Make that 33 states!!!

Thursday morning I had a quick presentation with my group for E-Rhetoric and that night I did a short presentation for my Post Apocalyptic Fiction class. I tied in ASL and Deaf Culture with Octavia Butler's Speech Sounds and I think it went pretty well... I was really nervous at the beginning though. Strange... Put me in a room with 30 kids and I'm fine, but a dozen adults and I get the jitters big time. Oh well, it went well and it's over with now. (just two more for that class and two more this week).

Friday flew by, though I do recall going to see The Fog with Aya.

Saturday: Aya, D, and I drove 3 hours to Duluth. We walked around the harbor, saw Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on the Omnimax, cruised through the mall where I bought the new Fall Out Boy CD, and we went to the Ship of Ghouls/Haunted Ship, then drove the 3 hours back home. Had lots of fun!

Oh! and we went over this cool bridge to Wisconsin! And that's my 33rd state, or should I say 33.5? Does D.C. count for .5? :) Woot! Woot! Woot!

Comic #3

My musings continue.

Poor Smurfs

Interesting tactic.

Neato Spakito

I have a comment from someone in Columbia....
Too bad I can't understand a word of his blog ;)

The Llama of Laughter

Ok... so I found a photo blog from a guy in Wellington, New Zealand (see links to the right) and I was browsing through some of his older posts when I found this picture from Jan 2002. I started giggling and I couldn't stop. I don't think it's supposed to be that funny, but for some reason I find it hilarious. That llama is having a seriously bad hair day, but he's so flipping cute!

Earth Abides

I'm currently reading this book for my Post Apocalyptic Fiction class. And minus the things the dogs and cats may or may not be eating... *cringe*... I really am enjoying it!
The book was first published in 1949, but it's kind of creepy to be reading it now - when so many parallels can be drawn to current times.
Plague wipes out mankind when hears biggest fears are focussed on war and threats from other countries... But then again... it could be a biological warfare - gone wrong...
You go George R. Stewart!

We're still number 1!

Bowling Update: We held our first place position from last week and we won all of our games tonight so we're STILL NUMBER 1!!!

Went on a hay-ride this afternoon - got to pet the horses and a good-sized German Shepard. Sang some camp-fire songs and roasted marshmallows.

All-in-all it was a good weekend.

Now... back to work!

Happy Endings

So when Aya and I moved back in with her mom in May her cat Ari had been gone for a week - just up and disappeared.
We called around everywhere looking for her and nothing - no sign of her. We gave up and decided she was gone for good. We were all sad, including me - even though she wasn't my kitty I still loved her - and I was sad for Aya and her mom.

This past week a cat showed up at Aya's mom's house and she looked a lot like Ari, but her mom wasn't 100% sure because this cat was just half the size (Ari was a - well rounded kitty). Aya and I went out to look at the cat today and it IS Ari! Half her old size, but just as lovable and definitely the same cat. How insane. She's been gone for 5 months... Disappeared without a trace and no sign of her all this time but she's back now. If cats could talk I think this one would have quite the tale to tell.

So long, and thanks for all the fish

So sad that it should come to this

I watched The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy today... finally! and I really enjoyed it. Reminds me of an onion. Plus - dolphins, gotta love the dolphins, second smartest creatures on earth!

We tried to warn you all, but, oh, dear
You may not share out intellect
Which might explain your disrespect
For all the natural wonders that grow around you
So long, so long, and thanks for all the fish!

Oh.... and next time you drive by Country Kitchen check out what they've got sitting out front.

Curiousity Hooked the Girl

I'm not sure how long it will last, but I have joined the Facebook community.

Snow Snow Snow Tiddly Snow Snow Snow

A long time ago,
Way back in history....
Ok so it was this afternoon - I totally saw SNOW!
/bounce
I wish it had been true-pure snow - not the stuff that turns to rainy-slushy-goop as soon as it lands. BUT! It will come. And soon my world will be covered in sparkley-white goodness.

Donated blood today. I always forget how uncomfortable it is, but then I just remind myself I'm doing a good deed and as the lady said "We love your blood type!"

Word of the Day: Kitschy - Pretentious bad taste, especially art-related... I hear it a lot in place of tacky.

Why is it word of the day? Because it tickles my funny-bone every time I hear it.

It's Snraining on my Parade

They promised me snow! Where is it? Huh? Huh?!
All I see is snrain.
Bah... it will come sooner or later.

Fall Colors

The Truth of Blogging

If you read this blog you probably know more about me than most people. At the same time, there's so much more to me.
I guess that is true of other blogs as well. Most of the blogs I read are so much more than mine; more detailed, more political, more personal, more ---- more. But they're not all... just more.
I restrict my own writing when I blog. My parents read my blog, my friends, my teachers, people I barely know, people I may never know. I leave out names of people (with the exception of those who have their own blogs & names out there) and I don't give great details on certain parts of my life.

I'm not sure what the point of this post is... pretty much like all of my other posts :) I'm just thinking online.

Last year at this time I had just gotten back to NZ from Sydney. Was it really a full year ago since I sat in the Opera House watching The Barber of Seville.

Craaaaaazy!

Degrees of Separation...

My mom called me this morning from Taos, NM. They were just finishing their packing and about to head home from the Wool Festival.
She told me of a woman she saw, a woman pushing a twin-stroller. The woman was holding a little boy, with flaming orange/red hair. (Mom loves babies, so of course she was interested) She took a closer look at the woman and found beneath the hat and sunglasses - Julia Roberts.
hehehe
Neat!
Now... is that one degree of separation for me or two? Hmm... I think it's one.

Bowling update....
We're number two after last week and we tied the team we played tonight. Hopefully we'll at least stay in second for this week's ranking. I bowled, but I wasn't up to my usual, granted that's not so high either, but really I pretty much sucked. I definitely earned my nickname this week - Mother Gutter.

Pirate Pics

The Host...


The Old Married Couple...


The Performers...


The Birthday Girl...


Walking Backwards...


The Blogger...


Great pics Jamie :)
This is what I have... and I have some video, but no place to store it... :(

A Pirates Life for Me...?

I just returned from my first "Pirate Party."
And an interesting party it was. I was surprised at the number of people I knew and was well-entertained by their drunken escapades. Enjoyed the company of some of the sober-people and terrorized the drunkards with a scary-symbol-banging-monkey.
Before the party I had dinner with R and before that I went to see Serenity with Aya, D, R, and another ra.
And before that (this is the best I can do at almost 3am) Aya and I had lunch and got my hair cut and coloured - which took 2.5 freaking hours. I have entirely too much hair. Had 4 inches cut off it and you can hardly tell :P

Loved Serenity.
Love the hair.
Lots of Pirate love at the party.
Was good...

And if JK is looking for his hat - I have it.

Yo-ho-ho-A pirates life for me.

Thanks to everyone...

I have so many friends... so many people who care. This week reminded me of that.
Lots of people were cheering me on and a lot of people voted for me.
Unfortunately, I was not crowned Homecoming Queen. But I had a lot of fun running and my running-mate was crowned King. (Woot MC Nope Nope!)
My fellow staff (RA's) gave me an award tonight naming me "Queen for a Day" and below that it says "But you'll always be Momma to us."
/beam
I love those guys and they're seriously a HUGE reason I'm so happy these days.
Thanks again to everyone who voted for me and all the well-wishes. I feel the love!

It's Aliiiiiiiive!

They've finally been able to study a live giant squid!

When I was in Kaikoura they showed us part of a tentacle from a dead one and I saw a dead-baby one at the Picton Aquarium that was over 6 feet long. The marks on the sperm whale show that they are the only (known) natural predator (aside from fishermen & their nets) of the giant squid. They live so deep in the ocean and it's impossible to keep them alive in captivity so this is the first live inspection and I think it's kinda neat!
And yes, I'm fully aware of this increase in my nerd-status.

Blog Things

Your Birthdate: November 18

Your birthday on the 18th day of the month suggests than you are one who can work well with a group, but still remain someone who needs to maintain individual identity. There is a humanistic or philanthropic approach to business circumstances in which you find yourself. You may have good executive abilities, as you are very much the organizer and administrator. You are broad-minded, tolerant and generous; a compassionate person that can inspire others with imaginative ideas. Some of your feelings may be expressed, but even more of them are apt to be repressed. There is a lot of drama in your personality and in the way you express yourself to others. Oddly enough, you don't expect as much in return as you give.

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

Your Band Name is:

The King of Zookeepers

Band Name Generator

Your Mood Ring is Dark Green

Friendly Outgoing Cheerful

Mood Ring Generator

Your Fortune Is

Just because men have one, doesn't mean they have to be one.

The Wacky Fortune Cookie Generator

Sandy Candy!

Yesterday was icecream, today was "Sandy Candy"

It's like the colored sand art... but PURE (flavored) sugar!

The candidates serve these items to people after they vote...
I think the voting is over now, though people may still be able to vote at dinner tonight. It's been an adventre, and it's not quite over.
The coronation is tomorrow night at 8pm in the gym. Candidates have to be there at 6pm and they'll having professional pictures taken of us.
Despite all the people I know, I've got my eye on a different pair of candidates to win. It really is a popularity contest and it boils down to how many people you know - and how many of those people would rather vote for you than any of the other 14 or 15 people on the list. Don't get me wrong, it's been fun and I love all the people who are rooting for me, but I'm not expecting to win.

