Looks like this nice weather is here to stay!
Frikin Finally Spring has decided to grace Blacksburg. We've been teased and taunted the past month with a few days in the 70s and then a random snow storm. Well, this weekend marked the last of the snow storms we'll be getting here and seriously who isn't happy? Everyone is naturally in a better mood when it's nice out. How could you not be? We can thank our seratonin levels for that. Anyway... we only have a few more weeks of school left so that's exciting, but too bad I have to stay and take summer courses plus an MCAT prep test... :( Oh well, I suppose it will all be worth it when those Med School Acceptances (hopefully) start coming to me Senior Year. I'm really excited about the thought of Med School. I know that sounds really nerdy, but I've been waiting my whole life and it's all finally happening so that's something that I've very nervous/anxious/excited/scared about, but I guess all I can really do right now is study and be optimistic and wait it out and see.
In other news, I have another total body workout personal training session tomorrow and I've been left sore in every part of my body (hence the total body) from my workout yesterday. He wasn't kidding when he said he was going to push me pretty hard. But, I feel really good and hopefully I'm not super sore tomorrow and I'll be able to make it through yet another session. So far so good. I'm excited about this.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Current Events
I had my first real session with my trainer today. It was pretty tough. We spent the whole session in the weight room and I ahve to do some cardio stuff on my own. I saw a friend of mine at the gym and he and I bet were sweaty and busted so it was a really awkward moment that we are forever bonded by that will probably come up in drunken conversation and will be just as awkward then.
In other news we've got some pretty interesting things going on around us. Let me link you.
Construction Workers find more remains near the WTC.
- 5 years later, I think it's amazing that they have laid there uncovered and then again I think back to the day and all the damage and it's not that suprising. My uncle actually did a lot of the autopsies after the 9/11 attacks in New York.
French protestors get tear gased.
- I don't know if you guys have been keeping up with this story. It tends to get pushed back into everyone's mind and begins to resurface again. But students are striking against the CPE (First Employment Contract) which syas that if you're under 26 years old, you can be fired within the first 2 years of getting a job. A lot of us can't grasp this because in the US, people can be fired whenever and most people don't plan on working for the same company for more than a few years. In France, as far as I understand (and please correct me if I'm wrong), it's very unlikely that you will get fired from a job. Anyway this whole initiative of the CPE is to encourage employers to hire young people by making it a more feasible option to fire them. I mean if the situation were reversed, I'm sure we would be protesting to keep our jobs as well.
Crazy ridiculous street art by Julien Beever.
- You may have passed it on the street before in a big city, but if you haven't - check it out. It's really cool (for lack of a better word). All of it is done with chalk too. It's pretty exciting stuff.
I had my first real session with my trainer today. It was pretty tough. We spent the whole session in the weight room and I ahve to do some cardio stuff on my own. I saw a friend of mine at the gym and he and I bet were sweaty and busted so it was a really awkward moment that we are forever bonded by that will probably come up in drunken conversation and will be just as awkward then.
In other news we've got some pretty interesting things going on around us. Let me link you.
Construction Workers find more remains near the WTC.
- 5 years later, I think it's amazing that they have laid there uncovered and then again I think back to the day and all the damage and it's not that suprising. My uncle actually did a lot of the autopsies after the 9/11 attacks in New York.
French protestors get tear gased.
- I don't know if you guys have been keeping up with this story. It tends to get pushed back into everyone's mind and begins to resurface again. But students are striking against the CPE (First Employment Contract) which syas that if you're under 26 years old, you can be fired within the first 2 years of getting a job. A lot of us can't grasp this because in the US, people can be fired whenever and most people don't plan on working for the same company for more than a few years. In France, as far as I understand (and please correct me if I'm wrong), it's very unlikely that you will get fired from a job. Anyway this whole initiative of the CPE is to encourage employers to hire young people by making it a more feasible option to fire them. I mean if the situation were reversed, I'm sure we would be protesting to keep our jobs as well.
Crazy ridiculous street art by Julien Beever.
- You may have passed it on the street before in a big city, but if you haven't - check it out. It's really cool (for lack of a better word). All of it is done with chalk too. It's pretty exciting stuff.
Monday, March 27, 2006
I could be studying for my animal behavior exam...
... but why don't I list links for you to click on instead?
Gakwer documenting the joys of being a college student. In case you were too drunk to put your photojournalism skills to use this weekend, here it is, your weekend in review or one similar to it.
Leave it to 13 year olds these days to put us all to shame. At 13, you probably sat on your couch eating a push pop watching Full House, while these days at 13, little kids are finding cures to the Ecoli problem in Africa. Yeah so as if you don't already feel inadequate, let's at a little salt to the wound shall we? But, if it makes you feel any better she is 16 now and Anderson (McHottie) Cooper even blogged about her which means he will probably cover a segment on his show at some point say at 10pm tonight? Tune in.
And leaving you with lyrics from the "so rufus wainwright" song "Instant Pleasure"
"I don't awnt somebody to love me
Just give me sex whenever I want it
Cause all I ask for is instant pleasure
Instant pleasure, instant pleasure, instant pleasure."
Leave it to 13 year olds these days to put us all to shame. At 13, you probably sat on your couch eating a push pop watching Full House, while these days at 13, little kids are finding cures to the Ecoli problem in Africa. Yeah so as if you don't already feel inadequate, let's at a little salt to the wound shall we? But, if it makes you feel any better she is 16 now and Anderson (McHottie) Cooper even blogged about her which means he will probably cover a segment on his show at some point say at 10pm tonight? Tune in.
