My List Book

I have this book that I keep all of my lists and favorite quotations in. I also have a really cool Effexor pen that I use with it. When I moved up here I accidentally left it at home. I remembered to grab it when I went home last weekend and I didn't realize how much I missed it!

I am a chronic list maker and not having my list book was really buggin' me. Yes, I have already made a list. It is for something I will be doing on AH in December. My point is when list makers don't have a place to make their lists it is quite bothersome. But now I have my list book and am happy. Yay me.

*Insert Clever Dream Pun/Alliteration/Play On Words*

I dreamt about Josh Groban last night. Big surprise right? Actually, I don't believe I've never had a dream about him before.

I was going to his concert, which happened to be on campus, and was in line to purchase some concert memorabilia. I paid for whatever it was I got and turned to see Josh standing on the sidewalk looking at me. He smiled. I smiled. Then this older woman ran over to him to ask him for an autograph hysterically. As he was signing he looked back up at me as if to ask "why aren't you running over here?" I just shrugged and walked away.

Then I was at the concert with Kyndra, Mom, and Dad. We had bad seats, but I obviously didn't care. Suddenly we heard music next to us and looked over the side of the bleacher like seats we were on and saw Kelly Clarkson warming up on a boat right next to us. She finished up her song, then told her people to adjust the mic. As she did so the little boat/barge thing she was on started to sink. She didn't seem to mind and when the water got up to her chest I decided to go to the bathroom.

Then my reoccurring dream started. I was in a hurry to get back before Josh came on, so I quickly ran into a stall. As is common in my dreams all of the stalls were incredibly short and everyone could see everyone else doing their business. Luckily, at the time I was alone, but then two of the girls from the clinic walked in dressed in Halloween costumes (they were little farm girls) and sat down. They just giggled and watched me, as is usually the case. Then another girl from the clinic came in and sat down, also in costume, with her camera talking excitedly about the concert. I don't think she took any pictures, but I just sat there waiting for them to leave. Like always.

Song of the Day

"Thriller" by Michael Jackson

The best video is here, but this one is good enough.

Song of the Day

"Superstitious" by Stevie Wonder

Time for some whine

I went home this weekend. It was absolutely perfect. I had forgotten how nice it is to feel safe and comfortable where you live. I don't get that when I'm here at school. I hate waking up in the morning and not knowing if there is going to be a stranger sleeping in my living room. I hate not being able to fall asleep because my suite mates like to yell while I'm trying to sleep. I hate having to get up for an 8 o'clock class on less than 5 hours of sleep (this can complicate one's entire day). I hate making agreements with my suite mates and then finding out that they don't respect those agreements. I hate having people knock on my window at 6 in the morning. I hate being constantly afraid that I'm going to get in trouble for living with people that drink excessively. And most of all I hate feeling completely helpless in this situation.

Song of the Day

"Somebody To Love" by Queen.

Song of the Day

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End. The entire soundtrack.

Today's Annoyances (thus far)

As I said before, I'm in a bad mood today. Truthfully, it's probably hormonal (sorry boys), but it could also be because I didn't sleep much last night. I kept waking up, looking at the clock, rolling over, dosing off, waking up, looking at the clock, rolling over, dosing off, etc. all night long. Anyway, this mood has heightened how easily I get annoyed. Let's look at a few things shall we?

Anthropology:
The girl behind me was tapping the back of my seat all through lecture. I don't mean randomly kicking my seat, she was tapping a four four rhythm. Did she not think I could feel it? Couldn't she hear her foot hitting my seat? I could and it was pissing me off.

Then while my teacher was in the middle of teaching (imagine that) my coffee mug slipped out of my hands and went crashing down to the floor. Naturally it made a huge ruckus as plastic normally does when it hits concrete, AND I had failed to securely fasten the lid therefore coffee went all over the floor and I did not meet my coffee quota for the day. Bummer.

Between Chemistry and Math:
I was hurrying along to get to my math class in time, when I kept getting shoved into the bushes and trees because the people coming at me could not grasp the concept of staying to the right. Five or six of them would take up the whole path. I wanted so badly to stop in my tracks and say "WHERE AM I SUPPOSED TO WALK WHEN YOU DO THAT?!?"

10 Minutes Ago:
My plan for the day was to do my laundry and read for anthropology before meeting Kyndra for some soccer practice. When I got back to my room I gathered up my laundry and my book and walked over to the Service Center. Before heading down to the laundry room I was going to put $20 on my laundry card. As I turned to insert my card into the laundry card money putter on-er thingy I saw all these signs that said "OUT OF ORDER." Which is how it was last weekend too. Dang it. Good thing I'm going home this weekend.

Quotations to lighten up my mood

"Are you okay with that? You can say no! I'm okay with no. I have a 16 year old daughter. She says no all the time!" ~ Chemistry sub.

"It takes a while to eat a giraffe." ~Anth. Prof.

Anth. Prof: [to TA about English infixes]"I'm thinking of one. Are you?"
TA: "HOLY FUCKING SHIT!"
Prof: "Oh...I was gonna say FAN-FUCKING-TASTIC!"

Disappointingly Average

I'm in a bad mood today, and as I sat for an hour between my last class and when I meet my friends for lunch I reflected on my world, which is never a good thing especially when you're in a bad mood. Here's what I came up with.

