My mother's favorite brother called me on the 13th of January on his way home from the hospital. His foot was broken and he had just gotten a cast on it.
He needed me to come out and help him drive to and from work, so I told him I would come as soon as possible.
I was there the next Wednesday.
I've been in San Diego now for about 2 weeks and I am looking for something more to do. Maybe a job, maybe volunteering, maybe writing. I don't know. I've been sitting at the apartment for two weeks now and while the weekends have been full of trips to the mall and seaworld and oldtown and other fun places, there's only so much I can do during the week at home.
I've already cleaned the apartment. It'll only get so clean.
I've already made cookies (sugar free sugar and chocolate chip for my diabetic uncle!!) and apple pie. There's only so much cooking one can do before there's nothing to make anymore.
I've done the dishes, I've unpacked boxes that had been packed, I've looked online for jobs, and I've updated twitter, facebook, and now my blog.
I'm going stir crazy.
Anyway, I'm just letting the world know how I'm doing. Now to look for more jobs.
Showing posts with label general. Show all posts
Showing posts with label general. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Busy busy busy!
So I'm taking the semester off because I'm just tired of school.
I've decided to just work until the next (summer) semester comes along. So far, I have a few things lined up. They're not exactly 9-5, but they're good. I'll be house sitting and dog sitting for a friend, catering a certain event, cleaning a house, and babysitting! What can I say? I'm a woman of many talents!
Also- Basketball season has started! Well, Church Ball has started. I've been practicing with my girls since November and on the 9th of January, all our hard work totally paid off! We won a game against another ward by 40 points! Congrats, girls! I'm so super proud of all of you!
Now I just hope that Saturday's game goes just as well. It's against a group who has a track record of being good at basketball. I told the girls before the first game that I didn't care if they won or not, as long as they had fun. The same thing stands here. I just want everyone to have a nice, clean game and have fun playing!
I've heard there's a group that has been playing a little rough, and I don't want my girls playing against that, but I guess we'll just stay positive and hope to have more of the older girls there just in case. Not that the younger girls on my team can't hold their own, they're just smaller and easier to knock over. Hehe. But they're adorable.
Anyway, I digress.
Wish me and my team of church basketballers luck! I'll come back later and blog something cool.
Also- GO! DO! HELP! It's so easy to help, it really really is. And Haiti really needs it right now.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Not the best of times, not the worst of times.
Don't you hate when things happen that not only inconvenience you, but anyone who is involved?
Today, I found out that my bank lost a check. It's not their fault. Technically, they sent the check to a collections service or something and THEY lost it. But the bank, naturally, has to deal with the inconvenient consequences (ie: telling me, working out a way to fix it, etc.).
Now, my bank has been extremely helpful to me in the past, and I understand that this sort of thing happens. I also understand that these people are trying to do the best they can to work out a solution and help me to straighten all of this out.
Their solution so far has been: E-mail the person who issued the check and see if they can issue another one. Either that, or see if they can wire the money directly to my bank account.
So this situation is inconvenient. Not only is it inconvenient for me (who doesn't have the money I expected to have before the Thanksgiving Holidays), but it is also inconvenient for the issuer of the check (who has to worry about the lost check and where in the world it might be and decide whether to send another one or to deal with the situation in another way), and for the bank employees who have to deal with who sent the check when and where it was sent and who put it where.
I think part of dealing with situations like this in a civil manner is understanding that there is not only one person inconvenienced by the situation at hand. It would be easy for one party or another to get frustrated with the outcome of a failed transaction and to start throwing blame one way or another. But I think that throwing blame is a good way to get nothing accomplished.
I mean, yes, I am frustrated with the amount of time it took to deal with all of this. The check was sent one day (with a little delay and unexpected inconvenience on that end, but that's alright), received one week later, given to the bank the day it was received, and was supposed to take 30 business days (no weekends or holidays) to be deposited into my account. So I have been waiting on this money for the better part of 2 months to find now that it's all for naught.
But being frustrated gets you nowhere fast.
I'd like, now, to quote 13-year-old me's favorite movie The Mummy. And trust me, I could recite that movie. My favorite quote from that movie is when the desert people are attacking Brendan Frasier's ship as it's on it's way to the lost city. Brendan Frasier is telling Rachel Weiz to jump overboard, and he's getting impatient. "Patience is a virtue!" she reminds him. "Not right now it isn't!" he tells her as he picks her up and throws her off of the burning ship.
Bottom line = There is no burning ship here. I can wait. I don't have to go overboard.*
*And oh my gosh, didn't that just turn out to be the best analogy ever? I just made it up, seriously, right on the spot! Man oh man! I done good!
Update- Everything seems to be fine now. The situation was handled quickly now that we've turned to the internet to help us. Haha! I am so thankful (hey, it's thanksgiving, right?) for the cooperation and professionalism that has been shown by everyone involved. It's moments like these that help me to appreciate being a "grown up" (yuck! I can't believe I just typed that!).
I'm a big kid now!
Today, I found out that my bank lost a check. It's not their fault. Technically, they sent the check to a collections service or something and THEY lost it. But the bank, naturally, has to deal with the inconvenient consequences (ie: telling me, working out a way to fix it, etc.).
Now, my bank has been extremely helpful to me in the past, and I understand that this sort of thing happens. I also understand that these people are trying to do the best they can to work out a solution and help me to straighten all of this out.
Their solution so far has been: E-mail the person who issued the check and see if they can issue another one. Either that, or see if they can wire the money directly to my bank account.
So this situation is inconvenient. Not only is it inconvenient for me (who doesn't have the money I expected to have before the Thanksgiving Holidays), but it is also inconvenient for the issuer of the check (who has to worry about the lost check and where in the world it might be and decide whether to send another one or to deal with the situation in another way), and for the bank employees who have to deal with who sent the check when and where it was sent and who put it where.
I think part of dealing with situations like this in a civil manner is understanding that there is not only one person inconvenienced by the situation at hand. It would be easy for one party or another to get frustrated with the outcome of a failed transaction and to start throwing blame one way or another. But I think that throwing blame is a good way to get nothing accomplished.
I mean, yes, I am frustrated with the amount of time it took to deal with all of this. The check was sent one day (with a little delay and unexpected inconvenience on that end, but that's alright), received one week later, given to the bank the day it was received, and was supposed to take 30 business days (no weekends or holidays) to be deposited into my account. So I have been waiting on this money for the better part of 2 months to find now that it's all for naught.
But being frustrated gets you nowhere fast.
I'd like, now, to quote 13-year-old me's favorite movie The Mummy. And trust me, I could recite that movie. My favorite quote from that movie is when the desert people are attacking Brendan Frasier's ship as it's on it's way to the lost city. Brendan Frasier is telling Rachel Weiz to jump overboard, and he's getting impatient. "Patience is a virtue!" she reminds him. "Not right now it isn't!" he tells her as he picks her up and throws her off of the burning ship.
Bottom line = There is no burning ship here. I can wait. I don't have to go overboard.*
*And oh my gosh, didn't that just turn out to be the best analogy ever? I just made it up, seriously, right on the spot! Man oh man! I done good!
Update- Everything seems to be fine now. The situation was handled quickly now that we've turned to the internet to help us. Haha! I am so thankful (hey, it's thanksgiving, right?) for the cooperation and professionalism that has been shown by everyone involved. It's moments like these that help me to appreciate being a "grown up" (yuck! I can't believe I just typed that!).
I'm a big kid now!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
School! So stay in it!
Unless you are one of those kids from that movie The Faculty. Then you can run away from your school as fast as your legs will take you.
But if you're in a normal school, then by all means, stay there! And I don't mean in the same way Ryan Reynolds did in Van Wilder, but in the way that all the students did in that movie Lean on Me with Morgan Freeman.
Stay in school to get an education and a diploma and degree, so you can keep yourself from being a hobo.
Side story, I fed a hobo the other day at the hospital. I gave him most of the fries from my chick-fil-a meal, and half of my chicken sandwitch. That counts as a good deed, right?
Does it still count as a good deed if the hobo is my brother-in-law? I'm sure it probably does.
Anyway, back to the subject of school.
Book learnin' is good for ya. So keep at it. If you're thinking "I can't do this, I should just drop out!" , then DON'T! Think positive thoughts! If Doogie Howser could handle it at the young age of 10, then you can do it at the not so young age of however old you are. I know you aren't ten. Ten year olds don't read blogs! The thought alone is ridiculous.
Education will serve you throughout your life. Education is the one thing you can take with you wherever you go. Education is the one thing that you cannot get too much of.
But don't take my word for it! Listen to "Swingin' on a star" by Bing Crosby, as sung by Bruce Willis in this classic clip from the 1991 movie "Hudson Hawk"-
I really only made this post for the references I wanted to make, links I wanted to share, and video I wanted to post. I had no real point other than to be. But stay in school kids! School is cool!
But if you're in a normal school, then by all means, stay there! And I don't mean in the same way Ryan Reynolds did in Van Wilder, but in the way that all the students did in that movie Lean on Me with Morgan Freeman.
Stay in school to get an education and a diploma and degree, so you can keep yourself from being a hobo.
Side story, I fed a hobo the other day at the hospital. I gave him most of the fries from my chick-fil-a meal, and half of my chicken sandwitch. That counts as a good deed, right?
