A bee landed on my arm as I walked to the office today. I felt the smallest prickle of its tiny legs on my arm. It did not sting me, just sat for a second and was then on its way. It made me feel lucky.
Only moments later, a flash on the ground caught my attention. It was not a heads-up penny, but an entire quarter. Bright and shiny, Washington faced me. I'd already had my luck for the day so I left it on the ground for someone else to discover. I hope it makes them happy.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Classes - Fall 2007
Classes have begun. I had one yesterday and four today.
1) Criminal Law - This class has great potential to be interesting. I hope it lives up to it. Two other Evergreen editors are in the class also.
2) International Relations (a.k.a. Pol S 103) - The instructor is fascinating. Unfortunately, I spent the first class period sandwiched between two frat boys who used the hour and 15 minutes to catch up on summer doings. Phrases like "Yo, dude" and "Way, cool," and "O, I was blacked out that night," floated back and forth above my head the entire class.
3) Logic and Reasoning - Picture a short, nearly bald man with thick glasses. Imagine him speaking like the teacher from Charlie Brown except, every few minutes, insert "Conversely," into the mwah mwahmp mwah.
4) Communicantion and Technology - This course is lab and lecture with the lab being today. It is my TA's first time being a TA. I have a horrible time understanding accents and he is Korean. To make matters worse, he was confused about the attendence sheet and read off first and middle names instead of first and last.
5) Language and Behavior - The instructor is very enthusiastic. I enjoyed his lecture, and found him funny. But not as funny as he found himself.
I haven't really given much thought to classes so far because I've been focused on the semester. All of my classes are required but I am excited about 1,2, and 5. I don't think the semester will be unsatisfactory.
1) Criminal Law - This class has great potential to be interesting. I hope it lives up to it. Two other Evergreen editors are in the class also.
2) International Relations (a.k.a. Pol S 103) - The instructor is fascinating. Unfortunately, I spent the first class period sandwiched between two frat boys who used the hour and 15 minutes to catch up on summer doings. Phrases like "Yo, dude" and "Way, cool," and "O, I was blacked out that night," floated back and forth above my head the entire class.
3) Logic and Reasoning - Picture a short, nearly bald man with thick glasses. Imagine him speaking like the teacher from Charlie Brown except, every few minutes, insert "Conversely," into the mwah mwahmp mwah.
4) Communicantion and Technology - This course is lab and lecture with the lab being today. It is my TA's first time being a TA. I have a horrible time understanding accents and he is Korean. To make matters worse, he was confused about the attendence sheet and read off first and middle names instead of first and last.
5) Language and Behavior - The instructor is very enthusiastic. I enjoyed his lecture, and found him funny. But not as funny as he found himself.
I haven't really given much thought to classes so far because I've been focused on the semester. All of my classes are required but I am excited about 1,2, and 5. I don't think the semester will be unsatisfactory.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Officially Awake
The Josh Groban "Awake" concert was last night, and it was needless to say AWESOME! I. Love. Him.
We were going to stop at Pike's first to kill time, then head over to the Center, but we were unaware of the fact that it was the hemp festival yesterday on the piers. So, instead of continuing to try to find parking (impossible) we went to the Seattle Center hours ahead of time. It turned out to be fine, but while we were trying to eat I was having trouble sitting still because of my anticipation. Then after the meal I developed at stomach ache from my inner excitement. Please do not tell me how pathetic I am because I already know.
We walked around for a while then decided we might as well get some Starbucks. Then a little while later...we got in line! The quotation from me that made all the people around laugh "Mommy, I'm totally excited! Are you totally excited?" Please note that I said that super fast with a Starbucks in my hand.
We got in to Key Arena and made our way to the souvenir stand nearest our seats. I purchased a Josh coffee cup, key chain, and poster. Then we excitedly made our way to our seats, which were again AWESOME! Naturally then, I called Christina.
When I concert started I was literally shaking uncontrollably (and not from the coffee). When the first song started Mom leaned over and said "that's really him singing...not a recording. It's Josh!" About halfway through the concert Josh disappeared from stage and reappeared IN THE CROWD! My sharking intensified. He was on the other side of the arena, but he was coming closer..."Burn this into your memory," Mom said.
All I could think was "Oh my God. This is it." I was ready to spring like a cat if he came our way. Now he was walking strait for me...my heart began to melt...just keep coming...but no. At the last second her turned and went up the center aisle...sorry I just dazed off.
