Sarah Kuhman
Eng 111 M/W 3:00-5:15
B.Test
January 23, 2008
A.G.T.

I reached in to the side pocket of my backpack and pulled out my silver ipod mini, chilled already from the Indiana morning breeze. My fingers commanded the round touch screen.
Hmm Morning play-list one two or three….two sounds nice.
A nice song played and I bobbled along my favorite street (still to this day), Fee Avenue. Fee Avenue was the street’s name, but it should have been considered an asphalt park. Fee had much more foot traffic than cars. Students at Indiana University walk from the dorms to classes daily on Fee. Often the visual looks like a busy city sidewalk- but alas; we were in slow, solemn Bloomington, Indiana.
Song number two starts and a familiar Jack Johnson song comes on.
Who’s to say?
What’s impossible well they forgot
This world keeps spinning
And with each new day
I can feel a change in everything
And as the surface breaks reflections fade
But in some ways they remain the same
And as my mind begins to spread its wings
There’s no stopping curiosity

I want to turn the whole thing upside down
I’ll find they things they say just can’t be found
I’ll share this love I find with everyone
We’ll sing and dance to Mother Nature’s song
I don’t’ want this feeling to go away

Who’s to say?
I can’t do everything
Well I can try
And as I roll along I begin to find
Things aren’t always just what they seem
I want to turn the whole thing upside down
I’ll find the things they say just can’t be found
I’ll share this love I find with everyone
We’ll sing and dance to Mother Nature’s song
This world keeps spinning there’s no time to waste
Will it all keep spinning and spinning round and round an
Upside down
Who’s to say whets impossible and can’t be found
I don’t want this feeling to go away

The lyrics had been played many times before but finally the emotions on the brink of my self were set loose. The mere combination of my private earphones and the sunrise created a canvas for me to paint my interpretations of the consoling lyrics.
I have that love he’s talking about!
And just like that my mind began to spread its wings as Jack advised. But I wasn’t planning on having a Kumbaya moment—
Quickly my atention was directed at the mini drama happening a few sidewalk boxes ahead of me. An obnoxious girl flipping the bird at the bus she was stepping off of.
“Stupid Hick, There is enough fucking room. I don’t need this shit from a bus driver,”
I heard her say in a piercing tone, only comparable to Fran Dresher’s character in ‘The Nanny’. The timeworn bus driver looked as if she was going to cry- I would too if I had that said to me while I was trying to drive a bus of brimming with college students.
“I’m really not aloud, there should be another here in 5 minutes,”
sputtered the feeble woman in an equally feeble voice. I could almost hear her gulping her pride. A fire lit in me to contend with this rude girl ---until I came close enough to distinguish she was a friend of my best friend Amanda. Atrocious.
I never could fake my enjoyment to hang out with this girl. In fact, the last time we shared an experience I ordered a cab while waiting to get in to her favorite “slammin’ club”. Amanda had a fit telling me I was being rude.
As I remember this, I smirk.
If only there was a way to pat your intuition the back.
I desperately wanted to stay and ream out the girl, but was denied by my internal clock. I had to keep on walking to make sure I was at class on time. Nevertheless, I kept on thinking about how wonderful it was going to be telling Amanda about her friend’s ‘gracious gesture’, followed by an ‘I told you so’.
Mmmm that makes me sound too self-righteous…. My ipod beats filled my void and I heard the lyrics
“As the surface breaks Reflections fade”
A lot of qualities in people were surfacing as second semester droned on. And as I walked on with hundreds of fellow students passing my side on the doublewide sidewalk, my introspective self was ticking.
I was on to something.
I clicked my ipod back to the start of Jack’s ballad. A peace that I can describe as finding a religion set over my body. It was like I had a guardian Angel finally landing on my shoulder to ask,
“Why were you fighting me?”
I checked my surroundings. Yep, no bubble of joy was encompassing me, but I felt like I was taking up exotic dancing and stripping off my snobby, self absorbed, dangerous clothing. They never fit anyway. So many nights of discomfort, wondering why I couldn’t just act fake. I took it as a character flaw and for the first time in my life was called things like ‘Ice Queen’. Always was feeling unsure, and couldn’t stand sitting around with people I didn’t like.
Seeing my flaw in this new light – could that have been confidence? Yes!
In fact, I was the only one to leave parties on my own, no matter if anyone was going to leave with me. My circle of friends may have not included those forced friendships I gave up for my sanity- but included people that genuinely gained my respect. My most intimate friends included my teaching assistants and foreign exchange students in my dorm. I guess I can forgive myself for being insecure; I was just being an individual – how relieving.
I had been so engrossed in walking I was surprised to have arrived to my lecture a few minutes early. Normally I would have sat in the back with the crew of Fiji’s (a Fraternity I usually sought approval from). I pivoted the other way. I know others see the ‘front row kids’ as suck-up’s but my guardian angel whispered a phrase my friends in high school and I often used,
“AGT, Ain’t Got Time”.