My parents get to go to Taos this weekend. The big Wool Festival is this weekend and they'll have their usual booth selling hand-dyed (mostly natural) dyes.

The List..
Read Ch 4 - E-Rhetoric
Read O. Butler for American Punk & Post Apoc Fiction
Read Ch. 4 & 6 for LC
Finish RA staff picture
Pay Bills
Car - Oil change & Wash
Weds - 10 am, 12pm, 9:15pm mtgs
Record Lost! tomorrow night! (/addicted to Lost)
Make signs for Homecoming Game Sat 1:30 and Hockey game at night
Order Mic for work
Call C from CS
Email Brit
Get stuff from M's house
Mtg next Monday night

We're Number 1

6 Woots & A YAY!
2nd place after the first week...
1st place after the second week!
I didn't bowl this week, but the team did pretty well... might have slipped down a place but we're doing so well!
/cheer

Critters, critters - everywhere

Yesterday, as I was coming back to the dorm I spotted a bald eagle soaring above my roof! Their population must be increasing because when I first moved up here you hardly ever saw them. This year I've seen so many... the one I saw yesterday may have been the same one who had his eye on my kite earlier this year :)

J's birthday was yesterday, he turned 26. Party was at C's house.

Watching an awesome program on CBC now. Two guys in Padagonia observing and swimming with sea lions and penguins and orcas. (Coast reminds me of NZ, with rocky beaches, and sheep running around at one point.) These guys have been observing for 23 days, waiting to see the orcas intentionally strand themselves to get at the sea lions... 23 days living on a cold beach, in a tent, through storms... they're hard core... but judging by the big grins on their faces they LOVE what they do.

The Unlike-liest Candidate

Each organization on campus is allowed to vote one King and one Queen candidate for Homecoming. This past Wednesday night was our Hall Council meeting and they voted MC Nope Nope for King candidate and Myself for Queen candidate.
ME... nominated for Homecoming Queen. It's like a Romantic Comedy. Only they cast my part totally wrong, cuz the fat girl never wins. That knowledge is bred into us from birth.
But, I love them for nominating me.

Ahem... voting this Monday and Tuesday from 11am - 1pm in The Union, if you are so inclined.

Questions tumbling around in my brain

What will I do after I get my 2 masters?
Where will I teach? Elementary or College? - Strangely... If I went to NZ I would be ok with teaching Elementary, but if I stay in the US I would much rather teach College/University.
Where will I be able to find a job? - I definitely want to stay up north - as long as I'm in the US.
How long will it take to pay off my student loans???

And of course there is the always this question in the back of my mind - How can I get back to NZ?

Some links I've found for the last question:
Education Gazette
TeachNZ
Immigration New Zealand

I don't want to give up on going back to NZ, but there are so many real life obstacles in my way.
I owe a lot of money for my education and I don't see any way I can move to NZ right away (even if I could find a job) and try to pay off my US loans with the NZ money I'd be making. NZ is still only 70cent to the US dollar... or however that works out where US money is worth more.
I've got another 2 years at least before I'm done with my masters and I'm terrified to think what I'll owe when it's all said and done.
I could start living very simply and begin paying off my loans with what I make through my GA position.... this is a very good idea actually... /gears turning
I get these random flashes of my time in NZ and it feels like a wonderful fantasy and when I remind myself it really did happen it actually hurts.
But I can't move away and leave all my friends and family behind.
Can I?
If I did move over there with the intention of staying for a year or two... how long would that really turn out to be?
hmmmm...

Beth Hart is singing at the moment...
It's all too much for me to take. I can't be sure where it begins or if the good life lies within."

Mother Gutter!

3 games a night, one night a week... Sunday Mixed League
Tonight I bowled well for the first two games, then I bombed a bit in the third game. At the end, I was the last one to bowl... I had bowled 1/2 my turn when the last person on the other team finished. We were down by 7 points... the pressure was on... I had only hit 1 pin on my first bowl... The game was on my shoulders... I bowled... and I got 8 pins! One more than we needed. We won the game!
/bounce
I helped us win the game. We won all 3 games tonight and last week we won all 3 games. From last week we were ranked 2nd in our League and I have a feeling we may be up there again this week.
I'm having fun!

OMG OMG OMG /bounce /bounce

I CAN'T WAIT FOR HP!!! CLICK HERE FOR THE NEW TRAILER! And it's coming out on my birthday! How awesome is that!?!?!
/drool

I'm so easy

and I don't mean that in the naughty sense, cuz I'm not... EASY - easy... What I mean is it's easy to tug on my heart strings. I care too much about others, about doing the right thing, and about critters. I read The Exit Door Leads In by Philip K. Dick and in class tonight we had a discussion about how Bibleman does the right thing, according to the law (but maybe not according to ethical law). He's faced with a tough decision and he makes the choice he feels is right, but it's wrong... Sometimes I feel that way. I always try to do the "right" thing, sometimes I succeed, sometimes I fail, and almost always I'm not sure which one happened until much later, if at all.

As for heart strings... I don't care if it's just a fish and I don't care if I just got it on Monday - Damnit - I'm sad cuz my fishy died. I'm sad that another living thing was snuffed out while in my care.

Elements of E-Rhetoric

I'm really enjoying this class. It's explaining (in detail) a lot of the things I've heard Aya talking about over the past few years... things we talked about in Teaching Writing with Technology (last spring) that I may not have fully comprehended... and forcing me to ask a lot of new questions. Questions my brain is constantly sifting through. Questions which make me stop and exmine what I see and read, especially blogs, more carefully. As a result I'm looking at more and more blogs, which makes me want to improve my blog. I've always wanted to add more photos in my posts... maybe I'll start there. But they have to be good photos... raising the bar for myself... hmm....

Jessie is in the process of selling her house.
She said: "oh, the world feels big and uncertain."
And I agree most definitely.
One of her possible buyers made the coment: "It must be amazing not knowing where you're going next, knowing that you have so many options, so much freedom."
To which Jessie replied: "She's right. But damn, it's scary."
Is it ever... A times I feel lost in a sea of possibility. I don't want to take for granted the fact that I have so many choices. I'm unbelievable lucky, but I agree Jessie - it can be so overwhelming.

Her posts about the process of selling her house remind me that in the very near future my childhood home will be sold as well. What will become of the property? The building? I suspect it will be turned into a rental property, like many of the other houses on our street. That's probably the least traumatic of the possibilities though. What if they tear it down for apartments or something. *cringe*

Everything that happened to me for the first 23 years of my life happened in or around that building... my home...
But! Home - HOME - is where my parents are - always has been.

Some thoughts on blogs...

You can put advertisements on your blog and make money for it. Why should I subject what few readers I have to more annoying advertisements? One of the things I love about having a blog as my homepage is the lack of advertisements. Sure, there is a small banner at the top for Blogger, but it's minimal advertising. And yes, I have chosen to add links to different sites on the right-hand side, but they serve two purposes:
1. Since I use my blog as my homepage they are easy links for sites I use the most.
2. By browsing through these links readers see what interests me, thus getting to know me better.

Speaking of readers...
Who do I have a blog?
First, it is my homepage; an easy way for me to keep track of links I use often.
Second, I like to write my thoughts and experiences down. In the past I have kept written journals and for a while I kept one on the computer.
But why do I want these thoughts and experiences out there for anyone to see?
I know my parents read my blog, but I talk to them every other day (at least).
I know Aya reads my blog, but I talk to her quite often as well.
So none of these people need to read my blog to keep in touch with me.

I've read blogs that are funny, deep and poetic. Blogs that make a political statement. Blogs with very little text, but lots of pictures and blogs.
I don't write so good ;)
I'm definitely not poetic and I refuse to talk about politics.
I'm not particularly witty, although I'm quite good at amusing myself.

Maybe that's what it all boils down to. I enjoy blogging. I like the freedom it provides me in links and pictures and writing style. I can make up words and keep track of experiences...

6 Woots & A Yay

That's the name of our bowling team. Tonight was our first game/night... not sure what the proper terminology is. I'm not the world's best bowler, in fact I'm not even 'good' but I warned them when they asked me to join. I had fun and at least I wasn't horrible. :)

Ran into Aya, D, and W on my way home & they gave me left-overs from a shin-dig they went to. I shared it with C & D and they're all gone now! Thanks to them.

I survived again... but what about them

Another round of paintball today, though I didn't do nearly as well this time as I did the first two times. I shot four people but got hit 7 times. 7 welts. 1 doozy on my arm is 3 inches long where the ball grazed along my arm.

I'm watching VH1 atm.
VH1, CMT, and MTV are all showing the React NOW concert without commercials.
I'm thinking about all of the people affected by this event... about the families in those areas... old and young... about the soldiers and others overseas... How are they doing? Have they found their loved-ones?
Melissa Etheridge is singing a song she wrote for this show... wow... about a mother who couldn't hold onto her child... live acapella... "It's been 4 days I couldn't hold on... Mr. now my child is gone..."

The background on one of the stages is black with white writing (like population signs) giving the name of towns affected and their populations.
Effective.

How to help:
Texting 24357 on your cell phone will send $5
Think MTV for a list of how to help
Katrina Help Wiki

AAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!

I like it better when I can actually scream out loud, but this is the best I can do for now.
I really don't 'hate' anyone or anything... except maybe when people are rude, lying, or condescending. Those are three things I cannot excuse and I find it very difficult to put it aside. It follows me like an annoying little ... something.... imagine something little and creepy and following you! That's how I feel. It is always there, in the corner of my eye, the back of my mind, nagging at me.

