Are you there God?...It's me, elinor

If Anybody Asks You Who I Am

2010-11-12T17:03:00.000-08:00

I promised myself another post today, and so here it is.

It's hard for me to write posts, or update my facebook status, or whatever, when I'm feeling low. I guess I just read other people's negative posts and think, wow, that person sounds so sad! But often it's just that that person had a moment of negative thoughts, and they took the opportunity to spit it on on the computer for the whole world to see, and I wonder how you move on from the negativity?

(sorry for the run-on sentence, but I lack the energy for editing tonight)

However, I know that I often feel better when I can voice my frustrations, and I can often come to an understanding of why I have those feelings and grow from that.

For example:

Last night was kind of shitty, and this morning got even worse. I knew I needed to talk to my mom, because, like, duh.

It felt so good to talk about what was bothering me (as well as a lot of stuff that was just interesting to talk about) and it helped me realize a few things. One thing I discovered is that two of my friends, while I love them both dearly, when combined, trigger the feelings of inadequacy I felt as a child growing up with an older brother and sister who were, let's face it, smarter than me in a lot of ways. These are feelings that I don't need to be having anymore, so recognizing that that's what was happening can help me prevent it in the future.

So, there it is. I still feel crappy. But I can hope that tomorrow will be better.

And I don't plan on updating my FB status with some negative BS just so I can spend all day tomorrow responding to peoples a)worried comments or b) similarly negative comments about their own lives.

Are any of us dying of hunger? Or loneliness for that matter? No? Than I think we have a lot to be positive about.

And I'm leaving you with some early Christmas Music. I know, I know. But when I feel down I listen to Christmas music. And my thinking on this one is that it's about Jesus as a baby, and he had to be a baby for more than just the one night!

I've always loved the Neal and Leandra version of this, but I just downloaded (for free!) some Christmas music from Sara Groves and that's what I'm listening to right now, so please listen with me!

Top Ten

2010-11-11T09:58:00.000-08:00

Being that it's NaBloPoMo or whatever, I thought I better get to it and write something.

I better talk about the biggest thing in my life right now. I'll be moving out east to live with my parents for a while come December.

I know, I know - "Won't someone PLEASE think of the CHILDREN!?... who have to move back in with their parents because of this awful economy!"

But realistically, I know that's not the reason. And so, I give you my oft referred to "Top Ten Reasons for Moving to Maine":

10. It's cheaper to live with roommates who pay for your food

9. I've never lived in a smaller, college sized town, and I think I should try it before I settle down

8. I want to get a job at the gelato place by my parents house

7. I really like my parents. Seriously. We get along very well, and I'd say they are two of my best friends, and I miss them

6. Safer access to seafood

5. I have cousins that I really like but have never gotten the chance to get to know, and they mostly live within three blocks of my parents

4. Maine is closer to New York and Boston, so if I wanted to try for a job or a school in those places, the trip would be a helluva lot easier

3. I have some people, places, and things, both good and bad, here in Minnesota that I need to distance myself from to get some perspective

2. I have a documentary I have really been wanting to make, and it is set in Maine

1. It's time for a change

All Saint's Day

2010-11-01T20:46:00.001-07:00

Today was a very sad day. My head hurts from all the crying and snuffling. It is the kind of loss that makes those of us who have faith in God question that faith. But then today at little baby Fox's memorial service I was reminded of who I think God truly is. The seats were filled with people from many walks of life; people that the media and many politicians try to devalue and degrade. But those people were there with a common purpose - to mourn and comfort together for a life lost too soon.

This is a song I've found really comforting the last few days. I'm not sure I feel the performance is quite as sorrowful as Gordon Bok's original, but this was the best one on YouTube.

church baby

2010-10-23T22:31:00.000-07:00

Tonight was the big dinner celebration for my church's centennial. It was a big todo, and I saw many dear friends... but that's not really what i want to discuss.

I was thinking tonight that I am a church baby. When I was a baby I was, most likely, past from hand to hand, lap to lap, among the people of our church. I recall helping to collate, fold and staple mailings in the church office from a young age... and then being taken to the subway on Nicollet ave. with my mom for lunch by the minister.

Any of this sounding familiar yet?

After confirmation I was snatched up by the Mission Board to serve as a committee member as a 9th grader (I remember feeling very unqualified to determine where money should be spent, and switched to the music and arts board as soon as I could!).

I sang in church, I asked for prayers and made announcements. I was active in youth group and choir and babysat for many families in our community. Eventually I even subed as secretary during the summer months.

If you are a church baby, you know what I'm talking about.

And I realized that once I have quit working as a church secretary, I'm going to need church more than I have in recent years. Without the familiar sense of wacky community and tradition based organization, I know I would flounder and maybe lose my way.

So wish me luck in Maine. I may have to do a little church shopping to find the right temporary church home.

Friday Five: The Perfect Blendship

2010-10-22T12:43:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile, so I'm gonna try and jump back in with a Friday Five, a little late in the day (but cut me some slack - I had to get the bulletin done first!)

If you're ever in a jam, here I am. If you're ever in a mess, S.O.S. If you're so happy, you land in jail. I'm your bail. It's friendship, friendship, just a perfect blendship. When other friendships are soon forgot, ours will still be hot.

Rev. Songbird at RevGalBlogPals writes: I'm thinking a lot about friends these days, the ones who rush to you in times of trouble, with a casserole or a socket wrench or an invitation for coffee or lunch or a trip to the foot sanctuary. We meet friends in school or on the playground or at church or in the workplace and even on the Internet. Even as blogging has experienced some decline, the community here has been strong.
For today's Friday Five, some questions about friendship.
1) Who is the first friend you remember from childhood? This may be cheating a little, because I vaguely remember playing with other children before this, but these are the first three real friends I remember. Real because they were who I first remember having that feeling of “Oh, I have to tell ____ about that as soon as I see them!” They were Phil, who lived down the block from me, and Lynn and Sharon who lived near by, were in my kindergarten class and later brownies. I have lost touch with Phil over the years, though when I have run into him I still think I had good taste in friends as a three year old! Lynn and Sharon are still two of my best friends – Sharon and I went out for drinks this last week, and I realized that I don’t just like hanging out with her because she’s known me most of my life, but because she is genuinely fun and down to earth and makes me laugh!

2) Have you ever received an unexpected gift from a friend? My BFFffff, Lydia, is one of the sweetest people in the world. Seriously. Take your grandma and multiply the sweetness. When Lyd was in college down in Iowa, we hardly ever got to see each other (compounded by the fact that she is my polar opposite, as I am sloth-like and she is a continuous ball of energy, so she is always on the go!). But she would sneakily put little notes with quotes, sometimes biblical, into my purse or school binders so that I wouldn’t find them right away. It always seemed that I would find them just when I needed her, which was a wonderful gift.

3) Is there an old friend you wish you could find again? Or have you found one via social media or the Internet? I have certainly reconnected with many old friends via facebook, but none that I have really been able to reform a strong bond with. I have one friend who I would love to get in touch with, another brownie pal, but she doesn’t appear to be on the interwebs. However, the silly thing is that her family’s name is theirs alone and her parents are listed – I could even just drive to their house since it’s the one she grew up in. But for some reason and I never reach out that far…

4) Do you like to get your good friends together in a group, or do you prefer your friends one on one? I do like group activities once and a while (karaoke anyone?), but I really like hanging out with just one or two friends at a time. I am a Capricorn through and through, so I don’t have that many good friends to begin with.

5) Does the idea of Jesus as a friend resonate with you? Yes and no. Yes when I sing songs like What a Friend We Have in Jesus. I guess it really feels more abstract… when Lydia does something so kind for me, or Sharon asks me how I’m doing, wanting to know the real answer, I see and feel Jesus in those actions, the actions of friends.

No because I often feel a bit maternal towards him. Is that weird? Maybe it’s just the Christmas fever I’ve got talking, but first Jesus is this little baby who, like all babies, reminds us of what it means to be human, bringing it down to a basic, primal level. Then Jesus grows up and says, “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” And that makes me think of the way we try to help cloth and feed the poor and bring comfort to the suffering, which are all acts that connect me with my maternal nature. So yeah, I guess part friend part child part parent… man, that Jesus gets around!

the picture above is Lydia and me out to lunch during her graduation weekend

Spring is Here, whoa-whoa-whoa

2010-05-03T18:43:00.000-07:00

So much going on lately, sheesh! I'm really only posting this because I am putting off writing an email to the director of one of our projects, because I really dislike her and just want to be done with this project already so I never have to speak to her again!!!! ugh.

School is...meh. But there's only two weeks left, so like my mom always says, "in two weeks it'll be over, no matter what happens!"

This coming Saturday we are having a BIG party to celebrate the end of the year. It's gonna be pretty epic since we are starting at 2pm and going to at least 2am!

And speaking of Epic, we're all trying to make sure we have everything perfect by May 14th so we can submit to the EPIC Fest, the film fest our student club puts on at the end of the year to highlight student work (that's on May 30th). We are having it at the Bedlam Theater, which is a fabulous location and I can't wait!!

Meanwhile, I went up to Luck this last weekend for my great-Aunt and Uncle's estate sale where I scored a ton of awesome stuff, including a salad keeper and a covered cake pan!! Saawweett!!

Tomorrow the community choir I have been singing with will be doing our first full concert of the year for a retirement home, so I'm pretty pumped about that. That's where the title of this post came from because we are singing a 60s medley that includes "Going to the Chapel" ... Birds all sing. as. if they knew!

Anyway, it's time to bite the bullet and write that email. I probably won't be back for a couple weeks, so have a good one!!

Friday Five: Packin' Bags!!

2010-04-16T11:48:00.000-07:00

Song Bird posted over at RevGalBlogPals for this week's Friday Five (go to the link for the DL on the impetus for the theme)

...here are five questions about packing to go on a trip.

1) Some fold, some roll and some simply fling into the bag. What's your technique for packing clothes?
I like to fold. Before I worked in retail I would role, but then I developed almost an anxiety over clothes that don't sit in a nice little stack.

2) The tight regulations about carrying liquids on planes makes packing complicated. What might we find in your quart-size bag? Ever lose a liquid that was too big?
I've never lost a liquid - I traveled once recently with only a carry-on, and since it was only for a weekend, it was pretty easy to put things in little tiny containers. The liquids I can't do without are: Aveda's Scalp Benefits Shampoo, Aveda's Smooth Infusion hair stuff (and now that I do my hair curly some days, the Curl Enhancer), face lotion and my neutrogena liquid make-up. I also throw in my other make-up just in case because I would die if they took my lipstick away!!

3) What's something you can't imagine leaving at home?
My phone charger. I did that at Christmas. I was able to use my aunt's until she went home, but when I stayed on a few more days, it was awful! All my friends wanted to text about my upcoming party and I had to have my phone off most of the time!

4) Do you have a bag with wheels?
I do. I got a set of three bags back when I was getting ready to come home from New York. They are sand colored and both the bog suitcase and the medium size one which, which is like a duffle bag, have wheels. Very nice, except I don't really need the pull out handle on the big one since it is almost as tall as my waist, so I just drag it by the regular handle!

5) What's your favorite reading material for a non-driving trip (plane, train, bus, ship)? Well, I get motion sickness from reading too much, so I stick to magazines for the plane that I can browse through in the few minutes when electronic devices are not allowed. My favorites are Real Simple, Ready Made (DIY tips) and Paste (music, art, film...culture stuff). Otherwise, I'm really more of an iPod user... music, podcasts, tv shows.

Well, this definitely makes me want to take a trip! But the next one on the forecast for me isn't till August But that will be a fun one!!

And in honor of that trip, here's a song about traveling from one of my favorite Michigan artists - Dar Williams!

EDIT: I also just posted on my Experience the Immersion blog - check it out!

Snowy Monday Musings

2010-02-08T13:46:00.000-08:00

It’s snowing like a banshee, but I don’t seem to mind.

The snow seems to have a time warp affect, which makes me feel as though I am inside a snow globe where the day flies by, but outside time is standing still.
The weather also makes me want to socialize, oddly enough. Wanting what I can’t have?
My new phone… so exciting! Could this be the end of forgotten engagements and wasted time on the bus?!
Family… with Mommy and Daddy working, I can no longer pretend that they still live a few miles away. Seeing a movie with the Comrade only made me long for those summer days of going to matinees in almost empty theaters even more. Radio silence from Cordelia Knits – just her way of getting things done.
School… how long before I’m done again? How can it be that in only 4 months I’ll have helped produce and edit two short films, as well as put on a student showcase? No rest for the wicked… or something like that.
Having supervisor’s seek and appreciate my input is a highlight in my week when it happens. I feel like this is both contrary to my generation’s reputation to thinking everything they do is amazing, and right in line with our propensity to be happiest when authority figures are pleased with us.

That’s it for now. Just kind of felt like sayin some stuff… probably because I am deprived of having my daily stream of consciousness conversations with Mommy!

The Waiting Begins

2009-12-02T12:40:00.000-08:00

"In the Beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God" - John 1:1

Yesterday was the first day of Advent, and my present was a very sparkly advent calendar! The thing I especially like about this calendar is that when you open the door it not only has a cute little picture, but a bible verse on the back of the door - the above was from Dec. 1st.

I like that John opens this way, because it reminds me of the way many oral storytelling traditions begin, with some sort of salutation or commitment to a higher power. A modern use of this can be seen in Iranian films which began (are required to begin) with "In the name of God"

I would like to begin my films in some similar way - just an acknowledgment of something greater then me having an influence on my storytelling and my art.

That's it for now since I'm borrowing a friend's computer and he needs to go.

Contemplative Advent!

The House on Your Shoulders

2009-11-05T21:00:00.000-08:00

You may or may not know that I am somewhat obsessed with shows about serial killers. I have no idea why, but I'm sure one of the profilers on my current favorite show, Criminal Minds, could tell me.

Tonight they went to Mexico to solve a crime - I'll spare you the details since they have not much to do with this post, and you may be eating while reading.

At the end of the episode, they had a Mexican proverb (I should have googled to see if it's real, but it doesn't really matter).

The proverb went, "The house does not stand on the ground, it stands on a woman."

This really struck me because not only have I had a number of changes in my life, including my home, recently, but some women close to me have as well. Yesterday, my mom, AuntieKnickers blogged about her mom and how well she handled moving around throughout her adult life. It strikes me that their house - their home - was built upon her shoulders, and so it did not matter where they were physically, as long as they had her holding them up.

Because of the way my life is set up right now, I have to be able to carry my home with me, whether it's because I am moving permanently, or just housesitting for friends. This always feels a little scary, but after it's done, I never know what I was worried about. Someone close to me (you probably know who...) has been having a lot of upheavals in her life recently, and I think she would probably make some beautiful piece of art work out of this proverb right now. She is learning not only how to carry her home with her, but what that home looks like, what it feels like. The hardest part about this maybe that you cannot be prepared to learn this lesson. It is not something that you plan on happening, and most of us probably think we've already got it figured out - I think she did, and I usually do until something goes wonky and the foundation I thought I built strong starts to crumble.

I like this proverb a lot, but I think if I were re-writing it I would say that "...the house sits on the family". Sometimes that family is your given family, and sometimes your chosen, but no matter who you are... even Wonder Woman had Wonder Girl backing her up. I don't think My grandmother could have held up her house without the love and support of her family.

Many Tasks, Many Blessings... Little Sleep!

2009-11-04T18:44:00.000-08:00

Today was a busy day for me, though not as busy as tomorrow will be, but I still didn't get everything done I meant too (more on why later).

First I had my first day of my internship with Werc Werk Works - and as I my friends said, I work work worked! Basically I helped one of the producers transcribe interview footage for better organizing and an easier edit down the line. Because the company is new, it is definitely an all hands on deck mentality, which makes me happy to be there, because I feel like I am actually helping, not just doing busy work! Plus, the receptionist is super nice and offers to get me coffee! Not that I would ask her to do that, cause that'd be weird and totally not necessary; but like AuntieKnickers said, it's nice not to be the one getting coffee at an internship!

So, after my morning at the internship, I hopped a bus straight to school and commenced with my post-production work... well, "work" my be a bit strong. Honestly, none of us are really 'feelin' it when it comes to our current projects, so we kind of mosey along when it comes to editing.

Anyway, I did do some work, but I also had some fun chats with friends. Lately, my friends have been teasing me, calling me a Hardcore Christian. Now, the funny thing is that a year or two ago, this would have really bothered me. I had a real problem even calling myself a christian, let alone talking openly with school friends about my church life.

Now, I have this kind of peace with it. I recognize that I am, and always will be, on a journey, trying to figure out what I can do to share and be thankful for the blessings I have. And I think that one way for me to do that is by not shaming myself about my faith.

And I think that's also largely how I can share my blessings, because it often seems like people my age (and slightly younger) only of two kinds of faith - Hardcore Christian faith and Faith in Nothing. I like the idea that I could broaden their concepts in that way.

Oh, and back to that not having time... I'm afraid there is a sort of illness going through my new place - at least, my roommie's GF was sick, and he skipped class today because he didn't feel well, and although I've been doing a lot to try and stay well, I am craving chicken soup and orange juice and sleep.

So, the sleepiness kept me from doing things I should have, but there you are. It happens. I'll leave you with some photos of my chicken soup - made from scratch last night - and some of my editing classmates. Enjoy!

Making My Life That Much Crazier!

2009-11-02T11:41:00.000-08:00

Auntie Knickers has encouraged me to try and write a blog post everyday this month. Since I'm not doing anything else, I guess I will.

Wait, what? That's not right. I'm pretty sure I have a lot to do.

But I'm going to try and do it anyway, since interesting things are finally happening!

Here are some highlights from the past month to catch you up:

School continues - I am taking 4 classes this semester including American Government and Politics (fulfilling my last gen ed requirement) which is very interesting, though difficult since it is in a basement classroom with bad lighting at the end of a very long day. sigh. but we went to a town hall meeting on healthcare last week, and saw lots of educated, middle-class, white people agree with each other. yay! (that was sarcasm)
Church responsibilities abound - honestly, I am becoming more and more disillusioned with my church community, which is sad and frustrating, and maybe I'll write all about it another day. But in the meantime, I am still on the Christian Education board and am the organizer for a monthly movie night through the music and arts board (we watched Bell, Book and Candle for the first one, but don't even get me started...) The CE held our Halloween Party, complete with Haunted House run by the junior high students (that should say high school students as well, but none showed up. rant for another day: teenagers who don't have time for community)
Moving- A few weeks ago I moved out of Comrade Landlord's house and in with a friend from school... hmm, it may take a few days to come up with a good name for him. The house is owned by his mom, so rent is crazy reasonable. There have been a few renovations going on there, but nothing I can't handle. Winifred seems to be settling in well, though I'll let her tell you about it on her own blog. Last night I moved my ottoman into my room and I now have a cozy little reading nook! I also get a room in the basement for all my crafting and storage. Oh! And the best part, perhaps, is that my roommate works nights, so it is like living by myself most of the time, and hanging out with friends the rest of the time! (can you tell I like the new place? woot!)
And More! There's been a lot more, I just can't remember all of it... working on editing first big project for school...starting pre-production on second project called 'Snip'... behind on papers (as usual)...new boss at work (did I talk about her yet?)...oh yeah! and a new camera, so this blog will start to be a bit more interesting!

