"No, really baby. It's okay - I'll get it... you just get the car door."
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Thursday, April 26, 2007
The Human Race
Dear Friends (and other people I like),
On May 12, 2007 I will be participating in the 14th Annual Human Race 10K to support Choral Project and other Not-for-profit organizations in the greater Silicon Valley area. Assisting not-for-profit organizations is a service to all human beings. The work done by these organizations are often done selflessly, to support a better society and a better life for all citizens. Furthermore these organizations depend much on volunteers to keep their mission.
The Choral Project is a vital music organization in the South Bay in which I am directly involved. Our mission is to heal our world through music and words. The benefits to keeping music vital in society are immeasurable.
This summer Choral Project will compete in the First Annual International Choral Competition in California in San Luis Obispo, CA. During this week of friendly competition, we will have the opportunity to combine forces with choirs of Spain, Poland, Uganda and the Philippines to share a remarkable experience with each other and our audiences.
My goal for the Human Race is to raise $500.00 and to run at an 8-mile pace. (Um, I have a lot of training to do.) I would appreciate your donation to Choral Project and other Silicon Valley non-profits in any amount your budget allows. Please let me know if you are interested in making a donation, and I'll give you the address to send a check.
Your donation is tax-deductible! If I make my donation goal*, I will run over the finish line like Phoebe Buffay from “Friends” and send you the link to the picture. (I know everyone needs a little extra incentive.)
* (Disclaimer: If I make my pace goal, I will be physically unable to run over the finish line like Phoebe Buffay. But, I’m not quite up to 8-minute miles, so your odds are really good!)
Human Race Website:
http://www.vcsv.us/humanrace
Choral Project Website:
http://www.choralproject.org
Benefits of Music Listening:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=music+listening+benefits
Phoebe running style:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_0Ta_DIWuU
Thanks all!
On May 12, 2007 I will be participating in the 14th Annual Human Race 10K to support Choral Project and other Not-for-profit organizations in the greater Silicon Valley area. Assisting not-for-profit organizations is a service to all human beings. The work done by these organizations are often done selflessly, to support a better society and a better life for all citizens. Furthermore these organizations depend much on volunteers to keep their mission.
The Choral Project is a vital music organization in the South Bay in which I am directly involved. Our mission is to heal our world through music and words. The benefits to keeping music vital in society are immeasurable.
This summer Choral Project will compete in the First Annual International Choral Competition in California in San Luis Obispo, CA. During this week of friendly competition, we will have the opportunity to combine forces with choirs of Spain, Poland, Uganda and the Philippines to share a remarkable experience with each other and our audiences.
My goal for the Human Race is to raise $500.00 and to run at an 8-mile pace. (Um, I have a lot of training to do.) I would appreciate your donation to Choral Project and other Silicon Valley non-profits in any amount your budget allows. Please let me know if you are interested in making a donation, and I'll give you the address to send a check.
Your donation is tax-deductible! If I make my donation goal*, I will run over the finish line like Phoebe Buffay from “Friends” and send you the link to the picture. (I know everyone needs a little extra incentive.)
* (Disclaimer: If I make my pace goal, I will be physically unable to run over the finish line like Phoebe Buffay. But, I’m not quite up to 8-minute miles, so your odds are really good!)
Human Race Website:
http://www.vcsv.us/humanrace
Choral Project Website:
http://www.choralproject.org
Benefits of Music Listening:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=music+listening+benefits
Phoebe running style:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_0Ta_DIWuU
Thanks all!
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Cereal Dating: Part Deux
Ok, kids, here's the deal. I just checked my statistics and blog viewing went to an all-time high last October and November when I began my special on "Cereal Dating." Unfortunately, I'm a bit worn out to take on cereal dating again, so I need your help.
CALL FOR CEREALS
I'm looking for good stories about dating to put on my blog. Names of persons involved will remain confidential. This is a chance for you to use any fake name you please (Betty? Dirk?). For the "cereals" - please be original. They can have fruit and yogurt, but they MUST be cereal... don't try comparing your date to bacon or eggs.. this defeats the purpose. If you can't think of an appropriate cereal name, just tell the story and a cereal name will be chosen for you.
If I get enough responses, I'll post a SATURDAY MORNING BREAKFAST SPECIAL or something...
Call is open to all single ladies OR men with good cereal analogies. Pass along to your friends.
Thank you.
MySpace Top 8 Signals Divorce?
I've received flack from some of my 30-something friends who think MySpace is a networking site for those 20-somethings who believe people give a crap about their boring entry level jobs or frat party lifestyles. I disagree. My profile is set to private and I only accept people I actually know to be my "Friends." Secondly, I think it's fun to have a place to be completely narcissistic with 150 of your "Friends." Everyone wants to be famous, after all - even if it's just within a small circle. Lastly, because I've lived in 3 different states and attended 6 different schools, it's a good way to stay up-to-date with those you would have otherwise lost touch.
I will usually go into one of my friends profiles when I see they have posted a new picture. This signals that there has been some activity -- perhaps they added another friend with whom I'm also acquainted, maybe there are pictures of their children, their trip to New York, or....
Perhaps they are getting a divorce.
My first love is among my MySpace friends. We dated for over a year in high school, broke up for about two years, then dated again for about 4 months in college. He was the perfect first boyfriend, but it was clear being "high school sweethearts" was not in the cards. I went to college, he tried college but dropped out. I moved to California, he went into the Navy. He is living 30 minutes from where we went to high school, I'm never going to live there again.