Geeze I really need to learn to chill out.
Like I used to tell my mom - "Take a chill pill."

Pancakes, Sandwiches, & Life

What do these things have in common? you ask.
They all have layers.
Layers upon layers upon layers.

Life = a multilayered rollercoaster.

Tragedy everywhere; caused by nature and caused by man.
What do we do when the darkest side of human-kind is unleashed?

It's probably quite appropriate that I'm reading:

Selected Stories of Philip K. Dick

Post-apocalyptic fiction... one of the stories I read last night, Imposter portrays a future in which we have lost one of our most basic rights - innocent until proven guilty. Man is scared and as a result they do things without thinking about them first - specifically; killing anyone, even long-time friends, who may not be what they seem.

Just when you think you've got it bad... well stop and look around at the rest of the world. You most likely are not so bad off.

I have a friend in the hospital atm, sending my prayers and good thoughts to her and her family.

If this post seems incredibly random it's becauase that's the way my brain is working atm.

Deception

they lie to me
show me my deepest desires
both hidden and apparent
what i wish for secretly
appears to be reality
i awake to find it has all been a lie

Making Up

Life balances itself out.
After a rough week I have had a lovely weekend.
I spent yesterday relaxing and working on a project for one of my classes. Aya, D and I went to see the 40 year old virgin which is hilarious and extremely naughty.
Today I went to a friends house and helped them harvest honey, snapped beans, helped make ice cream, spun, and listened to her family and friends make beautiful music... just the lovely, fun, relaxing day I needed.
Tonight I helped host a dorm-version of Whose Line is it Anyway? It was fun and kind of funny... I heartily admit improv is not my best skill... though I think it was probably pretty funny watching me try.

Rhetorical Decisions

Aya came up with a very intersting guess as to the reason for my pic of Charlie Brown in the last post. I would have put up an explanation but time restraints did not allow for it. After talking with her (and hearing her idea) I thought I should explain it, but now, after some consideration, I have decided to leave it up to your imagination! So good luck with that one.

My hectic week is coming to a close.
I decided not to go into work today, as I'd already worked at least 6 hours more than I was supposed to this week and I have been going non-stop for the last few weeks. I had class this morning and then I hung out at the Union, had lunch and chatted with some friends. It was nice and relaxing. I came home and finished up the web-site for OBLC.... if you would like to see it just click HERE.
I'm so unbelievably relieved to have it up finally. I know I need to work on one of the pages (got to fix some spacing), but overall I think it's pretty good for my first attempt. And I did it all by myself!
/pats self on back
I managed to take a brief nap this afternoon, before my night class. However, I was snuggled in bed and sleeping pretty well when I was awoken by the strangest sound... clip clop clip clop
Now usually when I am in my room I hear the wind rustling the leaves just outside my window (a very soothing sound), the traffic on the road and the usual dorm sounds, all masked by the sound of my fan. So this sound... this... clip clop clip clop was very out of place. In my dazed state I vaguely thought... horses? but I've never seen horses in town so I figured it was somebody with flip flops or something running around on the pavement.... like I said; I was sleeping. After the 4th or 5th time I gave up and went to my window to have a peek, unfortunately he/she/it was out of site. I went back to bed and then the next time it came by I was out of bed and 1/2 way to the window before the first clip was done. Indeed... horses.... a hay ride actually, going back and forth on the street out front. I'm not sure what was going on, but it looked like fun... even if it did disrupt my snoozy time.
Class tonight went well. I'm taking a class called: American Punk and Post Apocalyptic Fiction. Interesting, eh? The first part we are tackling is the Post Apocalyptic Fiction and we watched clips from Total Recall, Blade Runner, and Minority Report - all based on short-stories written by Phillip K. Dick (our first author). I like this class already!

After class I helped T by giving her a lift to her car and giving her a jump start. I went in to Walmart to pick up the photos for res life - got there at 8:59 and they closed at 9pm... but they'd already left! So I'll be going back tomorrow.

Very glad I had that brief afternoon refresher because when I got back from Wally World I went over to H's apartment where several of the RA's were meeting to play Cranium. The brothers, J & S, were playing ping pong with a friend of theirs N and I invited them to join us at Cranium, which they did. 3 hours later, J's team won... but my team was so close. I had a blast. It was just what I needed to unwind from this week.
Thank you for my friends.

First Day Madness

Yesterday was long, stressful, and my first day of being the official-school-year-GA.
Lots and lots of questions.
Lots of problems.
One really rude person.



However, it ended well with a nice floor meeting. My girls started out so quiet, but I got them talking by playing a couple of games. I think they were having fun. Of course I had to leave for staff meeting right when it was getting good. I left them with snacks and in good moods, so I hope they had fun after I left and didn't run back to their rooms. So far I am the only one who has my door open, but I'm hoping to get them out of their shells.

Today has been a bit quieter and without all the hecticness I've been able to get a good bit of work done.

I posted some pictures on my photoblog the other day - mostly from when dad was here, and a couple from this summer.

This past week and a half-two weeks has been so insane I had no idea there was a massive hurricane coming.... seriously.... how pathetic is that. I would go to breakfast at 7:30 and be in meetings/activities or working on my floor stuff until about 10-11pm when I'd finally crawl into bed and pass out. Even the weekend was crazy and of course starting classes. So I had no idea about the hurricane until Monday night. Apparently my cousins in Alabama are safe. I was watching the news footage last night and yikes..... unbelievable destruction. Unbelievable....

Speedy Posting

Dad came and went, with lots of fun in between.
We walked across mouth of the Mississippi, drove through the state park, went to 2 casinos, bird watched (osprey), went to our local animal park and fed the deer, bear, racoons, camels, and played for half an hour with two baby lions (8 weeks old)... saw a few of the osprey attack a male bald eagle-who did some awesome mid-air acrobatics right above us.
We did a lot of driving around and looking at the country side and I showed him my office and he helped me move some stuff into my dorm room... He even bought me a new tv when I smashed mine during move-in.

After dad left I concentrated on getting moved into my dorm room and doing my room inventories. I've also done my door decs and on-duty board. I only have my bulletin board to go. My original list said 4 residents, but it now I have at least 6, which is good. I've been insanely busy doing RA training (since last Friday) and we aren't done until Saturday at noon. Sunday I've got people moving in and a meeting and then Monday school starts! Eeep!

This is the longest I've sat still (when I wasn't in a meeting) and now I've got to go do some GA stuff!
Toodles.

Trips: Planned & Unexpected

Aya and I went to check out the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks on Tuesday. After an hour walking tour we agreed it is a beautiful campus (old brick buildings and a clock tower). Unfortunately, after asking lots of questions Aya found out they don't have what she needs for her PhD. So, she's back to searching for her perfect school.
After Grand Forks, we took an unscheduled detour to Fargo to see her grandpa. He had a triple-bipass on Wednesday morning. He's doing well and we're all hoping he'll feel much, much better once he's up and running again.

The new computers are in the lab, ready to go (minus one bad monitor which should be replaced soon). It was a painless process, but I'm greatly relieved to have it over and done with.

My dad is coming tomorrow and I've got lots of things for him to choose from.

I can't believe I'm moving into the dorms next Monday/Tuesday.
/boggle

My 3 Year Blogiversary!

I just realized this! July 26th was my 3 year Blogiversary!
(To use Berne's term)
Aya's was the 23rd and I was thinking mine was a few months later. Apparently she was much more persuasive than I thought, as she talked me into starting a blog in the first place.

Anywho....

Happy Blogiversary to me!

All's quiet

No big adventures, such as swimming in my jeans.
Though I have been swimming every day, in the pull, properly attired.

Trying to enjoy what is left of my summer.
New computers come in next Monday and Dad comes in next Friday. I've been rearranging the computer lab for the last week or so, trying to find places for the old computers and such. Monday will surely be an adventure.
I've also been making plans for when Dad comes up. We'll go on a tour of the Woollen Mills on Friday, after he comes in. Then we should go to Itasca State Park and walk accross the Headwaters of the Mississippi and maybe go horse-back riding at the stables nearby. I'd also like to give him a good tour of my town, better than the brief run-through we did last year at graduation. Other than these plans I think we'll just hang out - go where the wind blows and such.

I'm halfway through Lirael:

Although the series isn't as interesting to me as it was the first time I read it, I am enjoying rereading the books.

Mom & Dad hope to close on the house next Wednesday - a scary thought. It'll be official then, no turning back.

Just talked to S, my Hall Director, on the phone for about 20 minutes or so. It's funny, he's my boss, but when we're talking I feel like I'm talking to a friend and we can go on and on. It's worse when we're in person. Last time I stopped by for a meeting that I'd planned on being about an hour and two and a half hours later I had to say, "I really should be going." It's awesome. I'm so incredibly lucky.

Hummm

Emma is number 1 on the list of popular names for New Zealand, Ireland, Norway, and Scotland, number 2 for Northern Ireland, and it's Australia's number 10.
/ponder
Chloe shows up for Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, England & Whales, and Australia.

/neener
My names more popular ;)

Yes... I am bored and living up to my nickname of "Vamp."
Sitting here with the lights off, the room lit only by the light pouring through a few windows and out of a dozen computer monitors. Summer classes ended last week, and as such there are NO students around and very few professors. I've done most everything I can to prepare for the incoming computers, which will be arriving on Monday. The few things I have left must wait until Friday.