Being average is annoying. I can't find one thing about myself that isn't average. I'm athletic. I have tried most popular sports and am decent at most of them, but I stuck with swimming because comparably I was better at it and I enjoy it. BUT in comparison to other swimmers I'm smack dab in the middle. I won some races and lost some but I was never THE BEST. I was a captain of the high school team...by default. There were only three seniors at the time and that's how many captains we needed.

I consider myself a smart person, but once again nothing extraordinary. I haven't received any scholarships for anything and I've applied for many. I almost got a 4.0...once. I was never in the top 10 or received any special recognition. I was just okay.

I work(ed) at Big 5 and was proud of that for about a week when I realized that the only way you can't get hired at Big 5 is if you don't show up for your interview. I, since gaining valuable retail experience, have applied for many jobs and haven't been able to get one.

I have never won a raffle, an auction, a drawing, a contest, or an election. Although I have never actually run in an election I have participated in each of the others multiple times and never won a thing.

Let's not even discuss my love life, or lack there of.

I know it may not sound like it, but I'm quite happy with my life. It just gets annoying when I can't get a job or financial aid that I desperately need because I'm so damn mediocre! It's even more annoying when I feel confident about a job interview or a scholarship essay then don't get it. That is one of my biggest down falls. I always set myself up for disappointment, even though I know...

PS Christina is not allowed to comment on this post (not that she usually does).

A lovely work environment

There are three ways to get to the newsroom. The most convenient way is through this door. Alas, the route is no more.

Before it said delicious fresh-baked muffins (managing editor's idea), it said Asbestos.

Song of the Day

"Monday, Monday" by The Mamas & The Papas. This song really sucks. I hate it in fact. Tomorrow is however, Monday. Now I have to go listen to another song to get this painfully awful one out of my head.

Power to the People

I was channel flipping Friday night when I happened upon a channel where Laura Ingraham was being interviewed about her new book. I did not know who Laura Ingraham was, but her book title caught my eye, Power to the People.

The title was the same as my campaign slogan when I ran for ASB senior Senate. It made me think I should have trademarked the slogan. My use of the phrase at the time was much more creative.

I suppose the slogan has probably been used many a time before me, but it's entertaining when I notice others using it, because I shall always associate it with light bulbs and little pipe cleaner people. My posters were impressive.

The difference between a T and F

I did not want to pay attention in Philosophy on Thursday. I wanted to read the paper. I don't like to be rude and read the paper right in front of the teacher, so I sat in the back, something I rarely do. But, as is often the case in my stories, I forgot one crucial detail during my decision making process. I was wearing my glasses which don't have my updated prescription.

It just so happened that in class that day we were working on truth tables. The entire board become covered with Ts and Fs, letters which with my poor vision, I could not distinguish. The Ps and Qs were a little easier to see, but the Os, Cs, and Ds blended together.

I can't decide if the moral of the story is don't read the paper during class or always get your glasses prescription updated.

Another sad coffee story

I've haven't posted in a while so I have some catch up posting to do. There are several things I meant to blog about during the week but didn't, like ...

On Wednesday, I had a rough morning. Wednesday's are my sleeping in day, but last week it was also the day of our special Best of Pullman section. I had a profile for Pullman's favorite police officer due by noon, but had yet to speak to the subject. I knew he started work at 7 Wednesday morning. I set my alarm for 8, figuring I would give him some time to get settled at work, wake up and call him, and schedule an interview for later in the morning. Unfortunately, at 8:00, while I'm still in my pajamas, he said then was a good time for an interview. So I quickly got dressed, put myself together, and drove to the Pullman police station. I had no time for breakfast or more importantly coffee, and it was very cold.

The early morning interview finished, I immediately went to get myself some coffee. It was going to fix my desire for coffee and warm me up. But I was tired and running on auto pilot. I mistakenly ordered an iced latte. By the time I realized it, it was too late. I ruined the thing which could have saved my morning. I was sad. And still cold.

The Anthropology of Match.com

In my Anthropology book there are little "Think Outside the Box" boxes placed on about every other page. They have little questions in them or mini-assignments to allow you to relate personally to what the text book is trying to communicate to you.

The section I read today was about kinship and domestic life. One of the boxes said go to Match.com and see how other people's cultural interests in their partners relate to yours, basically. How interesting. When I read it I was fascinated by the fact that my book is so up-to-date (if you will). Now I'm thinking it would be cool to conduct an anthropological investigation on people who are successfully "matched up" vs those who aren't and if their cultural views and interests have anything to do with it.

A Girl and Her Fish

Diego and I are playing right now. I was sitting here on my bed reading for anthropology and for an unknown reason I turned my head and saw him looking at me.

"Hi Boy."

"Blub." (That means "Hola Mama.")

"Whadda ya doing?"

"Blub blub." ("I'm bored Ma.")

So, I reached over and bumped my tiki man bobble head that I have sitting next to him. Ooh he liked that. It slowly came to a stop then Diego turned his little head slightly towards me. "Do it again." I did. This continued for about five minutes. I tried to do it again but accidentally bumped the whole desk. This was exciting and he swam around in three lightning quick circles. Then he stopped and looked at me again. I put my finger to his bowl but he doesn't like that. I do it anyway even though I know he doesn't like it. That's what mothers do.

"Now what?"

No response.