I was VERY excited to find Q on MySpace 6 months ago; we hadn't spoken in 7 years. Seeing his face was a flush of excitement and brought back some great memories of times we shared. Q's profile picture was of he and his wife looking very happy at a Kansas City Chiefs game. He'd also posted pictures of his son, who's name is Q Jr. (Q was always very proud of his name. Even in high school he told me he wanted to name a son after himself.) Of course, number one in his Top 8 is his wife. So, I checked her out too. She seemed pretty cool too, almost like someone I'd like to hang out with. I was glad to see them happy.
Today I log in and see that Q's picture has changed, so I take a gander. Was there anything NEW? Well, there were NO more pictures of he and his wife. His wife seems no longer to be in his Top 8.
Every day I hear MySpace drama from college students. "OMG! He changed his status to 'In a Relationship', I'm so heartbroken." OR "OMG! The guy I'm dating just changed his 'orientation' to 'NOT SURE.' What does that mean?" (Yes, that actually happened.)
Unfortunately these simple profile changes become much more serious in your late 20's and beyond. What was once a little drama in your 20's now involves other people- including children. I think it's important when using MySpace, a dating website, or even a BLOG to remember that you are exposing yourself... you might even be exposing something that is "None of their business." If you're going to put your life out there - be prepared to expose yourself completely.
Again, not everything is as it seems. (God knows, I've recently been misunderstood by being online.) I hope this is true for Q and his wife, and especially Q Jr. I'm thinking positive thoughts for them.
I will usually go into one of my friends profiles when I see they have posted a new picture. This signals that there has been some activity -- perhaps they added another friend with whom I'm also acquainted, maybe there are pictures of their children, their trip to New York, or....
Perhaps they are getting a divorce.
My first love is among my MySpace friends. We dated for over a year in high school, broke up for about two years, then dated again for about 4 months in college. He was the perfect first boyfriend, but it was clear being "high school sweethearts" was not in the cards. I went to college, he tried college but dropped out. I moved to California, he went into the Navy. He is living 30 minutes from where we went to high school, I'm never going to live there again.
I was VERY excited to find Q on MySpace 6 months ago; we hadn't spoken in 7 years. Seeing his face was a flush of excitement and brought back some great memories of times we shared. Q's profile picture was of he and his wife looking very happy at a Kansas City Chiefs game. He'd also posted pictures of his son, who's name is Q Jr. (Q was always very proud of his name. Even in high school he told me he wanted to name a son after himself.) Of course, number one in his Top 8 is his wife. So, I checked her out too. She seemed pretty cool too, almost like someone I'd like to hang out with. I was glad to see them happy.
Today I log in and see that Q's picture has changed, so I take a gander. Was there anything NEW? Well, there were NO more pictures of he and his wife. His wife seems no longer to be in his Top 8.
Every day I hear MySpace drama from college students. "OMG! He changed his status to 'In a Relationship', I'm so heartbroken." OR "OMG! The guy I'm dating just changed his 'orientation' to 'NOT SURE.' What does that mean?" (Yes, that actually happened.)
Unfortunately these simple profile changes become much more serious in your late 20's and beyond. What was once a little drama in your 20's now involves other people- including children. I think it's important when using MySpace, a dating website, or even a BLOG to remember that you are exposing yourself... you might even be exposing something that is "None of their business." If you're going to put your life out there - be prepared to expose yourself completely.
Again, not everything is as it seems. (God knows, I've recently been misunderstood by being online.) I hope this is true for Q and his wife, and especially Q Jr. I'm thinking positive thoughts for them.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Why don't we listen?
The Washington Post recently had an article entitled "Pearls Before Breakfast" in which Joshua Bell, one of the worlds greatest living violin players was asked to play in a D.C. train station during rush hour. It's a long article - but it's truly fascinating.
The experiment suggested one large err in human judgement - most people don't realize a good thing unless it hits them in the face, (even then, it is often unappreciated). I am also guilty. We are in such a narcissistic rush to be individuals that we forget to enjoy the wonderful things that fall into our laps on a daily basis. When it comes to aesthetics, most human beings have similar tastes. There is a general consensus about beauty in Western culture, especially among those with a similar ethnic and educational background. The individuals passing Joshua Bell in the train station were mostly educated government officials going to work... people who would pay to go to a symphony or opera.
Why didn't they stop?
Also interesting is the idea of context in human relationships. Human beings are often only able to deal with the world outside of ourselves in the context of our own minds. Joshua Bell would have been more appreciated had he been playing in his usual context - on a stage for a large symphony with patrons paying $100 to see him. But, his playing in a train station went almost unnoticed. Furthermore, many thought it a distraction.
What's wrong with us? How many beautiful experiences are we missing out on?
The experiment suggested one large err in human judgement - most people don't realize a good thing unless it hits them in the face, (even then, it is often unappreciated). I am also guilty. We are in such a narcissistic rush to be individuals that we forget to enjoy the wonderful things that fall into our laps on a daily basis. When it comes to aesthetics, most human beings have similar tastes. There is a general consensus about beauty in Western culture, especially among those with a similar ethnic and educational background. The individuals passing Joshua Bell in the train station were mostly educated government officials going to work... people who would pay to go to a symphony or opera.
