Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Dear Abby,
So... I just got news that my best friend from home, Lauren, is moving up her wedding by two years and is getting married April 3rd. Of 2010. Like in 6 months. !!!
After getting over the crazy shock of the hey-we-are-only-22 bit, she begged me to come (from spain mind you) and I said of course, because it is a once in a lifetime event, best friend, etc.
BUT- I just found out (via a blog of all things!) that because she didn't want to "offend anyone", she is not choosing any of her friends from childhood/college to be in the wedding. Instead, she is having future husband's sister as the maid of honor (okay) and her new "neighbor" friends as the bridemaids because they have been attending the wedding fairs and helping her plan, etc. WTF? Am I crazy to be a bit hurt here? I actually would not be surprised if she went with one of our other girlfriends because she and I do not keep in the best touch, but she didn't choose ANY of them. I mean, these new people will be in the fotos, have dinners, cute dresses, etc. It's like she has already moved onto her adult life with her adult friends who are already married and old. And I am flying from Spain just to watch this?!
=LAME
After getting over the crazy shock of the hey-we-are-only-22 bit, she begged me to come (from spain mind you) and I said of course, because it is a once in a lifetime event, best friend, etc.
BUT- I just found out (via a blog of all things!) that because she didn't want to "offend anyone", she is not choosing any of her friends from childhood/college to be in the wedding. Instead, she is having future husband's sister as the maid of honor (okay) and her new "neighbor" friends as the bridemaids because they have been attending the wedding fairs and helping her plan, etc. WTF? Am I crazy to be a bit hurt here? I actually would not be surprised if she went with one of our other girlfriends because she and I do not keep in the best touch, but she didn't choose ANY of them. I mean, these new people will be in the fotos, have dinners, cute dresses, etc. It's like she has already moved onto her adult life with her adult friends who are already married and old. And I am flying from Spain just to watch this?!
=LAME
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Post-Rec Fitness (Pt II)
Dudes, I've been shit at posting, I'm sorry. BUT reading this blog/email communication is my lifeblood (love that phrase) and though I'm living in a house with 25 fairly cool people, I miss you all, all the time.
Andrew's post about the parkour court -- I easily and cheerfully pictured you snapping that pic before beginning the workout, by the way -- inspired me to share the weird weird workout experiences I've had here. I've been alternating between running and fitness classes at the gym on my block (the gym itself is crap, they have five treadmills and bikes with slippery pedals; I miss Stairstepper #2). City running is both incredibly fascinating and incredibly frustrating; in passing hundreds of faces, the chance is good that plenty will be funny or attractive-looking, BUT slow walkers and dog poop are only too prevalent in this city. Also, when I have to wait to cross large streets, it sure does elicit stares to run in place. Still, I've seen some great things while running. Last week I'm pretty sure I spotted an elderly males' sunbathing club. I also went running in the ecological reserve, a large swamp with some grass and trees that is the largest "green space" in the city, and saw couples taking 'scenic' shots in front of the swamp water -- poor babies have no idea... I have also been very into the song "Ayo Technology" lately but feel incredibly sheepish when it comes on my iPod when children are around (FUN FACT: just realized from finding that link that i have an especially dirty version of that song) even though I know they can't hear it.
The classes are also phenomenal, my favorite is called Warrior Fit; it is comprised of six superhard exercises done six times for 20 seconds each time (still following?) working HARD specific muscle groups, broken up by kicking punching exercises (Drewdogg you'd love it, one of the things was rolling on the floor). The first day I attended the teacher asked if I spoke English and when I said yes, he told me I shouldn't have a problem because the music is in English. You're right, Silvio, Madonna's 'Die Another Day' is all I need to follow along (?) I have also attended Localizada, which works ONLY ass and abs for over an hour and Tae-bo, which involves clapping in a circle in the dark with a disco ball and a teacher who sings along with Aerosmith and wears dragon shirts. Gym classes may be my favorite thing about this country so far. That, and the ice cream -- so it balances out.
Did I tell you I have an Argentina blog? It's mostly for my mom and aunts (so it's a little more wholesome/less obscure), but you should read it! I link to Trashmeat on it as well, you know, to give us that extra little boost of attention (my parents'). leahinargentina.blogspot.com
MISSLES
Andrew's post about the parkour court -- I easily and cheerfully pictured you snapping that pic before beginning the workout, by the way -- inspired me to share the weird weird workout experiences I've had here. I've been alternating between running and fitness classes at the gym on my block (the gym itself is crap, they have five treadmills and bikes with slippery pedals; I miss Stairstepper #2). City running is both incredibly fascinating and incredibly frustrating; in passing hundreds of faces, the chance is good that plenty will be funny or attractive-looking, BUT slow walkers and dog poop are only too prevalent in this city. Also, when I have to wait to cross large streets, it sure does elicit stares to run in place. Still, I've seen some great things while running. Last week I'm pretty sure I spotted an elderly males' sunbathing club. I also went running in the ecological reserve, a large swamp with some grass and trees that is the largest "green space" in the city, and saw couples taking 'scenic' shots in front of the swamp water -- poor babies have no idea... I have also been very into the song "Ayo Technology" lately but feel incredibly sheepish when it comes on my iPod when children are around (FUN FACT: just realized from finding that link that i have an especially dirty version of that song) even though I know they can't hear it.
The classes are also phenomenal, my favorite is called Warrior Fit; it is comprised of six superhard exercises done six times for 20 seconds each time (still following?) working HARD specific muscle groups, broken up by kicking punching exercises (Drewdogg you'd love it, one of the things was rolling on the floor). The first day I attended the teacher asked if I spoke English and when I said yes, he told me I shouldn't have a problem because the music is in English. You're right, Silvio, Madonna's 'Die Another Day' is all I need to follow along (?) I have also attended Localizada, which works ONLY ass and abs for over an hour and Tae-bo, which involves clapping in a circle in the dark with a disco ball and a teacher who sings along with Aerosmith and wears dragon shirts. Gym classes may be my favorite thing about this country so far. That, and the ice cream -- so it balances out.
Did I tell you I have an Argentina blog? It's mostly for my mom and aunts (so it's a little more wholesome/less obscure), but you should read it! I link to Trashmeat on it as well, you know, to give us that extra little boost of attention (my parents'). leahinargentina.blogspot.com
MISSLES
Facebook needs to stop telling me to do things...
So I just signed into facebook, and I see up in the corner:
"Andrew Widmer
Help make facebook better for him
Write on his wall"
This made me laugh pretty hard...
"Andrew Widmer
Help make facebook better for him
Write on his wall"
This made me laugh pretty hard...
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
A Halloween-esque Post
I am getting pretty excited for Halloween this year!! I'm going to the First Ave Halloween Party on Saturday and its going to be crazy! However, I'm gonna miss having Halloween at our Alma Mater...mainly seeing Rob Oden in his Halloween costume. Also this year at Carleton they're doing a Halloween cave dance. Those jerks. But, oh well. It will probably be a hub of swiney infection. Probably best we aren't in school anymore.
Speaking of Rob Oden, I saw him last Saturday jogging around campus. I went to see the last 15 minutes of the football game and there he was in his running gear. He waved at me, just like old times. :]
I have work on Saturday mornings, and I'm kind of wondering if I'm supposed to dress up...but I teach 3 year olds that already scared of things like having their ears in an inch of water, so its probably not the best idea to go to the pool covered in blood or wearing a mask. lol.
Monday night I asked my kids what they were going to be for Halloween. Here are some of their answers:
1. Darth Vader! (Coolest 4 year old ever!)
2. Cowboy (I made some comps jokes that no one understood)
3. An Elephant
4. A Lion (I asked if he was going with the elephant...he didn't get it)
5. BLOODY BONES!!!!!!! (this kid screamed that at the top of his lungs, even after I asked for clarification. apparently its some gruesome skeleton costume involving a pump that shoots blood. Kind of disturbing that costume is made for 6 year old boys).
6. Harry Potter's evil twin
7. variations of "fairy," "sparkly," "pink," and "princess"...