Does it still count as a good deed if the hobo is my brother-in-law? I'm sure it probably does.
Anyway, back to the subject of school.
Book learnin' is good for ya. So keep at it. If you're thinking "I can't do this, I should just drop out!" , then DON'T! Think positive thoughts! If Doogie Howser could handle it at the young age of 10, then you can do it at the not so young age of however old you are. I know you aren't ten. Ten year olds don't read blogs! The thought alone is ridiculous.
Education will serve you throughout your life. Education is the one thing you can take with you wherever you go. Education is the one thing that you cannot get too much of.
But don't take my word for it! Listen to "Swingin' on a star" by Bing Crosby, as sung by Bruce Willis in this classic clip from the 1991 movie "Hudson Hawk"-
I really only made this post for the references I wanted to make, links I wanted to share, and video I wanted to post. I had no real point other than to be. But stay in school kids! School is cool!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
School is. . coool?
Well, not all the time.
I've started a new semester and it's on to dealing with a whole new group of teachers. My American Gov. teacher seems to want to turn his class into an ethics/philosophy class, my Stats teacher wants to show us the long way even though we "won't ever need it", and my pub. speaking teacher was out for the first two weeks havin a baby and I haven't met her yet. My American History teacher is a little too enthusiastic, but other than that, fine.
Meanwhile, my big bro is across the country going to school in Utah. He gets to have a snowboarding class. How unfair is that?! And he hasn't called his favorite sister at all since he left! I guess he's having too much fun without me. . . but I miss my wingman.
Anywho, I've got a busy schedule and lots of homework. I'll be transferring next fall to USC and I've got to get my GPA up to a reasonable level. Dude, I'm such a slacker sometimes. I let videogames and hackeysac get in the way of more important things. But ah well. I'll get it together before I transfer. F'real.
Also- Mom has "Tennis Elbow". How funny is that? I mean, it's not cool at all for her, but it's funny that they call it tennis elbow, because she doesn't play tennis at all. But she's been Wii Boxing like crazy! So maybe she has "Wii Elbow". That should be a thing. Somebody make that a thing.
I've started a new semester and it's on to dealing with a whole new group of teachers. My American Gov. teacher seems to want to turn his class into an ethics/philosophy class, my Stats teacher wants to show us the long way even though we "won't ever need it", and my pub. speaking teacher was out for the first two weeks havin a baby and I haven't met her yet. My American History teacher is a little too enthusiastic, but other than that, fine.
Meanwhile, my big bro is across the country going to school in Utah. He gets to have a snowboarding class. How unfair is that?! And he hasn't called his favorite sister at all since he left! I guess he's having too much fun without me. . . but I miss my wingman.
Anywho, I've got a busy schedule and lots of homework. I'll be transferring next fall to USC and I've got to get my GPA up to a reasonable level. Dude, I'm such a slacker sometimes. I let videogames and hackeysac get in the way of more important things. But ah well. I'll get it together before I transfer. F'real.
Also- Mom has "Tennis Elbow". How funny is that? I mean, it's not cool at all for her, but it's funny that they call it tennis elbow, because she doesn't play tennis at all. But she's been Wii Boxing like crazy! So maybe she has "Wii Elbow". That should be a thing. Somebody make that a thing.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Spring!
Cleaning? Well, I'm packing up stuff and cleaning things out. I cleaned out my clothes a month or so ago and I'm cleaning out books and things now. Packing up things, etc. I so far have three and a half boxes full of dvds, tapes, and other things. I'm going to be organized by my birthday. True story. And it's funny that even though this is spring, it snowed last night. It was fun stuff! I got a couple good pictures and a good video. So I have lots of time on my hands. Yep. . . lot of time. In fact, that's why I've started cleaning. Too much time, too much mess. And yes, I know you have alot of stuff for me to do if I'm bored mom. But not bored enough that I'll clean everything all day. I just want to start small. With my own room and stuff. Maybe then, I'll feel as if I have time enough for cleaning the bathroom and the kitchen and the dining room and the rest of the basement. We really should move my room upstairs. Then we could paint the basement and not worry about anyone being down there! Make it picture perfect and then leave it that way whilst I move up to a brighter room! And no, this isn't my excuse for getting a room that isn't blue or in the basement. This is me thinking of you. Aren't I just so thoughtful?
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Christmas needs to get here already!!
Okay, so I love Christmas. I really really do. The little kids getting excited, the toys in the store, the smell of winter, that chill in the air. Not to mention the christmas songs on the radio, the "magical" tv specials, and that feeling in the air on a cold winter's night when you're cuddled up on the couch with a mug of hot cocoa, there's a Christmas song playing gently in the background, a fire crackling in the fireplace and the Christmas tree glowing brightly in the dark night.
And I wish it would hurry up and get here! I mean, I know I still have shopping to do. I'm a procrastinator. But I don't mind shopping. Just the other day, the heavy-set hispanic clerk at the local dollar store said I had a nice smile (I smile all the time, smiling's my favorite)! How cute is that? I had a little skip in my step the rest of the day from that little self-esteem boost.
But other than a bit of shopping, I'm soooo ready for Christmas to come! I can't stand waiting! The presents are piling up under the tree and it's getting colder and colder outside. We've always had tons and tons of presents under the tree. Growing up, there were 8 people in the house all buying (or having mom buy for them what they picked out themselves) presents for everyone else. That's 8 people buying one present each for Mom, Dad, and each of their 5 siblings. And then Santa would always fill our stockings with more goodies than we ever could imagine. Big family, big Christmas.
Now that the family has grown up a little more, we're including two nephews and a cousin/roommate who will be getting and giving presents! There are going to be a ton of presents under that tree! It's going to look awesome!
My favorite part of the holiday season is giving. I know it sounds lame and like I'm only saying what I'm supposed to say, and I'm not going to lie to you. I love getting presents. But it's really not so much the stuff, or what I get. I like seeing what sort of thing people get me. For example:
My big sister always gets me some sort of girly stuff. Like those baskets with lotion and body wash and things. One year she got me perfume. Britney Spears' Curious perfume to be precise. This sort of gift shows not only that people give the type of gifts they love to receive, but also the kind of gifts they think the person would need or like. I used to hate the gifts she gave because I didn't like "girly stuff" or I thought she was trying to send a certain message with her perfumes and soaps. But I've come to appreciate the thought that went into it. No, she doesn't think I smell bad, and no, she doesnt' think I'm a slob. She knows that having those things for her helps her feel better about herself and makes her feel pretty. And I think that by giving those things to me, she's trying to make me feel better about myself. Which is awesome, because those gifts work. She always knows exactly what to get me to make me feel like a grown up woman, and not a little girl. And I deeply appreciate it.
So when I give presents, I like to show people how well I know them. I love showing my mom that I was totally paying attention that time we were in the store and she was eyeing that cute towel set. I like to show my brother that I totally get his taste in music and know that he would love to have this cd or that record. I love showing my big sister that even though we might not see eye to eye on the things we like, I still care enough to get those things for her.
The message we send when giving gifts is priceless, and helps to convey feelings and emotions. These messages help to define the relationships we share with those around us. And even if we lose that one gift from our cousin we didn't really need but still liked, or keep that boring gift in our closet to re-gift next year, or even if we use that really awesome gift over and over until it's worn down, it isn't really the item that matters. It's what we're saying by giving it.
So this holiday season, I'm going to pay attention and see how my presents are recieved. I'm going to try to get the perfect gift that will convey the message I want to send with exactness. And remember that it's not the size or the price of the gift - it's what you're saying by giving it, and how you can convey your love in the right way to the right people.
(Just a random side note: That little baby crab that Dora helps out by taking it to it's mommy is adorable. I love that episode.)
And I wish it would hurry up and get here! I mean, I know I still have shopping to do. I'm a procrastinator. But I don't mind shopping. Just the other day, the heavy-set hispanic clerk at the local dollar store said I had a nice smile (I smile all the time, smiling's my favorite)! How cute is that? I had a little skip in my step the rest of the day from that little self-esteem boost.
But other than a bit of shopping, I'm soooo ready for Christmas to come! I can't stand waiting! The presents are piling up under the tree and it's getting colder and colder outside. We've always had tons and tons of presents under the tree. Growing up, there were 8 people in the house all buying (or having mom buy for them what they picked out themselves) presents for everyone else. That's 8 people buying one present each for Mom, Dad, and each of their 5 siblings. And then Santa would always fill our stockings with more goodies than we ever could imagine. Big family, big Christmas.
Now that the family has grown up a little more, we're including two nephews and a cousin/roommate who will be getting and giving presents! There are going to be a ton of presents under that tree! It's going to look awesome!
My favorite part of the holiday season is giving. I know it sounds lame and like I'm only saying what I'm supposed to say, and I'm not going to lie to you. I love getting presents. But it's really not so much the stuff, or what I get. I like seeing what sort of thing people get me. For example:
My big sister always gets me some sort of girly stuff. Like those baskets with lotion and body wash and things. One year she got me perfume. Britney Spears' Curious perfume to be precise. This sort of gift shows not only that people give the type of gifts they love to receive, but also the kind of gifts they think the person would need or like. I used to hate the gifts she gave because I didn't like "girly stuff" or I thought she was trying to send a certain message with her perfumes and soaps. But I've come to appreciate the thought that went into it. No, she doesn't think I smell bad, and no, she doesnt' think I'm a slob. She knows that having those things for her helps her feel better about herself and makes her feel pretty. And I think that by giving those things to me, she's trying to make me feel better about myself. Which is awesome, because those gifts work. She always knows exactly what to get me to make me feel like a grown up woman, and not a little girl. And I deeply appreciate it.
