Mid-finals and I'm kinda going crazy. Basically I think this is b/c I feel like I've been disconnected because i'm so busy...gahhhh, I didn't even get to go out for JJ's birthday this weekend, or have cake with her b/c I had a paper due. I'm 1/2 happy that I am finally responsible enough to not give in to my urges to attend things like that and then pull an all nighter, but I still would enjoy to spend time with my friends before they all scatter for the holidays.
Today I realized how much the Holland's are part of my life (the family i've baby-sat for the past two years). I found out they had to put their cat down and although I am not a cat fan, it made me really sad. Cam didn't flinch (he's 3), but Joey is 5 and he started to question the meaning of life after Beanie died. I have never seen him sad like this- and seeing a 5 year old mourning is a pretty heart breaking scene :(
Monday, December 08, 2008
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Sunday, November 16, 2008
November is turning in to no-home-vember (clever I know). I have been gone two weekend in a row, and now it's Michigan week followed by Thanksgiving- YIKES!
Last weekend I went to Chicago for the OSU/Northwester game. Rick, George and I hopped in the ol' Mercury Thursday night and headed up to crash in on my sister and her husband. Connor came up too and the six of us went to the game on Saturday. I was so happy because I was able to see Jessie and Geoff's apartment AND Dre's new place.
Then THIS past weekend I helped out down at Akita for the Middle School Fall Retreat. I obviously set up shop in the program office. I kept on thinking I was going to turn around and see either one of the boys spitting in to a gatorade bottle Or Fred soaking his.... nevermind.
Last weekend I went to Chicago for the OSU/Northwester game. Rick, George and I hopped in the ol' Mercury Thursday night and headed up to crash in on my sister and her husband. Connor came up too and the six of us went to the game on Saturday. I was so happy because I was able to see Jessie and Geoff's apartment AND Dre's new place.
Then THIS past weekend I helped out down at Akita for the Middle School Fall Retreat. I obviously set up shop in the program office. I kept on thinking I was going to turn around and see either one of the boys spitting in to a gatorade bottle Or Fred soaking his.... nevermind.
Sunday, November 02, 2008
I know this is going to sound odd but... Thank god I got the day off from church today. My part time job at FCC is wonderful but waking up without an agenda feels great occasionally. Connor and I went to breakfast at this little Diner in Grandview with all the recent senior class pictures from Grandview HS posted on the wall. Styer's shining face in the front row smiled at me as I ate my eggs and french toast.
Homework time....
Homework time....
Thursday, October 30, 2008
This one is for you Kuch.......
Happy Halloween! The holiday is taking a much bigger role in my life because I nanny 4 kids under the age of six.... who have been talking about "what they are going to be" since AUGUST. I honestly don't really remember caring that much about Halloween until I was in middle school and high school (clearly because we could have a "party" with our friends while our parents dutifully passed out candy). Although Halloween isn't a huge deal to me, October 31 has been in my mind since July, Connor gets his Bar Exam results! It will be like the REAL graduation from law school and put him finally at ease about the whole process. I guess what i've been trying to say this entire paragraph is that Connor and I are going as Turkey (me) and Pilgrim (him). Michael Schlessinger and Jessica Johns have full rights to giving me the idea.
Classes are going alright, minus the fact that today I had to watch the weirdest movie EVER. It was about this murdar mystery and then at the end the two protagonists (in love with each other) end up "solving the mystery and find out they are brother and sister and decide to stay together anyway. Odd. I'm writing a big research paper on this little African country I was assigned, Burkina Faso. It's been fascinating that a country in the world has so LITTLE information about it at big University libraries and on the Internet.
What else.....
I am working a lot, 50 hours a week to be exact. Added to 15 hours of class+homework, most of my hours are accounted for.
ACTUALLY I need to go, I'm having dinner with JJ, Ellis, Paul and Boylan. To be continued, happy reading.