This is a really random post, I know. One more thing...have any of you seen "Paranormal Activity" yet? I saw it a couple weeks ago and it was the scariest movie ever! Everyone in the theater was screaming. Its not like you see anything like monsters or blood or whatever, but its the feeling of dread that builds as the film progresses that drives you crazy. It seriously took me a week to get over being freaked out every time I heard a weird noise in my house...
Speaking of Rob Oden, I saw him last Saturday jogging around campus. I went to see the last 15 minutes of the football game and there he was in his running gear. He waved at me, just like old times. :]
I have work on Saturday mornings, and I'm kind of wondering if I'm supposed to dress up...but I teach 3 year olds that already scared of things like having their ears in an inch of water, so its probably not the best idea to go to the pool covered in blood or wearing a mask. lol.
Monday night I asked my kids what they were going to be for Halloween. Here are some of their answers:
1. Darth Vader! (Coolest 4 year old ever!)
2. Cowboy (I made some comps jokes that no one understood)
3. An Elephant
4. A Lion (I asked if he was going with the elephant...he didn't get it)
5. BLOODY BONES!!!!!!! (this kid screamed that at the top of his lungs, even after I asked for clarification. apparently its some gruesome skeleton costume involving a pump that shoots blood. Kind of disturbing that costume is made for 6 year old boys).
6. Harry Potter's evil twin
7. variations of "fairy," "sparkly," "pink," and "princess"...
This is a really random post, I know. One more thing...have any of you seen "Paranormal Activity" yet? I saw it a couple weeks ago and it was the scariest movie ever! Everyone in the theater was screaming. Its not like you see anything like monsters or blood or whatever, but its the feeling of dread that builds as the film progresses that drives you crazy. It seriously took me a week to get over being freaked out every time I heard a weird noise in my house...
The best post on this blog
Yes, it's boastful, but by the end you will absolutely agree. Trust me.
SO...
It's been some time since the last update. In a nutshell, I've started to do some more interesting things at the RU and have been getting more comfortable at the lab, setting up all of our stuff here and being a general handyman/MacGuyver in creating all of our lab testing gear out of general office supplies. We are coarse-tuning our experimental procedure at this point, making these same two poor rats learn new tasks every day in an attempt to determine how we want the eventual, real experiment to be conducted. Sadly, as Diego says, "Old rats cannot learn new tricks." This means that sometime Friday or next week, we're going to practice my brain surgery technique on these poor bastards. We do not expect them to live through it.
We'll get some new rats next week, fine-tune the procedure until everything is smooth and wonderful, and then kill them and get MORE new rats for the real deal. Science is cool, kids!
But the point of this post is to show pictures! I have taken a few with my phone, so the quality is junk and the topics are far-ranging, but this is my environment now. Here are some choice settings...)
Nothing says "I feel safe at my job" like being required to wear full turnout biohazard gear like the cast of Outbreak every time you want to enter a room. You can't see it, but I also have sweet pants and OR scrub- style booties on. These are our rats!
)
"Zoonotic" means communicable from animals to humans. It's nice to know that, should I get sick from being in this environment, Rockefeller would take the position of "You deserved it."
)
)
HARDCORE PARKOUR!!! After work one day, I visited the gym and set up my own parkour workout in the aerobics area. It was actually a really good time; like an embarrassingly good time, considering I was by myself, exercising. However, this takes me one step closer to being a self-taught stuntman/ninja/gymnast/all-around badass.
OK. Drumroll. You know how I've been joking about how crazy my housemates are, how strange it is to live with them? I now have proof. I was helping my housemate Marina download some programs so that she could use Microsoft Office, and when I clicked on the searchbar on the Google page, the autofill provided the last search items entered. Jaw-droppingly awesome.
For those of you having trouble reading, the list is:
"big white dicks"
"devalue"
"huge nipples bondage video"
"monster white dicks"
"monster white dicks video"
"yootube"
As you can see, the best posting ever.
I'm not even shocked by the content requested here. I think that having lived where I am for a month has deadened me to surprises like this. The specificity of the search, the familiarity with the content is what's so funny to me-- how many times has Marina searched for things like this?
Well, on Saturday I'm moving to a new location, so this can all be joked about as a terrible situation long gone. Some day I'll laugh about this. Then sob a little.
Until then--
Andrew
SO...
It's been some time since the last update. In a nutshell, I've started to do some more interesting things at the RU and have been getting more comfortable at the lab, setting up all of our stuff here and being a general handyman/MacGuyver in creating all of our lab testing gear out of general office supplies. We are coarse-tuning our experimental procedure at this point, making these same two poor rats learn new tasks every day in an attempt to determine how we want the eventual, real experiment to be conducted. Sadly, as Diego says, "Old rats cannot learn new tricks." This means that sometime Friday or next week, we're going to practice my brain surgery technique on these poor bastards. We do not expect them to live through it.
We'll get some new rats next week, fine-tune the procedure until everything is smooth and wonderful, and then kill them and get MORE new rats for the real deal. Science is cool, kids!
But the point of this post is to show pictures! I have taken a few with my phone, so the quality is junk and the topics are far-ranging, but this is my environment now. Here are some choice settings...
Nothing says "I feel safe at my job" like being required to wear full turnout biohazard gear like the cast of Outbreak every time you want to enter a room. You can't see it, but I also have sweet pants and OR scrub- style booties on. These are our rats!"Zoonotic" means communicable from animals to humans. It's nice to know that, should I get sick from being in this environment, Rockefeller would take the position of "You deserved it."HARDCORE PARKOUR!!! After work one day, I visited the gym and set up my own parkour workout in the aerobics area. It was actually a really good time; like an embarrassingly good time, considering I was by myself, exercising. However, this takes me one step closer to being a self-taught stuntman/ninja/gymnast/all-around badass.OK. Drumroll. You know how I've been joking about how crazy my housemates are, how strange it is to live with them? I now have proof. I was helping my housemate Marina download some programs so that she could use Microsoft Office, and when I clicked on the searchbar on the Google page, the autofill provided the last search items entered. Jaw-droppingly awesome.
For those of you having trouble reading, the list is:"big white dicks"
"devalue"
"huge nipples bondage video"
"monster white dicks"
"monster white dicks video"
"yootube"
As you can see, the best posting ever.
I'm not even shocked by the content requested here. I think that having lived where I am for a month has deadened me to surprises like this. The specificity of the search, the familiarity with the content is what's so funny to me-- how many times has Marina searched for things like this?
Well, on Saturday I'm moving to a new location, so this can all be joked about as a terrible situation long gone. Some day I'll laugh about this. Then sob a little.
Until then--
Andrew
My Brother Is Quarantined...
No lies...Carleton has a new policy that anyone who feels sick must go directly to their RA (they are apparently not at all worried about the RAs getting sick) and have their temperature taken. If it is at all above normal, they are REQUIRED to stay in their rooms until their fever has been gone for 24 hours. My brother's on day 2 locked in his room (they are also not worried about roomates and let them come and go from the quarantined room as they please). I find this very funny because only the kids who follow all the rules will actually go to their RAs to say they feel sick (kids like my brother) and then they are rewarded by basically being grounded at college. I'm also a little pissed that this happened after we graduated...I could have faked a fever and skipped SO many montero classes.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Compostable Pinata (sort of)
So, I graced my house with a pinata this past week for one of the guys' birthdays. When I was at the store searching for delectable little treats (i.e. the "good" candy, cheese wheels, lettuce heads), I asked the said birthday boy which candy does he like better (on the pretense that the candy I was buying was simply for Halloween): Snickers Bite-size or Snickers Mini? Leah, for one, has voiced to me in the past that there is indeed a difference. Especially in the realm of Butterfingers.
Back to the point at hand. He replied, "Neither. I hate packaging. There's so much packaging!"
What's a pinata-maker, whose sole responsibility is to fill paper mache with packaging packaging packaging!, to do?
Buy king-size bars and fewer of them at that. The heads of lettuce didn't end up fitting in the pinata, so we had to tear the lettuce apart like a packaged candy salad.