So when I give presents, I like to show people how well I know them. I love showing my mom that I was totally paying attention that time we were in the store and she was eyeing that cute towel set. I like to show my brother that I totally get his taste in music and know that he would love to have this cd or that record. I love showing my big sister that even though we might not see eye to eye on the things we like, I still care enough to get those things for her.
The message we send when giving gifts is priceless, and helps to convey feelings and emotions. These messages help to define the relationships we share with those around us. And even if we lose that one gift from our cousin we didn't really need but still liked, or keep that boring gift in our closet to re-gift next year, or even if we use that really awesome gift over and over until it's worn down, it isn't really the item that matters. It's what we're saying by giving it.
So this holiday season, I'm going to pay attention and see how my presents are recieved. I'm going to try to get the perfect gift that will convey the message I want to send with exactness. And remember that it's not the size or the price of the gift - it's what you're saying by giving it, and how you can convey your love in the right way to the right people.
(Just a random side note: That little baby crab that Dora helps out by taking it to it's mommy is adorable. I love that episode.)
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Thanksgiving! To: You
Alright, so after spending all day on Twitter today, I feel like making a thanksgiving post. I saw so many friends wishing each other a Happy Thanksgiving and expressing their gratitude for friends and family (and twitter). And I thought that yaknow what? 140 characters is too little space for me to express myself and the gratitude I feel.
I'm listening to christmas music, smelling the thanksgiving dinner, waiting to eat the apple pies I made myself, helping mom clean and cook. I chopped up a ton of potatoes today for mashed potatoes later. I'm hear my nephew complain about being bored and my mom calling for a different tablecloth. . all the usual sounds of the holiday. And it makes me feel grateful. What am I grateful for you ask?
I'm thankful for the fact that my friend Vijay doesn't live in Mumbai. Oh my goodness how I'm thankful for that.
I'm thankful for the fact that even though this blog has only been around for a year or so, and isn't very good, that I still have so many amazing friends who read and comment on it that I've never even met in real life. I love you all. I really do. It might sound weird, but I have all of your collective backs if you ever need anything.
I'm thankful for the plenty of friends I have in my life who read and comment on this blog. Thanks guys. I appreciate the fact that you find this blog somewhat amusing at times. And I'm grateful that you are all there for me.
I'm thankful that Leif doesn't think I'm creepy. I honestly am soo grateful. Anyone else would've taken out a restraining order against someone like me commenting like I do at his blog. (I know I would've) And that he understands that I'm just playing around. Thanks for indulging me in that sense, man. I appreciate it. (Although I am usually not lying when I say that you are witty, charming and handsome. You know that's the truth ;) )
I'm thankful that my family gets along. My parents are still together after 25 years, and my brothers and sisters and I all speak to each other and love each other very much.
I'm thankful that I have a ward family that I get to spend so much time with. I love all of them and have soo much fun hanging out with all of them. Yay ward!
I'm glad I get to spend so much time with my family. We all live relatively close (haha relatively. . like relatives get it? hee hee) enough so that we can all spend time with one another.
I'm grateful for my big brother and the example he sets for me. I'm glad we spend so much time together playing video games, going camping, etc. It's awesome.
I'm thankful for twitter. I know that sounds kinda retarded, but I am. Um, thankful that is, not retarded. Well. . . But I digress (lol the smiths). Twitter helps me to keep track of my friends and stories and helps me to build a stronger friendship with those I care about. And I'm glad that I have the opportunity to learn so much more about you all!
I'm thankful for the home I live in, and how hard my parents have worked to afford the lifestyle I'm used to. Cable t.v. AND my own room?! Sweeet. I'm grateful that my parents love me and my siblings enough to be here doing this for us.
I'm thankful for the opportunity I have to gain knowledge. To grow. To learn and to experience. This is a sweet life I get to lead, and I am grateful I get to live it every day.
I'm thankful for music and the role it plays in my life. I love that I love it, and I love that I know so much about it.
I'm thankful for the church I belong to, and the opportunities I have there to learn more about my savior's love for me and the gospel he has brought to the earth.
I'm thankful that I'm an honest person. I love the feeling that comes with complete honesty.
I'm grateful for my testimony and the spirit's influence in my life.
I'm thankful that I've been able to avoid harmful substances. I don't smoke, drink, do drugs, or anything like it, and I never have, and I'm glad.
I'm thankful for the people I am surrounded by on a daily/weekly/monthly basis. I'm glad that they're kind people who understand my standards and values and respect them.
I'm thankful for fuzzy slippers and hot chocolate in the chilly november.
I'm thankful for all that I know about the world, and all that I don't know. It will be an adventure learning about culture, people, religion, and societies.
I'm thankful for love.
I'm thankful that even though I don't have a guy in my life, I don't mind. I'm glad I don't feel like a relationship is something I need to have in order to feel good about myself.
I'm grateful that I have a healthy self esteem, and that I can encourage others to feel the same way about themselves. And I'm not trying to get all Richard Simmons on you, but- You are a beautiful person. Remember that.
And finally- thank you all for the people you are and for the examples you set for me. Thank you for indulging me when I want to play four different games of wordscraper and scrabble in the same day. Thank you for coming here and reading this. Even if it's only scanning through looking for your name or something you might find interesting. Thanks. Thank you all for teaching me whether it be by example or just by being there for me. Thank you all for being the wonderful caring people you are, and for actually wanting to spend time with me. Thank you for making me feel special whenever I need it.
I love you guys! Happy Thanksgiving!
(just so ya know. . . that turkey up there. . .I put my hand up to the computer and traced it on mspaint) ;) hee hee
Thursday, November 20, 2008
I politely decline your invitation. . .
Since starting this blog, I have made an e-mail account to go along with it. You can see it over in the sidebar under the "Contact Me" box. ---->
Now, usually, this is a neat little thing to have. I loved the fact that as soon as I set it up, Doc A sent me a quick e-mail saying hey. I love when I get updates telling me someone new is following me on twitter. I love sitemeter's e-mails telling me that people actually come to this site and check things out. And I welcome any e-mails from friends who want to say hi!
But sometimes, having an e-mail like this is bad news bears, because it means people you don't want contacting you can contact you anyway. But I guess that's why I wanted a seperate e-mail for the blog? An e-mail account that could take a bullet for my real one by accepting impersonal advertisements and offers etc. etc...
Alot of you know what I'm talking about. But let me clarify.
A certain website contacted me awhile back telling me that they loved my blog and that they wanted to feature my blog and have me blog for them blah blah blah. No, I will not tell you what website, but if you follow me on twitter, or you're a medblogger who has had "trouble" with them as well, you probably know. Now, I knew I'd seen this company before and that I wasn't too happy with it then. So when they e-mailed me, I was cautious. I don't want anything to do with them or their website. So I ignored their "invitation".
Just today, I logged into my g-mail to check my mail (of course!) and I had another e-mail from the same site, inviting me yet again to be a part of their "community".
I felt like ignoring them, yeah. But I also felt mad. I know the sorts of things they do, and I don't approve of their ways of doing things. So I e-mailed them back. Better to be proactive about these things, right? The best way to fix a problem is not to sit on your keister and wait for it to go away or pretend it's not there. The best way to fix a problem is to do something about it. (most of the time anyway, I can't guaruntee "doing something about it" will work with every problem)
My e-mail to them:
Dear _______,
I hereby decline the offer. This is not the sort of thing I would like to participate in at all. So no thank you. And if you even read my blog, you would know that the closest I have ever gotten to working in a hospital was during my acting gig, and that I don't really blog a whole lot about health related issues. I'm planning on going to medical school, yeah, but honestly? right now, my blog is one of a community college student who dreams of being a doctor and lives in her mother's basement, and the social interactions that ensue. So please do not contact me again about this. Your company is one with which I would not like to be affiliated. Do not link to my site, use any of my information, or "set up a profile" for me. The e-mail was very flattering, but (and I use this term figuratively) I'm not buying it.
Very sincerely,
Mary
Student / Unemployed Freeloader
Living in my mom's basement, Inc.
Now, usually, this is a neat little thing to have. I loved the fact that as soon as I set it up, Doc A sent me a quick e-mail saying hey. I love when I get updates telling me someone new is following me on twitter. I love sitemeter's e-mails telling me that people actually come to this site and check things out. And I welcome any e-mails from friends who want to say hi!
But sometimes, having an e-mail like this is bad news bears, because it means people you don't want contacting you can contact you anyway. But I guess that's why I wanted a seperate e-mail for the blog? An e-mail account that could take a bullet for my real one by accepting impersonal advertisements and offers etc. etc...
Alot of you know what I'm talking about. But let me clarify.
A certain website contacted me awhile back telling me that they loved my blog and that they wanted to feature my blog and have me blog for them blah blah blah. No, I will not tell you what website, but if you follow me on twitter, or you're a medblogger who has had "trouble" with them as well, you probably know. Now, I knew I'd seen this company before and that I wasn't too happy with it then. So when they e-mailed me, I was cautious. I don't want anything to do with them or their website. So I ignored their "invitation".
