t4yt4m

Discoveries about Girly Stuff

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 18:37:36 GMT

So in the past few days, girly thoughts have entered my mind from time to time (and they don't seem to leave).

Luckily the thought of bambinos still scares me - but that doesn't change what's entered my mind in the past few days.

I wish I could blame a lack of home work on these thoughts - but the reality is that I seem to be distracting myself with these thoughts, and have plenty of work to do to keep me busy.

I can't say what started this rush of girly-ness. But it's started, and doesn't seem to be stopping (god help us).

It was discussed a few days ago with Em why people insist on dragging out the planning of a wedding. With all other major decisions, we tend to decide (ie: I want a new car), research (ie: I want one that goes, doesn't cost lost of money, comes in turquoise and doesn't drink gas with a straw), and execute (ie: I like the Prius, I can afford it, I will go buy it - and get it in light blue, as it doesn't come in turquoise). We don't drag out the process longer than really necessary. So why do we do so with weddings?
Aside from the nice thought of inviting everyone you've ever met or shared a bus ride with - and wanting to give them plenty of time to get off of work and get to your location, what's the point. And what's the point of inviting everyone you've ever met anyways... Yes, there are some people who would be key to any major event in my life - those people know who they are, but really - do I need to invite my mother's best friend's sister there? Do I need to invite crazy aunt Ester and her friends from the convent - considering I see them all of once or twice a year, they don't know who I've been dating (they can't remember), and don't really know what I'm in school doing?
Em and I came up with the only logical reason for drawing out the wedding planning process - to prove to mommy and daddy that you are a responsible adult, can make your own decisions, and are not just doing this because you got knocked up last week. By extending the wedding planning process out to longer than 9 months, you prove that you are doing this for "really important" reasons, and not just because someone didn't get to the pharmacy in time for Plan B (which, by the way, was a sponsor for the TLC airing of the Duggar family wedding last night - which I watched).

So because one now has to extend the planning time of this event that may last anywhere from 15 minutes to a handful of hours (including post event food and drinks) - people are expected to fill every moment with planning. As none of us have any real experience at planning events for this long, we must revert back to a place in time when we could all ramble on and on for hours on end about "a shade of peach", and people considered the rambling to be "normal". Enter, our 5 year old self.
As our 5 year old self is the only entity that knows how to go on and on (not unlike this entry), we must succumb to the 5 year old's dreams and desires (as well as some realities).

A few facts about 5 year old girls:
They all love anything fuzzy/fluffy - this includes ponies, kitties, and puppies
Thye all love things that float - birds, ducks, balloons, bubbles, etc
They all love bright colors - anything bright and bold, 5 year olds love
They all love princesses - disney or otherwise, all girls love princesses
They should all love flowers - why, I don't know, but it's an assumption on the part of marketing
They all love candy - hard candies, soft candies, cake, icing, ice cream - anything that is sweet, the messier the better
They all love to pretend to be adults - fancy parties, invitations, RSVPing, the works
They cannot write - so they revert to the fictitious inner adult who uses words like "thou", "request", "proclaim", "beset", "bequeath", and others
The all have a security item - be it a doll, a stuffed animal, a bracelet, or most common - a blanket. No matter the item, it is typically drug around behind the 5 year old everywhere, particularly if the location/event is "scary"

Because our inner 5 year old is planning what is argued (lamely) as the biggest day of our adult lives, we end up with this:
Riding in on a horse drawn carriage
Walking down an aisle (because it's as close to a grand staircase princess entrance most of us will ever get) holding flowers (because let's face it 5 year olds are smelly - so we as adults in this event, must also be smelly)
Promising various things to a person, typically using words that we still don't understand (and our 5 year old self really doesn't get these words) - "obey", "submit", "vow", "unto", "forsaking", "onto", etc
Running away from the crowd once released (because that's what 5 year olds do)
Eating sugary foods (woot for cake)
Dancing like we imagine adults should dance like (as people tend to be too ashamed/embarrassed to let the real 5 year old dance stylings out)
Receiving gifts from those who came to your event (because what event is complete without gifts)
All the while, wearing a big poofy "princess" dress (as our 5 year old self's only fashion sense comes from the Disney princesses), which is conveniently constructed with a built in security blanket that we can drag around on this very scary day.

