"Jim Crow is a real black mark
on our nation's history."
Friday, January 28, 2011
Do Worms Hibernate?
I'm wondering about book worms, particularly, for my purposes.
I had been in a really great habit of reading. Habit, hobby, whatever. But then suddenly I hadn't finished a book for two months. How did that happen? I'm going to blame it on the weather. My drive to read went into sleep mode I guess. But then something great happened...
For my Modern Africa class, we were assigned to read Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart. Something you should know about me: I never finished assigned books. Ever. I have this little problem where when people tell me to do something, I want to do the opposite. In my entire undergraduate career, I can remember three books that I actually finished--Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant, Love, and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. They were all for the same Lit class (one of only a handful of classes that I ever got an A in). I guess I should have learned then that when you read the assigned material, you do better in class. But I'm a little dense in the "Learning Lessons" department.
Anyway, this particular book had been assigned in at least two previous classes--maybe three now that I think about it. I never bothered to read it. But this semester I thought it would be fun to stop ignoring the fact that I'm a semi-intelligent person capable of excelling in school and actually do some homework. So I read Things Fall Apart.
1. It always feels good to finish a book, especially when you haven't for awhile.
2. I can see why this book is required reading for several classes.
3. Class is so much more invigorating when you're prepared! I even made comments and answered questions.
Yesterday I grasped onto a small reminder of what it's like to be a good student--something I haven't experienced since high school. And I liked it.
I had been in a really great habit of reading. Habit, hobby, whatever. But then suddenly I hadn't finished a book for two months. How did that happen? I'm going to blame it on the weather. My drive to read went into sleep mode I guess. But then something great happened...
For my Modern Africa class, we were assigned to read Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart. Something you should know about me: I never finished assigned books. Ever. I have this little problem where when people tell me to do something, I want to do the opposite. In my entire undergraduate career, I can remember three books that I actually finished--Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant, Love, and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. They were all for the same Lit class (one of only a handful of classes that I ever got an A in). I guess I should have learned then that when you read the assigned material, you do better in class. But I'm a little dense in the "Learning Lessons" department.
Anyway, this particular book had been assigned in at least two previous classes--maybe three now that I think about it. I never bothered to read it. But this semester I thought it would be fun to stop ignoring the fact that I'm a semi-intelligent person capable of excelling in school and actually do some homework. So I read Things Fall Apart.
1. It always feels good to finish a book, especially when you haven't for awhile.
2. I can see why this book is required reading for several classes.
3. Class is so much more invigorating when you're prepared! I even made comments and answered questions.
Yesterday I grasped onto a small reminder of what it's like to be a good student--something I haven't experienced since high school. And I liked it.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Funny things my professor says...
"We see fruit come up time and time again
when we start overthrowing governments."
Sunday, January 23, 2011
More 30 Days
Gotta love governnment work
Closing line of the card? "Please remember that incentives are taxed. You will see that amount deducted on your February 4th paycheck."
So, basically, my paycheck will be less because I did something good.
Oh the life of a state worker :)
Thursday, January 20, 2011
BFF
Yeah, it's a stupid term. But sometimes, it's the only one that fits.
When I met Adiel in 7th grade, I thought she seemed cool. I hoped we'd become friends.
I can remember standing by her locker before school when she told Nicole and me that her parents were getting divorced. I felt so sad for her, wishing I could do something to make things easier for her. But I remember at the same time appreciating her telling me, because I knew she considered me a friend.
I remember in 8th grade, walking into the school after being evacuated for a fire drill, when Adiel confessed she'd thought my name was Windy when we first met. She seemed embarrassed. I thought it was funny.
I remember going to Festival of Trees (when it was still at the Salt Palace) to watch Adiel perform with her dance studio. Afterward, I got to go to dinner with her family at Olive Garden. I had such a fun time. Then I got in trouble when I got home because I hadn't told my mom I'd be gone that late haha.
In 9th grade, Adiel and I both got 4.0 gpa's, which entitled us to a limo ride to and lunch at Golden Corral. We did shoulder sits in the parking lot. I was your epitomical goody-goody and secretly worried we'd get in trouble because our coach had a rule against stunting outside of school.