In the end, it all worked out, BUT it has made me think a lot more about how much junk (inedible this time) goes into the mountains of food-things that we eat. Then I stumbled across this article, which honestly I haven't actually read yet, but intend to when my contacts aren't drying out).
Back to the point at hand. He replied, "Neither. I hate packaging. There's so much packaging!"
What's a pinata-maker, whose sole responsibility is to fill paper mache with packaging packaging packaging!, to do?
Buy king-size bars and fewer of them at that. The heads of lettuce didn't end up fitting in the pinata, so we had to tear the lettuce apart like a packaged candy salad.
In the end, it all worked out, BUT it has made me think a lot more about how much junk (inedible this time) goes into the mountains of food-things that we eat. Then I stumbled across this article, which honestly I haven't actually read yet, but intend to when my contacts aren't drying out).
Friday, October 23, 2009
Raking under the sea
and then dumping the oysters into an underwater bucket.
It was surreal. Unsettling. Wet.
Just so you know, there are a thousand different ways of shellfish farming. Now we have 45 lbs of oysters on our back porch. Free shellfish, anyone?
It was surreal. Unsettling. Wet.
Just so you know, there are a thousand different ways of shellfish farming. Now we have 45 lbs of oysters on our back porch. Free shellfish, anyone?
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
What?! I actually have to work in spain?
Well, don't get too worried. I have every wednesday off, and every other week I only work Monday and Tuesday nights. Whew! I was worried too.
Well, now that I am no longer a bum, life is busy!I gave an "all about me" speech (with pictures of you guys!) seven times yesterday. Seven. ridiculous. I started by asking what stereotypes Spanish people have of America (which they ALWAYS point out means from alaska through south America). I got a lot of "Americans are fat" And , "Americans love hamburgers". One person said that we are hypocritcal because we pretend to be very conservative and righteous, but then high school girls take the birth control pill to have a lot of sex. I aked if high schools inSpain don't have sex and she said "No, we do- we just talk about it!" Hahaha. They were all astonished when I said that if you go to the club in America after age 30, people will stare. I also mentioned how people don't really go out that often post 30, and they started listing all of the activites that could be done. I really hope I am still social later in life, like all the spanish people.
Classes are good, but I have 11 sections I must keep straight. For the most part, teachers give me activities to do wtih them, and also say I can change it however I want. In the school I go to every week, I only have to teach a class once or twice, and during the rest of the time I lead groups of 4 in a discussion (way more fun).
They all think my friends are very attractive (which we are... I was on facebook and saw pictures of all these poeple from high school who have gotten way fat and are now married.... doesn't that happen in your 30s people?). And they though my 14 year old brother was 17-19. People here are WAY SHORT, so I think that may have influenced their decision. They also think I am like 26+ though, so I dunno (in America, people think I am 16... maybe its because I am so damn eurotrendy?)
Well today, I am headed to the art museum to see if I can volunteer/ explain what volunteer means and maybe convince the friendly woman in the bakery downstairs to let me help her bake once a week or so. Should be good!
Missing you all immensely today... I would love some more updates!
Well, now that I am no longer a bum, life is busy!I gave an "all about me" speech (with pictures of you guys!) seven times yesterday. Seven. ridiculous. I started by asking what stereotypes Spanish people have of America (which they ALWAYS point out means from alaska through south America). I got a lot of "Americans are fat" And , "Americans love hamburgers". One person said that we are hypocritcal because we pretend to be very conservative and righteous, but then high school girls take the birth control pill to have a lot of sex. I aked if high schools inSpain don't have sex and she said "No, we do- we just talk about it!" Hahaha. They were all astonished when I said that if you go to the club in America after age 30, people will stare. I also mentioned how people don't really go out that often post 30, and they started listing all of the activites that could be done. I really hope I am still social later in life, like all the spanish people.
Classes are good, but I have 11 sections I must keep straight. For the most part, teachers give me activities to do wtih them, and also say I can change it however I want. In the school I go to every week, I only have to teach a class once or twice, and during the rest of the time I lead groups of 4 in a discussion (way more fun).
They all think my friends are very attractive (which we are... I was on facebook and saw pictures of all these poeple from high school who have gotten way fat and are now married.... doesn't that happen in your 30s people?). And they though my 14 year old brother was 17-19. People here are WAY SHORT, so I think that may have influenced their decision. They also think I am like 26+ though, so I dunno (in America, people think I am 16... maybe its because I am so damn eurotrendy?)
Well today, I am headed to the art museum to see if I can volunteer/ explain what volunteer means and maybe convince the friendly woman in the bakery downstairs to let me help her bake once a week or so. Should be good!
Missing you all immensely today... I would love some more updates!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Who knew Mormons could sing?
On Saturday night I wanted to have, like, the most awesomest night EVER and really party it up so I went to see an all male, Mormon acapella group called "Voice Male." Get it? Ha..haha... Anyway, one of the Law professors here sings in the group so four of us went with free tickets and it really was awesome! They sang The Lion Sleeps Tonight, My Maria, and some song about ma and pa KISSING BEFORE MARRIAGE! There was a disclaimer on the last one that such behavior was, of course, not okay. My favorite was their rendition of the Chipmonk Song that is usually played around Christmas starring Alvin and friends. They started out really slow like how the record was originally recorded and then sped it up to "Chipmonk speed." They were spot on! It made me slightly nostalgic for bad Carleton acapella and all of my friends!!
Also, there is a bar here called Locals which has trivia on Wednesday night and $5 pitchers of Long Islands (what?!?).
I also randomly danced and might have kissed another law student on said Wednesday night, who, um, has a girlfriend? Just in case you guys had worried that I had changed...FRUSTRATION!
Hugs:)
Also, there is a bar here called Locals which has trivia on Wednesday night and $5 pitchers of Long Islands (what?!?).
I also randomly danced and might have kissed another law student on said Wednesday night, who, um, has a girlfriend? Just in case you guys had worried that I had changed...FRUSTRATION!
Hugs:)
I've been friends with Ryeon for too long
I was listening to Pandora right now and this song called "Flashback" started playing. It's sort of electronic-y and poorly enunciated and I'm embarrassed to say that I heard "flashback" as "flesh bike" and didn't even pause to consider that the lyrics, "this is like a flesh bike" would be gross and improbable. Thanks Ryeon, your legend lives on.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
OYSTERFEST Trophy!!! (my first since the spelling bee in fourth grade...when everybody got one)
Placed 2nd in the 5K Shuck and Run!!!
Time: 23 minutes, 10 seconds
My fastest time ever in my life is a 22:58! Only 12 seconds off (without training, woot!)!
Weather conditions: Noreaster = 20 mph winds, 47 degrees, and pouring rain. Excellent.
Time: 23 minutes, 10 seconds
My fastest time ever in my life is a 22:58! Only 12 seconds off (without training, woot!)!
Weather conditions: Noreaster = 20 mph winds, 47 degrees, and pouring rain. Excellent.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Very Important Question.
What are you going to be for Halloween????
It's on a Saturday night!! No excuses.
Less than 2 weeks left to plannnn.
:]
It's on a Saturday night!! No excuses.
Less than 2 weeks left to plannnn.
:]
Reunion Time!
Okay guys,
It has (only) been 4 months since graduating and I miss you all like crazy! For my sanity (and yours), I propose a New Year's reunion to start off 2010 the way I like to- with all of you!
I vote an east coast get together (NYC???) since there are enough people there for everyone to have a place to stay for free.
don't be lame and say you have no money. Or pull the "I live abroad" card. Or the "I can't take time off of work/school". Time to treat ourselves to a few days of fun- even if our parents have to treat us to it!
Thoughts/feelings?
It has (only) been 4 months since graduating and I miss you all like crazy! For my sanity (and yours), I propose a New Year's reunion to start off 2010 the way I like to- with all of you!
I vote an east coast get together (NYC???) since there are enough people there for everyone to have a place to stay for free.
don't be lame and say you have no money. Or pull the "I live abroad" card. Or the "I can't take time off of work/school". Time to treat ourselves to a few days of fun- even if our parents have to treat us to it!
