Be happy Sparky, I'm going to talk about Alaska =)
For maybe the only person in the world who doesn't know that I went to Alaska for Philip's wedding, here we go!
[Note: for those of you unfamiliar with my nickname terminology, I sometimes address people in my life as "Sparky"; While in college, Philip in return started calling me Sparky and we've been calling each other Sparky ever since. Others have taken up this mantle and call me Sparky as well and I will respond to them in kind when addressed as "Sparky." For the purposes of this post, however, "Sparky" shall be in reference to a certain Philip Walters. This is my nickname for him -- if you want to call him something other than Philip, come up with your own nickname. As his lovely wife, Jamie is the only person who is exempt from this Sparky rule should she be inclined to also call him Sparky =)]
Anyway....
Sparky told me that he was going to propose -- I told him I would do whatever I could to be at his wedding. He told me, don't worry, I won't be getting married till a year from this summer, giving me plenty of time to save for the trip. To no surprise to me, he later told me he was engaged. What was surprising was that he was going to get married a the end of this summer. I'm not going to lie, I had a moment of panic. But hey, that's what stimulus checks are for.... I have to thank the U.S. Government for the trip of a lifetime. Without their generous $600 support, I would not have been able to finance my trip to Alaska and see Philip marry the love of his life.
And with that, I am tired. Tune in next time for actual details about my Alaska trip, including what actually happened as opposed to the details involved pre-trip.....
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Small Victories
I'm always talking or thinking about changing my life, about making better changes, about getting out of ruts. I always feel like I'm wishing I was a better person, more organized, got more sleep, was a better friend, that I wasn't lazy, that I wasn't late to anything, etc.
Today I woke up early and went to Kauffman Tire -- got my oil changed, tail light replaced, alignment done, two tires replaced (I have been putting this off). I did a little extra groccery shopping. I then went back to my apartment and met Beth there. I watched football with her and made lunch -- fajita chicken salad. I cooked the chicken and chopped all the veggies and laid everything out buffet-style for people to pick their toppings.
Last weekend I finally hung some paintings and did some more organizing. I cleaned out part of my car. Today I set up my wireless router and installed wireless capabilities on my desktop computer and am typing this via a wireless secured connection from my laptop. I reogranized my files and did laundry.
These activities may sound mundane and general, but they are the things I never get done. Despite my best intentions, I do not get things done. I'm working on it. Monday is for getting things dry cleaned and alterations done to all the pants I've bought that are too long for me to wear without being hemmed....
Today I woke up early and went to Kauffman Tire -- got my oil changed, tail light replaced, alignment done, two tires replaced (I have been putting this off). I did a little extra groccery shopping. I then went back to my apartment and met Beth there. I watched football with her and made lunch -- fajita chicken salad. I cooked the chicken and chopped all the veggies and laid everything out buffet-style for people to pick their toppings.
Last weekend I finally hung some paintings and did some more organizing. I cleaned out part of my car. Today I set up my wireless router and installed wireless capabilities on my desktop computer and am typing this via a wireless secured connection from my laptop. I reogranized my files and did laundry.
These activities may sound mundane and general, but they are the things I never get done. Despite my best intentions, I do not get things done. I'm working on it. Monday is for getting things dry cleaned and alterations done to all the pants I've bought that are too long for me to wear without being hemmed....
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
I feel lost
I feel a little lost lately. Like I don't really know where my life is going, that I'm just sort of floundering. I'm a spectator in my own life. I'm always thinking I'm going to enact change and then.... here I am, still wanting to enact change.
I finally hung a few painting at my apartment; that was a start. I also became a notary (only took me 2 1/2 years).
Whatever. I must be the change I want to see in the world. Yeah yeah, Gandhi, I know....
I open the forum to the multitudes. How can I better my life? Seriously, I want suggestions. I spend 3 hours every two weeks cleaning/loving at a cat shelter. Any other charitable/non-profit organizations you think I should get involved with?
How is everyone else physically active? What is a good use of spare time? What can I do that is productive when I'm bored at work?
I need direction. Someone give me a few compass points.....
I finally hung a few painting at my apartment; that was a start. I also became a notary (only took me 2 1/2 years).
Whatever. I must be the change I want to see in the world. Yeah yeah, Gandhi, I know....
I open the forum to the multitudes. How can I better my life? Seriously, I want suggestions. I spend 3 hours every two weeks cleaning/loving at a cat shelter. Any other charitable/non-profit organizations you think I should get involved with?
How is everyone else physically active? What is a good use of spare time? What can I do that is productive when I'm bored at work?
I need direction. Someone give me a few compass points.....
Saturday, November 1, 2008
College Football Picks for the Day
And, here are my picks for today's college football games. I'll admit, some of them seem a long shot based on the statistics, but maybe I just have a feeling....
