Julie

Not lost, just... misplaced

2011-08-25T20:08:00.000-07:00

So I am pretty notorious for putting an item down, getting around to doing other things and forgetting where I put them. These items are often my car keys or my phone. I never exactly lose them, I just misplace them for awhile. I end up finding them by retracing my steps and finding whatever it was I couldn't find.

So today, I need to pick up a book from the library and go for a run. I don my running clothes and pack the rest of my running gear in the car and park by my library, get my book, change shoes, throw said book and purse in the car and I'm off running. So its not a great run, but I'm out there, and I decide to do a loop to my house. (I avoid backtracking whenever possible.) I skip my strides and come home. I think I did okay, cool off, have some water, shower and get on with my night. Only hours later, do I remember that my phone is in my car, and its something I'd like to have. I go down to my garage, only to see that my car is missing. My new favorite worry is that my car will be towed. So i stand a second, and think, "did I park my car on top of my hill instead of the garage?" Not having lost my car, you see, but it is very much misplaced at this time. Then as I retrace my steps, a wave of remembrance comes over me and I realize that my car is still parked at the library.

My car is now back home, safe and sound. I am only grateful that I realized I had misplaced my car tonight instead of early tomorrow when I am trying to get to work.

Irish Flair

2011-08-13T20:42:00.000-07:00

Irish Fest was today. The Tossers played the main stage as well as Wild Colonial Boys and they were both excellent. After having one Gueiness, a Finnegins, and a corned beef and cabbage egg roll (very good) I was ready to check out the Marketplace. Apparently, i should have done this earlier in the day. I ended up with a purse, a necklace, and a ring. I now have plenty of flair and there is no longer any reason for a complete stranger not to know that Irish is part of my heritage. But i must justify the purse. First of all, I haven't purchased a purse since this last Spring- I have shown great restraint all summer long. It also has lots of zippers and compartments, is a blue that will go with most outfits and has a design of Irish love knots, which I like immensely. After listening to the great music all night, I think I've decided that if I ever end up married, I will need to have Irish jigs, German polkas, maybe a drinking song or two, and some 80's tunes during the dance portion. It sounds like a great combination to me- but no live bagpipes.

Growing up?

2011-08-12T18:48:00.000-07:00

So even though I have a birthday every year, it is the little moments that I FEEL like I have aged. For example, this summer one of my best friends and I decide we need a short vacation; so, do we do to Cedar Point? Wisconsin Dells? Nope, we decide there would be nothing better than visiting wineries and sitting on the beach. And this is great! It really was a fantastic trip. But, I am pretty sure the thought of this kind of trip would not even have entered my mind ten, or maybe even five years ago. I mean, in college, I went to Disney World for Spring Break.
The other things I have recently noticed occurred on my training activities for a half marathon (also makes me feel old, I mean who actually needs to TRAIN for runs besides old people):
*On a run, I spotted the discarded carcass of a cicada and I resisted the urge to put it in my pocket to save for use later.
*On a bike ride, I saw a raccoon cross the street and climb a small tree. I did not pull over and try to pet the treed raccoon or even see how close I could get without acquiring rabies.

My only consolation are a few moments that I hope are keeping me young in spirit:
*I still refuse to ride my bike with proper athletic footwear- i am all about the flip flops.
*During a lunch break this week, after giving a short presentation, I went for a walk around a nearby neighborhood, took off my shoes and ran barefoot down the street a while to burn off steam before returning to finish my work day.

My fear is that one day, I will fail to simple joys from the weight of living life responsibly. "The trick is growing up without growing old." ~Casey Stengel.

Black thumb

2010-01-12T20:11:00.000-08:00

Rest in Peace, snake plant.
I have tried over and over to keep plants that are NOT supposed to die! I buy them explicitly because they are so very hardy and can take neglect. I think the real problem is that plants are not like other pets, such as a cat, dog, or rock. Cats and dogs will let you know when they are not feeling loved- or fed for that matter. The pet rock- well, its not alive so I can't kill it. I think my problem is that i forget to water for awhile, and then I over water to compensate for my lack of attention. Neither of these things are good for plants. I was going to give my plant over to a friend who is fantastic with plants to see if it could be saved near the end, but didn't have time to deliver it before i left on vacation so that sealed its fate. I still have one bamboo stalk that is turning yellowish instead of the vibrant green it is supposed to be. I am optimistic yet. I cannot help myself. I hope against hope that I can keep this one stick alive. However, I think the jury is finally in... I should invest in plastic plants.

Neon. Hi!

2007-03-27T18:50:00.001-07:00

Remember those billboards? It made me want to buy myself a Neon despite the fact that they are one of the less safe vehicles and they were only on the market for a year or two. Anyway, I saw one today at Lifetime in Edina. The car is still the friendliest I know. Having mentioned Lifetime- if you want a class that can really kick your butt into shape take the FIT class on Tuesdays at 645pm. The instructor is a drill sergeant or a masochist during her time off. She doesn't let up ever. If you think you might need a water break, you either take it and risk looking the the pansy that you are or you are strong and risk fainting away due to water loss via sweat. I haven't been for awhile and i forgot what it was like. When it started out, we had the bands around our ankles and were stepping side to side and grapevining and jabbing and kicking and i naively thought, "wow, i've really improved since the last time i came here." Ha. Yeah, its called a warm up. Oh well. I'm sure I'll feel every muscle i worked tomorrow- which is just about every muscle. That's why I like to go. I've been to the same class in Burnsville and it was so relaxing. There we march in place to warm up, maybe grapevine a time or two but no bands and she is very good about letting one know how a move could be adapted were it to difficult. And of course there are water breaks. But then, she has a different technique- she takes input from the class what they want to do- and focuses more on "trouble areas". They are both good classes in their way. I don't know where this blog was going so I guess I'll just end with the fact that I am no longer lying about my weight on my license which I am thrilled about and i attribute it partially to this class. And don't scorn me for lying, which is actually too strong of a word. I'm pretty sure a large part of the female population is of the same philosophy as me- that is, when they ask your weight on your license they are in fact asking what your ideal weight or what weight you could feasibly manage if you worked at it. And I did! So be happy for me. Please?? Okay. That' s all. No more blogs about exercising, unless its about the Race for Justice or something like it. I'm just happy its nice enough to go running again

Walgreens counseling

2007-02-11T13:56:00.000-08:00

This is something i've been meaning to write about but haven't gotten around to until now. Have you noticed how willing the cashiers are to talk at Walgreens? The last two of three visits I've gone, (of course its my fault because I asked) when I asked how they are doing in response to answering them that I'm doing well, they have gushed on about their concerns. And these were two different cashiers, possibly at two different locations I don't remember. Now I won't say anything specific as to protect client-therapist confidentiality, but it made me wonder if their customers are truly the only people they have to speak to about their issues; do the managers of these stores encourage them to really open up and be honest? The last time I was there I purchased a knee brace for when I run and as a nice turn around, the cashier appeared genuinely concerned about my leg and hoped the best for me. I had to tell him that really my legs are fine and I just wanted a little extra support for preventive measures. I'm not really sure if this counseling thing is a pro or a con. I suppose if you want to feel needed, go to a walgreens, purchase a pack of gum and ask the cashier how they're doing, as I am certain they are just waiting for someone, anyone to ask.