Garage saled again last Friday. Aya's mom took it over on Saturday and Sunday. I was very glad for this. Two 3-day weekends in a row of running the rummage sale = /snore.
Saw Sky High and Must Love Dogs this past weekend, both were cute. Still want to see Wedding Crashers.

J left yesterday morning to go back to Texas for a few weeks, until school starts back up.

Mom and Dad should be closing on the new house this Friday and moving in... who knows when. They've got the Taos wool festival to prepare for in addition to the shop and trying to pack. I'm trying to talk them into waiting until Thanksgiving or after to move. I could come home then and help them pack/move. They haven't moved in almost 30 years and I'm not sure they remember what a headache it can be - thought they are dreading it... And though I've only ever moved dorm-sized amounts, I've moved almost a dozen times in the last 4 years and I can offiially say; Moving suxors.

Almost done with Sabriel - taking me way too long to get it read - too many distractions.

Went to a B-day party yesterday for H, Aya's cousin. She's 15 now! I can't believe it. When I first moved up here she was still in the little girl -not quite young lady - but I'll be there soon - stage. Now she's definitely at the Young Lady stage and zooming on up.

The Island Awaits

Yup... last night I went to see The Island with some friends. It was awesome. Very action-packed, with probably the best chase scene I've ever seen. I really enjoyed the movie and have every intention of buying it when it comes to DVD.

I've also started re-reading Garth Nix's Old Kingdom Series.
Currently reading:


I bought his latest book:

and decided I should read the trilogy again before proceeding to this latest book of short stories.

Massive bruise on my leg, due to sea doo excursion, but otherwise I'm fit as a fiddle. Don't know if I'll be doing that again anytime soon though. My weekends are pretty much booked from now until school starts.

Reminders to self:
- Aya's cousin's birthday is this Saturday and the party next Monday
- Next Friday is the last day to prepare the lab for the new computers
- Monday the 8th the new computers come
- Friday the 12th Dad comes
- Monday the 15th Dad leaves
- Tuesday the 16th move into dorm
- Wednesday the 17th set up floor for residents
- Friday the 19th training starts
- Saturday the 27th last day of training
- Sunday the 28th residents move in
- Monday the 29th classes begin

Somewhere in there I have to attend at least one GA meeting.
My summer is practically over.
Ugh.

Sand Castles & Sea Doos

Note to self: Never do water sports while wearing blue jeans.

Yesterday Aya, H, J, and I went up north to D's house. We saw three large dogs (one part great dane), 2 horses, chickens, cows, and smelled the lovely aroma of pigs. Played BINGO, at which I won a neat little coloring book, crayons and sidewalk chalk. We then went to Upper Red Lake... VERY large lake. I built my first ever sand castle with a moat and all. I took pictures to remember it and will post on photoblog when I find the right cord for my camera (stupid moving).
Aya and D rode a Sea Doo over from further down the lake. I had sworn against them for safety reasons and because I didn't want my back to be any worse than it already is, but when Aya gave me the; "Come on Aspen, give it a try! It's so much fun..." speech... well apparently all memory of our previous skiing expidition had been washed from my mind by the rusty water and though I was totally unprepared for such an adventure (wearing blue jeans and a t-shrit) I thought, "Sure, why not!"
And so, I went for my first ride on a Sea Doo. It was a windy and wavy day so we didn't go that fast and it was actually quite enjoyable. Then I got the brilliant idea that I could drive it. I was driving, with J behind me and managed to tip the thing over. J was saying not to let off the gas as a wave came and pushed us sideways and then I felt the thing tip beneath me, heard a splash as he hit the water and as the sea doo continued to tip with me still on it I launched myself off of it, not wanting to be trapped beneath. Somehow it hit me, just above my upper lip, and the stinging sensation lasted for a few minutes. I saw my life pass before my eyes, along with the murky red lake water, thought of my parents and friends as I kicked and flailed to reach the surface. And then I was back above the water again gasping for air. We were well out on the lake and had to turn it back over. It felt like it took forever, but I'm pretty sure it was only 5 minutes or so - treading water, remembering my life flashing before my eyes as the water surrounded me and I sunk down, unable to feel the ground and wondering what on earth I was doing out here in the first place. After we got it tipped back over J climbed on and then I tried to get up but my legs were shaking too bad so I hung on to the sides, treading water. The waves had pushed us much closer to the shore by this time and just as I saw D coming out to help us I had the wonderful sensation of sand brushing between my toes. I was able to walk the rest of the way in, which took a good while as it's very shallow for quite a ways out. Unfortunately, the motor got water in it and it had to sit out and dry while we had dinner... they blew water off the spark plugs and such... but got it started and all was well.
Dinner was yummy; grilled hamburgers, salad, watermelon, a brownie for dessert. His family really provided for us!

What an adventure.
I did like the riding part and though the driving part was very scary and short-lived, I might do the riding part again.

And yes... I managed to tip a jet ski and J will never, ever, EVER let me forget it.

The Brothers Grimm

Woot :)
They have trailers out now for this movie. I remember seeing something about it while it was still in production and I was curious as to what approach they would take.
After seeing the trailer I must say.... they chose a very interesting route.

Also, as I love musicals I am reallllllly looking forward to Rent. It seems they have a large number of the Broadway cast returning for the film, directed by Christopher Columbus. Oddly enough one of the actors, who was also part of the original Broadway cast, is the kid from Adventures in Babysitting.
huh
You never know...

Currently reading:

Funnier than the first

In all the excitement of the new HP book I forgot to mention what I did Friday evening...

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

I remember watching the original Willy Wonka, Gene Wilder. I enjoyed the movie, especially as a young child, and dreaming such a beautiful magical place existed somewhere in the world.
However, I also remember the darkness of the film, which for some reason became more apparent to me as I grew up.

This new Wonka seemed a bit lighter... definitely funnier... I was a little surprised actually. I really wanted to see this movie and I either love or hate Johnny Depp's movies (more love than hate), but I wasn't really sure if I'd like it. Tim Burton is a bit of a hit and miss for me. However, I was really quite pleased with the remake.

Also.. for fans of the show Lost I found this article which tells you how to find a teaser trailer for next season of lost. There's not much to the trailer (heavy emphasis on teaser), but if you follow the directions you can see it. Mostly I just wanted to know if it worked.... seemed a bit far-fetched to me, but it does work and the website for Oceanic Airlines is cool. Neat way to hide a trailer.

She did it again

Read book6, and wow.....



WOW

Need to read it again I think. And maybe again after that.

Got it about 2pm yesterday and read a bit yesterday. Got up this morning and read some more and got to a point where I couldn't put it down. Only took me a day really to read it all. Once I got to a certain part I was hooked.

Don't really know how to respond about the book at the moment, other than to say WOW, because I'm still processing.

Lots happened and lotsa new things came up. Many things were solved and many more new questions brought up and left unanswered.

Yep.... she did it again.

Home is where?

big, Big, BIG news!

My parents are in the process of buying a new house.
A House....

Maybe that doesn't have much affect on other people.

Consider this: My parents moved into our house/home over a year before I was born.
Translates to 28 years ago.
Elm Street is the only 'home' I've ever known.
Of course home is really wherever my parents are, but my 'home' has always been the same place and I'm really, really sad they are selling it.
There are a lot of reasons for them to move and I understand and support them.
But AHHHHH! My house!
/sigh

hehehe
Mom was describing my choice of bedrooms - and since I woke her up when I called it was pretty funny trying to follow her - but I chose the one which faces South (like my old bedroom) and it faces the back yard so I can watch the puppies.
The new house is a 3 bedroom 2 bath with a big den and a living room, a 'chefs dream kitchen' and a big back yard, 2 car garage.... it's a corner lot.... it was built the same year I was born and it's a brick house. That's all I know for now, they've promised to send me pictures as soon as they can.

Big changes inc!

Speaking of changes, I think I've settled on my blog look for the time being - at least until I have finished the OBLC website. I thought I was done and then my supervisor asked me to add several things.

Tub Thumping

Chumbawamba... there's a band I'd almost forgotten about.
I hear all sorts of things on England's SkyWave Radio.

Speaking of... Heard from one of my British friends the other day. He's doing well and as far as he knows so are the other 3. All four of them live in or around London.

4 days to HP!
/bounce

One month til Dad comes.

Hmmmm...

You are in my head, swimming forever in my head
You are in my head
Tangled in my dreams, swimming forever (swimming forever)
Swimming forever
Swimming forever
Radio, The Corrs

Negative thoughts have been filling my mind lately.
Time to: 'Inhale the positive and exhale the negative'.
Once I give into the negative thoughts they have a tendancy to sweep me away. Make me pissy and irritable and not very fun to be around. I hate being that person and life's too short to waste dwelling on unpleasant things. So I'm not going to.

Fantastic Four

Went to see it yesterday and I loved it.
Great mixture of comedy and action.
Very entertaining.

Dude, seriously... never again

Very little sleep last night - lay awake for a couple hours (itching like crazy), slept a bit, woke up, restless.... etc all night. Finally gave up at 6am and got up (an hour early) with a new spider bite. Not sure how much sleep I wound up getting, but it wasn't enough. Freaking bugs.
/grumble

On a happier note, only 10 More Days to Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
/bounce

I've been very busy at work. I'm preparing the lab for 36 new computers, which means I have to update other computers around the department with the ones going out of the lab. (like 50 computers I have to switch around). Should be fun!

