liking to read for class- reading is BORING. I only do it because I have to, tuh you know... graduate and stuff, and I would SO much rather be somewhere else. HUh Huh! Like a party!
Enjoying talking to grown ups.
Enjoying the sciences if you are in humanities. Science people are REALLY smart, and really weird, I don't get 'em.
Not hating cafeteria food. *SIGH* I hate cafeteria food! It makes me sick, A'viands is so horrible and is never good ever.
...
Where has the motivated, excited Lily of my youth gone? Who is this lazy, disinterested slug?
All through my public education, biology was a class I went into without any doubts, that I knew I could pass with ease. The only reason I stopped taking biology and science classes, was because they weren't offered anymore. If I had entered college when I was 14, I would have majored in biology with dreams of becoming a field biologist, and I would have done well.
Then why the hell did I go into my introductory biology class this week with the mindset, "Oooooh, BiOloGy! This is going to be HARD for MEEEE, because I am naught but a silly humanities major. I am SCARED of mysterious ScIencEs!!!"
Stupid.
Stupid #2:
"I talked to Bob today, we are going to play film scores in band this fall. Yeah, I know... FILM SCORES... ha."
Again, 14 year old me would have peed with excitement, but for some reason snobby hipster me is too cool for that.
Things that are not Cool:
Liking band- band is dumb, you only take it because you have to, for your major, or scholarship or whatever. The songs are always boring, and we never play in tune, and O M G what a f*cking waste of time.
Liking to read for class- reading is BORING. I only do it because I have to, tuh you know... graduate and stuff, and I would SO much rather be somewhere else. HUh Huh! Like a party!
Enjoying talking to grown ups.
Enjoying the sciences if you are in humanities. Science people are REALLY smart, and really weird, I don't get 'em.
Not hating cafeteria food. *SIGH* I hate cafeteria food! It makes me sick, A'viands is so horrible and is never good ever.
...
Where has the motivated, excited Lily of my youth gone? Who is this lazy, disinterested slug?
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
FREE LAUNDRY
As a person who enjoys doing laundry, this is big news.
Gone are the days of watching my sock drawer grow scarce, while my laundry card remains barren.
!!!
And the machines are new too! They are very shiny, with light up buttons, and a detergent system that you pour from the outside. I also heard that they are especially energy efficient, which is even more awesome.
I am very excited.
~*~*~
I spent most of today with my amazing Augsem. We ate breakfast together, went to the opening convocation, and then went to the Minneapolis Indian Women's Resource Center. The MIWRC is a few blocks from Augsburg, and they provide many resources for American Indian women in this community. In particular, they provide help to single mothers, and victims of violence. Sal, the man who lead us in our service project, told us they recently spent a million and a half dollars fixing up their apartments which are rented out for rent based on wages.
Our job was to repaint the hallway and women's bathroom. It did not take us the whole time, and we had a good time getting to know eachother.
Later, I went to True Thai on Franklin with Colin because I felt like having one more splurge before classes start.
Erica and I filled out our roommate agreements. We are not going to have any problems.
I've spent the rest of the evening tidying, sorting and DOING LAUNDRY. I want to be all clean and organized as I begin my academic year.
Gone are the days of watching my sock drawer grow scarce, while my laundry card remains barren.
!!!
And the machines are new too! They are very shiny, with light up buttons, and a detergent system that you pour from the outside. I also heard that they are especially energy efficient, which is even more awesome.
I am very excited.
~*~*~
I spent most of today with my amazing Augsem. We ate breakfast together, went to the opening convocation, and then went to the Minneapolis Indian Women's Resource Center. The MIWRC is a few blocks from Augsburg, and they provide many resources for American Indian women in this community. In particular, they provide help to single mothers, and victims of violence. Sal, the man who lead us in our service project, told us they recently spent a million and a half dollars fixing up their apartments which are rented out for rent based on wages.
Our job was to repaint the hallway and women's bathroom. It did not take us the whole time, and we had a good time getting to know eachother.
Later, I went to True Thai on Franklin with Colin because I felt like having one more splurge before classes start.
Erica and I filled out our roommate agreements. We are not going to have any problems.
I've spent the rest of the evening tidying, sorting and DOING LAUNDRY. I want to be all clean and organized as I begin my academic year.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Smells like autumn, text books and enthusiasm
I really don't like corny advertising slogans. I don't know why, they just tick me off. The McDonalds' bill board that says, "Our hot cakes are going like, well..." is an example, as well as the "Droid Does" ads (does? the next generation of does? like what? Deer? Yeah, I suppose that obscure black bill board with what looks like some red eyes could be something about a deer. Maybe it's a movie. ... OH! It could be does like it does stuff... right... because it's a phone or something... wait... that doesn't make sense either!)
However, I just discovered product descriptions that include two nouns and state of mind as a metaphor, invoke a chuckle 100% of the 2 times tested.
The first was a sticker on my deodorant when I bought Old Spice (I didn't feel like smelling like chemical flowers or babies). I still have it, it says, "Smells like ice, wind and freedom." Who wouldn't want to smell like ice, wind and freedom? I felt so POWERFUL.
The second occured minutes ago when I inspected my new can of Febreze air spray. My! What an interesting smell! I knew it was lavender and... maybe vanilla? let's see, "Lavender vanilla & comfort." (Comma ommission not mine).
Lavendervanilla and COMFORT! Why yes! That was what I smelled!
Today was the second day of Augsem training. It felt a lot shorter than yesterday, but probably because the first thing we did was run around campus on a scavenger hunt. I was on a team with two cool people I have seen all over, but never really met and we had a good time. We even won by a good ten minutes!
Then we had presentations on time management, which were helpful. They gave us all printed out copies of how our schedules fit in the week, and a calendar of the semester including breaks and important events. I am going to start filling mine out.
During our lunch break, I walked over to the book store to get a planner, and almost as soon as I got back, we found out that the prize for those of us who remembered to bring back our folders... was a new planner. I gave my free one to Aidan.
It is cold today. The last time I saw 65 in a weather report was in the overnight temperatures in August. Now we can only hope for HIGHS in the 60s. I like it a lot. I got to wear two sweaters.
When I got back to my room, Erica had been here, and cleaned up all my dishes and messes that I left ALL over, because I didn't expect her to be back until tomorrow. I did some more organization then, and now things are looking quite nice. We have a GREAT apartment, and I really feel ok calling it that. It's not like my, "on campus apartment."
Tomorrow I go to the Renaissance, and next week, Andrew and I are going to go check out the Unitarian Universalist church downtown. Auggie Days start tomorrow, and everyone else moves back on the 6th. One day after that, we start classes. I can't wait to meet my Augsem, do good work and to start playing in band again.
College blog honest, I have had some serious worries about coming back to school this year. I've struggled with what having a degree means, and with what I see myself doing in the future. I worried about coming back to all the people and the big city. I REALLY miss my parents and my home. The idea of "home" is conflicted, and I don't know what it is going to mean in 2 years. I am NOT very enthusiastic about the late nights and early mornings, derailed class discussions, uncomfortable social situations, stress and exhaustion.
In the last couple days though, I've been reminded of what kind of home this is. Maybe when I was in Ogilvie I was just too detached to remember what this place means, and what I could possibly be happy to do here, but now I get it. At least for now.
This could be a good year.
However, I just discovered product descriptions that include two nouns and state of mind as a metaphor, invoke a chuckle 100% of the 2 times tested.
The first was a sticker on my deodorant when I bought Old Spice (I didn't feel like smelling like chemical flowers or babies). I still have it, it says, "Smells like ice, wind and freedom." Who wouldn't want to smell like ice, wind and freedom? I felt so POWERFUL.
The second occured minutes ago when I inspected my new can of Febreze air spray. My! What an interesting smell! I knew it was lavender and... maybe vanilla? let's see, "Lavender vanilla & comfort." (Comma ommission not mine).
Lavendervanilla and COMFORT! Why yes! That was what I smelled!
Today was the second day of Augsem training. It felt a lot shorter than yesterday, but probably because the first thing we did was run around campus on a scavenger hunt. I was on a team with two cool people I have seen all over, but never really met and we had a good time. We even won by a good ten minutes!
Then we had presentations on time management, which were helpful. They gave us all printed out copies of how our schedules fit in the week, and a calendar of the semester including breaks and important events. I am going to start filling mine out.
During our lunch break, I walked over to the book store to get a planner, and almost as soon as I got back, we found out that the prize for those of us who remembered to bring back our folders... was a new planner. I gave my free one to Aidan.
It is cold today. The last time I saw 65 in a weather report was in the overnight temperatures in August. Now we can only hope for HIGHS in the 60s. I like it a lot. I got to wear two sweaters.
When I got back to my room, Erica had been here, and cleaned up all my dishes and messes that I left ALL over, because I didn't expect her to be back until tomorrow. I did some more organization then, and now things are looking quite nice. We have a GREAT apartment, and I really feel ok calling it that. It's not like my, "on campus apartment."
Tomorrow I go to the Renaissance, and next week, Andrew and I are going to go check out the Unitarian Universalist church downtown. Auggie Days start tomorrow, and everyone else moves back on the 6th. One day after that, we start classes. I can't wait to meet my Augsem, do good work and to start playing in band again.
College blog honest, I have had some serious worries about coming back to school this year. I've struggled with what having a degree means, and with what I see myself doing in the future. I worried about coming back to all the people and the big city. I REALLY miss my parents and my home. The idea of "home" is conflicted, and I don't know what it is going to mean in 2 years. I am NOT very enthusiastic about the late nights and early mornings, derailed class discussions, uncomfortable social situations, stress and exhaustion.
In the last couple days though, I've been reminded of what kind of home this is. Maybe when I was in Ogilvie I was just too detached to remember what this place means, and what I could possibly be happy to do here, but now I get it. At least for now.
This could be a good year.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Back in room 1304
Well, here I am.
I moved back into my old room with Erica yesterday at three. My mom brought me, and we wheeled everything up on our big wheelie cart in just one trip. It didn't take long to get all my stuff unpacked and organized, then Erica went home for the last week of summer. I spent the evening reading American Gods, eating ramen, and watching Adult Swim. It was nice.
But it is weird, and I am a sensitive girl. I am not HOMESICK, but I really miss my parents. I already called my mom this morning, and my eyes well up just thinking about it.
Meanwhile, I am synthesizing the last 4 months since this was my room. Certain things trigger flashbacks good and weird. It is very comfortable and I do feel like this really is my apartment, not like a squatter, someone Erica found and was kind enough to give shelter.
Yesterday, we noted that many of the people who would come over to hang out in our room moved off campus this year. There will still be a handful of people around to say hi, but not as much as last semester. Plus, even if they are on campus, they are not next door or across the hall like before. Will this mean that we will be able to get more work done???
My biceps are sore from moving things yesterday, which considering all the bricks I moved earlier this summer, is pretty pathetic.
Technically, I am not even here yet. I am not supposed to move in until four o'clock today. Soon, I am going to go down to Res Life and see if maybe they could give me my key, since I am already here, and then I will go shopping. If they won't let me, I am going to stay here killing time. I wish I would have brought my guitar... maybe I can play my trumpet quietly...
I am listening to the Of Montreal that Sara gave me. She said that it's healthy. I like it.
I am not feeling as much like Holden Caufield today. I love that boy, and I don't think he is entirely to blame for my angst... but up until yesterday I was still cursing the phonies of the world. Cursing them all for following the expected routes, going to phony school to get phony degrees, in order to get phony jobs so they can buy big phony cars and houses. Luckily, I think that the Augsburg History and Women's Studies departments are least likely to turn one into a phony. At least not me.
The first thing we learned in Honors 120 was that we should question everything, and that includes academia. With that in mind, I feel better able to approach my college educated future.
So. I think that I have a lot to look forward to this year, and I will keep you posted.
I moved back into my old room with Erica yesterday at three. My mom brought me, and we wheeled everything up on our big wheelie cart in just one trip. It didn't take long to get all my stuff unpacked and organized, then Erica went home for the last week of summer. I spent the evening reading American Gods, eating ramen, and watching Adult Swim. It was nice.