Winter Break is in full swing! I'm loving every minute of it and feeling ultra relaxed.
The break kicked off with the first Scone turning legal. Yes ladies and gentleman, Jessica Lee Iwalani Johns turned 21. JK, Phil, Adam, Hank, Connor and I all trekked over to Campus and partied with her sorority sisters. I got to meet all my roommates! It went well considering all the offensive things the boys did was after I left.

Other highlights of Winter Break 07:
*Hot tubbing at the Walters
*Getting in the hot tub when it was still heating up, not smart.... or comfortable
*A great night spent vegging out at my apartment with Lar
*A Mexican feast at the Mealer residence:)
*Crafting and writing all my Christmas cards
*Reading I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence By Amy Sedaris. so funny
*An Arrested Development marathon on G4 ..... god bless DVR or else I would be sticking around here all day.

Today I'm working on the scones Christmas cookbook. Because we are all starting to live on our own, this was the most practical Christmas present for ourselves. Lord knows we have cooking handicaps..... Ok well maybe just me, remembering to put eggs in cupcake mixes.....

FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS

It's THE BIG WEEK! I am trying to be as calm as possible but I have 3 tommorrow. I think that if it gets to be overwhelming my French Prof would be cool with me coming in Tuesday to finish. She's such a saving grace this quarter for me. She wants to take my class to France this summer. There is a group meeting/dinner/celebration on Wednesday night at the Refectory.

The big news would be that JJ offered me a spot in her house on Campus for next school year. The house is seriously one of the most beautiful I've seen on campus. It's a big decision, but I think it would be a lot of fun. Lettme re-phrase that, A LOT of fun.
I'll miss being 2 minutes away from Connor, but I know that we would adjust.

Well I am going to watch "Barefoot in the Park". It's an old Neil Simon Movie from 1968 that's really cute before I dive in.

EXAM WEEK HAS STARTED!

Well, week before exam week-- so EXAM STUDY WEEK has started. It's been a long long monday. I am Caribou on Grandview ave. and feel extremely accomplished because I FINALLY got the wifi to work here.

I feel like everytime I am blogging abroad I should highlight the weridest person in the place. Tonight the lady that wins my vote doesn't really know what speed to use. She gets up a lot and almost gallops and then walks. She is probably brillant and just discovered the cure to cancer, but in this context I am deeming her as WERID. She is on a study date with some Asian guy that looks like the chinese version of matthew richmond. Hm.

You know your lame when.... you use a pick up line based on her computer.
Guy sitting next to: (watches me get my laptop out) Hey thats like the cute version of my computer
Me: yeah! (he has a black 12 inch ibook, it's a valid statement)
Guy: Looks like laptop are like dogs when they mimic their owners
Me: (stop to think.... realize he means I'm cute. decide to act like I don't get it). You aren't black though
Guy: (This guy was quick) Well parts about me are
Me: (disgusted, react too quickly) Ewww

I am still kind of in disbelief that the previous interaction happened. Thank goodness he left quickly after.

signing off from Caribou, night ya'll

Ah I love Thanksgiving break. Last night I looked around my tiny apartment and was surrounded by atleast 10 people that are some of my nearest and dearest. If that isn't the best way to get in the holiday spirit--- I don't know what it.