Remind me not to do that again

Semi-miserable 4th this year.
Instead of going to our usual town to see their beautiful fireworks display... we were talked into going to somebody's cabin - accross the lake.
Unfortunately, it was on the opposite side of the lake - far away = very tiny fireworks. Plus, being by the lake = zillions of skeeters = 4 layers of Off..... yeah... The nasty little buggers ate me alive. I finally gave up and just kept the spray bottle next to me and sprayed around myself every 5-10 minutes. Add in the rain and cold... plus the very drunk people who kept throwing fireworks into the fire we were all sitting next to.... It was mostly miserable.
I left after the third batch of fireworks being thrown into the fire I was sitting 3 feet from.

Oh well. Valuable lesson learned.

You say that I waste my time but I can't get you off my mind

Ba ba ba ba baa, ba ba ba ba baa ba-ba

hehehe
Abba

Went to see War of the Worlds last night and I was NOT disappointed. I quite liked it.

Can finally say what my exciting news is.
Got tickets for my dad to fly up and spend a few days with me in August. Would have liked for my mom to come as well, but somebody has to stay behind at the shop.
Gonna take him to the local state park and a few other places... maybe horseback riding if he is so inclined.

That's all for now... still have to figure out the wierd spacing issue...

Let My Love Open the Door

Why the wierd space in the post on top?
/ponder
Will have to work it out later.

In the meantime.... EXCITING STUFF!
/bounces around for joy
They finally have a trailer online for:
King Kong

That boat, the venture... that's the one that was docked in/at Wellington. I have a picture of it somewhere in my pile of cd's. The movie filming was always in the paper when I was in NZ and all the excitement of being there when it was filming and knowing who was working on it and such... now I can't wait to see it! But I have to... til December. But I'm so there!
And HERE IS THE MOVIE SITE
And KongisKing.com

Saw Bewitched last night and it was cute.
Rented Hostage and it was ok as well.

Almost done with the 5th HP... I keep thinking I should pace myself so I finish it right before the 6th one comes out, but I can't put them down. It's really a struggle.
hmmmm
/shrug
I'll just have to reread 4 and 5 or something to keep myself entertained for the next two weeks.

Annnnnd...
Happy Birthday to John Cusack - upcoming movie: Must Love Dogs I'm really looking forward to (as previously stated).

But wait, there's more...
I just figured out why the guy - the Phantom - in Phantom of the Opera looked so familiar... yeesh... and I was like... where's that guy from - so familliar - sounds Scottish... /boggle
I truly amaze myself sometimes. But I mean with the hair and the mask, and he's clean shaven - he's always scruffy - uhm yeah one could easily be confused.
Gerard Butler = Timeline, Lara Croft (Cradle of Life) and Reign of Fire
Psst Aya... he's doing a movie based on your favourite story - Beowulf & Grendel

Wake Me Up When September Ends

Must Do's:
1. Follow up with Website - get info to S
2. Continue organizing/sorting through my storage locker
3. Find registration stuff for d2l (somewhere in storage)
4. Register for summer session 2 class
5. Change work/office/class schedule
6. Organize office
7. Find out exact date for Nancy's thing
8. Ask for time off
9. Make signs
10. Make B-Board
11. Find out Move-in date for Fall
12. Move printer & monitor
13. Find inventory sheet

So much for my relaxing summer.
I was promoted right away, rather than waiting until the end of August. Not that I'm complaining, I can use them $$$. However, this means I have to take a class (as a Graduate Assistant) and I really didn't want to have to take classes this summer. Oh well. Nothing else seems to have gone as planned this summer.

Did have a good weekend. Talked to an old friend, got a manicure (second ever) and decided yeah - I should pamper myself every now and then.
Finished the 4th HP and now I'm almost 1/2 through the 5th one:

VERY Excited about the 6th one. Counting the days!

Haven't been to see Bewitched... yet....

/stares at her (rather large) almost empty coffee cup
/sigh

Another Lonely Day

Someone else was commenting on their blog about the number of mosquitos and they were longing for a cold snap.
aaaah
Sounds like heaven to me.
Bloody bugs are such a nuissance.
/resist scratching her numerous bites
I'm not sure if it's the O- blood they love so much or maybe I'm just that sweet ;)
Whatever it is, they L O V E me and it's freaking annoying.

Sunny and 75... I really can't complain too much. It's not sweltering and living in a basement means I'm always nice and cool, without air conditioner!

Picked up a paperback copy of the 5th HP book, as I'm almost 1/2 through the 4th one. For some reason I don't want to read while at work, only at home... so it's taking a bit longer than I'd anticipated, but I will be done in time for the 6th book!

Did something exciting yesterday, but I can't write about it yet... will let you know when the time is right.
/evil twinkle

Ben Harper's music sort of reminds me of Cat Stevens.
/ponder

Title-less

Forgot to mention - I saw my first MN beaver on my way back from Fargo. Been here 4 years and it's the first one I've seen up here - odd because off all the lakes and ponds and beaver hutts I've seen.

Note to self:
1. Pack up and send a box home
2. Storage unit - organize and select items for rummage sale
3. Exchange keys

I went yesterday to pick up the keys for my office, the building, and the lab... Unfortunately, only the building key works. They've had the other two locks changed and they gave me the old keys.
Despite this minor set-back, I am very excited about my new job/promotion. I guess it's more of a promotion, as I've been working in the computer lab for over two years now and now I'm overseeing the lab. They've hired a second GA and we'll be working together to do the work which had previously been assigned to one person. We share an office along with the responsibilities. I'm looking forward to learning from her and having an impact on the lab. Hmm... hope it turns out as well as I hope. I suppose I could be totally miserable. Eep... hope not.... Happy thoughts.
Buttercups and Rainbows!

Joss Whedon News...
New movie coming out: Serenity - apparently the characters are from his (failed) series Firefly, which I never watched. However, it is Joss... and by September 30th I may be in desperate need of a fix ;) I do miss Buffy and Angel - and though I now own all the episodes on DVD I keep wishing for new ones.
Also, Angel & Spike are being resurrected in comic book form.

/sigh
I'm also having Rugby withdrawls. Unfortnately, I don't get any tv chanels with rugby. I want to cheer on the Lions and the All Blacks!

Uhm about not volunteering for anything else.... yeah... did I say that?
From July 1 - 12th I'll be dog-sitting for a friend - the one who is moving to Arizona. She and her fiancee have a puppy (9 months) and I will be going to walk her for 12 days. I am getting paid to do it... so it's not so bad, but seriously, next time somebody asks me to do something for them I'm going to say no. Just to prove I can. Cuz I can you know... say no... honest.

Five birds with one stone

Maybe it's a new record?
But oofda, I'm tired.
After a very enjoyable dinner at a friends house and a less enjoyable, (long) drive to the cities I:
1. Went to the Mall of Amercia for the first time.
2. Saw Batman Begins
3. Took a friend to the airport
4. Went to IKEA
5. Bought an awesome futon for next year in the dorms
Then we sort of - accidentally took the long way home. Ugh!

Had lots of fun hanging out with R and Aya and very excited I got to do the things I did, but seriously - two big trips in one week without even a full day in between.
Nuh uh
Never again.
Too exhausting.

Really have to go through my storage unit now and box things up properly - to make room for my new futon.
Weeee IKEA - fun fun fun. Sem-modern-ish stuff... but curvy... dunno how to explain it. Definitely stuff I like. Dangerous place.

Apparently we're having a big Father's Day lunch here (at Aya's mom's house). Didn't know about it til last night when we drug ourselves through the front door.
Lots of kids and people and friends, should be fun.

Gotta call MY father now.

Ocean front property...

hot + dry + dirt = Arizona

As I said before, found an apt for my friend, took her by the school, district offices, and the state capitol to do all her paperwork. Figured out the best/easiest route to her school, apt, grocery store, district offices, etc.
So much driving... and lots of traffic... = stress. I really, really hate driving in city traffic.

That said, I'm leaving around 4pm to take a friend to the Twin Cities. Aya's coming too and we're going to stay in a hotel tonight, then I'll take my friend to the airport at 5am tomorrow. Maybe come back to the hotel to sleep for another hour or two and then Aya and I will go check out the Mall of America (never been) and IKEA (never been but everyone tells me how great they are).

Looking forward to the rest of the summer. The only pressing thing I have to do is sort through my storage locker and box things up in the new, soon to be labeled, bins I bought. I'm hoping they'll help keep me organized with all the moving I do (2-4 times a year).

Finished book 3, starting on book 4...


I'm taking my time and enjoying these books. I first read this series last summer. I read 1-4 in two weeks to prepare for the 5th one. I don't know what I find so appealing about them...
-they're easy to read
-they have humor (at least the first 3 - they're getting darker)
-it's magic-fantasy-type and I love fantasy - and I love the way she mixes real life into her own world
-the movies are good and follow the books fairly closely
-great characters
In any case, I think this will be an on-going tradition, even after there are no more new books to prepare for.
My summer vacation and Harry Potter.

What was I thinking?

Arizona in June.... could be worse.
Could be Arizona in July or August!
Still, it's hot enough for me now.

Found an apartment for my friend and tomorrow we're going exploring a bit - after we sort out the easiest way for her to get from her apt to her school.

Be back in MN Thursday evening!
More exciting news then.

