And There Was Much Rejoicing...

I got into grad school! Hooray! It is a day of joy.

On another, completely unrelated note (or not so completely unrelated if you look at it very abstractly and from a great distance), I came across a great sermon by Rob Bell today. If you like sermons. It's the one called "The Importance of Beginning in the Beginning." I think they rotate them off after 12 weeks, so you might want to listen soon. If you're so inclined.

I just got home from a class at the gym, and it kicked my butt. But, I went with friends, and it's always better to get your butt kicked with friends rather than by yourself. And, of course, now that I've worked out I'm going to watch Top Chef.

After I study...sigh.

I can't say I have much to say today, but I want to write more for fun again. For work I'm writing about 10 hours a week, but writing about hotels in Mankato or hunting in South Dakota isn't all that fun. Well, sometimes, when I get to blog about things like the zombie prom or the roller derby girls.

But not usually.

Still waiting on the grad. school news too. I met with my advisor this week, and learned that all may not go as planned, due to scheduling conflicts. But, once there's a problem my brain kind of goes into overload trying to find a solution. So I basically don't remember anything from class on Wednesday, but have a number of options to solve the problems.

We shall see.

Does anyone else get a beet red face when you work out? My face is easily the shade of a tomato after working out, even back when I was in shape (that one time, a long time ago). I understand that it's blood vessels near the surface of your skin trying to cool you off, but why doesn't everyone turn red? Why are only some of us subject to this visual indicator of having sweat profusely?

Such is life, I guess.

Oh, whatever...

Hmm, yes, forever again. Well....well. There's not much to say about that that's interesting, is there?

And not even much for last week. Well, actually, here's a quick rundown of the last few weeks: lake weekend, car problems, sickness, more car problems. I am plagued.

Then there was Halloween weekend, and a mighty entertaining weekend it was. Halloween night started off watching the zombies walk the streets of downtown SF, and concluded with a stranger joining a friend and I, to tell us about his Lebanese girlfriend and how his Aryan friends wouldn't approve...hmm.

There was also a glorious Halloween-themed SD symphony concert, most excellent it was.

And now there is this week...a week for making up for when I was sick last week. Which means projects, work, driving, class, running running running. In a good way. It feels great to have the energy to really work at stuff and accomplish things. Though it does make it hard to slow down. I sat in one of my classes this morning thinking "um, I don't really have time for this...I have stuff to do."

It shall all be done. It will get done.

Two last thoughts--not sure why, but this weekend inspired immense gratefulness. Life is good.

and, last but not least, I should be hearing about graduate school very soon. and there shall be much rejoicing. (we hope)

that is all.

Couple-a kid stories

This weekend we went to the zoo with the kiddos, and I was sitting in the hotel hot tub with my nephew and sister in-law. I'm not sure why, but I started showing my nephew where his heart, lungs, etc. are. After I showed him where his heart is, my sis-in-law asked him who lives in his heart. He confidently said "Kitty!" Not what she was looking for, so she asked "And who else?" His answer? "No one!" He knew she wanted him to say Jesus, but he's kind of stubborn.

He also thinks his Sunday School teacher is "my friend Grandma." It's not his grandma, but he calls her that. As in "So, did your Sunday School teacher help you with that craft?" and he answers "No, my friend Grandma did."

Tiny Cat Pants

I'm tired. Mostly because I didn't sleep much last night (hello, insomnia), but also because it was the first week of school. Did you hear me, the first week of school!!! I loved it. Mostly. Except the one class I dropped. But that's neither here nor there, because I love school. My classes are really interesting. I think I can say that authoritatively, since I've studied pretty much everything at least once already.

But I'm still interested, so that's good, right? And it feels awesome for the professors to know your name, and not have to look quizzically around the room when they call roll. I even know some students this semester, and don't feel like I stand out so much. And I have new Snack Taxis to take my lunch in, and that makes me happy. Just saying snack taxi makes me happy.

One thing that doesn't make me happy is being confused on my homework. Randomly, does anyone know how many sounds are in the word "singer"? I can't tell if the "i" sound and the "ng" sound are one or two...maybe two? I'll find out next week when I turn in that homework, unless you want to comment.