And leaving you with lyrics from the "so rufus wainwright" song "Instant Pleasure"
"I don't awnt somebody to love me
Just give me sex whenever I want it
Cause all I ask for is instant pleasure
Instant pleasure, instant pleasure, instant pleasure."
George (hor-hay) Who?
Given the events of the past few weeks and especially the game yesterday I think that it is appropriate for George Mason to change their slogan to "George Mason University: Home of the bracket killers/fuckers." And not to discredit them in any way, but honestly they are pulling game out of their asses. It's kind of exciting. DCist mentions a slack attendance policy given yesterday's UCONN upset. Though I'm happy for them, that's kind of BS you know? No other school would do that making me question GMU's integrity all over again. One day they'll get the hang of how this college thing works.
Anyway, in other news... well there really isn't much other than I went to my Statistic's Professors office hours and he told me I was uptight just because I was formal with him and said, "well thanks for your time." I mean, having Dr. Simmons as my pre-med advisor has conditioned me to be really formal with my professors and I guess some people don't like it.
Given the events of the past few weeks and especially the game yesterday I think that it is appropriate for George Mason to change their slogan to "George Mason University: Home of the bracket killers/fuckers." And not to discredit them in any way, but honestly they are pulling game out of their asses. It's kind of exciting. DCist mentions a slack attendance policy given yesterday's UCONN upset. Though I'm happy for them, that's kind of BS you know? No other school would do that making me question GMU's integrity all over again. One day they'll get the hang of how this college thing works.
Anyway, in other news... well there really isn't much other than I went to my Statistic's Professors office hours and he told me I was uptight just because I was formal with him and said, "well thanks for your time." I mean, having Dr. Simmons as my pre-med advisor has conditioned me to be really formal with my professors and I guess some people don't like it.
Sunday, March 26, 2006
low key.
It's been a pretty low-key weekend. No major highlights really... Friday a friend of mine who has been off testing the waters of the real world by playing the co-oping game came back for a friend's 21st Birthday. It was good seeing him - we've missed his humor around here. Saturday, we randomly got a bunch of snow out of nowhere. This was not predicted by weather.com - just the wrath of Blacksburg weather. Itw as so completely frustrating. It ruined a lot of plans and it didn't even stick. Apparently tomorrow, we're supposed to get weather in the lower 60s and it's going to stay like that the rest of the week. It's so unpredictable here. Anyway, my neighbor and I were planning on staying in and watching movies sinc eit was too cold to really go out and do anything but late at night she realized that her sorority had a fundraising function that she couldn't miss so I decided to meet up with some of my friends too. I guess it all worked out for the best, Drew randomly ran into this guy Chris we went to High School with at a 7-11 and he ended up coming to Josh's place. And I randomly met a guy there who knew a girl I was on the district board with so I guess it was a nice twist of events. Other than that not much to say. It wasn't a stellar weekend nor was it a complete wreck. I did however run 5 miles at the gym yesterday which was pretty nice. It felt good, I was really sore and cramped from my training session on Friday so running yesterday loosened my muscles and gave me some sweet endorphins to fight off the mood created by this crazy weather. I think I may be headed down to Wake Forest next weekend. I'm not entirely sure yet, but a change of scenery would be really nice. I can't decide if I want to go next weekend or the weekend after. I guess I'll see what everybody's schedule is like down there and then try to work some things out.
It's been a pretty low-key weekend. No major highlights really... Friday a friend of mine who has been off testing the waters of the real world by playing the co-oping game came back for a friend's 21st Birthday. It was good seeing him - we've missed his humor around here. Saturday, we randomly got a bunch of snow out of nowhere. This was not predicted by weather.com - just the wrath of Blacksburg weather. Itw as so completely frustrating. It ruined a lot of plans and it didn't even stick. Apparently tomorrow, we're supposed to get weather in the lower 60s and it's going to stay like that the rest of the week. It's so unpredictable here. Anyway, my neighbor and I were planning on staying in and watching movies sinc eit was too cold to really go out and do anything but late at night she realized that her sorority had a fundraising function that she couldn't miss so I decided to meet up with some of my friends too. I guess it all worked out for the best, Drew randomly ran into this guy Chris we went to High School with at a 7-11 and he ended up coming to Josh's place. And I randomly met a guy there who knew a girl I was on the district board with so I guess it was a nice twist of events. Other than that not much to say. It wasn't a stellar weekend nor was it a complete wreck. I did however run 5 miles at the gym yesterday which was pretty nice. It felt good, I was really sore and cramped from my training session on Friday so running yesterday loosened my muscles and gave me some sweet endorphins to fight off the mood created by this crazy weather. I think I may be headed down to Wake Forest next weekend. I'm not entirely sure yet, but a change of scenery would be really nice. I can't decide if I want to go next weekend or the weekend after. I guess I'll see what everybody's schedule is like down there and then try to work some things out.