As we prepared to leave Junior High, I thought my world was ending. Adiel and I were going to different High Schools, and it was a sad and lonely experience for me. Despite our best intentions, we lost touch. We'd see each other ocassionally, like after the Hunter-Cyprus game when we stunted in the McDonald's parking lot, but for the most part our lives traveled on separate paths.
More than 4 years after graduation, Adiel commented on my newly-created blog, and we were reunited. I asked her to help as a judge for my squad's tryouts. It was if we were right back in Junior High--as if we had not lost the last 7 years.
After we coached together, she thought it'd be fun to leave me for stupid California. Dream job, awesome life, yadda yadda yadda. Bottom line, I never see her.
Except for the last 3 months. I was able to visit with her when she was in town for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and again last week when she was in town for her brother's wedding. Adiel got a text while we were hanging out on Sunday that said something to the effect of, "How's being 13?" because when we're together, we speak in Friends quotes, giggle about Justin Timberlake while watching Social Network, exclude people by constant references to inside jokes, and sing 'N Sync songs. And I'm always relieved that the distance hasn't changed a thing.
I don't really know the point of this post except to say I'm grateful for friends. Friends that see and talk to you every day, give you rides all over creation when your car is a piece of crap, and even lend you their car so you don't have to miss school. Friends that you rarely see but make you so happy when you run into them on campus, that text you randomly over something that reminded them of you, that don't rely on Facebook to remember your vital statistics. And friends that you've known since before you were the person you are now, that have stayed with you and changed with you, that can make you laugh easier than anyone, make you cry when they say goodbye, and make you sure of what it means to be a friend.
 |
| "Aunt Addy" |
I can remember standing by her locker before school when she told Nicole and me that her parents were getting divorced. I felt so sad for her, wishing I could do something to make things easier for her. But I remember at the same time appreciating her telling me, because I knew she considered me a friend.
I remember in 8th grade, walking into the school after being evacuated for a fire drill, when Adiel confessed she'd thought my name was Windy when we first met. She seemed embarrassed. I thought it was funny.
I remember going to Festival of Trees (when it was still at the Salt Palace) to watch Adiel perform with her dance studio. Afterward, I got to go to dinner with her family at Olive Garden. I had such a fun time. Then I got in trouble when I got home because I hadn't told my mom I'd be gone that late haha.
In 9th grade, Adiel and I both got 4.0 gpa's, which entitled us to a limo ride to and lunch at Golden Corral. We did shoulder sits in the parking lot. I was your epitomical goody-goody and secretly worried we'd get in trouble because our coach had a rule against stunting outside of school.
As we prepared to leave Junior High, I thought my world was ending. Adiel and I were going to different High Schools, and it was a sad and lonely experience for me. Despite our best intentions, we lost touch. We'd see each other ocassionally, like after the Hunter-Cyprus game when we stunted in the McDonald's parking lot, but for the most part our lives traveled on separate paths.
More than 4 years after graduation, Adiel commented on my newly-created blog, and we were reunited. I asked her to help as a judge for my squad's tryouts. It was if we were right back in Junior High--as if we had not lost the last 7 years.
After we coached together, she thought it'd be fun to leave me for stupid California. Dream job, awesome life, yadda yadda yadda. Bottom line, I never see her.
Except for the last 3 months. I was able to visit with her when she was in town for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and again last week when she was in town for her brother's wedding. Adiel got a text while we were hanging out on Sunday that said something to the effect of, "How's being 13?" because when we're together, we speak in Friends quotes, giggle about Justin Timberlake while watching Social Network, exclude people by constant references to inside jokes, and sing 'N Sync songs. And I'm always relieved that the distance hasn't changed a thing.
I don't really know the point of this post except to say I'm grateful for friends. Friends that see and talk to you every day, give you rides all over creation when your car is a piece of crap, and even lend you their car so you don't have to miss school. Friends that you rarely see but make you so happy when you run into them on campus, that text you randomly over something that reminded them of you, that don't rely on Facebook to remember your vital statistics. And friends that you've known since before you were the person you are now, that have stayed with you and changed with you, that can make you laugh easier than anyone, make you cry when they say goodbye, and make you sure of what it means to be a friend.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
And now, back to your regulary scheduled programming...