Then I decided to blog about our 5 minutes of bonding so I picked up my computer and put it on my lap. This got his attention again. The Don loves the computer. I had forgotten about this. His new home is above the computer on my little shelf so he doesn't get to surf the web as much as last year. I put the Little Mermaid soundtrack on because that's his favorite and started playing around. He was mesmerised.

He's a little bored now because blogging isn't all that exciting for a fish...I'll have to visit YouTube next.

This Week's Quotables And In Class Happenings

• "They have translated the Bible into Klingon." ~Anth. Prof. That's actually more of a fun fact, but hey.
• During Anthropology early this week I was paying close attention to what my professor was trying to communicate to us, when I felt some one's eyes on me. I looked to my left and saw the girl sitting a few seats down from me staring at me intently over her glasses. It was one of those Christina, painful, melting your flesh with their eyes stares. Startled, I quickly looked away. "That was scary," I though. I still can't figure out why she was trying to kill me with her eyes. I was honestly just sitting there.
• One of the boys behind us however, had his foot resting on the empty chair next to me and was bouncing it like mad. All the seats are connected in that lecture hall so as I was trying to jot down my notes they kept getting all squiggled up because of that darn foot bouncer! I wanted so badly to turn around and yell "STOP THAT!"
• "It's like when you go to the store and you can't just throw the box of pearls in there! So what else to you get?" "CHOCOLATE!" "OH CHOCOLATE! They should just tape that right to the box!" ~Anth. Prof. discussing taboo words in culture and our taboo with menstruation.
• "There are eight different kinds of Oreos! Have you ever had decision over load?! They have mint, and peanut butter, and inside out, and double stuffed, and double chocolate! JUST GIVE ME THE GOD DAMN REGULAR ONES!! What was wrong with those?!" ~Anth. Prof. She has a point.

An Adventurous Night Strait From A Movie

Saturday was quite a day for Kyndra and I. It included shopping at Target for Josh and JoAnn's for flowers and Rite Aid for Neosporin, exploring, eating, hockey, soccer, then no soccer, and a train. Yeah, a train.

After the hockey game (which we won) we were driving back to campus and decided to do some late night exploring. The night was still young and there weren't very many other cars about even though it was a Saturday night. We ended up in Fairhaven and decided to drive down to the water to get some photos of the brilliantly lit bay. We pulled into the public boat launch and parked in the lot. We carefully crossed the two sets of train tracks that lay just before the boat launch. "I hope this isn't illegal," I said, then proceeded to the water's edge. Two Coast Guard boats were docked nearby, glowing of yellow and red lights. We snapped a few pictures when suddenly we heard a train coming quickly towards us.

"Crap the train," I exclaimed. Then I hurried across the tracks so as not to get stuck on the other side in case the train was a long one. I hopped over both sets of tracks being silly because this was something I would normally never do. The I heard behind me "oh sh-! ARIEL!" I turned around and saw Kyndra sprawled across the tracks. A little stunned that she had actually fallen down when a high speed train was coming towards us, I managed to say "Get up!" She got up and ran to me and the car. About a minute late the train flew by. I, shocked at the situation, looked at her and said "what happened?" Then we started giggling.

"I fell down."
"Yeah! But how?"
"I tripped."
"Well DUH! What did you trip on?"
"THE TRACKS! IT'S PITCH BLACK OUT HERE!"
"Oh...jeeze look at your shirt! and your pants!"
She had dirt all over her sweat shirt, pants, and face. Then we got in the car and fled the scene...a few blocks up Kyndra pulled over.
"Are you okay," I asked mid-laugh.
"I think so," she replied laughing also as she pulled up her pant leg to check out her knee, which was completely skinned.
"I didn't realize you fell so hard."
"DUDE! I totally biffed it at full speed!"
Then my laughing became uncontrollable and I exclaimed "GOOD THING YOU GOT NEOSPORIN!" Then we just sat there for about 5 minutes laughing so hard it hurt.

"That was like a scene from a movie gone wrong," I said when we started driving again.
"You mom's going to hear about this tomorrow isn't she?"
"YUP!"
"Don't tell her the train was coming..."

"I hope this isn't illegal."

Coast Guard Boats

Kyndra's knee

Noel

As of today I am the proud owner of Josh Groban's Christmas CD. I know it took me a few days, and I really have no excuse other than laziness. I didn't want to drive to Target. In fact, my mother got the CD before I did. Did hers have a bonus DVD? No. Does mine? Yes.

Fly or Fly Paper?

When I'm bored in class, along with critiquing people's hair cuts, I find myself creating analogies and metaphors. I think it all stems from several weeks ago when my editor shared one.

This is my newest:

Sometimes I feel like fly paper, but I don't want to catch flies. I'll notice one beginning to come a little close and I'll try to warn it. I mean fly paper gives out signals that it's fly paper. Alas, the silly fly will ignore all signals and come too close. Then it's stuck. I keep trying to brush it off, but it's no use, completely stuck. I've caught an unwanted fly and now have to deal with it. It's annoying.

All kinds of people can act like flies: the overly friendly stranger, an acquaintance who thinks you're close friends, and the most obvious and worst kind, which I prefer not to mention explicitly. It's not that I don't like people, but I like my space, and don't want them to be stuck to me. Everyone has a few unwanted flies.

