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.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
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!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
The Power of Beethoven
Wednesday was longer than usual today.
I made it through being not nearly as productive as yesterday, but it still has left me feeling ugh.
SO, I said NO to homework and instead wrote a letter, and am now listening to "Ludwig Van Beethoven Superhits."
This was the first CD I ever owned. My mom bought it for me and I listened non-stop. I even recorded the Morris family answering machine greeting over "Ode to Joy."
Once when I was in elementary school, I wanted to prove to my friend Dylan that classical music is not boring. I even tried to be sly and said, "Why don't you like classical music?" Hoping he'd say that it was boring, which he did, and then I played Turkish March from the Ruins of Athens on by great big pink boom box, "Can you say THIS is boring?" ... He didn't appreciate it...
Ode to Joy just played, and it still gives me goosebumps.
No matter what kind of mood I am in, Beethoven always manages to bring me up a couple notches.
... I wonder if I could get Bob to let us play the Ruins of Athens... Hmmm... That and Valdres and I would be forever contented.
I guess that's all I have to say about that.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwxZoq8xuHA
I made it through being not nearly as productive as yesterday, but it still has left me feeling ugh.
SO, I said NO to homework and instead wrote a letter, and am now listening to "Ludwig Van Beethoven Superhits."
This was the first CD I ever owned. My mom bought it for me and I listened non-stop. I even recorded the Morris family answering machine greeting over "Ode to Joy."
Once when I was in elementary school, I wanted to prove to my friend Dylan that classical music is not boring. I even tried to be sly and said, "Why don't you like classical music?" Hoping he'd say that it was boring, which he did, and then I played Turkish March from the Ruins of Athens on by great big pink boom box, "Can you say THIS is boring?" ... He didn't appreciate it...
Ode to Joy just played, and it still gives me goosebumps.
No matter what kind of mood I am in, Beethoven always manages to bring me up a couple notches.
... I wonder if I could get Bob to let us play the Ruins of Athens... Hmmm... That and Valdres and I would be forever contented.
I guess that's all I have to say about that.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwxZoq8xuHA
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
One of the longest Tuesdays ever... and no classes!
As if I have time to sit down and blog.
What has happened is that I opened my computer to "clean up" (and eventually rewrite) my History paper, but it's easy to be distracted when you have a computer open...
I want to say that I have plunged into chaos, yet for some reason, in spite of my impending doom, I am not freaking out, and I don't even feel inspired enough to whine about how stressed I am.
Today I:
Woke up early and used the light box on the third floor to combat this icky darkness while reading Latin American History text, and "Inside the Cuban Revolution" (Yum). Then I Skyped with Colin, and even though the conversation wasn't that long, that wedge of time turned into at least 3 hours. That included lunch with Kathleen though.
While sitting on the couch reading, I had a shocking realization: I can't be in Vespers because not only do I have class on Thursday during rehearsal, I have class on Friday! At this time I did feel a little bit of doom, especially since I had already been finagling with Doug to get out of History on Thursday (even though I have my presentation and didn't want to). I pushed the Doom aside and met with Professor Lansing about the Chrislock Grant.
I REALLY love the History department. I love the hallway of Memorial where everyone is. I love each professor's office. I love all the books that take up at least one whole wall of their spaces. Today I got to love looking at all of Lansing's books and wondering if he's read them all, and then I saw a little end of a shelf with the books that he assigned last year, and some of the books from 350 this year, and I realized that I already had that little bit of shelf for myself!
After discussing technicalities, and being assured of my intellectual growth (which I really needed) I then made the walk of shame to Bob's office. I knew that Bob would not be too angry, but I still didn't want to have to tell him of my failure. It was rough, but I am no longer in the Vespers Orchestra which has two emotions: Sadness because I had been really excited to play at such a big event, and relief in knowing that I could be sitting through a ridiculously long rehearsal at this very moment, but instead I can blog and get things done.
Tomorrow I will have to tell Steve that I can't do Chamber on Friday. This could be bad.
To make myself feel better-and also to make progress- I spent an hour in a practice room with my beautiful trumpet and Concert Etude. *profanity*
Luckily, I am STARTING to be able to double tongue and not sound awful, but that's after slowing the tempo WAY down from the really cool fast one I start at. Exactly two weeks until my Jury. Can I pull it together???
Sporting my trumpet ring, I went to the library and typed up my very first grant request. I had entirely too much fun, and had to fight the urge to change my facebook status accordingly. Should writing grant requests be fun?
Visser visited after her shift at Open Arms, and that was delightful. I even found the thumbtack she gave me to defend myself last year in my winter coat pocket. Lovely indeed.
From there, I finally got the paper money I needed to FINALLY do laundry-a sorely needed task. And then I ran across the parking lot and up all the Old Main stairs to find "treasurer" Aidan to sign the grant form. I didn't know that Lansing's American West class was so small! There were just about 10 people sitting around pushed together tables ready to discuss their reading! I wished I could have joined. A student questioned my presence, and Lansing told them that I was one of them. I am still smiling.