Happy Halloween! The holiday is taking a much bigger role in my life because I nanny 4 kids under the age of six.... who have been talking about "what they are going to be" since AUGUST. I honestly don't really remember caring that much about Halloween until I was in middle school and high school (clearly because we could have a "party" with our friends while our parents dutifully passed out candy). Although Halloween isn't a huge deal to me, October 31 has been in my mind since July, Connor gets his Bar Exam results! It will be like the REAL graduation from law school and put him finally at ease about the whole process. I guess what i've been trying to say this entire paragraph is that Connor and I are going as Turkey (me) and Pilgrim (him). Michael Schlessinger and Jessica Johns have full rights to giving me the idea.
Classes are going alright, minus the fact that today I had to watch the weirdest movie EVER. It was about this murdar mystery and then at the end the two protagonists (in love with each other) end up "solving the mystery and find out they are brother and sister and decide to stay together anyway. Odd. I'm writing a big research paper on this little African country I was assigned, Burkina Faso. It's been fascinating that a country in the world has so LITTLE information about it at big University libraries and on the Internet.
What else.....
I am working a lot, 50 hours a week to be exact. Added to 15 hours of class+homework, most of my hours are accounted for.
ACTUALLY I need to go, I'm having dinner with JJ, Ellis, Paul and Boylan. To be continued, happy reading.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Well a big ol' hole is in my heart. It's almost been a month since Don has been gone and as the shock lessens, the hurt multiplies. It was so weird-- tonight I was doing my own thing and it just socked me in the gut and next thing I knew I am at the grave having an hour long conversation to a stone. I felt 10 times better after and had a long talk with Callie, things are Ok:)
Speaking of...... Callie Jean Wulf, one of the key characters in my life since 1998, is 21 at in 6 minutes:) Pretty important.
Speaking of...... Callie Jean Wulf, one of the key characters in my life since 1998, is 21 at in 6 minutes:) Pretty important.
Monday, March 03, 2008
2 posts in one day...... It must be finals week.
Yep I'm pulling my first all-nighter of the year. I thought it out, and it was going to be better than the alternative of giving up and taking a late grade. For me sometimes that can help- but not in the end of a quarter. I have POWER THROUGH in mind (note also in mind: never allow 2 tests and 2 papers to be due on the same day.... I plan on writing the date purposefully wrong and putting earmuffs on whenever a professor speaks of the real dates)
Interesting WikiHow that is my bible right now.... I was a little rusty on all of my old tactics.
How to Pull an All Nighter
An editor has suggested that this article be merged with:
"How to Stay up All Night"
Per the merge policy, if these topics are determined to be similar but distinct, then the articles will remain separate. Please comment on the discussion page. Notice added on 2007-12-16.
Ah, the desperation of an important test the next day, or a large amount of missing homework due 4th period. Whatever it is, the Sleepless Night Before is always annoying. Here's how to pull it off and live.
[edit]Steps
Actually do your darn work. Plenty of times, you get sidetracked. Avoid this by setting a constant pace for yourself: 50 minutes of work, and a 10 minute break. Besides, keeping your mind occupied will make it easier to stay awake.
Avoid caffeine, if possible. See warnings for why. Drink two brimming glasses of ice cold water every 30 minutes. Not only will the cold keep you awake, but you'll need to urinate very often. It's difficult to sleep on the toilet.
Play (softly, if you have a roommate) a fast-paced, grating music. You may enjoy it, but it must be, at all costs, harsh and a bit arrhythmic. This will keep you from being lulled to sleep.
Work with windows open: cold air will keep you awake. Warm air knocks you out.
Set your computer screen to a lower setting, (duller and darker) so as not to strain your eyes. See warnings for why.
Turn off Instant Messengers, the TV, and do not surf the internet or edit wikiHow or read, draw, etc. In fact, pinch yourself if you do.
Do not work in bed, on a couch, or on the floor. If you work in any other place than a cold, hard table and chair, you will feel very tempted to sleep. If possible, work somewhere far away from your room/bed, so it's a pain to go back and sleep. Try to be around some other people so you do not feel comfortable sleeping in your chair.
If you're going to nap, set a timer. Don't nap for more than 20 minutes, and stay half-awake. Avoid napping at all costs, though. "Just 20 minutes of relaxation" will more likely involve you waking up past your class the next day.