Thanksgiving at Poppy's house was a laugh. Connor survived. In fact, I think he kind of liked it. I almost knocked Grandma Kuhman's wig in to the fire..... pretty standard.

I stopped by Paul's house last night and saw
1. David drinking straight scotch.... (Laura......)
2. Ellis, who I hadn't seen since seriously last spring.
3. Paul, really drunk
4. Wenger eating a lot of triscuits...
5. Brandon looking homeless.
Sadly Robbie was out of town.

I have a full day of me attempting to plan a improptu christmas party, importing christmas music at the library procrastinating studying for French, Watching an hour of the ND game with Elyse, Writing my Akita application with Erin and Allison and just general lollygagging. The scones in town are going to sleepover tonight I think, sugar-free ice cream here we come!

Well I just finished importing my last CD so I should probably get down to french. FYI: the last Cd was titled James Brown's Funky Christmas
LOVE IT.

Have you ever thought..... "Ok, I feel stupid about ever complaining about being "sick" because this is what being SICK feels like". Yeah I feel like (insert in any slang term for poop or road kill). I have the classic case of influenza ::::: NOTICE: GET YOUR FLU SHOT::::::::::
I'm going to be just a site for sore eyes when Thanksgiving comes around. I am usually dizzy right when I get up and I have run in to my dresser enough that my shins are basically purple. Also, because I have eaten a total of 2 english muffins and 2 bowls of soup for 3 days I look/feel really frail.

Well enjoy your flipping health....... damnit NOTE: I have been watching repeat episodes of Curb Your Enthusiasm, thus why I am boarder line negative in this posting.

EW EW EW EW I came home tonight to a CORONER and A POLICE car at my apartment. Immediatly I think murder, but Connor calmed me out of it and noticed an Old Woman standing outside. I guess there was an elderly couple in the building across the courtyard and the husband died at home. Connor just left and told me I wasn't allowed to look out the window --- I think they have the body getting ready to be taken to the funeral home. YUCK YUCK YUCK YUCK Seriously this is so disturbing

I really miss blogging. I had a funny thought making fun of a TV football commentator, and kept on coming up with *Zingers* and thought "Hey, this would make a great blog". Anyway, I haven't latly b/c I've been so busy but I actually really just blogging as a vent and I think it would release stress during this last CRUNCH month in the quarter.

I am living out a juxtaposition. I am painting my nails, with a face mask on.... watching football:) I really should be getting ready for a hot date with Connor dearest, but obvi I can't deny the wonderful battle between church and state. Notre Dame and Navy are currently in a heated overtime. I've been sending Nem's worried texts and watching for E.Lo on the tube. E.Lo had tickets for me and now i'm kicking myself for not going this game is the best of their season! Oh well, I'll make my ND pilgrimage hopefully later this month.


I also needed to share that it's 7 years today that Mammy passed. I knew it was coming but I wasn't until I paid a bill and wrote the date on a check that it was the third. I think it's hitting me harder this year b/c I have "Mammy reminders" everyday. She was a french major and I often use her old books. They account for almost one shelf on my bookcase! Also i'd say 1/4 of my furninture/kitchen wear is from straight from her collection. I haven't started to miss her less and less.... In fact It intensifies with time. Pauline Virgina "Fritzi" Bigelow Hartman is PROBABLY the coolest person i've ever come in contact with and WILL come in contact with.

Mammy
4/15/11 - 11/3/00

Alright I need to continue getting ready for dinner, I know beter than to be late when Connor is picking me up:) Have a wonderful Sat

I just got this picture from Breakfast at Tiffany's enlarged and framed for my new place. Don't you love it?! My favorite scene in the movie is "The party". I could only hope I throw such a large bash, too bad I don't have someone like George Preppard living above me.

Bonjour! Happy Columbus Day!