It's not the trees... it's the tics that are calling you

Spent part of yesterday afternoon pulling up carpet and staples at Aya's grandparents. The rest of the afternoon/evening was spent relaxing in their cool den and then later lounging on their porch swing. The aspens were quaking, as they do, and I swear they were calling to me. They were asking me to come sit under them and share their shade.
Aya's cousin said it was the tics calling to me... blood thirsty little varmits.

Working again this morning - woke up with nasty migraine but couldn't do anything about it - still had to work. 1 Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino and 2 Excedrin Migraine later and I'm feeling quite a bit better. Just a dull ache now. Must be the weather... front moved in over night - really dark and ominous outside.

Now reading...


Listening to...


Dreaming of... fields of gold...

For Dad

I was talking to Gwen about my kite flying experiences (childhood and this past semester) and I told her about my most recent trip home; when I discovered our house had been invaded by kites.
She directed me to
THIS SITE so I'm sharing it with you.... though Mom may wish I hadn't.

I really like the Astro Star and the Happy Face Mini Sled is just too cute.

And they have gi-normous ones that are 3 times my height and kites that cost more than $500! yikes! For the Serious Kite Flyers.

About those rennovations

yes, yes.... I'm working on it.
I have been finishing up the website for Open Borders for my university. I have almost completed them and will work on my own website afterwards. I have it all planned out in my head, just need to take the time to lay it out in Dreamweaver - of course I've learned a bunch from doing the OBLC website :) love learning! Gonna impliment that stuff into my new blog!

Going to Arizona next Monday - Thursday. Seems really weird to be leaving again so soon - I JUST got back from Texas!
I can already tell this summer is going to freaking fly by.

Just finished reading Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Renovations Inc!

Gonna add a few things and shift things a bit.

Movie BuZZ

The Legend of Zorro
Who knew?
Looks good to me... just have to wait until this Fall.

Coming from a VW family I will be seeing the latest installment in the Herbie Movies.

And you KNOW I can't turn away from a good looking Horse Flick and Dakota Fanning is a cutie.

hehehe
Must Love Dogs
My kind of movie!

Uhmmm.....
An Aussie Zombie Film
Interesting....

Zathura is the new Jumanji.

Ok enough surfing, back to Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets!

I know what I'll be doing for my B-day...

HOW EXCITING
They're growing up too ... :)


Yes it is still 5 1/2 months away but come on! And I've started re-reading the first 5 books in preparation for the 6th one coming out in July.

/bounce

BTW back in MN now. Sort of moved into my summer housing - at Aya's mom's again. Still need to get some stuff out of storage, go grocery shopping, etc.
And at some point this summer I need to go through all of my stuff in storage and see what I can get rid of - then we're gonna have a big yard sale!

Start work tomorrow morning (back at the computer lab) at 8am.

June 13th - 16th will be in Arizona...

Then I get to relax and stuff.

And Another One Gone...

Another 2 week vacation over and done with.
I wound up sleeping (pretty much the entire) first week and a half. Haven't been that sick in a long time. Stupid chest infection and allergies and such. BUT! All better now.

Managed to run by the City Parks Dept and see a bunch of my old co-workers; lots of hugs and catching up. Saw my grandmother that lives here in town but wasn't able to get out to East Texas to see Mary K :( Feel horrible, especially since I promised repeatedly to come see her. Course I can't help it if I got sick... but still.

Totally excited Friday when I found a copy of Drowned Wednesday by Garth Nix - third book in his Keys to the Kingdom series - finished it up last night.

Totally shocked Friday when I calculated my baby Jake to be 17 years old (my puppy) and I've had him for 16 years. I'm 26 so I've had him since I was 10... well over half my life. Shocking really, didn't know he was that old. Still love him bunches, enough that it hurts every time I leave him to go back up North.

Today is my last day home until December. Two weeks seems a really short trip home - especially when you wind up sleeping most of it away. hmmm...
Need to pack tonight since I'm flying out at 6am tomorrow.

P.S. Just found THIS totally awesome blog!

It's hot down here

But not as bad as I was expecting Texas to be at the end of May.

Last week finished with a bang.
Got my British boys to the airport, checked out all my residents (and a couple ras), turned in my paper for ed research, all my paperwork for being ca, moved all my stuff out (on my own), packed up and made my flight to Texas on Sunday afternoon.

By Saturday noon I was barking/coughing non-stop. Made it home Sunday and saw my family doctor on Tuesday - basically crazy-bad allergies and an infection that's just short of bronchitis. He pumped me full of drugs and other than sleeping non-stop I'm also feeling a lot better.
Dad and I took a trip down to Abilene on Tuesday to fix up some more of the paperwork from my grandaddy's will.
Slept all day Wednesday and most of the day today.
Wore myself out last week and with being sick to boot - well I needed the rest.

Just checked my grades and they're all A's = 4.0 gpa. Nothing to cry about there :)

So exhausted - but all I've been doing is sleeping.
It's mind-boggling. My boddy is still in repair mode I guess.

But I made it through my first semester as a graduate student! /pats self on back

When I get back to MN I need to finish up the OBLC Website and Meet with Steve.

Flashing Signs

Not to steal Aya's thunder... but yesterday we were having lunch at TJ's and she was telling me how the coffee machine gave her a free coffee yesterday. I was surprised because in my 4 years here I've never heard of one of the coffee machines ACTUALLY giving away free coffee. She said the lights were flashing and then it spit her money back out.
Well this morning I put in my 75c for a coffee and the screen flashed...

WINNER


WINNER


WINNER


and then spit my money back out!

Woot!
/love free stuff

Last class of the semester was last night - just watched people present. The two ladies from our charter school talked about how things work out there and I found it very interesting. I'm thinking about asking if I can observe/volunteer there next fall. I need to get out in the schools and around kids.
Uhmm yeah... haven't so much finished my list as not done anything on it.
*cough*
Starting today though!
Plus tonight we're having a movie watching party for LB RA's and there is a party at one of my resident's new houses later - I'm planning on making an appearance at both.

New Life Discovered

It's official, I have a GA Position!

After months of uncertainty and hoping and going back and forth between the Ed, English, and CJ Depts I have accepted a position in the Education Department as a GA for next fall.
Oddly enough I will be taking over for my current boss at the Ed computer lab. I will be in charge of scheduling and I'll be a liason between the ED dept and Computer Services (who are taking over all the 'bug' issues which may arise). Best of all, I will be teaching some! Professors will bring their classes in and I will teach them how to use certain applications and make websites, etc. Exciting! That's what I really wanted, was an opportunity to teach and now I've got it!
I might be starting as early as this summer, but only if my boss gets a job she has applied for which starts in two weeks.
I was looking forward to a nice relaxing summer, but it won't happen if I take over the summer GA position; 40 hours a week and at least one independent study class.
I've decided to get two majors/masters - English and Ed with an emphasis in Technology. I need to see what my choices are for English emphasis..ss... whatever the plural is :).... yeah.... English major inc!

Said goodbye to a couple more residents, one who will not be returning. Ugh. This is a rough time of year.

Finished the Floor CD's and I'm working on the Staff one now... need to go scan about 40 pics.

I've moved most of my stuff out of the dorm room and into storage - I only have the big things left; tv, fridge, microwave and computer and clothes. Oh and I still need to pack for my trip home - leaving on Sunday.

Hmmm... list time:

*Call all RA's to see if they have any pictures for me.
*Go to K-Mart with PO to buy CD's and cases.
*Burn CD's for staff.
*Finish handing out CD's to floor.
*Check out residents Thursday, Friday & Saturday.
*Return book to library.
*Call MK and find out when I can see her.
*Take bb's to airport on Saturday afternoon :( /cry
*Check with Dr. S about paper.
*Pack suitcase to go home.
*Move out rest of stuff.
*Get chair from Alan.
*Find out about summer GA position.

Spring is in the air...

Rain, rain, sun, cloudy, rain, humid (for MN), even hail! and more rain. That sums up the last few days.
Oh there was thunder too! /bounce

Took British Ben to the airport on Saturday afternoon. Sad to see him go and I know I'll have to say goodbye to my other two British friends this Saturday.

Yesterday was MC Nope Nope's birthday. I got cupcakes and made biscuits for our last staff meeting last night and then we busted the pinata's (one for Birch, one for Linden) we got at the Fiesta/End of the year Res Life Banquet.

Today's Get Fuzzy is pretty funny :) it made me chuckle at least - last couple weeks haven't been that funny.

Check out THIS LINK. hehehehehe
hehehe
hehe
he

Aaah I needed a good laugh :)

Back in the day....

Yesterday morning was the Res Life End of the Year Banquet - this years theme was Fiesta, since it was held on Cinco de Mayo :) Mucho fun was had.
I moved one car-load of stuff to storage yesterday... only 5 more to go =P

Working at the computer lab now and I'm rather bored - not that I'm complaining exactly, I love not having finals. I just don't know what to do with myself when I'm not stressing about school stuff.



Another Retro Site

Quiz time!

I made a Quiz for you! Take my Quiz! and then Check out the Scoreboard!

Thanks to Jer - I took his quiz, then made one of my own :)

Also, found THIS nifty link.

......

Just had a guy come into the computer lab that I hadn't seen since last summer. He's been over in Iraq since then and he's home for a couple of weeks before going back. He'll be done in December and then he's coming back to finish up his degree. He was showing me pictures and telling me stories and yikes. But yikes doesn't really cover it, does it? Not for war.
It was good to see him.