OH MY JOSH! I am now trying desperately to cling to the already fading memories.
We were going to stop at Pike's first to kill time, then head over to the Center, but we were unaware of the fact that it was the hemp festival yesterday on the piers. So, instead of continuing to try to find parking (impossible) we went to the Seattle Center hours ahead of time. It turned out to be fine, but while we were trying to eat I was having trouble sitting still because of my anticipation. Then after the meal I developed at stomach ache from my inner excitement. Please do not tell me how pathetic I am because I already know.
We walked around for a while then decided we might as well get some Starbucks. Then a little while later...we got in line! The quotation from me that made all the people around laugh "Mommy, I'm totally excited! Are you totally excited?" Please note that I said that super fast with a Starbucks in my hand.
We got in to Key Arena and made our way to the souvenir stand nearest our seats. I purchased a Josh coffee cup, key chain, and poster. Then we excitedly made our way to our seats, which were again AWESOME! Naturally then, I called Christina.
When I concert started I was literally shaking uncontrollably (and not from the coffee). When the first song started Mom leaned over and said "that's really him singing...not a recording. It's Josh!" About halfway through the concert Josh disappeared from stage and reappeared IN THE CROWD! My sharking intensified. He was on the other side of the arena, but he was coming closer..."Burn this into your memory," Mom said.
All I could think was "Oh my God. This is it." I was ready to spring like a cat if he came our way. Now he was walking strait for me...my heart began to melt...just keep coming...but no. At the last second her turned and went up the center aisle...sorry I just dazed off.
OH MY JOSH! I am now trying desperately to cling to the already fading memories.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Outside my window
... the red glow of the clock tower peeks through the leaves.
... nearby buildings are dark, but for the occasional frame of light.
... an airplane flies low overhead, leaving silence in its wake.
... poorly placed sprinklers make puddles on the sidewalks. There is no other movement, no wind, no creatures. Just the splatter of water drops.
... nearby buildings are dark, but for the occasional frame of light.
... an airplane flies low overhead, leaving silence in its wake.
... poorly placed sprinklers make puddles on the sidewalks. There is no other movement, no wind, no creatures. Just the splatter of water drops.
One issue and week down
Our very first issue of the semester was released yesterday. It was 48 pages long, but I made it through. My job was actually finished a lot sooner than the other editors, but I stayed around in case I was needed. Now I just have to come up with content for the next set of five issues, beginning on Monday. Then there's the week after that and the week after that, but I'm trying not to become overwhelmed.
Yesterday I spent the hours between 10 and 2 at the all-campus picnic trying to recruit anyone and everyone who even momentarily hesitated as they passed by our booth. We actually did get a few interested students and I hope they follow through. I also forgot to put on sun screen and it was during the worst possible hours of the day. I was wearing a T-shirt so I have an awkward farmer's tan sun burn on my arms and my face is also quite red. Poor nose.
I installed my T.V. in my room last night, only to discover the university significantly cut its cable package and now only provides 13 channels. I was quite disappointed.
I'll try to keep up posting throughout the week, but with classes starting and my first full week of newspaper, I don't even want to think about how busy I'll be. Another update might have to wait until next weekend.
I'm off to find some aloe vera gel.
Yesterday I spent the hours between 10 and 2 at the all-campus picnic trying to recruit anyone and everyone who even momentarily hesitated as they passed by our booth. We actually did get a few interested students and I hope they follow through. I also forgot to put on sun screen and it was during the worst possible hours of the day. I was wearing a T-shirt so I have an awkward farmer's tan sun burn on my arms and my face is also quite red. Poor nose.
I installed my T.V. in my room last night, only to discover the university significantly cut its cable package and now only provides 13 channels. I was quite disappointed.
I'll try to keep up posting throughout the week, but with classes starting and my first full week of newspaper, I don't even want to think about how busy I'll be. Another update might have to wait until next weekend.
I'm off to find some aloe vera gel.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
A Day of Importance
I am quite ambitious and some may even describe me as a little power hungry. This explains why I love having the opportunity to do things I think of as things important people do. Today I did many things which made me feel important.
- I called the Chairwoman of the WSU Board of Regents and interviewed her.
- I had a sit down interview with the new president of our university.