Because this event is not planned in an adult manner, we do not get adult input. No where in this plan is the impromptu dash to the store/closet to find the most killer dress that actually shows off and flatters your girly bits, some attractive undergarments (because we all would love an excuse to wear classy undergarments), and perhaps a few phone calls to update the family on your plans (or perhaps that can wait until next week).
If adults planned this "momentous" event, it would be perhaps a bit boring, but it would be down and dirty - planning might take a week, maybe a month if we really wanted to find a killer dress (or had to wait for kick ass undergarments to arrive in the mail) - but above all, it would reflect our adult self (the one that our other decided that they want to live with). It would reflect our whole self: the dressy, the formal, the informal, the offbeat, the serious, the educated, the creative, and perhaps, even a bit of the sexual side of us.

Don't ask me what will happen when it is time for me to duke it out with my 5 year old self. I can't guarantee that I won't succumb to some of her desires (I mean, who doesn't love hot pink, black, and polka dots), but I can say this: "I find nothing attractive or sexy about dragging a few yards of fabric behind your butt" - as an adult, you should be comfortable enough with the people around you, and the person joining you to not have to drag around a damn security blanket.

PS: I was going to submit you all to the torture of ugly wedding decisions - but, while some things are not in my taste, the reality is that for those who picked these items - they work. These items make some people very happy, and my adult self is drawing the line - and recognizes that there are differences in taste, and it is not my place to dis someone's design or choices.

Running election results

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 03:11:29 GMT

Arizona - Fuck you for voting for the ban of gay marriage by a current rate of 56% to 44%.

Arkansas - Fuck you for voting to keep gay couples from adopting children by a current rate of 57% to 43%

California -

Colorado - Thank you for voting down the new definition of when personhood starts

Florida - Fuck you for voting for the ban of gay marriage by a current rate of 62% to 38%

Michigan - Way to go on passing medical marijuana.

Missouri - Thank you for voting to require state to produce 15 percent of its electricity from clean energy by 2021

Minnesota - THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for passing the sales tax amendment to help fund my JOB.

South Dakota - Thank you for voting down the abortion measure

Washington State - Thank you for voting to support doctor assisted suicide. Though I still do not think of it as "suicide".

"Liberalism wins in the long run"

"Oprah is in the area"

Nation: Thank you for believing in Bambam.

Branching Out

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 16:59:46 GMT

On the recommendation of the boy (and some motivation to never have him repeat the same recommendation to me again) - I worked on "branching out" today. Went to buy my chai latte at the B&N cafe (with a gift card that just doesn't seem to run out... we don't know how much money is on it - all we know every day is that it's "more than $5 left on it") and ended up going past the college democrats/students for bambam table - talked to a guy there and apologized for having already voted. He was ok with that idea (and the concept of Franken for senate) and got me to sign up to help them out with stuff and to poss. go watch the debate tomorrow night.

See, I can branch out - it just takes some political motivation, and the right people working the table to get me to do it.

Speaking of political motivation -
Should you be in a bind and need to know how to vote, one option is to look at the list of endorsements each candidate has received, particularly those from musicians - select the person who has the better play list potential. And just in case you need some numbers:

Bambam - 124 musician endorsements ranging from Rap (50 Cent, Usher, Sean Combs/Puff Daddy/P. Diddy/Diddy), Soul, Country (Merle Haggard, Kris Kristopherson, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Etc), Jazz (Squirrel Nut Zippers), Rock, "Punk" (Green Day, Good Charlotte, Etc), Radio Favorites (Goo Goo Dolls), "Indi/Emo" (Death Cab, Wilco, Etc), Classic Rock (CSN&Y, GD, Springsteen, Etc), and many others.

Maverick - 3 musician endorsements. These are from: Pat Boone (1950s covers of African American R&B - "Ain't That a Shame"), Daddy Yankee (Latin Grammy Winner, Puerto Rican reggaeton), and John Ondrasik (Five for Fighting).

Needless to say, one has a far larger music library - thus why the "Go Bambam Go" mix is currently at 433 songs and no where near done.

No matter who you vote for this year, just remember to do it.

Teenage Babies Having Babies on Tyra

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 21:59:01 GMT

A running synopsis of things heard on The Tyra Show today.

Babies and baby-bumps are fashion accessories

Babies will get your ex-boyfriend back (and keep your 15 year old boyfriend with you)

Tyra: "Why do you want to have a baby?"
Kid (14): "Well, I love kids, I'm around them a lot so I know how hard it is to change their diapers, and feed them and take care of them. That and I think baby showers are fun."
Tyra: "Baby showers... They are about 2 hours. You want to get pregnant for a 2 hour long party, a moment? You could just as well have a birthday party."