4 more days

2006-12-03T19:52:00.000-08:00

Only 4 more days until i end my last internship. I have definately put in the hours and the mental energy toward my diploma. Of which I will pretend to receive the 17th! An era of my life is ending. Its about time! Now I just have to determine where I'd like to live the remainder of my life, or at least the next year or so at. This has the potential to be exciting.

New Internship

2006-10-15T16:05:00.000-07:00

So i managed to hold off on freakouts for about 4 weeks. Pretty good considering where i was at my last internship. However, every day seems to be creeping closer and closer to to that very thing. Its just that by the end of my last internship i actually was feeling pretty good about the whole thing and then i get to this one and it is much different. I am back to where i am feeling very incompetent and stupid. Granted, this is supposed to be a learning experience and i am learning- but i was treating on my own at the other place at this point and while technically i am doing that here too, i am not as independent as i'd like to be at this point. But, i guess i'll just suck it up and keep on keeping on. Maybe its time to make a count down chain 'til graduation?? I'm not sure. And it doesn't help that i have acquired a cold. One thing i think has helped though has been going to the gym. I just wish Minnesota could have a second summer instead of having missed the great weather. Alright, no more procrastinating here- time to get going fixing my presentation.

Dear Wauchula, how i will miss thee

2006-09-16T20:31:00.000-07:00

I don't mind posting the name of the town where i was in Florida now that i'm gone, as before its very possible you could have found me out- its a very small town. But now I'm far, far away and you can look up the town and see where I was living. But small as it was, there are things that I will miss. I'll start out with the most important- the clients i got to treat and some of the clients i didn't treat, the therapy staff and the other students that were in a similar predictament as myself. I don't know if i would have made it without the other students- they were wonderful fun.
Other things i'll miss include:
-drinking wine while watching quality tv like So You Think You Can Dance with my roommate
-the Bowl of Fun. This includes the bowling, the Karoke, the regulars that i met, and actually becoming a regular myself.
-Going to the City Limits to drink and sing after midnight. The place is also known as the Country Club or The Liquor Lounge. Again, met some quality people although I am still somewhat bitter that we were not allowed to sing Goodbye Earl there. We did however get in some Garth Brooks.
-The Rat Dog. There was this raggedy black dog and it looked like a drowned rat. He lived next door and sometimes would be fenced in, however, he'd often be roaming free around by the front of my place. It really won a place in my heart in the end.
-My neighbor and her wonderful cats. I now have two neices which happen to be cats, actually four, as i'm pretty sure i'm an aunt to a couple cats up here too. Is that strange?
-The lightning storms- sometimes it wouldn't be raining and you wouldn't really hear much thunder but there would be this incredible lightning across the skies- as in horizontally. It was very cool.
-The thunderstorms. The south sure knows how to have a storm (except when tropical storms are expected). When it rains down there it really pours. Its fantastic. Enormous drops of rain- lots of lightning again. But it stops after about an hour and turns into a beautiful day. The clouds pass through so quickly down there.
-The rainbows. These generally come after the storms- but with the storms being daily there were a lot of rainbows.
-The birds. This includes the cowbirds and the sandhill cranes. But all the birds were enormous types. Different fauna from the north.
-The flora. Everything very lush. Palmettos and orange trees are all over. I also liked the trees that were covered in vines. The flowers were bright and more tropical as well, and everything was green.

Well, that's all i've got for now. I've got to get prepped for Monday- start a new internship. Wish me luck!

Armadillos and cockroaches

2006-07-12T14:26:00.000-07:00

So i finally made it on here down in Florida. I feel like listing all the wild things i've seen since i've been down in Florida because i really need a break from OT. So here goes:
1 armadillo, 1 humming bird, 1 wild pig, turkey vultures, sun fish, minnows, 2 cockroaches, 1 jumping spider, millions of tiny ants, the most adorable yorkie, other tiny dogs, cows, egrets that make friends with cows, pelicans, ducks, sandpiper, 2 toads, tiny geckos, a baby bunny, hm... that might be all. It seemed like there had been more. I have yet to see an aligator- and i drove right through the Everglades. But maybe i'd have done better if i had stopped there. Anyway, i guess i better get home and maybe go to the gym? and oh yeah, buy a new battery for my alarm clock because it turns out the one i had was out of juice. Found that out when i woke up and the power was out. Fortunately i woke up with plenty of time to get to work.

Rabbits and June Bugs

2006-05-23T21:12:00.000-07:00

Just because it is finally feeling like summer, it is not June yet and i do not need to see a June Bug. But apparently, they love tennis courts and thought it was near enough. I hate June Bugs. Its not their size- at least they are big enough to spot usually. Its the sound they make with their wings, and their legs that can stick to anything. You never know where one will show up. I swatted several off the court with my raquet, because i think the sound of squished June Bug is almost as bad as their buzzing (although if it came down to it, i'd squish it). I definately did a bug check after the "game" (term is used very loosely) just in case one thought it should come home with me. Ick. So be warned. They are out, at least at tennis courts in the darker hours.
Rabbits are nothing like June Bugs- they even hatch delicious chocolate and cream filled eggs, but the rabbits in my yard (I have a yard this week and have claimed it as my own) have gone too far. One actually had the nerve to sprawl- yes, SPRAWL out on the grass. One of its legs were up and off to the side. Granted the grass is getting long, and i will have to mow it one of these days- a bunny should never ever expose himself like that. There were two others as well just having a wonderful time in the gardens (the gardens are not mine as i would end up killing all the flowers). It made me so annoyed that i grabbed my cat (he has been meowing to go outside since the night of his adventure when he accidently spent the night outside. Did I mention that we have a neighborhood hawk? ) and charged the rabbits. The one actually had to reposition its leg so that it could sit up. And then they didn't even really move until i was within reaching distance. The cat was no help at all. The rabbits were just as big as he was, and apparently his meow isn't very intimidating. Anyway, later on, i saw two of them frolicking around my yard. Honestly, I swear, the grass is not that long. I only wish I had taken a picture of the one rabbit because i have never in my life seen a rabbit position itself in such a way.

$$MONEY$$

2006-05-22T12:00:00.000-07:00

Hooray! I have two more weeks of work! The temp. agency Manpower is wonderful if anyone is looking for temporary employment. They really look out for you and let you know whenever there is a possible opportunity available. Because of this- i have a gig for this week and possibly all of next week as well depending on how long i am needed. And its nearby and 8 hour days and pretty decent pay- more than i made in La Crosse. I'm excited about this because i will not have any income pretty soon so this boost will help much. And its business casual, so i'll get to look fairly nice. I realize this isn't a big thing- and i'm not saying that i don't usually look nice but at my other jobs this year it was very casual and made sense for the places i worked, but now i have a reason to look nice. By the way, if anyone knows of plasma giving places around the twin cities that is reputable- leave a message- that may be a way to get income in the fall.