If applicable, rotate subjects every hour. You'll quickly mentally wear out on one topic.
Work through it all. If you have time at the end, pack up your stuff, lay out your clothes, then set your alarm as late as possible, to achieve the most possible sleep.
Try sitting in different places around the room.
If you are tired and are completely slumping over your work, sit up straight. It could immediately make you feel more awake. Yes, it sounds stupid, but try it.
Eat protein-rich foods like sandwiches, cheese, and other dairy products. (no sugary stuff!)
Think positively: "I am almost done" "This is actually not too bad" "I will get to see the sunrise" "I will get a good grade"
[edit]Tips
Realize if you are "hitting the wall" and you can't even remember what you just read or you are nodding off involuntarily. Sometimes it's better to get four hours of sleep and cram what you can in the morning rather than be in a complete dreamworld for the test.
Avoid coffee or soda until just before the test. If you drink a lot of it while studying, you will completely crash a few hours later.
Before you leave for the test, jump around, do push-ups, drink a little caffeine drink and get pumped up and awake. Be ready to do well on the test. You worked hard for it, and you probably know a lot more than you think.
If you feel your eyelids drooping: pinch yourself, rub your face with a piece of ice, stand up, run in place, and do a few jumping jacks to get an adrenaline rush, or, if at worst, take a ten minute nap. Be careful with naps! (See below for how to nap in an all-nighter.)
Napping: Take them for about ten minutes. Set a loud timer to wake you up, and stay half-awake. Short naps refresh you. Anything longer and you'll fall into a deep stage of sleep, which will leave you groggy when you are forced awake.
Cold air keeps you awake and so does cold water or ice.
Work with good lighting. You don't want anything too bright, but too dim and you'll doze.
Don't nap! Eat high-protein foods on an infrequent basis through the night: smoothies, cheese, a sandwich, a plate of stew will all keep your energy levels as high as they are during the daytime.
If you can't skip the caffeine, don't stop drinking it until you have time to crash.
If you are using Microsoft Word, you can set the screen to blue with white text in the Tools > Options > General menu. This helps reduce eye strain.
If it can be helped, never pull an all nighter. Avoid this by keeping up with your study schedule ahead of time.
Never do one alone. Staying up and doing the work with "responsible" friends makes it easier. (These are friends who are responsible now that the paper and/or project is due.) They will help you stay on track so not only can you stay awake but you can all get your assignments done.
Watch your time. It will not do to work on the project all night only to miss your class. Don't rush. You have all night, but also don't procrastinate any further. Neither will have a good grade outcome.
Have a good time! As hard as this sounds, you need to not want to go to bed! Instead of napping, take those ten minutes to put on your favorite music and dance around. You'll be exhausted bodily, but your mind will be completely refreshed. If you're doing this with friends, keep each other motivated and laughing. If you're all by yourself, and have comedy tapes, put those on. Avoid movies, however, or things with plot. You won't be able to concentrate on your work if you are trying to follow the intricacies of "The Usual Suspects".
Music channels and news channels work very well because they don't demand your attention all of the time, and yet are interesting enough to keep your attention and keep you awake. They may be somewhat of a distraction, but if it's just books you're poring over for hours and hours, it'd be a lot harder to keep going.
This sounds like a joke, but it actually works. Buy some mentholatum (it comes in a small green pot) from your pharmacist. Apply a small layer right below your eyes like a football player. The vapors may sting a bit, but will give you a burst of alertness. Burt's beeswax works well also, but be careful not to put it on too close to your eyes or they'll hurt and start watering.
Go for a mid-study run, it will wake you up.
[edit]Warnings
Caffeine and Sugar: Both, while giving you a temporary high, will induce a "crash" which will only make you more tired. These are both to be avoided, as they'll screw up any chance of performing life-like in class or work the next day. If you are used to coffee, know what it does to you and feel you can get it all done by the time you "crash", it may be worth it.