Thoughts/feelings?
Friday, October 16, 2009
THE BIRDS!
Totally had a Hitchcock moment earlier.
It was just me and my dad in the house and suddenly he starts calling me like "Briana! Come here!!--Quickly!!" and of course I'm like, "WTF?!!" and come running. Well, my dad is standing at our picture window facing the backyard and outside are THOUSANDS of birds...I kid you not. They were grackles, to be specific, like crows but smaller and dumber. They were seriously covering our backyard and our neighbor's yard too. It was pretty freaky seeing them swarming our neighbor's bird feeder. Our entire neighborhood was probably birdseedless/insectless in a matter of minutes.
Wednesday night I went to see The Used play at First Ave. Haven't seen them since 2005, and I had forgotten how awesome they are live...and how crazy their frontman, Bert Mccracken, can be. lol. He has one of the best screams in the biz, so I was bummed to see that he just doesn't do it anymore--probably because doctors told him if he kept screaming so hard he puked onstage, he'd end up never singing again. He also has a lovely voice, so I suppose its a good thing that relies on the crowd and his bassist to do all the shrieking. Bert also likes to spit on the audience (who love it, cause he's like a god to fans). Personally, I don't like him THAT much. lol. Seriously these guys can pretty much throw anything into the crowd and people will be fighting over it (half drunk bottles of water, a lit cigarette--that was scary, a t-shirt someone threw onstage, a towel, etc). I really was hoping to catch a drum head at the end of the show, but no such luck.
Ryeon--they played "Blue and Yellow"...They NEVER play that live, so it was amazing to hear it. I wanted to call you so you could hear it via cell phone, but I left my phone in the car. lol. They did tons of stuff from the old albums, including "The Taste of Ink" and an acoustic rendition of "On My Own" for one of their encores.
The band has also done very well it seems in the 9 or 10 years they've been together, cause damn did they have fancy gear and their own lights. I also felt very old. There were kids at this show who were no more than 10 years old when the band's first album came out. So strange when the bands you listened to in, like, high school are starting to be given "classic"status by the children that pay the $30 to see them in concert. Ahhhh.
It was just me and my dad in the house and suddenly he starts calling me like "Briana! Come here!!--Quickly!!" and of course I'm like, "WTF?!!" and come running. Well, my dad is standing at our picture window facing the backyard and outside are THOUSANDS of birds...I kid you not. They were grackles, to be specific, like crows but smaller and dumber. They were seriously covering our backyard and our neighbor's yard too. It was pretty freaky seeing them swarming our neighbor's bird feeder. Our entire neighborhood was probably birdseedless/insectless in a matter of minutes.
Wednesday night I went to see The Used play at First Ave. Haven't seen them since 2005, and I had forgotten how awesome they are live...and how crazy their frontman, Bert Mccracken, can be. lol. He has one of the best screams in the biz, so I was bummed to see that he just doesn't do it anymore--probably because doctors told him if he kept screaming so hard he puked onstage, he'd end up never singing again. He also has a lovely voice, so I suppose its a good thing that relies on the crowd and his bassist to do all the shrieking. Bert also likes to spit on the audience (who love it, cause he's like a god to fans). Personally, I don't like him THAT much. lol. Seriously these guys can pretty much throw anything into the crowd and people will be fighting over it (half drunk bottles of water, a lit cigarette--that was scary, a t-shirt someone threw onstage, a towel, etc). I really was hoping to catch a drum head at the end of the show, but no such luck.
Ryeon--they played "Blue and Yellow"...They NEVER play that live, so it was amazing to hear it. I wanted to call you so you could hear it via cell phone, but I left my phone in the car. lol. They did tons of stuff from the old albums, including "The Taste of Ink" and an acoustic rendition of "On My Own" for one of their encores.
The band has also done very well it seems in the 9 or 10 years they've been together, cause damn did they have fancy gear and their own lights. I also felt very old. There were kids at this show who were no more than 10 years old when the band's first album came out. So strange when the bands you listened to in, like, high school are starting to be given "classic"status by the children that pay the $30 to see them in concert. Ahhhh.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
BALLOON BOY
Um can we talk about the weirdest news story since 2003?
His family has appeared on Wife Swap twice. What is that about?
His family has appeared on Wife Swap twice. What is that about?
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Things that might make you miss us.
HERROH!
1. Andrew singing M.I.A.'s "Uraqt" OVER AND OVER AGAIN
2. Me asking people to tell me when to brake in the mountains
3. The charade clue was "Dinosaur Chicken Nugget"...
4. Lying upside down on every cliff face possible (safely)
5. Me farting whenever it was loud enough for people not to hear...?
6. Clogging the toilet. damn.
7. Me sampling 6 beers and liking only one. Andrew sampling 6 beers and liking them all.
dit dit dit on your mobile phone!
1. Andrew singing M.I.A.'s "Uraqt" OVER AND OVER AGAIN
2. Me asking people to tell me when to brake in the mountains
3. The charade clue was "Dinosaur Chicken Nugget"...
4. Lying upside down on every cliff face possible (safely)
5. Me farting whenever it was loud enough for people not to hear...?
6. Clogging the toilet. damn.
7. Me sampling 6 beers and liking only one. Andrew sampling 6 beers and liking them all.
dit dit dit on your mobile phone!
waaay better than sliced bread...
Well the most exciting thing to happen to me was that we finally got internet at home today! This means lots of skyping in the future, so call me if you want to chat (moralescarolyn).
Let's see, I guess my favorite part is that my landlady (who, btw, is still rocking the dark lip-liner sans lipstick... kinda looks like a mobster mustache from far away) talks to us like we severely mentally handicapped. She left a message on my phone that said, "Carolyn, this is Maria. I want to come by at 5:30 to fix the door......Maria..............Five....Thirty...........Door.....Maria....."
Awesome. Well it is actually sunny (very rare until about mid-may) so I will take advantage of it and go for a walk. Talk with you soon!
ps
Best grocery store chain here is called Super BM.
Let's see, I guess my favorite part is that my landlady (who, btw, is still rocking the dark lip-liner sans lipstick... kinda looks like a mobster mustache from far away) talks to us like we severely mentally handicapped. She left a message on my phone that said, "Carolyn, this is Maria. I want to come by at 5:30 to fix the door......Maria..............Five....Thirty...........Door.....Maria....."
Awesome. Well it is actually sunny (very rare until about mid-may) so I will take advantage of it and go for a walk. Talk with you soon!
ps
Best grocery store chain here is called Super BM.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Did a prezzie
Just hiked Mount Washington, highest peak in the Northeast! 6,288 feet, baby!
Has the
"highest recorded wind speed on the planet at 223 mph"
"most erratic weather"
Stats:
22 degrees
25 (to 65?) mph winds
Has the
"highest recorded wind speed on the planet at 223 mph"
"most erratic weather"
Stats:
22 degrees
25 (to 65?) mph winds
Things I can check off my list [a recap of Rancho Cucamonga]
1) getting drunk with my boss
2) diving a golf cart
3) eating chicken and waffles one table away from Flavor Flav
4) rocking out to Juke Box Hero live
5) talking about beef jerky with Dale Jr
6) riding 100mph around a nascar track
7) hearing Jesse McCartney screw up the national anthem
2) diving a golf cart
3) eating chicken and waffles one table away from Flavor Flav
4) rocking out to Juke Box Hero live
5) talking about beef jerky with Dale Jr
6) riding 100mph around a nascar track
7) hearing Jesse McCartney screw up the national anthem
Saturday, October 10, 2009
5 hours in -- too early for a Buenos Aires recap?