But it is weird, and I am a sensitive girl. I am not HOMESICK, but I really miss my parents. I already called my mom this morning, and my eyes well up just thinking about it.
Meanwhile, I am synthesizing the last 4 months since this was my room. Certain things trigger flashbacks good and weird. It is very comfortable and I do feel like this really is my apartment, not like a squatter, someone Erica found and was kind enough to give shelter.
Yesterday, we noted that many of the people who would come over to hang out in our room moved off campus this year. There will still be a handful of people around to say hi, but not as much as last semester. Plus, even if they are on campus, they are not next door or across the hall like before. Will this mean that we will be able to get more work done???
My biceps are sore from moving things yesterday, which considering all the bricks I moved earlier this summer, is pretty pathetic.
Technically, I am not even here yet. I am not supposed to move in until four o'clock today. Soon, I am going to go down to Res Life and see if maybe they could give me my key, since I am already here, and then I will go shopping. If they won't let me, I am going to stay here killing time. I wish I would have brought my guitar... maybe I can play my trumpet quietly...
I am listening to the Of Montreal that Sara gave me. She said that it's healthy. I like it.
I am not feeling as much like Holden Caufield today. I love that boy, and I don't think he is entirely to blame for my angst... but up until yesterday I was still cursing the phonies of the world. Cursing them all for following the expected routes, going to phony school to get phony degrees, in order to get phony jobs so they can buy big phony cars and houses. Luckily, I think that the Augsburg History and Women's Studies departments are least likely to turn one into a phony. At least not me.
The first thing we learned in Honors 120 was that we should question everything, and that includes academia. With that in mind, I feel better able to approach my college educated future.
So. I think that I have a lot to look forward to this year, and I will keep you posted.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
American Gods
This post is to tell you how great a book, "American Gods" by Neil Gaiman is.
I am on page 372 of 588, and I don't think I have been this engrossed in a book of this size since the days of Redwall.
Usually, whenever I go somewhere, I bring my backpack, in which I keep everything I could possibly need in whatever situation of idleness or boredom. There's my journal, a wide selection of pens, letter paper, a sketch book, and a couple books to read for different moods.
Well, on the way back from Chicago, my leftovers leaked in my backpack, and I have yet to thoroughly clean it. Meanwhile, I am still out and about, but when it comes time to grab everything I could possibly need, I can just pick up American Gods and call it good. What else would I want? Nothing.
I am really happy that I will be able to have this book under my belt before school starts.
***Spoiler Warning***
Though it is just a speculation.
I THINK that Alison McGovern was taken as a sacrifice. Every year a kid has gone missing, and in winter. Why else would Lakeside be such a safe place for Shadow to be? Isn't Odin a winter guy?
Dun dun Dunnnnn!
Such a great book.
I am on page 372 of 588, and I don't think I have been this engrossed in a book of this size since the days of Redwall.
Usually, whenever I go somewhere, I bring my backpack, in which I keep everything I could possibly need in whatever situation of idleness or boredom. There's my journal, a wide selection of pens, letter paper, a sketch book, and a couple books to read for different moods.
Well, on the way back from Chicago, my leftovers leaked in my backpack, and I have yet to thoroughly clean it. Meanwhile, I am still out and about, but when it comes time to grab everything I could possibly need, I can just pick up American Gods and call it good. What else would I want? Nothing.
I am really happy that I will be able to have this book under my belt before school starts.
***Spoiler Warning***
Though it is just a speculation.
I THINK that Alison McGovern was taken as a sacrifice. Every year a kid has gone missing, and in winter. Why else would Lakeside be such a safe place for Shadow to be? Isn't Odin a winter guy?
Dun dun Dunnnnn!
Such a great book.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
I'm just a poooor, wayfaring straangerrrrr...
Last weekend, Colin and I went to Chicago.
It started as an idea. I got to thinking about how it had been a while since I'd been able to look at a Tyrannosaurus Rex Skeleton, or a piece of rock from Mars, so I sent Colin a message on Facebook saying that we should go to Chicago someday.
There is a bus company out of Chicago that does express trips for really cheap. They advertise that you can get from Minneapolis to Chicago for a dollar. Our tickets were about $25, but still a good deal. Our bus would leave at 10:30pm and arrive at Union Station at 6:30 the next morning. One week ago, I drove to Colin's house, and we hung out until Friday evening, when I drove to Minneapolis and parked at Augsburg. We were able to briefly visit Paul at his new apartment and talk about how delicious goat meat is.
The Megabusses are pretty neat. They have two levels, and wifi internet. We almost didn't get on the bus, but when we did, we were able to get seats on the top. It didn't feel like I slept that much, but it also didn't feel like I was on a bus for 8 hours. We arrived ahead of schedule in downtown Chicago, and we embarked haphazardly. Seeing Chicago at 7 in the morning on a foggy, wet morning was excellent. No one was out and about, and we got to roam the empty streets. After a stop for breakfast at McDonalds.
Eventually, we decided that we should head up to Navy Pier. By this time, the joggers were out. There might have been a marathon or other similar event taking place, because all over there were groups of people moving in the same direction, and they all wore matching outfits.
... I should post pictures...
After Navy Pier, we headed to the Near North area of Chicago, where we ate some fruit at Starbucks and went exploring. We went into an Oriental Rug store where we touched rugs with price tags labeled up to $100,000! Then we found an architecture museum that we had to buzz from the street to get into. The museum itself was a couple rooms with architectural drawings on the walls. The drawings were of some Frank Lloyd Wright buildings, and I think the Sears Tower. The man in the museum was very helpful. He told us that we should check out Dearborn Ave, because it would be good to see if we liked buildings. He also referred to what we were doing as "backpacking." Until then I hadn't thought of us that way, but when I did, it was awesome.
Oh yeah.
The night before, when I had just got on the bus, I texted my wonderful cousin who I write letters with and who lives in Michigan that there was this great bus that I could get to Chicago on for pretty cheap, and that maybe we could meet in Chicago some time. She replied saying that she would be in Chicago the next day! Woah!
So we made plans to meet for dinner at 6:30. Our hotel was located about 10 miles from down town by the air port, and right at the end of the train line, so we got to try out the L Train! I don't think it was my first time on an L Train. I think Rita took me on one a long time ago. To get to our hotel, we had to walk through a delightful neighborhood of little rectangular houses. It was similar to Millwaukee Ave.
At one point, we smelled something delicious, and we figured that it came from inside one of the houses, but when we reached the end of the block, we discovered a 24 hour tamale stand! We got three. Yum.
Seeing my cousin was the greatest coincidence possible. We ate some really good Chicago pizza, and went our own ways.
That night, I fell asleep before my head hit the pillow.
The next day we had planned to go to the Art Museum and the Field Museum, but we got a late start in the morning. Instead, we briefly browsed the Gold Coast Art Show (didn't see anyone I knew) and then went to the Field Museum. It sucked up our time really fast, but it was lots of fun. I really love the halls of stuffed animals. My favorite animal was... the flamingos because their necks are so thin and bendy, and because there was a metal alligator with them. Or the puffins, seagulls, ocelot, or sperm whale jaw.
The special exhibit we chose was Underground and Soil themed. We "shrunk" to 100 times our normal size, and wandered among blazing star roots with grubs, earth worms and crayfish.
The museum closed before we got to see the hall of gems. We did get to see some Mars metal though.
By the time we walked all the way back to Union Station to check the bus stop location, we were pretty worn out. We were able to venture into the very edge of Greek Town for dinner.
Monday morning saw us safely back in Minneapolis.
Now I am at work. I spent Monday working and recovering, and Tuesday and Wednesday being lazy and trying not to believe that I will be moving back to school on Monday.
My feelings are very mixed, but I think that is a subject for another post.
It started as an idea. I got to thinking about how it had been a while since I'd been able to look at a Tyrannosaurus Rex Skeleton, or a piece of rock from Mars, so I sent Colin a message on Facebook saying that we should go to Chicago someday.
There is a bus company out of Chicago that does express trips for really cheap. They advertise that you can get from Minneapolis to Chicago for a dollar. Our tickets were about $25, but still a good deal. Our bus would leave at 10:30pm and arrive at Union Station at 6:30 the next morning. One week ago, I drove to Colin's house, and we hung out until Friday evening, when I drove to Minneapolis and parked at Augsburg. We were able to briefly visit Paul at his new apartment and talk about how delicious goat meat is.
The Megabusses are pretty neat. They have two levels, and wifi internet. We almost didn't get on the bus, but when we did, we were able to get seats on the top. It didn't feel like I slept that much, but it also didn't feel like I was on a bus for 8 hours. We arrived ahead of schedule in downtown Chicago, and we embarked haphazardly. Seeing Chicago at 7 in the morning on a foggy, wet morning was excellent. No one was out and about, and we got to roam the empty streets. After a stop for breakfast at McDonalds.
Eventually, we decided that we should head up to Navy Pier. By this time, the joggers were out. There might have been a marathon or other similar event taking place, because all over there were groups of people moving in the same direction, and they all wore matching outfits.
... I should post pictures...
After Navy Pier, we headed to the Near North area of Chicago, where we ate some fruit at Starbucks and went exploring. We went into an Oriental Rug store where we touched rugs with price tags labeled up to $100,000! Then we found an architecture museum that we had to buzz from the street to get into. The museum itself was a couple rooms with architectural drawings on the walls. The drawings were of some Frank Lloyd Wright buildings, and I think the Sears Tower. The man in the museum was very helpful. He told us that we should check out Dearborn Ave, because it would be good to see if we liked buildings. He also referred to what we were doing as "backpacking." Until then I hadn't thought of us that way, but when I did, it was awesome.
Oh yeah.
The night before, when I had just got on the bus, I texted my wonderful cousin who I write letters with and who lives in Michigan that there was this great bus that I could get to Chicago on for pretty cheap, and that maybe we could meet in Chicago some time. She replied saying that she would be in Chicago the next day! Woah!
So we made plans to meet for dinner at 6:30. Our hotel was located about 10 miles from down town by the air port, and right at the end of the train line, so we got to try out the L Train! I don't think it was my first time on an L Train. I think Rita took me on one a long time ago. To get to our hotel, we had to walk through a delightful neighborhood of little rectangular houses. It was similar to Millwaukee Ave.
At one point, we smelled something delicious, and we figured that it came from inside one of the houses, but when we reached the end of the block, we discovered a 24 hour tamale stand! We got three. Yum.
Seeing my cousin was the greatest coincidence possible. We ate some really good Chicago pizza, and went our own ways.
That night, I fell asleep before my head hit the pillow.
The next day we had planned to go to the Art Museum and the Field Museum, but we got a late start in the morning. Instead, we briefly browsed the Gold Coast Art Show (didn't see anyone I knew) and then went to the Field Museum. It sucked up our time really fast, but it was lots of fun. I really love the halls of stuffed animals. My favorite animal was... the flamingos because their necks are so thin and bendy, and because there was a metal alligator with them. Or the puffins, seagulls, ocelot, or sperm whale jaw.
The special exhibit we chose was Underground and Soil themed. We "shrunk" to 100 times our normal size, and wandered among blazing star roots with grubs, earth worms and crayfish.
The museum closed before we got to see the hall of gems. We did get to see some Mars metal though.
By the time we walked all the way back to Union Station to check the bus stop location, we were pretty worn out. We were able to venture into the very edge of Greek Town for dinner.
Monday morning saw us safely back in Minneapolis.
Now I am at work. I spent Monday working and recovering, and Tuesday and Wednesday being lazy and trying not to believe that I will be moving back to school on Monday.
My feelings are very mixed, but I think that is a subject for another post.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Way Hey Hey, no Ordinary Day!
It is Sunday morning. I am sitting in the KBEK airstudio listening to the broadcast of this morning's service from Cambridge Lutheran. This has been my smoothest Sunday morning, probably ever. I was even able to edit the Pease service with only 2 extra minutes!
I got here at six, and shortly after Tony, a new guy from Cambridge arrived to be trained in. I never thought I'd be training someone in...
August.