But then I begin to wonder how many people think of me as a fly on their fly paper and decide maybe I shouldn't be so dramatic.

If you must ...

If you must canoodle in my presence, at least have the decency to do it out of the way of the entrance/exit. People have places to be. Tapping a canoodler on the shoulder to ask them to scoot aside is awkward for all involved. Let's try to avoid it in the future.

Song of the Day

"Gardenia" by Mandy Moore

This is such a change from her old stuff. I'm liking it more and more.

One step forward, two back

One of my worst traits is that I tend to judge people. It's something I'm aware of and am trying to improve upon.

This morning on my way to class, I was walking behind a girl wearing a T-shirt promoting alcohol. I saw her, but mentally checked myself to not judge. Then I saw said girl point out a smoker to her friends and then purposely walk by the smoker coughing.

I then felt justified in judging the girl for her questionable apparel since she judged another individual for her lifestyle choices. (I think smoking is stupid too, but going out of your way to let a smoker know you think that, is ridiculous.)

Two wrongs don't make a right, but my path to being less judgemental requires baby steps.

October

Doesn't it smell like October? I love this time of year. Truthfully, I love all parts of the year. Except for that transition between winter and spring when it's just soggy all the time. I especially enjoy autumn. I love walking outside and feeling the warm air with the slight breeze, seeing the leaves tumbling around, and smelling the damp ground and coming rain. I love when it's cold and dry, but knowing it could rain at any second. I love starting to wear my sweaters and scarves again. I love being warm and cozy in my room and listening to the roaring wind and trickling rain outside. I love knowing that Thanksgiving is just around the corner, but I still have a little time before my mom's birthday. I love going to the pumpkin patch with my sister and grandparents. I love that my mom starts to make her amazing soups. I love apple cider and hot chocolate at night when it's too late to drink coffee. I love it all.

Swimming Etiquette

After 14 years of swimming I have come to learn that there are some unwritten rules for proper lane sharing procedure. Today I encountered a girl who was unaware of the "rules."

This girl didn't even give me a chance to like her. We (my two swim buddies and myself) were in the middle of a set when we noticed an addition to our lane. She was cruising along behind us like she'd been there the whole time. When we stopped at the other end she popped her head out of the water. I assumed she was going to say something to the effect of "I hope you don't mind that I jumped in?" or "Do you mind if I share the lane with you guys?" Instead we got "Are you guys on a club team or something?"
"No," we replied honestly.
"Well, I'm doing a 500 warm up."
"Okay, well we're in the middle of a set," I said. And then she took off. Strike one.

The next offense was just a lack of common swimming knowledge I would assume. She was circle swimming correctly, staying always on the right, but when it came time to do a flip turn she needed the entire wall to accomplish the task. Now a true swimmer can do a flip turn in whatever amount of space is given or not given. I would say she was given at least a foot and a half, which is WAY more than enough, but pushed us over more needing the entirety of the wall. Ridiculous. Strike 2. If she had done this during warm ups at any club meet she would have bruises all over her. No mercy.

Here's strike 3. She refused to yield to us. We were there first and in the middle of an actual set with a send-off, so per the swimming rules we get the right of way. She was to be considered a guest in our lane until we left, but no. She apparently thought she was the Queen of the pool and had us yield to her. If I was still on a club team and still had some swimming gumption I would have pushed off on our send-off no matter where she was. But unfortunately it has been too long and I have become too polite.

I finished the set, pissed off, took off my cap and got out of the pool. I didn't want to take the risk of accidentally kicking her or deciding to do butterfly the moment she swam by me, so I got out and put the kick boards away. My friends decided to do a warm down but I was annoyed, so I sat there and waited. When we were stopped one of the lifeguards, who had apparently noticed our irritated looks and mumblings, came over and said "Don't worry she's a bitch to everyone." Later in the locker room Kyndra asked "How was I supposed to respond to that?" Nod and smile.

If you are going to the pool to do laps, learn the rules. If you don't know the rules, establish them with those who are sharing your lane. Believe me, it will save you some bruises.

Josh News

Josh Groban's first Christmas CD, "Noel", comes out tomorrow! Target stores will be selling the regular CD and a special CD with an extra "making of the CD" DVD. Guess which one I'll be getting! I could have ordered the regular one online through WB and received a special Josh Groban Christmas Ornament, but I chose to go with the special edition/DVD one instead.

I'm totally excited. Are you totally excited?

Listening to the rain

One of my favorite activities is to sit on my bed, crack open my window, and listen to the wind and the rain. To some it may be boring, but I love it. It gives me time to think and enjoy the quiet as I do so often.

Earlier this morning the wind was howling and the autumn leaves were tumbling along the ground and now the rain is drip dropping and I am loving it as I sit here, warm and comfy. I hate it in the summer where it doesn't belong, but in the autumn when it smells like October and I have reading to do it is lovely.

I love being in the Pacific Northwest. Don't you?

A Day of Adventure

Today I expolred Bellingham with my friends. We walked from campus to Fairhaven. Fairhaven is old downtown. It's a quaint little area with funky shops and cafés. You could spend hours exploring all the side streets and surprise alleys full of places to see.

From Fairhaven we walked down to the water. Along the way we were fascinated by bricks in the ground with interesting facts about the area imprinted on them. I will post pictures of my favorites soon.