I also took the kitties to the vet this week. Princess Pantaloons was none too happy about it, as evidenced by her nearly biting the hand off of the vet tech. Sorry, vet tech. This was like serious cat meanness...she gets herself so worked up I'm afraid she'll give herself a heart attack. And I found out that Cow weighs 20.2 pounds. Ugh. The vet said that although she's big boned, she must lose weight, so now she's on a prescription diet, and I have to feed them separately. (Princess Pantaloons has maintained her slender figure since I got her).

But here's the thing...the cats aren't really catching on very quickly that the food will be there for a short period of time, then gone. It used to be I'd give them 1/4 cup twice a day, but I'd leave it out, so they could eat it when they felt like it. Now, they have to eat it within the 1/2 hour or 45 minutes it's out, or go without. You'd think they'd catch on to eating it all when it's out, but not yet...

I think that's all the nerdy student and crazy cat lady news I have tonight. Enjoy.

The Weekend

We went to the lake this weekend, but it was pretty cold. The baby distracted me from writing a statement of purpose for grad. school...

...and we watched some tv...

and of course, stared at the baby.

Oh dear blog...how I have neglected thee. No longer. At least not today.

School is inching closer, but slowly. I am an uber-school-nerd, and can't wait to start. I already have the essentials (favorite pen, cute pencil case, tums) in my backpack, and an extra supply of loose leaf paper.

I had a gift card to Target and purchased a small thermos food jar for my lunch, and late last year purchased some Snack Taxis, so lunches should be good to go. And my night class just got moved a half hour earlier, so I will only be gone for 13 1/2 hours on Mondays instead of 14 hours. Life is good.

Also good, is the fact that I get to keep my kick-ass summer job through December at least, for 10 hours a week. Sweet! I love it because it's super-flexible, and the work is really fun. I should pick up something else as well, and I'm thinking subbing, since it's so flexible. The downside is that I know how kids treat subs, so eh...it would make for some good funny kid stories though, some fodder for the blog.

In topics I just can't seem to leave, I've cancelled my cable. I like it so far, though I'm only about 24 hours in. I've found pretty much everything I want to watch on the internet, and so far have only had to pay for one thing (Top Chef). So it's not like I'm tv-less, or show-less. Just cable tv payment less. For the first time ever. Well, I guess I didn't pay for it as a child, but I've always had it. Until now.

By cancelling tv, I'm hoping to make some more time (or reclaim some time, more accurately) to cook more and spend more time (willingly) at the gym. And read. I do love the reading.

I was in a video recently for my church, which turned out way better than I had thought, and which is why I'm willing to post a link to it here. The church is moving to a new space, so there's a big push to get the word out. That's why I'm in a video. Not because I'm just awesomely cool, which is why I'm sure you thought I was in it.

Ooh! How about a little reading update? I don't think I've updated on books in quite a while. Most recently I finished The Unlikely Disciple, which I LOVED. I have a strange fascination with schools like Liberty and Bob Jones, and the archane and detailed code they follow.

I'm about halfway through Shane Claiborne's Irresistible Revolution, and can't help but think of a crazy person from college when I read it. And not in a good way. I've also just started The Brothers K, and am really enjoying it so far.

I read the whole Twilight series earlier this summer, and man are they addictive. And I totally get why my middle school girls were so into them. Totally. They're not great literature, and not as good as Harry Potter, but I think they're worth a read to know what all the hoopla is about. I also saw the first Twilight movie, which sucked. Edward looked like he was going to cry for almost half of it.

Fieldwork has also been read, on the suggestion of Ruth. I'm not usually into mysteries, but I really liked this one. Partly because it features crazy missionaries. I'm a sucker for a book with crazy missionaries in it. And Ruth reads a lot of books, so she knows her stuff.

So yeah, that's about it for now. I'm hanging out with Jas and Panda tonight on their midwestern tour 2009, so maybe some photos later.

So, new stuff...

I got a new (used) car. It's small, and blue, and has a moonroof. It's not quite as zippy as the Jetta, but it also isn't falling apart. It's cute, I think, and it's fun to drive. And it's a Honda, so hopefully reliable. No, I don't have pictures...I've never really taken pictures of my cars, unless something is or has happened to them, like towing.

Other new stuff...

I've learned about geocaching. That's a weird way to put it I guess, but yeah. I went with a friend this past Saturday, and we found 14 caches, which was awesome. We'd gone once before and looked for just 4 or 5, and only found 2, neither of which were my actual finds. So it was awesome to be the finder on some this weekend.