Just today, I logged into my g-mail to check my mail (of course!) and I had another e-mail from the same site, inviting me yet again to be a part of their "community".
I felt like ignoring them, yeah. But I also felt mad. I know the sorts of things they do, and I don't approve of their ways of doing things. So I e-mailed them back. Better to be proactive about these things, right? The best way to fix a problem is not to sit on your keister and wait for it to go away or pretend it's not there. The best way to fix a problem is to do something about it. (most of the time anyway, I can't guaruntee "doing something about it" will work with every problem)
My e-mail to them:
Dear _______,
I hereby decline the offer. This is not the sort of thing I would like to participate in at all. So no thank you. And if you even read my blog, you would know that the closest I have ever gotten to working in a hospital was during my acting gig, and that I don't really blog a whole lot about health related issues. I'm planning on going to medical school, yeah, but honestly? right now, my blog is one of a community college student who dreams of being a doctor and lives in her mother's basement, and the social interactions that ensue. So please do not contact me again about this. Your company is one with which I would not like to be affiliated. Do not link to my site, use any of my information, or "set up a profile" for me. The e-mail was very flattering, but (and I use this term figuratively) I'm not buying it.
Very sincerely,
Mary
Student / Unemployed Freeloader
Living in my mom's basement, Inc.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Well, I've managed so far. . .
. . . To stay away from discussing politics.
Yeah, I know. Its weird for me to post more than once a week lately, but I found some interesting stuff.
So, the reason I've avoided this topic so far is that I know no matter where I stand, there will always be someone who supports a different candidate. Also, people whose opinions I value support Obama and make fun of those who support McCain. That made me hesitate to share my political view as well. And the old saying that advises against discussing politics and religion. Well I've already discussed religion on this blog, so why not go politics?
Just so you know, I'm very opinionated when it comes to politics.
First of all- VOTE! I don't care who you vote for! Just vote! Those of you who don't really have no right to sit there and critisize the government for it's shortcomings when you yourself didn't go out and participate in the voting process.
Second- Check your facts! Don't go around beleiving whatever your favorite news anchor tells you about a candidate. Make sure you find where they got their information and do a little research!
Third- Don't let the Media decide for you! If you see a video on youtube, or on facebook or something, look up the things they say and make sure you understand where they're coming from. At least check Google or Wikipedia. Because while they're not always the most reliable sources, at least it means you've attempted to find out more. Try to find a non-biased site that reviews claims from both parties and evaluates their accuracy by citing speeches and voting records. For example- This is a very informative site.
Fourth- For the youngguns out there- make sure you know why you're voting for your candidate. Don't let the reason be because your parents have voted that way all your life, or that all of your friends are voting for that candidate, so you should as well. NO! Look at the issues that are most important to you and research what your candidate plans on doing about them. See how your views, opinions and concerns match up against your candidate's views, opinions, and concerns! Who knows, you might change your mind about who you want to vote for!
Yeah, I know. Its weird for me to post more than once a week lately, but I found some interesting stuff.
So, the reason I've avoided this topic so far is that I know no matter where I stand, there will always be someone who supports a different candidate. Also, people whose opinions I value support Obama and make fun of those who support McCain. That made me hesitate to share my political view as well. And the old saying that advises against discussing politics and religion. Well I've already discussed religion on this blog, so why not go politics?
Just so you know, I'm very opinionated when it comes to politics.
First of all- VOTE! I don't care who you vote for! Just vote! Those of you who don't really have no right to sit there and critisize the government for it's shortcomings when you yourself didn't go out and participate in the voting process.
Second- Check your facts! Don't go around beleiving whatever your favorite news anchor tells you about a candidate. Make sure you find where they got their information and do a little research!
Third- Don't let the Media decide for you! If you see a video on youtube, or on facebook or something, look up the things they say and make sure you understand where they're coming from. At least check Google or Wikipedia. Because while they're not always the most reliable sources, at least it means you've attempted to find out more. Try to find a non-biased site that reviews claims from both parties and evaluates their accuracy by citing speeches and voting records. For example- This is a very informative site.
Fourth- For the youngguns out there- make sure you know why you're voting for your candidate. Don't let the reason be because your parents have voted that way all your life, or that all of your friends are voting for that candidate, so you should as well. NO! Look at the issues that are most important to you and research what your candidate plans on doing about them. See how your views, opinions and concerns match up against your candidate's views, opinions, and concerns! Who knows, you might change your mind about who you want to vote for!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Baseball
My story starts early last Thursday. Well, not really early, but early on in Philosophy class. And this is just a small subsection of a big story I have to tell you that spans over a whole week, but only covers three of those days. It'll make sense later.
So, you may have heard, if you follow me on Twitter, that I am not particularly fond of my Philosophy class. The teacher is not very nice, the constant questions are confusing and the whole "which philosopher generated which theory" thing absolutely confounds me. I have no clue who said any of the things I hear in class. I have no textbook, only a novel with occasional side notes crediting quotes and theories to their philosophers in a small paragraph or even one line sentence.
Oh yeah, and it also reminds me of that one day I threw up in class, but we won't go there today.
No, today we are taking a trip that many a student has taken before. The trip down the familiar "This teacher has a personal vendetta against me!" road.
Let's begin, shall we?
So yeah, as I was saying. Last Thursday. I was in Philosophy class as you may or may not have already guessed, and the teacher was introducing the subject of discussion. In my constant stupor of thought that possesses me the moment I enter the room, I was confused before he finished his first sentence.
What do confused students do? Naturally, they raise their hands to ask a question or make a comment in an often futile attempt to become un-confused.
So I raised my hand.
Usually, when this happens, I get positive feedback from teachers. I get a kind answer and a patient explanation of whatever confusing thing I am asking about. Sometimes the response is humorous and says "don't worry, it doesn't make a lot of sense to me either" and sometimes it says "don't worry, you'll get it in a while" or maybe even "that was a really thoughtful question, I'm glad you asked!!".
What I got this time, word for word started with "Put your hand down!! I haven't asked any questions yet!!"
That surprised me, but I went on to answer that I didn't want to answer any questions, and that I had a question of my own.
The teacher faces the class and laughingly tells them something to the effect of "this girl is so funny! I haven't even opened the discussion and she's already anxious to participate! She is just so excited about this class, it kills me! It's so funny because she loves this class so much!"
He was laughing, and I wasn't. He was trying to dismiss me as just another one of those students who is vying for their daily amount of "participation" extra credit. I wasn't one of those students.
Now for a little sidenote. Those of you who know me know that I have a hard time lying. And sometimes, I am even blunt or brutally honest about what is on my mind. Trust me, this is one of those times that bluntness was needed.
I quickly corrected him, telling him "Oh, no, no, no, no, no. No. I hate this class. I'm just confused"
The rest of the class laughed. I did not. (Neither did the teacher if you are curious)
I thought then that he might've been mad at me.
I might be right.
Last Tuesday, the teacher condemned a student for wearing a Boston Red Sox hat. The student quickly tried to make up for this by insiting that he didn't like the Red Sox, and was only wearing the hat for the colors. The team he is really a fan of is the New York Yankees. Really.
Did that work? No. Apparently, the teacher is a fan of the White Sox. He then goes on to warn against claiming support for either the Red Sox or the Yankees. He says that either team is ridiculous and that, while we have a free pass today because of our ignorance, he will not be so lenient in the future.
Of course, he was playing around. The other students were laughing, I was laughing, and even the teacher thought that he was hilarious. I don't know enough about baseball to be a fan of any team, so I decided to comment that I was a fan of "all baseball teams".
I started it out with "I'm a fan of the Yankees and the Red Sox!". I was about to go on to say that I liked ALL the baseball teams! After all, they must be talented to make it into the pros and being that skilled means training, endurance, hard work. . all admirable qualities.
But before I had the chance to tell him anything about my widespread respect for all teams in baseball, he interrupted me.
"You are about to leave this class." and this time, he wasn't kidding. He took my remark as a smart mouth thing to say. This was unfortunate for me.
Thus began the verbal onslaught of threats. "If you want to review with us this class for the test next Tuesday, you need to just shut your mouth." or "If you want to stay in this class with us, you will not mention either the Red Sox or the Yankees again the rest of the period" and then there was the "there is a difference between 'joking around' like we've been doing - ha ha haaa -and being rude to the teacher like you just were"
Needless to say, I was ignored for the rest of the day (which was bad because he wanted everyone to tell him what to review, and I had alot I wanted to review) and everytime I raised my hand, either the subject was quickly changed or he just ignored me until I put it down and he called on someone else.
Thus the whole "personal vendetta" theory.
So today in class, we took a test. I studied very hard for this one, and will be surprised if I get any lower than an 80% on it.
You should've seen the look on his face this afternoon when I looked him straight in the eyes while wearing my dad's New York Yankees cap and left after finishing my test.
So, you may have heard, if you follow me on Twitter, that I am not particularly fond of my Philosophy class. The teacher is not very nice, the constant questions are confusing and the whole "which philosopher generated which theory" thing absolutely confounds me. I have no clue who said any of the things I hear in class. I have no textbook, only a novel with occasional side notes crediting quotes and theories to their philosophers in a small paragraph or even one line sentence.