No going back now...

2006-05-17T15:29:00.000-07:00

except once, this weekend. Its the last time i will be in La Crosse for a long time as thankfully, i passed every single class and even made dean's list. And i feel i deserve it, as this semester was probably the least fun one i've had in some time. But i go to the last days of work and will have to say goodbye to the staff and residents that made going to work something that i actually want to do. And then, i'll get to clear out the fridge, defrost the freezer, do some last minute cleaning and get out of town. If all goes well, I won't be back till December to collect a diploma that has been a long time in coming and much needed. I'm sure i will come to miss the city, I'll have to trek up to the bluffs and sit on the rock that i love. Its strange- i have been there six years. Definately time to move on out but La Crosse definately holds a place.

The best thing about the rain...

2006-05-15T21:49:00.000-07:00

is the rainbow! I saw a full one today- a complete arc. And i also saw two half rainbows. But the full ones are the best. That was the one thing that made the rain okay today. Because there has not been an incredibly great day that i have been able to enjoy since i finished school and i should get to do that. Thunderstorms are also terrific, but sometimes you can get those without rain. With a huge amount of humidity in the air and green skies. I like those as well, but rainbows are generally known to be the less harmful of the two.

Check two off my list

2006-05-14T22:11:00.000-07:00

So at least have achieved two of of my goals thus far. I completed the half marathon within the alloted time and did not get picked up! (although there were quite a few transport vehicles which would have been willing) Given my bum ankles which i had been laying off for the last two weeks and more or less the two weeks before that excepting a few aggravations, I am happy with that outcome. I don't know the official time, but i finished in approximately 2 hours and 42 minutes. That's slightly better than a 13 minute mile. But i figure, the chances for improvement in the next one i run are pretty good. And I followed my plan pretty close. I started off running about a mile (I really like running with the masses and didn't want to leave them behind) but then, in consideration of my legs, started with the walking 3 minutes and then only running a minute or two at a time. Given that i walked as much as i did, and not being the last to finish, I know there were at least 3 behind me at the end and possibly a few more than that, I feel proud to wear the shirt and use the free orthopedic surgeon shoe carrier i received.
Another goal is reading all of little sister's books that i want. I'm pretty sure i read all the good ones (and some of the not so good ones) I want- and i've still got 2 weeks to spare. So she can lock her books up and throw away the key as far as i'm concerned. Yay!
Other goals are still in progress. The exercising daily kind of got put on hold for a while- but i ran a half marathon and feel like that should excuse some of the slacking i've done. However, i will pick that up again and had done well the two previous months . The guitar also got put on hold and may possibly stay there until this fall. My nails are shamefully long as i have not played in awhile. The other one- the completing and passing all of my classes- is still up in the air. The classes are all done and i am only waiting on one grade. I definately passed all the other classes with flying colors though, if that is any indication (i really hope it is). That's all i've got for now.
Hopefully people can now post messages. Sorry that was blocked before. I just hate spam.

Update on the big run

2006-05-12T12:15:00.000-07:00

So the new strategy since i sucessfully avoided seeing a doctor about my feet is to try the walk/run approach. I walk 3 minutes then run 1 minute. I will wear both my braces and by only running 1 minute intermittently, hopefully i will avoid placing too much stress on my ankles and not have a limp by the end of it. I'll see how it goes.

Last final ever

2006-05-09T10:19:00.000-07:00

So i sucessfully completed my last final and believe that my professor likes me enough to not fail me. Therefore, I am done with school! Of course, now i have to go and look through everything i once knew about traumatic brain injuries and documenting anything along with whateverelse may be relevent to my fieldwork in florida. So, Woo-Hoo! Time to pack up and get out of here.

Lucky Quarter

2006-05-03T21:35:00.000-07:00

I found a quarter yesterday when i went to make a copy of an article for my CAT- it was in my coin purse from which i added quarters that i got from the bank so that i could do laundry. (Most of that sentence was unnecessary, but i'm too lazy to change it) I was about to put a quarter in when i looked at the face of it, only there wasn't a face there. It looked like a naked man or woman possibly holding a shield. I flipped it over and there was an eagle- but it was flying. Turns out the quarter is from 1925. And now that i have inspected it a little more closely, i'm pretty sure the figure is a man that used too have clothes but the details have worn away over time. Turns out it is 90% silver and 10% copper. Anyway, I thought it was a sign or something, so i kept it in my pocket the rest of the day (plus i didn't know where else to put it so that i wouldn't use it accidently or lose it). I finished my paper. Therefore it works. In addition, I found the book Skinny Dip which i've been wanting to read at the library where i went to work on my paper awhile. I read a chapter or two when i needed a break. Its very good so far. Don't know when i'll finish it now though... Anyway, so today i went to class, wore the same pants with the quarter in it (it was only the second day of wear, it isn't that gross) and my professor told the class that we will all be receiving A's on the CAT because she is so proud of all the effort we have put into it. Keep in mind, she had not yet seen my paper i don't think. I e-mailed it in the early morning hours that day. So, now that is over with, i can resume a somewhat less warped existence. And then i got called and asked to pick up a shift at work. Sometimes this is not lucky, but as i need money and do not have any more horrible papers to write it was great. But isn't it cool that i found a 1925 quarter??

I hate my legs/feet

2006-05-01T21:41:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry, i am unable to be more creative than that right now. I'm still working on my last paper, but there is actually a chance i will finish it tonight. I decided for a break i would go to the gym. I didn't think straight off that i'd run, but as at 10:30 i had my final red bull for the night (horrible i know, but i abuse caffiene in desperate times) and as a half hour had passed, i had begun to sprout wings. I actually jogged over to the Rec Center (this is only 2-3 blocks from my apartment) and it felt good. I missed the running, and my ankles and legs appeared to take it okay. So i decided to run a mile around the track. I only made it a little over half a mile. Then, out of nowhere (or gradually increasing every lap) my ankles and legs were in pain. I actually had a slight limp on my left leg- i cut that out ASAP, and walked slowly around to the mats. I just sat on my back with my legs up for a bit (I did some crunches now and then so that i didn't look like a complete idiot). Anyway, i'm finally convinced that maybe i should have a professional check this out because there is no way i'd be able to go 13 miles anywhere with the legs i've got now. My only fear, probably more likely now that i've waited so long, is that they will laugh in my face when i tell them that i plan on running 13 miles in less than 2 weeks. Damn it. It makes me angry. I want the free t-shirt and i want to be part of the half-marathon experience. Anyway, had to rant about my enormously disappointing lower extremities before returning to the CAT.

See Julie write. Write Julie, write.