Paintball Rules

I got 6 hits; British Ben, British George, John, & Nic (all my residents except Ben, but he is around enough we kind of adopted him) and then some guy from Chris's floor twice.
I was hit on the gun twice and my arm once. Renata got me on the gun the last time, not sure who got me on the gun the first time - but some random guy, not part of our group, who joined us midway is the one who shot me in the arm. Got to say it stung a bit, as it does.... but other than that bruise I came away unscathed! Go Me!
It was fun and hilarious. There was snow... wind.... snow.... sleet.... snow.... hail!... more wind and snow. Not ideal conditions, but so much fun anyway and it made it more challenging.
We went to McD's afterwards, same as last year :) More great memories made.
Of course I was sick as a dog last night, even with the Nyquil I was coughing and it took forever to get to sleep.... uhm and people kept knocking on my door. I finally erased my entire board and wrote a huge note: "SLEEPING, KNOCK & DIE!!! Love Aspen"
And nobody bothered me after that :)

Slept til noon today and feeling a little better. I really only start coughing a lot when I lie down. Having flashbacks to my summer of bronchitis. Think if I'm not remarkably better by Monday(tomorrow) I will go see a Dr.

Paintball was fun!
/dance
/party
/doo doo doo

My VW Days Revisited

I grew up in a "VW" family. My parents first service van was a VW Bus, we had a yellow bug, another bus, and a VW Thing.



I remember driving around in the Thing and seeing other VW drivers. We'd wave excitedly to one another as we passed. Something about VW's - at that time the new bugs weren't out - having one, driving one meant you loved them and when you saw someone else with one - well you had that common bond. It's not like driving a Ford Escort or Chevy truck... they're are fewer and fewer old VW's on the road. Anywho... that's the only time I'd experienced that sense of.... community amongst car owners (although I think it exists with everyone who owns classic cars) until now. There are loads of Elements in TX, so I never had this experience there, but up here in MN there aren't that many. Three times now, when I've passed another Element I've been waved at and smiled at. It's nice. It reminds me of the old days, toodling around town in our Volkswagons. :)
Ironically enough I had a conversation with Stephen, back during spring break, on the long drive to Fargo. He had taken out all of my cars books/manuals and was reading through them (Stephen digs vehicles). I also had one of the selling books.... the ones that show you pictures and detail the features of the car. He made the comment that it was interesting that Honda was appealing to the "Bug people." - to which I responded "Huh?"
"Beetles/Bugs, people who drive VW's. You know when they design advertising for things, like cars, they have a specific audience they are targeting. This book looks like they're appealing to the VW people."
Ironic, no?

I really want to see The Hitchhikers Guide to The Galaxy which comes out today.
*cough* *nudge Aya* *cough*

Something I haven't done in quite a while.... Word of the day: Acerbically
I kind of got out of the habbit at some point, but I ran accross this word today and had to link it.

Last night there was a Dodgeball game in one of the gyms. It was put together by a couple of our male RA's. There were about 12 other people and myself. I officiated, both because I don't particularly enjoy being hit by balls and because I am sick. Ugh, and getting sicker - it took me over 3 hours to get to sleep last night. Hard to sleep when you're hacking up a lung =P
It was fun though. There was one guy, Jack, who is very... spry. He was the best dodger, without a doubt. For five games in a row he was the last one left on his team - facing 4-6 opposition. He was hilarious to watch. Interesting technique; he'd hoard all the balls and then at one point, to throw the other team off, he threw a ball directly at me.... well.... over my head by about a foot... but yikes! Totally unexpected! but it worked. It threw everybody off, including me.
Fun stuff.

Tomorrow we are going paintballing. I signed up, but I don't know if I will be feeling up to it. I'll go and cheer them on though. Three of the BB's are going... I think 28 people in all signed up - way more than last year.

Done with both of my presentations - just the paper left to finish up and then I'll be done with my academic stuff until next fall! Woot!

Still need to sign up for the Praxis test this summer, think I'll go do that now.

Winding up

Nothing too terribly exciting has happened lately.
Just closing down the year.
I have a presentation on Wednesday for my Ad Ed Psych class (by myself).
Aya and I are presenting on Thursday for our Teaching Writing with Technology class.
I have a 3 chapter research paper for Educational Research due next Monday.

Other than that I have to move out of the dorm (already started boxing things up) and I will be checking out a lot of residents since I don't have any finals. WOOT to that - first time in my life to NOT have finals!
/bounce

I've applied for two more GA positions, keeping my toes crossed on that.

Double Birthday

Happy 59th Birthday to my Mommy and Happy 27th Birthday to Jer!

Talked to my mom this morning and this evening - they're leaving for New Mexico tomorrow morning.

Had a big Birthday dinner with Jer and Aya and a bunch of their friends.

All in all it was a good day :)

Random Text Generators

Hummmm too many people with too little time create these sites - and even more people use them!

I found the following at Malevole:

Ten years ago a crack commando unit was sent to prison by a military court for a crime they didn't commit. These men promptly escaped from a maximum security stockade to the Los Angeles underground. Today, still wanted by the government, they survive as soldiers of fortune. If you have a problem and no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire the A-team.

I never spend much time in school but I taught ladies plenty. It's true I hire my body out for pay, hey hey. I've gotten burned over Cheryl Tiegs, blown up for Raquel Welch. But when I end up in the hay it's only hay, hey hey. I might jump an open drawbridge, or Tarzan from a vine. 'Cause I'm the unknown stuntman that makes Eastwood look so fine.

---- From 2 of my favourite TV Shows!

Also they have:

Thunder, thunder, thundercats, Ho! Thundercats are on the move, Thundercats are loose. Feel the magic, hear the roar, Thundercats are loose. Thunder, thunder, thunder, Thundercats! Thunder, thunder, thunder, Thundercats! Thunder, thunder, thunder, Thundercats! Thunder, thunder, thunder, Thundercats! Thundercats!


hehehehehe!


Apparently there was a major drama on my floor last night. Having decided I WOULD get a good nights sleep I had turned my fan on high and had my headphones on. I had no clue until I was speaking with a fellow RA this morning that anything had happened. I'll have to get the rest of the details this afternoon.


I need to:
- Finish up my presentation for Advanced Ed Psych for next Thursday
- Turn in my papers for Grad
- Plan presentation with Aya for next Thursday
- Do Ch. 2 & 3 of paper for Ed Research
- Start packing and putting stuff in storage
- Use the rest of my B$'s


On Sunday evening, while I was playing Halo with the guys the fire alarm went off. Firemen showed up in gear with hoses and axes... didn't miss that adventure! All over burned popcorn!
Some residents were a bit cheeky to me, but I spoke with their RA and he set them straight :)

I'm Tall

Weekend flew by, more so than usual.
I spent some time working on school stuff.
Sat in the sun, by the lake and read a book by a Kiwi author, The Bone People by Keri Hulme.
Went to Feast of Nations on Saturday afternoon. Got to play with my RHD's 3 kids for awhile - they turned me into a jungle gym!
Spent Sunday afternoon at Aya's grandparents - was her grandpa's bday on Saturday.
Had a yummy mocha thingy at a local coffee shop with British G and a short night class and got laundry done = good Monday.

And somebody's been giving me a hard time about being tall lately - I think they're just jealous ;)

Charger

Picture this....
I'm driving along with 4 other people, 2 of whom happen to be British. All of a sudden I hear (from the back seat) "PULL OVER! NOW! OMG OMFG! Aspen! Stop this car! You must pull this vehicle over as quickly as possible!"
Of course I comply, though I have no clue what is going on.

"Go back that way! There was a CHARGER!"

"A what?" I reply.

"It was an F-ing DODGE CHARGER! Oh My GOD!"

Yes... that is correct the 2 BB's who had never seen a real life "Dukes of Haazard" car were having a conniption fit.

It was really quite hilarious. And kind of cute really.
Another fellow, who was with us was as equally fascinated by the vehicle.

I think that's part of what I love so much about the BB's. So many things are new to them, it's like watching children see something for the first time - it makes it all new for you as well.

See for yourself... And I am 100% serious, those were their real looks, they didn't know I was taking the picture... the were THAT captivated!





I thought it was cool that it was purple, inside and out.
And he even had a Darkwing Duck on his antena!
The guy came out to his car when we were still there and the boys were too shy to say anything so I explained to him that there were a couple of Englishmen drooling on his car because they'd never seen one before and they wound up chatting for a good 20 mins about Chargers.

Hilarious.

"Buff! Man"

Whose Line Is it?

OH MY GOD!
FUN!

Aya, D, British G, D (hereto after referred to as MC Nope Nope) and myself went to a casino last night to see two guys from Whose Line Is It? :
Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood.

The ride there was somewhat uneventful, just chatting with MC Nope Nope and G and talking to Aya and D on the walkie talkies.
We gambled a bit for about 1/2 an hour when we got to the casino. And then it was time for the show... I've never laughed so hard for so long in my life. GOOD stuff. It was an hour and forty-five minutes of improv, like Whose Line and they used people from the audience. Good stuff.
We had a yummy dinner at one of the restaurants at the casino.
The ride back was great. We were all energized from the show and Aya and MC Nope Nope had a quote war on the walkie talkies - quoting lines from Monty Python (Holy Grail) and a few Spaceballs quotes. I never thought I'd live to see the day when Aya was outdone... Kudos to MC Nope Nope! ;)
G zonked out 1/2 way home... in a very uncomfortable position. He cracks me up! I find him sleeping half out of the lounge chairs and I keep expecting him to fall off, but honestly, he'd probably sleep right through it!