Why didn't they stop?
Also interesting is the idea of context in human relationships. Human beings are often only able to deal with the world outside of ourselves in the context of our own minds. Joshua Bell would have been more appreciated had he been playing in his usual context - on a stage for a large symphony with patrons paying $100 to see him. But, his playing in a train station went almost unnoticed. Furthermore, many thought it a distraction.
What's wrong with us? How many beautiful experiences are we missing out on?
A visitor in our midst
I am no longer dating Special K, and for what reason? Well, it seems he thinks I was dating other people, which is completely not true. I've decided there is nothing I can do. Either one of two things are going on here 1.) He is paranoid and sabotaging the relationship or 2.) He just wants out of the relationship, and has decided to play the victim.
So, how could this have been avoided?
Well, first of all, he could have included me in his activities. By inclusion, one feels they are getting the whole story and are not only being asked to hang out when it is convenient for the other person. Secondly, there were plenty of opportunities in which I tried to include Special K in my activities, and he usually seemed uninterested. By talking to any one of my friends he would have easily found out that I'm not dating anyone else -- he would have also seen me in my own comfortable context.
Unfortunately none of these things happened, so I believe, he took the underground railroad to Victimsville and decided to make ME look like the bad guy when, in fact, he just simply doesn't want to date anymore.
There are plenty of reasons why maybe we shouldn't date - distance probably being the largest factor. But, had he said, "Hey, it's too far. This isn't working out." Even if he would have said, "Hey, I want to date other people." That is also acceptable.
How can I clear my name and prove that I'm not a liar? Well, to expose myself completely by giving Special K the link to my blog, of course! I have nothing to hide. That's right -- go into the November archives, or oh, January is quite interesting... in fact, here are some helpful links:
http://suziemusi.blogspot.com/2006/12/cereal-dating-status-month-1_13.html
http://suziemusi.blogspot.com/2007/01/back-on-fabulous-campaign-horse.html
http://suziemusi.blogspot.com/2007/02/so-i-just-returned-from-motucky.html
http://suziemusi.blogspot.com/2007/03/i-like-you-i-really-do.html
I'm nothing if not bold.
So, how could this have been avoided?
Well, first of all, he could have included me in his activities. By inclusion, one feels they are getting the whole story and are not only being asked to hang out when it is convenient for the other person. Secondly, there were plenty of opportunities in which I tried to include Special K in my activities, and he usually seemed uninterested. By talking to any one of my friends he would have easily found out that I'm not dating anyone else -- he would have also seen me in my own comfortable context.
Unfortunately none of these things happened, so I believe, he took the underground railroad to Victimsville and decided to make ME look like the bad guy when, in fact, he just simply doesn't want to date anymore.
There are plenty of reasons why maybe we shouldn't date - distance probably being the largest factor. But, had he said, "Hey, it's too far. This isn't working out." Even if he would have said, "Hey, I want to date other people." That is also acceptable.
How can I clear my name and prove that I'm not a liar? Well, to expose myself completely by giving Special K the link to my blog, of course! I have nothing to hide. That's right -- go into the November archives, or oh, January is quite interesting... in fact, here are some helpful links:
http://suziemusi.blogspot.com/2006/12/cereal-dating-status-month-1_13.html
http://suziemusi.blogspot.com/2007/01/back-on-fabulous-campaign-horse.html
http://suziemusi.blogspot.com/2007/02/so-i-just-returned-from-motucky.html
http://suziemusi.blogspot.com/2007/03/i-like-you-i-really-do.html
I'm nothing if not bold.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
"Speak softly and carry a big gun...
Things have gotten seriously out of hand since Roosevelt spoke the original West African proverb, "Speak softly and carry a big stick, and you will go far."
In fact, those we SHOULD fear are those who speak very softly, and carry a big gun... and they are not furthering anything, only taking innocent lives.
Since hearing of the massacre at Virginia Tech, I've had the voice of my ex-German going through my head. "In Germany, we can't have guns." "In Germany, we take people out of society who are a threat to it."
What are we doing wrong? Please don't tell me Michael Moore is right. Please don't tell me my friend in Las Vegas who feels he needs to carry a gun to protect himself and his family is correct in doing so! I'm not saying you can't have a gun, I'm just saying that I'd hope to live in a society where carrying one is unnecessary. Unfortunately that doesn't seem to be the case.
In fact, those we SHOULD fear are those who speak very softly, and carry a big gun... and they are not furthering anything, only taking innocent lives.
Since hearing of the massacre at Virginia Tech, I've had the voice of my ex-German going through my head. "In Germany, we can't have guns." "In Germany, we take people out of society who are a threat to it."
What are we doing wrong? Please don't tell me Michael Moore is right. Please don't tell me my friend in Las Vegas who feels he needs to carry a gun to protect himself and his family is correct in doing so! I'm not saying you can't have a gun, I'm just saying that I'd hope to live in a society where carrying one is unnecessary. Unfortunately that doesn't seem to be the case.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Fear of Commitment & The 3-year Plan
Have I mentioned previously how much I hate indecisiveness? Oh, I think I have. (It's under Weird Wednesday.)