Tyra: "How much money do you think it takes per year to raise a baby?"
Kid (14): "Thousands"
Tyra: "Give me an exact number - how many thousands?"
Kid: "7?"
Tyra: "Try 4 or 5 times that much. I think you got a lot to learn"

In an effort to get pregnant - a 14 year old has had sex w/ 3 boys with "sometimes protection"

Tyra: "Are you trying to get pregnant now, meaning unprotected sex"
Kid (14): "Kinda yeah".
Mom: "Not any more"

Tyra: "You just spoke of having two abortions like you had a ham sandwich and a soda yesterday."

Tyra: "You thought it was the flu, but it was a miscarriage? Does it even feel like the flu?"

Tyra: "How much money do you think it takes per year to raise a baby?"
Kid (13 - who is 4 months pregnant): "Do I have insurance?"
Tyra: "How much?"
Kid (13): "12 thousand."
Tyra: "12 thousand, to raise a baby and pay your rent?"
Kid (13): "Oh... I didn't think about that."

"I trust him because I've known him for two years before starting to date him" - about new bf who isn't baby-daddy.

"I was looking for the guy to have a baby with" "I thought I would get welfare, and there is a thing in my state - legal aid - to get an apartment and pay for things. I could still go to school, and take the baby there. I thought it would be nice to be out on my own and not have any rules." - Kid (16 and 7 months pregnant) - if she could do it all again, "I wouldn't have gotten pregnant at all"

Tyra: "I'm shocked that nobody has brought up disease... Do you guys ever think about disease, you say he didn't use a condom because you want to have a baby. Did you ever think about dying?"

Tyra: "You guys say it was a heat of the moment thing, like it's an oops, but it's a lifetime oops."

Tyra: "I'm going to be really honest right now - A lot of you guys sound stupid. You sound dumb... You guys are not playing with a full deck right now because you are just dumb teenagers."

Wow... These kids are dumb. I realized that kids are stupid, and fully admit to doing some dumb things in my life, but wow - these guys are just far dumber than I realized was possible.

Sun, 07 Sep 2008 18:24:25 GMT

Fall is not quite upon us - but I have rediscovered the wonders of the smells of fall. Yes, the smell of decaying leafs - it's wonderful. I highly suggest that people go away from fall leafs for one year to realize how great the smell is.

Scanning slides - 2 down, 74 to go.

Update #3

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:42:31 GMT

Run down of the past week:
Shipped the remainder of my stuff from SAV
Finished working at CWH
Flew home
Went to a Preserve Minneapolis morning event in one of the coolest spaces ever - Mill City Museum
Continued the anti-tv adventure - no slip ups this past week, so only 3 extra days added to the month thus far.

Movie run down thus far (not in order of viewing):
Harold and Maude - 7/10 (or 4/5 on Netflix) - good movie, Maude reminds me of the crazy hippie aunts (makes me slightly worried for the future), but it didn't age too well (in comparison to other 1970s movies)

Chinatown - 9/10 (or 5/5 on Netflix) - great movie, due to a prior viewing of The Shining, JJ Gittes = Jack Torrance, which is a little disturbing and makes the movie an interesting watch, aged far better than Harold and Maude (then again, it's a period piece).

Paper Clips - 9/10 (or 5/5 on Netflix) - great documentary about sheltered middle schoolers in rural TN learning about the Holocaust, and collecting 6,000,000 paper clips, makes you remember the concept of "love" rising out of "hate".

One Flew Over the Coocoo's Nest - 8/10 (or 5/5 on Netflix) - No summary needed, as I think I may have been one of the only people to have not seen the movie. Thought it was good - another movie that I didn't find myself checking how much more time was left in the movie (more so surprised at how quickly the time passed).

Taxi Driver - 1/10 (or 1/5 on Netflix) - Movie was so bad I didn't feel bad that I had to answer the phone and take a reservation, and then continued to check the email and call my brother. I didn't even finish it - I let the movie finish running while I did other things out of the room.

Jaws - 7/10 (or 4/5 on Netflix) - Yes, "Bruce" is slightly cheesy looking, but the acting was actually good. It seemed to age far better than some movies from the 70s - perhaps because it played into my fear of large swimming things eating me.

OT: Our Town - 7/10 (or 4/5 on Netflix) - decent documentary. Has issues in terms of camera quality - but that's what happens when you decide to film the first theatrical production at a Compton high school in 20 years: you can't be walking in with totally awesome equipment and let them suffer with not real stage/lights/costumes/theater.

more later when I get another movie (today's delivery is scheduled to be The Grapes of Wrath)

Report number 2

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:00:32 GMT

Second update on the "no tv" mission:

Slipped up this week a bit - twice in two days. Though I saw it was within reason (or perhaps weakness). First, the BF and family all left on the same day - leaving me effectivly alone in SAV - in the rain. I ate some dinner and watched an episode of CSI. Then last night, I had to watch BamBam clench the nomination - moreso, watch his speech from the Excel Center. A certain level of pride must be taken when the nominee gets to clench the nomination in your home state.