After staying for most of July, Colin went home. It was fun having him around, and I think I am just now getting back into my pre-Colin routine. Hopefully, we will be taking the Megabus to Chicago next week!
I will share two cool and musical events.
First, on Friday I went to Sara's house for a jam session. Sara (Clarinet, guitar, piano), Lucas (piano, guitar) and Savannah (trombone, guitar) were there.We have had jam sessions before, but we really need a manager. We are all too easily distracted, and we never have a set plan for what we are going to do. Someday, I would like them to become actual band PRACTICES, but we did make progress this time.
We began by playing through a couple songs we'd done before, and then went our own ways for a while. Then, Lucas started playing chords on the piano, and Savannah joined him on accordion. When I felt brave enough, I joined on trumpet playing long notes in the chord. It reminded me of the graphic notation and crazy weird improv stuff we did in Jazz band last semester; play what you want, but with each other, and let things modulate naturally. Dynamics, articulation, even rhythm patterns. Major breakthroughs happened when we discovered the pre-set beats on Sara's keyboard. We put on a rhythm, and Lucas played the chords, then we just sat in our circle and PLAYED.
Suddenly, I synthesized (or at least started to) what people mean by "What key is it in?" and how to play along with that. It blew my mind how GOOD we actually sounded! We'd groove for a while until someone threw in a solo or a little riff, and then play off each other, or rest for a while.
It gave me hope for my own abilities, and the realistic possibility of actually being in a band one day. Today, when I go home, I am going to study blues guitar, and play my trumpet.
If I am not too tired from yesterday...
WHICH WAS AWESOME.
Second, yesterday was Irish Fair. My parents and I left the house at nine thirty to make it to Wyoming for the dedication of the Wyoming Public Library's new rain garden. My parents' band, "Second Fiddle" was providing music. I hung out in the library and ripped a pile of cds into my computer. I got lots of new stuff; Boston, Blonde on Blonde and another Bob Dylan album, Fleetwood Mac and a bunch more. I am most excited about the 5 or so "World Music" albums I got.
I've been wary of "World Music" because it feels like a lazy North American cop out, but recently I have really wanted to have more to listen to, and to study for my own music. Particularly, I wanted to learn about what modern French music is like, and different trumpet styles, but I was at a standstill because I didn't know where to start. WELL, I struck it rich.
Now I have World BLUES, Latin, Latin/African, New Orleans, Paris and some more. All of the artists are modern, and chosen to present the diversity, history, and culture surrounding the music today. I really can't wait to get home and study!
After the Library show, we left for the Cities. We got to Irish Fair around 5, and were able to wander around a bit. I ate DELICIOUS deep fried corned beef and cabbage rolls. Our neighbor goes to Irish Fair every year. She camps out and stays for each day. My dad noted how easy that would be to do, with everything there is to do! We watched some musical acts, and one dance show, but there were so many tents, with so many great things in each one! Story telling, seminars, dance lessons, sheep dogs, rugby...
In all of Irish Fair's glory, I was most excited for the last concert of the day, Great Big Sea.
Great Big Sea is a band from Newfoundland that I saw when I was 12 when my mom won tickets to a zoo concert from KVSC. I got one of their cds then, and it is still one of my favorites. I know all the words to every song on it. I saw them again on St. Patrick's day a couple years ago (won tickets again!).
I made it to the front of the audience to see them, and it was glorious. There was a little girl in a pink dress up on somebody's shoulders, she must have been about 3 years old and was singing along to every word too! Do you know how great it is to see a small child happily belting out rowdy pirate drinking songs?
I also thoroughly enjoyed how thoroughly joyous everyone there was. Even though it was a free concert at Irish Fair, and that many people might have just stuck around for the fun of it, when the band stopped singing, the whole audience could fill in the chorus. *shudder*
About half way through, it started raining. Lead singer and guitar player, Alan Doyle was glorious. I even heard some girls my age remark, "It's so beautiful, with the wind blowing through his hair while he sings!" I agreed whole heartedly. Even more so, when it was guitar solo time they shined the lights on the rain... I don't know how to properly express it... Long haired Canadian, electric guitar solo, IN THE RAIN, with thunder and lightning. !!!!!!!!!!!!
Joyous.
I got here at six, and shortly after Tony, a new guy from Cambridge arrived to be trained in. I never thought I'd be training someone in...
August.
After staying for most of July, Colin went home. It was fun having him around, and I think I am just now getting back into my pre-Colin routine. Hopefully, we will be taking the Megabus to Chicago next week!
I will share two cool and musical events.
First, on Friday I went to Sara's house for a jam session. Sara (Clarinet, guitar, piano), Lucas (piano, guitar) and Savannah (trombone, guitar) were there.We have had jam sessions before, but we really need a manager. We are all too easily distracted, and we never have a set plan for what we are going to do. Someday, I would like them to become actual band PRACTICES, but we did make progress this time.
We began by playing through a couple songs we'd done before, and then went our own ways for a while. Then, Lucas started playing chords on the piano, and Savannah joined him on accordion. When I felt brave enough, I joined on trumpet playing long notes in the chord. It reminded me of the graphic notation and crazy weird improv stuff we did in Jazz band last semester; play what you want, but with each other, and let things modulate naturally. Dynamics, articulation, even rhythm patterns. Major breakthroughs happened when we discovered the pre-set beats on Sara's keyboard. We put on a rhythm, and Lucas played the chords, then we just sat in our circle and PLAYED.
Suddenly, I synthesized (or at least started to) what people mean by "What key is it in?" and how to play along with that. It blew my mind how GOOD we actually sounded! We'd groove for a while until someone threw in a solo or a little riff, and then play off each other, or rest for a while.
It gave me hope for my own abilities, and the realistic possibility of actually being in a band one day. Today, when I go home, I am going to study blues guitar, and play my trumpet.
If I am not too tired from yesterday...
WHICH WAS AWESOME.
Second, yesterday was Irish Fair. My parents and I left the house at nine thirty to make it to Wyoming for the dedication of the Wyoming Public Library's new rain garden. My parents' band, "Second Fiddle" was providing music. I hung out in the library and ripped a pile of cds into my computer. I got lots of new stuff; Boston, Blonde on Blonde and another Bob Dylan album, Fleetwood Mac and a bunch more. I am most excited about the 5 or so "World Music" albums I got.
I've been wary of "World Music" because it feels like a lazy North American cop out, but recently I have really wanted to have more to listen to, and to study for my own music. Particularly, I wanted to learn about what modern French music is like, and different trumpet styles, but I was at a standstill because I didn't know where to start. WELL, I struck it rich.
Now I have World BLUES, Latin, Latin/African, New Orleans, Paris and some more. All of the artists are modern, and chosen to present the diversity, history, and culture surrounding the music today. I really can't wait to get home and study!
After the Library show, we left for the Cities. We got to Irish Fair around 5, and were able to wander around a bit. I ate DELICIOUS deep fried corned beef and cabbage rolls. Our neighbor goes to Irish Fair every year. She camps out and stays for each day. My dad noted how easy that would be to do, with everything there is to do! We watched some musical acts, and one dance show, but there were so many tents, with so many great things in each one! Story telling, seminars, dance lessons, sheep dogs, rugby...
In all of Irish Fair's glory, I was most excited for the last concert of the day, Great Big Sea.
Great Big Sea is a band from Newfoundland that I saw when I was 12 when my mom won tickets to a zoo concert from KVSC. I got one of their cds then, and it is still one of my favorites. I know all the words to every song on it. I saw them again on St. Patrick's day a couple years ago (won tickets again!).
I made it to the front of the audience to see them, and it was glorious. There was a little girl in a pink dress up on somebody's shoulders, she must have been about 3 years old and was singing along to every word too! Do you know how great it is to see a small child happily belting out rowdy pirate drinking songs?
I also thoroughly enjoyed how thoroughly joyous everyone there was. Even though it was a free concert at Irish Fair, and that many people might have just stuck around for the fun of it, when the band stopped singing, the whole audience could fill in the chorus. *shudder*
About half way through, it started raining. Lead singer and guitar player, Alan Doyle was glorious. I even heard some girls my age remark, "It's so beautiful, with the wind blowing through his hair while he sings!" I agreed whole heartedly. Even more so, when it was guitar solo time they shined the lights on the rain... I don't know how to properly express it... Long haired Canadian, electric guitar solo, IN THE RAIN, with thunder and lightning. !!!!!!!!!!!!
Joyous.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
The Glamourous Life of Your Local Radio DJ
This morning, my alarm went off at 5:15. To my surprise, I was out of bed by 5:17, dressed, and out the door shortly thereafter. I felt really cool as I hauled my weary body into my car. Last night, when my parents returned from Stockholm, Wisconsin, they parked the van behind the little van, there was still space behind me to get out. As I backed up slowly, carefully avoiding hitting the van to my left, I ran into some trees and rocks to my right. I pulled forward and tried again, to the same result.
I finally steeled myself, knowing that I had to get to work, and that it would take too long to find the van keys and move it. One more time, I pulled forward, straightened out, and reversed. My left mirror hit the van, scratching it a little... a bit concerned about the repercussions of that one... Again, I got held up on the tree and rocks, but I kept going, tearing through the foliage and making it onto the road. In this process, I ran over a tree and something got tangled in my wheel. I figured that it would fall out on it's own if I kept driving.
It didn't, so at the bottom of the hill, I got out to inspect my situation. The whole panel in front of my right tire was ripped off, and dragging on the ground. Stuck in this panel was a whole tree! I took it out and threw it into the swamp, took off a huge chunk of loose foam, and tried to put the panel back kind of where it was. Then I progressed on my way.
I should feel bad about this aesthetic destruction of the little car, but I figure that since it is barely worth anything, and I will probably be the last person to own it, it doesn't quite matter... My mom might care. Eek.
On the way to Mora, I saw a young buck, and later a doe with a fawn. Awwww.
In Mora, I pulled into Holiday with 20 minutes before my shift. I am still feeling awesome, groggy in a hard core way. That's right, I am an early morning dj. Whoot! Zombie-esque, I ambled into the gas station, gathered two sausage egg and cheese sandwiches, and a 20oz cup of Holiday coffee... mmmm. "Caffeine!" she moaned through slack lips.
Then I got to KBEK.
Everything in the morning went very well. I remembered everything that I had to, and by the time things started getting treacherous, Colleen was down here to help me. Lucky thing too. The transmitter went out for a few minutes, and then when it came time to load and edit the Pease service, it wasn't there! Slight panic.
Colleen also brought me another cup of coffee.
I haven't been consuming much caffeine this summer, and my body is quite sensitive. I am still wired, but to the point of feeling ill. Since the Pease service didn't come through, the last couple hours have been easy as pie. Cambridge edited in no time, and now it's playing while I wait for my replacement. Mmmmm.
Rawr! I am a radio dj, awake with the sun, not bothered by material possessions, or their destruction, unphased by severe weather, riding the airwaves on the wings of caffeine drug, ready for anything, ready for action.
I finally steeled myself, knowing that I had to get to work, and that it would take too long to find the van keys and move it. One more time, I pulled forward, straightened out, and reversed. My left mirror hit the van, scratching it a little... a bit concerned about the repercussions of that one... Again, I got held up on the tree and rocks, but I kept going, tearing through the foliage and making it onto the road. In this process, I ran over a tree and something got tangled in my wheel. I figured that it would fall out on it's own if I kept driving.
It didn't, so at the bottom of the hill, I got out to inspect my situation. The whole panel in front of my right tire was ripped off, and dragging on the ground. Stuck in this panel was a whole tree! I took it out and threw it into the swamp, took off a huge chunk of loose foam, and tried to put the panel back kind of where it was. Then I progressed on my way.
I should feel bad about this aesthetic destruction of the little car, but I figure that since it is barely worth anything, and I will probably be the last person to own it, it doesn't quite matter... My mom might care. Eek.
On the way to Mora, I saw a young buck, and later a doe with a fawn. Awwww.