No. 1 Texas at No. 7 Texas Tech: Texas Tech
Arkansas State at No. 2 Alabama: Alabama
Nebraska at No. 4 Oklahoma: Oklahoma
Washington at No. 5 USC: Washington
(this pick is more out of hope because USC should not get a free pass for the rest of the season when their one loss was badly to Oklahoma St.
No. 8 Florida vs. No. 6 Georgia: Geogia
(but then, when would I not pick Georgia?)
Iowa State at No. 9 Oklahoma State: Oklahoma State
No. 10 Utah at New Mexico: New Mexico
No. 11 Boise State at New Mexico State: Boise State
No. 13 TCU at UNLV: UNLV
No. 14 Missouri at Baylor: Missouri
No. 15 Florida State at Georgia Tech: Georgia Tech
Northwestern at No. 17 Minnesota: Minnesota
No. 18 Tulsa at Arkansas: Arkansas
Tulane at No. 19 LSU: LSU
No. 20 BYU at Colorado State: Colorado State
Wisconsin at No. 21 Michigan State: Wisconsin
No. 23 South Florida at Cincinnati: Cincinnati
No. 24 Oregon at California: California
West Virginia at No. 25 Connecticut: West Virginia
No. 1 Texas at No. 7 Texas Tech: Texas Tech
Arkansas State at No. 2 Alabama: Alabama
Nebraska at No. 4 Oklahoma: Oklahoma
Washington at No. 5 USC: Washington
(this pick is more out of hope because USC should not get a free pass for the rest of the season when their one loss was badly to Oklahoma St.
No. 8 Florida vs. No. 6 Georgia: Geogia
(but then, when would I not pick Georgia?)
Iowa State at No. 9 Oklahoma State: Oklahoma State
No. 10 Utah at New Mexico: New Mexico
No. 11 Boise State at New Mexico State: Boise State
No. 13 TCU at UNLV: UNLV
No. 14 Missouri at Baylor: Missouri
No. 15 Florida State at Georgia Tech: Georgia Tech
Northwestern at No. 17 Minnesota: Minnesota
No. 18 Tulsa at Arkansas: Arkansas
Tulane at No. 19 LSU: LSU
No. 20 BYU at Colorado State: Colorado State
Wisconsin at No. 21 Michigan State: Wisconsin
No. 23 South Florida at Cincinnati: Cincinnati
No. 24 Oregon at California: California
West Virginia at No. 25 Connecticut: West Virginia
Monday, October 6, 2008
Ultimate Rejection letter
The Ultimate Rejection Letter
Herbert A. Millington
Chair - Search Committee
412A Clarkson Hall, Whitson University
College Hill, MA 34109
Dear Professor Millington,
Thank you for your letter of March 16. After careful consideration, I regret to inform you that I am unable to accept your refusal to offer me an assistant professor position in your department.
This year I have been particularly fortunate in receiving an unusually large number of rejection letters. With such a varied and promising field of candidates, it is impossible for me to accept all refusals.
Despite Whitson's outstanding qualifications and previous experience in rejecting applicants, I find that your rejection does not meet my needs at this time. Therefore, I will assume the position of assistant professor in your department this August. I look forward to seeing you then. Best of luck in rejecting future applicants.
Sincerely,
Chris L. Jensen
Herbert A. Millington
Chair - Search Committee
412A Clarkson Hall, Whitson University
College Hill, MA 34109
Dear Professor Millington,
Thank you for your letter of March 16. After careful consideration, I regret to inform you that I am unable to accept your refusal to offer me an assistant professor position in your department.
This year I have been particularly fortunate in receiving an unusually large number of rejection letters. With such a varied and promising field of candidates, it is impossible for me to accept all refusals.
Despite Whitson's outstanding qualifications and previous experience in rejecting applicants, I find that your rejection does not meet my needs at this time. Therefore, I will assume the position of assistant professor in your department this August. I look forward to seeing you then. Best of luck in rejecting future applicants.
Sincerely,
Chris L. Jensen
Reading Paulo Coelho and Hot Library Smut
Though I am constantly buying both new and used books, I am not a constant reader. It's like I forget I can read in getting so caught up in acquiring books. They make me happy just by being here, just by being published. Bookstores are quiet sanctuaries to me -- places of peace.
I just finished Tuesday Erotica Club which sounds like erotic literature but isn't. The book discusses sex a bit but the story is really about 4 different women in a writing club and their lives. Now I'm on to By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept by Paulo Coelho.
I remember the first time I saw Beauty and the Beast (the animated film). The library in the Beast's mansion was heaven. I could never imagine having that many books to read. And so I identified best with Belle than any other Disney "Princess" because we both had long brown hair, and liked to sing, and LOVED books. And, like her, I always found myself very misunderstood by the general public.
My dream library in the mansion I will never have includes a library almost identical to the one in Beauty and the Beast -- all hardback or leatherbound books. Books on top of books from floor to ceiling with those ceiling-high climbing ladders attached to the bookshelves for easy access.