PROBABLY but whatever. i typed it without capitalizing.
the people here are somewhat intimidating. i am still in the stage where i feel like i don't have a lot to say (though i guess i can always read them guts or john wayne gacy poetry to break the ice), and it's tough coming in when everybody already knows each other. i'm sure it'll get better (not that it's real bad, they asked if i wanted to go out with them tonight). there's a CUTE BOY (how rare! right?!) from san fran and a kid that talks like sawyer (and kind of looks like him except he's got dark hair) and a sassy british indian girl and a girl that looks like marttttta and like 25 other people (place is huge). i'm only going to be here for a month before finding an apt but some people have been here for like 4 if that gives you any frame of reference. i just need to find a travel buddy.
the house is nice, my room is large and only sleeps four (though i do have a top bunk and it's terrifyingly shaky) - only one girl in my room is here at the mo, she's running the buenos aires marathon tomorrow and seems nice and athletic. the others are on weekend trips which seem to be popular.
i bought a phone chip but not a card with credit yet. but i have a phone number! that i'll never remember probably. i ALSO bought some ice cream and the most fucking delicious empanada ever for 3 pesos (less than a buck). i am going back every day until i get sick of them. i thought a man was trying to mug me at one point and literally ran before realizing he was just approaching/saying hi to his gf who was behind me.
also, i wore shorts and a t-shirt to go out walking around the neighborhood (it's 65 degrees) and stuuuuck out because all the argentines are wearing jeans, boots, scarves and down vests or jackets. these people are pansies. good thing i brought five scarves, i think 92% of the population is wearing one at any given time. it's lovely though, being in a city, though strange because in rio whenever it was saturday/there wasn't a lot to do, the thing would be just to go to the beach. i'll have to be more creative here. (though equally thrifty.)
NOW: a nap. LATER: a dinner. MUCH LATER: a club. miss you all already.
over and out.
the people here are somewhat intimidating. i am still in the stage where i feel like i don't have a lot to say (though i guess i can always read them guts or john wayne gacy poetry to break the ice), and it's tough coming in when everybody already knows each other. i'm sure it'll get better (not that it's real bad, they asked if i wanted to go out with them tonight). there's a CUTE BOY (how rare! right?!) from san fran and a kid that talks like sawyer (and kind of looks like him except he's got dark hair) and a sassy british indian girl and a girl that looks like marttttta and like 25 other people (place is huge). i'm only going to be here for a month before finding an apt but some people have been here for like 4 if that gives you any frame of reference. i just need to find a travel buddy.
the house is nice, my room is large and only sleeps four (though i do have a top bunk and it's terrifyingly shaky) - only one girl in my room is here at the mo, she's running the buenos aires marathon tomorrow and seems nice and athletic. the others are on weekend trips which seem to be popular.
i bought a phone chip but not a card with credit yet. but i have a phone number! that i'll never remember probably. i ALSO bought some ice cream and the most fucking delicious empanada ever for 3 pesos (less than a buck). i am going back every day until i get sick of them. i thought a man was trying to mug me at one point and literally ran before realizing he was just approaching/saying hi to his gf who was behind me.
also, i wore shorts and a t-shirt to go out walking around the neighborhood (it's 65 degrees) and stuuuuck out because all the argentines are wearing jeans, boots, scarves and down vests or jackets. these people are pansies. good thing i brought five scarves, i think 92% of the population is wearing one at any given time. it's lovely though, being in a city, though strange because in rio whenever it was saturday/there wasn't a lot to do, the thing would be just to go to the beach. i'll have to be more creative here. (though equally thrifty.)
NOW: a nap. LATER: a dinner. MUCH LATER: a club. miss you all already.
over and out.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
I need a[nother] job.
I've been looking! For real. No one is f-ing hiring. Its like the only positions open require you to have at least 5 years experience writing about something random, like tree frogs. Where the hell do you get 5 years experience doing that? Oh, and that's just for a part time position. WTF?! So annoying. Sorry, I'm sure I'm preaching to the choir here.
In the meantime I think I'm going to apply to be a tutor at Minnetonka High School (yes, my high school's rivals). I'm sure there will be some upper middle class parents who need a tutor with an expensive degree so their child can also go to an overpriced college. No, I'm not bitter or anything. stupid carleton calling and asking me for money.
My job with Foss is going well though! On Monday I got my first manager evaluation. It was terrifying cause the manager watched my last lesson of the night (I teach 8 classes on Monday nights and it gets pretty crazy by the end). I also get really paranoid when the people working there watch me and she had this stone face the ENTIRE TIME. So I kept thinking I was totally bombing my lesson and teaching this kid to drown and not swim. Turns out she was floored by how well I did. She gave me a 91 (the goal site average is a 93) and first time instructors rarely get above an 80! How cool is that? Its only been like 3 weeks into the session!
Last night I signed up for tots and swim team training. So then I can teach the parent-baby classes (I'm really just doing it so I can play with the cute babies! yay!) and then I can help teach the swim team level kids (which is what I already have experience with).
Oh, btw...I went to Carleton for the weekend and saw the new dorms. They're ridiculous. They are more like apartment buildings than dorms. Apparently Memorial has been dubbed "The Bro-tel" because its occupied by almost all guys. Also the townhouses are almost all girls so its earned the moniker "Sorority Row"...sounds like we got out just in time, eh?
Side-note: My photo shoot pics have been posted on Facebook. I know some of y'alls wanted to see them. :] Here's one of them...props to my friend Ashley for her fantastic make up artistry.
In the meantime I think I'm going to apply to be a tutor at Minnetonka High School (yes, my high school's rivals). I'm sure there will be some upper middle class parents who need a tutor with an expensive degree so their child can also go to an overpriced college. No, I'm not bitter or anything. stupid carleton calling and asking me for money.
My job with Foss is going well though! On Monday I got my first manager evaluation. It was terrifying cause the manager watched my last lesson of the night (I teach 8 classes on Monday nights and it gets pretty crazy by the end). I also get really paranoid when the people working there watch me and she had this stone face the ENTIRE TIME. So I kept thinking I was totally bombing my lesson and teaching this kid to drown and not swim. Turns out she was floored by how well I did. She gave me a 91 (the goal site average is a 93) and first time instructors rarely get above an 80! How cool is that? Its only been like 3 weeks into the session!
Last night I signed up for tots and swim team training. So then I can teach the parent-baby classes (I'm really just doing it so I can play with the cute babies! yay!) and then I can help teach the swim team level kids (which is what I already have experience with).
Oh, btw...I went to Carleton for the weekend and saw the new dorms. They're ridiculous. They are more like apartment buildings than dorms. Apparently Memorial has been dubbed "The Bro-tel" because its occupied by almost all guys. Also the townhouses are almost all girls so its earned the moniker "Sorority Row"...sounds like we got out just in time, eh?
Side-note: My photo shoot pics have been posted on Facebook. I know some of y'alls wanted to see them. :] Here's one of them...props to my friend Ashley for her fantastic make up artistry.
So European
Well, unfortunately, in spain when they say that Internet will be available in two days, they actually mean twelve. So I am still internetless at home, but have found a great coffee shop with wifi. I tonly costs 1.30 for a ridiculously deliciious coffee, or only .45 for wine. So either way, it's a win-win situation. The best part is, they usually project random music videos on the walls (last week was a James Brown marathon).
So far, there is little to update about Spain. I like my housemates more than I was expecting (they are very different from you carleton folks, but still enjoyable). My schools keep pushing back my start date (still have two weeks free). They actually said, if I want, ic an come in a give a brief presentation about myself... whenever I want, for as long as I want... if I want. ridiculous. I also was given the schedule for the school year. Not only do I have 4 days weekend every week, but there is at least one 10 break for every thrity days (10 days off for Marti gras, 2.4 weeks for easter, plus random Spanish holidays thrown in there). I am not sure how I will ever be able to handle a 40hr/week job once I get back to the US.
So I pass the time exploring the city and admiring various european fashoins. Not only do all men (and some women) sport the infamous mullet with dreadlocks look, I have seen other piece of equal interest (like wearing overalls, but as shorts (hooking them together so the top flap hangs at your knees) or wearing skinny jeans (in the legs only) with a huge baggy bottom... like a giant diaper). Or, when I was walking along the river at 10:30pm and passed a man jogging barefoot... and completely naked. Like completely. It just keeps getting better.