I just read an article about how fear of commitment renders you powerless. You are better off to make a wrong decision than not to make one at all. Per the article, to make a commitment is to make a decision -- it could be the decision to say "YES" as a decision to say "NO." Those who do not make commitments often allow others to make them FOR them, leading to dissatisfaction. To make a commitment is to have power over yourself and your life.
I just read an article about how fear of commitment renders you powerless. You are better off to make a wrong decision than not to make one at all. Per the article, to make a commitment is to make a decision -- it could be the decision to say "YES" as a decision to say "NO." Those who do not make commitments often allow others to make them FOR them, leading to dissatisfaction. To make a commitment is to have power over yourself and your life.
I HAVE THE POWWEEER!!!!
I'm mostly a commitment person. I have a pretty easy time committing to things. I'll admit sometimes they are not easy decisions, and sometimes they are bad decisions. By giving myself the power to choose, I have the power to "un-choose" as I please. The main objective for me is -- Pick one! Please!
Unfortunately I seem to have relationships with a lot of commitment-wary individuals (those who, obviously, do NOT have the POWWEEER!), both in my personal life and at work. Not a day goes by that I'm not waiting for someone to make a decision so I can finish a project at work. Often I make the decision to move forward on the project, and am then scrutinized because someone didn't like the way I finished it.
Unfortunately I seem to have relationships with a lot of commitment-wary individuals (those who, obviously, do NOT have the POWWEEER!), both in my personal life and at work. Not a day goes by that I'm not waiting for someone to make a decision so I can finish a project at work. Often I make the decision to move forward on the project, and am then scrutinized because someone didn't like the way I finished it.
In the workplace, administrators constantly talk about the 3-year plan, the 5-year plan, long term plans, capital projects plan, performance review plan. I used to think all of this planning was unnecessary, until I started to realize that by "planning," you are also making "commitments" to move forward, therefore giving you the POWWEERR!
So, I put together a 3-year personal plan. My plan includes:
- Taking out a student loan (Finalizing next week)
- Expediting MA courses (Courses have been mapped out.)
- Finishing said MA degree in Spring 2008
- Advancing in my career (Specifics have been mapped out.)
- Possible work/life relocation (5-year plan will include buying property.)
- Paying off all debt by 2010 (Fingers crossed.)
I told my best friend from High School, Alison, about the 3-year plan -- she said hers would include running a marathon and a baby. What's your 3-year plan?
Monday, April 02, 2007
Lull
I haven't had anything to write about. It's SPRING! You'd think I'd have SOMETHING good to say, but alas, besides allergies nothing is coming to me. The work place is going through some massive changes this week, but I'm not going to blog out of fear of Big Brother.
I was in Las Vegas over the weekend visiting friends who are new parents. We didn't go to the Strip, we didn't go clubbing, we didn't gamble, we didn't stay out late... I'm tired of Vegas anyway. I've decided not to give the State of Nevada any money for the next couple of years. My friends need to come out an visit me in the Bay Area.
Classes start on Tuesday. I'm taking "Finance in Higher Education". Should be illuminating. Really, it should. I think it will be interesting.
I'm going to Dallas in May to visit my cousin. I've never been to Texas, and I'll admit that the thought of a weekend in the Lone Star State is kind of exciting-- very excited to go to Billy Bob's Texas! That's right. I'm going to get my country on.
Anyone got a topic starter?
I was in Las Vegas over the weekend visiting friends who are new parents. We didn't go to the Strip, we didn't go clubbing, we didn't gamble, we didn't stay out late... I'm tired of Vegas anyway. I've decided not to give the State of Nevada any money for the next couple of years. My friends need to come out an visit me in the Bay Area.
Classes start on Tuesday. I'm taking "Finance in Higher Education". Should be illuminating. Really, it should. I think it will be interesting.
I'm going to Dallas in May to visit my cousin. I've never been to Texas, and I'll admit that the thought of a weekend in the Lone Star State is kind of exciting-- very excited to go to Billy Bob's Texas! That's right. I'm going to get my country on.
Anyone got a topic starter?
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
If you mean it - WEAR it!
Disclaimer: Above shirt has very little to do with original intent of post, but it was just too good to pass up. Imagine this:
You are in a long distance relationship with someone who lives in a MUCH cooler city than you. There are things to do in this other town: movies, ethnic cuisine, festivals, music etc. But, you travel a lot for work and it is sometimes easier for your boy/girl/um-friend to visit your town-- to chill out, watch a movie and cook dinner at home. This sweet and wonderful person likes you a lot, and will drive to your kind of sad, small, out-of-the-way strip mall land because he/she enjoys spending time with you.
Perhaps you worry that your boy/girl/um-friend will judge you for living in Smallville and isn't accepting of your lifestyle. Then, they show up at your house wearing this:
Now, wouldn't that be the sweetest gesture ever? Come on?
Better yet (this is my favorite) -
Today's obsession provided by: http://www.cafepress.com/
Friday, March 02, 2007
Daily Affirmation
"I've always wished for more single girlfriends, so I made some. Now, they want to have girls nights out all the time - I don't have time to date! Could this ruin my love life? Be careful what you wish for."
-- Jaqueline Handy ;)
-- Jaqueline Handy ;)
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Narcissism
My wonderful husband (roommate) brought this home for me last night. He knows exactly what interests me. Isn't he the greatest thing a girl could ask for?
Study finds college students more narcissistic...
Study finds college students more narcissistic...