I also forgot to wear sunscreen that day and got a farmer tan.

More new stuff...

Working. Wait, that's not new. That's boring. Except that I've spent LOTS of time writing about hunting and fishing. That should make some of you laugh.

Random new stuff...

I replaced my 5/2 programmable thermostat with a 7 day programmable thermostat. It makes a lot more sense for me since my M-W-F schedule is way different than my T-Th schedule. Anyway, I was taking out the old one, and here's what I found:

Now, I'm no electrician. But somehow it doesn't seem right to me that you should jam a giant hunk of sticky tack (I know, it's some electrician's putty or whatever) into a hole to keep the wires in place. Is it?

Anyway, I replaced it with this beauty, no sticky tack needed:

You know you're an old boring homeowner when you can admire a thermostat.

You do not appreciate me!

It was a sad day. I have done nothing but be nice to my car--I change the oil as required, I do all of the recommended maintenance, take it in as soon as the check engine light comes on, put premium gas in it as required by the turbo dealy, and yet it treats me like this...

I was all packed up and headed to the lake, when the engine temperature gauge went crazy, and the little floating buoy light started flashing. It all happened quickly, but I think there was also some dinging.

Long story short, it was towed to the mechanic. And it kind of feels like an abusive relationship. I treat it well, and all I get is crap in return, but I keep it around, and keep coming back. I hate my car, but we'll see if we can work it out.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

I am still laughing about this...

And this.

Reading to my Goddaughter

McDonald's Doesn't Quite Understand Turn-Taking

When you take a look at conversation and language, you see that turn-taking is an important concept. Generally, one person speaks at a time, and we try to avoid silence. Violating these norms creates some kind of dissonance in a conversation. Pretty easy, right?

Well, that darn automated voice at McDonald's messes it all up. I've been to the drive through a couple of times in the past few months, and both times my experience was the same. I drove up, and the automated voice asked me if I wanted something...the days's special, or a certain value meal or whatever. I said "No, thank you."

And then there was silence. In a normal conversation, after I spoke, the other person should speak. I'm guessing McD's designed it to work that way, but for whatever reason, the person inside the restaurant working the drive-thru did not say anything. And so I sat there, both times, wondering if I should speak, or wait for them to ask me to order. Awkward.

So listen up, McDonalds. You need to fix this. Either get rid of the weird automated offers, or train your people to take the customer's order.

For Real

It's been a long time since I've written for real. Partly because there have been some hard things, partly because I want to avoid that private/public line where when people read something, they cringe because you just shouldn't have shared.

So yeah, some tough times with a friend. That's about all I'm willing to say about it. It's not mine to share, but it definitely kept me from writing for a while.

Other than that, I've been trying to work out consistently and get healthier. I've been hesitant to write about it, but at some point it's just like hey, you can all see it anyway, so why not acknowledge it. The kicker was some pictures I saw of myself which made my jaw fall to the floor...seriously, how did I not know I looked like that?

Anyway, the process of getting healthier has been interesting. I've done weight watchers before, but didn't really see that as a way to live for a long period of time. So instead I rejoined the gym, and have been trying to make better food choices. Not perfect, but better than before. When I rejoined the gym one of the trainers showed me how to use the weight machines, which was new to me, so that's been cool. It feels awesome to walk up to one of them, and not stare at it like an idiot. And surprisingly, it's not weird at all that they're in front of all the cardio. machines. In fact, I can't see anyone behind me, so it's kind of like they disappear.

I'm not planning any sort of before/after pictures, or updates much, unless it comes up in something else I feel like writing about. But yeah, it's been a big deal for me lately, so it's here.

Which reminds me, I went to a "matfusion" class tonight, which was supposed to be a blend of pilates and yoga. I hate yoga, love pilates. Well, the class was weighted more to the latter, and the room was ridiculously warm. And it wasn't the hot kind of yoga either, just too darn humid in the midwest. And I was pissed. Two years ago I did yoga with a couple of friends, and I had no problem holding downward dog, or any of the other poses...tonight, bah. I had to stop a few times and modify the pose, or just wait it out. It made me mad. Usually getting pissed about stuff like that doesn't really motivate me, but somehow it did tonight. I finished the class, but swore to not go back until I'm stronger.