Friday, March 24, 2006
a year ago today...
i've been looking at my March posts from last year and realizing how much has changed. i feel like i've matured a little (or at least i hope i have) - all i have to say about that is... well, it was freshman year. i think back to last year and i laugh, don't get me wrong, i had a great time, but honestly i look back on some of the things that i did and i'm so glad i've move passed that. i also realize that a lot of relationships fell apart and i'm not sure how i feel about that. i mean, for the most part - i can't really blame anyone other than myself and time, because we all grow with time. i guess it just bothers me that i was so close to a few people last year and now i barely even talk to them. if you had asked me how i thought things would have turned out i would have never suspected awkward small talk that really just ends up becoming a conversation you have where you feel like you don't even know the person anymore. it's a sad feeling, maybe not so much sad as it is disappointing, but still, you think that you and the other person would be better than this. i wouldn't say i "wasted" my time because i feel like people come in and out of your life for different reasons but, i do have to say i did invest a lot of time and i hate to say this but i don't know if i regret it or not. if all that time i spent with this person only led me to be where i am with them now... i can only say that i wish i spent my time on other things. i know that's a little harsh but that's how i'm feeling right now. it's been a year and i guess i just wanted to reflect because this is where i am right now and i'm completely comfortable with the way things are academically and socially but there are just some things that i miss that i know i will never get back and that's what disappoints me the most.
i've been looking at my March posts from last year and realizing how much has changed. i feel like i've matured a little (or at least i hope i have) - all i have to say about that is... well, it was freshman year. i think back to last year and i laugh, don't get me wrong, i had a great time, but honestly i look back on some of the things that i did and i'm so glad i've move passed that. i also realize that a lot of relationships fell apart and i'm not sure how i feel about that. i mean, for the most part - i can't really blame anyone other than myself and time, because we all grow with time. i guess it just bothers me that i was so close to a few people last year and now i barely even talk to them. if you had asked me how i thought things would have turned out i would have never suspected awkward small talk that really just ends up becoming a conversation you have where you feel like you don't even know the person anymore. it's a sad feeling, maybe not so much sad as it is disappointing, but still, you think that you and the other person would be better than this. i wouldn't say i "wasted" my time because i feel like people come in and out of your life for different reasons but, i do have to say i did invest a lot of time and i hate to say this but i don't know if i regret it or not. if all that time i spent with this person only led me to be where i am with them now... i can only say that i wish i spent my time on other things. i know that's a little harsh but that's how i'm feeling right now. it's been a year and i guess i just wanted to reflect because this is where i am right now and i'm completely comfortable with the way things are academically and socially but there are just some things that i miss that i know i will never get back and that's what disappoints me the most.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Um... yeah one of my dreams just came true.
I'm walking to Owens today after rocking my test like it has never been rocked before. And let me be the first to say that the quality of life began to exponentially increase. At the end of my test, my professor comes in after "stealing" a dog from another professor brings in this to die for teacup dachshund. It was so little and could fit into his coffee cup. He let it go and it was running up and down the asile while everyone was taking their test. It must have been annoying for people trying to concentrate but according to my professor, "dogs alleviate stress" - yeah... I'm sure they do but just not in testing environments. Anyway, I was done with my test so I didn't really mind, but now, I'm convinced that I need a teacup puppy. Okay sorry back on track... as I was walking into Owens, someone hands me a little flyer and I actually looked at it and it informed me that Phi Sigma Pi is hosting A Price is Right show in the Lyric Theater here at Tech. I am so incredibly excited, I'm so going. Everyone wants to be on the Price is Right at some point in their lives. It's on my list of things to do before I die and I mean Bob Barker is getting pretty old so I need to go soon, but until I go to the real one, I can practice at this one. I'm going all out, T-shirt and EVERYTHING. I cannot wait. It will be so completely embarassing/amazing. So that's the story of my day so far... and it's been good.
I'm walking to Owens today after rocking my test like it has never been rocked before. And let me be the first to say that the quality of life began to exponentially increase. At the end of my test, my professor comes in after "stealing" a dog from another professor brings in this to die for teacup dachshund. It was so little and could fit into his coffee cup. He let it go and it was running up and down the asile while everyone was taking their test. It must have been annoying for people trying to concentrate but according to my professor, "dogs alleviate stress" - yeah... I'm sure they do but just not in testing environments. Anyway, I was done with my test so I didn't really mind, but now, I'm convinced that I need a teacup puppy. Okay sorry back on track... as I was walking into Owens, someone hands me a little flyer and I actually looked at it and it informed me that Phi Sigma Pi is hosting A Price is Right show in the Lyric Theater here at Tech. I am so incredibly excited, I'm so going. Everyone wants to be on the Price is Right at some point in their lives. It's on my list of things to do before I die and I mean Bob Barker is getting pretty old so I need to go soon, but until I go to the real one, I can practice at this one. I'm going all out, T-shirt and EVERYTHING. I cannot wait. It will be so completely embarassing/amazing. So that's the story of my day so far... and it's been good.
Monday, March 20, 2006
By way of Dylan and his jolly holiday...
Dylan has this great link up on Thejollyholiday.com that's a project where minutemen and migrants were both given cameras to document their lives on either side of the boarder. The site has a great layout and I also really love the idea behind it. Anyway, I'm not doing it enough justice, go check out The Boarder Project for yourself by clicking here.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
V for Vandetta
I just came back from seeing this movie and I recommend it to everyone who hasn't seen it yet. I am no movie critic, but in my opinion, the movie was really well made and also thought provoking. It takes place in the near future so it makes you think that with all of what's going on right now if our fate may be parallel to what is going on in the movie. Natalie Portman was awesome in it and I left a bigger fan of hers than I was previously. The movie was a cross between 1984 and Zorro with a few splashes of nazi, and catholic refrences and undertones. I'm sure there were others as well, but I can't think of them right now. Anyway, it was a great movie overall and definately worth the time and money.
I just came back from seeing this movie and I recommend it to everyone who hasn't seen it yet. I am no movie critic, but in my opinion, the movie was really well made and also thought provoking. It takes place in the near future so it makes you think that with all of what's going on right now if our fate may be parallel to what is going on in the movie. Natalie Portman was awesome in it and I left a bigger fan of hers than I was previously. The movie was a cross between 1984 and Zorro with a few splashes of nazi, and catholic refrences and undertones. I'm sure there were others as well, but I can't think of them right now. Anyway, it was a great movie overall and definately worth the time and money.