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
My Dating Culture
Everyone has standards and those standards are often defined by culture. We multi-cultural Californians are exposed to different cultures all the time, and we take pride in knowing the difference between Vietnamese and Chinese last names, hearing the difference between the Spanish of Spain and Mexican Spanish and having a broad range of multi-cultural friends. People forget that we Caucasians also have a culture. Furthermore, being from the Midwest, I have a Midwestern culture that even many Caucasian Californians forget about.
It seems when I set dating standards, that I find to be a reflection of my culture, people say, "Oh well, you might be missing out on a great guy!" But, don't you see? It's probably not a great guy for ME.
EXHIBIT A: The guy who lives with his parents.
I'm from the Midwest. When you're from the Midwest, you move out of the house when you are 18 - no matter what - you either go to college, get married, or get a full-time job in which you can afford to live at least a couple of blocks from your parents. I don't want my kids living in my house for more than 18 years under normal circumstances. I realize there may be a summer or a year here or there when every young person needs a break. But, in general they need to pack up, move out, go away -- I'll even help to pay for it, or assist in finding a nice student loan.
This is my culture. In other cultures it is perfectly acceptable to live at home until you are 35, and I understand that. I won't pick on your culture, if you don't pick on mine.
EXHIBIT B: The guy with a Ferrari/Porsche.
Cars don't impress me to begin with. But, if you are going to have a sports car, then I need a muscle car - that's right, something with a loud muffler or at least something built before 1970. What's even better is when you get a little grease under your fingernails, put a little work into it. Sure, anyone can drive fast -- BIG DEAL.
My high school boyfriends drove Mustangs and Cameros and could change their own oil. It's just what I'm used to.
EXHIBIT C: The guy who almost made it through college.
This one makes me feel insensitive, but I'm putting it out there anyway. I realize that not everyone has the tools to go to college, not everyone wants to go to college and I also don't think that college is for everyone. But, I expect that most of my life will be spent at a college or university - it's my career - I will spend 40+ hours a week there everyday for the rest of my life. I feel the same about college as most people do about their high school experiences.
My father had a PhD in Education, I'm working on an M.A. in Education. It's a big part of my life.
EXHIBIT D: The guy with no music.
Believe it or not. These people exist. They only have CDs that people have bought for them, they don't own an I Pod, and they refer to the radio as "background music." To have no music in your life is to have no soul. I met one of these people in Community College. He was a baseball player - go figure.
I grew up dancing to Olivia Newton-John and Barry Manilow in my basement, and on roller skates. I grew up singing in choirs, and singing hymns at church. At LEAST like Kelly Clarkson, or something.
EXHIBIT E: The late guy.
I've always been intrigued by the guy who is perpetually late, but it just never seems to work out. A college boyfriend could never be on time. There I was - ready to go, possibly nervous, wanting to get out the door. He didn't even call to say that he would be late.
I can't be late, even if I try. It's inherent in my nature. If you are late, it automatically tells me that you don't care.
EXHIBIT F: The vegetarian guy.
I agree with vegetarians. Animals are good. It may even be healthier NOT to eat animals, but as long as BBQ and cold cuts exist, I'll keep eating them. I'm sorry. In Iowa there is a T-shirt that reads: P.E.T.A. - People for the Eating of Tasty Animals.
I don't know how to eat, if I don't eat meat. You don't want me to starve, do you?
It seems when I set dating standards, that I find to be a reflection of my culture, people say, "Oh well, you might be missing out on a great guy!" But, don't you see? It's probably not a great guy for ME.
EXHIBIT A: The guy who lives with his parents.
I'm from the Midwest. When you're from the Midwest, you move out of the house when you are 18 - no matter what - you either go to college, get married, or get a full-time job in which you can afford to live at least a couple of blocks from your parents. I don't want my kids living in my house for more than 18 years under normal circumstances. I realize there may be a summer or a year here or there when every young person needs a break. But, in general they need to pack up, move out, go away -- I'll even help to pay for it, or assist in finding a nice student loan.
This is my culture. In other cultures it is perfectly acceptable to live at home until you are 35, and I understand that. I won't pick on your culture, if you don't pick on mine.
EXHIBIT B: The guy with a Ferrari/Porsche.
Cars don't impress me to begin with. But, if you are going to have a sports car, then I need a muscle car - that's right, something with a loud muffler or at least something built before 1970. What's even better is when you get a little grease under your fingernails, put a little work into it. Sure, anyone can drive fast -- BIG DEAL.
My high school boyfriends drove Mustangs and Cameros and could change their own oil. It's just what I'm used to.
EXHIBIT C: The guy who almost made it through college.
This one makes me feel insensitive, but I'm putting it out there anyway. I realize that not everyone has the tools to go to college, not everyone wants to go to college and I also don't think that college is for everyone. But, I expect that most of my life will be spent at a college or university - it's my career - I will spend 40+ hours a week there everyday for the rest of my life. I feel the same about college as most people do about their high school experiences.
My father had a PhD in Education, I'm working on an M.A. in Education. It's a big part of my life.
EXHIBIT D: The guy with no music.
Believe it or not. These people exist. They only have CDs that people have bought for them, they don't own an I Pod, and they refer to the radio as "background music." To have no music in your life is to have no soul. I met one of these people in Community College. He was a baseball player - go figure.