Wow. That picture is actually making me nauseated.
Anyway, I failed to do my regular New Year and Birthday posts, so I thought I'd catch up on them now. In 2010 I made resolutions to pay off a credit card, retake the LSAT, and make serious plans for law school. I don't think I've ever kept a New Year's Resolution, but I am pleased to announce that I achieved all 3 from 2010. I actually paid off TWO credit cards (though one was just a retail card with a very low limit), and as you know I took the LSAT in October and am now playing a waiting game with law school applications.
Although I'm 11 days late, I want to set some equally attainable resolutions for 2011. I want to be more organized in general, which for me will include more (1) consistent use of my planner and journal. I'm back in school (and not just Independent Study) so I'm going to (2) have my diploma in hand by May. An obvious but pretty major resolution is to (3) start law school. Since those last two resolutions are already in motion, I feel like I should make one more goal that will be slightly more challenging. I really want to be smarter with money, which is a really big undertaking. I think I'll start by making a goal to (4) track my expenses. I want to ultimately be able to live according to a budget, but I feel like before I can succeed at that, I need to more fully understand where my money goes.
Did you set resolutions this year? What are they? Did you keep resolutions from last year? What were they?
(the awesome e-vite my family got)
On Saturday I celebrated (that term is debatable) the big Two-Five. In the morning, David took my out to breakfast. But most of my day was painfully boring and lonely. I had a party planned with my family for that night, so I needed to get my apartment ready. I'm not one to clean regulary, so Saturday my to-do list included taking down our Christmas decorations (I know; Christmas was two weeks ago), washing about 7 loads of laundry, your normal chores like dusting and vacuuming, and cleaning my room. This last task was the hang-up. I never clean my room. Clothes seem to mulitply in piles all over my room--dirty ones on the floor, clean ones on my bed, and clothes that were tried on but rejected by my closet door. Purses that I've switched out cover my dresser, shoes get kicked off right inside the door, and mail--both important and junk--gets piled up on my desk. I know where everything is, but to anyone on the outside, it looks like I've been victim to some sort of natural disaster. So, I spent my birthday cleaning.
My family came over around 6pm. My parents brought take-out from Five Guys (founded in 1986), Jess brought the drinks (varieties from the Dr Pepper / Seven-Up corporation that merged in 1986), Ashley provided the beautiful cake (with Dr. Pepper logo on it) and cupcakes (done in Dr. Pepper colors), and Jen brought the Wii, equipped with Just Dance (borrowed from Jamie) and Just Dance 2--both containing awesome 80's songs. Speaking of 80's songs, when everyone arrived I had a playlist on, including the top 20 Billboard hits of 1986. I thought it was pretty cool, even though my nephew asked me if he could hook up his iPod and play "good music." What a punk.
We played Just Dance and had a great time. We even got Dad to play once! (If I remember correctly, my five-year-old niece beat him...)
The highlight of my night was beating Jessica on two Just Dance songs--When I Grow Up (which wasn't much of an accomplishment, since we both didn't really try. It was stupid choreography) and That's Not My Name. Jessica is a natural at the game and has always been a better dancer than me, so it felt good to edge her out at the last second. Yes, she beat me as many times as I beat her, but I don't care :)
Zipsie isn't used to so many people being at our apartment, and she fell asleep as soon as the last guest left. I'm not used to throwing parties, so I followed shortly thereafter :)
Friday, January 7, 2011
Day Thirty
Who am I?
I know this question is meant to be deep and insightful. However, in any writing class you'll ever take, you're taught the composition cliche: show, not tell. I think the whole point of this 30 Days exercise was to show you who I am. And now at the end that's all cast aside so that I can tell you. Weird.