In Mora, I pulled into Holiday with 20 minutes before my shift. I am still feeling awesome, groggy in a hard core way. That's right, I am an early morning dj. Whoot! Zombie-esque, I ambled into the gas station, gathered two sausage egg and cheese sandwiches, and a 20oz cup of Holiday coffee... mmmm. "Caffeine!" she moaned through slack lips.
Then I got to KBEK.
Everything in the morning went very well. I remembered everything that I had to, and by the time things started getting treacherous, Colleen was down here to help me. Lucky thing too. The transmitter went out for a few minutes, and then when it came time to load and edit the Pease service, it wasn't there! Slight panic.
Colleen also brought me another cup of coffee.
I haven't been consuming much caffeine this summer, and my body is quite sensitive. I am still wired, but to the point of feeling ill. Since the Pease service didn't come through, the last couple hours have been easy as pie. Cambridge edited in no time, and now it's playing while I wait for my replacement. Mmmmm.
Rawr! I am a radio dj, awake with the sun, not bothered by material possessions, or their destruction, unphased by severe weather, riding the airwaves on the wings of caffeine drug, ready for anything, ready for action.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Numerati
It's one o'clock in the morning, as I scoured the internet for episodes of 3rd Rock From the Sun I ended up on a website, and in the top advertisement bar was a banner for Augsburg College.
I like to think about advertisements, especially now with the internet becoming a larger player in Television. Marketers are able to direct ads towards populations associated with certain tv shows.
Something in Augsburg's system said that they want to market to people who watch 3rd Rock from the Sun episodes late at night.
I think I can approve of that.
Also, Colin and I went to see "Inception" today in Hinckley. Very good.
I like to think about advertisements, especially now with the internet becoming a larger player in Television. Marketers are able to direct ads towards populations associated with certain tv shows.
Something in Augsburg's system said that they want to market to people who watch 3rd Rock from the Sun episodes late at night.
I think I can approve of that.
Also, Colin and I went to see "Inception" today in Hinckley. Very good.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Summer Music
Last weekend, I went to the Bayfront Reggae festival in Duluth. A few days before, I was riding in the car listening to Kvsc, and they announced that they were going to give away guest passes to the festival. I didn't try for them, because it seemed like a reckless idea. The next day, they tried to give away the passes again, and this time I called, and I got them! On Friday, my mom and I drove to St. Cloud to get the tickets, and after some confusion and awed wandering in the KVSC studio, I was ready to go.
The concert started in the morning on saturday, and lasted all day. I brought my friend from band because I knew he would appreciate it, and we did, and it was wonderful. My favorite band was called Zili Misik, and I have since done some research on them and begun loving them even more. They are an all female group with a horn section, and an exciting fusion of many types of music. Yum. www.zilimisik.com
The Reggae Festival will certainly remain a highlight of summer. Just today now, I found out that Great Big Sea will be performing at Irish Fair in August! I really want to go. Live music is excellent.
Since this weekend, I have been pretty mellow. Colin came back from his weekend trip to Wisconsin, and now we are settling back into the flow of things again. Today, we started clearing out the old trailer. I didn't get much work done, because it was so interesting. It is hard to throw away so many artifacts of my past. Visser and I found some cool clothes in my mom's dressers.
The concert started in the morning on saturday, and lasted all day. I brought my friend from band because I knew he would appreciate it, and we did, and it was wonderful. My favorite band was called Zili Misik, and I have since done some research on them and begun loving them even more. They are an all female group with a horn section, and an exciting fusion of many types of music. Yum. www.zilimisik.com
The Reggae Festival will certainly remain a highlight of summer. Just today now, I found out that Great Big Sea will be performing at Irish Fair in August! I really want to go. Live music is excellent.
Since this weekend, I have been pretty mellow. Colin came back from his weekend trip to Wisconsin, and now we are settling back into the flow of things again. Today, we started clearing out the old trailer. I didn't get much work done, because it was so interesting. It is hard to throw away so many artifacts of my past. Visser and I found some cool clothes in my mom's dressers.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Anticipation
Summer is technically at its half way point. I still have about 2 months left until school starts. As usual, my feelings are mixed.
Colin comes tomorrow, and by the time he leaves, it will be nearly August. Then, with the State Fair and Dino's, August is just about consumed! Suddenly, Augsem training, first meetins, Auggie Days, Classes!
I just about drove myself mad last night when I was trying to get to sleep; I couldn't stop thinking about all the things I am going to do this school year, and how I am going to fit them all into my schedule.
That is where it started. Once my parents got home from the art show in Brainerd yesterday, I began plotting my schedule to consume the last few pages in my journal.
I constructed a routine for Monday through Friday, from which I concluded: If I work dutifully and productively EVERY week day, I will have 33 hours of study time. This is 7 hours short of the recommended 40 (2 hours of study for each hour of class). My schedule leaves out my Augsem, exercise, brass chamber, and history club.
Last semester, I was very undisciplined. I did not go to bed at consistent hours, nor did I wake up at the same time every day. I did not use all my time for study and organization, and it showed. On these issues, I pondered.
A ridiculous plan that I got last night-that COULD work- involved an early early early morning work out session every Tuesday and Thursday before my 8am class. I would have to learn how to use the locker room...
Another goal that I decided upon was to stop spending points on POP. Even if I justify it as a reward. Pop is BAD for me. It will rot my teeth, and weaken my bones. Besides, I will need the points to get CAFFEINE between Biology and History.
I am going to pretend that I am Alanna of Trebond as a Squire in Tortall. She put in extra hours on both ends of the day, and that is how she became the kingdom's most skilled fencer, learned wrestling and knife fighting, and still managed to spend time with her friends. It was not easy for Alanna to become a knight, but she knew that going in, and she did not concern herself with the fickle goings-on of court.
I tell myself now, "I know I can do it!" However, I will have to remind myself of this when I am trying to find 7 extra hours out of the ether.
These obsessions are premature. I will put them aside for now and enjoy the rest of summer. Nevertheless, I am really excited for school to start.
Colin comes tomorrow, and by the time he leaves, it will be nearly August. Then, with the State Fair and Dino's, August is just about consumed! Suddenly, Augsem training, first meetins, Auggie Days, Classes!
I just about drove myself mad last night when I was trying to get to sleep; I couldn't stop thinking about all the things I am going to do this school year, and how I am going to fit them all into my schedule.
That is where it started. Once my parents got home from the art show in Brainerd yesterday, I began plotting my schedule to consume the last few pages in my journal.
I constructed a routine for Monday through Friday, from which I concluded: If I work dutifully and productively EVERY week day, I will have 33 hours of study time. This is 7 hours short of the recommended 40 (2 hours of study for each hour of class). My schedule leaves out my Augsem, exercise, brass chamber, and history club.
Last semester, I was very undisciplined. I did not go to bed at consistent hours, nor did I wake up at the same time every day. I did not use all my time for study and organization, and it showed. On these issues, I pondered.
A ridiculous plan that I got last night-that COULD work- involved an early early early morning work out session every Tuesday and Thursday before my 8am class. I would have to learn how to use the locker room...
Another goal that I decided upon was to stop spending points on POP. Even if I justify it as a reward. Pop is BAD for me. It will rot my teeth, and weaken my bones. Besides, I will need the points to get CAFFEINE between Biology and History.
I am going to pretend that I am Alanna of Trebond as a Squire in Tortall. She put in extra hours on both ends of the day, and that is how she became the kingdom's most skilled fencer, learned wrestling and knife fighting, and still managed to spend time with her friends. It was not easy for Alanna to become a knight, but she knew that going in, and she did not concern herself with the fickle goings-on of court.
I tell myself now, "I know I can do it!" However, I will have to remind myself of this when I am trying to find 7 extra hours out of the ether.
These obsessions are premature. I will put them aside for now and enjoy the rest of summer. Nevertheless, I am really excited for school to start.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Extraction of Wisdom
Teeth.
Not nearly as profound as I could have hoped.
It is day three of my recovery, and in this time, I have concluded that downers are no fun. This morning, I woke up at 7, downed my antibiotics and a vicodin, and promptly konked back out until 2 in the afternoon. The last couple days have been quite similar, and shrouded in a drugged out haze.
Again, no fun.
Today, after waking up and taking NO more pain killers, I was able to go to Mora with my mom. I got cherries to eat. Yay! My parents left a while ago for the first Thursday Jam session in Milaca. I considered going, but chose solitary boredom over that which requires socializing.
After pouting for a little while, I decided to go for a walk to Ann Lake. Normally, I take walks down to the T, but this time I wanted to change things up a bit. I didn't actually make it to the lake, but I did explore down into a wild life management area, and found a piece of a skunk's jaw bone. I also flushed a female grouse. It could have been a pheasant, but I hope it was a grouse.
Now I am back in the house, contemplating my next action. I think it involves ice cream.
Not nearly as profound as I could have hoped.
It is day three of my recovery, and in this time, I have concluded that downers are no fun. This morning, I woke up at 7, downed my antibiotics and a vicodin, and promptly konked back out until 2 in the afternoon. The last couple days have been quite similar, and shrouded in a drugged out haze.
Again, no fun.
Today, after waking up and taking NO more pain killers, I was able to go to Mora with my mom. I got cherries to eat. Yay! My parents left a while ago for the first Thursday Jam session in Milaca. I considered going, but chose solitary boredom over that which requires socializing.
After pouting for a little while, I decided to go for a walk to Ann Lake. Normally, I take walks down to the T, but this time I wanted to change things up a bit. I didn't actually make it to the lake, but I did explore down into a wild life management area, and found a piece of a skunk's jaw bone. I also flushed a female grouse. It could have been a pheasant, but I hope it was a grouse.
Now I am back in the house, contemplating my next action. I think it involves ice cream.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Poli-Chick's Triumphant Return
Today I went door knocking for the first time in 2 years. The experience provided some synthesis.
I really enjoy door-knocking, especially when it is to share information, encourage voting and calculate support. I like it because I am not trying to GET anything more than the information the people want to give. I get to see different parts of my community, walk around out side and support causes that are important to me.
Last summer, when I applied at Environment Minnesota, I figured that it would be a similar experience to what I had done before. Since it was so different and horrible, I feared that I had changed from before, and that today would be very difficult.
I had even begun to grow wary of political activists, assuming that everyone who enjoys political field work must be crazy, hyper enthusiastic, extrovert-types with pushy attitudes. While these characteristics DO benefit the field worker, many different personality types can be of use in this work.
Antithesis occurred when I went to college, after Tim Faust's campaign against Judy Soderstrom, and the election of Barack Obama, I settled into my new lifestyle and politics retreated to the archive of interests past. This is shocking considering HOW much I felt that politics made me tick summer of 2008.
When I started classes that fall, I had to make quick decisions about which activities warranted my time and energy, and since political activism was on the chopping block, I figured that it was because I didn't care anymore.
I see now that this is not so. The kind of work I did today is something that I enjoy doing. It doesn't mean that I have to become a Poli Sci major and intern in Washington... or maybe it does! For now, it means that I get to do some meaningful volunteer work when I have time over the summer, and I am happy that this is still part of my life.
Democratic Primaries August 10th!
I really enjoy door-knocking, especially when it is to share information, encourage voting and calculate support. I like it because I am not trying to GET anything more than the information the people want to give. I get to see different parts of my community, walk around out side and support causes that are important to me.
Last summer, when I applied at Environment Minnesota, I figured that it would be a similar experience to what I had done before. Since it was so different and horrible, I feared that I had changed from before, and that today would be very difficult.
I had even begun to grow wary of political activists, assuming that everyone who enjoys political field work must be crazy, hyper enthusiastic, extrovert-types with pushy attitudes. While these characteristics DO benefit the field worker, many different personality types can be of use in this work.
Antithesis occurred when I went to college, after Tim Faust's campaign against Judy Soderstrom, and the election of Barack Obama, I settled into my new lifestyle and politics retreated to the archive of interests past. This is shocking considering HOW much I felt that politics made me tick summer of 2008.
When I started classes that fall, I had to make quick decisions about which activities warranted my time and energy, and since political activism was on the chopping block, I figured that it was because I didn't care anymore.