No new movies have been watched - life has just seemingly gotten in my way this past week.

I'll be extending the mission an extra day for each of these "slip ups" that I have - thus far 3.

But this mission will have to be over by July as the new season of PR will be airing starting sometime in July.

TV update

Wed, 28 May 2008 01:30:00 GMT

It has been 5 days... I cannot admit complete sucess - but I do not see this week as a "failure" week. The TV came on for 45 minutes sunday night because I was to tired to do anything constructive, and to awake to sleep. I remembered why I was on this mission - the TV by and large is filled with crap - crap programing, crap commercials for crap products, and other general garbage (read: reruns). The TV was also watched because wonderboy952 was watching the Hitl - History Channel about evil fish - something I greatly believe in and fear. So I had to learn that indeed, I am not the only one who fears being eaten by a Northern Pike (and that it can in fact happen). But my participation in this viewing was limited to about 15 minutes.

Graduation is this weekend - I have mixed feelings about it. I'm excited to move on to the next stage of my life, but I am quite comfortable with 9/10ths of my living situation currently (1/10th being not seeing the BF enough). Despite my hatred and disatisfaction for elements of this city, I have come to like a number of elements. Thus, mixed feelings (not quite emotions yet) about my upcomming move (T-14 days).

Because of these mixed feelings, I am asking you - dear 2 readers - to offer up some links to proof that this world is an OK place. And that despite my upcomming move placing me a good 600-700 miles away from the people who I consider my family (with the exception of a few people in the lovely windy city) that indeed, life will be OK - and perhaps even enjoyable.

Movies watched during TV adventure:
Harold and Maude - 7/10 (or 4/5 on Netflix) - good movie, Maude reminds me of the crazy hippie aunts (makes me slightly worried for the future), but it didn't age too well (in comparison to other 1970s movies)
Chinatown - 9/10 (or 5/5 on Netflix) - great movie, due to a prior viewing of The Shining, JJ Gittes = Jack Torrance, which is a little disturbing and makes the movie an interesting watch, aged far better than Harold and Maude (then again, it's a period piece).
Paper Clips - 9/10 (or 5/5 on Netflix) - great documentary about sheltered middle schoolers in rural TN learning about the Holocaust, and collecting 6,000,000 paper clips, makes you remember the concept of "love" rising out of "hate".

Next update about this TV adventure in another 5 days or so (along with another installment of the movie list).

Thu, 22 May 2008 14:44:44 GMT

New plan for getting off my ass and doing things:
TV turn off month. I will continue to watch my netflix, as I have too many movies on the list (I believe I am now at a list of 497 movies) - but the TV is going off. All it shows is garbage anyways. CSI has been begining to repeat itself on SPIKE. Same with South Park and Family Guy. The challenge is going to come this summer, as I will be "bored out of my mind" (or so claims Em) - I'll have to force myself to find alternative things to fill my time.

I'll give a report on this once a week, including the things I find to pass the time. And how sucessful I am when with others.

Mon, 05 May 2008 02:38:07 GMT

Before this rant begins - please just remember that this is a rant - and not a statement of me going over the edge with myself. /end warning

/Begin Rant/

I am sick of the media (or "talking heads" as they have come to be known). I am sick of being told how "easy" it is to be "green" - that all it takes to make the world a better place is changing a few light bulbs, or linking your errands, or just turning your thermostat up/down a few degrees. I am sick of being told that things are this simple - and that it is all we need to do. Yes, perhaps it is all WE need to do - but that (like my job last summer) requires the participation of all parties, not just ME. And there is some debate about the true "greeness" of many of these "green" products.

I am sick of media pounding these simple "sacrifices" that we can put into our daily life - where are the "hardcore", real sacrifices? What about suggesting people keep their car home one day a WEEK (not the "don't fill up on May 8th" "protest") - even if that means they don't go somewhere? What about suggesting that people participate in TV Turnoff Week every month (or perhaps turn everything off week)? What about suggesting that people actually alter their lifestyle?

What about those of us who have adjusted our lifestyle? And not just switching our light bulbs - but actually keeping the lights off until the sun goes down, live by linking errands because it makes sense to not cross your path 12 times, or not believing in AC unless it truly is 110 in the shade. What about those of us who have made "real" "sacrifices" by not using a car 9 MONTHS out of the YEAR, those who don't really like TV (or many other electronics) all that much? What are we supposed to do? How do we "sacrifice" to save our planet? What suggestions does the media have for those of use who want to take "green" to a new level - but can't stand the idea of being a hippie that doesn't shower, and lives in the woods? What should those of us who know solar panels aren't that "green" do? Installing solar panels is not a "green" suggestion - especially when you're in rental properties.