I have been out clubbing and salsa dancing, etc. It is crazy how late everyone stays up here! Even old people (and there are sooooooo many old people! I seriously don't understand how spain can support them because all they do is walk, bench sit, and hang out at cafes. Definitely going to retire here.
Well that is that. I am supposed to maybe have internet sometime next week (keep your fingers crossed!).
So far, there is little to update about Spain. I like my housemates more than I was expecting (they are very different from you carleton folks, but still enjoyable). My schools keep pushing back my start date (still have two weeks free). They actually said, if I want, ic an come in a give a brief presentation about myself... whenever I want, for as long as I want... if I want. ridiculous. I also was given the schedule for the school year. Not only do I have 4 days weekend every week, but there is at least one 10 break for every thrity days (10 days off for Marti gras, 2.4 weeks for easter, plus random Spanish holidays thrown in there). I am not sure how I will ever be able to handle a 40hr/week job once I get back to the US.
So I pass the time exploring the city and admiring various european fashoins. Not only do all men (and some women) sport the infamous mullet with dreadlocks look, I have seen other piece of equal interest (like wearing overalls, but as shorts (hooking them together so the top flap hangs at your knees) or wearing skinny jeans (in the legs only) with a huge baggy bottom... like a giant diaper). Or, when I was walking along the river at 10:30pm and passed a man jogging barefoot... and completely naked. Like completely. It just keeps getting better.
I have been out clubbing and salsa dancing, etc. It is crazy how late everyone stays up here! Even old people (and there are sooooooo many old people! I seriously don't understand how spain can support them because all they do is walk, bench sit, and hang out at cafes. Definitely going to retire here.
Well that is that. I am supposed to maybe have internet sometime next week (keep your fingers crossed!).
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
I found the place I want to die
Someday in the future. For once, it wasn't murder.
Ever read books on the moors? The Secret Garden, Wuthering Heights, you name it. Project the image of the lush, whispering scene on your eyelids outside of you and there I stood today, as the wind thrashed against me. The emotional sibilance of the moors, and every color of the palate darkened to the point at which you can physically and mentally respond to it. The clouds blazed with fire, the way the edges of paper orange before the black. It was the place (if time/energy/Lost were to converge) where Captain Planet really makes it happen; fire in the sky, water beckoning in the distance, earth subdued and waiting all around, wind tearing at you. My gosh, Mike Kowaleski's Spirit of Place ought to come here. Australia and New Zealand have nothing on this niche in the valley.
It doesn't make sense on paper, but if you were here, there's no way you wouldn't get it.
Ever read books on the moors? The Secret Garden, Wuthering Heights, you name it. Project the image of the lush, whispering scene on your eyelids outside of you and there I stood today, as the wind thrashed against me. The emotional sibilance of the moors, and every color of the palate darkened to the point at which you can physically and mentally respond to it. The clouds blazed with fire, the way the edges of paper orange before the black. It was the place (if time/energy/Lost were to converge) where Captain Planet really makes it happen; fire in the sky, water beckoning in the distance, earth subdued and waiting all around, wind tearing at you. My gosh, Mike Kowaleski's Spirit of Place ought to come here. Australia and New Zealand have nothing on this niche in the valley.
It doesn't make sense on paper, but if you were here, there's no way you wouldn't get it.
The late entry
Hi everyone! I can't believe I'm the last one to get on board with something that everybody else in our friend group is enjoying. That's so... freshman year...
Well, I'm in NYC and have been for about two weeks, so I think I've forfeited my right to a long, detailed post about moving to the city. I'll substitute this Limited Attention Span-approved post of tiny oddities that I've noticed in the past couple days.
I'm currently living in East Harlem, which has apparently gotten a lot nicer over the past few years but is still rather widely regarded as a "shithole" by many New Yorkers. It is what you expect, with lots of graffiti, homelessness, and people who lean against dark buildings and stare at you during your entire walk down the block. There is also predominantly Spanish spoken in the streets and so much fried Mexican food in the area that I think I gain weight breathing, but I'm not Carolyn so that doesn't really do it for me (Zing! From six time zones away!). I have a room in a cozy, cozy apartment that always smells of weird spices right next to the Corsi Housing Project, namesake of our good friend Ryeon. Amy came to visit me this past weekend, and while she was very polite about the living conditions, we both can recognize that it's not ideal. However, until I can move to another area, let's take advantage of the situation and play Anthropological Tourist White Kid!
There is a poultry slaughterhouse one block down from my apartment. Apparently the freshest meat you can get, anywhere. Several times a day, they hose out the floor of the warehouse-like space, flushing into the sewers whatever blood and feathers escaped cleanup. Walking over that is fun. I was told that the tap water in Harlem contains bacteria, and I have to buy gallons of spring water. I wonder if this is not somehow contributing to that.
Every vendor in Harlem offers you a straw with your beverage, no matter what it is. I've bought water, they offer me a straw. Gatorade? Straw. Sierra Nevada 24oz IPA? I declined, but was offered a straw. I've seen folks (like my housemate) drinking 40oz Colt .45s out of a brown bag, using a straw. What's the appeal? Nobody likes foamy beer!
As I've told Amy, I fully plan on getting mugged at least once before leaving NYC. However, to prolong that mugging until I've finished my Muay Thai training (yes, there is a gym here in Manhattan and yes, I'm going to train [Life's goal accomplished, right?!]), I am going to blend in with the crowd. That means instead of tight, cuffed pants, Pumas, and an ironically bad T-shirt, as would be appropriate in the Upper East Side, I will buy some huge jeans with a dragon embroidered on the back pocket, a hooded sweatshirt with an unpopular sports team logo, and I'm going to get a buzz cut except for the last half-inch of hair on the nape of my neck, which I will allow to grow out. Fuck yeah. Ain't nobody going to mess with Andrew "Harlem for life" Widmer.
But! Pizza is plentiful and phenomenal in Harlem. A plus!
That's good for now, right? If you made it to the end, thank you! and I will probably post again in another two weeks. Don't worry, though, because I check it far more frequently than that and I do like to read about our collective exploits! Love you all, and I miss you. Come visit sometime after I'm established elsewhere, and we will have much fun!
Well, I'm in NYC and have been for about two weeks, so I think I've forfeited my right to a long, detailed post about moving to the city. I'll substitute this Limited Attention Span-approved post of tiny oddities that I've noticed in the past couple days.
I'm currently living in East Harlem, which has apparently gotten a lot nicer over the past few years but is still rather widely regarded as a "shithole" by many New Yorkers. It is what you expect, with lots of graffiti, homelessness, and people who lean against dark buildings and stare at you during your entire walk down the block. There is also predominantly Spanish spoken in the streets and so much fried Mexican food in the area that I think I gain weight breathing, but I'm not Carolyn so that doesn't really do it for me (Zing! From six time zones away!). I have a room in a cozy, cozy apartment that always smells of weird spices right next to the Corsi Housing Project, namesake of our good friend Ryeon. Amy came to visit me this past weekend, and while she was very polite about the living conditions, we both can recognize that it's not ideal. However, until I can move to another area, let's take advantage of the situation and play Anthropological Tourist White Kid!
There is a poultry slaughterhouse one block down from my apartment. Apparently the freshest meat you can get, anywhere. Several times a day, they hose out the floor of the warehouse-like space, flushing into the sewers whatever blood and feathers escaped cleanup. Walking over that is fun. I was told that the tap water in Harlem contains bacteria, and I have to buy gallons of spring water. I wonder if this is not somehow contributing to that.
Every vendor in Harlem offers you a straw with your beverage, no matter what it is. I've bought water, they offer me a straw. Gatorade? Straw. Sierra Nevada 24oz IPA? I declined, but was offered a straw. I've seen folks (like my housemate) drinking 40oz Colt .45s out of a brown bag, using a straw. What's the appeal? Nobody likes foamy beer!