I see now that this is not so. The kind of work I did today is something that I enjoy doing. It doesn't mean that I have to become a Poli Sci major and intern in Washington... or maybe it does! For now, it means that I get to do some meaningful volunteer work when I have time over the summer, and I am happy that this is still part of my life.
Democratic Primaries August 10th!
Friday, June 25, 2010
My New Shoes and the Implications They Hold
Today, I impulsively bought a new pair of shoes.
I was on my way home from Stillwater visiting my mom at fiddle camp, and I pulled off at North Branch to look at a map. (This is after spending 2 hours the night before trying to get from Augsburg to Stillwater, which should really only take 30 minutes, driving my mom's white van with no cruise control and wonky visibility).
The road in North Branch spit me out right by the mall, so I stopped to see if the stores were open, they weren't, but after getting gas for the car and verifying my route home, they were.
I needed new shoes. The blue pair I bought with Rita in Seattle two years ago have never actually fit, and while they serve every practical function, they are worn and old. So I wanted to get a pair of shoes that could match my old pair's versatility.
I paced the aisles multiple times, until I finally settled on a pair of gray Vans with laces. In spite of all the justifications I had for buying them, all they are to me are another pair of tennis shoes.
They match the old pair in every function except for ease of slip-on-ability, and function in semi-formal wear.
I am having a hard time committing them to the role of everything shoes.
Another factor contributing to my disease is that this purchase reminds me of when I bought another pair of brand name shoes when I was a budding teenager. I really liked those shoes a lot, and they served me well... but I don't feel like a 14 year old anymore.
Anyway, I am obsessing over my shoes today. I will let you know if I become more positive about them. Otherwise, I just spent a bunch of money that could have been put to use elsewhere.
I was on my way home from Stillwater visiting my mom at fiddle camp, and I pulled off at North Branch to look at a map. (This is after spending 2 hours the night before trying to get from Augsburg to Stillwater, which should really only take 30 minutes, driving my mom's white van with no cruise control and wonky visibility).
The road in North Branch spit me out right by the mall, so I stopped to see if the stores were open, they weren't, but after getting gas for the car and verifying my route home, they were.
I needed new shoes. The blue pair I bought with Rita in Seattle two years ago have never actually fit, and while they serve every practical function, they are worn and old. So I wanted to get a pair of shoes that could match my old pair's versatility.
I paced the aisles multiple times, until I finally settled on a pair of gray Vans with laces. In spite of all the justifications I had for buying them, all they are to me are another pair of tennis shoes.
They match the old pair in every function except for ease of slip-on-ability, and function in semi-formal wear.
I am having a hard time committing them to the role of everything shoes.
Another factor contributing to my disease is that this purchase reminds me of when I bought another pair of brand name shoes when I was a budding teenager. I really liked those shoes a lot, and they served me well... but I don't feel like a 14 year old anymore.
Anyway, I am obsessing over my shoes today. I will let you know if I become more positive about them. Otherwise, I just spent a bunch of money that could have been put to use elsewhere.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Summer
This summer...
I visited my Grandparents, aunts and uncles and cousins in Missouri as soon as I was able to leave Augsburg. My Mom and I stayed a week.
I applied at the North West Company Fur Post to work as an interpreter. I did not get the job, the first rejection in my professional career. It works out though because I am busy enough as it is working for my dad with the pottery, and as Molly Morgan at KBEK.
Later in May, I went down with a bunch of my friends to Paul's family's lake house in Iowa. It was much fun; my muscles were sore for days from tubing and jet skiing. They are going down there again on the Fourth of July I think, but I will not. I have other plans!
Work for my dad has been fun. Visser comes up on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Last week, we fixed up the driveway by trimming all the tree branches away from it, as well as by filling in the pot holes with sand.
I really like being back at the radio station. It's a great job.
I've been spending a lot of time with Sara who is back from college in Superior, and Paul (not Iowa Paul). Last night, we went to see Robinhood in Mora. It was mediocre, but I like swords, horses, and costumes.
The Milaca Marching Band is currently the best in the State. I saw them at their first parade last week, and will see them tomorrow in Milaca! I wish I could be with them!
I visited my Grandparents, aunts and uncles and cousins in Missouri as soon as I was able to leave Augsburg. My Mom and I stayed a week.
I applied at the North West Company Fur Post to work as an interpreter. I did not get the job, the first rejection in my professional career. It works out though because I am busy enough as it is working for my dad with the pottery, and as Molly Morgan at KBEK.
Later in May, I went down with a bunch of my friends to Paul's family's lake house in Iowa. It was much fun; my muscles were sore for days from tubing and jet skiing. They are going down there again on the Fourth of July I think, but I will not. I have other plans!
Work for my dad has been fun. Visser comes up on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Last week, we fixed up the driveway by trimming all the tree branches away from it, as well as by filling in the pot holes with sand.
I really like being back at the radio station. It's a great job.
I've been spending a lot of time with Sara who is back from college in Superior, and Paul (not Iowa Paul). Last night, we went to see Robinhood in Mora. It was mediocre, but I like swords, horses, and costumes.
The Milaca Marching Band is currently the best in the State. I saw them at their first parade last week, and will see them tomorrow in Milaca! I wish I could be with them!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Alert! Alert!
Sorry about the Giant chicken picture. I don't have time to change it back.
I am in the library writing my Crockett paper. I am pretty sure it has no solid argument whatsoever, but I am kind of having a good time writing it. I have two more pages to go.
I still need to write my Women's History Paper that was due today. It is not even started yet, but I think I know where it's going to go? Maybe?
This Morning at 3:15am I awoke to sirens, and, "Alert! Alert! This is an emergency!" We had to go down 13 flights of stairs after jumping out of bed. When we got into the hallway it smelled like burning plastic. I really enjoyed the experience. It was fun seeing everyone in the stairwell, and then gathered outside. Of course it was pretty scary, but I guess I have been desensitized by fire drills. That's probably a good thing. I used the disruption as an excuse to sleep in.
Yesterday, Erica and I filled a pot she got from the free table with dirt, and put 4 little trees in it. We hope that we can grow them into Bonsai trees.
Here's something from Francis Galton that we read in Crockett's class. It is from, "Statistical Inquiries into the Efficacy of Prayer."
"Of a similar kind is the bitter cry of the hare, when the greyhound is almost upon her; she abandons hope through her own efforts, and screams-but to whom? It is a voice convulsively sent out into space, whose utterance is a physical relief."
He then goes on to be sexist... but we don't have to talk about that.
I just really like it because it's a view on prayer that I hadn't encountered before. The hare who never speaks in it's life cries out to something when death is upon them. Even if you refused to believe any superstition your entire life, would you cry out?
I am in the library writing my Crockett paper. I am pretty sure it has no solid argument whatsoever, but I am kind of having a good time writing it. I have two more pages to go.
I still need to write my Women's History Paper that was due today. It is not even started yet, but I think I know where it's going to go? Maybe?
This Morning at 3:15am I awoke to sirens, and, "Alert! Alert! This is an emergency!" We had to go down 13 flights of stairs after jumping out of bed. When we got into the hallway it smelled like burning plastic. I really enjoyed the experience. It was fun seeing everyone in the stairwell, and then gathered outside. Of course it was pretty scary, but I guess I have been desensitized by fire drills. That's probably a good thing. I used the disruption as an excuse to sleep in.
Yesterday, Erica and I filled a pot she got from the free table with dirt, and put 4 little trees in it. We hope that we can grow them into Bonsai trees.
Here's something from Francis Galton that we read in Crockett's class. It is from, "Statistical Inquiries into the Efficacy of Prayer."
"Of a similar kind is the bitter cry of the hare, when the greyhound is almost upon her; she abandons hope through her own efforts, and screams-but to whom? It is a voice convulsively sent out into space, whose utterance is a physical relief."
He then goes on to be sexist... but we don't have to talk about that.
I just really like it because it's a view on prayer that I hadn't encountered before. The hare who never speaks in it's life cries out to something when death is upon them. Even if you refused to believe any superstition your entire life, would you cry out?
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Chauncey Wright
I am following Josh's blog, which makes him happy, and his quick thoughts on indulgent complacency that get me a tinglin' for revolution make me happy in return. Pretty good deal in my opinion.
Today I found a new boyfriend. His name is Chauncey Wright, and he was born in 1830. He was part of the conversations with William James, and Charles Darwin that helped to form the structures of pragmatist thought in America. I must learn more about him.
Jenny and my facilitation went well, and after I played my trumpet and ran on a treadmill to burn off all of my excess energy that I would otherwise be channeling towards unproductive distractions. It feels great. After the gym I ran into Colin in the library and read last week's chapter on CHAUNCEY WRIGHT.
I was going to do taxes, but it's bed time.
Today I found a new boyfriend. His name is Chauncey Wright, and he was born in 1830. He was part of the conversations with William James, and Charles Darwin that helped to form the structures of pragmatist thought in America. I must learn more about him.
Jenny and my facilitation went well, and after I played my trumpet and ran on a treadmill to burn off all of my excess energy that I would otherwise be channeling towards unproductive distractions. It feels great. After the gym I ran into Colin in the library and read last week's chapter on CHAUNCEY WRIGHT.
I was going to do taxes, but it's bed time.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Short Blog
My Blog posts are too long.
It is nearly 2:00am on Monday morning. Jenny and I just finished writing up our facilitation plan for class tonight.
Today after Megan left, I went to bed until 2pm. Erica, Matt and I went shopping for Fabulous Glam outfits, and I didn't get to work until 10pm, even though I had intended to work all day.
I skipped French on Friday to go with Megan to Iowa to Visit Coe. Coe is cool. It's a lot like Augsburg in size and liberal artsiness, but it felt far more like a traditional private school. After my couple days there, I find Augsburg to be more socially aware, more progressive, and simply better.
I really enjoyed my time there though.
After getting back yesterday, Jenny and I went to First Ave. Erica helped to dress me so I wore a black dress, fishnets, yellow go-go boots and a yellow belt. I was so fabulous. I made friends on the light rail.
2 more weeks until this is all done. Ah!
It is nearly 2:00am on Monday morning. Jenny and I just finished writing up our facilitation plan for class tonight.
Today after Megan left, I went to bed until 2pm. Erica, Matt and I went shopping for Fabulous Glam outfits, and I didn't get to work until 10pm, even though I had intended to work all day.
I skipped French on Friday to go with Megan to Iowa to Visit Coe. Coe is cool. It's a lot like Augsburg in size and liberal artsiness, but it felt far more like a traditional private school. After my couple days there, I find Augsburg to be more socially aware, more progressive, and simply better.
I really enjoyed my time there though.
After getting back yesterday, Jenny and I went to First Ave. Erica helped to dress me so I wore a black dress, fishnets, yellow go-go boots and a yellow belt. I was so fabulous. I made friends on the light rail.
2 more weeks until this is all done. Ah!
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Spring Fever
It's definitely kicking in. I'm crazy, and I am pretty sure everyone else is crazy. My hypotheses for why are:
1) Sudden influx of DAYLIGHT has caused our bodies to produce a lot of different chemicals that we aren't used to yet
2) We've been following the same routines for 7 months, with the same people, and now the end is in sight
3) GORGEOUS WEATHER
I don't think we deserve the gorgeous weather. It's going to get spring/summer all worn out by the time it gets here.
Also, with the whole 7 month thing... I can't imagine having a real job where that could easily turn into 7 years.
Anyway, I have been taking drastic measures to combat the craziness.
Mostly in the form of Playgrounds.
After band tour, when band finished, a group of us got together and went to Riverside park to play hot lava tag. That was a couple weeks ago, and it was about that time again. Last week when I went for that walk with Anna, we found a playground on Franklin by the Co-Op. It is a tall playground, with 4 slides, and artificial turf. It isn't very big, but it was a good choice.
I lead the way and Colin, Steve and Magnus came with. It was raining when we left, so by the time we even got there, we were pretty wet and cold, but that only enhanced the experience. We took off our shoes and socks, and ran around getting acquainted with the equipment, and then Steve was the first brave enough to try one of the slides. The slides are already tall and steep, but since it was raining they became super dangerous(awesome). Steve shot down the slide at break neck speed, and crashed on his back at the bottom. He then repeated the process on the other slides.