So, here's how this month of blogging is gonna go - since I have two blogs, I will sometimes post here, and sometimes on my FilmAching blog. Be sure to look there tomorrow, since I will be posting about the most exciting thing to happen EVER!

(hint: to me. this year.)

Friday Five: Autumn

2009-09-25T10:59:00.000-07:00

Singing Owl at RevGalBlogPals gives this week’s Friday Five about Autumn:

“Let us fear the LORD our God, who gives autumn and spring rains in season, who assures us of the regular weeks of harvest. Jeremiah 5:23b

The Autumnal Equinox has just come 'round again. I took a look back at our Friday Fives and noted that it always seems to make the Rev Gals and their Pals think of changes.

There is something so nostalgic about this time of year, at least in the Northern Hemisphere. The nights grow cooler, crops are harvested, for some of us the leaves are beginning to change colors. The scent of smoke is in the air, pumpkins are in the stores (or on wagons, or in roadside stands for those of us in the country). I'm thinking of putting away my summer clothes and pulling out the sweaters. And I have a tub of Fall-themed items that my husband just lugged up from the basement. I'm looking for my scarecrow.

For this week, let's share some memories along with some hopes and expectations.”

1. Share a Fall memory.

I remember a lot of contemplation from my childhood, though my guess is that those who knew me as a child would not have known I was thinking that much! In the autumn, I loved to kneel on a chair in the living room, looking out the big window at the cars driving through the rain. There was always music playing; sometimes Enya or Priscilla Herdman (just downloaded one of her cds onto my computer yesterday because it felt like fall!), but I recall one time in particular when Pachebel’s Canon was playing and it just felt perfect. That memory is one of the happy places I go when I’m feeling low.

2. Your favorite Fall clothes--(past or present)?

I just moved my fall and winter clothes box to my new place, because I knew I had enough to cover me if it turned cold (we’ve had some really hot days lately). The box is clear, so I could peek inside - a little bubble of excitement popped inside me! I saw my wool cloak which I like to wear to church. It is brown with an orange and golden-yellow geometric design. I also saw some cool weather tunics, which look cute with narrow legged jeans and boots…. Basically, I like all my Fall clothing! But that’s what happens when you live in a state that’s cold 9 months out of the year!

3. Share a campfire story, song, experience...etc.

So many of my memories from childhood are of camping, sitting around the campfire, hearing silly and scary stories, or just talking about all sorts of things really, so much so that it would be hard to pick just one! But really, although Christmas is the time I think the most about my extended family, Fall is the time that reminds me most of my nuclear family – going to the Downtown library on a rainy day with my mom, hiking through the woods on the lookout for deer with my dad, endlessly harassing my brother and sister for inclusion In their ‘big kid’ worlds… it reminds me of how blest I was, even with all the struggles we had, that I was so loved, so assuredly.

And this reminds me of the passage above. There were things to be afraid of for me as a child, and I was afraid and worried frequently. And yet, I never questioned if I was loved; it went without saying that we would be there for each other. And that’s really what this passage says to me about God – the power of creation may frighten us at times, but it should also prove to us how deep and wide God’s love for us goes, and that she will always be there for us.

4. What is your favorite thing about this time of year?

The weather, of course… Fall really has become my favorite season, and for more reasons than just the weather, but even though I had to rush back upstairs to find my long forgotten umbrella this morning, another little bubble of excitement popped when I heard the noise of cars driving past my house in the rain… (see above)

5. What changes are you anticipating in your life, your church, family...whatever...as the season changes and winter approaches?

There have already been some changes in our family, and they will continue to take time for healing and adjusting. I am moving in a few weeks, which is a change that affects the whole family, since I have been living with my brother and sister-in-law. Also, I have taken on some new and not so new responsibilities for this fall, and that is a little scary, but I’ve made up my mind to say no to any further requests!

Bonus: What food says "AUTUMN" at your house? Recipes always appreciated.

I only like soup when it’s cold outside, so I always look forward to appreciating my favorite soup again – butternut squash! Unfortunately, I am lazy and usually get the kind in a can or box, or go to Wolfgang Puck Express for theirs!

I also, like my mom, feel like eating aeblekage, but you can go to AuntieKnickers blog to learn about that!

Here’s an extra bonus of my own, BOOKS and MOVIES:

I have a book and a movie that are mandatory for fall. The book is one from a local Minneapolis writer (who as far as we can tell, only wrote the one book), and is a young adult novel about a boy who moves from Minneapolis to a farm in Pennsylvania….where he meets the ghost of his ancestor just in time for Halloween! It’s called The Riddle of Penncroft Farm, by Dorothea Jensen

The film I have to watch is Baby Boom with Diane Keaton. It is so deliciously 80s and there is a great montage of the fall when she is working in the orchard and making babyfood and then driving around Vermont selling it… I rent it every year!

Yoooo Whooo? ALBERT!

2009-08-18T20:15:00.000-07:00

In junior high my sister played Mrs. Mae Peterson in Bye Bye Birdie. I remember hanging around the gym/auditorium after school when she had rehearsals (I loved being the center of attention as a cute little 2nd grader) and I was so in awe of her performance. I also remember the first time I was conscious of my own suspension of disbelief.

She entered from the back of the gym, behind the audience. I must have seen her do it a dozen times in rehearsal. And yet, when those doors opened and she called out, "Yooooouuu whhoooo!!?? Sonny Boy? Albert!" I spun around with the rest of my classmates.

What's happening now? Who's that old woman? Albert doesn't look happy to see her!

Afterwards, I was astounded that it hadn't even occurred to me that it was my sister. I was so wrapped up in the story and the characters that I was able to turn off the part of my brain that said, "that's the old fur shawl she found at the church rummage sale" or "wow, her cat eye glasses really do fit the part!"

I live a lot of my life turning on and off my suspension of disbelief. Tonight I watched two of my new fav TV shows. One is about an astronaut crew in the future (Defying Gravity) and the other about a model who dies, only to come back in the body of a plus size lawyer (who's assistant is Margaret Cho! how lucky is that!?) (oh, and that show is Drop Dead Diva). These plot lines are so completely implausible, unrealistic, silly even. And yet, when I'm watching them, I turn that part of brain off and I fall in love with the characters and devote myself to their lives for half an hour or so.

But sometimes, the ability to turn off parts of your self is a bad thing. Sometimes, it makes you miss the old lady calling out to you....

Lately I've been imagining God as an old woman from some small immigrant community. She's a small woman in stature, but she makes up for it in her voice and all-around power. You can sit there, going about your life, trying to ignore her, but eventually the nagging wears you down and you have to turn - "Yes! What IS it, Mother?!"

You are cross. She is cross. It looks bad.

But then she looks at you with a sheepish grin - "But Sweety, I only want what's best for you..."

I've been sitting here, trying to ignore that calling voice for a long time. Sometimes I would pretend to answer it, trying to satisfy her with half-commitments and empty promises, but eventually I realized, she really does only want what's best for me.

And the funny thing is, once I answered the call, once I turned around and said, "OK, what do you need me to do?" She replied with, "Oh, you know, just keep it in mind. What you're doing is good, I just want to know that you know that I know that you know that I have plans for you."

Yes, Mother. I know. I'm ready to answer the call. When the time comes.

p.s. the picture is obviously not my sister ;p

Quick Update - General Synod

2009-06-27T07:23:00.000-07:00

I'm spending this weekend in Grand Rapids, MI, where I am a delegate to the 27th General Synod of The United Church of Christ. We are doing a lot and having a lot of fun along the way!

Check out my semi-live blog of the events - Experience the Immersion

I'll try to post some of my more personal theologically related revelations here as the weekend continues.

Crisis of Faith

2009-06-12T13:56:00.000-07:00

I'm having a crisis of faith. Not my faith in God or my theology, mind you. No, I'm speaking of my faith in human decency.

I'm sorry to say I am prone to this particular crisis - it's one of the reasons I choose not to watch the news or read the newspaper on a daily basis. There's always something horrible going on to inspire doubt in my fellow humans; a car bomb here, a kidnapping there, and just plain disregard for human life.

Admittedly, my current crisis stems from a more personal place. But then, I also believe that a crime against one is a crime against all...

Gay Marriage. It's been on my mind a lot because I am doing a group project for my English class on the topic. Out of 5 people, one of our group is opposed, and there doesn't seem to be any way to get through to her. We present on July 9th, so I'm trying to hold out hope. But then, it's not just her. We surveyed the class, and almost everyone else is opposed.

It makes me want to scream and cry. I simply don't understand how these kids can think they have the right to make these hate filled decisions for everyone else.

One part that's eating away at me right now because I feel so awful about thinking/feeling this way is that many of my classmates are immigrants. I am whole-heartedly in favor of immigration...except when those immigrants want to then impose on my civil liberties. This is America, and there are plenty of countries around the world that don't have equality as the backbone to their structure, but we do, so why do you live here? (and yes, I realize that this may be one of the few places they could live... but ... ? ... maybe one of the reasons they can live here is because we try to respect human life and uphold our constitution that states that all men are created equally and have the right to the pursuit of happiness, so shoudn't they in turn respect that?)

I also will never understand how people, often Christians, can think it's their job to 'save' others from sin. What do you care? Besides all the other blatent ways in which this goes against the teachings of Jesus - let he who is without sin cast the first stone and all that - seriously, what do you care if I go to hell if you don't think you will? You want some extra brownie points when you get to heaven?

Feed the poor.
Adopt an orphan.
Donate blood.
Give change to and smile at that homeless guy, regardless of what you think he's going to spend it on.
Pick up litter.

There are so many ways to love God by loving others without HATING anyone.

I was also extremely disturbed by a comment made by a woman in my class, with whom I'd had a conversation about church the class before - "I'm a DEVOUT Christian, so I just know it's wrong." It felt as though she were saying that I wasn't a real Christian and that I am somehow intellectually inferior because I don't "know" it's wrong. Sorry, I don't know it's wrong. I don't know it's right either. I don't know much in fact. I just try to live and love in a way that makes me feel less hopeless. For all I know, God's a giant chicken.

And on that note, something silly to try and cheer myself up.

Sex with Ducks from Erika Lindhome on Vimeo.

A Writing Exercise from Onkel Hankie Pants

2009-05-25T09:06:00.000-07:00

In his recent blog post, Onkel Hankie Pants said:

"Anomalously, there was a lawnmower sandwiched between the Bibles. (Now, there’s a writing class exercise: Take that last sentence and create a reasonable context for it.)"

And I thought, Yes, that would be a good writing exercise. And seeing as how it's Memorial Day and I am at work with an empty stomach I'm trying to distract, I thought I'd give it a shot.

So, here you go!

All she could recall were books. When friends asked her about childhood pets or toys, she would reply with statements such as, “We had a big red dog” or “I had a velveteen rabbit I just adored.” She knew these to be true, though not quite accurate. Her friends, from slightly less literate families, never seemed to pick up on her little un-truths, as she liked to call them.

Every room had a bookcase, at least one. She often found it odd that the one room devoid of reading material was the bathroom – one of the few rooms where books could be found in playmates houses. Even the garage, rarely, if ever, used for storing cars, and even less often used for building and repairing, held volumes of friends. These garage rejects were often the result of duplication purchasing, something her mother was known to do at the local rummage sales. There were no less then three copies of Moby Dick, Oliver Twist and Goodnight Moon.

Most off putting to the friends that came to explore this strange library were the Bibles. They thought it most irreverent to store these holy books in such an unusual place. Unlike the novels and encyclopedias, the Bibles were all lined up together, neat and tidy. She had designed this space for the Bibles specifically, hunting throughout the piles of hard covers and paperbacks for the red or black bindings that spoke of faith. Anomalously, there was a lawnmower sandwiched between the Bibles. No one was ever sure why she had chosen the location surrounding the lawnmower for her shrine, but that was the way she liked it. The Bibles became her territory, as did the lawnmower, and thus began her love of reading, religion and landscaping.

A Busy Week

2009-03-27T08:49:00.000-07:00

Well, I've been busy since getting back from Seattle. On Monday my flight landed at 3:30, but they didn't let us off the plane till 4. Then I had to rush home and drop off my luggage and then back on the bus to go to class! It was Acting for the Camera, and we shot a page long break-up scene. It was actually the funnest class we've had so far this semester, and I got to act as well as direct.

On Tuesday I had work and then class and then had to pick up equipment, transport it to my church and then get the hourcar back to it's parking garage all during a very rainy day! On Wednesday I went to work, had to stay late to wait for a delivery, which made me late to class, where I realized I had not finished my project that was due, so during the break I had to fix one thing and then burn it to DVD. But then I screened it and it was well received. After class I went to my church and along with the help of Comrade Landlord and a classmate, filmed an interview for the Stewardship Documentary I'm working on. That night I decided the film I had shown in class wasn't quite right, so I spent some time reworking it and figuring out how to post it to facebook (after writing this I'm going to put it up on my FilmAching blog).

On Thursday I borrowed my aunts car for the day and sent out the newsletter at work, picked up and returned the equipment and went to class. Then I picked up my aunt from work and went out and had some dessert while she had dinner.

Next I went home and watched the latest episode of my new favorite TV show, Kings. It's like a post-modern Shakespearean history. And I really mean POST-modern, because it takes place in a fictitious world, not unlike our own, but I think somewhat post-apocalyptic. Anyway, I love the drama, and the "fools" played by the two guards are very Gildenstern and Rosenkrantz-like.

Anyway, this morning we did a sound recording in my sound for image class, and now I am blogging. SO there! that's my week!

remember to check out my video! And I will post pictures from Seattle soon, I promise!

Quick One: Writing from Yesterday

2009-03-21T10:04:00.000-07:00

Walking in Seattle today, I got the feeling that the entire city is under construction. (It's not) Part of this is, I'm sure, due to the shift of seasons - construction season has begun across the country. But I knew that couldn't be all of it... and then I saw them, I mean, really saw them.

Wires.

Running above the streets, holding up traffic lights, random cables strung between lamp posts.

Living in the mid-west where our soil is soft and our landscape flat, the only time you see wires like this is when something's under construction.

The architecture had its affect on me as well. It feels different then what I think of as Minneapolis architecture, with a much stronger asian influence - I don't know why I think that it has an asian influence, I just do - and the thing is that we have a lot of similar bulidings back home, built in the last 10 years or so. But many of these buildings are condos, and because of the economy and what not, they stand half empty, the fussiness spaces devoid of anything other than concrete. It's been like that for a few years now, so I guess when I see sleek looking asian influenced condo buildings, I think no one lives there.

But Seattle is still one of the most expensive places to live, even with the recession, and though I don't know much about economics, I I think I have a good grasp on the supply and demand theory - If people didn't demand the living spaces in Seattle, the supply would stay the same (or grow like in mpls) and prices would go down...

so, that's my first bit of "noticing" in Seattle, it appears to be under construction to me, but really it's not, I'm just not used to the landscape.

p.s. I got drenched yesterday in a 15 min downpour. crazy! ... but kind of nice in it's own way.

The Life and Times...

2009-03-07T10:11:00.000-08:00

Thought I should post a little, since I haven't done so for a while, but not sure hat to write about...hmmm...

Well, here's what's been going on:

School: I'm taking four classes (one of which meets twice a week) and I really enjoy all of them, which is great. That's not to say that they all go well all the time - a crummy test score here, a poor filming job there - but I feel pretty stuffed with information at the end of the week.

Church: I am now on three committees; CE, Stewardship, Centennial Planning. I like being on committees and helping to plan events and what not, but it also means being required to go to church certain Sundays, which I find makes me want to go less. I take that as proof that I should not be a minister.

Gym: I got a membership to the YWCA in January and have been going pretty regularly. But, I was having a hard time going everyday because i can talk my self out of things pretty easily. So I made a Lenten Devotion out of it. I decided that for Lent I am going to go to the Gym at least 5 days a week. The first week didn't go so well. I was super sick and since it was hard to breath out of my nose, I decided it better to use the time for sleep. But this week I've been feeling quite a bit better, and I went Mon. through Thurs. and am going to go today, too! On Tuesdays and Thrusdays I have a class called Chisel! (there's really an exclamation point) I like i a lot. It's strength training with some cardio built in and it changes every time s I never get bored. Plus we listen to music that has a good beat to keep you going.

I discovered that music is the most important part of my workout - surprise surprise. I went a few weeks without an iPod, and I couldn't believe how hard it was to get going on the exercise bike, not to mention keep going! Now I am figuring out which songs are the best to keep me motivated and moving fast. I can't wait for my MNCare stuff to pull through so I can go to the doctor. I really want to know what the deal is with heart rate, cause I have to work really hard to get my heart rate up on the bike.

Travel: I decided I needed a vacation, and what with Spring Break coming up, I decided to do something fun, just for me! So I booked a plane ticket and a hotel for Seattle!

OK, I know a lot of people go to sunny beaches for S.B., but really, does that sound like something I want to do? Instead, I'm going to a city near the ocean, a walkable downtown and lots of fun cultural stuff. So far my most exciting plan is to see Wings of Desire at the Seattle International Film Festival Cinema, and maybe a few other films as well. (Don't worry, I'll blog all about that on FilmAching). The hotel I'm staying at is awesome with a super hip-artsy feel to it. I'm also going to email a couple people I know out there to try and get together, but really, this is more a trip about me exploring the city by myself, having a nice adventure!

So, thats' a bit of what's going on with me. I may be a little absent again because I have a 6 page paper due Thursday and a new editing project to work on...not to mention a documentary I'm making for Stewardship...hmmm, I better get cracking...But I'll try to keep you "posted"!

yay pictures! boo FCP!

2009-02-17T19:07:00.000-08:00

Well, good news and bad news.

The bad news is that Final Cut Pro (fcp, the editing software put out by apple) is claiming that my project files (created at school) are too new for my current version. Excuse me? the FCP software that came in the mail last week?! Not likely. Anyway, I have a request into the apple forums for some help, so we;ll see if any help comes from there. There do seem to be ome really knowledgable people on there, so I'm hopeful!The good news is that I figured out how to use the in computer camera! It's in an application called photobooth. Most of my confusion comes from not having the patience to read the manual and being unfamiliar with macs.

so, here are a couple pictures! (hint, if you want to see some other cute ones, go to winifred's blog!)

New Computer!

2009-02-16T17:11:00.000-08:00

Yay! I am now the very proud owner of a Mac Book Pro! Plus final cut pro, the keyboard to go with it, and an iPod classic!

So I know that there is a camera on this thing, but I can't figure it out yet! So, you will have to wait for a picture of me and all my new toys.

I am currently "working" at the co-op which has free wifi and my friend and former roommate, Puzzler, has just joined me for a little snack and chat!

Now that I have my own computer I will try to be a much better blogger, I promise!

Answers to the Movie Meme!

2009-01-27T07:42:00.000-08:00

Well, it's about time I posted the answers to last week's little game, don't you think?

All three of my commenters were correct, and I completely agree with Amanda -- this can be really hard, especially if you aren't one of those "remembers all the lines" people! I should mention that, although he didn't leave a comment, Comrade Landlord got almost all of these!