- As news editor, I was deemed important enough to get a key to the office and conference room.
- I wrote a story (because most of my writers are brand new and aren't experienced enough yet) that was over three feet long. This one didn't make me feel so important, but it did reaffirm my belief in my abilities a little bit.
- I called the Chairwoman of the WSU Board of Regents and interviewed her.
- I had a sit down interview with the new president of our university.
- As news editor, I was deemed important enough to get a key to the office and conference room.
- I wrote a story (because most of my writers are brand new and aren't experienced enough yet) that was over three feet long. This one didn't make me feel so important, but it did reaffirm my belief in my abilities a little bit.
A Day Of Elvis
Today is the 30th anniversary of the death of Elvis Aaron Presley. My request is that you listen to some of his music today, especially if you have never really listened to any. Here is a list of my top 10 (in no order).
- Suspicious Minds
- Trouble
- Love Me
- If I Can Dream
- A Little Less Conversation
- (You're The) Devil In Disguise
- Return To Sender
- Can't Help Falling In Love
- Stuck On You
- Heartbreak Hotel
If you really want to tribute The King today you could watch a couple of his movies too!
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
A summer and day of things learned
I arrived in Pullman yesterday, but my newspaper training has kept me exceedingly busy, and as much as I would have liked to, I can't blog and drive at the same time. I'm about to be late for the ice cream social (fun stuff, I know, but the ice cream is from Ferdinand's), but I shall still attempt to give a quick update.
Things I gained from making plywood all summer:
1) Some money in savings to pay for anything my scholarship doesn't cover.
2) I was able to purchase several new skirts and a few pairs of shoes to add to my closet.
3) A gigantic callous on my right thumb. (I like showing it off to people.)
4) More tolerance for long boring stretches of time. The drive over didn't seem as bad as I remember being in the past. (Although the first half of the drive is a story all in itself which should come at a later date.)
5) The knowledge that money won't be enough to make up for doing a job you hate. I can't imagine working at the plant for more than a few months at a time.
Things I learned in my first day on campus as a sophomore:
1) Single rooms are much better than double rooms.
2) Trying to put your bed on bed-risers all by yourself, is a bad idea.
3) It's not any easier leaving home for your second year, but the first couple days back at school are a lot easier.
4) Pullman/Eastern Washington is hot! (And not in the ridiculous Paris Hilton sense.)
5) In a newsroom, when one says "that line seems too bold," it is important to ask if they are talking about font.
Things I gained from making plywood all summer:
1) Some money in savings to pay for anything my scholarship doesn't cover.
2) I was able to purchase several new skirts and a few pairs of shoes to add to my closet.
3) A gigantic callous on my right thumb. (I like showing it off to people.)
4) More tolerance for long boring stretches of time. The drive over didn't seem as bad as I remember being in the past. (Although the first half of the drive is a story all in itself which should come at a later date.)
5) The knowledge that money won't be enough to make up for doing a job you hate. I can't imagine working at the plant for more than a few months at a time.
Things I learned in my first day on campus as a sophomore:
1) Single rooms are much better than double rooms.
2) Trying to put your bed on bed-risers all by yourself, is a bad idea.
3) It's not any easier leaving home for your second year, but the first couple days back at school are a lot easier.
4) Pullman/Eastern Washington is hot! (And not in the ridiculous Paris Hilton sense.)
5) In a newsroom, when one says "that line seems too bold," it is important to ask if they are talking about font.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Softball Update
Big softball tournament at Yauger Park tomorrow! I'm so excited. Our first game is at 9 in case you wanted to know.
Also, fall ball starts on Monday! Also very exciting.
Also, fall ball starts on Monday! Also very exciting.
Finally A Decision?
I think I've finally decided on a major. This has been an issue that has given me way too many anxiety attacks, but I think it's finally resolved.
I've decided to get a Bachelors of Science in Anthropology/Biology. Yes, it's actually one major and at the rate I'm going I'll probably get a double major with my Spanish.
I'm really quite pleased with my decision and I think it's just what I'm looking for. At least, I hope so.
I've decided to get a Bachelors of Science in Anthropology/Biology. Yes, it's actually one major and at the rate I'm going I'll probably get a double major with my Spanish.
I'm really quite pleased with my decision and I think it's just what I'm looking for. At least, I hope so.