As I've told Amy, I fully plan on getting mugged at least once before leaving NYC. However, to prolong that mugging until I've finished my Muay Thai training (yes, there is a gym here in Manhattan and yes, I'm going to train [Life's goal accomplished, right?!]), I am going to blend in with the crowd. That means instead of tight, cuffed pants, Pumas, and an ironically bad T-shirt, as would be appropriate in the Upper East Side, I will buy some huge jeans with a dragon embroidered on the back pocket, a hooded sweatshirt with an unpopular sports team logo, and I'm going to get a buzz cut except for the last half-inch of hair on the nape of my neck, which I will allow to grow out. Fuck yeah. Ain't nobody going to mess with Andrew "Harlem for life" Widmer.
But! Pizza is plentiful and phenomenal in Harlem. A plus!
That's good for now, right? If you made it to the end, thank you! and I will probably post again in another two weeks. Don't worry, though, because I check it far more frequently than that and I do like to read about our collective exploits! Love you all, and I miss you. Come visit sometime after I'm established elsewhere, and we will have much fun!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
The third first day soon to commence...
The most terrifying (as Amy/Leah/Katie will attest to my pre-Americorps trepidation) of which being when I moved in and smiled and nodded for a week with weird non-sequiturs splashing into random conversations. I, too, am awful at smalltalk, I've realized upon meeting new folks.
P.S. Amy -- the algol really sucks. I can't support it.
The second, less scary, meeting the other houses.
Finally, tonight, the last twinge of anxiety settling into my heart before I meet with my supervisor in Provincetown. I'll be serving with the Conservation Commission (i.e. planning/building community gardens, preserving wildlife sanctuaries, and enjoying things like Leatherfest) and with the town's disaster preparedness/emergency response team.
There have been 3x baked goods every single day I've been here. One today was chocolate chip zucchini bread. Katie, you would have loved it.
Anyway, I want to leave this sporadic post with the following (rewritten) song from High School Musical 1 (formerly the "Wildcats" song. Youtube it to get the tune. Then sing-a-long!):
"Watercats"
Together, together, together everyone!
Together, together, let's go have some fun!
Water is in Cape Cod
It's a solid,
A gas,
And it is a liquid!
Water is in Cape Cod
It adheres
It coheres
And it has surface tension!
Water is in Cape Cod
DEN-SI-TY
When it's fresh,
It'll float on saltwater!
Water Sing-a-long!
It's got three phases goin' on!
Water's on the ground!
Evaporates up and rains back down!
We also had a dance. It took us 30 minutes to write and choreograph. We then won a small stuffed animal. We had no science majors in my group.
P.S. Amy -- the algol really sucks. I can't support it.
The second, less scary, meeting the other houses.
Finally, tonight, the last twinge of anxiety settling into my heart before I meet with my supervisor in Provincetown. I'll be serving with the Conservation Commission (i.e. planning/building community gardens, preserving wildlife sanctuaries, and enjoying things like Leatherfest) and with the town's disaster preparedness/emergency response team.
There have been 3x baked goods every single day I've been here. One today was chocolate chip zucchini bread. Katie, you would have loved it.
Anyway, I want to leave this sporadic post with the following (rewritten) song from High School Musical 1 (formerly the "Wildcats" song. Youtube it to get the tune. Then sing-a-long!):
"Watercats"
Together, together, together everyone!
Together, together, let's go have some fun!
Water is in Cape Cod
It's a solid,
A gas,
And it is a liquid!
Water is in Cape Cod
It adheres
It coheres
And it has surface tension!
Water is in Cape Cod
DEN-SI-TY
When it's fresh,
It'll float on saltwater!
Water Sing-a-long!
It's got three phases goin' on!
Water's on the ground!
Evaporates up and rains back down!
We also had a dance. It took us 30 minutes to write and choreograph. We then won a small stuffed animal. We had no science majors in my group.
First of all, anyone who puts "Boobies" on their license plate IS definitely a douchebag - that is disgusting! Although, I think I have seen that license plate in the Carolina too - were you procrastinating by looking on a license plate registration website or something? That could be fun...
Second, I've officially made it through half a semester of law school! Still loving it. I met up with an old high school friend who is applying to med school here and I think we're going to end up being actual friends now instead of, what I would call acquaintances back in high school. Have you guys noticed that at all? People who you used to know, but weren't really friends with now seem like really cool people and you wonder why you didn't see it earlier?
Anyway, Halloween lives on here much like it did at Carleton! The law school, med school, business school, and pharmacy school all get together for a Monster's Ball. Some of my friends and I are going to go as the "Supreme Court," but not in the judicial sense, rather the home-coming court sense. I'll be "Miss Trial" and another will be "Miss Demeanor" etc...I can't wait.
Additionally, while I did not buddy up with Dale Earnhardt like Amy, all of the first year student got treated to free food (including sushi) and an open bar on the roof of a high-rise downtown with the largest law firm in South Carolina! Turns out the big wigs are just like us - they will take any opportunity to fill up on free stuff and will not hesitate to, um, have a little too much. My favorite lawyer was a guy who looked like Tom Fry at age 50! He had the hair that Tom had freshman year, but it was pure white and it bobbled in the same way. Then he put on these black sunglasses ('cause it was sunset) and I got this weird Tom Fry/Tom Cruise vibe that made me crack up. Needless to say, law school has cut down on my drinking quite a bit and so after three reasonable glasses of wine, I woke up with a slight hangover; what???
Second, I've officially made it through half a semester of law school! Still loving it. I met up with an old high school friend who is applying to med school here and I think we're going to end up being actual friends now instead of, what I would call acquaintances back in high school. Have you guys noticed that at all? People who you used to know, but weren't really friends with now seem like really cool people and you wonder why you didn't see it earlier?
Anyway, Halloween lives on here much like it did at Carleton! The law school, med school, business school, and pharmacy school all get together for a Monster's Ball. Some of my friends and I are going to go as the "Supreme Court," but not in the judicial sense, rather the home-coming court sense. I'll be "Miss Trial" and another will be "Miss Demeanor" etc...I can't wait.
Additionally, while I did not buddy up with Dale Earnhardt like Amy, all of the first year student got treated to free food (including sushi) and an open bar on the roof of a high-rise downtown with the largest law firm in South Carolina! Turns out the big wigs are just like us - they will take any opportunity to fill up on free stuff and will not hesitate to, um, have a little too much. My favorite lawyer was a guy who looked like Tom Fry at age 50! He had the hair that Tom had freshman year, but it was pure white and it bobbled in the same way. Then he put on these black sunglasses ('cause it was sunset) and I got this weird Tom Fry/Tom Cruise vibe that made me crack up. Needless to say, law school has cut down on my drinking quite a bit and so after three reasonable glasses of wine, I woke up with a slight hangover; what???
Monday, October 5, 2009
three quick things
1) I hope you have all seen this...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zkaqPHiIrE
2) Yesterday, I got my hair cut by someone who spoke no English...it was quite the adventure, and turned out surprisingly well considering the language barrier.
3) Maybe I just like the letter E, but since coming to new york, I have noticed some funny license plates (which I assume are not done on purpose):
egg
ehh
eek
eww
and then completely unrelated and entirely on purpose: boobies (the owner of this licence plate may be the biggest douchebag in all of NY since he is the only person in the state with this license plate and he must have paid to have it)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zkaqPHiIrE
2) Yesterday, I got my hair cut by someone who spoke no English...it was quite the adventure, and turned out surprisingly well considering the language barrier.
3) Maybe I just like the letter E, but since coming to new york, I have noticed some funny license plates (which I assume are not done on purpose):
egg
ehh
eek
eww
and then completely unrelated and entirely on purpose: boobies (the owner of this licence plate may be the biggest douchebag in all of NY since he is the only person in the state with this license plate and he must have paid to have it)
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Is it time to blackout?
MAYBE!
HOPEFULLY NOT!
PROBABLY HAPPENED A LITTLE BIT LAST NIGHT!
Last night, I fell off of a ship on which we were illegally trespassing. Imagine: there's the dock, the ship, and the gap of space between the two (where the water is). I fell off the side of the boat and I landed on my butt, with my feet dangling off the dock, as if I were sitting. It was really funny at the time, but looking back, it could have been bad news.
I also just squeezed a splinter from my finger. From the tree climbing frenzy that took place.