Eye-strain: This is caused by excessive tiredness, reading in bad light, or staring at computer screens for long times. Take a break at reading or computers every ten minutes, simply by turning your head and looking around the room for a few seconds.
Pulling multiple all nighters within a week can really take its toll on anyone.
Pills - While there are a range available, the more innocuous might appear to be caffeine pills. These can make you so alert, you'll be thinking you spotted little green men running by your window - no one needs to be that alert.
Be careful about driving and operating machinery after an all-nighter.
Take a shower and freshen up every so often.
Yep I'm pulling my first all-nighter of the year. I thought it out, and it was going to be better than the alternative of giving up and taking a late grade. For me sometimes that can help- but not in the end of a quarter. I have POWER THROUGH in mind (note also in mind: never allow 2 tests and 2 papers to be due on the same day.... I plan on writing the date purposefully wrong and putting earmuffs on whenever a professor speaks of the real dates)
Interesting WikiHow that is my bible right now.... I was a little rusty on all of my old tactics.
How to Pull an All Nighter
An editor has suggested that this article be merged with:
"How to Stay up All Night"
Per the merge policy, if these topics are determined to be similar but distinct, then the articles will remain separate. Please comment on the discussion page. Notice added on 2007-12-16.
Ah, the desperation of an important test the next day, or a large amount of missing homework due 4th period. Whatever it is, the Sleepless Night Before is always annoying. Here's how to pull it off and live.
[edit]Steps
Actually do your darn work. Plenty of times, you get sidetracked. Avoid this by setting a constant pace for yourself: 50 minutes of work, and a 10 minute break. Besides, keeping your mind occupied will make it easier to stay awake.
Avoid caffeine, if possible. See warnings for why. Drink two brimming glasses of ice cold water every 30 minutes. Not only will the cold keep you awake, but you'll need to urinate very often. It's difficult to sleep on the toilet.
Play (softly, if you have a roommate) a fast-paced, grating music. You may enjoy it, but it must be, at all costs, harsh and a bit arrhythmic. This will keep you from being lulled to sleep.
Work with windows open: cold air will keep you awake. Warm air knocks you out.
Set your computer screen to a lower setting, (duller and darker) so as not to strain your eyes. See warnings for why.
Turn off Instant Messengers, the TV, and do not surf the internet or edit wikiHow or read, draw, etc. In fact, pinch yourself if you do.
Do not work in bed, on a couch, or on the floor. If you work in any other place than a cold, hard table and chair, you will feel very tempted to sleep. If possible, work somewhere far away from your room/bed, so it's a pain to go back and sleep. Try to be around some other people so you do not feel comfortable sleeping in your chair.
If you're going to nap, set a timer. Don't nap for more than 20 minutes, and stay half-awake. Avoid napping at all costs, though. "Just 20 minutes of relaxation" will more likely involve you waking up past your class the next day.
If applicable, rotate subjects every hour. You'll quickly mentally wear out on one topic.
Work through it all. If you have time at the end, pack up your stuff, lay out your clothes, then set your alarm as late as possible, to achieve the most possible sleep.
Try sitting in different places around the room.
If you are tired and are completely slumping over your work, sit up straight. It could immediately make you feel more awake. Yes, it sounds stupid, but try it.
Eat protein-rich foods like sandwiches, cheese, and other dairy products. (no sugary stuff!)
Think positively: "I am almost done" "This is actually not too bad" "I will get to see the sunrise" "I will get a good grade"
[edit]Tips
Realize if you are "hitting the wall" and you can't even remember what you just read or you are nodding off involuntarily. Sometimes it's better to get four hours of sleep and cram what you can in the morning rather than be in a complete dreamworld for the test.
Avoid coffee or soda until just before the test. If you drink a lot of it while studying, you will completely crash a few hours later.
Before you leave for the test, jump around, do push-ups, drink a little caffeine drink and get pumped up and awake. Be ready to do well on the test. You worked hard for it, and you probably know a lot more than you think.
If you feel your eyelids drooping: pinch yourself, rub your face with a piece of ice, stand up, run in place, and do a few jumping jacks to get an adrenaline rush, or, if at worst, take a ten minute nap. Be careful with naps! (See below for how to nap in an all-nighter.)