2006-04-29T18:04:00.000-07:00

Does anyone read this that doesn't know that i loathe writing papers? I realize "loathe" is a pretty strong sentiment, but it is the correct one in this case. I just have one left for the semester. I am dedicating the night to it. So I thought i'd warm up here first. And to let y'all know, I did try to run that day, but i did not make it far then, or since then for that matter. I am giving my feet a break awhile, although i am afraid i will not be awesome at this half-marathon thing. But if i can finish it, i guess i'll be happy. I've heard horror stories since then from others who have trained and been unable to do it because they pushed themselves over the limit. So i am trying to not do that.

Big Foot

2006-04-23T15:22:00.000-07:00

It does exist! Its me actually. I have one big foot due to excessive swelling. I'm pretty sure its from the running and possibly from not doing anything about it when i first started noticing my foot was hurting a bit. Oops. I finally wised up enough to get a Futuro Sport ankle support that is designed to prevent re-injury (too late?) and keep the skin dry by somehow releasing sweat (because i want to keep my sweat hostage). I'm supposed to run 1o miles today and i think i will. I've got the brace on and had a Red Bull (my new favorite pre-running beverage) and i had a disgusting power bar (i felt i was lacking protein). I'm not sure how great 10 miles will be on my foot, which is why i haven't gotten the running gear on yet. I think that i will be okay?? The worse that could happen is that i won't be able to walk on it tomorrow. If that happens- i'll tone down my workouts until day of the run when i will take all sorts of painkillers and things like IcyHot or BenGay (right? i have never used either of those) and hopefully make it the 13 miles that i get to do that day. So yeah, i guess i've just talked myself into a run. Hooray! (I might need more Red Bull)

Bowling, orange trees, and cows

2006-04-20T14:39:00.000-07:00

That's what i've got to look forward to this summer. I was told that those were the things that there are in Wauchula, and are valued in that order as well. I have to say, the orange trees sound pretty cool, and bowling is alright, so it may not be thar bad. I'm not sure what they do with the cows, i doubt i'll get the chance there to tip one or ride a young one. They even have a Walmart. Pretty sure that is all they have there but its something at least. And i am sure there will be plenty of enormous, "exotic" creepy crawlies as well. I was also informed that there is a twin bed waiting in the apartment i will be sharing with a newly assigned OT. Yay! I love the small beds. (That last sentence was full of sarcasm) I am actually excited. All of the OTs that i have talked to seem very nice and i just might pick up a bit of a southern drawl.

Easter remorse?

2006-04-17T19:31:00.000-07:00

Easter was wonderful really. I got to see the family (excepting one that is out of the country) and take a break from school. I ran 10 miles around by the city lakes and caught up on some movies that all the world has seen except for me. And i was able to bring my bike back with me. But I ate way too much delicious food yesterday. My stomach still isn't happy with me. I had deviled eggs, ham, delicious potatoes, trifle, cheesecake, brownies, easter sugar cookies, and of course jelly beans. Granted the desserts were small slices as i had already eaten a lot of dinner, but it didn't really seem to matter much. I still have chocolate that i got to bring back with me, some angel food cake crumbs and some left overs from the dinner that i haven't touched because it makes me a little grumbly. But it was so good. If i had to do it again, would I change things?? Naw, after all, Easter only comes once a year.

Six more weeks of winter must be over

2006-04-13T22:18:00.000-07:00

I saw my first groundhog in LaCrosse today! I don't know why that makes me so happy, but it does. Maybe becauseif they are coming out, there is no longer a doubt, winter must definately be gone. It was in the 70's today. The bugs have also decided that they can come out now too, as i ran near dusk and ended up getting a little extra protein. Oh well, i'll just have to start running mornings... or something. That's really all i have to report. There was a severe thunderstorm watch here tonight- but unfortunately i think we missed it. That's the trouble with living in a valley- all of the great storms skip over us.

Maybe there's a reason I don't wear heels after all

2006-04-11T19:36:00.000-07:00

Its finally Spring! With 2 days in the high 60's there's no doubting that anymore. I broke out the Spring purse; and today I wore capris and no socks! (which is a good thing because i generally find socks looking silly with capris) That is the first time my feet have felt fresh air this year. I'm sure others have gone sockless already, but i've really been a wus about the weather this year. That- and i don't have many of my Spring/summer clothes here with me (at least i am hoping that there are more at home...)

Anyway, earlier this year I bought a pair of shoes. They were a good price and adorable. They are brown summer shoes that can be considered dressy or casual. As I didn't have a pair that fit this description, i had to buy them. The straps wrap around my ankle and everything. The only downside is that they are... holy cow! four inches from my heel to the ground. I am shocked actually- i never measured exactly how high of a heel it has. Being 5ft 10in i typically avoid any heel, but i decided that i shouldn't be deprived from having a great pair of shoes just because i'm tall. So today I decide its finally nice enough to break them in. I had to walk to a building on campus and put up flyers for Occupational Therapy Awareness Day . I broke them in all right. Man, this was after I ran/walked for an hour. Needless to say, my calves were sore by the time i got home. I really felt tall too (No shit, right? I was only 6ft. 2in)- i kept expecting to fall over. I only twisted my ankle once a little bit on the return trip by my house. I decided that was enough for one day. They don't really hurt my feet- I'm just so unused to wearing heels like that that i will have to slowly integrate them into my shoe wearing schedule. I can just say that i am glad i did not wear them down to the bars first time wearing them like i contemplated doing.

Oh the running

2006-04-09T18:21:00.000-07:00

Running... Right now my muscles ache from the word. And I only went for 8 miles. I didn't even run the whole thing, although i like to think that i ran more than i walked. It is these days that i am glad i did not tell more people that i signed up for the half marathon and wished i didn't tell those i did. I would hate to have to tell everyone, "yeah, about that- i didn't cut it. They pulled me three miles in. Guess this just wasn't my year." Then i think, its the gear that is the problem. I don't have it. I need a camelback, and proper running attire, and gels- whatever those are. And i should definately get the right energy drink. That will make me faster, or at least better in some way. I also ordered a book that i am anticipating any day now that will surely change things around. Because, if the problem truly is just me- i am in a load of trouble.

What? real life happens after May?

2006-04-06T16:57:00.001-07:00

No, I don't truly enter the real world until next December, but damn it, it will be a lot closer in may. I'm beginning to think maybe OT is not my destiny. Maybe i should have gone into archaelogy? or more fitting, a park ranger? where all i have to do is commune with the trees and make certain no one is picking the park's flowers. I don't know, it just seems like the real world is fast approaching and i don't feel confident that i am ready for it. But i guess all i can do at this point is to keep on truckin' and find some way to get through my classes. Because then, i get out of LaCrosse, and i think the change of scenery will be good for me. As much as i love it here- i went running up by the bluffs today, i am getting bored. There is not enough to stimulate my mind. I think Florida will do a good job waking up my brain- i just hope at that point i don't overload it. I would hate for it to crash. Right now, I feel i need an upgrade, but it does still work. I feel like i am hibernating with the groundhogs. I have yet to see one this spring- once they come up you can see them all over LaCrosse. Its like i don't want to really believe that there will be no more snow. I am still cold a lot of the time- but Monday it will be 65 degrees. Maybe i can try sandals that day. I am still very much in winter attire. I have my spring purse too, but am hesitant to use it.