At first I didn't go that fast because my pants were still dry, but after the first slide, I was so soaked that I too could fly down the slides. At the bottom I would usually land on my feet, but when I took the straight slide, I crashed on my knees and almost knocked some teeth out.
Then we swung for a while, and finally, we played tag. We didn't do hot lava tag because it was too tall. We played like normal until Colin hurt himself and the came dissipated. We also wanted icecream.
The Franklin Freeze Reopened on April First, and we got really excited when we passed it on the way to the park. Colin and I had been there before, but Steve and Magnus hadn't. It was the perfect way to top off more than an hour at the play ground on a fine spring day. I was going to get Cheesecake icecream, but since Colin already decided on that one, I got Maplenut instead. After much deliberation Steve got Orange, and Magnus got Chocolate.
This is important because on the way out we decided that a good way to try all the flavors would be to go one by one all around the poster. That way it would be easier to keep track. Since we all started together, we all have to start on the flavors we chose and work our way around. We will eventually overlap with eachother, and be able to compare and discuss, and never again will we have to go through the difficult process of deciding which flavor to get.
Ah.
When we got back I had to get ready to be picked up for Ali's birthday party. Alan picked me up at 4:30, and we went to Stella's Fish Cafe for Happy Hour before dinner. Then we met up with more people at Benihana's for dinner. I had never been there before, and it was nice. I don't think I would really want to go there again though. Afterward, we returned to Ali and Mitch's and ate cake.
NOW, It's Saturday morning. In half an hour, I am going to go to the music building to practice the Easter Music I need to play with Kelly tomorrow. She is picking me up at noon, and we are going to the easter service rehearsal. The main easter piece has 4 sharps, and I am pretty scared. I hope it sounds good when the two of us play it. I haven't practiced the hymns either, because they seemed easy. Let's hope that I was not decieved!
When I get back to campus, I will have some down time, and at 6, Robin from my Latin American History class last fall, and the trip to Nicaragua is going to pick me up. We are going to go out for coffee, and then go to Orchestra Hall to see GILBERTO GIL! We read a whole book about him and the Tropicalia movement in class, so this is bound to be great. I am really excited.
1) Sudden influx of DAYLIGHT has caused our bodies to produce a lot of different chemicals that we aren't used to yet
2) We've been following the same routines for 7 months, with the same people, and now the end is in sight
3) GORGEOUS WEATHER
I don't think we deserve the gorgeous weather. It's going to get spring/summer all worn out by the time it gets here.
Also, with the whole 7 month thing... I can't imagine having a real job where that could easily turn into 7 years.
Anyway, I have been taking drastic measures to combat the craziness.
Mostly in the form of Playgrounds.
After band tour, when band finished, a group of us got together and went to Riverside park to play hot lava tag. That was a couple weeks ago, and it was about that time again. Last week when I went for that walk with Anna, we found a playground on Franklin by the Co-Op. It is a tall playground, with 4 slides, and artificial turf. It isn't very big, but it was a good choice.
I lead the way and Colin, Steve and Magnus came with. It was raining when we left, so by the time we even got there, we were pretty wet and cold, but that only enhanced the experience. We took off our shoes and socks, and ran around getting acquainted with the equipment, and then Steve was the first brave enough to try one of the slides. The slides are already tall and steep, but since it was raining they became super dangerous(awesome). Steve shot down the slide at break neck speed, and crashed on his back at the bottom. He then repeated the process on the other slides.
At first I didn't go that fast because my pants were still dry, but after the first slide, I was so soaked that I too could fly down the slides. At the bottom I would usually land on my feet, but when I took the straight slide, I crashed on my knees and almost knocked some teeth out.
Then we swung for a while, and finally, we played tag. We didn't do hot lava tag because it was too tall. We played like normal until Colin hurt himself and the came dissipated. We also wanted icecream.
The Franklin Freeze Reopened on April First, and we got really excited when we passed it on the way to the park. Colin and I had been there before, but Steve and Magnus hadn't. It was the perfect way to top off more than an hour at the play ground on a fine spring day. I was going to get Cheesecake icecream, but since Colin already decided on that one, I got Maplenut instead. After much deliberation Steve got Orange, and Magnus got Chocolate.
This is important because on the way out we decided that a good way to try all the flavors would be to go one by one all around the poster. That way it would be easier to keep track. Since we all started together, we all have to start on the flavors we chose and work our way around. We will eventually overlap with eachother, and be able to compare and discuss, and never again will we have to go through the difficult process of deciding which flavor to get.
Ah.
When we got back I had to get ready to be picked up for Ali's birthday party. Alan picked me up at 4:30, and we went to Stella's Fish Cafe for Happy Hour before dinner. Then we met up with more people at Benihana's for dinner. I had never been there before, and it was nice. I don't think I would really want to go there again though. Afterward, we returned to Ali and Mitch's and ate cake.
NOW, It's Saturday morning. In half an hour, I am going to go to the music building to practice the Easter Music I need to play with Kelly tomorrow. She is picking me up at noon, and we are going to the easter service rehearsal. The main easter piece has 4 sharps, and I am pretty scared. I hope it sounds good when the two of us play it. I haven't practiced the hymns either, because they seemed easy. Let's hope that I was not decieved!
When I get back to campus, I will have some down time, and at 6, Robin from my Latin American History class last fall, and the trip to Nicaragua is going to pick me up. We are going to go out for coffee, and then go to Orchestra Hall to see GILBERTO GIL! We read a whole book about him and the Tropicalia movement in class, so this is bound to be great. I am really excited.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Weekend in Review
Another weekend down.
This one was good. I worked pretty hard all week, and even did all the readings for deVries' class, AND practiced my trumpet.
My weekend started Thursday night when I went for a walk with Lizzie who I started getting to know on band tour. After our walk I went with her to Urness to hang out with some of her friends. We played Skip-bo. It was fun. It was also very very strange being in Urness. For nostalgia's sake I went down to the first floor and walked the hallway towards 103. SO MANY FLASHBACKS! Then I went down the stairs that I knew so well... I can't believe that was only a year ago.
Then on Friday I had a hard time getting out of bed, but I went to class, and right afterward I went to Uptown to visit Codey. Our plan was to go to a special coffee shop to get Kopi Luwak, which is a drink made from coffee beans that have traveled through the digestive track of a monkey.
Monkey poop coffee.
That didn't end up happening though because Visser didn't get there until after 6, and I was supposed to leave at 6 to make it to Jenny's birthday party. We watched 2 episodes of Ugly Betty, some bad Cartoon Network show, and then started watching "Cannibles the Musical." When Visser arrived, we dyed Codey's hair, and I tried to dye a piece of mine, but it didn't really work.
Then I got back to Augsburg and went to Jenny's room. The cake was already finished, and since Ben is from Cedar Falls, we watched the HUGE, Important Basketball game between Cedar Falls and Michigan State. Michigan won, but it was an intense game, and we were all cheering by the end. When the game finished, everyone went to the Rave at the Film studio, and I went back to my room.
Saturday was Jenny's actual birthday, so after eating brunch, Jenny, Ben, Caleb and I went to North East Minneapolis to explore. It is really cool there. We went to the Holy Land, and a couple thrift stores, and then for lunch we went to a place called Thai Noodle, where we ate delicious rice, and talked with our awesome waitress.
After lunch we went to Target and a party store, and then it was nap time. My two hour nap turned into a three and a half hour nap... but I eventually made it to Jenny's Birthday party. We played cards, listened to music, and went for a walk. In the end we all watched Repo the Genetic Opera and fell asleep. Good night!
Today was also fun filled. I went with Colin and Magnus to the Minneapolis Institute of Art because Colin had to do a worksheet for class. This time we got to spend a lot more time on the third floor, and I enjoyed it. My favorites were the Charles M. Russell paintings and his brass sculpture. Maybe that has to do with my current American West kick. I also found "Still Life With Pheasant and Plovers" By Monet, and spent some good time staring at Van Gogh's Olive Trees.
Yum.
As soon as I got back from that trip, I connected with Anna and we went for a walk down Franklin, and back around down by the river. We played on a play ground and talked about all kinds of things.
Exhausted from the walk, I took a nap until Erica came home, and then I came to the Honor's suite to do homework. Now I am going to bed.
This one was good. I worked pretty hard all week, and even did all the readings for deVries' class, AND practiced my trumpet.
My weekend started Thursday night when I went for a walk with Lizzie who I started getting to know on band tour. After our walk I went with her to Urness to hang out with some of her friends. We played Skip-bo. It was fun. It was also very very strange being in Urness. For nostalgia's sake I went down to the first floor and walked the hallway towards 103. SO MANY FLASHBACKS! Then I went down the stairs that I knew so well... I can't believe that was only a year ago.
Then on Friday I had a hard time getting out of bed, but I went to class, and right afterward I went to Uptown to visit Codey. Our plan was to go to a special coffee shop to get Kopi Luwak, which is a drink made from coffee beans that have traveled through the digestive track of a monkey.
Monkey poop coffee.
That didn't end up happening though because Visser didn't get there until after 6, and I was supposed to leave at 6 to make it to Jenny's birthday party. We watched 2 episodes of Ugly Betty, some bad Cartoon Network show, and then started watching "Cannibles the Musical." When Visser arrived, we dyed Codey's hair, and I tried to dye a piece of mine, but it didn't really work.
Then I got back to Augsburg and went to Jenny's room. The cake was already finished, and since Ben is from Cedar Falls, we watched the HUGE, Important Basketball game between Cedar Falls and Michigan State. Michigan won, but it was an intense game, and we were all cheering by the end. When the game finished, everyone went to the Rave at the Film studio, and I went back to my room.
Saturday was Jenny's actual birthday, so after eating brunch, Jenny, Ben, Caleb and I went to North East Minneapolis to explore. It is really cool there. We went to the Holy Land, and a couple thrift stores, and then for lunch we went to a place called Thai Noodle, where we ate delicious rice, and talked with our awesome waitress.
After lunch we went to Target and a party store, and then it was nap time. My two hour nap turned into a three and a half hour nap... but I eventually made it to Jenny's Birthday party. We played cards, listened to music, and went for a walk. In the end we all watched Repo the Genetic Opera and fell asleep. Good night!
Today was also fun filled. I went with Colin and Magnus to the Minneapolis Institute of Art because Colin had to do a worksheet for class. This time we got to spend a lot more time on the third floor, and I enjoyed it. My favorites were the Charles M. Russell paintings and his brass sculpture. Maybe that has to do with my current American West kick. I also found "Still Life With Pheasant and Plovers" By Monet, and spent some good time staring at Van Gogh's Olive Trees.
Yum.
As soon as I got back from that trip, I connected with Anna and we went for a walk down Franklin, and back around down by the river. We played on a play ground and talked about all kinds of things.
Exhausted from the walk, I took a nap until Erica came home, and then I came to the Honor's suite to do homework. Now I am going to bed.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Big Sky, Big Adventure!!!
I don't want to just blog when BIG things happen.
Yesterday Alan reprimanded my lax blogging habits, and today I got an email from Ali warning us of the shame we will face.
Spring Break was AWESOME.
The band went to Montana and back. A senior Oboe player, Kirsten, is from Montana, so we went to her home town. The trip followed basic patterns, wake up too early, get on a bus, play a concert or two or three, get on a bus, arrive at hotel, revel, go to sleep too late, repeat.
The first night I was pouting for lack of a good travel buddy, so I embarked on my own to explore Bismarck, North Dakota. When I had my fill, I started walking back, and I saw a fellow trumpet player who was also wandering alone, so I joined him and we explored even more!
When the band went to Romania last spring, my travel buddy and I would take off exploring even if we only had 10 minutes to call time. My buddy not being as enthusiastic this time through, I was left alone. Marrta also wasn't very enthusiastic. I had to take things into my own hands.
One of my biggest anxieties this year has been self confidence, and being able to hang out with the "cool kids." I don't need cool kids. I am a cool kid.