Truck Day
Fridays are truck days at Big 5. This means that a truck full of new merchandise comes to the store and a group of employees has to be there at 4 in the morning to unload it. Amazingly, I hadn't had to unload the truck ever...that is...until today.
The actual work day was fine. I didn't mind wearing my street clothes, I didn't mind being there at 4 and I didn't mind taking my lunch at 10. It would have been nicer if I would have slept some last night instead of looking at my clock every 15 minutes to make sure I didn't miss my alarm. I didn't really start to feel the fatigue until after I got off work and finally got to sit down (this was at 1 o'clock). I was actually bummed that my shift was over because I was getting into a groove with moving out new merchandise, but I had to leave. Conveniently, I was driving when the exhaustion hit me. Now, I'm trying to hold on for a few more minutes while I write another post or two.
The actual work day was fine. I didn't mind wearing my street clothes, I didn't mind being there at 4 and I didn't mind taking my lunch at 10. It would have been nicer if I would have slept some last night instead of looking at my clock every 15 minutes to make sure I didn't miss my alarm. I didn't really start to feel the fatigue until after I got off work and finally got to sit down (this was at 1 o'clock). I was actually bummed that my shift was over because I was getting into a groove with moving out new merchandise, but I had to leave. Conveniently, I was driving when the exhaustion hit me. Now, I'm trying to hold on for a few more minutes while I write another post or two.
Monday, August 6, 2007
The Lingering Smell of Campfire
I returned from camping on Saturday morning tired and in desperate need of a bath. Overall the week-long trip was great, however, a week strait with my grandparents was a little straining on my patience. Thank God for Ali, good books, coffee, chocolate, the ocean, and the arrival of my mom on Thursday afternoon. Eliminating any one of those could very possibly have made the trip bad. Anyway, here are a few pictures for you to enjoy.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
In Bad Taste
The Renaissance fair, as always, was quite the experience. It is one of the few gatherings (beside family reunions) where the odd ones seem to outnumber the normal ones. While the hired actors and costumes and the lady selling ice-cold pickles for $1 were all very entertaining, there were a few things in bad taste this year. In no particular order:
1) There was a young man who painted himself dark brown in an attempt to look like an African-American. Why? I have absolutely no idea. There appeared to be no purpose, unless it was simply to wear large amounts of body paint and little clothing.
2) There was an unfortunate amount of busting bosoms. I understand that much of the dress of the time involved corsets, but it was really quite ridiculous. I don't think they were supposed to be pulled quite that tight. One got sympathy pains merely by looking at these women.
3) The illusion was destroyed several times for me throughout the day. Once, when I spotted the final Harry Potter book sitting under someone's chair and again when the traditional flasks on some of the costumes were replaced with traveling coffee mugs.
4) The gypsies. Never ever trust the gypsies. They are quite gifted at taking your money.
I do have to give special commendation to the man in the giant rabbit suit who simply refused to break character. While my family and I sat eating smoked chicken hinds, he munched on some raw cauliflower.
Until next year.
1) There was a young man who painted himself dark brown in an attempt to look like an African-American. Why? I have absolutely no idea. There appeared to be no purpose, unless it was simply to wear large amounts of body paint and little clothing.
2) There was an unfortunate amount of busting bosoms. I understand that much of the dress of the time involved corsets, but it was really quite ridiculous. I don't think they were supposed to be pulled quite that tight. One got sympathy pains merely by looking at these women.
3) The illusion was destroyed several times for me throughout the day. Once, when I spotted the final Harry Potter book sitting under someone's chair and again when the traditional flasks on some of the costumes were replaced with traveling coffee mugs.
4) The gypsies. Never ever trust the gypsies. They are quite gifted at taking your money.
I do have to give special commendation to the man in the giant rabbit suit who simply refused to break character. While my family and I sat eating smoked chicken hinds, he munched on some raw cauliflower.
Until next year.
Friday, August 3, 2007
No Jeans Allowed
I know that postings have been light recently, mostly due to Ariel's absence and my full schedule/exhaustion, but fear not. Tomorrow my father is taking my sisters and me on our annual visit to the Renaissance fair. I'm sure I shall come home with several post ideas. Right now I have to go find a costume of sorts. Last year I was berated for showing up in jeans. I'm thinking I'll wear a sun-dress and say I'm a wealthy farmer's daughter.
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