/end rant 1/

/begin rant 2/

On a similar line as the prior rant:
I am sick of the media (or "talking heads" as they have come to be known). I am sick of being told how our country is the fattest it's ever been, and how "easy" it is to loose weight - that all it takes to get skinny is popping a few pills, or getting the fat sucked out, or walking just 100 extra steps each day. I am sick of being told that things are this simple - and that it is all we need to do, as we are all obviously fat.

I am sick of media pounding these simple "solutions" that we can put into our daily life, while playing the blame game of who is truly to blame for all of us being so fat - where are the "hardcore", real solutions? More importantly, where are the "hardcore", real discussions about personal responsibility, and personal control? What about suggesting people stay away from all fast food- even if that means going without your no-whip, extra foam, soy, caramel macchiato? What about suggesting that people relearn to cook at home - and not just hamburger helper and other salt laden prepackaged foods? What about suggesting that people actually alter their lifestyle?

What about those of us who have "adjusted" our lifestyle? And not just cutting out one double quarter pounder with cheese a week- but actually avoiding them enough that having one is a TREAT? What about those of us who have found "real" "solutions" by not using a car 9 MONTHS out of the YEAR - forcing us to take more than just 100 "extra" steps each day, those of us who just can't seem to gain the weight that seems to gravitate towards the hips and buttocks of all other Americans? What are we supposed to do? How do we "sacrifice" to save our lives? What suggestions does the media have for those of use who are part of the 1 in 4 that isn't fat - what do they suggest we do to avoid getting type 2 diabetes, what do they suggest we do?

I can't just escape the media - it's all around us, thanks graphic design. What are those of us who just don't fit the mold? What do they suggest we do? How do we save the planet, and save our lives when we have already done, or can't healthily take on the suggested answers, what the talking heads suggest we do do?

/end rant 2/

/end all rants for today/

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:05:23 GMT

In an effort to clean my room, perhaps one last time, I've decided to go through all of my cds. I have to ask "what the hell was I thinking" for a number of the songs on these cds. Though for a number of others, I'm finding myself standing at my computer dancing around to such things as Down With the Sickness and So Far Away.

I don't know what this means. Besides that perhaps my music library isn't as stilted as many seem to believe - it's just that you have to dig a bit deeper. Perhaps for a fear that people might find out that I do indeed listen to some of this music... and yet, have an extremely limited "hardcore" past. And by limited, we all know I mean "non-existant"

Cultural education

Sun, 13 Apr 2008 00:04:03 GMT

Seeing as it has been made apparent to me that my music library and general pop culture knowledge are extremely limited, I am now taking suggestions for the following:

Music: Non-musical, non-radio hit (I have tons radio "hits" from supposedly "good" bands but nothing to know if they're really that "good"), non-Aerosmith (full library already owned), non-country (real or "crossover") - Basically I am in need of anything that will expand my music repertoire, as I am inept at selecting "good" music that other people can stand listening to.

Movies: Anything that is of value. I would, at some point be able to watch a movie (non-documentary) and be able to actually tell people "Hey, you should watch this" and not be told "I already have, I thought it was good". I've found that Netflix does have a 500 movie limit for your queue, I will cross reference any suggestions with what is already on my maxed out queue.

Books: Seeing as how I haven't really finished a book in near four years (with the exception for rereading The Alchemist on a cross country flight from San Francisco to DC, completing ONE book for Literature by Women, and Animal Farm this past summer), I guess I'm pretty much open to anything.

Comics: I can't talk comics with anyone. I know basic facts - if that (I know who Stan Lee is, and that he created Spiderman, I know that J. Scott Campbell did Danger Girl, and that's about it... with a bit more known thanks to hollywood). It wouldn't be important, but I would like to be able to contribute to conversations that the BF and his friends have without sounding like Jim Gaffigan on Dr. Katz.

Things to do: I only HAVE to work about 20 hours per week, leaving me lots of time to explore Savannah and become more "cultured" (if it's even possible in this city) - if I only knew what I should do.

Sun, 23 Mar 2008 20:50:43 GMT

today is a sad day in my world - a day that I never expected to see.

today, I ran out of pasta.

holy update batman!

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 17:13:03 GMT

I say holy update - but because there has been nothing to update about (and there is STILL NOTHING to update about) I haven't written in here since November.

So all this means is that I'm still uncertain of my future. I am supposed to know my future by the 15th. Somehow this last week is harder than the other weeks of waiting. I guess cause I know an answer could, in theory, come at any point.