Two guys, a girl, and a confessional.
Well as many of you all know, I'm going to be living with Matt and Drew next year. I don't have any brothers so this should be a really interesting experience for all of us. Anyway, we got to walk through our townhouse a few weeks ago and it came to our attention that we have 3 closests on the first floor right by the door. I don't know why the floor plan called for three closests - I feel like it's really imprudent because I doubt we will have that many jackets so I'm propsing a plan. I want to turn one of the closets into a confessional. Since I'm sure a lot of random, agrivating, funny, and unfortunate things will happen - I thought that maybe we could document our year this way. We could set up an account on vimeo called 318 (our townhouse number) and that way our friends can see what's going on. So that's possibly in the works... I'm really excited about it.
PS: this weekend was A-MAZING.
Well as many of you all know, I'm going to be living with Matt and Drew next year. I don't have any brothers so this should be a really interesting experience for all of us. Anyway, we got to walk through our townhouse a few weeks ago and it came to our attention that we have 3 closests on the first floor right by the door. I don't know why the floor plan called for three closests - I feel like it's really imprudent because I doubt we will have that many jackets so I'm propsing a plan. I want to turn one of the closets into a confessional. Since I'm sure a lot of random, agrivating, funny, and unfortunate things will happen - I thought that maybe we could document our year this way. We could set up an account on vimeo called 318 (our townhouse number) and that way our friends can see what's going on. So that's possibly in the works... I'm really excited about it.
PS: this weekend was A-MAZING.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
....and the prognosis is in
I finally met my trainer last night. And contrary to my thoughts throughout the week, he is a really nice guy. I thought he was going to Hanz and Franz me and scream and say something along the lines of "I want to pump (pause) you up (points)!" Luckily, he didn't do that and could sense I was pretty nervous. I start my training on Wednesday where he will get me to do a few physical fitness text and then... test the percentages of fat I have in certain parts of my body... which I am NOT looking forward to at all. I'm afraid he's going to tell me I am 90% fat and 10% bones. It probably won't be that bad but it's still a very self conscious thing for a girl. I guess this is what you have to do if you want to improve right? At least we'll get it over with soon and then start targeting certain parts of my body that need to be changed. Even though I'm nervous, I'm also really excited. He seems like a great guy, he's extremely motivating. I left our meeting last night with a huge smile on my face just really excited. I have a feeling that he's going to push me really hard and there will be days where I come home and hate him, but in the end, it will all be worth it. I'm glad I'm doing this and I guess I'll just keep you updated.
In other news.... It's SUNNY outside today. Serotonin levels are skyrocketing on campus.
In other news.... It's SUNNY outside today. Serotonin levels are skyrocketing on campus.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
We're back!
Hope you all enjoyed your Spring Break as I have thoroughly enjoyed mine. Pictures can be seen below or stalked on Facebook just as they were intended to. Anyway I guess I have a few updates but moreso I have a lot of current event links to share with you guys. Well, first up, I got a personal trainer. His name is Josh, I have not met him yet, but I will tonight. Thanks to the stalker enabling capabilities of Facebook I found out his interests are guns and pitbulls... great! I hope he isn't scary but I have a feeling our first few sessions will be a huge wake up call. I guess it will all pay off in the end right? Anyway, I meet with him tonight so we can figure out a schedule and so I can tell him what my goals are so I'll let you know how that goes. I debated telling him I wanted to be the size of an Olsen twin to see what his reaction would be, but I've decided against that because that would be a jerk thing to do. Other than that, this week has been relatively normal, it has gone by SO so fast. I'll be getting my letters for AED soon so I'm pretty excited. We're going to be participating in The Big Event which should be fun but our shirts are semi-nerdy... I would try explaining them but I won't do them the justice they deserve so I'll post pictures when the shirts come in. Also, I've been turning my sights from Columbia (although not completely ruling it out) and focusing them on attending Wake Forest for Med school. I still have awhile to go, but Wake just makes sense. I love the setting. It's a lot different from Tech. It's a lot smaller, but the surroundings are much more inviting. The hospital was ranked among one of the top in the Nation and I have fallen in love with the school from frequently visiting friends there so that's another option on the list. I'm glad I can start to narrow down and hopefully get a head start on these dreadful applications. Okay so enough about my life...
There has been so much going on in the world lately! It's an exciting time to be alive!
My friend Eva sent me this article today about a bi-racial couple having twins that are two different races. The odds were one in a million and for science nerds and non-science nerds this will be a really interesting read and you can access it by clicking right here.
Villanova's Allen Ray has is eyeball popped out of it's socket which I would imagine is excrutiatingly painful, but this article kind of seems to poke fun at the incident without meaning to and I found myself laughing and feeling really guilty about it. I mean, who titles an article "My Eyeball Just Fell Out Of It's Socket" - seriously? Luckily he wasn't permanantly blinded... in self-defense classes they teach women to push the eyeball of a "bad guy" into the back of his head because if it is pushed far enough back to hit a certain nerve you could cause temporary blindness.
And for Regina Spektor lovers... more of her music has been posted on the the site you love to hate, Myspace and you can listen to them here.
Richard Ashcroft, known for being the frontman of The Verve is now flying solo and yet again you can listen to his music on Myspace or by clicking here.