Red Lodge, one of the last towns we stopped at, was my favorite. We got there early in the afternoon, and had the rest of the day to ourselves! There were mountains, rivers, forests and sunshine. As soon as we got there, I packed my back pack with a sketchbook, camera, and journal, and some other things in case I needed them, and set out. On my way, I saw Steve. He asked what I was up to, and he came with.
We adventured until we found other people, joined for a while, and then embarked with fake Steve. We met a Poodle, and then we climbed a ridge to the North of town, where we found a van. We also found a play ground. When I got back, I was tired and ready for rest, but another group was heading out for a walk, and I joined them too! And when THAT group got back, another one went for a hike up the other ridge, and I joined. This time it was me, Erika, Fake Steve, Reed and Marty, and we climbed up the steepest way. There is still dirt in my shoes and scrapes on my knees.
At the top we saw a herd of 16 deer and an awesome springer-like dog named Alice introduced herself. Alice showed us the way down the ridge, and followed us part of the way back to the hotel until she found some of her friends.
By then it was dark, but that meant time to go out to see the stars! So another group got together and found a back road to lay on and see what stars look like in Big Sky Country. Very satisfying.
In the end, what I learned is that I don't always have to be the one asking if I can come along. In fact, it's almost more fun to BE asked.
Yay!
Every night on tour was a blast, and the very last I found a statue of a Rabbit with a saddle on it, which has always been a dream of mine.
Now I am back at Augsburg with a new take on life. I mean that. When I see band people who I might have just nodded to before, or casually taken out my cell phone, I say hello, I shake hands, I talk, I hug! I LOVE BAND.
It's not cool to love band, but I don't care.
I am feeling good about myself, and I am ready for the LAST month of Sophomore year. I can't believe it's here already.
Yesterday Alan reprimanded my lax blogging habits, and today I got an email from Ali warning us of the shame we will face.
Spring Break was AWESOME.
The band went to Montana and back. A senior Oboe player, Kirsten, is from Montana, so we went to her home town. The trip followed basic patterns, wake up too early, get on a bus, play a concert or two or three, get on a bus, arrive at hotel, revel, go to sleep too late, repeat.
The first night I was pouting for lack of a good travel buddy, so I embarked on my own to explore Bismarck, North Dakota. When I had my fill, I started walking back, and I saw a fellow trumpet player who was also wandering alone, so I joined him and we explored even more!
When the band went to Romania last spring, my travel buddy and I would take off exploring even if we only had 10 minutes to call time. My buddy not being as enthusiastic this time through, I was left alone. Marrta also wasn't very enthusiastic. I had to take things into my own hands.
One of my biggest anxieties this year has been self confidence, and being able to hang out with the "cool kids." I don't need cool kids. I am a cool kid.
Red Lodge, one of the last towns we stopped at, was my favorite. We got there early in the afternoon, and had the rest of the day to ourselves! There were mountains, rivers, forests and sunshine. As soon as we got there, I packed my back pack with a sketchbook, camera, and journal, and some other things in case I needed them, and set out. On my way, I saw Steve. He asked what I was up to, and he came with.
We adventured until we found other people, joined for a while, and then embarked with fake Steve. We met a Poodle, and then we climbed a ridge to the North of town, where we found a van. We also found a play ground. When I got back, I was tired and ready for rest, but another group was heading out for a walk, and I joined them too! And when THAT group got back, another one went for a hike up the other ridge, and I joined. This time it was me, Erika, Fake Steve, Reed and Marty, and we climbed up the steepest way. There is still dirt in my shoes and scrapes on my knees.
At the top we saw a herd of 16 deer and an awesome springer-like dog named Alice introduced herself. Alice showed us the way down the ridge, and followed us part of the way back to the hotel until she found some of her friends.
By then it was dark, but that meant time to go out to see the stars! So another group got together and found a back road to lay on and see what stars look like in Big Sky Country. Very satisfying.
In the end, what I learned is that I don't always have to be the one asking if I can come along. In fact, it's almost more fun to BE asked.
Yay!
Every night on tour was a blast, and the very last I found a statue of a Rabbit with a saddle on it, which has always been a dream of mine.
Now I am back at Augsburg with a new take on life. I mean that. When I see band people who I might have just nodded to before, or casually taken out my cell phone, I say hello, I shake hands, I talk, I hug! I LOVE BAND.
It's not cool to love band, but I don't care.
I am feeling good about myself, and I am ready for the LAST month of Sophomore year. I can't believe it's here already.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
My weekend in Michigan
I am regaining my foot hold at Augsburg after a long, and life changing weekend.
At 9:00am Last wednesday, as I walked to the CCHP to discuss my obsessive compulsive tendencies, I got a text message from my Aunt Faye saying that Grandma was gone to glory at 8:20 that morning. I knew that this was coming, so it did not come as a shock, but it was still sad. THat's what I talked about with my counselor, and then I packed my bag. I skipped everything but band that day. At first I was going to go home to Ogilvie while plans were made, but since the plane was going to leave early Thursday morning, I just hung out here. I had my back pack packed for adventure, and I could have gone anywhere, just like Visser and I talked about, but instead I treated myself to a Athena pizza at Luce a "small" brownie sundae and two cherry cokes.
Thursday at 6:00am, my mom and my dad picked me up at Augsburg, and we drove to the airport. I've done lots of flying in the last couple years, but not with my dad, so it was really great to share that experience with him. The flight went smoothly, and arrived safely in Michigan later that morning.
At that point, the Cramtons minus Nathan were already there, and the next to come in was Uncle Rob. He lost his cell phone and ended up renting a car. John and I drove to the Airport and bonded over Country music and college, and picked up a very cold Nathan. I volunteered to give Martin my cell phone number so I would be the contact when he landed. When he came, Rob, Nathan and I went to get him.
I was terrified of Martin. The last time I saw him was when I was 5, and since then, I had only seen very solemn pictures.
The next day was the funeral. We had to be there at 11 for the viewing, and the service itself wasn't until 7. Luckily, there was an Airport run in between to pick up Rita. Rita is my 13 year older sister. I love her.
From there, it was a great day of hanging out with the whole family. Tim and Nancy drove in, and it was good to see them. Not to mention all of the other friends that showed up.
Claire and I are really close, and usually when I visit I hang out with her, but she and John left on a mission trip Saturday morning, and that left me with Nathan (23), Martin (31) and Rita (32). We became the cool cousins. I can't describe all the fun that we had, but it was amazing. Last summer I wrote Nathan a couple letters, and it was strange to see him in real life, but we were able to connect. Martin is a witty fellow and it was fun to hang out with him. My brain is still running in Martin mode, I like it.
AHHH!
And then we left....
Now I am back, and trying to figure out relationships, and attitudes. ... life plans... whatever. I am worrying too much. Yesterday wasn't fun. My only class in the day time was French, and the teacher was a JERK. Even though I emailed him my circumstances, and he replied, when I asked if there was an exam, he shot back, "What do you think?" Yes? "Yes there is!" I was gone the last three days, leave me alone. "Why were you gone the last three days?" I emailed you. "What did it say?"
I wish I had the ovaries to stand up and stick it to him, but instead I muttered quietly and left. Should I not come back? "NO, don't come back." I wish that meant forever.
I am going to go to lunch now, but it's going to be crowded and I am not going to like it.
At 9:00am Last wednesday, as I walked to the CCHP to discuss my obsessive compulsive tendencies, I got a text message from my Aunt Faye saying that Grandma was gone to glory at 8:20 that morning. I knew that this was coming, so it did not come as a shock, but it was still sad. THat's what I talked about with my counselor, and then I packed my bag. I skipped everything but band that day. At first I was going to go home to Ogilvie while plans were made, but since the plane was going to leave early Thursday morning, I just hung out here. I had my back pack packed for adventure, and I could have gone anywhere, just like Visser and I talked about, but instead I treated myself to a Athena pizza at Luce a "small" brownie sundae and two cherry cokes.
Thursday at 6:00am, my mom and my dad picked me up at Augsburg, and we drove to the airport. I've done lots of flying in the last couple years, but not with my dad, so it was really great to share that experience with him. The flight went smoothly, and arrived safely in Michigan later that morning.
At that point, the Cramtons minus Nathan were already there, and the next to come in was Uncle Rob. He lost his cell phone and ended up renting a car. John and I drove to the Airport and bonded over Country music and college, and picked up a very cold Nathan. I volunteered to give Martin my cell phone number so I would be the contact when he landed. When he came, Rob, Nathan and I went to get him.
I was terrified of Martin. The last time I saw him was when I was 5, and since then, I had only seen very solemn pictures.
The next day was the funeral. We had to be there at 11 for the viewing, and the service itself wasn't until 7. Luckily, there was an Airport run in between to pick up Rita. Rita is my 13 year older sister. I love her.
From there, it was a great day of hanging out with the whole family. Tim and Nancy drove in, and it was good to see them. Not to mention all of the other friends that showed up.
Claire and I are really close, and usually when I visit I hang out with her, but she and John left on a mission trip Saturday morning, and that left me with Nathan (23), Martin (31) and Rita (32). We became the cool cousins. I can't describe all the fun that we had, but it was amazing. Last summer I wrote Nathan a couple letters, and it was strange to see him in real life, but we were able to connect. Martin is a witty fellow and it was fun to hang out with him. My brain is still running in Martin mode, I like it.
AHHH!
And then we left....
Now I am back, and trying to figure out relationships, and attitudes. ... life plans... whatever. I am worrying too much. Yesterday wasn't fun. My only class in the day time was French, and the teacher was a JERK. Even though I emailed him my circumstances, and he replied, when I asked if there was an exam, he shot back, "What do you think?" Yes? "Yes there is!" I was gone the last three days, leave me alone. "Why were you gone the last three days?" I emailed you. "What did it say?"
I wish I had the ovaries to stand up and stick it to him, but instead I muttered quietly and left. Should I not come back? "NO, don't come back." I wish that meant forever.
I am going to go to lunch now, but it's going to be crowded and I am not going to like it.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
February...
Today is Sunday.
I have been in the Honor's Suite since 11am working on reading for Feminist Theory, and still have two articles to read. I want to have my reading done for Religion by tonight too. I can't believe that tomorrow is already Monday.
This weekend was Scholarship Weekend. Students from all over came on Friday afternoon to visit Augsburg and to compete for scholarships. I helped as tour guide, and later I went to the "Big Show" featuring Bob Groven. The Big Show was a spoof off of Conan O'Brian, and was over all pretty funny, in spite of some questionable humor.
After that I was pretty lost. I did not get a prospective student to host this year, and that made me feel sad, so Erica and Alex shared. We stayed up until the wee hour of 12:15am watching a killer curling match between Canada and Denmark. It went into "overtime" (or whatever the curling equivalent is) and Canada placed their last rock dead center. It was awesome. Far more fun than more common sports...
That reminds me of a personal revelation I had recently about my musical tastes... (It makes sense because it ties into how I appreciate sports...) Last Thursday, Colin and I went over to Steve's apartment to hang out and listen to music. Listening to music with people is a challenge for me because I am in constant fear of being asked, "What do you want to listen to next?" AAAAH! Only this time, I actually suggested Big D and the Kids Table, the album I listened to with Steve a while ago and really liked. It was empowering. I know that Steve likes it, but I don't know how Colin really feels about ska, but you know, I listen to SO much music that I don't necessarily like while with others that it really felt good! *Deep Breath.
After that we watched a movie of questionable taste, and departed. My weekends are on Thursday and Friday. Real weekends are too busy.
Last weekend I went on a Library date with Visser at Central Library. We went on a few last spring, and it provides a nice excuse to hang out under the pretense of getting things done. Which I did. After studying, Visser showed me Potbellies, and we plotted our future adventures across the country.
Last weekend was also Trivia and Valentine's Day. Good to know.
Tuesday is a Gospel Praise Concert with Zeitgeist. We are going to play some WEIRD music.
Life is going well as we plod through February. I think I have been suffering a little from the winter blues, and many of my friends have expressed similar feelings. I love snow, I love the cold, and I love winter, but each day like today, when the sun is out, and the snow melts in streams, and exposes the muddy yellow grass, I get really happy... Too bad we still have to get through March.