Oh yeah, and it also reminds me of that one day I threw up in class, but we won't go there today.
No, today we are taking a trip that many a student has taken before. The trip down the familiar "This teacher has a personal vendetta against me!" road.
Let's begin, shall we?
So yeah, as I was saying. Last Thursday. I was in Philosophy class as you may or may not have already guessed, and the teacher was introducing the subject of discussion. In my constant stupor of thought that possesses me the moment I enter the room, I was confused before he finished his first sentence.
What do confused students do? Naturally, they raise their hands to ask a question or make a comment in an often futile attempt to become un-confused.
So I raised my hand.
Usually, when this happens, I get positive feedback from teachers. I get a kind answer and a patient explanation of whatever confusing thing I am asking about. Sometimes the response is humorous and says "don't worry, it doesn't make a lot of sense to me either" and sometimes it says "don't worry, you'll get it in a while" or maybe even "that was a really thoughtful question, I'm glad you asked!!".
What I got this time, word for word started with "Put your hand down!! I haven't asked any questions yet!!"
That surprised me, but I went on to answer that I didn't want to answer any questions, and that I had a question of my own.
The teacher faces the class and laughingly tells them something to the effect of "this girl is so funny! I haven't even opened the discussion and she's already anxious to participate! She is just so excited about this class, it kills me! It's so funny because she loves this class so much!"
He was laughing, and I wasn't. He was trying to dismiss me as just another one of those students who is vying for their daily amount of "participation" extra credit. I wasn't one of those students.
Now for a little sidenote. Those of you who know me know that I have a hard time lying. And sometimes, I am even blunt or brutally honest about what is on my mind. Trust me, this is one of those times that bluntness was needed.
I quickly corrected him, telling him "Oh, no, no, no, no, no. No. I hate this class. I'm just confused"
The rest of the class laughed. I did not. (Neither did the teacher if you are curious)
I thought then that he might've been mad at me.
I might be right.
Last Tuesday, the teacher condemned a student for wearing a Boston Red Sox hat. The student quickly tried to make up for this by insiting that he didn't like the Red Sox, and was only wearing the hat for the colors. The team he is really a fan of is the New York Yankees. Really.
Did that work? No. Apparently, the teacher is a fan of the White Sox. He then goes on to warn against claiming support for either the Red Sox or the Yankees. He says that either team is ridiculous and that, while we have a free pass today because of our ignorance, he will not be so lenient in the future.
Of course, he was playing around. The other students were laughing, I was laughing, and even the teacher thought that he was hilarious. I don't know enough about baseball to be a fan of any team, so I decided to comment that I was a fan of "all baseball teams".
I started it out with "I'm a fan of the Yankees and the Red Sox!". I was about to go on to say that I liked ALL the baseball teams! After all, they must be talented to make it into the pros and being that skilled means training, endurance, hard work. . all admirable qualities.
But before I had the chance to tell him anything about my widespread respect for all teams in baseball, he interrupted me.
"You are about to leave this class." and this time, he wasn't kidding. He took my remark as a smart mouth thing to say. This was unfortunate for me.
Thus began the verbal onslaught of threats. "If you want to review with us this class for the test next Tuesday, you need to just shut your mouth." or "If you want to stay in this class with us, you will not mention either the Red Sox or the Yankees again the rest of the period" and then there was the "there is a difference between 'joking around' like we've been doing - ha ha haaa -and being rude to the teacher like you just were"
Needless to say, I was ignored for the rest of the day (which was bad because he wanted everyone to tell him what to review, and I had alot I wanted to review) and everytime I raised my hand, either the subject was quickly changed or he just ignored me until I put it down and he called on someone else.
Thus the whole "personal vendetta" theory.
So today in class, we took a test. I studied very hard for this one, and will be surprised if I get any lower than an 80% on it.
You should've seen the look on his face this afternoon when I looked him straight in the eyes while wearing my dad's New York Yankees cap and left after finishing my test.
Monday, September 29, 2008
I love computers!! And a few realizations.
Okay, so not a weird way at all!
And don't even think about saying "well if you love computers so much, why don't you go marry one?!" because that is soooo fifth grade. And sooo my joke.
But the truth of the matter is, I'm awfully fond of computers and the Internet and all of the useful things that go along with them!
The other day, I got a text from my friend in Washington State (who I met online) and he was on vacation. But something came up, and he needed to contact our mutual friend in Nottingham, England (who we both met online) about some urgent business concerning him, and yet another mutual friend who lives down in Alabama (who also is one that we met online)! I got the text after school, and as soon as I was home, relayed the text to my friend in England who appreciated the help and took care of things from there.
It made me feel special to be a part of this sort of "grapevine" of messages. Like I was in that movie 101 Dalmatians (the cartoon, not the real life one with Hugh Laurie, Jeff Daniels, and Glenn Close) and it was that part where the dogs have their little "barking chain" thing going on? Not that I am anything close to a dog, but the basic concept was close enough for comparison.
Now, I have a considerable amount of online friends, colleagues, acquaintances, etc. who I communicate with on a daily/weekly basis. And I feel connected! I have three different pals in Romania, two in Wales, three in England, and one each in Ireland, Russia, Turkey, India, and South Africa. And about a dozen others across the United States!
And friends that I've made in my life that have made their way across the globe and are now in places like Cambodia, Argentina, and Hawaii.
And those people have dozens of contacts around the world as well! It is amazing what a small world we have!
And it's getting smaller every day.
I have a friend here in SC who comes over and chats about once a month. She's really awesome, and very very interesting to talk to. All of her kids have moved out of the house. I have met only one of them, but I hear her talk about the others and feel like I know them.
Just the other day, I had this friend over and we were having a nice conversation about why I was learning Romanian and about the things that each of us know about Europe and other far away places. And as it turns out, her son is really into Gypsy music. And we chatted about that for awhile. She asked if she could give him my e-mail address and I said that that would be fine, and I gave her the one I use for personal interactions. And she also mentioned that he had a blog, and suggested I check it out.
So I checked out his blog, and my mind was blown.
You'll understand why in a minute.
I guess. . . growing up in the South, I don't really realize how . . sheltered. . . I've been. Especially growing up in a LDS family. And I realize now that having friends out there in the world doesn't really give me an accurate view of the world itself. The life I live goes by like a slow, quiet, gentle river. My constant sub-urban surroundings have sheltered me from the chaos on either side. I've never known city life. I think I know it from movies and books, and fancy magazines, but those never tell the truth about what it's really like. They dress it up and throw it out there on display for everyone to see, but for no one to really experience.
Growing up Mormon helped as well. I've had LDS friends as long as I can remember. And it's WONDERFUL! I rarely hear any foul language, I never have to deal with any smoking or drug use. I don't have to be around alcohol. Being surrounded by people who share the same beliefs as I do has made my life easier than most. I know my friends would never ask me to do anything that is against my standards or beliefs, and I know that as long as I am with them, my values and morals are safe. I'm constantly uplifted mentally and spiritually by the people I surround myself with, and it's splendid. Sure, I know about the things that happen in the "real world" and can tell right from wrong, but I really haven't had to make that many decisions on it. I've never been offered drugs or alcohol or cigarettes. (Although I'm sure I'd say no if I were offered.) And I haven't seen firsthand the effects that these things have on people, families, or friends. I have never been around anyone who was intoxicated. I've never been around anyone whose life has been torn apart from drugs or some other dangerous addiction. I don't really "Know" what it's like to see someone throw their life away through substance abuse.
Watching movies, I've come to a certain sense of what is "normal". I have ideas and concepts of what a "normal" person is like and, for the most part, expect that everyone is just as "normal" as everyone else. I recognize different cultures and traditions and religions, but all in all, I think to myself, everyone is really the same.
-Back to the "Mind Blowing Blog"-
And then I stop by that blog. And I see things that make me think. Just seeing his video of him riding the L train at 6:00 in the morning in New York and riding a bike through the streets going from work to home blows my mind! There are people who live in New York and they actually ride trains and they work all night and get home early in the morning. There is a big, busy city there that I personally would be scared to go anywhere in without my mother's permission and a printout of directions from Google maps. And I certainly would never think that anyone would walk to where they need to go! Much less ride a bike!
I guess I never really realized that those people on the streets are actually transporting themselves from home to a job or to school or to a party or from a friend's house back to home or something like that. I never really realized when I watched those movies that Hey, this is actually their form of commute! And I saw that video and I absolutely went nuts with this realization. Why hadn't I thought of that before? Why hadn't I realized? Why am I just now seeing this??
And then this guy whose blog I stopped by, I see that he's not Joe schmo office worker calling a cab to take him to his apartment or to his cubicle. I see that he works in a bar. His culture and surroundings and social life are completely different than anything I've ever seen. I started to realize that maybe not everyone is the same. I guess people are different. And can be unique without being those attention-starved posers you see in the halls of your high school. This whole different "sub-culture" of punk gypsy bands and going to places, and trying to break into "the biz" (my word, not his) of tattoo artistry. This life that he leads is an eye opening view!
Not to say that since reading his blog, I'm now an expert on the world. I'm not. I'm still protected and sheltered here at home. I'm just a little more aware now. And a little less. . . brainwashed by media portrayals.
Needless to say, I'm going to stop by more often.