Napping: Take them for about ten minutes. Set a loud timer to wake you up, and stay half-awake. Short naps refresh you. Anything longer and you'll fall into a deep stage of sleep, which will leave you groggy when you are forced awake.
Cold air keeps you awake and so does cold water or ice.
Work with good lighting. You don't want anything too bright, but too dim and you'll doze.
Don't nap! Eat high-protein foods on an infrequent basis through the night: smoothies, cheese, a sandwich, a plate of stew will all keep your energy levels as high as they are during the daytime.
If you can't skip the caffeine, don't stop drinking it until you have time to crash.
If you are using Microsoft Word, you can set the screen to blue with white text in the Tools > Options > General menu. This helps reduce eye strain.
If it can be helped, never pull an all nighter. Avoid this by keeping up with your study schedule ahead of time.
Never do one alone. Staying up and doing the work with "responsible" friends makes it easier. (These are friends who are responsible now that the paper and/or project is due.) They will help you stay on track so not only can you stay awake but you can all get your assignments done.
Watch your time. It will not do to work on the project all night only to miss your class. Don't rush. You have all night, but also don't procrastinate any further. Neither will have a good grade outcome.
Have a good time! As hard as this sounds, you need to not want to go to bed! Instead of napping, take those ten minutes to put on your favorite music and dance around. You'll be exhausted bodily, but your mind will be completely refreshed. If you're doing this with friends, keep each other motivated and laughing. If you're all by yourself, and have comedy tapes, put those on. Avoid movies, however, or things with plot. You won't be able to concentrate on your work if you are trying to follow the intricacies of "The Usual Suspects".
Music channels and news channels work very well because they don't demand your attention all of the time, and yet are interesting enough to keep your attention and keep you awake. They may be somewhat of a distraction, but if it's just books you're poring over for hours and hours, it'd be a lot harder to keep going.
This sounds like a joke, but it actually works. Buy some mentholatum (it comes in a small green pot) from your pharmacist. Apply a small layer right below your eyes like a football player. The vapors may sting a bit, but will give you a burst of alertness. Burt's beeswax works well also, but be careful not to put it on too close to your eyes or they'll hurt and start watering.
Go for a mid-study run, it will wake you up.
[edit]Warnings
Caffeine and Sugar: Both, while giving you a temporary high, will induce a "crash" which will only make you more tired. These are both to be avoided, as they'll screw up any chance of performing life-like in class or work the next day. If you are used to coffee, know what it does to you and feel you can get it all done by the time you "crash", it may be worth it.
Eye-strain: This is caused by excessive tiredness, reading in bad light, or staring at computer screens for long times. Take a break at reading or computers every ten minutes, simply by turning your head and looking around the room for a few seconds.
Pulling multiple all nighters within a week can really take its toll on anyone.
Pills - While there are a range available, the more innocuous might appear to be caffeine pills. These can make you so alert, you'll be thinking you spotted little green men running by your window - no one needs to be that alert.
Be careful about driving and operating machinery after an all-nighter.
Take a shower and freshen up every so often.
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Can I brag that I have the coolest friends ever? We had all been wrapped up in our own business for awhile this quarter/semester- for the first time ever I actually thought "Ok maybe maybe we will grow apart in college...." --- psh Never! We just needed the shit to hit the fan to realize the best stress reliever is always going to be a e-mail or phone call to one of the scones.
Anyone else hate sharing struggles with their friends abroad?? I used to overshare and now I will only write e-mails or blogs when I feel in control of a situation.
That doesn't help anyone I almost want to apologize to my friends to underestimating that you guys wouldn't want to hear crap going on. Completely false, because I would be PISSED if I found out they were struggling alone.
After reading struggles of a completely different nature from other friends-- it made me feel so good! We validated that it's ok to have a bump, lets go through this together and not try to give advice- just be there.
Yeah---- I have the coolest friends ever. Now I will go study for finals.
Anyone else hate sharing struggles with their friends abroad?? I used to overshare and now I will only write e-mails or blogs when I feel in control of a situation.