By this time it was after six, and I realized that I had time to eat dinner, and even though I wasn't hungry, it would probably be wise, so I did. While eating, Matt joined me and we talked enthusiastically about the Movement of the 26th of July, and Fidel Castro, and research, and FRANK PAIS, and History Honors, and so many wonderful things.
Jacqui told us in 280, (or maybe it was in a reading, or it could have been someone from the center for service work and learning) that a lot of finding your place in the "right" major has to do with finding the right people. If you don't like "your" people, that could be a problem. I LOVE my history people. My experiences today are just a couple examples of how GREAT I feel to be part of this "community" (cliche...). Ah...
But this is all part of another blog I plan to write about just how frighteningly beautiful the field of history is! (MY field!)
*deep breath
Well, I have CLEAN dry clothes for tomorrow, only two more chapters to read (3 if I am awake) and some editing to do (a whole new rough draft if I have enough motivation... which won't happen) and I am going to get on that.
What has happened is that I opened my computer to "clean up" (and eventually rewrite) my History paper, but it's easy to be distracted when you have a computer open...
I want to say that I have plunged into chaos, yet for some reason, in spite of my impending doom, I am not freaking out, and I don't even feel inspired enough to whine about how stressed I am.
Today I:
Woke up early and used the light box on the third floor to combat this icky darkness while reading Latin American History text, and "Inside the Cuban Revolution" (Yum). Then I Skyped with Colin, and even though the conversation wasn't that long, that wedge of time turned into at least 3 hours. That included lunch with Kathleen though.
While sitting on the couch reading, I had a shocking realization: I can't be in Vespers because not only do I have class on Thursday during rehearsal, I have class on Friday! At this time I did feel a little bit of doom, especially since I had already been finagling with Doug to get out of History on Thursday (even though I have my presentation and didn't want to). I pushed the Doom aside and met with Professor Lansing about the Chrislock Grant.
I REALLY love the History department. I love the hallway of Memorial where everyone is. I love each professor's office. I love all the books that take up at least one whole wall of their spaces. Today I got to love looking at all of Lansing's books and wondering if he's read them all, and then I saw a little end of a shelf with the books that he assigned last year, and some of the books from 350 this year, and I realized that I already had that little bit of shelf for myself!
After discussing technicalities, and being assured of my intellectual growth (which I really needed) I then made the walk of shame to Bob's office. I knew that Bob would not be too angry, but I still didn't want to have to tell him of my failure. It was rough, but I am no longer in the Vespers Orchestra which has two emotions: Sadness because I had been really excited to play at such a big event, and relief in knowing that I could be sitting through a ridiculously long rehearsal at this very moment, but instead I can blog and get things done.
Tomorrow I will have to tell Steve that I can't do Chamber on Friday. This could be bad.
To make myself feel better-and also to make progress- I spent an hour in a practice room with my beautiful trumpet and Concert Etude. *profanity*
Luckily, I am STARTING to be able to double tongue and not sound awful, but that's after slowing the tempo WAY down from the really cool fast one I start at. Exactly two weeks until my Jury. Can I pull it together???
Sporting my trumpet ring, I went to the library and typed up my very first grant request. I had entirely too much fun, and had to fight the urge to change my facebook status accordingly. Should writing grant requests be fun?
Visser visited after her shift at Open Arms, and that was delightful. I even found the thumbtack she gave me to defend myself last year in my winter coat pocket. Lovely indeed.
From there, I finally got the paper money I needed to FINALLY do laundry-a sorely needed task. And then I ran across the parking lot and up all the Old Main stairs to find "treasurer" Aidan to sign the grant form. I didn't know that Lansing's American West class was so small! There were just about 10 people sitting around pushed together tables ready to discuss their reading! I wished I could have joined. A student questioned my presence, and Lansing told them that I was one of them. I am still smiling.
By this time it was after six, and I realized that I had time to eat dinner, and even though I wasn't hungry, it would probably be wise, so I did. While eating, Matt joined me and we talked enthusiastically about the Movement of the 26th of July, and Fidel Castro, and research, and FRANK PAIS, and History Honors, and so many wonderful things.
Jacqui told us in 280, (or maybe it was in a reading, or it could have been someone from the center for service work and learning) that a lot of finding your place in the "right" major has to do with finding the right people. If you don't like "your" people, that could be a problem. I LOVE my history people. My experiences today are just a couple examples of how GREAT I feel to be part of this "community" (cliche...). Ah...
But this is all part of another blog I plan to write about just how frighteningly beautiful the field of history is! (MY field!)
*deep breath
Well, I have CLEAN dry clothes for tomorrow, only two more chapters to read (3 if I am awake) and some editing to do (a whole new rough draft if I have enough motivation... which won't happen) and I am going to get on that.
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