My friend also told me that I was "the oddest person" she's ever met. HOLLA!
HOPEFULLY NOT!
PROBABLY HAPPENED A LITTLE BIT LAST NIGHT!
Last night, I fell off of a ship on which we were illegally trespassing. Imagine: there's the dock, the ship, and the gap of space between the two (where the water is). I fell off the side of the boat and I landed on my butt, with my feet dangling off the dock, as if I were sitting. It was really funny at the time, but looking back, it could have been bad news.
I also just squeezed a splinter from my finger. From the tree climbing frenzy that took place.
My friend also told me that I was "the oddest person" she's ever met. HOLLA!
Wow
So I made it to spain, and found an apartment within in 2 days! Actually, i mooched an apartment from three girls who were already here and looking for a 4th roommate. the place is nice (big kitchen, heated porch) but my room is windowless and TINY (I didn't think they could get smaller than musser). The best part is the rent is like 125 euros cheaper than I thought I would have to pay, which means more travel plans for carolyn!
Bilbao is a strange town- very big geographically but it feels small. People are ALWAYS walking the streets at all hours of the day and are extrememly friendly (but speak so quickly!). I have a week or so before I begin teaching, so I just explore and try not to spend money... well, I don't get internet for 10 days, but expect an update then.
ps
I know what you mean now, Rye. the people here are nice, but its definitely not carleton anymore.
pps
decent wine for under 2 euro. YES!
ppps
if you ever want to call me, it is free for me to receive calls from skype (and only 2 cents a minute for you) Just search for a spain number and type: 699291164. Call me anytime day or night (keep in mind six hour time change from east coast) I miss you all!
pppps
I will be in NY Dec 18th... I hope we can all meet up somewhere near by....
Bilbao is a strange town- very big geographically but it feels small. People are ALWAYS walking the streets at all hours of the day and are extrememly friendly (but speak so quickly!). I have a week or so before I begin teaching, so I just explore and try not to spend money... well, I don't get internet for 10 days, but expect an update then.
ps
I know what you mean now, Rye. the people here are nice, but its definitely not carleton anymore.
pps
decent wine for under 2 euro. YES!
ppps
if you ever want to call me, it is free for me to receive calls from skype (and only 2 cents a minute for you) Just search for a spain number and type: 699291164. Call me anytime day or night (keep in mind six hour time change from east coast) I miss you all!
pppps
I will be in NY Dec 18th... I hope we can all meet up somewhere near by....
Friday, October 2, 2009
Its like my ipod's stuck on replay.
I hate being a blog hog, but I couldn't wait to post this...I found Andrew Olson's twin! (See man in upper right corner of picture)
Well, actually Adam found him like months ago, but I kept forgetting to show everyone and then I totally forgot about it. lol. Anyway, this guy plays guitar in a band called This Providence (who are actually pretty decent).
Seriously, I think he looks just like him except with long hair and hipster clothing. Hahaha!
Just imagine him in a wig having just shopped at Anthropologie--do they sell men's clothing? I'm never in Maple Grove. Their myspace page has more photos of him wearing things like the requisite striped American Apparel v-neck. :]
A classic emo-esque music video for your viewing pleasure:
And on that note, I'm off to see AFI tonight. LOL.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Use those SMEYES.
As I type this, I must periodically warm my hands because it is so freaking cold in my house!! My dad won't turn the heat on just yet so I have to use like 3 blankets in order to not die in my sleep...
Anyway, my friend Ashley has been going to makeup school for the past month. This week is her last week, and she needed a model for her portfolio. So I agreed to help her out and went out to a professional photo studio in Minneapolis. There were models for the other 8 artists so this was a 9-5 deal. I modeled two looks "glamour" (which was kind of retro/pin-up) and "high fashion" (dark and intense colors).
For my high fashion shoot the photographer had me pose in the dusty stairwell of the building which had all this exposed brick--really industrial setting. Way cool and less awkward than the glamour shoot where I had to stand in front of a plain background while everyone watched me. Not to mention there was not much room in the stair well which resulted in much less poking and prodding and hair spraying between frames. My hair was hard and crunchy from all the stuff they kept spraying (practically pouring) on my head. lol.
The photographer was an interesting guy who asked me if I would teach him how to swim and would occasionally shout "THAT'S THE SHOT!" or "THERE WE GO!" or even "NEW FACEBOOK PHOTO!" over the top 40 R&B that was blasting. Nothing like working it to "Single Ladies" or "Unbreak My Heart." All I can say is thank goodness for shows like ANTM or "Make Me a Super Model" for teaching me how to pose...cause apparently I'm pretty good at it? I think its all in the 5 inch heels, really. I get to keep the photos, which is pretty cool. (Too bad I don't get paid though.) Ashley got 2 of the pictures right away, and we get the rest in a couple weeks! :]
Anyway, my friend Ashley has been going to makeup school for the past month. This week is her last week, and she needed a model for her portfolio. So I agreed to help her out and went out to a professional photo studio in Minneapolis. There were models for the other 8 artists so this was a 9-5 deal. I modeled two looks "glamour" (which was kind of retro/pin-up) and "high fashion" (dark and intense colors).
For my high fashion shoot the photographer had me pose in the dusty stairwell of the building which had all this exposed brick--really industrial setting. Way cool and less awkward than the glamour shoot where I had to stand in front of a plain background while everyone watched me. Not to mention there was not much room in the stair well which resulted in much less poking and prodding and hair spraying between frames. My hair was hard and crunchy from all the stuff they kept spraying (practically pouring) on my head. lol.
The photographer was an interesting guy who asked me if I would teach him how to swim and would occasionally shout "THAT'S THE SHOT!" or "THERE WE GO!" or even "NEW FACEBOOK PHOTO!" over the top 40 R&B that was blasting. Nothing like working it to "Single Ladies" or "Unbreak My Heart." All I can say is thank goodness for shows like ANTM or "Make Me a Super Model" for teaching me how to pose...cause apparently I'm pretty good at it? I think its all in the 5 inch heels, really. I get to keep the photos, which is pretty cool. (Too bad I don't get paid though.) Ashley got 2 of the pictures right away, and we get the rest in a couple weeks! :]
Adventures At Lunch
So like last week or the week before, there was a prize wheel set up at lunch in the cafeteria, and like if you spent 7 dollars at lunch you got to spin it. I never spend 7 dollars at lunch, but it just so happened that that day, I accidentally put this 60 cents per ounce oriental chicken on my salad…and so I got to spin the wheel and won "dinner for 2...6 tacos." I had forgotten about this until I recently found the receipt in my purse. So being that I am incredibly cheap, I decided to take advantage of my free tacos today. So I got 3 of them and went up to the register only to find out that I had to get all 6 at once (and I wasn't ready to forgo 3 of my free tacos). So I go back in line and order 3 more tacos (which got me many funny looks). Then the second time I went to the check out, the cashier laughed and said "enjo
y all your tacos" quite loudly as I was leaving…
Back at my desk, I noticed that the salsas that I grabbed have different names based on their degree of hotness. Mild = "Will you scratch my back" and Hot = "Will you marry me." Now I didn't get the next hottest level, but I'm REALLY curious as to what it could possibly be...
Then upon further investigation of the salsa (I had grabbed about 20 of them for my 6 tacos), I realized that they said different things, one of which was "Ahhhhhh...we meet again" and another slightly more disturbing: "Help! I can't tell where I am. It's dark and I can hear laughing." Who the hell writes these???
y all your tacos" quite loudly as I was leaving…Back at my desk, I noticed that the salsas that I grabbed have different names based on their degree of hotness. Mild = "Will you scratch my back" and Hot = "Will you marry me." Now I didn't get the next hottest level, but I'm REALLY curious as to what it could possibly be...
Then upon further investigation of the salsa (I had grabbed about 20 of them for my 6 tacos), I realized that they said different things, one of which was "Ahhhhhh...we meet again" and another slightly more disturbing: "Help! I can't tell where I am. It's dark and I can hear laughing." Who the hell writes these???
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