That doesn't help anyone I almost want to apologize to my friends to underestimating that you guys wouldn't want to hear crap going on. Completely false, because I would be PISSED if I found out they were struggling alone.
After reading struggles of a completely different nature from other friends-- it made me feel so good! We validated that it's ok to have a bump, lets go through this together and not try to give advice- just be there.
Yeah---- I have the coolest friends ever. Now I will go study for finals.
Friday, February 22, 2008
I often don't listen to advice form my big sister. One of the first things I really remember hearing was the day I got cut from rushing at IU . I was hysterical on my sterile dorm room floor. Switching between sobbing and listing off my worries to her on the phone. She told me to not worry about things before they happen. She was referring to my concern about who I was going to live with the following year, I was POSITIVE that I would have no friends that wouldn't end up rushing and would end up living alone.
It wasn't the first time she had said that too me, but thankfully I was vulnerable enough to listen.
Naturally the stars fell in to place when I didn't try to control my life, things worked out differently than I planned- but it was OK. Funny enough, I was worried about living alone and here I am almost 2 years later sitting in my single bedroom apartment, that I work my ass off to have.
This week I kind of had the same situation happen. I had writers block on an essay that I kept beating myself up over, money problems, 2 tests that I wouldn't study for until I finished my essay , the fear then that I was going to turn my essay in late and screw up my grade, and then to top it off I gave myself a tummy ache from mindlessly eating gummy bears (OK the last thing is something I deserved:) .
I took my business and psych tests instead of trying to get out of them, they weren't bad (It's amazing what going to class does..... you don't have to learn the stuff the night before the test on your own... it's really astounding). Running now on scholarly confidence and a caffeine high, I went to my English teachers office before class. I was honest- told her I didn't was to skip class, but I didn't have my essay. Like all college professors SHOULD- she gave me props on being honest, and told me thanks for telling her, turn it in when it's something I'm proud of.
I can't go back now and stop myself from having the 3 day long tension headache..... but I can remind myself that it all turned out OK, no matter how much I worried.
The week also just keeps getting better! I didn't have to work today because of the snow (paid vacation:) and now i'm off to a a cabin all weekend to plan for the summer with the rest of the leadership team. It's such a werid feeling that it's finally our turn (Our meaning the fact Kientz, Erin, Allison, Dani and I) will finally be sitting at a leadership meeting. I wouldn't describe it as a power surge, just pure bliss. One of our planned activities is sledding..... This is going to be a GREAT weekend.
It wasn't the first time she had said that too me, but thankfully I was vulnerable enough to listen.
Naturally the stars fell in to place when I didn't try to control my life, things worked out differently than I planned- but it was OK. Funny enough, I was worried about living alone and here I am almost 2 years later sitting in my single bedroom apartment, that I work my ass off to have.
This week I kind of had the same situation happen. I had writers block on an essay that I kept beating myself up over, money problems, 2 tests that I wouldn't study for until I finished my essay , the fear then that I was going to turn my essay in late and screw up my grade, and then to top it off I gave myself a tummy ache from mindlessly eating gummy bears (OK the last thing is something I deserved:) .
I took my business and psych tests instead of trying to get out of them, they weren't bad (It's amazing what going to class does..... you don't have to learn the stuff the night before the test on your own... it's really astounding). Running now on scholarly confidence and a caffeine high, I went to my English teachers office before class. I was honest- told her I didn't was to skip class, but I didn't have my essay. Like all college professors SHOULD- she gave me props on being honest, and told me thanks for telling her, turn it in when it's something I'm proud of.
I can't go back now and stop myself from having the 3 day long tension headache..... but I can remind myself that it all turned out OK, no matter how much I worried.