I grew up dancing to Olivia Newton-John and Barry Manilow in my basement, and on roller skates. I grew up singing in choirs, and singing hymns at church. At LEAST like Kelly Clarkson, or something.
EXHIBIT E: The late guy.
I've always been intrigued by the guy who is perpetually late, but it just never seems to work out. A college boyfriend could never be on time. There I was - ready to go, possibly nervous, wanting to get out the door. He didn't even call to say that he would be late.
I can't be late, even if I try. It's inherent in my nature. If you are late, it automatically tells me that you don't care.
EXHIBIT F: The vegetarian guy.
I agree with vegetarians. Animals are good. It may even be healthier NOT to eat animals, but as long as BBQ and cold cuts exist, I'll keep eating them. I'm sorry. In Iowa there is a T-shirt that reads: P.E.T.A. - People for the Eating of Tasty Animals.
I don't know how to eat, if I don't eat meat. You don't want me to starve, do you?
Saturday, February 24, 2007
What I got for $30,000
I've been thinking a lot lately about the college experience, since I've attended just about every type of institution of higher education that exists today: a community college, a state university, a German music conservatory, and finally, now a Master's Degree at a private university.
I've realized lately that "education" is not taking classes, books, grades and professors, it's the entire thing - the campus experience, making connections, understanding the world around you, hence, understanding yourself better AND having enough life skills to be able to make it out there in the crazy world.
In lieu of recent undergraduate activities at Privileged Private University, I realized my undergraduate dollar went pretty far, although some would consider my education at the CC, State U and year abroad to be "below par" by PPU standards. The activities that take place frequently at PPU were never issues I thought about as an undergraduate student. Unlike PPU a campus culture of diversity and acceptance simply exists at my alma mater State University and my "education" there carried over into the person I am today. I couldn't have had the multi-cultural experience as an undergrad at PPU because, let's face it, many of those who make up campus diversity do not have $40,000 per year to shell out for education.
So, I honor my undergraduate $30,000 (TOTAL - 6 YEARS) education - my community college, my state university and my year abroad. It was the best $30,000 my parents and I ever spent.
I've realized lately that "education" is not taking classes, books, grades and professors, it's the entire thing - the campus experience, making connections, understanding the world around you, hence, understanding yourself better AND having enough life skills to be able to make it out there in the crazy world.
In lieu of recent undergraduate activities at Privileged Private University, I realized my undergraduate dollar went pretty far, although some would consider my education at the CC, State U and year abroad to be "below par" by PPU standards. The activities that take place frequently at PPU were never issues I thought about as an undergraduate student. Unlike PPU a campus culture of diversity and acceptance simply exists at my alma mater State University and my "education" there carried over into the person I am today. I couldn't have had the multi-cultural experience as an undergrad at PPU because, let's face it, many of those who make up campus diversity do not have $40,000 per year to shell out for education.
So, I honor my undergraduate $30,000 (TOTAL - 6 YEARS) education - my community college, my state university and my year abroad. It was the best $30,000 my parents and I ever spent.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Is there a dream doctor in the house?
Does anyone else have dreams about being pregnant on a regular basis? This dream seems to come along every couple of months or so, and I'm still trying to figure out what it all means.
THE DREAM
I'm pregnant. How did I get pregnant? Who's baby is it? I don't have a boyfriend. It worries me at first and I'm scared to tell friends and family, but when I tell them, they are fine with it. They even congratulate me! So, I'm going to be a single mom - I can hack it, I have a decent job. Baby and me will be just fine.
I feel pregnant. My belly is growing and I can feel baby swimming around in there. I start to worry, "OMG! I have to give birth! CRAP! How much running will it take to get this belly to go away!"
*A bunch of weird happenings totally unrelated to my being pregnant. A subplot, if you will*
Suddenly I'm not pregnant anymore and I have a dog. I don't remember giving birth to the dog, so I assume I was never pregnant to begin with. He is a cute dog, so I work my schedule around him, feed him, take him for walks in the park... I'm worried about potty training him, but I love him. I'm a little confused to why I don't have a baby, but am very happy with my dog.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
The strangest part of this dream is that I NEVER give birth. Also, it is not always a dog that I end up with. It has been a cat, and a couple of times it was a plant! Yes, I realized halfway through the dream (after all of the weird subplot stuff) that my "baby" is coming out of the ground! Then, a fern is born. I am also happy with the fern.
I looked up the meanings of dreams. Dreaming of pregnancy is supposed to signify psychological or spiritual growth, and dreaming about animals is supposed to signify some kind of wrong-doing, or feeling guilt.
I'm feeling guilty about my spiritual growth? Great. Thanks, dream, for letting me know. I thought I was just wanting a puppy, or perhaps a plant. I didn't know I was having deep and intense guilt while sleeping.
Arg. Helga, I need you here.
THE DREAM
I'm pregnant. How did I get pregnant? Who's baby is it? I don't have a boyfriend. It worries me at first and I'm scared to tell friends and family, but when I tell them, they are fine with it. They even congratulate me! So, I'm going to be a single mom - I can hack it, I have a decent job. Baby and me will be just fine.
I feel pregnant. My belly is growing and I can feel baby swimming around in there. I start to worry, "OMG! I have to give birth! CRAP! How much running will it take to get this belly to go away!"