I love challenges

2006-03-24T20:13:00.000-08:00

Having challenges make one feel accomplished- or horrible when they fail. But with school coming to an end (the light keeps getting brighter and brighter every day) i decided i needed to take on some challenges. The most obvious, slightly ironic, and not as easy to accomplish as it might appear is to stay focused enough to pass all of my classes so that i can get out of LaCrosse (at least for some time). Another one is to exercise 30 minutes and drink 64 ounces of water daily- which i miserably failed today- i didn't even drink down 32 ounces, and no deliberate exercising was done- although i did lift several men and chased around a four-year-old. Another challenge that ties in beautifully with this last one is to run a half marathon in May. There is a schedule to follow. So far i've only run as far as 4.6 some miles. But i am fairly on track. (ha! sorry, bad pun.) The last challenge at this point that i have taken on is to play the guitar decently- say, so that when i play a song, you can tell that i am playing a song. I especially want to tackle the F chord and bar chords. So far i can play 2 or 3 songs slowly. But i will keep at it. And the newly created challenge (i have my little sister to thank for the inspiration) is to read all of the books on her bookshelf before june- when she re-enters the country. Because at this point in time, i am pretty sure I will no longer have another opportunity as she will probably lock all her books away. So far i've only gotten one read. I don't know how many i have yet to read, but i am halfway through a second one. So, i have not yet accomplished a single one of these, yet i am hopeful that i am on my way.

Old people should not always be driving

2006-03-21T19:22:00.000-08:00

So i had 2 encounters with old people that i should not have had to deal with. I'll start with the second as it was not nearly as frustrating as the first encounter- although it happened shortly after. Simply, a little old lady (they are always small) had her car half way out into the road, waiting to get out. I had to essentially drive in the other lane to avoid hitting her. That's all. It just wasn't safe. But the other one probably would have amused me if i had been in a better mood. I had just finished getting some groceries and this car is kind of diagonal in the exit to the road. There almost was enough room for me go get on the right side of them, but i figure, this sidestreet is not that busy, it won't take long for this car to pull out, so i will wait it out. I was so wrong. It appeared to be a little old man with his little old wife. First of all, they kind of sat diagnollaly a bit before completely approaching the road and straightening out their car. At this point, we must have sat in our cars for 5 minutes or so. I couldn't really see the driver, but the poor wife, she kept turning her head left and right, back and forth. Apparently, if a car is visible at all, it seems these folks do not deem it safe to go. There is a stoplight that would keep turning, and with each rotation a few cars would go through. After these, there may have one car in the distance from the other way, but they did not go through. I considered backing up and going out another way, but by then, there was a car behind me probably wondering why the heck the first car is not moving. They finally jut out, and drive across the street to another parking lot and stop the car- like that was too much for them to take. I didn't stick around. I was crabby today. I just went home. But, it is times such as these that i know my profession has a place in this world. Someone needs to take that "older adult" and get them a driving screen. This would promptly result in the removal of their keys and make the world a safer place.

Is it over yet?

2006-03-20T20:10:00.000-08:00

That could refer to this day which has dragged on and on, or the semester- which seems never-ending. I am tired of tests and quizzes and presentations. Throw me out in the real world where i can do something meaningful. I am losing motivation in the classroom setting. I am really looking forward to my fieldworks, but am tired of this life of writing papers for my professors enjoyment. True- there are a few meaningful tasks given me, but it gets lost in the pile of other above mentioned seemingly useless work. Oh well. I like the rest of my life. And if i don't suffocate from the illusion of pressure that i heave on top of myself, i' should make it. i should really stop doing that. I am truly my biggest enemy.

Lady of the Eye Drops

2006-03-19T14:11:00.000-08:00

Yup, I'll answer to that. I can see! I love being able to see without having to bother with contacts or glasses. It really is wonderful. I have a feeling i will love waking up tomorrow and going to class without worrying about if it will be a good contact day or not. (i don't really worry about this, but i DO leave time for this). I went running outside today and could see the swamp and the river. LaCrosse really is a pretty land- sometimes i have to leave it to appreciate it. But now, i have to switch gears and finish off this semester- but Spring Break was sure nice.

I am a liar

2006-03-08T13:43:00.000-08:00

Yeah, i only made it until 4 am. I was on a role from about 2-3 though. I am a little under halfway done, so perhaps a repeat will happen tonight- i've got all day Thursday yet to study for that midterm. I am pretty happy with what i have so far- and i figured out how to make my bullets cute little green shamrocks- although i may take them out. I am undecided as to whether my prof would love those or find it "distracting" and "unprofessional." I'll probably take them out because it honestly probably depends on the day for her- whether its a good day or not. I'd rather not take that gamble. But it makes the paper more fun to write. And of course I type in a pretty font and color. I just decided i'd like to be somewhat awake for work. I hate lying via blog. Sorry about that.

Case study- check!

2006-03-07T22:50:00.000-08:00

So the case study was fine today. One more midterm to go on Friday- i'm not too worried about it. Its the awful reflection paper that is annoyingly persistent in reminding me that it is not yet finished and must be by friday. So, as a result, I drank down 20 oz of Cherry Coke at about a quarter to eleven this night and i am not going to bed until i have a decent copy. Then tomorrow i'll read it over and fix the unintellible parts that are inevitable when it is being written at all hours of the night. It has come to this. I am willing to pull an all nighter for this horrible, horrible paper. And I know that i am blowing this out of proportion, but i really cannot get a thing written unless it is under dramatic circumstances- couldn't tell you why. Anyway, only 2 more days of this hellish week, and then its Spring Break!! True, i have to work the first 3 days, but then i have nothing that needs to be done till a week from then. I'll just push all of the looming projects out of my head. I'm just wasting time now because it's only hitting 1 am, and i'm pretty sure my genius doesn't strike until at least 2- its no Cinderella!

One down

2006-03-06T10:42:00.000-08:00

Well, i did the horrid oral exam. It actually wasn't that bad and the prof makes it sound like we all did fine. So, now i just have to finish the reflection paper that i finally was able to start and study it up for friday's exam.

Dreadful midterms- why do you taunt me so?