Nothing else is new. Life goes on at the CWH, I don't know when I am moving - it all depends on the cost of flying, the cost of shipping all my shit, getting rid of the extra stuff that I really don't want to ship, and when the bosses will let me leave.

I wish I had some sort of answer - either from school, or work, or whatever.

Laters

WHY???

Sun, 04 Nov 2007 21:12:29 GMT

All I asked for was that the compy would stay alive until the 16th of November. Hell, I would have been ok if it wanted to die on the 15th. But no... It wanted to die NOW. Right as I'm about ready to sit down and actually write my "personal quilt" paper. I was going to actually do homework, and it decides that it wants to revert back to the 17th century - asking me "electricity, what is this thing you speak of? Do I need it? Why yes I do." That or it is a scene from Eddie Izzard (just not with a printer):
‘Cannot access printer’? It’s here. I can access printer! Why the fuck can’t you access printer? I plugged you in! “Ctrl+P” print! “Ctrl+P” print! “Ctrl+P” print! “Ctrl+P” print!” And it’s as if the computer is going,

“I’m not sure what you’re trying to do.”

“I’m trying to print! “Ctrl+P” print!”

“Ah, but there’s something you haven’t done…”

“What? Tell me what it is, I’ll do it! I’ll do it! I’ve got it here…”

“No, I can’t tell you.”

“Fuckin’ tell me! Just- “Ctrl+P” print! It’s five in the morning! It’s only a paragraph! I just want to get this fucker printed out! I used the fax-modem earlier, and that fucked it up, didn’t it? I can’t fucking access the bloody thing, it’s not being used by something else. I’m using the printer port… fucking… “Ctrl+P” print! “Ctrl+P” print! “Ctrl+P” print! Print “Ctrl+P”! Print “Ctrl+P”! “Ctrl+P” print! ‘A problem of type 2094 has occurred.’ What the fuck is that? What are the 2,093 other problems I just made to get to that one? “Ctrl+P” print! “Ctrl+P” print! “Ctrl+P” print! (gibberish) Oh, don’t do that… Don’t you crash on me, you… bastard! Go- I’m so tired!

Yeah, just with the freaking power cord. A very mean joke mr. computer.

The so called "merryment" of commencement

Thu, 31 May 2007 12:57:02 GMT

Well, in light of it being commencement time, I feel the following dialogue is an appropo summary of my feelings:

Nevermind. It's not to important, and it wouldn't get the point across. And those who need to know, already do know.

Maybe one day I'll get smart about my friends.

the magical time known as finals

Thu, 24 May 2007 17:56:20 GMT

Here is my prescription for utter amusement during finals. Just try it, I dare you.

Sit in or at the edge of a busy hallway at any SCAD academic building just before the end of the quarter and play "Nearer My God To Thee" from Titanic while watching people scurry past you, just like they do trying to avoid dying on the Titanic.

I'm a sick twisted individual... And that's ok with me.

annual finals stress "arg" post

Tue, 22 May 2007 15:50:20 GMT

Well, it's finals. And I'm stressed. I haven't done the work I should have all quarter - and it seems a fair number of people are in my boat - which makes things interesting because I don't want these people to be cramping my style.
Finals always seem to bring out the best procrastinator in all of us - Heidi has her habit of picking up a new book to read... I seem to be thinking that applying to grad school would be a great idea - failing to realize that not passing my classes would make these applications a moot point, so perhaps I should work on passing my classes.

Ok, that's enough procrastinating. Though there is always the fact that the house needs to be cleaned... NO - that's not my job anymore. I'm not going to be the only one working on it. Heck - who even knows how much I'll be home. Perhaps things will get done without "mommy" being there... Or there is always next friday.

I may not be graduating, but I do have my own stress of getting things togeather. Which reminds me - I need to turn off the gas in the house.

I did it too...

Sat, 19 May 2007 22:40:20 GMT

Ok, I took the quiz. And it won't quite load...
so here's the text:

You are both very organized. You almost always know where your belongings are and you prefer things neat. You may even enjoy cleaning and find it therapeutic. Bert is a big neat freak and gets quite annoyed when Ernie makes a big mess.

You both are sometimes concrete and sometimes abstract thinkers. Bert is probably a bit more concrete in his bottlecap collecting addiction and his love of the weather. He does show his abstract side when he sings and performs his "Doin' The Pidgeon" song. You have a good balance in your life. You know when to be logical at times, but you also aren't afraid to explore your dreams and desires... within limits of course.