*A bunch of weird happenings totally unrelated to my being pregnant. A subplot, if you will*
Suddenly I'm not pregnant anymore and I have a dog. I don't remember giving birth to the dog, so I assume I was never pregnant to begin with. He is a cute dog, so I work my schedule around him, feed him, take him for walks in the park... I'm worried about potty training him, but I love him. I'm a little confused to why I don't have a baby, but am very happy with my dog.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
The strangest part of this dream is that I NEVER give birth. Also, it is not always a dog that I end up with. It has been a cat, and a couple of times it was a plant! Yes, I realized halfway through the dream (after all of the weird subplot stuff) that my "baby" is coming out of the ground! Then, a fern is born. I am also happy with the fern.
I looked up the meanings of dreams. Dreaming of pregnancy is supposed to signify psychological or spiritual growth, and dreaming about animals is supposed to signify some kind of wrong-doing, or feeling guilt.
I'm feeling guilty about my spiritual growth? Great. Thanks, dream, for letting me know. I thought I was just wanting a puppy, or perhaps a plant. I didn't know I was having deep and intense guilt while sleeping.
Arg. Helga, I need you here.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Monday, February 12, 2007
A Valentine's Day Tribute
As a 14-year-old high school student in Mrs. Ohm's English class, I wrote the following poem in my journal:
Charming, isn't it? I was quite the young poet - so many pent up artistic emotions...
Anyhoo. I've always despised Valentine's Day. As a kid, it was probably because I was odd and none of the boys liked me. As an adult, it is the same. Just kidding. Seriously, though, I just don't think that love is something to be celebrated on just one day. Furthermore, I don't like buying meaningless gifts, or receiving balloons. (Balloons are bad for the environment, don't you know?)
Last year was a bittersweet Valentine's Day for me. My cousin, Mike, who'd spent his life with cystic fibrosis, had been in the hospital for two weeks and was not doing well. He'd had a lung transplant in 2004, going from 14% lung capacity before the operation, to almost full capacity. Unfortunately, cystic fibrosis would inevitably take over the new lungs. We didn't know it would be this quickly. I talked to my mom every day -- one day Mike's lungs were failing, the next day they were filling with fluid, then his heart started to fail, his liver, his kidneys...
Waiting to fly to Tulsa for a funeral was unexpected, especially since I'd seen Mike in good health just a few months before. He came to visit me in California around my birthday, and I tried to show him the sights - we went to an Oakland A's Game, he came to my 26th birthday BBQ, and we went to San Francisco to take in the sites. Our walk up to Coit Tower from North Beach was memorable. Even though he was out of breath and had to stop a number of times on the way, he made it all the way up. Triumphant, he took a picture of the view from Coit with his camera phone and sent it to his then-girlfriend.
At the end of the day, I'd realized that Valentine's Day had almost completely passed me by and I hadn't thought about myself or my personal love misfortunes much at all. As I drove, I saw the parking lot packed at a local jewelry store, and saw a guy with a back seat FULL of Mylar balloons declaring, "I Love You" or "Bee My Valentine." I thought about the time I got to spend with Mike, and how no balloons, chocolates or diamonds could compare to spending time with someone truly special.
Mike passed away on February 16. I flew to Tulsa to say goodbye and spend time with family. After his funeral, his friends hosted a house party in honor of him. I met his summer-then-girlfriend who showed me the picture he'd sent her from Coit Tower, and I realized how lucky I was to have spent that time with him before we all lost him.
I wish I had more pictures from the time we spent that summer, but I didn't have a camera. The pictures below are courtesy of my cousin, Mike's sister, Jolene.
I've never had a Valentine,
Or a box of chocolate hearts.
I've only had a photograph
At which to throw darts.
Charming, isn't it? I was quite the young poet - so many pent up artistic emotions...
Anyhoo. I've always despised Valentine's Day. As a kid, it was probably because I was odd and none of the boys liked me. As an adult, it is the same. Just kidding. Seriously, though, I just don't think that love is something to be celebrated on just one day. Furthermore, I don't like buying meaningless gifts, or receiving balloons. (Balloons are bad for the environment, don't you know?)
Last year was a bittersweet Valentine's Day for me. My cousin, Mike, who'd spent his life with cystic fibrosis, had been in the hospital for two weeks and was not doing well. He'd had a lung transplant in 2004, going from 14% lung capacity before the operation, to almost full capacity. Unfortunately, cystic fibrosis would inevitably take over the new lungs. We didn't know it would be this quickly. I talked to my mom every day -- one day Mike's lungs were failing, the next day they were filling with fluid, then his heart started to fail, his liver, his kidneys...
Waiting to fly to Tulsa for a funeral was unexpected, especially since I'd seen Mike in good health just a few months before. He came to visit me in California around my birthday, and I tried to show him the sights - we went to an Oakland A's Game, he came to my 26th birthday BBQ, and we went to San Francisco to take in the sites. Our walk up to Coit Tower from North Beach was memorable. Even though he was out of breath and had to stop a number of times on the way, he made it all the way up. Triumphant, he took a picture of the view from Coit with his camera phone and sent it to his then-girlfriend.
At the end of the day, I'd realized that Valentine's Day had almost completely passed me by and I hadn't thought about myself or my personal love misfortunes much at all. As I drove, I saw the parking lot packed at a local jewelry store, and saw a guy with a back seat FULL of Mylar balloons declaring, "I Love You" or "Bee My Valentine." I thought about the time I got to spend with Mike, and how no balloons, chocolates or diamonds could compare to spending time with someone truly special.