I've also been hanging out with people from my new church quite a bit. When I was in San Jose this past weekend, I sat in my old chuch, and just had this overwhelming moment of feeling blessed. Blessed to have all of my people in CA, but also to have people to come home to. At one point a few years ago I watched the series Six Feet Under, and saw an episode about a woman who died alone, and no one found her for a seriously long time. It made me think, and I realized then that there were definitely people who would find me. This weekend I realized I now have that in Sioux Falls too. It's a strange way of measuring things, I know, but it works for me. If I were to die, I know someone would come and find my body before I was too badly decomposed.

So that's really what's going on.

For the random fun of it, here's a picture of the clouds in town tonight. Magnificent.

Baby Shower Surprise!

I love adding the word "surprise" at the end of anything. It just makes it more exciting. Like tuna casserole surprise, or mango mojito surprise! This weekend was a baby shower surprise. I flew out to San Jose on Saturday, to surprise Jen and Brian (and everyone else) for their baby shower on Sunday. For those of you not on Facebook, here are some pics.

Jen and Brian opening gifts.

Donna and Annabelle.

Me and Annabelle.

I will actually blog again sometime soon, probably. Until then, here's a picture of me and my new baby niece. She's a lucky girl, as she had the cord wrapped around her neck, and still got out safely.

Why, Of Course!

I was uploading some old photos to FB tonight, and I found this, and it made me laugh out loud. It's me, in Europe, on a backpacking trip the summer after I graduated high school. The logo on the right, Athlete of the Year, with the Sports Illustrated logo was completely unintentional. I had found a disposable camera in my room, and took it with me. When I got back and developed my pictures, I realized that a good quarter of my pictures of European monuments and otherwise were emblazoned with "Athlete of the Year" and "Sports Illustrated." Of course, of course I'm an athlete of the year!

Non-Beige!

The color of my house before...

And, after!

I approve!

Yeah, so, no writing lately...for a few reasons. First, it seems a little superfluous. You can be my friend on Facebook, or follow me on Twitter, so do I really need to add extra here? Not so much, at least not so that you know what's going on in my life. Also, the past few weeks have been, well, a time when I've not really felt much like writing.

But back to the first reason...I had lunch with my boss today, and he mentioned an article that traced the downfall of blogging to the exponential growth of FB and Twitter...it ma
kes sense. The only reason I can think that someone would still need/want a blog is to write...not necessarily read or be read, but to write. So maybe I'll keep this up....we'll see.

So for now...a photo. Me, and new friends from church, Sarah and Michael. Whoo-hoo for friends!

(I look all squinty-eyed because I had been wearing sunglasses all day and took them off for the picture)

Random

I went to church twice this past Sunday, an event more rare since I have joined churches outside of the CRC. I suppose that fact is really irrelevant, but since this post is titled Random...

I went to Covenant Sunday morning, a church I used to call home. And Pastor Herm, someone I think is comfortable with areas of gray, preached on Rahab. And he surprised me. He described Rahab as someone we might dislike because she lies and is deceptive. But my opinion of Rahab couldn't be more opposite. I've always really liked her. I love the idea of a lying prostitute being the one to protect God's spies.

The idea of disliking her never really crossed my mind...if she were perfect, it wouldn't really be so miraculous that she hid Joshua's spies. It would be mundane, boring, and very "Christian." The way it really happened though, I love it...a woman of ill repute, acccomplishing God's purposes regardless of her perhaps selfish intentions. It's what David Plotz calls the messy Bible. Totally messed up, Flannery O'Conner-esque people, working out redemption. What's not to like?

I am short on words tonight, and even shorter on pictures, since my camera fell out in the trunk of my car at the airport. However, Donna put up some pictures of my goddaughter Annabelle's baptism. What a beautiful church and a sweet baby.

I guess the title is This American Life...

I don't remember ever being really angry at This American Life before, but I listened to No Map this weekend on my way home from the lake, and I was pissed. And shocked that This American life would let such ethnocentricity slide...at least seemingly so. They say they tried to get the other side, but still...definitely an interesting story, and worth listening to, despite a strong pro-American, pro-stuff bias.

Phew...

The last few days/week? have been hectic. But fun. Today was my 2nd interview for a summer internship with an online marketing firm, and tonight they offered me the job! Whoo-hoo. They also asked for a writing sample, so I pointed out my blog...so if you offered me a job today and are reading this, hello, and thanks!!