I have no class today! Apparently my school really takes the discovery of the new world seriously. I guess I am taking classes at COLUMBUS state.
Ah, yes to update you all I am taking classes at THE Columbus State this quarter. I'm getting all of my big General Education Requirements done there, so then this winter I can start focusing on my major at THE Ohio State University. My Quarter is extremely basic, so at times--- boring. Thank god I took French to keep me going. I am taking French I, World Regional Geography, Psych 100, and Honors English. (*** For those of you who are wondering, I was alittle shocked that I placed in to it as well! )

French is the BEST. I had a hard time choosing between Latin and French. It came down to Latin being MWF, and French MW. I loved that I would be done with classroom classes on Wednesday so I chose French. Moral of the story, being irrrational when choosing classes does kind of pay off.

It's October and 90 degrees, quite unusual fall weather. It's not only unusual, but unpleasant. I would love to study outside, but not when i'd be dripping sweat beads on to my Laptop. Apparently yesterday (according to Sam), someone died from heat exaustion at the Chicago Marathon, and a large number were hospitalized. YIKES.

I hope this day finds you well. Celebrate the whole gang; Ol' Chris, Queen Isabelle, King Ferdinarnd, The Nina, The Pinta and of course The Santa Maria.

My summer-long sabbital is over! This week is my self proclaimed last week of summer. I know a lot of people consider this week the last anyways (Labor Day). I call it self proclaimed because after next monday only the OSU kids will be around (and I have to put away my white shoes). Also I still have this coming weekend to work at camp. I'm doing LIFE Guard with Joey woooo. I always LOVED doing guard at family camp and I think i'll love even more getting the opportunity to lead.

Callie Jean Wulf left tonight for Spain. My last words to her were "I'm just afraid you won't come home". Anyone want to predict how many men she'll fall in love with? 5? 6? I have my money on 5 (one for each month). Ohhh just teasing. Cal and Jimmy have plans to travel to Casablana, Morocco this weekend. I guess that sounds fun if you like the whole traveling with one of your best friends to an exotic european city. Personally I think Logan, OH is just as scenic.

More current affairs/catching up on this thing later. Also, we have a new reader..... Nico? God bless you, and cute flowers.
Night Ya'll <3

I need time to pack but i'll write stories from the tourney slowly but surely. Bottom-line, one of the most memorable experiences I've ever had.


..... oh and details about wineing, dining and kissing Sergio Garcia:)

Add this to the "Kuhman, I don't believe you" vault of stories:

Yesterday I got catcalled by a golfer that was hanging out by the caddyshack. Because that happens often with the caddies I justlooked and saw it was someone in Yellow pants. Later in the day I saw the player in in the yellow pants was actually Sergio Garcia, a very good golfer. Funny enough today while Elyse and I were taking some wristbands back to our temp. office for the week we stopped by the putting green to watch Sergio putt around. One thing led to another and SERGIO SENT OVER HIS CADDY TO ASK ME AND ELYSE TO DINNER. SERGIO GARCIA. He called and we told him if he was serious we would be game tommorrow. Obviously that was ok so I HAVE A DATE WITH SERGIO GARCIA. THE PRO GOLFER SERGIO GARCIA.......... This all has to sink in. I'm including pictures of him because I am still gushing.

Top 10 thoughts of the night

10. Chad Simpson is a new Vip reader
9. Cristina is a new vip read more important than Chad.
8. We are smarter than the pretencious un-named girl across the room
7. I am Drunk
6. Elyse's Parents are gone
5. You are a ZINGER
4. Buddy Lopez is larger than I thought
3. Callie Is drunker than I
2. George Kuhmsn
1.. THE CAV'S NEED TO WIN!!!!!!!!!!!

"What you are afraid to do is a clear indication of the next thing you need to do"
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Things I'm really liking right now: (in no particular order)

- the book "The 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women"
- the fact that I got to work on a music video with Hank, Jeff , Chad and Colin yesterday
-Connor Wiggins Kinsey
-White Wine.... (I forced myself to drink red with dinner while out this week.... yuckaroo)
-Odd Musical Collaborations. Ex. Sting with Bone Thugs, Tupac and Elton John
-La Chatalaine
-Wearing my hair in pigtail braids
- Using Method's "french lavender" scented cleaning products
-Using Nail polish as a paint..... it works better than you think.