Mike passed away on February 16. I flew to Tulsa to say goodbye and spend time with family. After his funeral, his friends hosted a house party in honor of him. I met his summer-then-girlfriend who showed me the picture he'd sent her from Coit Tower, and I realized how lucky I was to have spent that time with him before we all lost him.
I wish I had more pictures from the time we spent that summer, but I didn't have a camera. The pictures below are courtesy of my cousin, Mike's sister, Jolene.
Mike and Jolene.
Cousin Chris (who also has CF), Jolene and cousin-in-law Trevor at a local Run for CF event. (Wearing pins with Mike's picture.)
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Finding Balance in Life and Art
This is one of those "I love my life" days, or at least moments. (The day isn't over yet. Right?) ;)
While interviewing a group of students and Professor for a research paper, I realized the small impact one person could make on a group of people. It wasn't myself making an impact on students, or the Professor making an impact on me, but the whole circle of relationships and networking. A group of people, talking, discussing and contributing in their own little ways. "What does it all mean?" or "I know what this means to ME, but what does it mean to YOU." It's fascinating to see issues from all sides, and also to feel in sync with what is going on around you, and your overall purpose. It's enlightening.
Anyway, enlightened me has narrowed her M.A. thesis from 1,00,000,001.1 ideas down to 2 or 3 ideas. Yay!
I met the new Dean of my graduate program at a social, and after spewing my thesis at him, and basically having diarrhea of the mouth, I'm pretty sure he thinks I'm strange. But, no matter - at least I'm passionate.
While interviewing a group of students and Professor for a research paper, I realized the small impact one person could make on a group of people. It wasn't myself making an impact on students, or the Professor making an impact on me, but the whole circle of relationships and networking. A group of people, talking, discussing and contributing in their own little ways. "What does it all mean?" or "I know what this means to ME, but what does it mean to YOU." It's fascinating to see issues from all sides, and also to feel in sync with what is going on around you, and your overall purpose. It's enlightening.
Anyway, enlightened me has narrowed her M.A. thesis from 1,00,000,001.1 ideas down to 2 or 3 ideas. Yay!
I met the new Dean of my graduate program at a social, and after spewing my thesis at him, and basically having diarrhea of the mouth, I'm pretty sure he thinks I'm strange. But, no matter - at least I'm passionate.
Monday, February 05, 2007
So, I just returned from Motucky.
For those of you who've never heard it called "Motucky" before (God knows I hadn't), it's Modesto.
It had been quite a while since I've left the Bay Area on anything but a plane, so the 1 1/2 hour drive did me some good. I turned the music up, opened the moon roof, and put my foot on the gas. I just had my car washed, so I was big pimpin' it.
There were some pretty ok towns along the way, and, on a partially sunny Sunday afternoon, it was an enjoyable drive through Fremont, Pleasanton, Dublin, Livermore, Tracy... Before leaving, I Googled directions, and was truly frightened about the number of highways there were between 880 and 99. (I mean, OMG! more than ONE road to get to the next city! What kind of a place is this?) Then, I realized that 580, 5, and 120 are basically the same road. I thought fondly of SaBa and Helga as I passed through "Lard" and "Exit." It brought a smile to my face.
I really have nothing bad to say about Modesto except - It's far. The joyride of Sunday afternoon was completely abolished this morning as I arrived at work 2 1/2 hours after leaving Modesto; but spending Super Bowl Sunday with Special K (even though our team lost) and waking up to zero freeway noise was lovely. I'll admit it.
It had been quite a while since I've left the Bay Area on anything but a plane, so the 1 1/2 hour drive did me some good. I turned the music up, opened the moon roof, and put my foot on the gas. I just had my car washed, so I was big pimpin' it.
There were some pretty ok towns along the way, and, on a partially sunny Sunday afternoon, it was an enjoyable drive through Fremont, Pleasanton, Dublin, Livermore, Tracy... Before leaving, I Googled directions, and was truly frightened about the number of highways there were between 880 and 99. (I mean, OMG! more than ONE road to get to the next city! What kind of a place is this?) Then, I realized that 580, 5, and 120 are basically the same road. I thought fondly of SaBa and Helga as I passed through "Lard" and "Exit." It brought a smile to my face.
I really have nothing bad to say about Modesto except - It's far. The joyride of Sunday afternoon was completely abolished this morning as I arrived at work 2 1/2 hours after leaving Modesto; but spending Super Bowl Sunday with Special K (even though our team lost) and waking up to zero freeway noise was lovely. I'll admit it.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Back to (Square) Club One
I hate having to start over. It's really frustrating...
Unfortunately I am back to square one with my gym search. I have received the inside scoop that the Ballys I've been patronizing will be closing it's doors in a few months.
I went to CG last night, which, if you haven't figured it out yet, is Club One. I mean, I'm still paying $80 a month, so I might as well get my money's worth.
Unfortunately I am back to square one with my gym search. I have received the inside scoop that the Ballys I've been patronizing will be closing it's doors in a few months.
I went to CG last night, which, if you haven't figured it out yet, is Club One. I mean, I'm still paying $80 a month, so I might as well get my money's worth.
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