Raining now. Been raining off and on since we got back to town last night. BIG crash of thunder at one point this morning - woke me up! LOVED IT! Shook my windows.

Anywho... LOTS AND LOTS of fun last night. Definitely ranks at the top of my FUN THINGS I'VE DONE list!

See... don't I look happy?! =0)

Go Fly A Kite

I took the hint.
I received a box in the mail on Monday and was surprised at it's contents. I expected mail from Texas and instead it was a kite! Just a kite and instructions on how to fly it. I knew instantly it was from my father... and that it was a hint.
Stress less and "Go Fly A Kite!"

So today, I did.




4 of us, 2 kites, the slowly melting lake, and over an hour of FUN!

Blue Steel vs Magnum...

Watched Zoolander Sunday night with D and a couple residents who popped in and out.

Went to see Sin City on Saturday with a bunch of people, Aya, her cousin H & her bf, D, B, Am, G, J... ugh too many letters. Let's just say a bunch of friends/residents :)

G's bday was last Saturday and R's is this Saturday.
Several of us have tickets to see Colin Mochery and Brad Sherwood perform this Saturday night. Wondering if G is still going since he planned to party with R... hmmm...

My pretty new plants are still alive, despite the reappearance of my root-nibbling mouse. I wake up in the morning to a counter full of dirt, where he has been devouring the roots.

Making a huge decision to change majors. Leaning towards a Masters of Science in English (as opposed to Education with Emphasis in Technology). Now would be the time to change if I wanted to - all the classes I am taking this semester count for the new degree.

Deadlines pressing in on me.
Bulletin Board to finish up today.
Get quotes and pictures of residents for Display board for OBLC.
OBLC website.
Paper for Ed Research.
Presentation for Ad Ed Psych.

Spring has sprung and Summer's right behind her.

I love 'my' British Boys & Texas Hold'em

Tuesday afternoon:
R asked if I would give him a lift to Home Depot. G asked if he could join us and if we could then go to the Post Office. I asked B (who was jamming on my guitar) if he would like to join us and he said yes.
So there I am, 3 British Boys, a beautiful sunny day, errands to run...
We popped the top on my big orange box, windows down, music blaring, and we were off.
I really never know what to expect when I'm with any combination of the three, much less all three, but I can pretty much count on laughing myself silly.
At Home Depot I found my elusive schefflera, aka umbrella plant, and bought 2! They're not in the cute bonsai form, but I'm happy with them. I named them Neville and Bruce, as per the BB's recommendation.
At the post office, waiting around with R, I made a funny film of him popping out of my sunroof and jumping down.
Then we headed to the GM for dinner. Jokes were told, yummy goodness was consumed, and a bit of car dancing was captured on video ;)
It was the perfect afternoon and just what I needed.

Texas Hold'em went well Tuesday night. I didn't deal, not enough people. In fact I actually wound up playing to get a table filled up and won the first game. I played a second game, but time was almost up so I went 'all in' and lost it all.

Yesterday was a bit rough. I have a night class (3 hours) with 4 teachers from Red Lake Elementary and yikes... all 3 hours were spent discussing what happened, their feelings, expectations of teachers, how their needs are being met, etc. Very emotional night.
Afterwards I went out with D, A, and R to the GM for some more Texas Hold'em and I won.
I might have had a bit of help towards the end, but really, I was winning anyway - they were just speeding it up.

And just to clarify - I don't play for money, just fun.

What's next?
I've decided to take the summer off - at least from school, I still have to work so I can afford to stay here.
I'm very seriously considering changing my major - again. I am looking at a Masters of Science in English. The program here is designed for licensed teachers who wish to improve their teaching skills in reading and writing and those who are interested in teaching in a community college. It's less credits than my Ed major, all in-person, and it gets me to the College teaching level faster.
Still feeling lost and confused about my life plans... just when I thought I had it all sorted. Funny thing, life.

Catching Up

Spent Monday night of last week and most of the day Tuesday with Aya & Mom.
No class Weds night because 4 people in my class work at Red Lake.
Weds night played poker at GM, 9 of us (8 playing Texas Hold'em). D was helping L and myself and L & I wound up being the last two, I had a huge pile! It was getting late so we said, "Next round, all in, no looking at the cards." And I won! But I was winning before that! Me! Only my 4th time to play. D is DEFINTELY my Lucky Charm!
Thursday, found out someone from the class I TA for passed away over Spring Break... he was so young.
Also found out I did not get the GA positing in English Dept.
/sigh
/sigh
Bought guitar to cheer self up. Learned 7 chords.

Friday left for Aya's Mom's house. Spent weekend lounging about, practicing guitar, cleaning, entertaining, playing RummiKub and a birthday party for M on Sunday (Sat was her 50th).

Sunday - return to dorms.
Monday - back to the grind.

There we go - mostly caught up now.
Still only know 7 chords, gonna go buy one of those big posters with all the guitar chords. Should help a lot.

What's next?
Paper for ED Research
Presentation for Advanced ED Psych
Texas Hold'em Tournament for Linden & Birch tonight, 7pm (set-up and deal)
Get tickets to go home this summer... as soon as I figure out when I can go home.

Catching Up

Spent Monday night of last week and most of the day Tuesday with Aya & Mom.
No class Weds night because 4 people in my class work at Red Lake.
Weds night played poker at GM, 9 of us (8 playing Texas Hold'em). D was helping L and myself and L & I wound up being the last two, I had a huge pile! It was getting late so we said, "Next round, all in, no looking at the cards." And I won! But I was winning before that! Me! Only my 4th time to play. D is DEFINTELY my Lucky Charm!
Thursday, found out someone from the class I TA for passed away over Spring Break... he was so young.
Also found out I did not get the GA positing in English Dept.
/sigh
/sigh
Bought guitar to cheer self up. Learned 7 chords.

Friday left for Aya's Mom's house. Spent weekend lounging about, practicing guitar, cleaning, entertaining, playing RummiKub and a birthday party for M on Sunday (Sat was her 50th).

Sunday - return to dorms.
Monday - back to the grind.

There we go - mostly caught up now.
Still only know 7 chords, gonna go buy one of those big posters with all the guitar chords. Should help a lot.

What's next?
Paper for ED Research
Presentation for Advanced ED Psych
Texas Hold'em Tournament for Linden & Birch tonight, 7pm (set-up and deal)
Get tickets to go home this summer... as soon as I figure out when I can go home.

Catching Up

Spent Monday night of last week and most of the day Tuesday with Aya & Mom.
No class Weds night because 4 people in my class work at Red Lake.
Weds night played poker at GM, 9 of us (8 playing Texas Hold'em). D was helping L and myself and L & I wound up being the last two, I had a huge pile! It was getting late so we said, "Next round, all in, no looking at the cards." And I won! But I was winning before that! Me! Only my 4th time to play. D is DEFINTELY my Lucky Charm!
Thursday, found out someone from the class I TA for passed away over Spring Break... he was so young.
Also found out I did not get the GA positing in English Dept.
/sigh
/sigh
Bought guitar to cheer self up. Learned 7 chords.

Friday left for Aya's Mom's house. Spent weekend lounging about, practicing guitar, cleaning, entertaining, playing RummiKub and a birthday party for M on Sunday (Sat was her 50th).

Sunday - return to dorms.
Monday - back to the grind.

There we go - mostly caught up now.
Still only know 7 chords, gonna go buy one of those big posters with all the guitar chords. Should help a lot.

What's next?
Paper for ED Research
Presentation for Advanced ED Psych
Texas Hold'em Tournament for Linden & Birch tonight, 7pm (set-up and deal)
Get tickets to go home this summer... as soon as I figure out when I can go home.

Thank you God

NZ Herald even has it on their front page.
After an hour or so (though it felt like much longer) we received news that Aya's mom was alright - She works at that school.
Unbelievable.
Truly.
I can't even process it, and I'm just the 'adopted daughter.'
And Aya! God she is so strong, she held it together completely. I would have been in hysterics! She's such a strong person. An amazing person.

*BIG HUGS TO RENEE*
If you need anything just call me or email me - my phone number is in the directory.

Can I also say I love NZ. A tiny little country so far away and even they have it on their front page. I love that they are so aware, when we are so clueless most of the time.

And BIG thanks to my Mom who kept me sane during the scariest moment of my life.
/love Mommy

Spring Break is almost over!

Yikes! How'd that happen?!

Went out with Aya, D, J, Alan, and G (Englishman) on Sunday night...
Had bunch of people over to the Game Room of Aya's dorm on Tuesday night... Pool, darts, big potluck, giant beach ball, etc. was loads of fun.
Wednesday went to Fargo with S and G, saw bald eagle...
Thursday was Aya's birthday = celebrating at her mom's house & big dinner at Applebee's. Finally! got to see Aya's grandparents again! Hadn't seen them since I've been back up here.
Friday night spent at Aya's grandparents! Fun and relaxing.
Saturday: watched Flight of the Navigator! they finally brought it out on DVD! How exciting!
Working on paper now... may go out tonight with some RA friends.

Thanks for the feedback

I've revised my first comic and I've added a second one.

A first

Should it be the last?

I posted my first webcomic: HERE.

I've got another one in the works, but should I bother?
What do you think?

Keep in mind I have no artistic talent.