At any rate...I am a 24-year-(and 364 days) old single girl (that's right; I will not call myself a woman) living in Salt Lake City, UT. I'm a procrastinator. I'm a lover of books and music. I'm overly critical of others' spelling, grammar, and general intelligence. I'm not critical enough of movies--I like almost anything I watch. I am someone who complains about being busy when I have too much to do, and I complain about being bored when there's not enough to fill my planner. I hate Sunday nights more than any other time of the week, because they mean the weekend is over. I love to text message. I'll admit that I often hit ignore on incoming phone calls not because I don't want to talk to the person calling, but because I'd rather text them. I don't feel as old as I am. I tend to be unrealistically optimistic. I generally assume the best about people. If forced to subscribe to a political party, I'd claim Republican. But I genuinely loathe partisanship. I think Americans are too critical of the leaders we elect. I also think we're too lazy as a population to effect change ourselves. I like to think I'm a pretty good listener. I drive too fast. I used to be great at keeping a journal, and now I'm lousy. Maybe I should make a resolution concerning that. I'm bad with money but good at giving. I dream of living back East but don't think I could ever permanently move away from my family. I like club sandwiches, Dr. Pepper, and oranges. I dislike pretty much every vegetable. I cry a lot, laugh a lot (though almost always silently), and roll my eyes a lot. I think I'm funnier and smarter than I actually am. I forgive easily but let my barriers down slowly. I don't like change, and I prefer to not make new friends. I love doing makeup and hate doing hair. I'm usually tired. And, as if you couldn't tell from this gigantic paragraph, I talk too much!
And that's who I am.
I know this question is meant to be deep and insightful. However, in any writing class you'll ever take, you're taught the composition cliche: show, not tell. I think the whole point of this 30 Days exercise was to show you who I am. And now at the end that's all cast aside so that I can tell you. Weird.
At any rate...I am a 24-year-(and 364 days) old single girl (that's right; I will not call myself a woman) living in Salt Lake City, UT. I'm a procrastinator. I'm a lover of books and music. I'm overly critical of others' spelling, grammar, and general intelligence. I'm not critical enough of movies--I like almost anything I watch. I am someone who complains about being busy when I have too much to do, and I complain about being bored when there's not enough to fill my planner. I hate Sunday nights more than any other time of the week, because they mean the weekend is over. I love to text message. I'll admit that I often hit ignore on incoming phone calls not because I don't want to talk to the person calling, but because I'd rather text them. I don't feel as old as I am. I tend to be unrealistically optimistic. I generally assume the best about people. If forced to subscribe to a political party, I'd claim Republican. But I genuinely loathe partisanship. I think Americans are too critical of the leaders we elect. I also think we're too lazy as a population to effect change ourselves. I like to think I'm a pretty good listener. I drive too fast. I used to be great at keeping a journal, and now I'm lousy. Maybe I should make a resolution concerning that. I'm bad with money but good at giving. I dream of living back East but don't think I could ever permanently move away from my family. I like club sandwiches, Dr. Pepper, and oranges. I dislike pretty much every vegetable. I cry a lot, laugh a lot (though almost always silently), and roll my eyes a lot. I think I'm funnier and smarter than I actually am. I forgive easily but let my barriers down slowly. I don't like change, and I prefer to not make new friends. I love doing makeup and hate doing hair. I'm usually tired. And, as if you couldn't tell from this gigantic paragraph, I talk too much!
And that's who I am.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Day Twenty-nine
In the past month, I learned:
*Ibuprofen actually helps relieve pain
*It pays to start Christmas shopping early
*N Sync has a whole bunch of songs that I've never heard of before and can't find anywhere.
*I've missed attending classes at BYU
*My dog feels the need to pee on my bed when I'm changing the bedding
*My work apparently only recognizes birthdays that are not mine
*When you play Just Dance on a sprained ankle, you'll pay for it later
*The word recidivism. It means "habitual relapse into crime"
*Five Guys and Dr Pepper/Seven Up were both founded in 1986
*I'm afraid of becoming this
*I'm no good at College Bowl Picks. Okay, I learned that a long time ago, but I was reminded of it this month
*Kindles are freaking amazing
*Ibuprofen actually helps relieve pain
*It pays to start Christmas shopping early
*N Sync has a whole bunch of songs that I've never heard of before and can't find anywhere.