We then walked back up to Fairhaven to the gelateria. After enjoying some delicious Italian delightfulness we walked up to the nearest bus stop to make our way to the Bellis Fair Mall. We made our way down to the bus station in downtown Bellingham, then caught the next bus to the mall.

At the mall we went to Target, one of the best stores of the planet in my opinion. Then wandered to Macy's at the other end of the mall to catch the next bus back downtown to catch the next bus to WWU. Before going to the bus stop however, we swung into Big 5 and wandered around to kill time.

Thank goodness for the boys because I don't think we would have made it around on our own. Once we made it back to Western we went down to Haggen to grab a few needed groceries. Then got on another bus, stopped at my apartment to drop some of the groceries off and walked up to Fairhaven (different from the Fairhaven we visited earlier in the day) to eat dinner.

Now I'm home and resting from a nice long day of good ole fashioned fun and mastering the Whatcom County Transit System! Cheers!

Sirena

Sirena is the most fabulous gelateria I've ever been too. Well, it's the only gelateria I've ever been to, but I'm convinced it's the best. Situated right next to a moped/Vespa shop, it's like being in Italy.

I had pistachio and cappuccino, while my friends had chocolate, forest berries, raspberry, lemon, and cappuccino. The list of choices also included: mango, dark chocolate, green tea, tiramisu (not served today), panna (like whipped cream and frosting), watermelon, hazelnut, caramel, green apple, banana, mixed berries, vanilla, and cheese cake. I was upset that they didn't have tiramisu today, but that seems to always be my luck. I did end up expanding my horizons by trying the pistachio. I'd never had it before and have always been told that it is good. It was.

If you ever find yourself in Bellingham make sure you stop by Sirena. Maybe I'll be working there!

Song of the Day

Because we were singing at the bus stop...

"L-O-V-E" by Nat King Cole

Crazy Quotations

Here are more quotations from my professors. Enjoy.

• "Ear viruses" ~My Anth. Prof referring to bad songs that always get stuck in your head.
• "Remember in 4th grade history when they made you remember all those dates? I hate that. Why do they do that to children?" ~Anth. Prof
• "I know you're probably thinking of some south sea island & a lecherous male..." ~Anth Prof while discussing sexual relationships during field work.
• "Are there really that many Is in 'divisible'? I used to know how to spell then I became a chemist."~Chem Prof
• "It would be as if I would go running at this wall and go right through it. Which would be totally cool. I wouldn't be here. I'd be a very rich man." ~Chem Prof
• "My knowledge of this part of the periodic table is pretty limited because frankly...I don't care." ~Chem Prof
• "Guys, this is how a general chemistry course works. I wake up in the morning and think 'what lies am I going to tell my general chemistry class today?" "...I keep track of the lies and test you on them during the exams." ~Chem Prof

Finally Finished

All it needs is a name.

Song of the Day

"All I Ask of You" from Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera

The trouble with doors

While my counter-part appreciates their efforts, I find their antics sometimes complicate the simple matter of passing through a door.

On my way to class today I was trying to leave a building just as someone else was trying to come in. He opened the door, but neither of us could pass because we stood on either side of the threshold. I would have preferred to simply step aside, let him through, and then operate the door myself for my exit, but it would not be. He gripped the door up higher and stepped aside so that I had to pass underneath his outstretched arm. I'm short, but not that short, so I still had to duck down. It was awkward. I do not like awkwardness.

Moments later, another fellow and I sought to enter a building at the same time. Again, the number of options complicated the simple task. I could wait expectantly for him to open the door and let me pass, open the door myself and let him go through first, or do what I did and open the door myself and go through, then kind of toss it back so it remained open for him to pass through. I felt rude for not allowing him to go first, but it would have been a role-reversal if he had gone first and just as awkward. Still, I was embarrassed by the escapade so I hurried away as quickly as I could. Just inside the doors was a flight of stairs. I scurried up them a bit too quickly for someone wearing nylons, so of course, my shoe slipped off.

I had succeeded in making a perfectly ordinary situation awkward and then even more so. I kept my head down, retrieved my shoe, and decided in the future I would try to strategically time my arrival at doors so there is no competition for passage.

Resistance is Futile

Cyborg Anthropology. It does exist.

"440 CYBORG ANTHROPOLOGY (3)
Prereq: ANTH 201 or permission of instructor. The cyborg is a life form that is part human and part machine. This course examines the shifting conceptual and physical boundaries between humans and their tecno-scientific creations through theoretical works, ethnographic accounts, and popular cultural artifacts such as film."
-Western Course Catalogue

I'm almost tempted. Holy Borg.

Lost in transcription

Today's academic quote of the day comes from my chemistry professor. I have a feeling although the class is going to kick my butt, the teacher is going to be quite amusing. Hopefully the comedic quality of this quotation does not get lost in transcription.



"What's the one thing every student hates about chemistry?"

*Long pause*

"STORY PROBLEMS! THEY SUCK! Sooooooo, let's do some!"



Yes, I will admit that it's not quite so funny reading it. Hopefully the truth of it makes a couple of you laugh.

You are what you eat

I went on a food run with most of the ed board to Safeway yesterday evening. It was a chance to get something to eat other than dining center food. I went with a loaf of sourdough bread and several cheese sticks. I also got two giant cream puffs.