2006-03-01T18:33:00.000-08:00

I absolutely hate midterms, i honestly believe they are worse than finals. With finals, at least you are done with the class and there is nothing else you can possibly do. But midterms drag along with you for the rest of the semester. They stress me out beyond belief, and as next week is quickly approaching, i am doing my best to stay in control of them. I wish i didn't have to write a reflection paper, or take an oral exam. My life would be so much lighter. And so i am sitting here griping about it instead of staring blankly at the screen trying to BS my way through the stupid assignment. I am so glad that i will never have to deal with midterms like these ever again, provided i pass the classes. I hate, hate, HATE them. Aaaaaaarrrrrrrggggghhhhh!! Screaming via blog helps. But, i will try to restrain myself and actually get something written down. I hate how stupid life is sometimes. Its not about what i have learned, but what my professors what to hear that i've learned. Awful. I guess the solution would be to be honest in my paper and hope it is graded well despite my lack of embellishment. Sigh. Okay, back to staring at the screen while searching my brain for inspiration.

Commited

2006-02-26T19:31:00.000-08:00

I have made the commitment to run a half marathon in May. That is 13 miles of running. This particular run specifically indicates that walkers will not be allowed. I wonder if i am sane enough to make this a binding agreement, or perhaps i ought to be commited. I don't know. All i know is that it is something i've wanted to do and now that i have the opportunity, i have agreed. Because the next step is running a full marathon. I don't know if i will make it through, or pass out halfway, but i have a training schedule that starts tomorrow. It would just be fun to be able to say that i completed a half marathon. Or, in the worst case, to say I collapsed during a half marathon. I'll still get the free T-shirt, and its just in time to get me in shape before i take up residency in Florida for the summer!

The great outdoors that is LaCrosse

2006-02-25T21:23:00.000-08:00

So i don't have anything really important to state. I just thought i'd relate seeing my first real wild skunk that wasn't road kill. It didn't smell either, so it must not have been very distressed as it was crossing the highway. At first i couldn't tell what it was as it was dark out and it only has a streak of white. I thought it was neat, because while i have smelled them on occasion on road trips (or at least what i have been told is skunk) i don't remember ever seeing one nature. I've also seen quite a few bald eagles this winter, so their population must be on the rise. Nothing like scenic drives from LaCrescent to LaCrosse to see some wildlife.

Best idea ever

2006-02-02T10:41:00.001-08:00

So i am pretty sure i've come up with the idea that will make me a millionaire or better, unless its already been thought up. I'm going to start a business called the "Rich and Wannabe Fabulous." Its a weight loss boot camp for those with money to throw away, and even better- give to me. I will take these individuals on a backpacking adventure around the world or for the really well off, destination of their choice. I will act as their travel agent and cheerleader. The catch will be that they have to carry all of their clothes on their back as well as water and whatever other trinkets they like to take with them. Tremendous amounts of walking will take place daily, but in doing so, they will see the sites of the world. Of course, they would not spend nights in hostels- they would be rewarded with the ritzy-est hotels around. They will get treated to meals of the latest fad diets that only the rich can afford. And at the end, they will have slimmed down so much that all their friends will know about it. Of course, this all will come at a price, and they will certainly tip generously. When i got back from Europe i had lost about 10 pounds, and that was just in 3 weeks. It was my favorite fitness regime by far. But no taking my idea. I know a patent lawyer (M- you're close enough) and will get him on your tail.
On another note, Europe was great and i am so glad i was able to experience it. I've got pics but as i don't know how to post them here, you'll have to ask to see them.

The countdown has begun!

2005-12-08T20:36:00.000-08:00

Only...
... 5 days left of classes
...12 days till finals are over
...16 days till Christmas Eve
... 17 days till Christmas Day
... 23 days till New Year's Eve
... and 24 till I leave for Europe!!
I cannot wait for this trip. I am having difficulty focusing on the end of this semester because it is coming up (and i still don't know where i will be sleeping at night aside from when i'm in Aberdeen). But, I am also excited for christmas just because it is one of my favorite holidays. I should even get some good meals, although i will be at work because the cooks really do a nice job about making a big deal over the holidays. I just wish LaCrosse had a radio station that would be willing to play christmas music 24 hours a day. Is that too much to ask?? If I'm lucky, I will hear a song interspersed with the stations regularly played music. I tell you now, it isn't enough. I have music on my computer, but for some reason my burner isn't working, so that the continuous holiday music is confined to my room (unless you count Dancing Santa who can shake his hips like nobody's business and sing Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree). Hopefully that will change soon as I have comissioned out a CD which should be arriving soon. I suppose that should be added to the count down- Only 2-3 days till 24 hours of Christmas music. I suppose i should get back to the grindstone and accomplish something productive other than making Christmas cards.

Yes I AM listening to christmas music already

2005-11-14T21:07:00.000-08:00

So i was listening to my music when yet another christmas song came on randomly, and i was just about to quickly skip it and go on to the next song as i've done during the summer months up until just now. I realized today that all of the christmas decorations are out in the stores, and target definately had a christmas-like comercial on the telly today. Oh, I need to start using the british slang so i'll be used to it when i'm over there- i'll work on it. If anyone has any up-to-date slang i'd love to give it a try. Anyway, I recognize that by listening to christmas music already is practically denying the existence of thanksgiving. But, I've got to tell you, while i love visiting the family and eating all sorts of delicious (potatoes) foods (ham-when the big sis gets her way), there isn't a whole lot more to it than watching the football game and maybe seeing a parade. It isn't Independence Day or anything. It seems to be the only day the the Pilgrims and the Natives got along, which i suppose is something to recognize, although the Pilgrims have a funny way of showing their appreciation. As i was saying, the MUSIC. Okay, I did and will listen to Da Yoopers Thirty Point Buck song, and i downloaded turkey in the straw. I even found Chicken Fat by Robert Preston (yes, i know its a stretch), but there aren't really all that many good Thanksgiving songs (yes, i know of Adam Sandler's song and i'm sticking with what i said) although i haven't explored songs that relate to Columbus. Surely there have got to be a few of those. Again, i am willing to take suggestions. So in closing, Christmas songs are better to listen to and at least the advertising world agrees with me (in my world anyway).

P.S. I now have to retract my previous statement about Thanksgiving music. I just found a song sung by Guy Mitchell called Christopher Columbus. It entertains me. I guess Benny Goodman did the song too, but i need more sources to download that. But i recommend you look up this version. if i knew how to add background music to this site while you read, i would have this be the song be playing. It kind of reminds me of Paul Bunyan (not that he ever sang) and Howard Keel of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. I'm on my third round of the song now. Also akin to the Titanic Song, but happier (obviously the Mayflower does not get hit by an iceberg). Check it out if you have the means.

P.P.S. I had to look up the name of the guy from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and came across a review of it. This entertained me as well. Its from IMDb which apparently is the earth's biggest movie database(not to be compared with Venus's or Mars's movie database.) Anyway, here's some quotes from a review i liked. "All Singin', All Dancin', All Fighting, All Lovin' Musical" "While the songs are lovely, they are mostly forgettable"
"How can "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" be such a wonderful musical? " and yet she goes on to give it a 10. Go figure (yes, i realize i should have stopped while i was ahead, too bad)

Aaaaaarrrrrrrrrgggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!