You are both somewhat introverted. Bert is probably more introverted, because he spends most of his time either with Ernie or alone. Still he has no problem being around other people in his role as chairman of "The National Association of 'W' Lovers." Like Bert, you probably like to have some time to yourself, but you do appreciate spending time with your friends, and you aren't scared of social situations.

Life update like whoa

Sat, 07 Apr 2007 23:51:35 GMT

Actually, there isn't all the much to update about.
The house still needs to be cleaned.
I'm still holding down the same jobs as I was.
I'm still missing polka land (and the puppy).
I'm still working on the grad school applications.
I'm still listening to polka.

Wow. My life is kind of sad. It's been nearly a month and a half between this post and the last one, and nothing has really changed in my life. But I'm content with that.

nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Thu, 01 Feb 2007 13:57:37 GMT

Ok, I think I need to have a chat with the computer gods.
I realize that I am notorious for doing things out of order on my to do list when avoiding the work that I should be doing, but I stick with doing things that are on the list - not adding new stuff to do just because it might be fun.
But obviously the compuer gods don't play by those rules. They don't call ahead to tell me that they have a "pit stop" planned on my computer for Feb. 2nd. If they would have atleast been kind enough to do that, I would have been able to prevent my current situation from happening.

I'm a compulsive list maker - we all know that. So it is easy to guess that I have a to do list made up specifically for Jan 31. Infact, that list also carried over to Feb 2. I was not going to make a to do list for Feb. 2. I was going to make one on Feb. 2 for this upcomming weekend, but I thought making one for every individual day was a bit much. I also have my calender, which has all of my obligations/homework plans on it - while that does extend to the end of the school year, it is simply an orginazational tool - not my exact game plan - more just a way for me to remember when homework is due.

That having been said, here is what according to my to do list, I was to be doing last night/today/some for the weekend:

Try not to go crazy
Write analytical papers

Bibliography on St. Benedict paper
Word on 10 East Taylor paper
Images on 10 East Taylor paper
Bibliography on East Taylor paper
Print both papers
Staple both papers

Case Study project

Read Case Study
Case Analysis write up
Case Interpretation write up
Presentation – Power Point?
Presentation – Hardcopy

Vernacular Flashcards

Format pictures for remaining 4 lectures
Cut out pictures
Write up identification on flashcards
Study flashcards

Micro to Massive project

Cardboard mockup – due Monday
Buy foam core and tacky glue
Construct foam core final piece

Read for Vernacular/Study for Midterm
Read for 3D/Study for Midterm
Read for Law/Study for Midterm
Put together 3D sketchbook (and find some glue/clear tape)
Edit Interviews
Mail Interviews
Law Final Research Project

Research
Write up
Presentation

Eat
Sleep
Eat
Work
Shower
Dave’s B-Day “party”
Try not to go crazy

No where on there does it say "Curse Computer Gods"/"Call Best Buy"/"Go to Best Buy"/"Give Up Computer to Best Buy"/"Loose analytical paper"/"Beg professor to let me rewrite the paper (which was good)"/"Cry"/"Alot" - or hell, any variation of any or all of those items. But I guess that's my new plan. God I'll be angry if I loose everything - there's a fair amount of work on that beast - this is fairly on par w/ if Heidi was to loose all of her work on her compy (NO COMPUTER GODS, THAT IS NOT AN IDEA OR AN ORDER! I DON'T WISH THIS FATE ON ANYONE).

Ok, time to work on checking off that new to do list - though it will be out of order, as I don't know when I'm going to go to Best Buy. My mother warns me that my compy could be gone for a number of days to weeks. That would not jive with me... at all.

Icon is so my feeling right now. Giant explody mess and me in a weird plant wreath throwing arms/fins in the air and yelling.

ETA: Victory is slightly mine. Well, not so much victory - unless we're talking war victory in which case both sides suffer sever loss, but one is a little more sucessfull - then yes, "victory". I just checked my vernacular syllabus - and stuff is accepted late w/ a 2.5 point diduction per day (still need to find out if that is everyday, or every day that we meet for class) - but either way, that means that I can pull this paper out of my ass over the weekend and email it to him or print it and run it by Pepe on Monday (all depending on how many points off it will be) - but hey, points are points. And I'm still in the office - Becky hasn't come up to get me. Now I'm angry that I could have atleast attempted this paper - but ah well.

Polka anyone?