Yesterday DCist posted an entry about an official song for DC. Apparently Lincoln Ross wrote it and it is called "Come to Washington." Not to completely discredit his effort or anything, but I (as well as many other people) think that there is a better song out there. Anyway apparently our efforts have earned us another post by DCist taking votes for alternative DC songs... my votes went to Army of Me's "Come Down to DC," and Postal Services' "The District Sleeps Alone Tonight." Want in? Read the article and cast in your vote as well by clicking here.
Hope you all enjoyed your Spring Break as I have thoroughly enjoyed mine. Pictures can be seen below or stalked on Facebook just as they were intended to. Anyway I guess I have a few updates but moreso I have a lot of current event links to share with you guys. Well, first up, I got a personal trainer. His name is Josh, I have not met him yet, but I will tonight. Thanks to the stalker enabling capabilities of Facebook I found out his interests are guns and pitbulls... great! I hope he isn't scary but I have a feeling our first few sessions will be a huge wake up call. I guess it will all pay off in the end right? Anyway, I meet with him tonight so we can figure out a schedule and so I can tell him what my goals are so I'll let you know how that goes. I debated telling him I wanted to be the size of an Olsen twin to see what his reaction would be, but I've decided against that because that would be a jerk thing to do. Other than that, this week has been relatively normal, it has gone by SO so fast. I'll be getting my letters for AED soon so I'm pretty excited. We're going to be participating in The Big Event which should be fun but our shirts are semi-nerdy... I would try explaining them but I won't do them the justice they deserve so I'll post pictures when the shirts come in. Also, I've been turning my sights from Columbia (although not completely ruling it out) and focusing them on attending Wake Forest for Med school. I still have awhile to go, but Wake just makes sense. I love the setting. It's a lot different from Tech. It's a lot smaller, but the surroundings are much more inviting. The hospital was ranked among one of the top in the Nation and I have fallen in love with the school from frequently visiting friends there so that's another option on the list. I'm glad I can start to narrow down and hopefully get a head start on these dreadful applications. Okay so enough about my life...
There has been so much going on in the world lately! It's an exciting time to be alive!
My friend Eva sent me this article today about a bi-racial couple having twins that are two different races. The odds were one in a million and for science nerds and non-science nerds this will be a really interesting read and you can access it by clicking right here.
Villanova's Allen Ray has is eyeball popped out of it's socket which I would imagine is excrutiatingly painful, but this article kind of seems to poke fun at the incident without meaning to and I found myself laughing and feeling really guilty about it. I mean, who titles an article "My Eyeball Just Fell Out Of It's Socket" - seriously? Luckily he wasn't permanantly blinded... in self-defense classes they teach women to push the eyeball of a "bad guy" into the back of his head because if it is pushed far enough back to hit a certain nerve you could cause temporary blindness.
And for Regina Spektor lovers... more of her music has been posted on the the site you love to hate, Myspace and you can listen to them here.
Richard Ashcroft, known for being the frontman of The Verve is now flying solo and yet again you can listen to his music on Myspace or by clicking here.
Yesterday DCist posted an entry about an official song for DC. Apparently Lincoln Ross wrote it and it is called "Come to Washington." Not to completely discredit his effort or anything, but I (as well as many other people) think that there is a better song out there. Anyway apparently our efforts have earned us another post by DCist taking votes for alternative DC songs... my votes went to Army of Me's "Come Down to DC," and Postal Services' "The District Sleeps Alone Tonight." Want in? Read the article and cast in your vote as well by clicking here.
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Friday, March 10, 2006
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Derrick Brown had this survey of sorts in the back of one of my favorite poetry books and I thought I'd take the time to fill it out... i think it would be interesting to compare my answers to his so here goes...
Full Name: Mary Anne
What Book Are You Reading Now: Franny & Zooey
What's On Your Mouse Pad: nothing, I use my laptop's mousepad - it is grey and predictable
Favorite Game: "Let's guess which guy running in a suit will just miss the train," Risk, and "where should we roadtrip this weekend?"
Favorite Smells: boys' cologne lingering on one of my sweaters, the stale cigarette smell that attaches itself to you after a concert
Worst Feeling in the World: when you realize that nyquil didn't solve all your problems, or knowing that something/someone that meant everything to you is gone.
First Thing You Think of In the Morning: usually it's... "ugggggh!" but lately it's, "i hope it's nice and spring-y outside today."
Roller Coaster: Scary or Exciting? I think they are exciting. Scary at first, if you've never tried, but once you're strapped on - there's no point in being afraid, just go with it.
Rings Before Answering the Phone: it depends on who it is and how close the phone is or if I'm sleeping or not
Favorite Foods: Pasta (namely-alfredo), All types of bread - pita, sandwich bread - you name it, I love it, smoothies, fresh fruit
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Cookie Dough although lately I've been getting the Butter Pecan at Deet's.
Do You Like to Drive: I like to drive when the weather is nice and the road is scenic... For example, I love my drive to Wake because I get to see the valley for a solid 10 minutes and it's gorgeous and the rest of the ride is mountains and just really peaceful surroundings.
Do You Sleep With A Stuffed Animal? No, I never did that as a child so I guess it just didn't stick. I like to sleep with lots of pillows.
Favorite Alcoholic Drink: Mediterranean Breeze (it always makes me think of New York), Carona with lime, Bailey's, Irish Car Bomb, Spumante
What is Your Zodiac Sign?: Awesome Opposom... Leo.
Who is Your Favorite Poet: Derrick Brown, Nikki Giovanni, Langston Hughes
Do You Eat the Stems of Broccoli?: Yes I do. I love everything broccoli.