1)Oh, no, no, no, no, no. I can't stand it! It's too easy! The child is in love with a human. And not just any human. A prince! --- This was indeed The Little Mermaid (Disney), spoken by Ursula

2)I know it was you Fredo. You broke my heart. You broke my heart! -- Godfather II

3)Everything that you wanted I have done. You asked that the child be taken. I took him. You cowered before me, I was frightening. I have reordered time. I have turned the world upside down, and I have done it all for *you*! I am exhausted from living up to your expectations of me. Isn't that generous? --- The Labyrinth (seriously though, some of these should have just been process of elimination - a list of my favorite wouldn't be complete without this one!)

4)End, begin, all the same. Big change. Sometimes good. Sometimes bad. --- The Dark Crystal, Augra says this to Jen

5)If you say anything, about politics, or the campaign, or what speech you have to give, or anything, I swear to God I'm gonna stab you with this fork. -- This one was hard because it is brand new, but everyone should see it!! Milk

6)I know. She's heading an expedition to China shortly. I'm to go as her servant. But only on the understanding that I am to be very badly treated. -- Sense and Sensibility, spoken by Mr. Farrows regarding Miss Margaret.

7)You know, there's nothing I like better than to meet a high-class mama that can snap 'em back at ya. 'Cause the colder they are, the hotter they get. That's what I always say. Yes, sir, when a cold mama gets hot, boy, how she sizzles. Ha, ha, ha, ha. --- It Happened One Night

8)You've made a mistake. He's a good kid. I understand. You're hot, you're super f***ing pissed. We're all real emotional. But you're barking up the wrong tree. I know this man. He wouldn't do that. --- Reservoir Dogs

9)Now, get this, you double-crossing chimpanzee: There ain't going to be any interview and there ain't going to be any story. And that certified check of yours is leaving with me in twenty minutes. I wouldn't cover the burning of Rome for you if they were just lighting it up. --- This one stumped the Comrade, but not old Hankie Pants! It was indeed from a remake of The front page - His Girl Friday.

10)...in marrying your nephew, I should not consider my self as quitting that sphere. He is a gentleman, I am a gentleman's daughter. So far we are equal. --- Pride and Prjudice, the BBC version, spoken by Elizabeth Bennett

11)Don't put it in your pocket, sir. Don't put it in your pocket. It's your lucky quarter. -- No Country for Old Men

12)No, no, no. A vigilante is just a man lost in the scramble for his own gratification. He can be destroyed, or locked up. But if you make yourself more than just a man, if you devote yourself to an ideal, and if they can't stop you, then you become something else entirely. --- Batman Begins

13)No! No! I want an Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle! -- A Christmas Story

14)On the evening of October 7, 1989 several hundred people got together for some evening exercise and marched for the right to go for walks without the Berlin Wall getting in their way. --- Goodbye Lenin (this film is both more and less political then you might think, so if you didn't see it for either of those reasons, stop wasting time, it's amazing)

15)I will step outside the church if that's what needs to be done, till the door should shut behind me! --- Another new one - Doubt with Meryl Streep

16)Miss Haynes, if you're ever under a falling building and someone offers to pick you up and carry you to safety, don't think, don't pause, don't hesitate for a moment, just spit in his eye. --- White Christmas

17)The Wong boys were taunting me about my parents' divorce. You beat the crap out of them. You were wearing a Kristy McNichol t-shirt, tan cords and a pageboy. You spilled your mom's groceries. We scooped them into a bag. --- Saving Face, a romantic comedy about a Chinese-American Lesbian, her middle aged widowed pregnant mother and their love interests!

18)I am honored and grateful that you have invited me to your home on the wedding day of your daughter. And may their first child be a masculine child. --- The Godfather (I)

19)When you decide to be something, you can be it. That's what they don't tell you in the church. When I was your age they would say we can become cops, or criminals. Today, what I'm saying to you is this: when you're facing a loaded gun, what's the difference? --- The Departed

(This last one may be the toughest, so I'll give you a hint...it's from my favorite film of all time!)

20)Our teacher says that God loves the blind more because they can't see. But I told him if it was so, He would not make us blind so that we can't see Him. He answered "God is not visible. He is everywhere. You can feel Him. You see Him through your fingertips." Now I reach out everywhere for God till the day my hands touch Him and tell Him everything, even all the secrets in my heart. --- The Color of Paradise. This is an Iranian film about a little blind boy...and you can't say much more about the plot without giving it away, but it is truly amazing!

Meme Time!

2009-01-13T08:55:00.000-08:00

My Cousin Amanda did this as a note on Facebook, but I thought it would be fun as a meme here on my blog! So without further ado, here we go!

The Rules:
1.) Pick 20 of your favorite movies.
2.) Go to IMDB and find a quote from each movie.
3.) Post them in a note for everyone to guess.
4.) Strike it out when someone guesses correctly, and put who guessed and the movie.
5.) NO GOOGLING/using IMDB search functions.

1)Oh, no, no, no, no, no. I can't stand it! It's too easy! The child is in love with a human. And not just any human. A prince!

2)I know it was you Fredo. You broke my heart. You broke my heart!

4)End, begin, all the same. Big change. Sometimes good. Sometimes bad.

5)If you say anything, about politics, or the campaign, or what speech you have to give, or anything, I swear to God I'm gonna stab you with this fork.

6)I know. She's heading an expedition to China shortly. I'm to go as her servant. But only on the understanding that I am to be very badly treated.

7)You know, there's nothing I like better than to meet a high-class mama that can snap 'em back at ya. 'Cause the colder they are, the hotter they get. That's what I always say. Yes, sir, when a cold mama gets hot, boy, how she sizzles. Ha, ha, ha, ha.

8)You've made a mistake. He's a good kid. I understand. You're hot, you're super f***ing pissed. We're all real emotional. But you're barking up the wrong tree. I know this man. He wouldn't do that.

9)Now, get this, you double-crossing chimpanzee: There ain't going to be any interview and there ain't going to be any story. And that certified check of yours is leaving with me in twenty minutes. I wouldn't cover the burning of Rome for you if they were just lighting it up.

10)...in marrying your nephew, I should not consider my self as quitting that sphere. He is a gentleman, I am a gentleman's daughter. So far we are equal.

11)Don't put it in your pocket, sir. Don't put it in your pocket. It's your lucky quarter.

12)No, no, no. A vigilante is just a man lost in the scramble for his own gratification. He can be destroyed, or locked up. But if you make yourself more than just a man, if you devote yourself to an ideal, and if they can't stop you, then you become something else entirely.

13)No! No! I want an Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle!

14)On the evening of October 7, 1989 several hundred people got together for some evening exercise and marched for the right to go for walks without the Berlin Wall getting in their way.

15)I will step outside the church if that's what needs to be done, till the door should shut behind me!

16)Miss Haynes, if you're ever under a falling building and someone offers to pick you up and carry you to safety, don't think, don't pause, don't hesitate for a moment, just spit in his eye.

17)The Wong boys were taunting me about my parents' divorce. You beat the crap out of them. You were wearing a Kristy McNichol t-shirt, tan cords and a pageboy. You spilled your mom's groceries. We scooped them into a bag

18)I am honored and grateful that you have invited me to your home on the wedding day of your daughter. And may their first child be a masculine child.

19)When you decide to be something, you can be it. That's what they don't tell you in the church. When I was your age they would say we can become cops, or criminals. Today, what I'm saying to you is this: when you're facing a loaded gun, what's the difference?

(This last one may be the toughest, so I'll give you a hint...it's from my favorite film of all time!)

Well, there you have it! If you can guess any (or all!) do so in the comments. If you want to play along, get your own blog! J/K...but seriously, why don't you have a blog yet? Anyway, I'm gonna tag AuntieKnickers for this one, but no one else. And Auntie, you can keep it to 10 if you need to, even I had a hard time coming up with 20! I'll post my answers in a week!

New Year, New Joys, Part 2: New/Old Friends

2009-01-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

One of my more recent goals has been to make new friends. Not because my "old" friends are lacking luster, but because I just haven't made many new friends in a while. I mostly chalk this up to being a Capricorn. We like to have a small group of really close friends. But it can also be attributed to the fact that I have not chosen a typical college route for myself. Most people I know went to college and lost touch with most of their high-school friends, which was OK since they made new life long friends at school. Well, my three best guy-friends stuck around town, so we kept in touch and remain close, and my other two BFF's are still pretty present in my life (well, one is really present and the other one floats in and out, but that's how its been since 7th grade, so I'm not concerned).

But this winter I made TWO new friends! And both are pictured below!

The first (in the foreground) is my friend Randi, who I have actually "known" since 9th grade. Well, since I left my first high-school and lost touch with all those friends (which I still get bummed about) I hadn't seen or spoken with her in 7 years! That's a long time at my age.

Then through a bizarre set of circumstances, we started hanging out in October, and have hung out weekly ever since! One Wednesday she called me and we were both like, "Oh my gosh, I haven't seen you for so long!" and then we realized we had hung out on Saturday. Crazy! So anyway, Randi has definitely been a great new addition to my friend pool!

The second Friend in the picture is Natalie, who is roommates with my friend Mike. She is super funny and we hit it off right away. We haven't hung out much, probably because we met right before the holidays a.k.a. right before my world got turned upside down with visitors! But, nonetheless, I am counting her because we always say we should hang out when I see her, and we should!

The third person in the picture is of course my friend Pat, one of those three frineds from highschool I mentioned earlier. Although it's nice to have these new people around, I would never think of forgetting my old Arts High buddies whom I share so many great memories with!

**P.S. The picture is from a Fancy Dress party that Mike and Natalie (and Mike's GF Rachel) hosted in December. Pat chose not to compli.**

Interlude: New Year, Old Love

2009-01-09T09:00:00.000-08:00

About a month ago I told you about the Neal and Leandra Christmas concert I went to. That was such a great night, and one of the best parts was meeting them and their daughter and getting to take a picture!

Leandra was wearing a beautiful jacket with beading and a two piece black velvet number with lace trim! Gorgeous! Their daughter was even wearing a Hanna dress! (where I used to work...in fact, that was one of my favorite holiday dresses!)

Every Christmas I try to get to this concert. It is always so beautiful, and fun too! When I was in about 8th grade, we went to their Christmas concert, and Leandra was wearing a ball-gown skirt. It was absolutely amazing and beautiful. Now, I know this is going to sound silly, but keep in mind that I was at a very awkward age - I think it was the first time that it hit me that just because I was(am) an alto, doesn't mean I have to put on a masculine air. I know, silly, right? But I was going through this phase where I wore a lot of old army gear and I always acted really tough. But Leandra has this really chocolaty alto voice, she often sings lower than Neal in harmonies, and their she was, dressed like a princess!

Well, nothing would do but for me to have a ball gown skirt, too! Of course, I didn't take into account that Leandra has about a foot on me and is a lot *ahem* narrower than I. The skirt looked pretty silly I think, but it didn't really matter. It made me feel pretty.

So, needless to say, I now always wait with bated breath to see what Leandra will wear this year! And she never disappoints!

New Year, New Joys, Part 1: Orange Juice

2009-01-08T11:10:00.000-08:00

Greetings from the very cold City of Lakes!
Did I tell you (I must have) that I got a new Kitchen Aid mixer?! It is the most glorious thing! And if that weren't enough, I asked for, and received for Christmas the juicer attachment! Last night I set it up for the first time and made fresh squeezed orange juice for the morning....

to side track a moment...I am sitting in my office writing, and my pen jar just MOVED! All by itself!! I think it is the ghost of secretary's past telling me to get on with my life and leave for the day! Soon enough....

Back to orange juice! As you can see, it took me 2 oranges to get about half a cup of juice. I used navel oranges which I am beginning to think was my first mistake. Next time I will buy Valencia and see what difference it makes. Still, this was a perfectly suitable amount for a morning brightener! The other mistake, and I am sorry I didn't take a picture because it would have made a good one, was that the bag of oranges I got was tinted orange! So it looked like they were really ripe, but they weren't!
You may be thinking that one of the oranges seemed to release more of it's mass, which is true. The ripe one was much more useful for juiceing. After the first unripe orange there was less then a third of what there was at the end, so it really did make quite the difference!

Anyway, this morning I dragged myself out of bed and went right downstairs, grabbed my juice out of the fridge and drank it as I made the rest of my breakfast - oatmeal with almonds, waffles with raspberry-rhubarb jam and hot cocoa! It was delish, and I really think it helped me be a little more productive at work today. Yay!! (P.S. Sorry the last pic is flipped, I really do need to leave sometime today!)

Busy Bullets

2008-12-15T08:31:00.000-08:00

Well, I've been a bit absent, and I apologize. I don't have much time because I have a few things yet to finish up for school, but here is what my life has been like, bulleted below for you!

Monday, Dec. 8th -- read my screenplay in class, got some awesome constructive critcism from my classmates and trudged home in the beautiful falling snow to watch The Take (see FilmAching).
Tuesday, Dec. 9th -- went to work, came home and met with the contractor who was there for something...can't remember what though since there has been so much! A new sink, new pipes, new outlets (ah, that must have been it) and tomorrow he'll be back for a working dryer!
Tuesday, Dec. 9th: Night -- Slept for two hours in the afternoon, watched some TV and then a second viewing of The Take and then writing...writing...till about 2am when I finished! One down, three to go!
Wednesday, Dec. 10th -- work, school - last Documentary History class of the semester - hand in the paper, discuss the merits of sound effects and music in documentary and film in general after viewing Koyaanisqatsi, get home, watch Jackie Brown and pretty much go to bed.
Thursday, Dec. 11th -- work, home, sleep for three hours, TV, start second Jackie Brown viewing around 10pm, write Jackie Brown paper. 1:30am, start finishing Burn After Reading paper. 2:30am start writing Final Coen Brother's paper -- Finish at 3:30am!! (yes, I wrote an entire paper in one hour, but it was pretty short and I had outlined it already)
Friday, Dec. 12th -- school, hand in three papers!! Watch Kill Bill Vol. 2, go to screen writing pitch practice for feature length screen-writing students (yawn) go home, watch some tele. Asleep at 5:30pm...
Saturday, Dec. 13th -- wake up at 8 after 14 and half glorious hours of sleep, start cleaning like crazy for a cookie baking party that only two people show up to - which is fine cause it was fun anyway and there are more cookies for me!
Saturday, Dec. 13th: Night -- go to a fancy dress potluck that was really fun until I (apparently) got some sort of migraine which has never happened before and felt really icky!
Sunday, Dec. 14th -- church, lit the advent candle, watched the Christmas Pageant ("Moo! Moo! Mooove over and make room for the Christ Child!" so cute!), go to Herberger's for the first time(not impressed), go to lunch, take a nap in the car while Annalee got a Christmas present for Comrade Landlord's (which means me, too!), go home, sleep for a few hours, go to the Cedar Cultural Center and see the Neal and Leandra Christmas Concert! (more on this later when I get the pictures up, hopefully tomorrow), trudge home through the very swiftly falling snow and bitter cold.

And that brings us to today, trudging back to the bus stop, just missing my bus, almost freezing off my thighs to get to work.

I have one little thing to do for screen-writing, and then I'm done for the semester!! Woot woot!!

MommyKnickers comes on Wed., CordeliaKnits on Saturday and DaddyHankiePants next Tuesday! EEEEEE!!!!

Sad (Christmas) Day

2008-12-09T10:00:00.000-08:00

If you follow MommyKnickers blog (see my blog roll for the link) than you know of the Advent stories she records for me, which she has been, and will be, posting about throughout Advent. Many of my Christmas favorites are sad, and I even added another one to that list just this past weekend.

SONGS: My favorite song (possibly out of all songs, but definitely of Christmas songs) is Neal and Leandra's Mary's Lullaby (sometimes performed by Neal, and then changed to Joseph's Lullaby). It is so beautiful and so sad...Mary is singing and knows Jesus' fate -- "Hush now, don't cry every heart must break sometimes. I'll hold you tight until the world has broken mine." -- I literally just got tears in my eyes typing that.

BOOKS: There are many Christmas/Winter stories that make me cry, some from a kind of empathetic joy, but many from sadness. To name a few...The Little Match Girl, The Clown of God (btw, you should totally go to that link because it links to a Clown Ministry website - my worst hated thing!), and my most recent acquisition, The Birds' Christmas Carol, about a little girl who is born on Christmas (just like me). She brings great happiness to her family and those who know her, but she becomes ill, and, well, it is set in the 1880's and was written at the turn of the 20th century, so I think you can guess what happens there.

But really, the story of little Carol Bird is an allegory for Christ, albeit a bit watered down. At one point Carol's parents decide that she is not entirely of this place, and that, when she has done what God sent her to do, God will take her back. Surprisingly, I didn't cry when I read it. But then, I usually don't cry on Black Friday.

Why not? I cry all the time during Advent and Christmastide. Here's my theory: At Christmas we celebrate a birth. This tiny new, innocent, weak creature comes into our midst wanting to love and be loved. But we know that the world will crush him. The world will break his mother's heart and refuse to learn the things he has to teach us. We cry because we are thinking of that baby and his family and their pain.

But then Lent comes. What can I do to change my habits? What do I need to be forgiven for? And then Jesus breaks the bread and offers the wine...for us. He offers up his body and soul for us that we may live*...and so Lent and Easter become about us. We don't take the time to mourn the death of our teacher.

Imagine this: The Youth Pastor at your church just had a birthday - the church threw him a party where they told him how much they appreciate his work, as well as just liking him as a person. He's gay, which is a.o.k. by your congregation, but apparently not o.k. with the thugs who beat him up one night, leaving him in a bloody heap to die. People from all over have opinions about it, and people from your own community and denomination are saying that maybe God wanted it that way.

The day of his funeral comes and no one shows. The church is empty and cold and he has no mourners...except his mother.

But it wouldn't happen like that, would it? There would be candlelight vigils and benefits to raise money so his partner could pay for the funeral. Hot dishes and pans of bars would find their way to his mother's house with cards of sympathy attached. It would be standing room only at his memorial service, crying - no, sobbing, for this lost blessed soul would abound, and no one would ever forget him, or deny knowing him.

So why don't we treat Jesus this way? Why don't we scream and sob at the injustice of his death?

Anyone who has loved a baby knows that when you hold that sleeping/squirming/squealing thing in you hands...nothing else matters. You would do anything for that baby and your wants and needs are the last thing on your mind.

I plan on trying to think about this more this lent and Easter season, so please check back to see what I come up with!

*Just a side note that I don't actually know if I buy into the whole 'dying to save my sins' stuff...but that's the common theology, so that's what I am going on.

Session 2: Joy. To: The World

2008-12-01T08:36:00.000-08:00

Right on the heels of Session 1 - my response to Session 2!

For Reflection
1. What demands your attention in this Advent season? Schoolwork! One of the worst things about being in school for me is that finals coincide with TMWTY (see previous post). I got behind this semester, let's face it, as usual. I now have four papers to write and a 12 page screenplay to finish. The papers are all due before the 12th, and the screenplay is due the 15th - two days before MommyKnickers arrives! It is so hard to tear myself away from Advent celebrations to write boring papers (especially since they are on violent movies). My screenplay takes place at Christmas, but is also rather depressing.

2. What in your life needs to be scattered by God's arm? Hmmm...that's hard. Worry. Stress. Being uptight about little things. And, as hard as this is, I think a few good friends and I have already been scattered - though hopefully the purpose is the journey back to each other.