2005-10-24T20:11:00.000-07:00

Midterms and finals are the worst times! I'm so glad i only have one more semester of this. I am sooo tired and yet i have soo much to do yet tonight! I don't know if its worse if they spread them out to make the pain last longer or if its worse to just have one incredibly painful week, but i DO know that i want to be done with them already. In fact, i don't have time to be writing this, i just thought i'd let you all know that i'm on the verge of crazy- although i'm not there quite yet. I'm trying to stay sane.

Caution!!

2005-10-18T00:16:00.000-07:00

So i had to replace my curling iron. The last time i tried to use it, the spring fell out which makes it possible to keep the hair in the device. So i found a fairly cheap one at walmart and it seems to be fine. It came with an instruction manual and i decided to look through it to see what they think the proper process is of curling hair. They have a big warning on its own slip of paper which is okay because we are dealing with an electrical instrument. On one side there is a picture of a child reaching toward a hot curling rod and it is Xed out and it says keep away from children. Okay, fine, kids are stupid and they could get burned. The other side is less clear. There is a picture of a curling iron and a giant eye is next to it. This is also X-ed out and the caption reads, "This product can burn eyes." What?? Do they mean if you stick the iron in your eye it will burn?? Isn't that obvious? Or maybe they burn if you stare at the rod for too long. I don't really know what to make of it. But whatever, its late. I'm going to bed.

Pretty sure I'm not in London yet...

2005-10-11T21:14:00.000-07:00

So, i was driving behind this slow car today. It was in the left lane during "rush hour" if that exists here, and cars from the right lane were passing it and therefore passing me. So when i finally got into the turn lane I had to see who the culprit of violating well known driving rules the person was on the wrong side of the car. They were driving from the passenger seat! I know this is typical in other parts of the world. but i have never seen anyone in these cars in Wisconsin ever. I didn't even know that was legal. I wonder how this car got here. Did someone love their car so much that they had it shipped overseas?? I don't know. Its just another strange sight found in this wonderful "city" of mine.

I'm not a hick! please don't hate me.

2005-09-20T20:44:00.000-07:00

So one of the drawbacks of going to school in wisconsin is that most everyone that goes there is originally from wisconsin. Not only that, but they are probably from some really small town that you would never have heard of unless you are from there. Unfortunately, i swear everyone in my class comes from such a place except for me- coming from the suburbs. This was pointed out to me again when i stupidly assumed that there might possibly be some sort of public transportation in the "city" (i use that term loosely) of Hayward. They were just about ready to stone me- actually they were more ready to drive me out to some isolated farming area and leave me there to fend for myself. Then somehow talk got to all of their farm cats and the awful things that have happened to them. For example, cats whose ears have frozen off and the one that somehow got stuck hanging from its leg for almost a week until its leg just fell off and now it hobbles about with three legs. And i thought about my cats at home and how they would never go for that. I like being suburban, i really do. As much fun as it would be to ride cows (because it is cruel to tip them), i like having two malls within 10 minutes of home and public transportation and no septic tanks. I just hope i'll be able to survive the summer in Florida in the small town of Wauchula.

Back to school! Back to school, to prove to Dad that I'm not a fool!

2005-09-02T15:44:00.000-07:00

I'm finally back in LaCrosse, probably forever with gas prices being what they are. I didn't realize it at the time, but i really missed my christmas loving computer. I love all of the songs it decides to play, even with a x-mas song here and there. I must admit- i did listen through the song" silver and gold." Plus, it played the Rollerskate Song by Janis Joplin which i completely forgot about. You should check it out if you don't know it, and if you do, you should still check it out! Anyway, so i am back, dusting my phone when i realize, "hey, we don't have a landline anymore. Why do i still have my phone plugged in?? or here at all for that matter?? so i thought i would let everyone in that moment of brilliance. And now, i am going to remedy that situation.

maybe there's a reason clowns scare people

2005-06-05T19:41:00.000-07:00

So it's 2 o'clock in the morning (I work the overnight tomorrow so i am trying to adjust my internal clock) and I find the world juggling federation competition on ESPN. (I'm intrigued because i, myself, am a self-proclaimed juggler thanks to my Juggling for the Klutz book). What is EPSN good for if not for sports like Juggling. Its kind of entertaining because Pen (of Pen & Teller) is one of the commentators. And they compete in tossing rings, clubs, and balls. Anyway, I figure the reason clowns get a bad name is because of people like Jason Garfield. (Clowns can juggle, right?) If you are ever in Vegas and see this guy's name for some kind of juggling act, run away! Or if you really cannot resist multiple objects being thrown around, be sure you are surrounded by many people, because i really think this guy is insane. First off, he was the only juggler in the competition that had ring boys (you know, like ball boys in tennis, but for juggling). Secondly, he spoke about how one must punish the objects that are tossed, because otherwise they will not learn and will more or less misbehave again. He also compared juggling to the Iron Man competition. Lastly, after his performance on the rings and the clubs, he smashes them to the ground and stomps off stage. He looks as though he would like to kill these rings and clubs, because he knows its THEIR FAULT for him not doing as well as he could.
Other than that, there is some pretty cool juggling. They have this thing called pancake tosses that are really pretty to look at. As far as the rings are concerned, if you see a sign for Sergey Ing..... Jr. while you are in Vegas you should definately stop in. He was very good and not at all scary. Or just catch the rerun next time you are awake at 3 in the morning (yes, it has taken me an hour to write this because i keep running back and forth from the tv to here).
On a sidenote, the men's singles has just finished and they are moving on to women's. But guess what? They have doubles too! Team juggling! I am so excited. This is exactly what i need to get me through the night.

light at the end of the tunnel

2005-05-12T19:39:00.000-07:00

So I don't want to jump the gun on this, but i really think i am going to survive the finals. At least, at this point i'm pretty sure i'll manage physically. I've made it through most of the gauntlet, 4 of the 5 are over with. Not that this last one is easy. I may still have to make my way through a few swinging axes but at least the end is in sight! I'm still not sure about the grades that i'll end up with, but i like to think that my professors like me enough to keep me around for next year. I really want to go to Ireland or Scotland next winter.

Brain Jamage

2005-05-08T19:36:00.000-07:00

This is my biggest fear during finals week. I question how well my brain works sometimes anyhow, but this is the critical week when an overload of information floods my head and there is high potential for the information system to jam. I'm just waiting for the message, "sorry, information jam in occipital lobe, left hemisphere. No more information will be processed at this time" or something to that effect. It happened once briefly earlier this week, but fortunately my mind was able to fix it relatively quickly, it lasted no more than one evening. I take that as a warning. I must be very careful with what i allow my brain to take note of. So now i am off to study, I really hope my brain can take it!

example

2005-04-23T14:10:00.000-07:00

blah

The strangest things...