If You Could Have any Job you wanted, what would it be?: Well, I would LOVE to be a doctor one day so that's currently under hot persuit. However, if I had the voice and the talent, I think it would really be fun and exhausting to be a singer. Just me and a guitar - sharing my diary with everyone, but hey, it's probably not going to happen and for all of your sakes, that's a good thing.
Ever been in love?: not too sure
Is the Glass Half Empty or Half Full: It depends on the day, the circumstances and my mood, but it's usually half full.
What's Your Favorite Snapple?: Peach
Favorite Movies: Jeux D'enfants, Igby Goes Down, Garden State, Donnie Darko, High Fidelity, Amelie, Maria Full of Grace, The Motorcycle Diaries
Sport to Watch: Figure Skating, and if Michael Phelps is participating... SWIMMING, College basketball/football
What is Under Your Bed?: A box full of secrets, letters, cards, and pictures from loved ones or maybe I should say from loved ones once upon a time.
Full Name: Mary Anne
What Book Are You Reading Now: Franny & Zooey
What's On Your Mouse Pad: nothing, I use my laptop's mousepad - it is grey and predictable
Favorite Game: "Let's guess which guy running in a suit will just miss the train," Risk, and "where should we roadtrip this weekend?"
Favorite Smells: boys' cologne lingering on one of my sweaters, the stale cigarette smell that attaches itself to you after a concert
Worst Feeling in the World: when you realize that nyquil didn't solve all your problems, or knowing that something/someone that meant everything to you is gone.
First Thing You Think of In the Morning: usually it's... "ugggggh!" but lately it's, "i hope it's nice and spring-y outside today."
Roller Coaster: Scary or Exciting? I think they are exciting. Scary at first, if you've never tried, but once you're strapped on - there's no point in being afraid, just go with it.
Rings Before Answering the Phone: it depends on who it is and how close the phone is or if I'm sleeping or not
Favorite Foods: Pasta (namely-alfredo), All types of bread - pita, sandwich bread - you name it, I love it, smoothies, fresh fruit
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Cookie Dough although lately I've been getting the Butter Pecan at Deet's.
Do You Like to Drive: I like to drive when the weather is nice and the road is scenic... For example, I love my drive to Wake because I get to see the valley for a solid 10 minutes and it's gorgeous and the rest of the ride is mountains and just really peaceful surroundings.
Do You Sleep With A Stuffed Animal? No, I never did that as a child so I guess it just didn't stick. I like to sleep with lots of pillows.
Favorite Alcoholic Drink: Mediterranean Breeze (it always makes me think of New York), Carona with lime, Bailey's, Irish Car Bomb, Spumante
What is Your Zodiac Sign?: Awesome Opposom... Leo.
Who is Your Favorite Poet: Derrick Brown, Nikki Giovanni, Langston Hughes
Do You Eat the Stems of Broccoli?: Yes I do. I love everything broccoli.
If You Could Have any Job you wanted, what would it be?: Well, I would LOVE to be a doctor one day so that's currently under hot persuit. However, if I had the voice and the talent, I think it would really be fun and exhausting to be a singer. Just me and a guitar - sharing my diary with everyone, but hey, it's probably not going to happen and for all of your sakes, that's a good thing.
Ever been in love?: not too sure
Is the Glass Half Empty or Half Full: It depends on the day, the circumstances and my mood, but it's usually half full.
What's Your Favorite Snapple?: Peach
Favorite Movies: Jeux D'enfants, Igby Goes Down, Garden State, Donnie Darko, High Fidelity, Amelie, Maria Full of Grace, The Motorcycle Diaries
Sport to Watch: Figure Skating, and if Michael Phelps is participating... SWIMMING, College basketball/football
What is Under Your Bed?: A box full of secrets, letters, cards, and pictures from loved ones or maybe I should say from loved ones once upon a time.
Monday, March 06, 2006
awesome-ing at it's best.
This morning, Matt, Drew and I met up with Heather for lunch at Panera... even though we will all be going to the beach together on Wednesday, it had been a whole 3 days since we had seen each other and we just couldn't bear it anymore... (ha ha, we are just that tragic). It was so ridiculous, we acted like girls seeing each other for the first time at prom... hour long hugs were exchanged and then we were back to our old ways, cracking jokes and being stupid. It was fun - I had a good time.
Kaj is in town with his friend Ben that Kathleen and I met at Wake when we visited and he was trying to show him all that good ol' DC had to offer so Matt and I decided to meet up with them out there. We ended up getting lost and wandering aimlessly but I still had a good time. Of course, no visit would be complete without taking the metro so we did that and saw some crazy people which is ALWAYS fun. I wish it were just warmer - it got pretty cold throughout the day. Anyway, Kaj decided that we had to enrich our cultural experience since there were so many ethnic restaurants all over the place and we ended up eating Turkish food at this really cute place in Adams-Morgan even though Matt fought long and hard for dinner at Chipotle... It was my first Turkish dining experience and it was a good one - the food wasn't too bad.. the only thing that sketched me out was not knowing what I was eating, but all in all, it was a good dining experience and it was great to see Kaj and Ben. :D Hopefully, the next time we're in DC it will be sunny, warm and inviting.
This morning, Matt, Drew and I met up with Heather for lunch at Panera... even though we will all be going to the beach together on Wednesday, it had been a whole 3 days since we had seen each other and we just couldn't bear it anymore... (ha ha, we are just that tragic). It was so ridiculous, we acted like girls seeing each other for the first time at prom... hour long hugs were exchanged and then we were back to our old ways, cracking jokes and being stupid. It was fun - I had a good time.