The Aforementioned Blog: Captain
And don't even think about saying "well if you love computers so much, why don't you go marry one?!" because that is soooo fifth grade. And sooo my joke.
But the truth of the matter is, I'm awfully fond of computers and the Internet and all of the useful things that go along with them!
The other day, I got a text from my friend in Washington State (who I met online) and he was on vacation. But something came up, and he needed to contact our mutual friend in Nottingham, England (who we both met online) about some urgent business concerning him, and yet another mutual friend who lives down in Alabama (who also is one that we met online)! I got the text after school, and as soon as I was home, relayed the text to my friend in England who appreciated the help and took care of things from there.
It made me feel special to be a part of this sort of "grapevine" of messages. Like I was in that movie 101 Dalmatians (the cartoon, not the real life one with Hugh Laurie, Jeff Daniels, and Glenn Close) and it was that part where the dogs have their little "barking chain" thing going on? Not that I am anything close to a dog, but the basic concept was close enough for comparison.
Now, I have a considerable amount of online friends, colleagues, acquaintances, etc. who I communicate with on a daily/weekly basis. And I feel connected! I have three different pals in Romania, two in Wales, three in England, and one each in Ireland, Russia, Turkey, India, and South Africa. And about a dozen others across the United States!
And friends that I've made in my life that have made their way across the globe and are now in places like Cambodia, Argentina, and Hawaii.
And those people have dozens of contacts around the world as well! It is amazing what a small world we have!
And it's getting smaller every day.
I have a friend here in SC who comes over and chats about once a month. She's really awesome, and very very interesting to talk to. All of her kids have moved out of the house. I have met only one of them, but I hear her talk about the others and feel like I know them.
Just the other day, I had this friend over and we were having a nice conversation about why I was learning Romanian and about the things that each of us know about Europe and other far away places. And as it turns out, her son is really into Gypsy music. And we chatted about that for awhile. She asked if she could give him my e-mail address and I said that that would be fine, and I gave her the one I use for personal interactions. And she also mentioned that he had a blog, and suggested I check it out.
So I checked out his blog, and my mind was blown.
You'll understand why in a minute.
I guess. . . growing up in the South, I don't really realize how . . sheltered. . . I've been. Especially growing up in a LDS family. And I realize now that having friends out there in the world doesn't really give me an accurate view of the world itself. The life I live goes by like a slow, quiet, gentle river. My constant sub-urban surroundings have sheltered me from the chaos on either side. I've never known city life. I think I know it from movies and books, and fancy magazines, but those never tell the truth about what it's really like. They dress it up and throw it out there on display for everyone to see, but for no one to really experience.
Growing up Mormon helped as well. I've had LDS friends as long as I can remember. And it's WONDERFUL! I rarely hear any foul language, I never have to deal with any smoking or drug use. I don't have to be around alcohol. Being surrounded by people who share the same beliefs as I do has made my life easier than most. I know my friends would never ask me to do anything that is against my standards or beliefs, and I know that as long as I am with them, my values and morals are safe. I'm constantly uplifted mentally and spiritually by the people I surround myself with, and it's splendid. Sure, I know about the things that happen in the "real world" and can tell right from wrong, but I really haven't had to make that many decisions on it. I've never been offered drugs or alcohol or cigarettes. (Although I'm sure I'd say no if I were offered.) And I haven't seen firsthand the effects that these things have on people, families, or friends. I have never been around anyone who was intoxicated. I've never been around anyone whose life has been torn apart from drugs or some other dangerous addiction. I don't really "Know" what it's like to see someone throw their life away through substance abuse.
Watching movies, I've come to a certain sense of what is "normal". I have ideas and concepts of what a "normal" person is like and, for the most part, expect that everyone is just as "normal" as everyone else. I recognize different cultures and traditions and religions, but all in all, I think to myself, everyone is really the same.
-Back to the "Mind Blowing Blog"-
And then I stop by that blog. And I see things that make me think. Just seeing his video of him riding the L train at 6:00 in the morning in New York and riding a bike through the streets going from work to home blows my mind! There are people who live in New York and they actually ride trains and they work all night and get home early in the morning. There is a big, busy city there that I personally would be scared to go anywhere in without my mother's permission and a printout of directions from Google maps. And I certainly would never think that anyone would walk to where they need to go! Much less ride a bike!
I guess I never really realized that those people on the streets are actually transporting themselves from home to a job or to school or to a party or from a friend's house back to home or something like that. I never really realized when I watched those movies that Hey, this is actually their form of commute! And I saw that video and I absolutely went nuts with this realization. Why hadn't I thought of that before? Why hadn't I realized? Why am I just now seeing this??
And then this guy whose blog I stopped by, I see that he's not Joe schmo office worker calling a cab to take him to his apartment or to his cubicle. I see that he works in a bar. His culture and surroundings and social life are completely different than anything I've ever seen. I started to realize that maybe not everyone is the same. I guess people are different. And can be unique without being those attention-starved posers you see in the halls of your high school. This whole different "sub-culture" of punk gypsy bands and going to places, and trying to break into "the biz" (my word, not his) of tattoo artistry. This life that he leads is an eye opening view!
Not to say that since reading his blog, I'm now an expert on the world. I'm not. I'm still protected and sheltered here at home. I'm just a little more aware now. And a little less. . . brainwashed by media portrayals.
Needless to say, I'm going to stop by more often.
The Aforementioned Blog: Captain
Thursday, September 4, 2008
My Weekend (well, last weekend)
*BEEEEP*
This is Mary's phone, and even though we have AT&T, we still had no bars in that podunk little town we stayed in during our vacation. So thanks for that call about. . well if anyone had called, I wouldn't have gotten their message.
But seriously, the vacation last weekend was pretty fun. We left home round about 4pm on Friday night, and arrived around 10pm that night to the house we were going to stay at.
The house we stayed at was nice, and we were able to take a tour before we went to bed Friday night. We chose the rooms we wanted to stay in and then explored the rest of the place. It was a cute little house and I wouldn't mind living there at all, but the house was owned by the company my dad works for, and is on the property. It's a guest house for employees like dad who need to commute back and forth from work on the weekends and such.
But it had a pool table, and we all were able to improve our pool skills while we were there. So that was pretty neat. And the plant was a wonderful place for me to take pictures and look around. So I did that once or twice.
Saturday, we woke up early and were out the whole day almost. We looked at houses, and met my sister for lunch in Augusta. I wasn't feeling like being there at all because I'm not too fond of Zaxby's. Especially after I found a bug on the sandwich I ordered. I got a new one, but really didn't think that it made sense. "There was a bug on your last sandwich, so let's get you another and hope there's no bug on it!" Yeesh!
But other than that, Saturday was alright. We had fun playing pool and hanging out at the house.
Sunday we went to church down there, and even though our church really is the same all over, the congregations are definetly not the same all over. There were alot of . . . older people. Talk of dentures and depends littered the conversations I overheard. Although they were awefully nice people, I wish that there had been more people my age around. There was even a college right across the street from the church and there weren't any kids my age around!
Monday, we stopped by the Airspace Museum down in Macon, and I took tons of pictures, etc for my buddy who wants to be a pilot. The museum was pretty interesting!
But I'm way glad to be home, and to have the internet!! And to be back in my own bed, and have an actual signal on my phone (not that anyone calls me, but still). I don't know why it took me so long to post about the trip, but I'm glad I did.
Aaaaand, one more pic, just cuz I like this one.
Was taken in Downtown Macon, GA. The full view is much better. I sure do hope these ones all pop up if you click on them. . . that'd be nice.
This is Mary's phone, and even though we have AT&T, we still had no bars in that podunk little town we stayed in during our vacation. So thanks for that call about. . well if anyone had called, I wouldn't have gotten their message.
But seriously, the vacation last weekend was pretty fun. We left home round about 4pm on Friday night, and arrived around 10pm that night to the house we were going to stay at.
The house we stayed at was nice, and we were able to take a tour before we went to bed Friday night. We chose the rooms we wanted to stay in and then explored the rest of the place. It was a cute little house and I wouldn't mind living there at all, but the house was owned by the company my dad works for, and is on the property. It's a guest house for employees like dad who need to commute back and forth from work on the weekends and such.
But it had a pool table, and we all were able to improve our pool skills while we were there. So that was pretty neat. And the plant was a wonderful place for me to take pictures and look around. So I did that once or twice.Saturday, we woke up early and were out the whole day almost. We looked at houses, and met my sister for lunch in Augusta. I wasn't feeling like being there at all because I'm not too fond of Zaxby's. Especially after I found a bug on the sandwich I ordered. I got a new one, but really didn't think that it made sense. "There was a bug on your last sandwich, so let's get you another and hope there's no bug on it!" Yeesh!
But other than that, Saturday was alright. We had fun playing pool and hanging out at the house.
Sunday we went to church down there, and even though our church really is the same all over, the congregations are definetly not the same all over. There were alot of . . . older people. Talk of dentures and depends littered the conversations I overheard. Although they were awefully nice people, I wish that there had been more people my age around. There was even a college right across the street from the church and there weren't any kids my age around!
Monday, we stopped by the Airspace Museum down in Macon, and I took tons of pictures, etc for my buddy who wants to be a pilot. The museum was pretty interesting!