3. What brings you joy? Singing. Children. Family.

Yesterday I sang in church, a wonderful Advent song I fell in love with last year. I received the usual thanks and "good job" comments that are always appreciated (but make me feel uncomfortable). But a few people mentioned that it made them cry. Honestly, it was all I could do to not say, "Oh, I'm so glad!" With a song like Koppangen, one that tells a little story and fits my voice pretty well, my hope is always that someone will be moved, like really moved. I think "tears of joy" represent that disturbing kind of joy that Songbird talks about. You can hear a song and not be sure why you are crying, especially when it is one that talks about happy things.

Children also bring me great joy. And sometimes it is a little disturbing, like when children make comments that ring so true - and then they go back to playing with their play-dough. This Friday I get to baby-sit two of my favorite little people, a brother and sister who always make me laugh and often make me think disturbingly deep thoughts. I am sure they will be in full crazy-town mode - children tend to be more visibly affected my the unseen energies in the air than we bottled up adults - and I can't wait!

I am a family kind of person, and am therefore lucky to live with two family members and go to church with another all year round. But this Christmas will bring me a special kind of joy when my mom dad and sister come to MPLS for Christmas. I am especially excited to visit with my sister. CordeliaKnits makes me laugh like no one else can, and I honestly wouldn't mind a tickle fight or two. That kind of Joy is hard for me to find in someone outside my family, outside of someone who knows all my joys and sadness and can laugh with me anyway.

Advent Retreat: Session 1 Reflection

2008-12-01T08:01:00.000-08:00

Over at RevGalBlogPals they are having an all day Virtual Advent Retreat. They will post three reflections from bona-fide theologians, and the rest of us get to read, and hopefully reflect. I am a little late in getting started, since Session 2 is already up, but here it goes:

For reflection:
You might like to consider where and why you protest about building a highway for God.
Which hills need to become valleys...or which mountains are really molehills?
Listen again to the reassurance "Do not fear...Here is your God."
God is speaking into the situation of your greatest anxiety. Where your fear is most deeply seated, there God is already waiting.

I am interested in the mountains-which-are-really-molehills concept. At first I thought, "I don't do that!" And this is why - When my friends start freaking about this, that, and the other, I try to be a voice of calm and reason. For instance, the stress level in my own home has gone down a bit since I took control of organizing the upcoming plumbing project. The Comrade Landlords really complement me in some ways because they tend to take things pretty seriously - such as the complicated nature of getting plumber, contractor and dweller's schedules to align - whereas I try to take it one step at a time, trusting that everything will end happily, since that has been the majority of my experience these last 24 years. But sometimes, I don't make a big enough deal out of things, and that can leave me unprepared, whereas Comrade Landlords are very prepared people.

But, Comrade Landlord #1 would say I make a mountain out of a mole hill at Christmas.

A little background - Out of 23 Christmas celebrations (not including the day I was born) I have avoided crying twice. The anticipation that we have, the excitement we build up to during Advent just overwhelms me and I end up crying (in my defense, two of the most recent years had good excuses - missing CordeliaKnits and having a panic attack at a movie). Every year I try not to get quite as pumped up, to save myself the agony, but how can I not?

As I believe I have stated before, it is my belief that Christmas is the
MOST. WONDERFUL. TIME. OF. THE. YEAR.

People are a little happier. Streets seem a little cleaner. Music is 99% less melancholy. Families come together.

And all of us, young or old, GLB or T, single or committed, with children or without, get to anticipate the arrival of a new baby. A baby who wants to help us smooth our mountains and make our highways straight.

SO, there's this mole hill, and its name is Christmas Preparation, and I make a big deal. I bake cookies. I decorate. I listen to Christmas music almost exclusively. I go overboard with presents (many hand-made, more on that later). And I try to get others excited to. I want their molehills to be mountains too.

Is that so bad?

Trying this again...hope this works!

2008-11-20T09:55:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Here's a funny thing of me, MommyKnickers and DaddyHankiePants doing a dance for you!!!

You asked for it!

2008-11-20T09:52:00.001-08:00

Christmas is Coming...

2008-11-13T08:30:00.001-08:00

Here is a picture of the gloves I bought myself yesterday. These are to hold me over until I get the ones I want from L.L. Bean (they are on my wish list for Christmas/Birthday, but if I don't get them then, I will order them after said holidays, especially since I want the hat on my wish list more...*hint*hint*).

I really like these gloves because:
a. They are convertible to mittens so my fingers can keep each other warm!
b. Even the thumbs are convertible! This allows me to pop just a thumb out to play with my iPod at the bus stop, something I couldn't do last winter and so resorted to using my nose!
and...
c. They were cheap! Well, for Target gloves at least - they were $9.99, which is pretty good considering all the features!

Yes, it has become obvious here in the Twin Cities that Christmas is indeed coming, and how! On Sunday as I waited for the bus to take me to church the streets were quiet and the only things rushing were the little snowflakes. I could just imagine them, flying around in a frenzy, singing "I'm late, I'm late, for a very important date!"

Later on Sunday I saw an ad for the Macy's Minneapolis 46th Annual Animated Holiday Show and Santa Claus at Macy's SantaLand!, which is of course actually the Dayton's 8th Floor Show, but since the Macy's takeover has been re-named...but don't get me started on that! Still, it is always a wonderful show and this year the story is A Day in the Life of an Elf, so I am sure there will be some spectacular displays. If you have never been, have no fear, it is a tradition for me to go every year, so I will post something really good about it closer to Christmas (I think going before Thanksgiving is a bit much).

Yesterday the snow actually stayed on the ground in the morning! It's funny how gray wet weather makes me gloomy-- unless there is snow involved, and then I get happy and excited!

Three numbers run through my head today:
34
41
42

34 days till MommyKnickers arrives! 41 days till Christmas Eve! 42 days till my birthday!

Of course, one reader in particular should note that it is also only 17 days till the first day of Advent...*hint*hint*nudge*nudge*

I played the wrong one!

2008-11-09T12:01:00.000-08:00

Wow, two posts in one day! This is what getting used to internet at home and then its absence does to a person! Celeste out and out tagged me for this meme, so I thought I better play, since that rarely happens!

1. It is always hard for me to come up with facts not widely known about myself...at least ones I care to share with people!

2. I dream of working in the film industry, as an editor and/or director, but I am scared of having to live in L.A.!

3. I have always thought it would be fun to work as an entertainer on a cruise ship! Sleep all day by a pool in the middle of the ocean and then sing in a cocktail lounge all night!

4. I realize #3 is highly unlikely and that most jobs like this are really hard work and offer little compensation. And I also realize that with my skill set and looks I would be likely to get cast as Mrs. Potts from Beauty and the Beast on a Disney cruise and have to wear an unbearable costume all the time!

5. I have great disdain for academics.

6. I fantasize about living in a small house and getting rid of a lot of my crap. And truly, I would rather have animals and children running around then books and knick-knacks laying about, but that's just where I am right now.

7. I have to pretend all winter to complain and commiserate over our weather, but truly, I love every snow-flake! The slush, not so much, but I don't see that as weather, that's just what happens because of cars and such...but I ask you, what is more beautiful than a riverbank in January after a snowfall? (note, I said more. I think there are many things in nature AS beautiful, but they are all equal, if you see what I'm saying)

Thanks for tagging me Celeste!

One Word Meme

2008-11-09T11:39:00.000-08:00

It's been an up and down kind of week, culminating in a good sermon on anger (which I needed!) and the remembering of homework I needed to do! So, after church today I got myself to a computer and typed up my bit for a scene my group is writing for screenwriting. Soon I am going to head to my fav lil theatre to watch at least one movie, but maybe two, just to make up for lost time! I can't wait for popcorn!!

And now, Celeste invited me to play along with this meme from her blog! Here it goes!

Where is your mobile phone? Window-sill
Where is your significant other? missing
Your hair colour? auburn
Your mother? storyteller
Your father? dreamer
Your favourite thing? singing
Your dream last night? unnerving
Your dream goal? film-maker
The room you're in? dinning room
Your hobby? refurbishing
Your fear? loss
Where do you want to be in 6 years? home
Where were you last night? play
What you're not? risk-taking
One of your wish-list items? mittens
Where you grew up? CityofLakes
The last thing you did? wrote
What are you wearing? layers
Your TV? unplugged
Your pets? bestever
Your computer? not mine
Your mood? peaceful
Missing someone? always
Your car? shared
Something you're not wearing? mittens
Favourite shop? target
Your summer? short
Love someone? love many
Your favourite colour? green
When is the last time you laughed? monday, screenwriting
When is the last time you cried? thursday, car ride

Music Meme

2008-11-07T14:08:00.000-08:00

Mommyknickers did this meme over at her blog and I thought I would give it a shot too! (Note: My advice is to do number 3 first as you can otherwise be influenced greatly by the band name and album title!)

1. Band Name: Random Wikipeda Link

2. Album Title: Random quote generator (take the last four words from the first quote on the page)

3. Album Art: Flickr Interesting Photo (pick one)

My new bands name is State Road 261 and our breakthrough album is titled Shall They be Saved. The album cover is below. Our music is mainly Old-Timey, but we like to do covers of non-old-timey stuff, if you know what I mean. Our big hit single is an old-timey version of 'Ode to Billy Joe,' originally by Bobbie Gentry.

One Singular Sensation

2008-11-05T07:16:00.001-08:00

There is nothing like the feeling you get when your candidate has won. Nothing. It is a singular sensation.

Yesterday I had this feeling like I hadn't found my song. Some days have songs, and there were a lot of songs running through my head, but none of them was 'the' song, ya know? But it hit me this morning...

...that's how I felt all day yesterday--so excited at the possibilities that lay in front of us, but so scared of the possibility that it could all blow up in our faces.

Then this morning I woke up and I thought, "there's my song!" I had it on the tip of my tongue when I woke up, but it quickly slipped away. I worked at finding it again as I got ready for work..."Woot! Woot! Said he's leaving..." no, that's obviously not it, I just like the 'woots'. "Morning glow, by your light..." nope, that's not it either. hmmm...

wait! I've got it!

(side note: I wish you could hear the young man I went to school with in New York sing this song...Beautiful, tall, dancer, African-American man who was still discovering his voice...he was having a difficult time connecting with the emotion of the song...until the teacher asked him to imagine the way he felt at the end of a dance. Breath taking.)

So, if you have a song to sing today, let me know! It is definitely a day for singing from the rooftops!

a single tear

2008-11-04T09:20:00.000-08:00

I got up this morning at 6:22 --- about 14 minutes later then I meant to --- to accompany Comrade Landlord to the polls. We got to the site a few minutes before 7 as planned and waited in line with our neighbors. Sleepy but excited, the line had a visible bounce to it as we waited for the doors to open.

When we got inside Comrade Landlord vouched for me (I was a little lazy in getting my address change made official, but luckily being vouched for is incredibly easy). He was the 37th person to cast his vote in our district, and I was the 39th.

Standing in line, looking at the people who make up my incredibly diverse neighborhood, tears came to my eyes. Voting is this amazing thing that so many take for granted, but I knew standing there that no one here was taking it for granted. Not today. Even in the 5th District of Minneapolis, which is historically about as liberal as it gets, all the washed out hippies, first time voters, Little Earth residents* and hipsters, saw this as a chance to have our voices heard, to make an impact, to take a stand.

When I got to work early I spent some time on facebook. A lot of my friends had used their status updates to say things like, "I voted, did you?" and "last chance! Vote Obama!"

again, tears in my eyes. I was saying to a friend, I think some of us younger committed liberal voters were really damaged by the 2000 and '04 elections. These were our first chances to vote and it felt like we couldn't make the impact we wanted to. Our eyes were opened in a very real and serious way to how much of an impact individuals can have. We don't want another victory to slip through our hands.

My friend, Singing Twin P., participated in Midnight Madness last night where, from 11pm to 2am, a group of young citizens went around the University campus posting signs, talking to bar hoppers about where and how to vote and doing what they could to get out the vote at the last minute. He has been working really hard this past few months to make sure that college students make their voices heard.

A cousin posted a video on her blog which I will paste here as well.

once again, little miss water works over here.

Then I watched Obama on the daily show from a few days ago. This is what we need, I thought. My stomach flipped. I've done what I can do, what anyone can do. I voted. Tears.
(*Little Earth is a community for Native peoples in Minneapolis and the school that houses many of their programs is where the polls were, right across the street from the Little Earth housing development. For a short time I worked as a sub for one of the child care center's that works out of the building)

Updated a Little

2008-10-29T15:48:00.000-07:00

Hello, just to let you know, I have updated my "side-lines" on the blog...in case you were getting bored with them!

Thanks for checking in!

Who Knew?

2008-10-28T07:39:00.000-07:00

I guess I'm surprised, but then again, I don't know much about Marilyn, so I guess if you believe this quiz we had a lot in common!

Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are a Marilyn!

You are a Marilyn -- "I am affectionate and skeptical."

Marilyns are responsible, trustworthy, and value loyalty to family, friends, groups, and causes. Their personalities range broadly from reserved and timid to outspoken and confrontative.

How to Get Along with Me

* Be direct and clear

* Listen to me carefully

* Don't judge me for my anxiety

* Work things through with me

* Reassure me that everything is OK between us

* Laugh and make jokes with me

* Gently push me toward new experiences

* Try not to overreact to my overreacting.

----these are all so true it's creepy!----

What I Like About Being a Marilyn

* being committed and faithful to family and friends

* being responsible and hardworking

* being compassionate toward others

* having intellect and wit

* being a nonconformist

* confronting danger bravely

* being direct and assertive

What's Hard About Being a Marilyn

* the constant push and pull involved in trying to make up my mind

* procrastinating because of fear of failure; having little confidence in myself

* fearing being abandoned or taken advantage of

* exhausting myself by worrying and scanning for danger

* wishing I had a rule book at work so I could do everything right---this only lasts for the first few months to a year of a job for me----

* being too critical of myself when I haven't lived up to my expectations---this is true, and even more so when they are expectations I set for myself without anyone else knowing. strange, I know----

Marilyns as Children Often

* are friendly, likable, and dependable, and/or sarcastic, bossy, and stubborn

* are anxious and hypervigilant; anticipate danger

* form a team of "us against them" with a best friend or parent----I don't remember this past the little "girl vs. boy" wars of 5th grade. In jr. High I was somewhat of a uniter---

* look to groups or authorities to protect them and/or question authority and rebel

* are neglected or abused, come from unpredictable or alcoholic families, and/or take on the fearfulness of an overly anxious parent

Marilyns as Parents

* are often loving, nurturing, and have a strong sense of duty

* are sometimes reluctant to give their children independence---I don't think this one will be a problem---

* worry more than most that their children will get hurt

* sometimes have trouble saying no and setting boundaries

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at HelloQuizzy

the weather outside is frightful...

2008-10-26T21:22:00.000-07:00

...but it's warm inside, so I'm happy! Yes, my 'landlords' finally turned on the heat! I am actually happy to have the "nasty" weather too, since I really like winter and this is a prelude to that. Coming out of church this morning it was sleeting a little, and by the time I got to the car it was snowing a tiny little bit!! Yay!!

Halloween is only a week away and I am stressing out because I am organizing the haunted house and activities for the Fall Fling at our church on Sat. the 1st. Have I ever told you how much I dislike working with type A personalities? It's true. We need to draw a line over which they can not cross. Why can't everyone go with the flow like me?

OK, I don't always go with the flow, and sometimes when I do it ends up being bad. But I think mostly I know when to hang in there or when to cut my losses, and either way, I try not to bring others down with me; to take responsibility for my own actions; to respect others need for details, and lie to them in order to give them the illusion of details... ;)

So, anyway. I chaperoned the lock-in for the high school kids at church last night. It was pretty fun actually, aided by the fact that my crazy best friend (whom I have known forever and grew up with me at church) came and hung out with us after she got off work.

It was good to hang with the kids and fun to get to know some of them a little better. They are all a little too old for me to have baby sat (well, not quite, as one of the seniors was my first charge, but he wasn't there) but too young to have been in youth group with me, which would have been awkward I think. I was still a little nervous, since I didn't know these kids. Would they be rowdy? Would they be disrespectful? What about just plain boring? Luckily they were none of these things.

My favorite story of the night: The youth leader pulled some stuff out of the freezer when I started to make the frozen pizza and said we could make those, too. They were little petite cheese things and some deep fried shrimp. I was thinking, Oookay... interesting choice of snakes to buy for a bunch of teens, but whatev. so I made them and put them out and the kids ate them...and then the youth leader said he had just FOUND them in the freezer. Someone went and checked on the expiration date...over a year ago.

OK, so that's pretty funny right? Everyone was all "eewww!!" and "Your trying to poison us!" and we laughed and it was all good.

Then a few hours later everyone was playing rock band and I thought, these kids need some popcorn. So I went and found the box of microwave pop corn I had purchased that day for them and made some. I brought it in and told them it was there with bowls.

The youngest kid there, the 8th grade friend of a youth group member, turned to me and said, "well, like, how long has it been here?" and I said, "about a minute, I just made it now," thinking to myself that he seemed a little dense. And he said, "no, I mean like here, in the kitchen here...like a year?" I almost started laughing hysterically! But I held it together and said "No, no, I bought it today!" And then I called out to everyone that it was fresh, just bought today!

Now, no one had yet moved to take any, and I thought it was because they were wrapped up in rock band. But sure enough, as soon as I told them it wasn't a year old, there was a rush of kids to get at the bag!

Oh, I laughed and laughed!

(btw, as I was re-reading that for glaring mistakes, I had said "poop" instead of "pop" twice! perhaps I should've left them in!)

OK, I should get to bed even though I took a four hour nap to recover from last night.

Oh, and have I told you I have the cutest/smartest cat EVER? It's tru, and sometime tomorrow you will see that it's true if you check her blog!

FRIDAY FIVE: Coin Toss

2008-10-17T09:17:00.000-07:00

Songbird at RevGalBlogPals writes: Well, Gals and Pals, this weekend we'll be rendering unto Caesar what is Caesar's, and that has me thinking about coinage.

1) When was the last time you flipped a coin or even saw one flipped in person?

I think it has been a very long time since I flipped a coin. And I can't recall seeing it in person recently either. However, I have seen two films recently that had coin flipping. The first was the Dark Knight in which TwoFace is born. Before he becomes evil he is a do-gooder who flips a coin his father gave him because he believes in fate. The other one I am having a hard time remembering at the moment, though I feel it must have been a Coen brother's film...any ideas?

2) Do you have any foreign coins in your house? If so, where are they from?

Daddy Hankie pants gave me some of the Iraqi money he brought back from his time there. I am also sure I have some Canadian coins about that the change machines never take.

3) A penny saved is a penny earned, they say. But let's get serious. Is there a special place in heaven for pennies, or do you think they'll find a special place in, well, the other place?

I feel bad for pennies. I have to admit that I don't chase after them if they fall from my purse...on the other hand, I will stop to pick one up, since that is considered good luck and I need all the help I can get! I also save them when I am cleaning out my purse, because they do add up if you have enough!

4) How much did you get from the tooth fairy when you were a child? and if you have children of your own, do they get coins, or paper money? (I hear there may be some inflation.)