I also went to Chicago last week to help my dad with the NCA candy show. I started going to candy shows with him when I was about 10. They used to have kids programs, so I would walk the show floor a while to get candy, and then spend the rest of the time at amusement parks and children's museums. Oh, and taking cabs all by myself in Washington, DC, as a 10-year-old (true story). I would never let my proverbial children do what my dad let us do at those shows.

But Chicago was awesome. I helped to set up the booth, and then helped the marketing folks get some press for the new mascot, Mr. Eiffel Bon Bons.


I even got to BE Mr. Eiffel BonBons, which was fun. Strangely enough, I got to be him at Soldier Field, where I had to ask what teams and/or sports played there. Good times.


I also helped hand out samples and do random other things at the booth, and I managed to get myself some press. First I got into the daily magazine of the show (I have no idea why I look like I'm tipping over...I think I was trying to look like I was hugging Mr. Eiffel Bonbons. I've learned my lesson).


The local Chicago news also did a story on the show, and I (or at least my hair) made it to the video.

I also had dinner and beer at the Hopleaf with Grant and Kristin, and then sat out on the pier to enjoy the Chicago skyline. (Sidenote: Heels are most innapropriate footwear for the beach)


I arrived home Friday at about 1 pm, mowed my lawn and procured paint for the summer house painting, and left for Okoboji. And realized, upon arriving in Okoboji, that I had forgotten to feed the cats. DOH! I am eternally grateful for friends from my new church for saving me from discovering kitty carcasses when I came home Monday night.

The lake was awesome, as usual. The boys got a new "park," and my one nephew helped my brother level it out to add sand. He's a crazy hard worker, and always wants to talk about work (You workin'? You goin' to work? What do you do at work? Not now, I'm workin')


Of course, we also spent some time out on the boat, and I only got slighltly burnt. Quite an accomplishment for my first time out in the sun this season, I think. Oh, and we only let the kids drive part of the time.


So now, 2 more days at home, and then I'm off to California for Annabelle's baptism. Or christening...I'm not sure if there's a difference, but I really like the sound of the word "christening." Busy, but all good stuff.

Scenes from Tuesday

As you already know, these kitties talk to my nephew. Mostly with interjections and requests to go golfing. He still loves them.

He also really seemed to like the Mr. Potato Head I picked up at the dollar store. He told me that he's a funny man, and wanted to picnic with us. But, he could only picnic with us sans hat and shoes. Which made it a little hard for Mr. Potato Head to balance well enough to drink his juice box.

My nephew, however, had no such problems with the juice box. Picnic, accomplished.

*All pictures taken with my new Lightscoop! A whole new level of nerdiness.

I'm hanging out with my nephew this afternoon (he's napping at the moment), and he asked about the kitties at my house. I told him a little about them, and then he told me "I have kitties at my house. They talk to me." I asked him what they say, and he said "They say yeeeaaaahhh and, um, hey, let's go golfing, okay."

Hilarious.

Kitties and Spectrograms

Today Cow went to the groomer, and got a modified Lion Cut. The last time I bathed her I waited too long to brush her, and she had a few mats, so this was a good (and fun!) solution. Well, fun to look at. Maybe not so fun to get done, but I think she'll be more comfortable.

This is not a picture of my cat. It is a spectrogram of my name, given to me by a professor. We had just studied spectrograms and acoustics, and the professor made each of us in the class (about 40 people) one, and gave them to us tonight after the exam. That was so nice of her, and fun for nerdy people!

Even More Procrastinating with PhotoBooth

Can you believe it? I'm procrastinating with PhotoBooth...crazy, huh?

Well, it's true. I've been sitting alternately at my desk and outside in the sun since 1 PM, attempting to study. Reading through my hearing science notes make me feel a little nuts,

and somewhat disinterested.

The topics, applied to real life, are interesting, but in boring old memorization form, not so much. Although one of the last test's topics did show up on NPR. Now if only I could do all of my studying by reading NPR stories, that would be awesome, and with better writing.

General Updates

I haven't felt much inspired to write lately, so bland is the order of the day. Of the weekend really, since I am supposed to be studying for exams. I'm finding it difficult, but pressing on. Today I got mostly through respiration and phonation, and made a muscle chart with the irritating abbductor/adductor/tensor/relaxor/intrinsic/extrinsic/suprahyoid/infrahyoid distinctions. Seriously, if you really need to know if a muscle is an adductor or a tensor during therapy, you'll look it up.