Sun, 28 Jan 2007 03:34:06 GMT

Well, in a very round about way of thinking*** (and avoiding my two papers like the plauge - not wanting to get to close, but amused and poking them with a stick) I've returned to my heritage.
I'm sure part of this is me coming to terms with not going home over spring break.
I've acquired (through the wonders of iTunes) Frankie Yankovic's "One More Time" album. (I'm to lazy to provide the link - go find it yourself). I'm sure this gem of musical genius will have to be enjoyed in private, and on those rare occasions when my roommates leave the house to my guard, and I can shut the blinds and be the good czech girl I am (yes, I may even bake some food). I can already tell 'manda is not quite the fan of this particular breed of awsomeness, hell I wasn't for the longest time - but it grows on you.

So, I leave you with the question, Polka anyone? If you take me up on this offer, realize that I haven't really polkaed in the longest time (a few years) so I kinda suck at it right now.

New goal in life (possibly quite attainable): Polka better then the sister. (yes, it is another "do something better then the sister" goal. but this one is important. must prove that while we share the same DNA - I am more czech then she is)

***: We went from Moulin Rouge - GPA/Graduating With Honors - Grammar Debates w/ the Father - Viewing Home and Garden Brochures - Emailing pictures of Bupie - Recieving lyrics to the "No Beer Today" polka - Looking up YouTube videos of "In Heaven there is No Beer" - Looking up CDs on Amazon - Checking iTunes - Calling the Father to discuss if the album was worth $10 - Discussing how everyone who's czech is "a distant cousin" - Purchasing Album - Eating - Writing this post... Now to that paper

Tue, 16 Jan 2007 23:54:55 GMT

Now, I'm not one to shy away from things done in bad taste, most of the time. Hell, I'm the one who will pair "AIDS" and "Saintly" togeather in a rousing game of Apples to Apples. But I think that Danny Ledonne has taken bad taste to a whole new level.
Danny's game "Super Columbine Massacre RPG!" was pulled from the Slamdance competition, after being named a finalist.

I don't think I have anything else to say about this. Besides the fact that the graphics are along the same lines as Mystic Quest (no, I did not download the game, I simply looked at the screen shots)

movie loot list

Wed, 27 Dec 2006 20:53:57 GMT

The rundown of christmas loot (more specifically the movies):
Cars
Anastasia
Robin Hood

Best Buy Gift Card Purchases:
Oliver and Company
Lady and the Tramp
The Muppet Movie (yes, the one w/ the rainbow connection)

Girly moment of DEATH

Mon, 18 Dec 2006 21:46:15 GMT

How Mai causes herself to have a severly girly moment, and almost kill herself in the process:

1. Go to the Galleria in search of stocking stuffers for her mother's stocking.
2. Forget that it is indeed a SATURDAY, until entering the parking lot.
3. Battle the mall parking lot.
3. Go to Restoration Hardware.
4. Observe that the items in store are way more expensive then previously thought.
5. Find $7 tub of lotion.
6. Flee store after taking product
7. Walk towards Williams Sonoma to purchase peperment bark.
8. Decide after taking 30 steps, that this day is odd enough (the fact that I'm in the ritzy mall trying to find cheap items being only one of many weird things) that I should just run with this oddity, and enter Tiffany and Co (their only store in MN is in the mall, gives you an idea of the yuppie-ness of the mall)
9. Wander Tiffany's. Feel like a fish out of water. Laugh at all the college aged boys trying to figure out what their girlfriends would want for christmas, as they throw down thousands of dollars on small items. Laugh even harder when a mom comes in with her son saying that he bought his girlfriend one ring/necklace/overpricedpieceofcrap, and she'd like to find something better.
10. Get harrassed by Tiffany's employees as to if they can help me.
11. Run even further with the oddity, and claim I'm looking for christmas present ideas.
12. Try on 3 different stands of pearls (link is to the exact necklace that I tried on) in various lengths and sizes.
13. Keep running and ask about the diamond necklace that is next to where I'm standing.
14. Try on said necklace
15. Find out price of necklace
16. Try to maintain an air of calmness
17. Fumble through an exit of claiming that I'll report my findings of ideas to my dad.
18. Run like hell (but calmly, and slowly) out of the store
19. Escape to Williams Sonoma
20. Discover cost of peperment bark.
21. Run like hell to rusty 10 year old jetta.
22. Discover that diamond necklace was the most expensive thing I've ever worn in my life.

Here's the rundown on this necklace that almost killed me:
Setting: Patinum, Bezel Setting
Total Weight/Shape of Diamonds: 4.31 carats of round brilliant cut diamonds
Quality of Diamonds: Color: H (nearly colorless), Clarity: VS (Very Slightly Imperfect)
Length: 16"
Pictures:

So, the total cost that nearly killed me? Only a measly $18,500. And the sad part, I loved the necklace, and I would love to have one in diamond and ruby (one of each). And that makes me want to die that I'd say that.

Link to the Tiffany's page for the necklace