But I'm way glad to be home, and to have the internet!! And to be back in my own bed, and have an actual signal on my phone (not that anyone calls me, but still). I don't know why it took me so long to post about the trip, but I'm glad I did.
Aaaaand, one more pic, just cuz I like this one.
Was taken in Downtown Macon, GA. The full view is much better. I sure do hope these ones all pop up if you click on them. . . that'd be nice.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Just a photo-dump
Just putting up some pictures I took with my phone!
Enjoy!
When I was giving blood. In case you haven't heard, I am a world record bleeder. On this, my third time giving blood, I bled in 6 minutes! Last time it took around 10. And I had to get poked in both arms before they found a vein! I'm getting better at this!
Yes, Yes it does.
Enjoy!
This Diet Coke was on sale, so mom got 8 12 packs. Don't you be jealous, Dr. A!
One of my favorite Study Skulls. We had to memorize tons of things. It's sitting on the list of terms so that I can't cheat!
When I was giving blood. In case you haven't heard, I am a world record bleeder. On this, my third time giving blood, I bled in 6 minutes! Last time it took around 10. And I had to get poked in both arms before they found a vein! I'm getting better at this!
Yes, Yes it does.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
My turn for the dance party.
Nothing big, just chillin at my ustream.tv site. Just because I've been wanting to try it out. If you guys wanna stop by and hang out, I'll have it going around the same time as Dr. A's last saturday night.
Click Here at 9:00 pm eastern time. If you want your name to show up, you'll have to register with the site. I'll be there with my webcam and there will be a chatroom. If you guys want to stop by to chat, that'll be fine.
I'll put the link up on twitter once I've gotten everything set up tonight, but seeing as some of you aren't on twitter, I'm putting it up here so you can all have the opportunity to drop by.
See you all tonight!
Click Here at 9:00 pm eastern time. If you want your name to show up, you'll have to register with the site. I'll be there with my webcam and there will be a chatroom. If you guys want to stop by to chat, that'll be fine.
I'll put the link up on twitter once I've gotten everything set up tonight, but seeing as some of you aren't on twitter, I'm putting it up here so you can all have the opportunity to drop by.
See you all tonight!
Monday, June 2, 2008
United States Geography
Is apparently my weak point. Who knew that Delaware was not just a river, but a state as well?? Obviously not me.
States I can find on a map:
Georgia- Because it's where I was born.
Tennessee- Because I moved there after GA.
South Carolina- Because it's where I live now.
North Carolina- Because it's right above South Carolina.
Texas- It's huge.
Idaho- Solely because it's where I hope to be going to college soon.
Utah- That's where the hq is.
California- Also huge.
Alaska- It's the only one beside Canada.
Hawaii- It's the only island state.
Florida- Because of it's unique shape and location.
Maine- It's the one at the very top of the East Coast.
Oklahoma- Because of the musical.
Washington- It's in the corner!
I can't name all of them, and I won't even try. But the reason I'm going through this sudden realization of ignorance is because I've been looking at medical schools. I have a book that I've been looking through trying to at least eliminate some of the possibilities.
But I have to consider all sorts of things. Tuition, room and board, all sorts of different percentages, and LOCATION. Now, how am I supposed to figure out if I want to go to medical school in, say, Oregon if I don't even know where it is?? I should be able to visualize these things! I should be able to say "oh, I have family in Southern California, that's close to *looks on a map* Nevada." without the whole "looking at a map" part. It would be awefully nice.
So I've decided to buy a map and get creative. Maybe a color coded index based on the location and maybe even arranged alphabetically?
But I know that as soon as I get that map, I'll be looking at it and trying to memorize where the states are. I used to know all 13 original colonies back when I was in 3rd or 4th grade. But now I can't even name five.
But come on- I was such a nerd back then. . can't you tell?
Look at that sweater.
.
.
.
She's almost laughing at me for not knowing. I can see it.
.
.
.
But that definetly looks like doctor material to me. Definetly.
States I can find on a map:
Georgia- Because it's where I was born.
Tennessee- Because I moved there after GA.
South Carolina- Because it's where I live now.
North Carolina- Because it's right above South Carolina.
Texas- It's huge.
Idaho- Solely because it's where I hope to be going to college soon.
Utah- That's where the hq is.
California- Also huge.
Alaska- It's the only one beside Canada.
Hawaii- It's the only island state.
Florida- Because of it's unique shape and location.
Maine- It's the one at the very top of the East Coast.
Oklahoma- Because of the musical.
Washington- It's in the corner!
I can't name all of them, and I won't even try. But the reason I'm going through this sudden realization of ignorance is because I've been looking at medical schools. I have a book that I've been looking through trying to at least eliminate some of the possibilities.
But I have to consider all sorts of things. Tuition, room and board, all sorts of different percentages, and LOCATION. Now, how am I supposed to figure out if I want to go to medical school in, say, Oregon if I don't even know where it is?? I should be able to visualize these things! I should be able to say "oh, I have family in Southern California, that's close to *looks on a map* Nevada." without the whole "looking at a map" part. It would be awefully nice.
So I've decided to buy a map and get creative. Maybe a color coded index based on the location and maybe even arranged alphabetically?
But I know that as soon as I get that map, I'll be looking at it and trying to memorize where the states are. I used to know all 13 original colonies back when I was in 3rd or 4th grade. But now I can't even name five.
But come on- I was such a nerd back then. . can't you tell?
Look at that sweater.
.
.
.
She's almost laughing at me for not knowing. I can see it.
.
.
.
But that definetly looks like doctor material to me. Definetly.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
I should've listened.
Momma always said to never eat too much candy. I bought a whole lot last night, and the Reese's Pieces were the first target. I'm halfway through the bag as I speak, and I can't stop. I have had them for breakfast, and after lunch and been snacking on them all day. They make me not want to eat normal food. I honesly need to stop eating them like, right now.
I went to a last minute banquet thing at my old high school. It was exciting at first because all of these different people were so excited about seeing me, but I wasn't really excited about any of it. I guess I have moved on. High school nostalgia isn't a problem for me. Which is a good thing. I can't wait to transfer though. I need to hurry the paperwork so that I can send it in and see if I'll be able to get out there by January. I'm hoping to get into a college in Idaho. The opposite corner of the country. But at least I know some people in Washington State, so I won't be to far from a "vacation family" where I can hang out when on break. If mom's fine with it of course.
Another blogtalk radio show tonight with Dr. A and everybody. Let's hope I can have my audio cooperate this time. But if not, I'm sure I'll have a blast in the chatroom anyway like last time. Gosh, everybody in there is just so down to earth! It was amazing! I can't wait for tonight.
I went to a last minute banquet thing at my old high school. It was exciting at first because all of these different people were so excited about seeing me, but I wasn't really excited about any of it. I guess I have moved on. High school nostalgia isn't a problem for me. Which is a good thing. I can't wait to transfer though. I need to hurry the paperwork so that I can send it in and see if I'll be able to get out there by January. I'm hoping to get into a college in Idaho. The opposite corner of the country. But at least I know some people in Washington State, so I won't be to far from a "vacation family" where I can hang out when on break. If mom's fine with it of course.
Another blogtalk radio show tonight with Dr. A and everybody. Let's hope I can have my audio cooperate this time. But if not, I'm sure I'll have a blast in the chatroom anyway like last time. Gosh, everybody in there is just so down to earth! It was amazing! I can't wait for tonight.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Sunburn and the Beach
So I went to the beach on saturday. It was amazing. I guess I haven't been to the beach that often because I didn't know anything!
I was surprised when the water tasted salty. It was the ocean, so why shouldn't it be? But I was surprised anyway. Also, I kept getting knocked over by the waves. It was pretty funny to be standing there and all of the sudden, be sideswiped by a huge wave of water. I wasn't expecting them to be so big!
It took four hours to get there, and we were there from 11:30am-10:00pm and it took five hours to drive back because we decided to take the tricky way. (Which took us into North Carolina).
Anyway, I have sunburn pretty bad, but it's worth it. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. My brain has been fried lately though. Maybe too much sun? But it was alot of fun.
I was surprised when the water tasted salty. It was the ocean, so why shouldn't it be? But I was surprised anyway. Also, I kept getting knocked over by the waves. It was pretty funny to be standing there and all of the sudden, be sideswiped by a huge wave of water. I wasn't expecting them to be so big!
It took four hours to get there, and we were there from 11:30am-10:00pm and it took five hours to drive back because we decided to take the tricky way. (Which took us into North Carolina).
Anyway, I have sunburn pretty bad, but it's worth it. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. My brain has been fried lately though. Maybe too much sun? But it was alot of fun.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
The Hair Chair and the Doc Box
My nephew, yesterday, was having trouble at school. He wasn't listening to his teacher or participating in the lesson, and he refused to clean up a mess that he had made. So his teacher, unwilling to deal with it at the time, sent him home. When he walked in the door with his mother, she looked at me, and momma, and said: "Any job you need doing? Him." So while momma pondered over what she might get him to do, I said "I need to clean my room!" And so his mother sent him downstairs to my room with me to get started.
We started by the door, where the bookshelf was, and worked our way around the room, while I would tell him to put certain stuff here, and certain stuff there. He had trouble at first, because he didn't really know where to put random things like bobby pins or hair clips or my Atlas of Nephrology. I had a toy box, for all of my nifty toys to go in, and a laundrey basket for the clothes on the floor, so those weren't a problem. But I had to make something for him that he'd be able to remember where certain other things went.