The bread and cheese lasted me through Sunday dinner and today's lunch and dinner. Similarly, I had one cream puff yesterday and one today. I bring all of this up only because I only just finished eating the last cream puff. They really were giant size and difficult to eat. The plastic fork wasn't cutting it, literally. I suppose I should also have picked up a plastic knife.

The puffs were filled with chocolate cream and had chocolate on top. I ate today's while wearing a white jacket. I managed not to get any chocolate on myself, a rare event, so kudos to me.

As we left Safeway, we discussed what our food options say about us. I was teased for having a bourgeoisie dessert while the copy chief's organic cream cheese was deemed elitist imperialistic oppression food.

I am fond of saying my character is full of contradictions. If what was said about my dessert is true, then even my food options contradict one another. The cream puffs may have been bourgeoisie, but bread and cheese is the meal of a peasant.

Song of the Day

"Bring On The Rain" by Jo Dee Messina

Question of the Day

What would you tell and anthropologist about your life?




A question from my text book.

Week one done

Week one of school is done. Lots more to go. Here are some things I've noted this week.

Anthropology - 8:00 AM - 8:50 AM
~Anthropological is one of my new favorite words.
~My professor was forced to teach "extemporaneously" yesterday and thanks to debate I know what that means.
~"Don't trample each other, it's tacky." A quotation from my professor about evacuating.
~Lesson of today - be careful what you say in front of an anthropologist.

Chemistry - 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM
~Esoteric - another word I like the sound of.
~"I'm typically not such a tricky bastard on exams." One of the things I love about college is that teachers don't have to tip toe around the truth. This quotation is from prof. I believe it was in reference to Sig Figs.
~Contemplation--> Teachers must have incredibly strong shoulder muscles. All that erasing...
~Observation --> Chemistry professors/instructors seem to hate Sig Figs as much as students.

Math - 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM (Yes, you read that right. I have three classes in a row, MWRF. Tuesdays are my only exception when I don't have Chem. lecture and an added lab on Thursdays.)
~Extrapolate - an over used word in mathematics.

Other
~There is a guy I see frequently on campus "ducked" out in UO green and yellow. Every time I see him I happen to be wearing OSU orange. Why is that? I want to know his story.
~Apparently all the elevators in the Environmental Sciences Building get stuck from time to time. Yesterday on my way down this happened. I looked to the girls next to me, one looked equally concerned, the other looked at the two of us and said "oh don't worry all the elevators in this building get stuck." "You're kidding," I replied. "No, just give it a sec and it'll start again." Sure enough it did, but why isn't anyone worried about this?
~Spaghetti still remains the perfect meal after swimming.
~How many calories am I burning everyday between biking, hiking, walking,stressing, swimming, while schleping my backpack (excl. swimming)?
~To schlep is probably one of the coolest verbs in Webster's Dictionary.

More observations from yours truly

I like my TA's old haircut much better than her new one. (The class has me so engaged that this is what I think about.)

Today, a discussion turned debate about the best way to raise children, seemed a bit irrelevant when the class is an introduction to communication technology.

Further extending the metaphor about newspapers being like eating ice cream cones, constantly seeing phantom drips coming off my cone is like having newspaper dreams.

If the class understands what the informal logical fallacy of division is after two examples, the class probably still understands after example five. Stopping after example two would have been appreciated. (Not to mention a better use of class time.)

The newsroom fish, Woodstein, does not seem overly fond of the rubber ducky I put in his bowl.

Lesson Two

There's really no reason to be in a rush for dining center coffee.

Situation averted: another college skill

I knew there was going to be trouble.

The nicely dressed old man may have looked innocent enough, standing in the middle of the sidewalk, but I'm no longer a freshman. I saw the cardboard boxes at his feet, noticed the small green book in his hand. He was not out just to enjoy the sunshine.

I was on my way to get coffee and had no wish to be deterred. I put my head down, wore a stern look, and quickened my pace. But he would not be deterred either.

"Good morning," he said, as I walked by.

Torn between my annoyance and desire for coffee and distress at the thought of being rude to a nicely dressed old man, I said, "Good morning," but compromised by continuing to walk.

"Would you like a copy of the new testament today?"

"No, thank you," I replied over my shoulder.

Situation averted. I've learned much since I first arrived at college.

Problematic Prepositions

There are several phrases I use while typing that puzzle me. I am not a grammar expert, though I know my co-author and several AH readers are, so I have some questions.

"Into" VS "in to" - Should you use "in to" in certain cases or always use "into"?

"By" VS "from" - I was given your contact information by/from Christina Watts. Or does that sentence not work at all?

"So" - I realize so is an adverb not a preposition, but is it grammatically correct to use it at the beginning of say a blog post?

College Stress Update

Officially as of right now I only have 10 credits (2 classes). I couldn't get into the math class I need so I'm just going to show up tomorrow and do anything (almost) to get in. I also have to attend the biology class I dropped, just in case I can't get into the math class.

I also think I'm going to change my major, again. It's actually more of an alteration. I think I'm going to do the Bio/Anth BA instead of the BS. The BA is only 89 credits and the BS is ~105. I could still go to medical school if I wanted and I wouldn't have to take a full year of math this year. Only one term is needed. SWEET.

Right now I'm in the process of weighing my pros and cons for the BA vs the BS. Thoughts anyone?