2005-04-21T20:30:00.000-07:00

...can be found in La Crosse. I swear it. Most of them are found on the swamp path. Today i was riding my bike on it, and i saw this man from out of time. I'm not really much into history so i couldn't tell you exactly when he came from, but his clothes were not from today. I assume he was a soldier from some war. He had an old rifle thrown over his shoulder and he was smoking a long wooden pipe. He was also walking very seriously like he had some mission to fulfill. Now ordinarily i would probably stop and try to figure this out, but as this is the swamp path, i did a double-take then let it go. It could drive one nuts to figure out the goings-ons of the swamp path. This one time, there were these people dressed up in mid-evil outfits watching over the little bridges that are dispersed throughout. You know, sometimes you just have to let things go.

book recommendation

2005-04-15T20:28:00.000-07:00

So i picked up "Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister" yesterday by Gregory Maguire, and somehow, despite the responsibilities of school i was able to finish the book today. I really liked the book. I would recommend it to most anyone. It takes the tale of Cinderella and writes a more likely story. Unlike the Grimms tales, which can be very grim at times but also definately have a happy ending, this story is much closer to the realities of life. I won't say more on that point because i do not want to ruin it for you. It has an interesting take on good and evil and has much on beauty vs. plain vs. ugly. So read the book! Now i have to read the rest of this author's stuff.

I can see the future

2005-04-14T20:27:00.000-07:00

Today was such a beautiful day. This is my day without classes. However, i still had to meet with one of my many groups that i have projects with. Despite this, i still managed to get down to the riverside, read my book and forget that school even exists. I want this to be what summer is like. i cannot wait.

what is the world coming to?

2005-04-09T20:26:00.000-07:00

so at work today i got to go on an outing, (yes, i take outings at work) and as we were driving i was looking at the price of gas (i have a compulsion to do this, i don't know why) and it was actually cheaper to buy a pack of cigarettes than to buy a gallon of gas. I realize economics might be involved in the pricing scheme and that there may in fact be more limited resources of oil than of nicotene, but cigarettes should NOT be cheaper than gas. That is just encouraging smoking. Okay, i might be taking this a little too far, but...on the way home from said work, i did stop and get gas (not cigarettes) because prices had lowered during the 61\2 hrs i was there. I decided i wanted a can of pop (and don't tell me its unhealthy, i KNOW this, but did you see my current mood?) so i went into the little convenience store/gas station. They were selling single bottles of beer for $1.19 while pop (or soda for you wisconsinites or anywhere other than minnesota) was $1.25, and these were not small bottles. Granted, they were selling Icehouse, but still. I was seriously tempted to get the beer- I'm a poor college student! (and you know my mood!) Any schmoe that walks in there over 21 yrs is going to want to take the beer. Its not like pop is much healthier, but at least its legal to have an open container of pop\soda in one's car. So those are my gripes. But i am pretty sure the world is ending because when i got home after buying the gas after getting off of work, i came home to find a note on our TV saying that something is recording and please don't touch anything (we have a really stupid system where the cable has to be on the right channel and the vcr has to be on a different channel and if you try to watch anything else, it will record whatever channel you change to) so being the curious person i am, i turn the TV on, disregarding the note to see what is being taped. It turns out to be the one thing i never thought i would ever have to deal with ever again after freshman year of college. -She was taping wrestling!!! i realize my roommate's boyfriend is here, but he never struck me for the wrestling type; more of the fisher\hunter sports type. So i am pretty sure the end is coming soon. I just hope it comes before next friday.

X-mas 365 days a year!

2005-04-06T20:25:00.000-07:00

If my computer had its way, christmas would be a daily occurance. I like to all of my music, so i select all lists and click random. It seems like every other song is christmas. one of its favorites is rudolph's "santa's elves" songs. I have to be quick to catch these songs, because well, its SPRING! I love christmas, don't get me wrong. but i don't want to "let it snow" right now. I realize when i select all lists, the christmas songs are on there too, but come on! i have 644 songs! only 47 are christmas ones (that's 7% for your information), which means i have 597 other songs. i swear, there are songs i would never hear if i didn't seek them out. songs for example like Barbie Girl- not that this is the best song, maybe my computer just has some taste, i don't know. But then why doesn't it ever play my Weezer? or the Shins?? i guess it could be worse, my computer could have a love for ... or maybe it couldn't.

i love to ride my unicycle

2005-04-04T20:41:00.000-07:00

i went to the library today, because finals are next week and i am on the verge of panic, and i sat up on the second floor next to a window that overlooks the campus. Naturally, i would look out the window every now and again. This one time i looked out, i saw a guy on a unicycle with his backpack on his back pedaling to class. I admired that he was willing to show off his skills to the world of college students. I thought about and realized it wasn't that different from riding a bicycle. Then i started thinking how entertaining it would be if everyone traded in their bike for a unicycle. Just like the man found here : IMG SRC http://www.cmkconsulting.co.uk/images/p-unicycle-man.jpg ALT man on unicycleEveryone would have great abs or at least they wouldn't be flabby because you use them to stay balanced. And one's posture might improve as well. Maybe this isn't as funny to those you don't see a lot of people getting around on bikes, but at my campus there are many that bike to school, lock up their bike, and go to class. Now pretend they are unicycles. It wouldn't have to be as impressive as in this picture: http://home.xtra.co.nz/hosts/hydeautos/paul unicycle -ge.jpg but if anyone did, i'd toss 'em my spare change.

How many is too many purses??

2005-03-27T20:23:00.000-08:00

Some people, typically girls, have a certain weakness for shoes. I don't have to worry about that, but I do love purses. And i have to ask, is there a point when a person has too many?? I had an urge to go to the store today, little did i know that my destiny was waiting at K-mart. As soon as i saw it, i knew i was meant to own it. I originally went to buy printer paper, which i don't really need because i can run across the street and use the printers at the HSC building. And i almost went to Walmart, but realized it would be closer to go to K-mart. Anyway, i got the printer paper, bought a few more colorful pens (another favorite buy of mine), then i came across the purses. I admit, i did want to get a bigger purse, a tote of sorts to cram everything i own into so that i can literally carry my whole life around with me. And there it was, on clearance! Its a pretty spring blue, large enough to fit records into if necessary, with side pockets, and a place for my cellphone in the purse. See all of my other purses are out of date, i never used to carry a cell phone with me, so that characteristic is missing in most of my other purses. Plus, this also came with a sunglass case, a money bag, and an UMBRELLA! All in the same spring blue. I didn't have a chance. So that one came home with me. This is where the question comes up again. After I snagged that one, i kept looking around, just in case there was something better. There wasn't, at least not that type of purse. But i found another purse, a long strapped, smaller, dark leather purse with a separate compartment for the cell phone and it is just right for me. It was fairly inexpensive, and i did get double pay for working easter (Happy Easter by the way) so i could have picked it up as well. Would that have been too much? I would have left the store with 3 purses. I am still thinking of running back to K-mart, of all stores, to pick it up- there was only one left. I need feedback on this. Would i be giving into an obsession, or am i justified in buying cute purses??