*I've missed attending classes at BYU
*My dog feels the need to pee on my bed when I'm changing the bedding
*My work apparently only recognizes birthdays that are not mine
*When you play Just Dance on a sprained ankle, you'll pay for it later
*The word recidivism. It means "habitual relapse into crime"
*Five Guys and Dr Pepper/Seven Up were both founded in 1986
*I'm afraid of becoming this
*I'm no good at College Bowl Picks. Okay, I learned that a long time ago, but I was reminded of it this month
*Kindles are freaking amazing
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Day Twenty-eight
A picture of me from last year and this year:
Well, I'm not blonde anymore. There's a difference. The sweater I'm wearing in the first picture doesn't fit me anymore--another difference. And, sadly, I lost the earrings I'm wearing in 2009, too. Otherwise, not much has changed.
Christmas Eve 2009 / Christmas Eve 2010
Well, I'm not blonde anymore. There's a difference. The sweater I'm wearing in the first picture doesn't fit me anymore--another difference. And, sadly, I lost the earrings I'm wearing in 2009, too. Otherwise, not much has changed.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Day Twenty-seven
I'm doing this 30 Day challenge because it seemed fun. Also, I'm a little self-centered and like to talk about myself :) Some of the posts have been kind of weird, but others I've found thoroughly enjoyable to write. So, thanks to Krista for allowing me to discover the challenge, and thanks to Adiel for continuing it! If you decide to do the 30 Day challenge (and I hope you will), please let me know! I'd love to learn more about you.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Day Twenty-six
What do I think about my friends? What an interesting question. Well, over time I've decided that I'm pretty content with a small number of friends. So I have the luxury of being pretty picky about who I consider friends. As a result, I'm only friends with awesome people. So in summary, I think my friends are awesome :)
No but seriously, I have incredible friends. I constantly feel guilty because it seems like my friends do so much more for me than I could ever do for them. I love that I have the chance to be friends with people of all ages, from my 69-year-old friend, Bonnie, that taught me so much about working in the court to my 2-year-old nieces that can always make me smile. I appreciate you all.
No but seriously, I have incredible friends. I constantly feel guilty because it seems like my friends do so much more for me than I could ever do for them. I love that I have the chance to be friends with people of all ages, from my 69-year-old friend, Bonnie, that taught me so much about working in the court to my 2-year-old nieces that can always make me smile. I appreciate you all.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Day Twenty-five
What you would find in my bag? Meaning my purse?
Currently: a bag of candy, a planner (which is now outdated), Ibuprofen, my makeup bag, screen wipes for my iPod, earbuds, our last Book Club book (don't know why that's still in there), gum, a loose dollar bill, 6 pens, a pair of earrings, and a Winger's coupon. That's the one outside pocket :)
Inside: a wallet, cell phone, iPod, and keys.
Other outside pocket: deodorant, body spray, more earbuds (?), another pen and two sharpies, and my Kindle.
This post has reminded me--I need to clean out my purse.
Currently: a bag of candy, a planner (which is now outdated), Ibuprofen, my makeup bag, screen wipes for my iPod, earbuds, our last Book Club book (don't know why that's still in there), gum, a loose dollar bill, 6 pens, a pair of earrings, and a Winger's coupon. That's the one outside pocket :)
Inside: a wallet, cell phone, iPod, and keys.
Other outside pocket: deodorant, body spray, more earbuds (?), another pen and two sharpies, and my Kindle.
This post has reminded me--I need to clean out my purse.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Day Twenty-four
I'm opting out of this post. Too personal :)
But how were your New Year's celebrations? I sprained my ankle late Thursday night, which has been a bummer. But I've still enjoyed a good weekend. Jess took care of me Friday, taking me to the doctor and driving me to lunch and shopping with friends (thank you). New Year's Eve was spent with Ash and her in-laws. I got to watch them all play Dance Central on the Xbox Kinect. That seems like such an awesome game, and I can't wait until my ankle is better so I can try it out!
If only Penn State had pulled out the Outback Bowl... *sigh*
Adiel's niece with my niece, becoming BFF
The two babies with their babies
Sugar after a long day with a not-so-long nap
Sammy this morning as we drove to Jessica's to watch the game. Her animals had to watch Spirit with her, of course. :)
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