I can't wait to get off this roller coaster, but that's life isn't. I should write a song.

Song of the Day

This is one of my new favorite songs. It helps me feel good.

"Everything" by Michael Bublé

Song of the Day

I've been saving another song for a long time to use for Song of the Day but I feel like I need to make fun of myself a bit here so...

"Anxiety" by Pat Benatar

Apologies

I am going to apologize right now for any further blogging that has to do with me slipping into my shell mode, panicking about college, or missing home. I'm sorry. That's just what I do.

Falling Behind

I'm trying so hard to stay in control of my emotions here. I took my math placement test this morning with high hopes that I wouldn't have to take any more math and that I would finally be done messing around with my schedule. I was foolish to get my hopes up. It turns out that because I took business math last year I'm still technically a full year behind and now have to math a science math series. Last year was apparently a waste of time and money. I'm so pissed off.

Now I have to drop my biology class and try to sign up for my a math class, return my biology books, and try to decide if I can handle taking 18 credits each term. I also might have to go to school for an extra year. NO! I hate this. I don't even want to be here right now let alone 4 more years.

I also didn't realize that the saying "up hill both ways" could actually be true, but it is.

I just want to go home.

Now A Viking

It's been a long time AH readers, but I'm back. Over the summer I found it increasingly difficult to use my Internet and somewhere in the middle of July I gave up. Now that school has started I will be able to use a decent service and go back to my normal blogging habits.

I moved into my dorm today and am now mostly unpacked. I have yet to make the space mine, but am doing it slowly.

I had a quick goodbye with my mom and sister so as not to drag it on like last year. I called her about an hour ago and it was rough. Even now thinking about it is impossible to do without welling up. So, moving on.

My roommate is from Taiwan and speaks English quite well. I have met only one of my other two suite mates and things went fine.

I'm not sure if I'll make dinner tonight because I wish just informed by my suite mate (who works for Dining Services) that the dining halls close at 6:45, convenient. I was going to meet a friend for dinner at around 7:30, but now I don't know. It'll hopefully be fine because I had a big lunch and am not hungry, so no worries.

Tomorrow I will be taking a math placement test in the morning. I would have done it sooner, but because I changed my major in the middle of the summer I didn't know to take it during "Transitions." I will also be exploring the campus, meeting up with a friend or two, and going to declare my new major.

For now I'm just keeping my fingers crossed and hoping things go smoothly this year.

So much for a break

A fire broke out near a couple apartment complexes around 3:30. The editor, managing editor, and I happened to be in the newsroom when the call came in on the scanner and drove to the scene. There were several natural fire breaks so only about an acre of field was burned. In the photo I'm waiting to talk to the head firefighter. I had already interviewed several people watching.

A week well done

While Pullman is by no means a bustling metropolis, I'm a firm believer in making the best of things and moving forward. So while the Communication School has thus far been a disappointment, I console myself and am made happy through working at the newspaper.

Similarly, while I sometimes miss Olympia's downtown, it is possible to spend an afternoon just as pleasantly in Pullman. After our noon class where we watched an episode of Law & Order (it's a Criminal Law class) the editor and I walked to a nice little thrift shop, hidden among a throng of fraternity and sorority houses. I couldn't resist picking up what at the time I thought to be a rather tacky tie (now I think it's just more ugly) for a collection, and two old books.

After our adventures at the thrift shop, we returned to the newsroom and picked up the managing editor for another trip to Ferdinand's for ice cream. As today was surprising warm, the walk was pleasant. Tomorrow we plan to visit the Farmer's Market in Moscow, ID.

The relaxing and laid back day was all too welcome after a week full of breaking news due to the sexual assault incident on campus. I also had two tests this week. I'm proud of the way we covered the incident but am looking forward to things dying down a bit. I skipped a class on Thursday and spent the afternoon at the courthouse with the copy chief to get an update on the Russell case also.

The week has been a busy one and though I'm a bit tired, it's nice to have busy week once in a while. It makes you feel like you accomplished something. It also makes me appreciate a day like today that much more.

A Cold Day

It is quite cold out this morning. This did not matter to some.

Girl 1: Tank top and T-shirt with a mini skirt and flip flops.

Me: Long-sleeve shirt, jeans, and a sweater.


Girl 1: Shivering and covered in goosebumps.

Me: Perfectly comfortable.

Did you find it?

If you find this, and you know who you are, my favorite posts are my stories from working at the plywood plant. Most of them are under the label work. You'll have to sort through them. Some are much better than others.

Also, you should refrain from negative judgements. They aren't nice.

First Home Football Game

At least 90 percent of the campus is wearing red. It's amazing and in some ways, creepy. That's Cougar devotion. At least 5 percent of the remaining 10 percent is sporting grey. As I said, I am amazed.

Don't ruin the holidays

Why?

Why are there Halloween cookies on display at Safeway?
It is not yet October.

Why?

Why was Christmas Vacation playing on the T.V.?
It's not even October yet.

There should be no Halloween references* until at least October. There should be no Thanksgiving references at least until after Halloween. There should be no Christmas references until after Thanksgiving. Everything has a time and place. It should be kept this way. Part of what makes the holidays enjoyable and special is that you have to wait for them. They aren't supposed to be around every day.

For shame.

*References include decorations, music, television, print, and casual conversations. This post is excluded.