I thought I may never see anything like that library but it seems that even Disney gets its inspiration from somewhere.
http://thenonist.com/index.php/thenonist/permalink/hot_library_smut/
The above is HAUGHT. Some of the prettiest libraries in the world. I thought I had enough reasons to want to travel the world -- turns out I only perpetually add to the stack. I must go to these libraries.
I realized randomly tonight why I don't like being around drunk people. Losing control is such a giant fear of mine and the idea of being drunk has never appealed to me. It's like not being able to be myself. And when other people are drunk, it's like I can't see them anymore. I just have to wait until they come back. You'd think that something awful had happened to me involving alcohol but nothing ever has. Maybe one too many after school specials about the issues involving drinking got to me as a kid as there was no alcohol in my parents' house.
That being said, I don't have a problem when people drink. But it makes me afraid.
I just finished Tuesday Erotica Club which sounds like erotic literature but isn't. The book discusses sex a bit but the story is really about 4 different women in a writing club and their lives. Now I'm on to By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept by Paulo Coelho.
I remember the first time I saw Beauty and the Beast (the animated film). The library in the Beast's mansion was heaven. I could never imagine having that many books to read. And so I identified best with Belle than any other Disney "Princess" because we both had long brown hair, and liked to sing, and LOVED books. And, like her, I always found myself very misunderstood by the general public.
My dream library in the mansion I will never have includes a library almost identical to the one in Beauty and the Beast -- all hardback or leatherbound books. Books on top of books from floor to ceiling with those ceiling-high climbing ladders attached to the bookshelves for easy access.
I thought I may never see anything like that library but it seems that even Disney gets its inspiration from somewhere.
http://thenonist.com/index.php/thenonist/permalink/hot_library_smut/
The above is HAUGHT. Some of the prettiest libraries in the world. I thought I had enough reasons to want to travel the world -- turns out I only perpetually add to the stack. I must go to these libraries.
I realized randomly tonight why I don't like being around drunk people. Losing control is such a giant fear of mine and the idea of being drunk has never appealed to me. It's like not being able to be myself. And when other people are drunk, it's like I can't see them anymore. I just have to wait until they come back. You'd think that something awful had happened to me involving alcohol but nothing ever has. Maybe one too many after school specials about the issues involving drinking got to me as a kid as there was no alcohol in my parents' house.
That being said, I don't have a problem when people drink. But it makes me afraid.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
A Bird
Kim, the receptionist, called me from her desk today after lunch. "There's a bird that flew into the window!"
She called me up to the front to take a look and see if I could help it, first asking me if I was afraid of birds. I don't normally consider myself an expert on birds, but I went to the front to see what I could do.
The bird was lying on the ground on its side and breathing heavily. When I approached it, it didn't seem to notice my presence. Even though Sam was on the other side of the door telling me not to touch it, I lightly stroked its head. It made no sign that it knew of my presence. I stood outside with it for a while staring at it, praying.
Sam was joking that I was just staring at a bird but I didn't want to leave it. Kim and I monitored the bird's progress for a while. Eventually, without warning, it rolled onto its feet and sat straight up, eyes closed. It stayed that way for two hours, occasionally opening and closing its beak or slightly moving its wings.
Just as Kim called me to tell me my boss was fine with me taking it to a wildlife sanctuary in a TG box, Joel was outside moving it into the bushes by sliding a newspaper under it. Complete with glove, Joel moved the bird. As he did the moment was priceless. The bird opened its eyes for the first time that we had noticed and turned its head to watch Joel as he moved him. He fluttered his wings a bit and flew/fell slowly into the bushes. Joel was met by a round of applause/happy noises from the haphazard group of employees assembled at the front of the building to watch.
Joel is the hero of the day.
She called me up to the front to take a look and see if I could help it, first asking me if I was afraid of birds. I don't normally consider myself an expert on birds, but I went to the front to see what I could do.
The bird was lying on the ground on its side and breathing heavily. When I approached it, it didn't seem to notice my presence. Even though Sam was on the other side of the door telling me not to touch it, I lightly stroked its head. It made no sign that it knew of my presence. I stood outside with it for a while staring at it, praying.
Sam was joking that I was just staring at a bird but I didn't want to leave it. Kim and I monitored the bird's progress for a while. Eventually, without warning, it rolled onto its feet and sat straight up, eyes closed. It stayed that way for two hours, occasionally opening and closing its beak or slightly moving its wings.
Just as Kim called me to tell me my boss was fine with me taking it to a wildlife sanctuary in a TG box, Joel was outside moving it into the bushes by sliding a newspaper under it. Complete with glove, Joel moved the bird. As he did the moment was priceless. The bird opened its eyes for the first time that we had noticed and turned its head to watch Joel as he moved him. He fluttered his wings a bit and flew/fell slowly into the bushes. Joel was met by a round of applause/happy noises from the haphazard group of employees assembled at the front of the building to watch.
Joel is the hero of the day.
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