Kaj is in town with his friend Ben that Kathleen and I met at Wake when we visited and he was trying to show him all that good ol' DC had to offer so Matt and I decided to meet up with them out there. We ended up getting lost and wandering aimlessly but I still had a good time. Of course, no visit would be complete without taking the metro so we did that and saw some crazy people which is ALWAYS fun. I wish it were just warmer - it got pretty cold throughout the day. Anyway, Kaj decided that we had to enrich our cultural experience since there were so many ethnic restaurants all over the place and we ended up eating Turkish food at this really cute place in Adams-Morgan even though Matt fought long and hard for dinner at Chipotle... It was my first Turkish dining experience and it was a good one - the food wasn't too bad.. the only thing that sketched me out was not knowing what I was eating, but all in all, it was a good dining experience and it was great to see Kaj and Ben. :D Hopefully, the next time we're in DC it will be sunny, warm and inviting.
Lame-O's.
I dragged Matt out from hiding today - he has a lip infection and doesn't want to be seen (honestly, I don't think it looks that bad). Anyway, we ended up buying matching sunglasses today and felt like complete nerds, but I mean, honestly these sunglasses are FANTASTIC and pictures of the twin sunglasses will eventually surface and then you can all agree that they are awesome and amazing.
I dragged Matt out from hiding today - he has a lip infection and doesn't want to be seen (honestly, I don't think it looks that bad). Anyway, we ended up buying matching sunglasses today and felt like complete nerds, but I mean, honestly these sunglasses are FANTASTIC and pictures of the twin sunglasses will eventually surface and then you can all agree that they are awesome and amazing.
Friday, March 03, 2006
Bursts of thought...
I went back to my old High School today like I said I would so I could judge in the district debate tournament. Upon coming back, I realize how much High School sucked. I came right when school got out and it was crowded and annoying. I guess there was a point in my life where I did enjoy HS because that was all there was... but I wanted to tell these kids to just get out and that there was so much MORE out there. I wanted to say to the "losers" that nobody cared about that it would be okay and that there are better things to look forward to. Cliques were very apparent and it's kind of funny coming back with this sociological perspective of sorts and realizing that you yourself were just as tragic and confused once upon a time a few years ago... You feel like you've outgrown it which is kind of funny when you think about it because when you graduate you feel like you're leaving so much behind when really now, you don't care that much anymore.
While judging today... people who aren't that much younger than me kept asking my permission to do things which just made me feel so unnecessarily important... I felt like an authority figure for a few hours... and it was weird and I hope I don't feel like that again for another few years. This kid walked in for one of his rounds and he goes, "Judge, can I please go to the bathroom?" I was so tempted to say no just to see how he would react, but I just kind of looked at him like - are you serious?! And as usual, you get th e"judge, are you ready?" or "judge, do you have any preferences?" "judge, do you have any feedback for us?" and it always throws me for a loop every single time. I'm old enough to be some of these kid's siblings... cut the formality - give me something worth my while, present a good debate - give me some clash! (There wasn't much of that tonight, I was thoroughly disappointed)
Ask and you shall receive?! A few days ago, I said I wanted to learn how to silkscreen and last night for tony's birthday Pat made him a shirt... and it turns out the Architecture building has a silk screen machine and Pat knows how to do it... so guess what? - I get to learn too and I'm really really excited... First off will be some art for my room next year - silkscreen a la Andy Warhol. I'm not entirely sure if I want to silkscreen a self portrait or not, but I think it would be kind of cool... I can't wait.
Okay so reverting back to the whole judging debate thing... Dylan, Anthony and I were in the judge's lounge and this kid Wolfgang (yes, that's ACTUALLY his real name) comes in and this is the dialogue that ensued:
Dylan: Your name, it's Wolfgang right?
Wolfgang: yeah
Dylan: Nice! Rock and Roll!
Anthony: No, more like CLASSICAL!
I went back to my old High School today like I said I would so I could judge in the district debate tournament. Upon coming back, I realize how much High School sucked. I came right when school got out and it was crowded and annoying. I guess there was a point in my life where I did enjoy HS because that was all there was... but I wanted to tell these kids to just get out and that there was so much MORE out there. I wanted to say to the "losers" that nobody cared about that it would be okay and that there are better things to look forward to. Cliques were very apparent and it's kind of funny coming back with this sociological perspective of sorts and realizing that you yourself were just as tragic and confused once upon a time a few years ago... You feel like you've outgrown it which is kind of funny when you think about it because when you graduate you feel like you're leaving so much behind when really now, you don't care that much anymore.
While judging today... people who aren't that much younger than me kept asking my permission to do things which just made me feel so unnecessarily important... I felt like an authority figure for a few hours... and it was weird and I hope I don't feel like that again for another few years. This kid walked in for one of his rounds and he goes, "Judge, can I please go to the bathroom?" I was so tempted to say no just to see how he would react, but I just kind of looked at him like - are you serious?! And as usual, you get th e"judge, are you ready?" or "judge, do you have any preferences?" "judge, do you have any feedback for us?" and it always throws me for a loop every single time. I'm old enough to be some of these kid's siblings... cut the formality - give me something worth my while, present a good debate - give me some clash! (There wasn't much of that tonight, I was thoroughly disappointed)
Ask and you shall receive?! A few days ago, I said I wanted to learn how to silkscreen and last night for tony's birthday Pat made him a shirt... and it turns out the Architecture building has a silk screen machine and Pat knows how to do it... so guess what? - I get to learn too and I'm really really excited... First off will be some art for my room next year - silkscreen a la Andy Warhol. I'm not entirely sure if I want to silkscreen a self portrait or not, but I think it would be kind of cool... I can't wait.