I'm putting off studying for the GRE (to be taken on Thursday) until the Mon. and Tues. exams are done, and I'm trying to put off looking for a job until after that, to hopefully increase focus. But I get sucked in sometimes...the lack of options makes me feel like I need to look extra hard, even when I should be reviewing minute sections of bone like the lesser cornu of the hyoid bone.

A bright spot in the weekend was church. I've been going to a new church for the past few weeks, and I like it. As an INTJ, social activities like this, particularly new-to-me ones, take so much energy...but it's been worth it. I've met some really great people, and I think I might stick around for a while. After having lived here almost 2 years now, and having met only the people I used to work with, it's time for a social scene. I like to keep to myself, but not that much...

Let's see, other news...not much....the cat may be shaved like a lion soon, due to mats and my general desire to see her shaved like a lion...I hope to make some more hummus and tabouli this week...I'm making my own lattes and made it to milk Monday (cheaper milk!) without having to restock...yeah, all in all, a rather uninteresting bit here. Unless of course you find inner hair cell damage and formants interesting. In that case, I'm the most interesting person you know.

Newport Beach!

Here's me, in Newport Beach, so happy to be in CA with Jason and Amanda! Oh, and did I mention the sunshine? Exclamation points all around!

It was a super quick weekend, just Friday through Sunday, but fun-filled. I got to go to all my favorite places, shopping, and otherwise, and spent some time with my parents and their friends. I also got to spend the day with Jason and Amanda, and their kitteh Cheetoh.

The day included a farmer's market trip, seeing Jason act, Amanda cooking a kick-ass lasagna, a visit to the most amazing resort I've ever been to (and a Bellini), and then some gin and tonic to wind down the day.

I need California weekends more often. :)

Precious

Now, I love the Dixie Chicks. And I love cats...but these Humane Society videos continue to be weird to me. Weird, but entertaining.

WTF????

Okay, so now I'm just confused. A little background...in this summer job search, there was always an old standby: the call center. And there was this big bank in town, who seems to be doing alright despite the current economy. And they're the only ones with ads in the paper. But, the jobs might be...well, less than savory. Selling people banking products they don't really need, collections, and least morally objective, customer service.

So after finding out that I didn't get the job I wanted today, I thought heck, I'm there...I might as well apply with this bank. Let's call them Bitty. That's not their real name, but you can probably figure it out. Need a hint? It's not Schmells Bargo. Think of another big bank.

I applied with them when I first moved here, though I didn't quite know I was applying. I went to an "information session," which was really testing. And, let's just say I was definitely one of the sharper tacks in the room. I passed the tests.

So tonight I jumped on their website, figuring eh, no big deal. I filled out the application, accurately, despite annoying fields that only took their specific answers in regards to the "function" of a particular job. And...

I was rejected. WHAT??? According to them, I did not "qualify on the assessment." Although I can fill it out again in 90 days. Ugh...

Here's what I can figure. The assessment was questions about how you would handle coworkers, work situations, and what your feelings are about work environments. I think I was too honest. There were a bunch of questions about whether or not you would want to stay at a job that was boring and un-challenging. Uh, no. (I was supposed to say yes??) And questions about whether you would tell your boss that a coworker was bugging you (no), whether or not you should tell customers you'll only talk to them if they stop yelling (no), and whether or not you should point out customer's faults (um, no!).

So now I'm just really confused...If they asked me "Could you endure a job you hated for 3 months so that you could make some money in between school semesters," the answer totally would have been yes.

I take back everything I said about this job search being better than the last. It still sucks. I did not get the job I was hoping for, and have heard nada from all the other places I applied.

Other things that happened today:

• I was supposed to go and observe a couple of hearing evaluations at school, but they got cancelled.
• So, instead, I decided to go to some rummage sales in town. I got a car seat (for the nephews), and a book about canning (Putting Food By). Pretty decent.
• I was at Shopko, and saw a woman being detained for shoplifting. It was odd--a female employee was walking the woman toward the office, with a male employee on the other side of her. But, while they were walking, the female employee was asking what seemed like stern questions, but was doing it in a very conversational tone. It didn't quite fit. She asked the woman if she had shoplifted before as if she was asking her if she'd ever visited the store before...odd.
• I saw a neighbor lady lead an animal control officer to another neighbor's house. The animal control lady came out with a cat in a cage. My neighbors are all dog people, to be sure, but I can't figure out what would make you call animal control on a stray cat. I haven't ever seen it around the neighborhood before, and it didn't seem to be bothering anyone. It just seemed mean. Meanwhile, there's a horrible dog that lives behind me which yaps day and night, and no one seems to care.
  