As Mommy Knickers points out, we started with quarters. I think my belief in the tooth fairy was shattered earlier then anything else (i.e. Santa, the Easter Bunny, democracy...), but I still always looked forward to it because of the notes she would write me in squiggly handwriting, like there was this ethereal being out there who took an interest in me, even past my oral health.

When I was in high school I had to have a major amount of dental work done, including having my upper wisdom teeth out (the lower ones came out a few years later). I seem to recall getting a kind of under the pillow bonus that night of about $25...yes, I am the youngest, and yes, I am spoiled.

5) Did anyone in your household collect the state quarters? And did anyone in your household manage to sustain the interest required to stick with it?

No one in my household, but a kid I babysat for did. I babysat every Saturday morning, and every week he would want to show it to me, even though there was almost never any new ones! I generally don't have the patience for things that involve big pieces of cardboard, ya know?

A Promise of New Life

2008-10-03T15:45:00.000-07:00

I just found out that a Dog Blogger whose blog I lurked on occasionally has died. I don't know, really, anything about his family or the dog. I have no reason to mourn the passing, and yet I do.

For me, mourning is really about mourning a part of our lives that has left and can never return. For the Person (be they human or furry friend) who has left, we as Christians, can be comforted in knowing that they are with the Creator, safe and happy in Her hands, in a way unachievable to those of us still here...

But in my personal theology it doesn't stop there, in that loving embrace. God asks us to return, to do more good works, to make this world a better place.

Jesus promises us all a chance to redeem ourselves through him. He himself is reincarnated when he raises from the dead, and when we take Communion we experience the way in which Jesus/God is part of everything, from the wheat in the fields and grapes in the vines to our worshiping mouths taking in the holy spirit. But where does it say that we are only given this one body to take our journey with?

I came to this belief for myself after many years of feeling I had been here before, and that there is just too much I need to accomplish spiritually in the next 60 to 70 years.

So, I'm thinking about Grendel and how much he is missed and I am thinking that his soul must have gone through some tough times and done some good things to have been lucky enough to come back as Grendel, to such a loving home.

a quick little post

2008-09-26T19:40:00.000-07:00

I have to make this quick because I amcatsitting for a friend and so tryng out the indian restraunt by her house that I have always wanted to visit. So, I have to go pick up my order shortly!

This week has been crazy! I had to mmove out of my house for a few days while the floors are sanded so I am jumping between catsitting jobs and then back to y aunts until wednesday when it should all be done!

Oh and the reason my typos are worse then usual is because my friend's computer is a laptop and I am super bad at tping on laptop computers!

wow, this looks like a lol post!

2008-09-11T08:29:00.001-07:00

It's been a while. My life has been pretty darned crazy in the last two months, so here's a quick recap:

July, decide not to go to Mich Fest this year :( , find out I can't live with Hugo Buffo and The Collector, and subsequently don't know where I will live come September, then find out I can because they are buying a house. Yay! Finish up my English class...with an A!! Double Yay!

Early August, after returning from a Boundary Waters Trip I get to packing. This shouldn't take so much work in a studio, but it does. HB and C find a house and make an offer, they get it and we start making plans.

Mid-August, start cleaning the house. Filled with the smells of nicotine, dog and dying people, this takes about 10 paid helpers, a weekend and a week of a lot of painting with Kilz. And, p.s., it still smells pretty rank in some places.

BUT...the wood work is beautiful, the outside was redone recently so there is no work to be done there, and now Winifred T. Katt has an awesome big house to play in and catch mice in! Oh, had I left out the mice?

Late August, we move in, but can't unpack because we are having the floors redone at the end of September, so most of my stuff sits on the porch while the dining room, living room, study, extra living room and front room are filled almost to the ceilings with boxes and furniture! We all moved from smaller spaces, so why does it seem like our stuff takes up more space? Probably because we all have a fair amount of books (I have the least of my family, and I have about 3 book cases worth). Quit my job at the mall because I don't have the time for it. Classes start. I have been randomly selected by the government to have my taxes, FAFSA, and other stuff compared to make sure I'm not lying. This will take 4-6 weeks, and I can't get any financial aid till then. So, it looks like I will be dirt poor until the end of October. No Soup for You!

Early September, life is a whirl-wind of new bus schedules, digging out warm clothes, remembering how to do homework and adjusting to a new work schedule. Also, mourning the loss of my good friend from last semester, who moved to NY and got a job in the industry right away...no. fair.

So, hopefully, I will get back to blogging more, and I will try to post some pictures of my crazy life.

(The first picture is one of the two "staging areas I had in my apartment - I had over 40 boxes and lots of loose ends. The second picture is from when I was cleaning the base boards in The Collector's room, by far the worst smelling of the bedrooms. It has since been primed and painted a lovely shade of blue (but a different blue than it was already))

Friday Five: Labor Day

2008-08-29T16:43:00.000-07:00

At RevGalBlogPals:

Here in the USA we are celebrating the last fling of the good ol' summertime. It is Labor Day weekend, and families are camping, playing in the park, swimming, grilling hotdogs in the backyard, visiting amusement parks and zoos and historical sites and outdoor concerts and whatever else they can find to help them extend summer's sun and play just a little bit longer.

It is supposed to also be a celebration of the working man and woman, the backbone of the American economy, the "salt-of-the-earth nieces and nephews of Uncle Sam. With apologies to those in other countries, this is a Friday Five about LABOR. All can play. Put down that hammer, that spoon, that rolling pin, that rake, that pen, that commentary, that lexicon, and let's have some fun.

1. Tell us about the worst job you ever had.

Ok, it's time for the truth here...I've only had, like, three jobs if you role all the nannying and babysitting and child care related stuff into one. So, yeah there were definitely babysitting clients I didn't care for, but it isn't really appropriate to discuss those online...overall I have been very lucky, with bosses, co-workers, companies, the whole sha-bang...get back to me in 10 years!

2. Tell us about the best job you ever had.

I realize in the last question I rolled all the child care into one, but I have to single out my work for the Norwegian and the Dutch-ess as being the best job I have ever had. The parents are freelance artists and the two boys are awesome free spirits who have really good morals even at 3 and 5. Besides being a great family by any standards, I think our philosophies on child-rearing really meshed better then with all my other clients. They would actually tell me not to play with the kids constantly, that they need to learn how to play on their own, which I completely agree with. I miss those little guys!

3. Tell us what you would do if you could do absolutely anything (employment related) with no financial or other restrictions.

Right now, I think I would like to be employed as an assistant to an editor. I know I don't have the skillz yet to be a full-blown editor, but working along side a really cool, knowledgeable easy-going editor would be super awesome!

4. Did you get a break from labor this summer? If so, what was it and if not, what are you gonna do about it?

My trip to the Boundary Waters was my only break, which was great and I am sure would be long to most people, but the past three years I had scheduled my work around a three week trip to Michigan which I couldn't do this year, so it doesn't really feel like I have had any break at all...especially now that I am back in school already!

5. What will change regarding your work as summer morphs into fall? Are you anticipating or dreading?

Well, I like to think that part of my "job" right now is school, and I just realized that my two Film Theory classes have a few papers due the same weeks, so that will be a new challenge for me! Also, we are starting a new announcement system at the church I work for and I am really excited, but a little nervous that people won't like it (even though they should, but their church folk and sometimes they don't see what's best for them!)

Bonus question: For the gals who are mothers, do you have an interesting story about labor and delivery (LOL)? If you are a guy pal, not a mom, or you choose not to answer the above, is there a song, a book, a play, that says "workplace" to you? This is one of my absolute favorite songs of all time! We used to sing it in elementary school and I would sing down the octave from where everyone else was singing...then I would be told not to do that...but how could I help myself!? This song sounds the best being sung in a big, deep man voice! The best line is, "If you see me coming, better step aside, a lot of men didn't, and a lot of men died." Classic.

Friday Five: What's in a Name?

2008-07-18T07:05:00.000-07:00

RevHRod at RevGalBlogPals writes:

If you are a regular reader of Songbird's blog, you know that "The Princess" has requested a new name. Her older brother changed his "secret identity" a while back and now this lovely young lady is searching for a new name on her mother's blog. This got me to thinking. How do we come up with all of these names? There must be at least a few good stories out there.

1. So how did you come up with your blogging name? And/or the name of your blog? My original blogging name was SisterKnits. This came from a conversation my sister, Cordeliaknits, and I had about the yarn store we would someday own together where I would be the business end and she would pick the yarn to buy...it was to be called SisterKnits. I recently changed it because I really don't have time to knit much, so I don't. I don't have time because I am usually doing film related things in my spare time, hence, SisterFilms.

Last summer I was dogsitting for my friend who is a Children's Book Editor and didn't have anything to read. So I went rummaging through her vintage collection of 1970s young-adult novels and found Judy Blume's Are You There God, It's me, Margaret. I loved the book and happened to be starting this blog at the same time, so it seemed like a good match(click the link to read my first ever post about why I chose the title!). My other blog, FilmAching, is a play on the words film making -- I often slur my words together so that when I was getting a "Self Loan" people always thought I was saying "Cell Phone," so this seemed like a good fit. Anyway, it's based on the idea that you can love something so bad it hurts.

2. Are there any code names or secret identities in your blog? Any stories there? Well, check out Mommyknickers site, to see an explanation of that. Hugo Boffo...I am not really sure because he picked it himself and I can't remember, maybe he will chime in with that info.

3. What are some blog titles that you just love? For their cleverness, drama, or sheer, crazy fun? I really like a lot of the knitting blogger's titles, like dolly dimple knits, and yarn harlot

4. What three blogs are you devoted to? Other than the RevGalBlogPals blog of course! Well, obviously Cordeliaknits and one she recently introduced me too, the Pioneer Woman - warning! that site is addictive! I also really like Subway Knitter.

5. Who introduced you to the world of blogging and why? Cordeliaknits, definitely. I kind of knew what a blog was, but to hear the news talk about them, they were this weird thing for politicos and tabloid journalists, so I wasn't all that interested. But, as usual, Cordeliaknits opened my eyes to something I now can't live without...it's a really good thing she isn't into drugs, or she would have gotten me hooked, too!

Bonus question: Have you ever met any of your blogging friends? Where are some of the places you've met these fun folks? I have met the blogger of StoneSoupArt when I visited Berkeley last spring and then, obviously, the ones I've known all my life!

Random thoughts Running around in my head today...

2008-07-14T09:23:00.000-07:00

...wishing i was there not here...and by "there" i mean anywhere but here...

it's really past time to get rid of that car...

..."if the fish swam out of the water, and grew legs and they started walking"...

...why does this denomination need so many rules?...why does my denomination not have a lot of rules?

...why aren't women's studies classes mandatory for high school and college students?...
why is "aren't" grammatically acceptable in the sentence above, but "are not" in its place would sound stupid?

...how about I not be so shy anymore? you know, around strangers...

why can't I spend my days watching movies and writing instead of working and commuting?

..."if the apes climbed down from the trees, and grew tall and they started talking"...

...I hope winifred is OK...

...is it weird that I want it to be september now when I won't have anytime anymore? at least I wouldn't have so much time to THINK...

..."and the stars fell out of the sky, and my tears fell into the ocean"...

...why do we have to rent space to crazy people?

..."and now I'm looking for a reason why you even set my world into motion"...

Friday Five: Summer Camp!

2008-07-11T15:40:00.000-07:00

Mother Laura at RevGalBlogPals says:

We're settling into our new new apartment, and after a lifetime at Montessori Katie is having a fantastic summer at YMCA day camp. Meanwhile, Nicholas is packing up for a week at Camp Julian, shared by the Episcopal dioceses of Los Angeles and San Diego. His lists of supplies and rules--except for the ropes course available to the teenagers and the ban on IPODs and cell phones--bring back memories of my own happy times weeks at Y camp Ta Ta Pochon, funded by selling countless cases of butter toffee peanuts. So, in celebration of summer, please share your own memories and preferences about camp.

1. 1. Did you go to sleep away camp, or day camp, as a child? Wish you could? Or sometimes wish you hadn't?

I attended one summer camp at Pilgrim Point, the Minnesota UCC camp in Alexandria when I was in third grade. I got terribly sick and they were mean about letting me call my mom, which I was mad about. So, I didn't have the greatest experience there.

But I also went on many Brownie trips and had lots of fun on those. My favorite place was Camp Locksly because it was like a really secluded lodge that we usually had all to ourselves.

2. How about camping out? Dream vacation, nightmare, or somewhere in between?

I love camping! We did a lot of it when I was little, though not as rough as some might have it…we had a trailer because of my p-rents back problems. Of course, usually I attend the Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival where we camp in tents for three weeks (those of us who work). Some of it is roughing it, but it’s mostly just nice. This summer I will not be going to Michigan, L, but I am going to the Boundary Waters for a weekend and that should be really fun! I haven’t been since I was about 7 or 8 I think, so I am hoping I will be up for the challenge!

3. Have you ever worked as a camp counselor, or been to a camp for your denomination for either work or pleasure?

At Michigan I work as a counselor for the boy’s camp. It is child care for mom’s attending the fest, but we run it like a day camp. I also once substituted at the JCC day camp in St. Louis Park. I had the kids write and produce a little play…I think it was about mice who solve a crime…big success!

4. Most dramatic memory of camp, or camping out?

I guess the thing I liked most about our Brownie trips was the way our troop was so rebellious! One trip, a big one with several troops all at the same camp, our troop leader snuck a tv/vcr into our cabin and we watched Cool Runnings! It was so against the rules that we didn't even tell one of our own troop members who was a total tattle-tale (before you judge my leader, let me just say that it was a very stressful year for us in which we had way less fun then Brownies should ever have!) That was such a great trip!

5. What is your favorite camp song or songs? Bonus points if you link to a recording or video.

This is a hard one! I love Make New Friends from brownies – as a Capricorn who still has friends from Kindergarten (who were in Brownies with me), this idea is an important one to me. But also I love the Danish Hiking Song we sing at West Denmark Family Camp!

Here is a different camping song I found on YouTube - High-larious!

And here is another song I remember from camp days at..Lake Barbra?...but I think these girls have way more attitude then we ever did! Look how the leader keeps flipping her hair! It reminds me of one of my favorite movies growing up...Troop Beverly Hills!!

2008-07-10T20:56:00.000-07:00

God's Pottery is just about the funniest thing I have seen recently, and I am kind of sad they were kicked off Last Comic Standing, but happy I learned about their blog!

Here is a pretty funny video, but caution, subject matter is not for sensitive viewers!

Friday Five: Summer Reading

2008-06-27T11:05:00.000-07:00

Woah, its been a while, huh? Well, here is a little Friday Five, brought to you by Songbird from the RevGalBlogPals:

Song Bird Writes:

Back in the day, before I went to seminary, I worked in the Children's Room at the Public Library, and every year we geared up for Summer Reading. Children would come in and record the books read over the summer, and the season included numerous special and celebratory events. As a lifelong book lover and enthusiastic summer reader, I find I still accumulate a pile of books for the summer.

This week, then, a Summer Reading Friday Five.

1) Do you think of summer as a particularly good season for reading? Why or why not?

Yes and no. As an older child (I couldn't really read on my own until 3rd grade) I loved to lay around with a book, fan positioned right in front of me, on a hot summer day. And leisurely trips to the air conditioned library were always welcome. Now, working two jobs and taking a summer class, I don't really find much time for it I'm afraid...or at least, no more time then I have the rest of the year!

2) Have you ever fallen asleep reading on the beach?

I can't say that I have. For one thing, I don't fall asleep that easily, especially not in public. Plus, if I am at the beach, I am either in the water or keeping an eye on children, as I am usually there in an official capacity as nanny or camp counselor. I did have a child fall asleep at the beach while I was reading to him though!

3) Can you recall a favorite childhood book read in the summertime?

I am one of those people who re-reads books on a regular basis, but some books are just better in one season or another. The book I re-read every summer or two is The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis. This is the least favorite of the Narnia books of many I have spoken with, but I think somehow the characters resonate with me. They are all lost throughout most of the book, but in each other they find a piece of the home they have been looking for. It is good for summer because it begins in a hot country.

4) Do you have a favorite genre for light or relaxing reading?

If I need something to breeze through I like to either re-read a Tamora Pierce book (fantasy) or pick up a not too trashy romance novel, like the ones by Julie Kenner

5) What is the next book on your reading list?

Right now I am reading A Wrinkle in Time and so the next logical step would be A swiftly Tilting Planet, right? My mom kind of read these to me, but I think she must have tried it about a year to soon, because I remember it going straight over my head and not wanting to tell her I didn't get what was happening. As a more mature reader, I now see that you aren't always supposed to know what is happening, which I actually like.

Agape

2008-06-09T11:03:00.000-07:00

I have mentioned before that I am taking a summer course for English 1110, which is College English 1. Because it is a summer course, and therefore only 8 weeks long vs. the usual 16, we have to fit a weeks worth of studying and coursework into each class. This "week" one of our assignments is to write about a time, recently, that we practiced Agape. The focus of the class is the Civil Rights Movement and we have begun reading essays written by King, Rustin and Baldwin as well as looking at quotes and background about Gandhi.

In his essay, Pilgrimage to Nonviolence, King rights that Agape is a Greek term for love. And this particular kind of love is the kind that God has for us and that we must strive to have for our "enemies." A love which is not romantic, but which takes another person's humanity into consideration. Agape is at the heart of nonviolent resistance because it is through Agape that we understand and are able to keep ourselves from violence.

So, how do I write about having agape when there is no one I can think of that I hate? Hate is a really strong word, one I try to stop myself from using. Words have to much strength to use them lightly- "starving", "lame", "retarded" - these are terms my peers use constantly, many not giving a second thought to their use of words that debilitate people's minds.

But I digress.

So, I don't feel like I have a really strong argument, but here is the story I plan to write about for my assignment:

I was going to ride the bus to school last Tuesday, and I ended up having to run for the bus, which was, surprisingly, more or less on time (very rare for that particular route). Anyway, I was paying in change, and as I began to put the money in the slot, the bus driver jerked out of his stopped position and began driving down University. Well, although I was holding on, it was unexpected and I ended up dropping a dime. The bus driver, in a rather snarky tone, said, "I guess that would have been easier of you had gotten it ready on the side walk, huh?", to which I replied (equally snarky, I must admit), "well, I would have if I had the time, but I just got there when you pulled up!"

So, I am slightly annoyed already. The bus is pretty full, as it always is, and I begin to move towards the back where there seems to be a disproportionate number of seats open. As I reach the rear side-facing seats the group sitting in back calls out to me to watch out, because someone has vomited on a seat. I move to sit in the last row of forward facing seats instead, and see that the vomit is running under the seats on the floor. But what can I do? Somebody will need to sit there so there will be enough room, and better it be me then someone who doesn't notice and gets it on their shoes. So I sit down and gingerly place my feet on either side of the vomit-stream. I can see it is already drying.

I watch as the bus pulls into the next stop where a young white woman and an elderly Muslim gentleman are waiting. As the bus stops they both gesture to one another to board first. As they stand in that awkward yet pleasant moment when these sorts of oddities of respect occur, the bus driver yells out to them, "well, one of you get on already!" in an exasperated tone. Exasperation after a second of waiting, really? I pay close attention to the interaction between the bus driver and these new riders, and observe what I expect to see from him, based on my limited observance of his personality. He does not tell them of the vomit in the back.