Okay so reverting back to the whole judging debate thing... Dylan, Anthony and I were in the judge's lounge and this kid Wolfgang (yes, that's ACTUALLY his real name) comes in and this is the dialogue that ensued:
Dylan: Your name, it's Wolfgang right?
Wolfgang: yeah
Dylan: Nice! Rock and Roll!
Anthony: No, more like CLASSICAL!
My days of Judging are back!
Mr. Richards my AP Government teacher/Debate Coach in High school gave my good friend Dylan and I a call Wednesday night frantically asking if we could possibly help him out since he knew we were coming home for spring break and judge tonight's district debate tournament... of course it's impossible to say no to Mr. Richards so Dylan and I gave in and we'll be judges tonight. I'm kind of nervous because I haven't judged in a year or so, also, this is for districts and I don't want to crush somebody's dreams... and honestly, I can't say I remeber exactly how the rounds are structured so I will have to look for an old debate sheet fromw hen I did it to see who goes first etc. etc. I don't even know what the topic is for this year so hoepfully it's something I know enough about to give helpful critque on... I think I will be okay, I've been keeping myself updated with CNN everyday... well I have to get going now.. it's time to do some judging... but I'm so excited to see Dylan and Mr. Richards again!! Wish me luck.
Mr. Richards my AP Government teacher/Debate Coach in High school gave my good friend Dylan and I a call Wednesday night frantically asking if we could possibly help him out since he knew we were coming home for spring break and judge tonight's district debate tournament... of course it's impossible to say no to Mr. Richards so Dylan and I gave in and we'll be judges tonight. I'm kind of nervous because I haven't judged in a year or so, also, this is for districts and I don't want to crush somebody's dreams... and honestly, I can't say I remeber exactly how the rounds are structured so I will have to look for an old debate sheet fromw hen I did it to see who goes first etc. etc. I don't even know what the topic is for this year so hoepfully it's something I know enough about to give helpful critque on... I think I will be okay, I've been keeping myself updated with CNN everyday... well I have to get going now.. it's time to do some judging... but I'm so excited to see Dylan and Mr. Richards again!! Wish me luck.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Mass transit, The district & Spring Break!
My dad has a pretty cool job and does a lot of urban planning in the district and is working on all sorts of cool projects to make mass transit as enjoyable as possible for those of us in the metropolitan area. Anyway, one of the projects he was to extend the rails into dulles airport which I think is a great idea - we just got funding for that from the government and tolls went up to help pay for this and it should be complete within 10 years. Well today I found out that metro has ordered 184 6000-series cars and they have to go through some test rounds which have already started, but they will be circulated as soon as this coming spring! They are supposed to reduce crowding on trains even though there are 4 less seats in the car. It's about time they updated these things though... Compared to New York's subway cars, I don't think ours are half bad - but the orange pleather seats and carpet were in need of a little update. I'm pretty excited to see how these will work out. I will take pictures as soon as I can see one... but I just wanted to be the first to update you.
Read what metro has to say about it here and here
In other District happenings... there's a new exibition out called "Afterwar." It's a collection of photos of war veterans by Lori Grinker and I've only seen a few photos from the gallery, but she captures the loss and humanity beautifully. I am not one to stomach such pictures, but I think that it's important for people to see what's going on and a few gut wrenching photographs isn't a large price to pay considering the people in these photos themselves have lost so much. Anyway, the exibition will be in DC (specifically: 903 U Street NW) until April 1, 2006 so go see it if you can!
Link here: Project 4
Tomorrow I take my last two midterms of the week and they're both Chemistry related and they're back to back. I'm really not looking forward to it. All my classes are cancelled Friday though so... that means.... SPRING BREAK! I'm going to split my spring break between my parents and a friend's beach house. First up is Spa/new haircuts with Mom back at home and some shopping with dad then I'm headed to Kathleen's Beach house with 8 of our closest friends for some relaxation and fun in the sun! :D
My dad has a pretty cool job and does a lot of urban planning in the district and is working on all sorts of cool projects to make mass transit as enjoyable as possible for those of us in the metropolitan area. Anyway, one of the projects he was to extend the rails into dulles airport which I think is a great idea - we just got funding for that from the government and tolls went up to help pay for this and it should be complete within 10 years. Well today I found out that metro has ordered 184 6000-series cars and they have to go through some test rounds which have already started, but they will be circulated as soon as this coming spring! They are supposed to reduce crowding on trains even though there are 4 less seats in the car. It's about time they updated these things though... Compared to New York's subway cars, I don't think ours are half bad - but the orange pleather seats and carpet were in need of a little update. I'm pretty excited to see how these will work out. I will take pictures as soon as I can see one... but I just wanted to be the first to update you.
Read what metro has to say about it here and here
In other District happenings... there's a new exibition out called "Afterwar." It's a collection of photos of war veterans by Lori Grinker and I've only seen a few photos from the gallery, but she captures the loss and humanity beautifully. I am not one to stomach such pictures, but I think that it's important for people to see what's going on and a few gut wrenching photographs isn't a large price to pay considering the people in these photos themselves have lost so much. Anyway, the exibition will be in DC (specifically: 903 U Street NW) until April 1, 2006 so go see it if you can!
Link here: Project 4
Tomorrow I take my last two midterms of the week and they're both Chemistry related and they're back to back. I'm really not looking forward to it. All my classes are cancelled Friday though so... that means.... SPRING BREAK! I'm going to split my spring break between my parents and a friend's beach house. First up is Spa/new haircuts with Mom back at home and some shopping with dad then I'm headed to Kathleen's Beach house with 8 of our closest friends for some relaxation and fun in the sun! :D
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