I just had one of those "hey i'm really happy" moments and writing these made me even happier! You should do it.... dare you---In fact----double dog dare you.

A few things;


.....Go read "Gift from the Sea" by Anne Morrow Lindbergh. It's a really old book published in 1955, but only 128 pages and soothing to read. For a couple weeks my "readers block" kicked in where I start 6 books but have trouble finishing one (ok some may call it my ADD) but Anne hooked me and I finished it in a DAY.

..... I have one more week with all of my kids, a week at Muirfield, and then AKITA.

.....I stayed overnight with Quin, Connor and Trent this week while their parents were in France.... boy was that an adventure. Within the first hour Connor lit a pencil on fire for fun while I was on the tredmill. Another highlight was battleing with him to shower for a good 40 minutes and literally locking him in the bathroom until he did shower. Gotta love 10 year olds, right?

.... I have been voluntarily working a lot at the Hauswirths because I not only have fallen in love with Charlie, but Wendy has proven to be 10 times cooler than I had ever judged in her 3 years married to Dave. In fact.... I have to get over there right now.

Have a good weekend!

Has anyone seen the commercial for MasterCard Pay Pass with the elephant? IT'S ADORABLE---My new favorite for sure.

sidenote: Right after the cute elephant commercial, there was a preview for a Judge Mathis about a 70 year old prostitute that looked like one of the substitutes at UA.... I wonder.......

Highlights of May thus far..........

* TUESDAY afternoon I decided to move a stack of books off the coffee table so I could put my feet up and watch Oprah. Instead I knocked a free weight over that tumbled directly on to my toe. I like to think that I hobble gracefully and bring a new sexy to my medical boot.

*THURSDAY I visited my friends at the friendly Mac Store “Genius Bar”. Lilly (my iMac) had a bunch of random things to get tuned up. The good news is I think most of the repairs will be covered by my Apple Care. The bad news is, Stan (the genius that took care of us) had to send Lilly away because they don’t install the hinges at the store. Point of the story.... i’m without laptop until next friday.

* FRIDAY night Jessie, Laura, Callie and I somehow ended up alone in a room singing karaoke. I whipped out my show tunes voice and did a solo kick line while singing “New York, New York”. It resembled the choreography from UAHS Fall Follies 2003....... The odds that next party karaoke is blocked? Extremely Likely.

* Callie and Maggie are home....... YUEEESSSS

* SATURDAY Armed in pearls and Mint Julep supplies Callie and I joined Connor and John to watch the Derby. Advice for next year: Don’t attempt to buy mint at a major grocery store an hour before the Race. Also, mint flavoring doesn’t cut it when you are dealing with Jim Beam.
Post Derby I committed a DUI (Dressing Under the Influence).
My Outfit:
-My mom’s Talbot's white bermuda shorts
-A Red and Black Wool Poncho bought on the Tijuana boarder
-My J.Crew “critter” flip flips, these with whales on them
It was a good Cinco de Mayo.
Viva Mexico and always remember the Alamo.

"Play like a Champion Today"

Don't you love the Notre Dame athletics slogan? I am back in the "Bend" on my semesterly pilgrimage to ND. I jumped right in last night and managed to witness Elyse's birthday keg stand. It was an initiation party for this group that Elyse was accepted in to yesterday (how perfect on her 20th!). I really wanted to do my first keg stand, but E Lo aknowleged I was wearing a skirt..... probably for the best. I have the pleasure to judge/meet Bethany's new lass tonight at Dinner. I don't know if we're going out with them after or meeting up with her "SMChicks" (pronounced smick chicks). That's the code word for girls from St. Mary's. I'll write more later on my travels in the land of the golden dome, but for now I am going to enjoy a sensation i've missed --- showering with my shoes on.