Like eating ice cream

Eating an ice cream cone is like working at a newspaper. You have to constantly watch the edges of the cone for any possible drips. Sometimes a drip comes really close to falling off the cone because your attention was on another drip, but you catch it at the last minute. Other drips get on your clothes. The end of the cone, when ice cream starts melting out the bottom, is like deadline.

The above is a discussion I had with the editor-in-chief as we walked back from covering an event while eating Ferdinand's ice cream. She made the comparison.

Flushed Away

I never thought Jacques would come to mean much to me. I never really had a desire for a fish; I bought him on a whim. He wasn't the prettiest beta, more of a dull pink than a vibrant blue or red. He almost never became mine. I was interested in a small sapphire blue female when the swish of his tail caught my eye. I grabbed his plastic cup and he immediately proceeded to throw himself against the edge of his container like he was having a seizure. He was a psychotic fish. I knew he belonged with me.

I bought him a few plastic plants and an octopus holding a sign reading, "No Fishing." The first few days were a bit strenuous. I learned betas can puff out their necks much like a frilled lizard or cobra snake. He didn't like light, fingers, or pencils. He puffed up at them all. After a while, we got used to each other. Last year, while I sat at my computer working on homework, I could look out of the corner of my eye and see Jacques watching me. It was as much comfort as a fish can offer.

As I was preparing for bed this evening, I went to tell Jacques goodnight. I tapped on his bowl as I often do. He was sitting on the pebbles at the bottom as he often does. Tap. Tap. Tap. Slowly, his body floated to the top of the water. His fins were still, eyes glazed over.

He had already survived two nearly fatal accidents. Our cat at home tipped over his travel cup, then pounced on him, and as I was preparing him for his journey back to school, I poured him down the sink. Luckily, he got caught in the drain. I was so shocked tonight to see his spunk had finally run out.

Jacques is gone now. I can only hope, gone to a better place where the bowls are bigger and there are no pencils or sinks or cats. I feel guilty about his passing. I don't think he knows I did become fond of him. Lately I've been spending much more time with the newsroom fish. The newsroom is where I do my homework now. Jacques had no one to connect with. I left him with only Ollie his octopus for company. I was busy, but I didn't forget.

I never thought Jacques would come to mean much to me. He was just a fish after all, something I could never envision myself becoming attached to. But over time he wasn't just a fish to me. He was my first fish, my big-lipped study buddy. He was a comfort. I'll miss seeing him perk up when I tap his bowl. I'll miss him watching me work.

Jacques was a good fish. Slightly neurotic perhaps, but that made him all the more endearing. All future aquatic pets shall be judged against him.

A rant about direct relationships

The more time I spend sitting through college classes, the more fond I become of my years in the International Baccalaureate program. A large part of the problem arises because I am still in required lower-division courses. The classes are ridiculous. I constantly feel like I am being spoken down too and that professors purposefully draw out lectures to fill the entire class period, even when they could finish them in half the time.

The I.B. program was a good program because more than being challenging, the teachers expected things of students. Perhaps I have become disillusioned during these years I haven't been in high school. I didn't like all my classes, but save for a single instance (a horrible zero hour class) I don't remember constantly feeling like my time was being completely wasted.

It's not that I know everything already. I.B. prepared me well, but I still have much to learn and am eager to do so. The classes introduce new material, they do, but it is presented in such a way that it's better for me just to read the over-priced textbook. It bothers me that the lectures aren't really necessary.

All throughout high school, we were warned. College will be different. It is different, but not in ways I had hoped. I miss the challenge. I miss having more expected of me, than merely showing up. I suppose I may take all this back when the first set of mid-terms come around, but somehow I doubt it.

I'm not suggesting classes should be made unnecessarily difficult, but I want to gain something from them. I sincerely hope upper-division courses will be an improvement.

A few words and random quotes

Being news editor is different than I thought it would be. It also keeps me busier than I expected. Still, though I practically live in the newsroom, I am enjoying myself. As I enter the third week of the job, my staff is finally beginning to come together so I have a moment to type these few words. Ariel will return to school soon also and with a better internet connection, I expect the frequency of her posts to increase as well.

As I have not posted in a while, I wish this post to be at least a little entertaining. I've decided the easiest and most efficient way to accomplish this is to share quotations from the newsroom quote board, my profs, and the paper's "Overheard in Pullman" feature.

Newsrooms are special places.

"If I ever get married, I want my wife to give birth to a puppy." - He dislikes children

"This is like eating rainbows." - In reference to a Scooby Doo push pop

"Stop copy editing the people."

Professors

"How do we know Angelina Jolie is a liberal?"
"Because she cares about poor people." - Student response

"Their grooves are hellaciously deep." - referring to the schemas of bigots

Overheard

"My poli sci class is such a joke. My professor kept talking about the Cuban Missile Crisis. What the hell is that?" (This was my poli sci class. Thanks to I.B./my H2O class and my literacy, I knew what the CMC was.)

"You can't have a memorial service without Hawaiian Punch." - mourning the death of Weekly World News

"I will not carry two half-gallons!"
"You WILL carry two half-gallons!" - arguing over vodka transport

It's going to be a good day.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Song of the Day

"Take It To The Limit" by The Eagles

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.

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.

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.

A Few More Kalaloch Pictures

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.

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.

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.