Patience...

This is not only my sick of studying face, it's also my exasperated while waiting to hear about a part-time job face. I had an interview last week for what seems like a great part-time job. I am now, not so patiently, waiting to hear their decision. They said I was a great candidate, but they may want more hours than I can give them during school. Boo.

Double boo because the other jobs available include daycare, and the zoo.

Procrastinating...again

This is me, studying. As you can see, it's not going well. So I'm taking a break from studying, otherwise known as procrastinating. I'm currently reviewing for a test on neuroanatomy, and it's not easy. It'd be one thing if it were just the structures, but then they all do something, and have things that can go wrong, etc. etc. I need some flashcards.

Easter in PA

We went to PA over Easter to see my grandfather

and my grandmother.

We also went to my mom's cousin's farm, where my nephew fed the goats,

got to see all the big machinery,

put his right hand right in a pile of grease,

got a "little bit dirty," and

was just generally cute.

One of the things my grandmother does is makes stockings. She makes a new one for each grandchild, great-grandchild, and many others. They're pretty awesome. (And if anyone knows my mom, that's her picture in the background with her siblings. She's on the far left)

While we were there my nephew got a play chainsaw, and terrorized everyone with it all weekend, in a good way.

My aunt and uncle who are totally into cars brought up their grandson's pedal car for the boys to play with.

And the retirement community provided their own entertainment through flags that marked utilities. Our apologies to the people who come and try to figure out where the utilities are based on where the flags used to be.

There's probably more that I could say, and there are definitely more things we did, but seriously, how much more of this cuteness could you take?

Airport, with Kitty

Monday

I started the job hunt again today. The last job hunt was a long, tiring exercise in self-reflection and doubt. This one is different. As a full-time student who is also seeking a job, I don't feel nearly the desperation I did the first time. This one is still important, but also a whole lot more fun.

Still un-fun though is paper applications. Seriously...I haven't used my pencil-holding muscles for years. Regardless, I filled out applications today at temp agencies, a bookstore, a hotel, and then thankfully a few online apps.

Speaking of writing, I saw an old teacher from high school today. He asked me all of the demographic questions about family and jobs, and then he asked me what I was doing with my writing. My writing? He said he remembered me being a very good writer in high school (there are good writers in high school?), and he hoped I was doing something with it.

Um...well...I mumbled an answer about using it in school...but it got me to thinking about it. A friend once suggested I write more as well. So I'm thinking about it, about starting some sort of ongoing writing project to keep myself at it. But I'm not sure what. And I'm taking suggestions. We'll see what comes of it.

A Horse of a Different Color

This week in one of my classes we've been studying neurologically based speech disorders, including strokes. One possible consequence of a stroke is aphasia, featured in this video. If you're at all interested in strokes, etc. you should check it out. And just to set your expectations--it's not funny at all, it's sad.

Perceptual Mismatch

So, you know how sometimes things just don't seem to go together? Um, yeah...I think I saw the ultimate in perceptual mismatching today in my intro. to communication disorders class today.

Imagine you were seeing a video of a medical procedure, one where a doctor was paralyzing a vocal cord in order to enable to person to produce better vocal sounds. What kind of music would you imagine?

This?



How about a saline nasal flush?



I don't really know what this one is all about, buy hey, who wouldn't pair the Nutracker with a saline nasal flush?

Hilarious.

My Favorite April Fools Jokes from Today

Organic Air from Whole Foods

Flight to Mars from Expedia

Guardian Switching to Twitter Only

(Sorry if the links don't work after 4/1).

I'd like to add Google's, but I just didn't think it was that funny this year.

Are there other good ones out there that I missed?

Good to Know

A few months ago, Linens n' Things shut down, and closed their store here. It was sad, but also kind of exciting to think about getting an awesome deal. I had my eye on a new ironing board, since mine is only flat with a Psalter Hymnal under one of the legs (the gray version). Apparently, I was so intent on getting this ironing board, I asked my mom to stop to look it while I was doped up after being put out for some dental work.