Luckily, March will bring band tour, and its dependable lamb-like departure.
My last blog about the Rainforest Action Network elicited SEVEN comments. I so far haven't done any follow up, but I still plan on becoming involved at least a little bit next year.
I have been in the Honor's Suite since 11am working on reading for Feminist Theory, and still have two articles to read. I want to have my reading done for Religion by tonight too. I can't believe that tomorrow is already Monday.
This weekend was Scholarship Weekend. Students from all over came on Friday afternoon to visit Augsburg and to compete for scholarships. I helped as tour guide, and later I went to the "Big Show" featuring Bob Groven. The Big Show was a spoof off of Conan O'Brian, and was over all pretty funny, in spite of some questionable humor.
After that I was pretty lost. I did not get a prospective student to host this year, and that made me feel sad, so Erica and Alex shared. We stayed up until the wee hour of 12:15am watching a killer curling match between Canada and Denmark. It went into "overtime" (or whatever the curling equivalent is) and Canada placed their last rock dead center. It was awesome. Far more fun than more common sports...
That reminds me of a personal revelation I had recently about my musical tastes... (It makes sense because it ties into how I appreciate sports...) Last Thursday, Colin and I went over to Steve's apartment to hang out and listen to music. Listening to music with people is a challenge for me because I am in constant fear of being asked, "What do you want to listen to next?" AAAAH! Only this time, I actually suggested Big D and the Kids Table, the album I listened to with Steve a while ago and really liked. It was empowering. I know that Steve likes it, but I don't know how Colin really feels about ska, but you know, I listen to SO much music that I don't necessarily like while with others that it really felt good! *Deep Breath.
After that we watched a movie of questionable taste, and departed. My weekends are on Thursday and Friday. Real weekends are too busy.
Last weekend I went on a Library date with Visser at Central Library. We went on a few last spring, and it provides a nice excuse to hang out under the pretense of getting things done. Which I did. After studying, Visser showed me Potbellies, and we plotted our future adventures across the country.
Last weekend was also Trivia and Valentine's Day. Good to know.
Tuesday is a Gospel Praise Concert with Zeitgeist. We are going to play some WEIRD music.
Life is going well as we plod through February. I think I have been suffering a little from the winter blues, and many of my friends have expressed similar feelings. I love snow, I love the cold, and I love winter, but each day like today, when the sun is out, and the snow melts in streams, and exposes the muddy yellow grass, I get really happy... Too bad we still have to get through March.
Luckily, March will bring band tour, and its dependable lamb-like departure.
My last blog about the Rainforest Action Network elicited SEVEN comments. I so far haven't done any follow up, but I still plan on becoming involved at least a little bit next year.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Rainforest Action
I tried to make a quick post yesterday, but for some reason the library computer I was on wouldn't let me get on to google.
Maybe google was down.
Anyway, what inspired me yesterday was my progress on my Nicaragua final project.
I am hoping to become involved with the Rainforest Action Network in fighting against local corporations who take part in massive levels of deforestation, which not only contributes to climate change, but threatens indigenous rights.
I emailed a friend about help with organization, and then I emailed the RAN leader from right here in Minneapolis. She hasn't replied yet, but I feel empowered regardless. Depending on the suggestions she might have, I am thinking about hosting an event on campus to raise awareness about this issue, and the local perpetrators. I have never done anything like this before, and if it happens, it could be life altering.
Maybe google was down.
Anyway, what inspired me yesterday was my progress on my Nicaragua final project.
I am hoping to become involved with the Rainforest Action Network in fighting against local corporations who take part in massive levels of deforestation, which not only contributes to climate change, but threatens indigenous rights.
I emailed a friend about help with organization, and then I emailed the RAN leader from right here in Minneapolis. She hasn't replied yet, but I feel empowered regardless. Depending on the suggestions she might have, I am thinking about hosting an event on campus to raise awareness about this issue, and the local perpetrators. I have never done anything like this before, and if it happens, it could be life altering.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Winter Break in Review
In theory, there should be a lot in this post.
I started my winter break by going to St. Cloud with Colin after he got back. We hung out with his moms, drank egg nog and went to a variety show at his Uncle's theater. Then I went home to Ogilvie. I only stayed home for a couple days, and it was nice. I helped my dad clean the shop, had a sleepover with Sara and Nicole, and went to the neighbor's for a delicious Solstice dinner. I forgot what it was, but it was delicious.
I came back to the cities the day before Christmas Eve because the blizzard threatened to make travelling difficult. That night Aunt Beth picked me up and took me to her house to get reoriented and to get final dogsitting instructions. My Christmas holiday was a pretty good one. The first day Petie and Axel (the two Leonbergers) pouted and wouldn't leave their beds, but on Christmas I took them for a walk by Cedar Lake, and I became their best friend. I did a lot of reading, movie watching, facebook checking and string cheese eating. It really was a great time. When Beth and Louisa got home I got a ride back to Augsburg where I set to finishing my move in. I had already set up my book shelf, but I made it even better, and started hanging things up. Erica said I filled in nicely, and that makes me happy. The room really looks nice, and I am proud of my bookshelf corner. It feels really comfortable and like this is my room. I still need a desk, or something to get rid of a really disasterous corner in the bedroom.
I spent a few wonderful days in the room by myself, and on New Year's Eve I joined up with Ali, Mitch and the gang for celebrations. As recounted in Ali's blog, we went out to eat, and then went back to Tony and Brian's. I had a really good time playing pictionary and Trivial Pursuit, and just hanging out with them. They are cool people and I am glad that they included me. :)
On New Year's Day I rode the bus to Beth and Louisa's and attended their party. It mostly consisted of coworkers, relatives and friends of Beth and Louisa. I am in the awkward inbetween stage, where I am not quite old enough to shmooze with the adults, but I feel out of place with the kids too. Regardless, I had a great time, met some cool people, and in the end Beth's Cousin gave me a ride home. On the way out I saw my Trumpet teacher too, and that was interesting.
THEN...
On the second, we had our pre-departure class, and on the third 13 students, and 3 professors boarded the plane for Nicaragua. The trip should be a blog on its own, and I don't want to go over every detail here, but I will say that we had an amazing experience together. We stayed at Augsburg's Center for Global Education in Managua (the program that a bunch of other schools go through!) and our hosts there set up all kinds of outings, and meetings with Nicaraguans to learn first hand about the issues facing the country, particularly the poor and women. We visited a cooperative and a hospital in Sandino City (the poorest city in Nicaragua), the United States Embassy, and a women owned organic coffee cooperative up in the mountains near Esteli. Many other speakers came to the center, and on the last day we swam in a volcanic lake (where I met a Tom Robbins fan from California) and then went to Grenada (William Walker's head quarters).
I really enjoyed every bit of it, and the people I shared it with are some of the best I'll probably ever meet. Before going we learned about Paolo Freire's concept of experiential learning, and how learning must be incorporated in a circle that includes reflection and action. We also learned about being not only students, but teachers as well, and THAT was an amazing concept. Everyone on the trip brought their own knowledge, experiences and ways of looking at the world, and we all were able to share that with one another creating a "classroom" like nothing else. History Professor Michael Lansing lead the course, but Professors Mohammad Salom and Joe Underhill went along as well. We all dove in together as studenteachers and it was great.
I just got home last night after travelling all day. Erica got home from Paris a couple days ago, so I spent my first time in the apartment with her. Alex came over having just returned from Washington, then Erica's boyfriend Matt, Steve and Mary from the floor, and Colin came over too. We stayed up talking until midnight. Colin left to get sleep before an early morning flight to New Orleans, and then everyone dispersed. I went to bed and absorbed everything I could about the day, about my new room, and about everything that is going to happen this semester.
Classes started today. I initially had some stress regarding my ability to buy books, but once that was smoothed over a bit, I went to French and then ate lunch with Jenny and a bunch of other cool people. I am feeling good now, though I am still adjusting to having everyone back. It's hard to believe that by the time this semester is finished, there will be crocuses sprouting, and I will be halfway through my undergraduate career!
I started my winter break by going to St. Cloud with Colin after he got back. We hung out with his moms, drank egg nog and went to a variety show at his Uncle's theater. Then I went home to Ogilvie. I only stayed home for a couple days, and it was nice. I helped my dad clean the shop, had a sleepover with Sara and Nicole, and went to the neighbor's for a delicious Solstice dinner. I forgot what it was, but it was delicious.
I came back to the cities the day before Christmas Eve because the blizzard threatened to make travelling difficult. That night Aunt Beth picked me up and took me to her house to get reoriented and to get final dogsitting instructions. My Christmas holiday was a pretty good one. The first day Petie and Axel (the two Leonbergers) pouted and wouldn't leave their beds, but on Christmas I took them for a walk by Cedar Lake, and I became their best friend. I did a lot of reading, movie watching, facebook checking and string cheese eating. It really was a great time. When Beth and Louisa got home I got a ride back to Augsburg where I set to finishing my move in. I had already set up my book shelf, but I made it even better, and started hanging things up. Erica said I filled in nicely, and that makes me happy. The room really looks nice, and I am proud of my bookshelf corner. It feels really comfortable and like this is my room. I still need a desk, or something to get rid of a really disasterous corner in the bedroom.
I spent a few wonderful days in the room by myself, and on New Year's Eve I joined up with Ali, Mitch and the gang for celebrations. As recounted in Ali's blog, we went out to eat, and then went back to Tony and Brian's. I had a really good time playing pictionary and Trivial Pursuit, and just hanging out with them. They are cool people and I am glad that they included me. :)
On New Year's Day I rode the bus to Beth and Louisa's and attended their party. It mostly consisted of coworkers, relatives and friends of Beth and Louisa. I am in the awkward inbetween stage, where I am not quite old enough to shmooze with the adults, but I feel out of place with the kids too. Regardless, I had a great time, met some cool people, and in the end Beth's Cousin gave me a ride home. On the way out I saw my Trumpet teacher too, and that was interesting.
THEN...
On the second, we had our pre-departure class, and on the third 13 students, and 3 professors boarded the plane for Nicaragua. The trip should be a blog on its own, and I don't want to go over every detail here, but I will say that we had an amazing experience together. We stayed at Augsburg's Center for Global Education in Managua (the program that a bunch of other schools go through!) and our hosts there set up all kinds of outings, and meetings with Nicaraguans to learn first hand about the issues facing the country, particularly the poor and women. We visited a cooperative and a hospital in Sandino City (the poorest city in Nicaragua), the United States Embassy, and a women owned organic coffee cooperative up in the mountains near Esteli. Many other speakers came to the center, and on the last day we swam in a volcanic lake (where I met a Tom Robbins fan from California) and then went to Grenada (William Walker's head quarters).
I really enjoyed every bit of it, and the people I shared it with are some of the best I'll probably ever meet. Before going we learned about Paolo Freire's concept of experiential learning, and how learning must be incorporated in a circle that includes reflection and action. We also learned about being not only students, but teachers as well, and THAT was an amazing concept. Everyone on the trip brought their own knowledge, experiences and ways of looking at the world, and we all were able to share that with one another creating a "classroom" like nothing else. History Professor Michael Lansing lead the course, but Professors Mohammad Salom and Joe Underhill went along as well. We all dove in together as studenteachers and it was great.
I just got home last night after travelling all day. Erica got home from Paris a couple days ago, so I spent my first time in the apartment with her. Alex came over having just returned from Washington, then Erica's boyfriend Matt, Steve and Mary from the floor, and Colin came over too. We stayed up talking until midnight. Colin left to get sleep before an early morning flight to New Orleans, and then everyone dispersed. I went to bed and absorbed everything I could about the day, about my new room, and about everything that is going to happen this semester.
Classes started today. I initially had some stress regarding my ability to buy books, but once that was smoothed over a bit, I went to French and then ate lunch with Jenny and a bunch of other cool people. I am feeling good now, though I am still adjusting to having everyone back. It's hard to believe that by the time this semester is finished, there will be crocuses sprouting, and I will be halfway through my undergraduate career!
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