In fact, for the entire 20 min. ride, he does not tell a single person about it. The only thing that saves anyone from sitting in it are the people near by who let them know. This is a public health concern! a small child could easily sit there or put there hand in it, and we all know where a child's hand ends up eventually! This is why the driver is supposed to take care of this as soon as possible!

I think of calling and reporting him. It would not be hard - I have my cell phone out, I see that the bus number is 502 and I have metro transit on speed-dial, I could call and report him while I am riding! Oh the joys of modern convenience!

But wait, who is this man? Why is he so unkind, and why is he neglecting to do his job? Does he have a family? My first thought is for his hypothetical children who may not have enough to eat or be able to go to the doctor...but I know that is unlikely. Bus drivers make good wages here, especially veteran ones, which this man appears to be.

Still, it has made me think...what else could be going on in this man's life right now that he is so distracted that his sense of common decency has escaped him, as well as his understanding of his job? Maybe his mother just died or his wife left him. Maybe he really wants go to Pride, but can't find the courage to come out to his friends (just kidding!)

I don't know. All I know is that he was disrespectful to me and to the other riders on that bus. I had an opportunity to report it. He would have been reprimanded. If I had been upset enough, he would have been forced to call and apologize (yeah, that's right, I live in Minnesota).

I had no reason to like this man, and I don't.

But by putting my phone away, I practiced Agape, the act of loving someone who does not show you any love in return.

Here Comes Summer and a New Blog

2008-06-08T17:43:00.000-07:00

It is hot and muggy today so my brother and I went to see Iron Man (more on this in a moment) thinking to perhaps escape the heat, as well as celebrate his birthday (Happy Birthday, Bro!) Well, one out of two ain't bad...the AC in the the theater was out! Oh well.

Now, on to the New Blog business. This summer I plan on watching a lot of movies and, to keep my skills up, I will be blogging about many of them on my new blog, FilmAching.

So head on over to read what the term FilmAching means as well as read a post about my thoughts on Iron Man.

2008-06-07T13:27:00.000-07:00

Auntieknickers (henceforth known to my readers and I as Mommyknickers) has tagged me for a meme. Pretty exciting as this never happens to me!

Rules: The rules of the game get posted at the beginning. Each player answers the questions/statements about himself or herself. At the end of the post, the player then tags five people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

Ten years ago:
I had just finished 7th grade, my first year of Bel Canto Voices and was I believe begining rehersals for the children's chorus in Tosca with the MN Opera.

Five things on today's "to do" list:
finish watching my movies before 8pm
return said videos
go to work and finish the stuff I forgot to do yesterday (oops)
go to hang with Sonshinein and friends at the Bedlam

Things I'd do if I was a billionaire:
pay off my student loans as well as my parents, sister's and brother's
buy a house
buy a hybrid vehicle (or an electric one)
invest in films to make more money to make my own films

Three bad habits:
computer games
not doing my homework when I should
not putting away clean clothes right away

Five places I've lived:
Minneapolis - Soutwest
New York - Hayden Hall Hotel
New York - 63rd and West End Ave
Minneapolis - Powderhorn
Minneapolis - Steavens Square Park

Five jobs I've had:
retail
secretary
nanny
singer for funerals
that's it!!

More Pictures From My Trip

2008-06-02T11:20:00.000-07:00

Well, here's what you've all been waiting for: pictures of the trailer that Cordelia and Leslie (and Asha, Peanut and Deacon) are now residing in! (something tells me it is probably not this neat anymore, as moving day was yesterday!)

Here is an outside view. As you can see, there is a pop out extension which is where the spacious dinning room table is. In this picture is also a sneak peek at some of the potted garden that Leslie has planted around the lot (more on that to come)

Here is a shot of the happy couple on their sofa. As you can see it fits two "comfortably" (Cordelia is not a fan of the sofa which is a bit firm for her taste) To the right you can see a bit of the kitchen counter and to the left there is the dining space.

Here is the bedroom. The bed is a full size, though not quite as long as a regular full size. Above the bed is the wooden plaque Leslie had made at six flags. Now, I think the picture makes it look way tackier then it is. In person it is just the right amount of kitch+love!

And back to that garden...
Leslie found this abelskiver pan (before she met Cordelia) thinking it was for making cornbread muffins in! It was already in the shape you see here, and she has plans to use it as a planter for succulents. How cute!! And imagine Cordelia's surprise when she came to visit the trailer for the first time, stepped out of the car and saw an abelskiver pan on the ground! Can we say Kismet boys and girls?

First Class All the Way

2008-05-30T13:03:00.000-07:00

So, on to California. First off: how did I get there? I am broke! Well, a co-worker of Cordelia's at her church is, simply put, a saint. He used to work at a church in Minneapolis, and when Cordelia asked if anyone knew of a way she could find money to fly her little sister out to graduation, he stepped up and said he could donate his frequent flyer miles! What a guy! But wait, that's not all. He also managed to get me first class seats all the way!! This was my first time flying first class, and I loved it! I would have taken pictures but I didn't know if I was allowed and also didn't want to look like some hick who thought real plates and cutlery on a plane was something like a fairy tale (which, of course, I did). They showed Sea Biscuit on the way out and The Great Debaters on the way home. (I recommend both) They gave us warm towels which I used to wipe my hands, per what I saw others doing, but it was only later from one of Cordelia's friends that I learned I could have used it for my face as well (which is what I wanted to do).

OK, on to the fun stuff! Here are some pictures with captions:

A fun one: this is Les and Cordelia in the sumo vs. Godzilla cut out. Apparently, in this film, the hero tries to defeat Godzilla by wooing her...stay tuned to see how successful it was!!

This was taken before the Graduation ceremony, hence the absence of hoods. This is the Pacific School of Religion Class of 2008. Cordelia was awarded the Master of Divinity, as was her roommate Gail, also visible in this photo. Gail is off to Winamuka (sp?), Nevada soon for her placement. Those lucky United Methodists have job placement for life!

Here is my favorite before the 'show' shot I took. It seems so fitting that she should be posing while everyone else is getting ready to move!

Here is my favorite of the day! You can just see the PSR colors on the hood, green and gold, and the red shows she has her masters in Divinity. You can also see Les standing below holding Cordelia's purse. HA!

And now for the finale - and the answer to whether or not that Sumo Wrestler succeeded in wooing the Godzilla....apparently it worked!

Soybeans and Paprika

2008-05-30T12:51:00.000-07:00

On my trip to Iowa I saw lots of Soybean fields. I did not take any pictures, because, quite frankly, I am not used to taking pictures and although beautiful, soybeans do not excite my imagination. I didn't get to take many pictures because of the rush rush of things. This is one of the many things Lydia and I are different in. She is tall, I am short. I have big hips, she, well, not so much. And, she seems to need to do everything at the speed of light, whereas I am very chill, often late and pretty sure there will always be enough time for everything. I like to think we balance each other a bit.

At the restaurant (which was called Rubaiyat) I spoke of in my earlier post seemed to have a thing for paprika. Each plate came with paprika "decorating" the edges. This was amusing, but as they say, "it's all fun and games till someone stains their shirt" which is what happened when some of the red powder got on Lydia's shirt.

Here is a picture of Lydia on her graduation day with her Swedish mother and Scottish father. The Purple cord is for Women's Studies which she minored in and she is also wearing a little Social Work pin which was her major. Congratulations Lyd!!

RE: Re-Cap

2008-05-30T09:02:00.001-07:00

OK, I have been very remiss in my blogging and I apologize! I am going to try and start being better (and I may even start another blog with more of a theme, which will hopefully be more interesting, but we shall see)

So here is a quick re-cap of what's been going on before I get in to any more detail. Plus...Pictures!!

1) I got my grades back: I got a B in both my film classes and a C in my Child Development class. I also took an incomplete for my English class and will be taking a real live sit down version this summer to get a grade without having to pay for the class again (and without having to have an F on my transcript!).

2) I went to Decorah, Iowa for my BFF's graduation from Luther College. I drove down on Saturday with her parents, who bought us dinner at a fancy restaurant (See photo below), and stayed over night in her dorm room. I quickly remembered why it is a VERY good thing I didn't go, and do not plan to go, to a private liberal arts college! But I am VERY proud of my friend and all she accomplished there.

3) I worked my butt off for half a week, trying to get everything that needed to be done, done,- including everything from organizing people to work my retail shifts to getting a letter out about the new boss I will soon have- in preparation for my trip to Berkeley, California for my sister's Graduation from Seminary!!

4) California. Need I say more? Of course. But I will do that in my next post. I will simply say now that it was a wonderful journey with lots of laughs that came right out of my gut and good times with friends, new and old!

(Me and one of my new friends, Leslie, outside Ichi Ban Kan (Different Thimgs) in Japan Town.)

.11% Makes ALL the difference

2008-05-15T10:13:00.000-07:00

OK, so I was in a bit of a mood yesterday. Here's why:

Reason 1) I looked at my bank account and realized I would be scrapping by until my paycheck comes, which unfortunately has been mailed already (instead of dropped off) and won't arrive until this afternoon or tomorrow. If you have known me for any amount of time, I am sure you are shaking your head, thinking, "Oh, Elinor, when will you learn to be conservative with your money?"

But I have been! That is the most frustrating part! The problems really stem from my teeth (which my dental hygienist said were very well cared for by me), which I am having $4000 worth of work done on. And did I mention I have to pay out of my own pocket?

The gist is this: Where I once had over $900 in my savings (which is a HUGE amount for me) I now have $25 . And where I once had over $1000 in my checking, I will soon have about $100 (and that's hoping my paycheck goes through before the dental bill!)

Reason 2) My grades. I have been struggling balancing everything this spring...new major with a lot of technical aspects, two part-time jobs, two of my classes online...and there's the key. I really should not have taken ANY online courses. I thought I was ready to be that self-disciplined, but I am just not. At least not when I have to be in every other part of my life. I need a professor, standing in front of me every week, discussing, in person, the topics and my work.

So, yesterday, I was done with classes, I couldn't submit anything more. But looking at my grade for my Child Development course was making my stomach hurt. I was at 57% That, my friends, is real bad. But my professor was not done grading yet, and the grades from the final that I took, through mind blowing tooth pain, on Saturday weren't up yet, so I still had hope, but not much. 57 is hard to come back from.

BUT I DID IT!!!!

I was going to wait until after work to check my grade because I thought I could work better if I put it out of my mind. Of course, about 10:30 I realized that was pure fallacy, and I had to look.

I was so happy I thought I would pee my pants. Seriously.

I got 70.11%...that's .11% more then I needed in order to pass the class (my school does not pass you with a D)

I told my boss, who knew of my woes, and she screamed (something I do not do readily, but she is inclined to do. I enjoy it, because I can't make my voice do it). She wrote - ".11% Makes All the difference!"- on a piece of poster paper and ran around trying to find a place to hang it.

So, that's how I feel today. My grade problems are gone, but my money ones remain.

I am feeling .11% better, but that makes ALL the difference.

Things that bother me...

2008-05-14T10:39:00.000-07:00

Knowing that I will soon have to go back to fretting over every receipt after my root canal

Actually being excited about a root canal (no more soft food! Yay!)

Knowing I am done with this semester, but not really feeling like it

Knowing I didn't do as well as I could/should have this spring

Not having the energy to clean my apartment

My apartment being messy, therefore sapping my energy

Wanting it to be this weekend and then next weekend...

Knowing that when I get to Berkley I will have to clean

Wanting to go out and celebrate, but not having the $$$

Even more then celebrating, wanting to sleep and sleep and sleep...

Pets dieing (other's, not mine, but still too sad)

Nosey non-members who should try not being so rude

Again, money...

Mr. Bush: 'nough said...

but here's some more;

Why am I, poor, voting, tax paying, good citizen that I am, only getting $300 from the stimulus, and people who are NOT below the poverty line getting $600 or more...? I feel punished for being young, working hard, going to school and not having gotten myself pregnant!

OK, that was my bit of a rant. I havn't had a real one for a while, so I think it's good to get it out. Seriously though, how do you go from $1000 in your bank account to $100 in two weeks? I've got two words for you people: school. bills.

Student Film - Finally Here!

2008-05-13T13:16:00.000-07:00

YAY!! I totally just finished my last class of Film and Video 1 (a.k.a. Cinema Production 1, as of next fall) by "handing" in my music video project and my 16mm Chase Scene...

and now, for your viewing pleasure...

SONG IN MY HEAD

conceived, directed and filmed by Elinor Strandskov
Music by Ozone

So, I hope you enjoy it, and I will try to put my ellipsis project up as well. I wish I could show you my 16mm, cause I really like it, but unless you have a projector, that'll have to wait till I have the money to put it on tape!

Friday Five: Short and Sweet

2008-05-02T12:22:00.000-07:00

I am going to try and make these answers short and simple, as a reprieve from the last two posts!

Sally at RevGalBlogPals writes:
"Part of the Ascension Day Scripture from Acts 11 contains this promise from Jesus;

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Then he was taken from their sight into the clouds, two angels appeared and instructed the probably bewildered disciples to go back to Jerusalem, where they began to wait and to pray for the gift Jesus had promised.

Prayer is a joy to some of us, and a chore to others, waiting likewise can be filled with anticipation or anxiety....

So how do you wait and pray?"

1. How do you pray best, alone or with others? Alone, silently, unless it is a sung prayer, in which case there better be a lot of people and some loud praises!

2. Do you enjoy the discipline of waiting, is it a time of anticipation or anxiety? both. I love the waiting of Christmas, but the waiting to be done with school (entirely, that is) is pretty obnoxious.

3. Is there a time when you have waited upon God for a specific promise? I am waiting, but more for myself to complete things I have promised God. She is just really good at holding up her part of a bargain, you know!?

4. Do you prefer stillness or action? stillness in still times, and action when needed..."there is a time for every purpose under heaven"

5. If ( and this is slightly tongue in cheek) you were promised one gift spiritual or otherwise what would you choose to receive? sometimes it would be nice if I could go where I was needed, spiritually, not physically, but consciously. does that make sense?

Photos With a Man I Never Knew

2008-05-02T12:11:00.000-07:00

Although my mom saved this photo as “another” one of my Grampie, my brother, sister, mother, Uncle Malcolm and I (the baby being held up above Grampie’s head), it is the only photo I can recall seeing with myself and Grampie in the same place at the same time. My Grandfather, H.C. Petroff, died in Maine, when I was about 3 and living in Minneapolis. I had recently seen him, as three months before my Grammie had died, and I went along for the funeral (which I did not end up going to, as other family members thought it would not be a good idea). It’s hard to think that I never had a real opportunity to get to know this man, who I have been told I would have enjoyed the company of.

So. Now that my mom is putting all these photos up on the Picasa Web Albums, I am learning things about Grampie, and other relatives no longer with us, that no amount of oral storytelling could ever give me.

What they looked like.

In my application essay to the film program at MCTC, I spoke about how I consider myself, first and foremost, a storyteller. For better or worse, it is what I am called to do, whether through singing, acting, making friends and family laugh…or filmmaking. I was finally drawn to filmmaking because it can encompass all forms of storytelling: visual, oral, and auditory. The only aspect I think it lacks is that of kinetic learning, but I have no doubt that one day we will find a way to utilize that as well. After all, film is only just entering its second century…we have a long way to go.

My mother has in her possession some old reels of film from her child hood. If they were still in Minneapolis, I could take them to school and put them on a projector. As it is, I will have to wait until they can be transferred to DVD and shared more broadly. But when that happens…well, I can’t wait! I am sure there is no sound, but to see the movements of someone you never knew but are so intimately connected with…it is one more reason that I love my chosen medium.

If I ever get a chance to bum around in Maine, living off my parent’s goodwill, I would like to spend some time finding music to put with those old family films. I used to nanny for a family where the father run his own business. He is a musician and he interviews people, and, using old family films and photographs, puts together little Life Story DVDs for their families, complete with original composition accompaniment. He has had clients put these together for loved ones anniversaries, 90th birthday’s, or for their children and grandchildren to have after they pass away.

Anyway, I guess what I am saying is this: it is easy to fall into a place of sadness or regret when we think of loved ones gone before. But, what I would rather do is learn from their lives, and do what I can to ensure my children and their children have the opportunity to learn about my family, past and present.

Below is another photo with Grampie. Although you can’t see me, I’m there. This was taken the summer before I was born. My mother, standing near Grampie on Eagle Island, is pregnant, as is my Aunt Nancy with my cousin Ivory (and that’s Cordeliaknits standing with Nancy).

2008-05-01T09:56:00.000-07:00

Songbird, a blog friend of my mom's, has a cool blog where she often
talks about her life as an interim minister. In a recent post, she
talked about a book by Henri J.M.Nouwen , Life of the Beloved, and how,
although he wrote it for a secular friend, the friend still found it
too "religious-y". I have not read the book (summer reading list,
maybe?) but I know all about the secular/sacred friend divide.

Nouwen and I seem to have a similar challenge when speaking with friends about
faith and spirituality. Of the non-church friends I have (meaning, friends I didn't grow up going to church with), I can think of one off the top of my head who still goes to church. And really, all I know is that he was raised Lutheran and still goes to services with his sister on occasion-but the important part for me is that he does not condemn me for my faith practices.

Now, condemn is a strong word, and I don't mean it to be. But it seems to me that most of my friends were raised in left-wing, middle-class families that worked so hard not to pressure their children into any particular path of faith, that it led
them to have a disdain for it in general. Since the majority of faith we see represented in the media is conservativeChristianity, this doesn't really shock me. I think some of their disdain stems from not understanding.

If you had never seen a flower bloom, would you believe it could?

That's a little cliche, but I am totally serious! It has literally made me cry
to think that I have friends who are unwilling or unable to tap into
the higher power that I am blessed to encounter, simply because they
are not open to it.

But what has having these friends done for me, and what have I done for them?

For me, I think it has led to both positive and negative outcomes. A
negative one is that I tend to be very defensive about my faith. "I go
to church, and I dare you to laugh!" I expect people to be offended or
contemptuous right off the bat. In my defense, I have been in enough
situations where my defenses do need to be up, but defense is only a
small step away from offense, and that is not a path I want to take.

A positive outcome, however, is that "And They'll Know We Are Christians
By Our Love" has become a mantra for me. I recently had a conversation
with a new friend from Karaoke. I had known her for maybe two months
when we had this conversation.

We were standing in my tiny kitchen and it went like this:

Friend: "Oh, this is a great magnet! "Thank God I'm not a Christian!"
Me: "Yeah, it's funny cause I am one, but that was my sister's back when she was Wiccan. HA! Now she's graduating from seminary, she's going to be a minister!"
Friend: "Umm, I don't understand that" and she gave me a look like she was suddenly a little frightened of me, not sure if I would reach in my pocket and
pull out a "Jesus Loves You, too" packet.

It turns out she is herself Wiccan, and has felt oppressed by Christians in her life. I understand that. I remember a "friend" telling me in fifth grade that I was going to hell with my sister because she was a lesbian and I loved her - seriously. she said that to my face, like, "Oh, so sorry to have to break the news, but..."
AHH!

Anywho, back to the magnet story.

So, I saw this as an opportunity to enlighten my friend and maybe ease some of her
wariness about my religion. I think it went well. I explained a little
about my sister's faith journey (what I know of it mostly from sermons
she has preached) and my own path that I still walk of finding daily wisdom's that I add to my personal theology.