But I went in there a few times at the beginning the clearance, and was confused. First, it was rather misleading. Their sign said "up to 40% off," and of course, most everything was only 10% off at first. And I noticed something...I was looking at something in the gadgets section, a melon baller I think, and the price tag was on there, and had been blacked out. There was a new sticker near the bottom, with a price higher than what was blacked out on the tag. And I began to wonder if they'd marked up the prices...

And I waited, and waited, and of course by the time it was decently marked off, the ironing board was gone.

There's another store here going out of business, Sportsmen's Warehouse, which I have actually never been in. Until tonight--I can't resist a sale. But it was the same deal...10% off, and there were new price tags. All the signs in the store matched the ones that were in Linens n' Things...

And it all made sense after I listened to Scenes from a Recession from This American Life. That's what liquidation companies do, and it works. People buy the marked up stuff, and think they're getting an awesome deal. When LNT was going out of business, I saw tons of people buying the 10% and 20% off stuff. And I'm sure it's not illegal, maybe not even immoral, but I think it's pretty crappy.

TV

I'm watching TV again. Yes, I know, it's not Easter yet. It's still lent. But, giving up TV definitely became more about seeing if I could do it than it was about lent. And yes, I could do it. I haven't watch television for over a month...

And I still like TV very much. Granted I also like silence very much, but I like silence before I gave up TV too. It's all about balance, right?

I heard David Plotz, editor of Slate, on the radio again today, discussing his new book, The Good Book. I've heard bits and pieces of this piece before, but heard a larger chunk of it today. And it's good. I guess he had a blog on Slate.com, about reading through the Bible. I found it really interesting, because he contrasts the Sunday School Bible, with what he coins "The Messy Bible." What I found interesting about it is that he says the Messy Bible is full of doubters, sinners, and otherwise messed up people, along with beauty and war, etc, and he found this surprising.

If you have a chance, you should listen...he has interesting things to say, and is also quite a good speaker. I'll definitely be picking up the book when either 1) the library gets a copy or 2) the price for the Kindle edition comes down a bit.

In other news, I'm studying for a test, and I'm a bit pissed about it. Only because I'm reading through my notes, having not really understood a whole lot from this section, because the teacher didn't teach it. Reading the PPT slides out loud is not teaching. And I'm dreading getting a test back tomorrow from another class. That teacher is really good, but I'm afraid I just didn't spend enough time with the material. It could be the B- dream coming true.

What's Going On

Well, I'm still 30. And it's starting to sound okay. I've discovered that most of those things where you check your age go from either 24 or 29-35. So at least I don't have to change brackets yet.

School is still going pretty well. I have a rough draft of a paper due on Wed., and right now it's being peer reviewed, which is the stupidest thing in the world. It's funny, because as a student I see how ridiculous it is to assume that if 2 students read each others' papers, they will both come away with useful criticism. That's not usually the case. But, as a teacher, I really like it because I think it gives my students other feedback on their writing, and a chance to see other styles, etc.

But right now I'm a student and think it sucks. Especially when you're the oldest person in class and have to find a "peer review partner."

We're right around midterms, and in the next few weeks I should be in the clear with getting the grades I want. Not that I'll stop studying, because I find this stuff really interesting, but I'll maybe worry a little less about it, and about getting into the graduate program. One of my professors suggested to me on Facebook that I list cake decorating as a skill, so we'll see if that helps.

I've been thinking lately that maybe developmental disabilities will be my area of expertise. Of course, that changes every time we start a new unit and talk about something new. But autism has been an interest of mine for a while, and is just really fascinating.

I'm also doing some observations this week which should illuminate things a bit further. Tomorrow morning I'm going to an elementary school, next week a hospital and school for children, and hopefully after that one of the local hospitals. I'm really excited to see what SLP looks like in those different settings.

Unfortunately I don't have anything as interesting as the larynx to share tonight. We're mostly talking about articulators, particularly muscles of the face and tongue. Today we also talked about the soft palate, and the hangy ball in the back of your throat (the uvula). When we started talking about it I turned to the guy next to me and asked him if he watched Full House. He said no, but that he was aware of what it was...guess we're of a different generation. I had to explain to him that if you listened to Full House, you'd know that that is where you keep your courage. Come on people, you know what I'm talking about.

I'm 30!

30, with cats. And weird arm positions due to cleavage issues and trying to distract the cats.