Thus came into existance the Hair Chair, Doc Box, Pin Tin, and a few others like "The box of stuff that doesn't need to be in Mary's room"
Hair Chair- The chair on which to put any stray bobby pins, hair brushes, hair ribbons, or scrunchies.
Doc Box- The box in which all of my medically related books go in, also anything that has to do with being a doctor. Ex.- toy bear that pretends to be a doctor, stethescope, those scrubs I wore last halloween, etc.
Pin Tin- Where all the wall tacks go. I mean, sure, they're not really pins, but it was the thought that counts.
"The box of stuff that doesn't need to be in Mary's room"- Well, that's pretty self explanitory.
So it took a few hours, and several plastic bags full of junk I was willing to part with, and my room was finally pretty close to clean. My nephew even started to do things without me telling him! And when I would have to ask him, his response was a surprising "yes ma'm!!" How amazing! I've never gotten one of those from him!
So, after a bit, we go upstairs because we both need a well-deserved bathroom/lunch break, and his mother tells him that since it's 2:00 (the time his school gets out), and he would've been out of school by now, that he is done being a little cleaning boy.
I'm sort of dissappointed, because I wasn't done cleaning. But I go ahead and start to make myself lunch anyway.
So I'm in the middle of making myself a ham & swiss on wheat with all the goodies, he comes right up next to me, and asks me to make him a sandwich. Now, his mother is right in the living room, so I really don't see why he wants me to do it. I tell him this, and he goes to ask her. He comes back to me, and says "she says yes" . As if I now have permission to make him a sandwich. I tell him I kind of thought that mommy was going to make him a sandwich, and he groans that he wants me to make it! That was weird. He's never wanted me to make him anything. So, me and mommy do rock, paper, scissors to see who gets to make hims a sandwich. And to his joy, I won. I don't mind, though, because honestly, how hard is it to make a Cinnamon sandwich? Two pieces of bread, some butter, and some cinnamon.
So both sandwiches made, I was about to put his on a little animal face plate thingy. I forgot what they were called. Zoopals? Anyway, he says "No! I want the same plate as you!!" So I get him the same plate, the same size cup, and get us both a glass of strawberry milk, filled to exactly the same height. No more complaining.
So it's pretty nice that we were buddies like that for at least a little while. Once dinner rolled around, he was back to normal. But at least my room is cleaned. And I have to say, it looks pretty darn good.
We started by the door, where the bookshelf was, and worked our way around the room, while I would tell him to put certain stuff here, and certain stuff there. He had trouble at first, because he didn't really know where to put random things like bobby pins or hair clips or my Atlas of Nephrology. I had a toy box, for all of my nifty toys to go in, and a laundrey basket for the clothes on the floor, so those weren't a problem. But I had to make something for him that he'd be able to remember where certain other things went.
Thus came into existance the Hair Chair, Doc Box, Pin Tin, and a few others like "The box of stuff that doesn't need to be in Mary's room"
Hair Chair- The chair on which to put any stray bobby pins, hair brushes, hair ribbons, or scrunchies.
Doc Box- The box in which all of my medically related books go in, also anything that has to do with being a doctor. Ex.- toy bear that pretends to be a doctor, stethescope, those scrubs I wore last halloween, etc.
Pin Tin- Where all the wall tacks go. I mean, sure, they're not really pins, but it was the thought that counts.
"The box of stuff that doesn't need to be in Mary's room"- Well, that's pretty self explanitory.
So it took a few hours, and several plastic bags full of junk I was willing to part with, and my room was finally pretty close to clean. My nephew even started to do things without me telling him! And when I would have to ask him, his response was a surprising "yes ma'm!!" How amazing! I've never gotten one of those from him!
So, after a bit, we go upstairs because we both need a well-deserved bathroom/lunch break, and his mother tells him that since it's 2:00 (the time his school gets out), and he would've been out of school by now, that he is done being a little cleaning boy.
I'm sort of dissappointed, because I wasn't done cleaning. But I go ahead and start to make myself lunch anyway.
So I'm in the middle of making myself a ham & swiss on wheat with all the goodies, he comes right up next to me, and asks me to make him a sandwich. Now, his mother is right in the living room, so I really don't see why he wants me to do it. I tell him this, and he goes to ask her. He comes back to me, and says "she says yes" . As if I now have permission to make him a sandwich. I tell him I kind of thought that mommy was going to make him a sandwich, and he groans that he wants me to make it! That was weird. He's never wanted me to make him anything. So, me and mommy do rock, paper, scissors to see who gets to make hims a sandwich. And to his joy, I won. I don't mind, though, because honestly, how hard is it to make a Cinnamon sandwich? Two pieces of bread, some butter, and some cinnamon.
So both sandwiches made, I was about to put his on a little animal face plate thingy. I forgot what they were called. Zoopals? Anyway, he says "No! I want the same plate as you!!" So I get him the same plate, the same size cup, and get us both a glass of strawberry milk, filled to exactly the same height. No more complaining.
So it's pretty nice that we were buddies like that for at least a little while. Once dinner rolled around, he was back to normal. But at least my room is cleaned. And I have to say, it looks pretty darn good.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Bad Semester and Crazy People.
I got Amazing grades on my Medical Terminology and Anatomy and Physiology classes. I failed both biology 102 and math 110. I just dropped the ball I guess. I'm going to have to do better next time. For biology, nothing clicked unless I compared it to human stuff. Which was great when we were in the Animal Section, but my teacher was a crazy plant lady and only focused on the animal diversity for about two and a half weeks.
Anyway, I'm ticked off about it. But on the positive side, the unofficial transcript tells me I made a D in bio 102. I'm not sure it means it, and I know I don't deserve it, but I'm fine with getting it!
SCARY STORY TIME!!!!!!
Okay, so I have a neighbor about two houses down (which, in cul-de-sac terms means right across the street from me!!!) who I've suspected of being a CIA Agent for the lo
ngest time. I went to a birthday party friday night (had my own on saturday night, but I'll leave that until after the spooky story) for a friend who was turning 40. The theme was 80's and I had no idea until I showed up. So, resorceful person that I am, I took my pony tail out and put it back in on the side of my head!
ngest time. I went to a birthday party friday night (had my own on saturday night, but I'll leave that until after the spooky story) for a friend who was turning 40. The theme was 80's and I had no idea until I showed up. So, resorceful person that I am, I took my pony tail out and put it back in on the side of my head!( Soooo 80's, right?) And tied myself a headband like those ones that "rocker" guys always used to wear in the 80's. Mack on Saturday's Warrior comes to my mind when I wear it like that. Anyway, so there I was, coming home from the party at 11:00 at night, right? And my neighbors are having one of their "public intoxication/keep the kids up all night" parties that they love so much. So I pull up, and CIA Neighbor comes right up to my car door and waits for me to get out.
I'm freaking out, because he's probably drunk and he's in the CIA. So I open the door and throw a very polite yet airy "hey!" his way. He puts on his "I work for the government, so I am in charge" hat on, and asks:
"So, y'think you're going a little fast this evening?".
Why no, officer, do you think you've been being a little bald this evening?
"I was going the speed limit."
"No you weren't! We all saw you pulling in here!"
Yes, but you have all been drinking and keeping your kids up too late as well.
Seems like your judgement skills are impared.
"25 is the speed limit in the neighborhood, right? I was going 25"
"Ummm, no you weren't."
Ah, taking the comeback quality back to high school? Don't mind if I do!
Here, I sigh heavily and roll my eyes, and go "pshhhh" so fast, you'd think I'd have just let the air out of someone's tires.
"Oh, oh! You can go ahead and roll your eyes, miss- WHO ARE YOU ANYWAY??"
I really was going to answer, really. But he's too fast.
"D-d-d-d-d'you even l-live here??!!?!" In pops Haley Joel Osment to throw around a few smart aleck remarks "St-st-stuttering St-stanley!" and maybe a touch of Adam Sandler "T-t-today, Junior!"
Nah, I actually live in the house behind this one, I'm just passing through
so that I won't have to go all the way around.
"Yes, I do." lame, I know, but lame questions deserve lame answers.
"Well good! Because I'm going to talk to your parents in the morning!"
If you can even remember, oh, and
good luck getting past that hangover!
"Alright, fine!"
Here, I'd like to note that he never actually came over. Maybe he forgot, maybe he had to go kill somebody, and maybe he realized that he sounded like a retard, but whatever the reason, he never showed. Sounds like we have one playground bully that can't follow through with threats. If he wants to meet at the flagpole after school, I expect him to be at that flagpole after school! None of that "I hear my mom calling, your off the leash" junk! No! I wanna see some follow-through, not some wimp-out!
Anyway, so I've decided that next time, I won't even get out of the car. I'll stay there all night if I have to. Let him stand there all night, I have a place to sleep. I've slept in that car before, I can do it again. It's a matter of will. But chances are, he'll get frustrated and leave after about ten minutes. Either to go home or to talk to my parents no matter what time of night it is, I dunno. But I'm never opening the car door again when there's a strange, bald, scary looking drunk standing there. I'll call someone from inside the car to come help or I'll drive somewhere else and stay the night there.
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