And this is where the "knowing I'm a Christian by my love" comes in. If I
had had that conversation with her right after I met her, she wouldn't
have been open to hearing it. I am not saying I was trying to convert
her, not in the least. But I like to think I opened her heart and mind
to the possibility that my RELIGION'S past does not dictate my SPIRITUAL
future.

If this was a sermon, I would now say,

"Let me say that again: My RELIGION'S past does not dictate my SPIRITUAL future"

and I did this by showing her through my actions that I am a good friend,
one that is caring and will be there for you when you are down and will
visit you at your crummy job at the mall, without having superficial
concepts like "religion" as a prereq.

So, did I get anywhere with that? I am not sure. But I am now headed out of here to work on a screenplay, film a chase scene and go to the last full screenwriting class of the semester :(

Friday Five: 24 Hours

2008-04-18T11:56:00.000-07:00

REVHROD at RevGalBlogPals Writes:
Yesterday I had the 24 hour flu. I had
been told by the people who had it first that it really was a
twenty-four hour bug. And so while I dealt with all theblech of the flu, I kept reminding myself that morning would come and I would feel a lot better.

This is certainly a strange way to start out a Friday Five but it made me
think about what I might like to do if I knew it would only last for 24
hours. There are no reality boundaries to these imaginings. So here are
the five things for you to consider...

1. If you could dramatically change your physical appearance for 24 hours,
what would you do?

This is so easy, it's not even fair! I would be TALL!! But I think I would be tall and male. As long as I knew it wouldn't last forever, I would be interested to see what that would be like.

2. If you could live in another place for 24 hours where would you go?

Only 24 hours...hmmm. Antarctica. At the south pole station, or whatever they call it.

3. You get to do somebody else's job for a day...

I wouldn't mind being a college professor for a day. I don't think that
is where I am headed in real life, but I am interested to see if it is
as easy as I think it is.

4. Spend the day with another person from anywhere in time and space...

I am not much for historical figures, although I love history. I am going to take space as referring to more then just physical space: I would want to spend a day with Aslan, the Aslan of "Prince Caspian" though, since I think he has more depth at that
point, and seems a little less self-righteous then in "The Lion, The
Witch and The Wardrobe", and we would spend the day together in the
true Narnia,from the Last Battle. OK, I admit it, I am a total nerd!

5. A magical power is yours. Which one would you pick?

If the first was the easiest, that makes this the hardest...the thing is,
what's the use of a magical power if it can't help other people? I
don't really want to be flying all over, rescuing people from burning
buildings, that's what firefighters are for, and in my opinion they do
a better job then I could. And you might think I should want to heal
people, but really, I think often people are healed to well and to
often. Why does everyone insist on prolonging the inevitable? I mean, I
think doctors already have it covered as far as the broken bones and
stuff.Hmmm, still thinking...

This is completely made up, but
I would want a super power that allowed me to give people the gifts of
reason and serenity. Then I would go around to all the leaders of the
world, police officers and ornery professors. I think the world would
be a much better place!

So, there is my Friday Five contribution! I hope you liked it, and check out the href="http://revgalblogpals.blogspot.com/">RevGal site for other peoples!

Square One...Gotta Love it!

2008-04-08T10:54:00.000-07:00

Friday Five...Rather Late!

2008-04-07T14:48:00.000-07:00

Well, I am usually busy on Friday's, and so I never get on to doing this when I want to. But, last week's seemed very apropos to me, because reading my mom's post really stunned me; it hit me how much God has been revealing Herself to me recently.

So, Sally at RevGalBlogPals writes:

With this Sunday's gospel reading in mind, that wonderful revelation of Christ to the companions on the Emmaus road. I wonder where you might have been surprised by God's revelation recently.

So with no further waffle I offer you this weeks Friday 5:

How has God revealed him/herself to you in a:

1. Book
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. I read this book last summer, and I think it changed my life. I say "I think" because it rarely happens that you KNOW something has changed your life until long after it has been done and gone! However, the way she speaks about having to sift through what the world expected of her, what she expected of herself, and what the Universe (i.e. a higher spiritual element) expected of her, and using all that to become a healthier, happier and more attuned human being, really
The biggest revelation for me was when she talks about a voice who spoke first to her in the bathroom one night when she thought she couldn't take anymore. I have "heard voices" my whole life. I never thought I was supposed to talk about it because only crazy people hear voices. But my "voices" comfort me. They drag me out of darkness at times when no one and nothing else can. I have come to look on this as a sign of the Divine in my life - an almost tangible, but not quite, representation of the unending love that God has for me. I was nearly ecstatic to read someone admitting to having this experience as well!

2.Film

Well! What a question. I think it is not so hard to answer though. Last Spring I wrote a paper on the film Leaves from Satan's Book, directed by Carl Theodore Dreyer (well known for his amazing Joan of Arc film). Dreyer was raised by fanatic Lutherans, and had some interesting ideas about faith and religion - perhaps most interesting is that he seemed to question, which was not all that popular at the time (1920's). The premise of the story is, in a nutshell, that Satan is forced to tempt Humans into doing evil things, and every time someone is successfully tempted, another hundred years is added to his "sentence". BUT, for every soul whom he can not tempt, a thousand years is taken off. We see Satan as someone to be pitied, and we rejoice at the end when, after centuries of successfully tempting mortals (from Judas through the French Revolution) A woman is able to do what no man before her has done. She resists Satan by, of all things, killing herself. This film really opened up a whole new channel of thought for me as far as evil and Satan, having been raised in a virtually sin free denomination. I still ponder all the ramifications of this film in my life.

3. Song

Another toughy! Here are three, because I just can not narrow it further!
Morning has Broken - wonderful for spring, but I think also would be nice for a healing service, since coming out of the darkness of an illness can feel much like the sun rising on a clear spring morning!

Evening Star - A classic! In true UCC/Grundtvigian fashion, I was raised to see, feel and hear God in all of creation. Evening Star is a wonderful song about how different parts of creation teach us valuable lessons for our everyday life.
Be Thou My Vision - this is in the same vane as Evening Star to me, just a little more churchy, less hippy! Plus, the tune sends shivers down my spine and pops into my head at very unexpected, but welcome, times.

4. Another person

Enough with the hard ones already! Everyone from my most atheist friends to my most devout acquaintances reveal god and godliness to me daily...but as I was writing this, I was interrupted by the doorbell ringing. There was a woman at the door who lives in the neighborhood (oh, I should clarify that I am currently at work!) and I often feel as though she is the bane of my existence! She smells of cigarettes and is very forgetful. She often will talk your ear off about nothing and everything and she is always trying to get me to let her bring me treats! Anyway, when I saw it was her, I must be honest, I almost snuck back upstairs. But I didn't, because that is not my job. My job is to be welcoming to ALL people who come to this door. So, as she was leaving, she told me (for about the hundredth time) that I am an angel. And I responded, "Well, thank you! So are you!"
Hmm.
Could my auto response have been God trying to tell me something? This woman is trying, but what kind of blessings does she hold? I will have to ponder that one...

5. Creation

The rain. Yesterday it rained all day, which was awful because I really needed to do homework and instead I lay in bed watching the water all afternoon! But, really, it was awe inspiring. I talked with a friend from church about how in film, rain often signifies a rebirth, rejuvenation, reconciliation -a general purging of past wrongs, wiping the slate clean in preparation for the good things to come. Recently, two of my teachers granted me a boon. They are amazing women who didn't need to care about me (one I have never actually met, being that it is an online course) but who are willing to help me wipe my slate clean to start again. I love when Creation mimics life and vice-versa!

Bonus answer: your choice- share something encouraging/ amazing/ humbling that has happened to you recently:

A good friend of mine has two children who were adopted from Russia. They have now been together for four years, and I just saw them today. As I watch these children grow and see them move through their various (sometimes difficult) developmental stages, I am so grateful for their presence in our lives. My friend once told me that she had known she had two children, somewhere- she felt them before she knew they both existed. If that isn't God revealing herself, giving hope to the weary, I am not sure what is.

Their story fills me with awe, gratitude, bountiful love and faith.

Sesame Street Pinball Cartoon

2008-04-03T11:13:00.001-07:00

OK, I hope you are not getting sick of the videos...cause I'm not! This is my second favorite sesame street sketch...I am still looking for my favorite one!

Dragostea din tei - opera version

2008-04-03T10:41:00.001-07:00

OK, I couldn't resist! This is AWESOME!!! Look at the audience! They love it! I love how the woman is trying to dance, but clearly has no idea how to! HA!

Ozone - Dragostea Din Tei

2008-04-03T10:39:00.001-07:00

OK, so this is one of my favorite pop-dance songs OF ALL TIME!! Granted, since I am not much of a pop-dance song fan, I guess that isn't saying much, but seriously, this is awesome! They are a Moldovan band (don't let people tell you they are Romanian, they are just super popular there) and this song has had a lot of international recognition. The best part is that the english translation of the lyrics seem kinda stupid, like they arn't going anywhere...but really they are very sweet, and I think a great contrast to the american boy band songs that make it very clear they ARE asking for something!

"Hello [on a cellphone], greetings, it's me, an outlaw,
I ask you, my love, to accept happiness.
Hello, hello, it's me, Picasso,
I sent you a beep [cellphone signal], and I'm brave [or strong],
But you should know that I'm not asking for anything from you."

Anyway, even if you don't enjoy the song, turn down the volume and just watch, because this is a great music video, too!

Leslie Gore-

2008-04-02T10:59:00.001-07:00

OK, I have no idea how I got around to this, one of those YouTube things where you are looking at one thing and get taken to another and then another... anyway, This is so wonderful, I just had to share it! Her technique is great, and something that is really missing in today's pop stars.

So, enjoy!

2008-04-02T10:48:00.001-07:00

snow...sigh

2008-03-31T08:12:00.001-07:00

The snow is falling, and no matter how hard I try, I can't wish it away. Every time I turn around in my chair and look out the window, I see it - big wet snowflakes, collecting on the trees, the buildings and the ground. I knew I shouldn't take the hood off of my coat before April, but I did. It's all my fault.

Yesterday was gorgeous. I got an HOurCar and went to breakfast with Niels, then drove around the lakes with Joe. We checked on my bike at Sunrise Cyclery, but it isn't ready yet because he is having trouble finding the right kind of gear shift (apparently I chose a bike that HAD a really cool gear shift mechanism, but it is broken and he can't find one just like it to replace it. Oh well, I didn't even know when I picked it out). So, I guess that is for the best, because I couldn't have ridden it to work today anyway. hmmph.

March is going out like a lamb, but with any luck, next week will bring April Showers...

Computer Woes

2008-03-19T11:09:00.000-07:00

Well, I had a stressful couple of days! On Monday, about an hour before I got off work, my computer died. When I say "my", I mean of course my work computer. So, basically the monitor turned off. The computer was still whirring away, but I couldn't see anything!

Now, maybe you only use a computer at home for personal use, and it doesn't feel like the end of the world when your computer dies.

Or maybe you work for a big company and are therefore are in a situation where a technician will pop up to your office while you go get yourself a cool drink from the vending machine. No biggy.

Well, I work in a church office. And it's Holy Week. And next week the newsletter goes out. And people who know nothing about computers (*cough* 90% of the congregation *cough*) tend to blame computer problems on me, the lowly secretary.

But God took pity on me today. In her infinite wisdom she saw fit to guide me toward the computer fixers about two blocks from the church. If you ever have computer problems in Minneapolis, may I please recommend General Nano Systems on University. They had me in and out in less then half an hour, for less the $100, and with a smile on their faces (haven't there been studies done about how the act of smiling can calm people down? I think it works).

So, my baby is fixed and all is right with the world!

Soon I will pop out of here and go to Campus Pizza to eat and chat with my friend Joe-joe about bike buying. Then I am heading out to happy hour with my screenwriting group to work on our screenplay presentation for a while, and after that it is off to meet up with Joe-joe again for bike shopping! That's right, the next time you hear from me I may be the proud new owner of a bicycle!

What's this Spring Break I always hear college kids talking about...?

Half Day Off

2008-03-14T11:30:00.000-07:00

Today I do not need to Work at the Mall, which is good because it is TOO NICE OUT!!

This morning was chilly, but in true Minnesnowtan fashion, I chose not to bundle, and have been rewarded for my courage. The sun has melted the clouds as well as the thin layer of ice that appears each morning now.

I also had a nice treat this morning in that the treasurer's wife came in and hand delivered my mid-month paycheck. Having my student loan funds almost entirely still intact, it feels so good to put even more money in my bank account!

So that is my next stop, the bank, which is actually a co-op credit union, and then I am going to Target.

I can hear you now. "No! Elinor! Stay away from the big red bulls eye! Remember how good it feels to have money!? Don't go in there!"

But fear not, my foreboding friends, because I have a list. I realized last night when trying to watch my recently rented dvd of LittleBritain that the battery for my dvd remote is dead, which makes it hard to navigate the menu. So I need the battery, as well as orange juice (there are nasty things going around and I am determined not to catch them!), tall socks, and spinach. So, you see? I will be in and out in a matter of minutes!

Then back home for a relaxing evening cuddling with Winifred, perhaps some cleaning, and definite dvd watching!

I hope your day is going half as well as mine!

Friday Five

2008-03-14T10:54:00.000-07:00

My mom invited anyone who wanted to to blog on the Friday Five:

Mother Laura Writes:

"Can you believe Daylight Savings Time is here already? It's hard to get used to the new, earlier onset. My family has been getting up and out a little late and a little sleepy in the mornings.

And can you believe that in two days it will be Palm Sunday for Western Christians? Our Lent is almost over, while our Orthodox sisters and brothers, whose liturgical year follows the older Julian calendar, are just starting theirs. Nicholas did a recent book report on George Washington, and we were surprised to find out that our first President's birthday was originally Feb. 11, since he was born just before the change to the Gregorian calendar. Apparently the change almost caused rioting, as some indignant people were sure that they were being cheated out of eleven days of their lives!

To help you adjust--and enjoy the process--here's a Friday Five about time and transitions...."

1. If you could travel to any historical time period, which would it be, and why?
Hmm, this is a very tricky one...the things that interest me most about history are the tiny, day to day life things. I guess if I had to choose only one I would go with sometime in the early 1800's. My brother and I were just talking about how cool it would be to have seen Lake Harriet (the lake we grew up near in the City of Lakes) before the parks and recreations board got a hold of it. Back then it was much more of a wetland then a lake, as I believe most "lakes" were in our city back then.

2. What futuristic/science fiction development would you most like to see?
Transporters! My former roommate and I would lament about the lack of transporters daily; if only we could just transport to the video store two blocks away!

3. Which do you enjoy more: remembering the past, or dreaming for the future?
Definitely dreaming of the future! When I can't sleep at night I daydream about what my daily life will be like in five, ten and sometimes 30 years!

4. What do you find most memorable about this year's Lent?
Well, there is a lot I will remember about the past few months, but about Lent in particular...one thing would have to be deciding to give up pop (soda) and then going out on Ash Wednesday (after services) and ordering a Whiskey and Coke! Ha! So, I changed my mind and decided to commit to walking more and drinking less pop, which has been going very well.

5. How will you spend your time during this upcoming Holy Week? What part do you look forward to most?
Holy week is my spring break, but since I still have to work, it is not that big of a deal. I will be scrambling to prepare the Prospectus and getting at least three bulletins made, hoping to catch my boss long enough for her to proof said bulletins, and catching up on school work. I think what I look foreword to the most is that on Palm Sunday my friend Stephen will be in church and I have not seen him in a few years. Then Lydia comes home for her spring break on Easter Weekend, so that will be great! I am hoping to get a few of the old youth group together to hang out, although where I don't know since my apartment is to small for more then two people!

2008-03-13T11:00:00.002-07:00

springtime, redux

2008-03-13T11:00:00.001-07:00

We are having beautiful weather again today, and I am stuck inside, as usual. But, only for another ten minutes! It has been a very slow and boring day today, as I was actually very productive on Monday and Wednesday. My boss was at a capital hill thing, so she wasn’t here to make more work for me, and the mail hasn’t come so there is no sorting and bill signing off on to be done either. Sigh.

I spent my day downloading some new tunes (only two that cost money as the others were “download of the week” selections). So I got Kanye West’s “Stronger” which has the wonderful lyric,

“You know how long I've been on ya?

Since Prince was on Apollonian

Since OJ had isotoners

Don't act like I never told ya”

Ok, so I don’t exactly understand the whole song, but these lyrics and the beat make it worth it!

The other song I got was Kate Nash’s “Foundations” which I absolutely love! I think I listened to it about ten times in a row trying to get the wording, beats and accent down (she is British, I am not, you see my problem). If you like Regina Spektor and Lilly Allen, you will probably enjoy Kate Nash. She adds a wonderful dark side to this otherwise run of the mill losing-love song.

So, I am going to leave work right at 1 today and walk slowly to the bus stop where I can enjoy the spring air (which will most likely make me sick from allergies) while I wait a little longer for the bus. Then I have to be at school early to meet with some classmates about a screenwriting project we are working on, and then my three hour screenwriting class.

Busy Spring Day Ahead! Yay!

the cool clip art

2008-03-13T08:53:00.000-07:00

Well, if you ever read the Prospectus, the newsletter I put out every
month at work, then you may know that I love fun clip art! I found a
really awesome website that other clip art junkies may get a kick out of!

There are a lot of fun free ones and there are also ones you can purchase. The children
and goat from my last post are from this site, as well as this one!
Enjoy!!

Belinda never lies...

2008-03-12T07:17:00.000-07:00

for you out-of-towners, Belinda Jensen is the KARE 11 (our local NBC
station) head meteorologist, and she is very good! The weather today is
just what she said it would be, gray, but still feeling like spring. We
will probably even get rain this afternoon! If you read my last post, I
said I was elated. well, here's why...

IT'S SPRING!!!

Yesterday I walked to school (as always) wearing only my bright yellow spring jacket, instead of the semi-puffy red winter jacket I got in January (thanks mommy, it is an awesome jacket, but I hope not to have to wear it again for several months!). On the
way home, I didn't even wear that, and I was only sporting a t-shirt and jeans! Today, even though I knew it would be a little chillier because the sun won't be out, I wore layered spring jackets and my new keen sandals!! They are so awesome and this is my first day wearing them, so that makes me really happy.

The other reason I am so happy is because of my clothing. On Sunday I went shopping at Steve and Berry's. Now, I admit that I was hesitant about this excursion, because
I am verymiddle class and I have this semi-subconscious notion that if it is cheap it most look cheap. That doesn't mean I don't love a good deal, on the contrary, I love finding things at savers (like my yellowjacket that cost 7.99 - but it is originally from Gap) or even target. But I got myself to go to S&B's because they have a Sarah Jessica Parker line that goes up to my size and has really basic jeans.

I fell in love right away! I found two pairs of jeans, two cute t-shirts and a cute headband for about $47!! Let me break that down for you - they were having a sale where nothing in the store was over $8.98! Now, these are not the greatest jeans I will ever wear (so far, that title goes to my Dickie's) but they fit well, the butt pockets are spaced nicely, and they were hella cheap. What's not to love?