The week also just keeps getting better! I didn't have to work today because of the snow (paid vacation:) and now i'm off to a a cabin all weekend to plan for the summer with the rest of the leadership team. It's such a werid feeling that it's finally our turn (Our meaning the fact Kientz, Erin, Allison, Dani and I) will finally be sitting at a leadership meeting. I wouldn't describe it as a power surge, just pure bliss. One of our planned activities is sledding..... This is going to be a GREAT weekend.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
So.... Tonight I went to the Rpac with Sam, Connor and John--Llaw school has been getting tough or they just wanted to get ripped but they worked out much longer than I was expecting. I kept doing more and more weight machines and having fun seeing how they work, but now I just got up to get water and I could hardly get out of bed, it's going to be a rough morning.
I got the bookings for my big birthday gift from Poppy/Uncle John/mom........ A trip to San Fran and Napa in April:) Although it's dorky, I'm SO SO SO SO SO SO SO Happy that I get to go tour wine country with my 94 year old grandpa. Also, I think I have to start singing again so that I will be able to perform at this boat thing with Poppy and Uncle J. --- do you think big spender is inappropriate? How about bootylicious?
I got the bookings for my big birthday gift from Poppy/Uncle John/mom........ A trip to San Fran and Napa in April:) Although it's dorky, I'm SO SO SO SO SO SO SO Happy that I get to go tour wine country with my 94 year old grandpa. Also, I think I have to start singing again so that I will be able to perform at this boat thing with Poppy and Uncle J. --- do you think big spender is inappropriate? How about bootylicious?
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Ha, have you all seen Animal House recently? It's such a classic:) I plopped down to start my homework and keep giggling.
Hahahahah my foreign neighbors just walked by and looked to see the scene from Animal house when the Omegas are being initiated by being spanked naked by a paddle in a hellish like room saying "thank you sir may I have another". They always walk by at the worst times.........
Memorable experiences:
*My first boxing match. Last night we went to Kevin and Gretchen's to watch a Pay Per View match between these two punks, one from Ohio. The Ohioan won and luckily not too much blood was shed, mostly vasaline. They will put vasaline EVERYWHERE on the boxer in between rounds- even up their nose on a q-tip (not too pretty to watch).
*Connor and I spent valentines day at Akita, where we met (awwwwww). I was AMAZED by how small camp looks when there are no leaves on any trees. From the lodge you can see bald the top of bald eagle and the far field.
NO WAY they just walked by again, and the pillow fight scene with girls in the underwear was going on.... they must think i'm the biggest creep.
* Callie made a cameo last weekend. WE spent Sunday night cuddleing on my couch, judging the grammys and sipping pinot noir. HEAVEN.
Monday Monday Monday, yikes. I need to go get started on an essay. Maybe i'll go work on the elliptical first - if I listen to grammar girl podcast during my workout i'll get in the mood.
Play on Players
Hahahahah my foreign neighbors just walked by and looked to see the scene from Animal house when the Omegas are being initiated by being spanked naked by a paddle in a hellish like room saying "thank you sir may I have another". They always walk by at the worst times.........
Memorable experiences:
*My first boxing match. Last night we went to Kevin and Gretchen's to watch a Pay Per View match between these two punks, one from Ohio. The Ohioan won and luckily not too much blood was shed, mostly vasaline. They will put vasaline EVERYWHERE on the boxer in between rounds- even up their nose on a q-tip (not too pretty to watch).
*Connor and I spent valentines day at Akita, where we met (awwwwww). I was AMAZED by how small camp looks when there are no leaves on any trees. From the lodge you can see bald the top of bald eagle and the far field.
NO WAY they just walked by again, and the pillow fight scene with girls in the underwear was going on.... they must think i'm the biggest creep.
* Callie made a cameo last weekend. WE spent Sunday night cuddleing on my couch, judging the grammys and sipping pinot noir. HEAVEN.
Monday Monday Monday, yikes. I need to go get started on an essay. Maybe i'll go work on the elliptical first - if I listen to grammar girl podcast during my workout i'll get in the mood.
Play on Players
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
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”.
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”.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
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.....
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.....
Sunday, December 02, 2007
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.
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.
Monday, November 26, 2007
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
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
Saturday, November 24, 2007
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.
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.
Monday, November 19, 2007
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.
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.
Thursday, November 08, 2007
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
Saturday, November 03, 2007
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 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
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