The other thing that makes me happy is the way my week is going. I talked with one of my teachers yesterday because I am doing very poorly in her class. She is giving me an amazing opportunity to redeem myself, and I feel like sending her flowers! I am getting more comfortable with the film camera (vs. the video we were using before) and am now more excited to do the actual film project. On Monday night I rearranged my apartment, which always makes me feel fresh and ready to face anything! Tonight I am going to babysit for theMadsen's again, who are one of my favorite families to see (The oldest is ten or eleven and listens to led zepplin and local music as well as playing the guitar himself, and the younger two are super cute ladies with tons of 'tude!) after that I'll head over to Market BBQ for some food, screenwriting
time and then Karaoke!! I love spending my Wednesday's this way!

OK, well, I best get to work. I hope everyone out there in cyber world is having as good a week as me!

Meme about ME, ME!!

2008-03-12T07:06:00.000-07:00

OK, so my mom tagged me for this meme, and I'll do my best, but I can't really do the last part...

Here are the rules:
1. You have to post the rules before you give your answers.
2.You must list one fact about yourself beginning with each letter of
your middle name. (If you don't have a middle name, use your maiden
name or your mother's maiden name).
3. At the end of your blog post, you need to tag one person for each letter of your middle name. (Be sure to leave them a comment telling them they've been tagged.)

Here it goes, bare with me, my parents were cruel and gave me a long name!

Many Faceted
Always singing
Regretfully late
German descendant
Really tired (I don't mean just right now, I could always sleep more!)
Empathetic
Thankful, for everything
Human (Ha! That was easy!)
Elated! (see my next post!)

So, here is the part I can't do without your help. I don't really read the blogs of anyone who hasn't already been meme'd for this, and I don't think it would be right for me to meme strangers (and by strangers I mean people whose blogs I've never even read!) So if you are reading this, go ahead and consider yourself tagged! Feel
free to respond in my comments or on your blog!

Thanks!

and finally, SPRING!

2008-03-09T09:39:00.000-07:00

Even if I don't get internet at home, Spring means easier transportation and more of a willingness to leave the house. We have had a very cold winter here and it makes you want to stay in your warm, heat paid apartment, let me tell you!

OK, let me just say, that in comparison, I guess this winter wasn't so bad. But we had a couple of stretches where it was in the -20's with even colder wind chills, which is hard weather for a walker!

Notice how I am putting all this winter talk in past tense? Well, even though it snowed again yesterday, I refuse to commit to much more of this. Next week I have spring break, which will fly by, then Lydia is home, and this will go too quickly as well, as it always does. Then it will be April! It will be chilly, still jacket weather, and maybe still some snow, but by the end of April we will have seen the last of this Winter Business! I know it!

The other upshot of me having a computer will be the pictures of spring I plan on taking with my camera and posting on my blog! I am also going to try and find a way to post my Ellipsis project for Film and Video 1!

loan money!!

2008-03-09T09:24:00.000-07:00

Here is more on why I hope to be a better blogger.

In January, I applied for another loan from the Minnesota Higher Education Board. This is and was to make up for the fact that when I applied for my loan last fall, I was not yet in the film making program, and it is more then $600 more expensive in tuition alone, not to mention the supplies and software you have to get. So, I put the request in on January 17th (the school has a record of this). They said to allow three weeks.

After three and a half weeks I called The MHEB to see if they had sent it to the lender for disbursement yet, and they said that they had no record of it. SO! I called the school and they said, give it till Friday.

On Friday I checked and still no luck. So the woman at the financial aid desk gave the number of the woman handling it. I called that woman three times on three different days and left messages which were never returned. I then called her supervisor who informed me that she was working through a pile of a different kind of loan before my kind of loan. It should ONLY take another week. Six weeks had gone by before the loan was certified and sent to the lender. I received my loan in the mail yesterday. In case you weren't keeping track, we are heading in to week 8 of my ordeal. I cannot imagine what I would have done if I did not have an outside job, something many of my classmates don't.

So, how does this affect blogging? One of the things I hope to get with my loan money is a computer and some sort of internet connection at home. When I can't sleep in the middle of the night, I can blog!! Woohoo (for you!)!!

procrastination, lazyness...

2008-03-09T09:05:00.000-07:00

...call it what you will. I have been a very bad blogger. However, with a recession looming, loan money in my mailbox, and spring on the way, I hope to be better, truly!

So, let me explain a little of what is going on. First the recession. I work two shifts a week at an expensive children's clothing store. Yes, I said "expensive" and "children" in the same sentence. Now, I love the clothing. Much of it is organic cotton and it is all Oke-Tex certified, which means that it is put through rigorous tests to make sure it has no chemicals in it that could harm your child. Chemicals like pesticides, lead, mercury and over 100 others! The company is also Swedish inspired, and our motto is that "we believe in letting kids be kids", so you won't be finding any hoochie clothes for five year olds in our store!

But, even with these wonderful attributes, we are suffering greatly from the money woes of our fellow Americans. We have been 30-40 hours over payroll every week for the past few MONTHS! Our manager is now asking that we each see if there are sacrifices we can make in our hours. Seeing as how my "regular" job recently added two hours a week on to my time there and I just received another loan disbursement, I told my mang. that if she wants to cut me to one shift a week or even one shift every few weeks I would be fine with that. I can manage. There is even a possibility that I will take a short leave of absence at some point.

So, all this will begin taking effect the week after Easter (when our sales and number of customers will dwindle again after the spring break/Easter outfits rush). This works well for me as that is the week that Lydia will be home for spring break and I will be back from mine with mid-terms and big projects to prepare for. Unfortunately, my coworkers are not in the position I am in and will now be scrambling to make ends meet.

So, please, next time you are looking for something at a retail store, even a giant one, and they tell you something is unavailable, be nice to the sales clerk and don't make a big fuss about how it should be on back order. They can't afford it. None of us can.

Something different to look at!

2008-02-04T07:15:00.000-08:00

>>

Which of Henry VIII's wives are you?

this quiz was made by Lori Fury

In case you ever check this blog and are sick of seeing something from November, here's a little treat! I really will start trying to post something more often!

Why you should never trust a school computer and Mugs continued

2007-11-28T15:04:00.000-08:00

Well, I look like an idiot. I just rushed all the way up to the 5th floor for my geography class which starts at 6...but no one was there. That is because the computer lab clocks are all 1 hour ahead of schedule! What the heck!

OK,so now I am back, and here is mug #3: Another big blue mug, but even bigger then my Edgecomb one. This is a more classically shaped mug and has a flora silhouette design. I got this form Target on my annual trip to stock up for Fest (this is not to say that I only make one trip to target a year, quite the contrary, but This one is devoted solely to camping gear and things I think will make me look cool or feel good while spending three weeks in the woods) I thought I would lose it or brake it, but since I kept forgetting it in my tent, it was pretty safe.

#4: this is the tea cup-like mug which I acquired in Michigan, but is not of Michigan. It is a Starbucks mug that Cordeliaknits' roommate sent with her to give to me. This is a good mug for anything in the morning since I usually don't have time for much, so it keeps me in check. It also says 'inspire' on the inside, just under the lip. This way you see it once you have taken your first sip, and instantly remember to inspire people!

Travel mug (#5): Oddly enough, I also acquired this in Michigan from my sister and our friend chnacat. Chnacat had brought the mug for Cordelia, who ended up not needing it, so they past it on to me. This is a good mug, but unfortunately it does not close all the way on top (there is a little drinking hole), so it is bad for the bus and walking and sticking in my bag. Do they make an easy to clean, hot liquid-friendly closeable travel mug? That would be good for me.

I also remembered two more real mugs-

My starbucks mug (#6): this one actually says starbucks and is also from Gayle, cordeliaknits roomie. She forced me to take it home with me from Berkley when I was visiting last spring. This is because they have lots and lots of mugs and needed to get rid of some. I also think Gayle just likes to give people useful things. She also gave me some regifted coffee. How long does ground coffee last? I still have some left...anyway, I keep the starbucks mug at work, which is why I didn't think of it right away.

and lastly, my 'A' mug (#7): This is a very special one to me which I also keep at work. A friend I had in high school, Siri, gave it to me for my 18th birthday. Although I have not been in touch with Siri since I graduated, I will always remember thinking what a great gift it was. It was the first birthday party I had in years (see a future post to find out why celebrating b-days with friends is hard for me) and I had invited friends from school and from my youth group, maybe about 15 people in all. Most of them had never met before and it was pretty weird for everyone. But what I remember most was that I only got about three gifts where I thought, "Wow, they really know me." That mug, handmade by a Vis Kid at Arts High, was one of them.

So, there you have it. I will try to be better about posting during Advent, I promise!

Mug Meme

2007-11-28T14:51:00.000-08:00

Well, my mother has chastised me, as she is want to do, and also tagged me to post about 7 mugs in my kitchen. Here's the thing: my kitchen is about the size of most peoples coat closet. So, I have 4 mugs, 1 travel cup and 1 tea cup (actually, one of the 'mugs' is more like a tea cup, but not as dainty, so I call it a mug)

Mug number 1: My big blue mug which I used this morning for hot cocoa. This is a wonderful Edgecomb Pottery mug which I purchsed on one of my summer trips to Maine, previous to me parents moving there. This mug came from Maine to Minnesota, then out to New York with me, then back home to Minnesota where it has survived 3 moves! It's a trooper and I love it!

#2: also from edgecomb, it is pink and is tall and skinny and curvy. This one is really good for warm apple cider, but only if I finish it- it is very hard to clean!

#3: Another big blue mug...

yikes!! You will have to wait for the rest because I just saw the time, I have class in 2 minutes!!

2007-10-22T15:04:00.000-07:00

30 Days of Night Review
or The first movie I Didn’t Want Josh Hartnett to Die In

Last Thursday while working at the mall, my coworker mentioned that she was going to the midnight showing of 30 Days of Night, the new vampire film set in Barrow, Alaska based on a graphic novel by Steve Niles. And starring Josh Hartnett.
Let me start by saying that I have nothing personal against Mr. Hartnett, he seems like a decent enough fellow, still hangs out with buds from high school at the local video store, says nice things about his former high school and the teachers there. It’s really more of an artist thing I have (had?) against him - that he was set up for a very long and successful career in acting, interning at the Jungle under famed artists… and then he went and became a teen heart throb. And, in my opinion, he isn’t even very good looking. And he was definitely not ready for film.
Now, the personal connection I have with him is that we went to the same high school (not at the same time). He was just getting famous when I entered high school and I was immediately disgusted by the way everyone oohhed and ahhhed over him and the fact he had gone to South. I got over that sort of thing in elementary school, telling everyone how Rachel Lee Cook braided my sister’s hair in 4th grade. But I don’t hold his fans against him, really I don’t.
I was disgusted by the Faculty, and a little angry at how he brought down Sin City with his mediocre performance. Keep in mind, in many ways I feel he is representing Minnesota, and Minneapolis specifically, every time he is in a film. That’s just the way my directors raised me-to be an ambassador for your home whenever performing.
So, needless to say I was shocked (pleasantly) when I decided to go with my friends to the see 30 days of night, and liked what I saw. When we first meet him, he automatically did something that my conservatory acting teacher would have been shocked by, but what any northerner knows is the truth (something you constantly search for as an actor). He hid his chin in his parka while standing outside. Brilliant! Right off the bat I thought, “wow! Maybe he has turned a new leaf”
This is the only example of brilliance I can recall, but I grew to like his character more and more and by the end I was hoping he wouldn’t die, which is a lot more then I can say for any other movie I have seen him in.
I recommend this film, but don’t expect to be scared or awed by special effects (they take a lot of short cuts, which makes it a lot less bloody, but also a lot less artistic).

quick post from MOA

2007-09-29T11:15:00.000-07:00

While I am on brak for lunch, I thought I would write a little post! I am working this morning/afternoon at my retail job (I haven't thought of a good code name yet, any suggestions?) and it is going pretty slow. This is surprising because it is fairly gloomy outside which usually draws people in. Anywho, I am excited because I found a present I can get the rents for x-mas-but I am not telling what it is since they read this! Hopefully at christmas I will get a picture and put it up. I also got a pilot cap with antenna on it for my halloween costume. surprisingly, a hat made for a toddler fits my enormous head, but I think it is just stretchy. I am hoping to start knitting something soon because I am inspired by the cool weather which is a sharp reminder that there are only three months of knitting to go!!! So, start putting in requests, and we'll see if I can get to any of it!

Unfortunately, this hits close to home

2007-09-27T10:51:00.000-07:00

You Are a Blue Flower

A blue flower tends to represent peace, openness, and balance.

At times, you are very delicate like a cornflower.

And at other times, you are wise like an iris.

And more than you wish, you're a little cold, like a blue hydrangea.

What Color Flower Are You?

Does this mean I'm Narcissistic?

2007-09-27T10:48:00.000-07:00

Your Birth Month is December

You love life and exude an outgoing, cheerful vibe.

Blessed with a great sense of humor, you can laugh at adversity.

Your soul reflects: Celebration, success, and wealth

Your gemstone: Blue Topaz

Your flower: Narcissus

Your colors: Indigo, green, and blue-green

What Does Your Birth Month Mean?

long time no blog

2007-09-21T13:25:00.000-07:00

sorry for the lapse in blogging, but who reads this anyway? It is really more for my benefit then anyone else's, so I will continue to blog when the spirit moves me!

School is school, but at least I feel like I am getting my money's worth 95% of the time! I started working at my old retail job again. I will refrain from using the name here, since I may want to complain at somepoint, and no one wants that on the internet!

Some friends of mine will be performing at a cafe near my apartment on Saturday, and it got me to feeling like I am not doing enough. "Cracker what?!" you may say. Afterall, I am working two jobs and going to school full time, but is there more I could be doing? I am thinking that I may start hanging around after work for a little on Friday evenings so I can practice singing. The big downfall of my apartment is that it is right above the landlords office. So not only do I have to listen to him yelling at maintenence people first thing in the morning, but I can't be "loud" during the day. But on the plus side, no one lives below me, so I can make a lot of noise at night, which I took advantage of last night when I was staying up writing a paper till 3 in the morning! SO, now I am tired but not behind in school work, which is always good!

quick Winsker-do update!

2007-09-10T08:27:00.000-07:00

Winifred is doing much better in her new home, as am I. We are finally getting settled, and she no longer runs under the bed to hide every time there is someone in the hall! The "house" is still cluttered, but I made the closets and Kitchen look really nice this weekend. The big project will be the media and finding a place for it all! I have way to many CDs, books, movies and magazines! The curse of my family I suppose. One friend asked why I had so many DVDs and I realized they were almost all gifts! So people, please, no more DVDs!!

2007-09-10T08:09:00.000-07:00

You Are a Centaur

In general, you are a very cautious and reserved person.

However, you are also warm hearted, and you enjoy helping others in practical ways.

You are a great teacher, and you are really good at helping people get their lives in order.

You are very intuitive, and you go with your gut. You make good decisions easily.

What Mythological Creature Are You?

Well, I always knew it! When I was little I was upset that I wasn't a Sagittarius because they are represented by a centaur!

Moved at last...sort of

2007-09-05T15:19:00.000-07:00

Well, it was long and painful, but I have now accomplished the fifth move of my life. My new studio looks like a well layed out storage unit since I have not had time (or resources) to unpack and I don't have enough hangers for all my clothes...but I am slowly getting there and am really excited about it.

Winifred is not so excited. For the first 24 hours she hid under a chair, which I moved repeatedly -she moved right along with it. Now she hides under the bed and comes out when I am a) in the kitchen (I think she gets worried about where I am) b) in the bathroom (she has always wanted to know what people do in there) and c) I have turned out the lights and gotten in to bed.

Hopefully she will soon realize that our new home is not so bad and that there are no other cats to bother her! Then we will have fun just hanging out, watching movies and reading.

As promised...Are you there God?

2007-08-29T15:38:00.000-07:00

There was one specific part in the book that I want, no need, to talk about. When Margaret's maternal grand-parents come to visit, they immediately start in on Margaret being a Christian. Of course she freaks out. She says "who needs God anyway?!"

And here is where I think her parents failed her. Instead of raising her to understand WHY people have these beliefs and hold these faiths so strongly,they just tell her she can make up her own mind eventually. Obviously, as we have seen throughout the book, Margaret is the kind of person who (at least for now) needs God. She needs to believe there is something bigger then herself-and what 6th grader in the 1970's wouldn't? It was a difficult era politically and (for Margaret among many other American pre-teens) personally. Her parents set her up for failure. When she stopped talking to God I had to put down the book for a few days, I was so mad. I just wanted to run in and be like, "It's OK! You don't even have to call it God if you don't want to! These things you are thinking about are important and something is listening!" But I guess she found that out on her own in the end.

OK, so now I need to go to geography, then it's home to keep packing, getting ready for the exodus!

2007-08-29T15:32:00.000-07:00

You Are a Blue Crayon

Your world is colored in calm, understated, deep colors.
You are a loyal person, and the truest friend anyone could hope to find.
On the inside, you tend to be emotional and even a bit moody.
However, you know that people depend on you. So you put on a strong front.

Your color wheel opposite is orange. Orange people may be opinionated, but you feel they lack the depth to truly understand what they're saying.

What Color Crayon Are You?

I guess i actually agree with this one! Except that I don't really like blue...

Still Breathing

2007-08-23T10:56:00.000-07:00

I have been listening to my new Melissa Ferrick CD (sorry, I don't have time to add a link right now) constantly since I returned home, and she mentions breathing a lot. I have been sighing a lot at work today, which is, I think, due to a lack of good breathing practice.

Also, I realized that by this point in my Michigan Day I would have at least walked to the Janes (porta potties) which I would estimate to be about one of my city blocks, and then possibly played a game of badminton or something. It is definitely a more healthy lifestyle for me there, and today my back is reminding me of that.

Not to mention having a much better breakfast! How I miss those Gals cooking for me!

But alas, now I am home and back to this reality. I am registered for classes and just found out that I will not be able to move in to my new place until Sept. 1st, so hopefully my current landlord will be lienent as to when I have to be moved out! Otherwise I may have to ask some generous friends and relatives for some temporary storage space!

Something on Are you there God, as well as Pan's Labyrinth, next time, I promise!

We don't Need no Stinking Sissys!

2007-08-20T10:12:00.000-07:00

Well, this is amusing! When I was in 3rd or 4th grade we did a little skit version of "Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh", and I played the coach who "read to us from something called Ulysses". The casting of myself in this role holds the #1 spot for most ridiculous casting, the reasoning behind my landing the role being that, in my class of over 20 students, only my parents owned a copy of the book in question. I think that says more about my upbringing then it doesn't.

I think the description is pretty accurate. People do indeed seem to enjoy my vulgarity...

You're Ulysses!

by James Joyce

Most people are convinced that you don't make any sense, but compared
to what else you could say, what you're saying now makes tons of sense. What people do
understand about you is your vulgarity, which has convinced people that you are at once
brilliant and repugnant. Meanwhile you are content to wander around aimlessly, taking in
the sights and sounds of the city. What you see is vast, almost limitless, and brings you
additional fame. When no one is looking, you dream of being a Greek folk hero.

Take the Book Quiz
at the Blue Pyramid.

Oh, and By the way, I (finally) finished Are you There God? in Michigan, so I will post my thought on that in the next post!