Fabulous Friday - Maintaining Fabulousness

It's difficult, man. I haven't done any running since the Turkey Trot except a lame 10 minutes on a treadmill Tuesday morning. I figure I deserve a little laziness.

Also, I think a gym membership is essential. I just can't get excited about getting up early to work out at work with a bunch of skinny 18-20 year olds. I need some adults to keep me motivated. So, I got a 7 day pass to 24 Hour Fitness. I intend to get up early tommorrow (Saturday) and go to the gym. Time to get back into the game, folks.

The guy I've been dating is running a half marathon this weekend. So nice to talk about healthy habits with someone. He's even going to Vegas to run a race, and can't drink or be unhealthy to make it through 2 hours of running on Sunday. I appreciate that. Giving up partying for health. Like it.

Classes are almost over! I did a presentation on Monday, so next week I have to turn in two rather easy finals. After that, the Christmas parties begin. I will not over-consume cheese, I will not over-consume cheese, I will not over-consume cheese...

This weekend, there is a "Polar Jet." So, there are some freezing temperatures in California. It's about time people realize what actual "cold" feels like. San Jose - in the 50's. Hmmm, not really freezing, but I'm going to buy some fabulous sweaters anyway. :)

Finished paper writing so I can blog now

Writing a 15-pager about Chickering was somewhat exciting, but I'm even MORE excited to get this quarter over with. Saba pointed out that I missed a few fabulous Fridays. Guess they weren't too fabulous, but here's the run-down:

I wrote a paper. (Perhaps I mentioned that...)
I ran a lot.
I've been getting some shin-splints.
I ran the San Jose Turkey Trot 5 minutes slower than last year, but it was still fun.
I had Thanksgiving with one of my best friends and her family.
I went to dinner and hung out at a cheesy jazz bar with a guy I've been seeing.
I went wine tasting near Healdsburg with same guy.
I went to dinner and saw "Fred Clause" with above mentioned guy.
I kisses said "guy" and it was nice.

More to come later.

Moi

Sunday Random Thought

If a man can be called a "stud" and a woman can be called a "muffin"... futhermore a strong man can be called a "stud muffin"...

Can I please be called a "muffin stud?"

It sure do Miss Daisy.

I love "Driving Miss Daisy." Everytime Miss Daisy tells Hoke that he's her best friend, I cry. *smile* *sniff*

"I bet the Georgia power company is having a Merry Christmas."

I also like getting up at 10:30 and sitting on my ass watching movies on a Saturday afternoon.

Fabelhafte Fritag (Fabulous Friday)

I miss German. I really do. They don't celebrate Christmas for 3 months in Germany. They also don't have pumpkin flavored stuff, but, as of today, neither does Starbucks. No more pumpkin spice latte, and it's still about 2 WEEKS until Thanksgiving. They do have peppermint stuff, though... Blech!

In the search for "what to do next" I started looking at Kulturmanagement programs in Deutschland today. I would have to take a year to brush up on my German, and the program only offers an M.A. but it would be interesting. Alas, I'm still on the hunt for the perfect culminating degree. Need to meet with my advisor. Right now it seems Chicago, D.C. or Philadelphia have programs I might be interested in.

Other than growing pains, I've finally gotten rid of pains from my new running shoes. My Asics 2120s are almost broken in. YAY! I've run 17 miles since last Friday, including a long 7-mile run on Sunday. Good Job for me!

Other than that, Mr. Hot Date is away in Jamaica for vacation. :( I have no other hot date perspectives except for Special K who thinks we should get together for drinks sometime.(hmmm)Oh, and creepy stalker ex-boyfriend from 4 years ago who tends to call me every 6 months to see what's up. There ain't nothin' up, dude. I ignore you now. Bu-bye.

Holiday fun, already.

I'm sure you all figured out last year how much I LOVE the holiday season, especially celebrating early. And how much I think singing Christmas Carols about snow in California is appropriate. NOT!

So Wayne and Garth bring to you...

Christmas Carols for the Psychologically Challenged. (I got this from a co-worker. I thank him tremendously!)

1) Schizophrenia---- Do You Hear What I Hear, the Voices, the Voices?

2) Amnesia-- I Don't Remember If I'll be Home for Christmas

3) Narcissistic-- Hark the Herald Angels Sing About Me

4) Manic-- Deck The Halls And Walls And House And Lawn And Streets And Stores And Office And Town And Cars And Buses And Trucks And Trees And Fire Hydrants And...........

5) Multiple Personality Disorder----We Three Queens Disoriented Are

6) Paranoid---Santa Claus Is Coming To Get Us!

7) Borderline Personality Disorder--- You Better Watch Out, You Better not Shout, I'm Gonna Cry, and I'll not Tell You Why

8) Full Personality Disorder--- Thoughts of Roasting You On an Open Fire

9) Obsessive Compulsive Disorder---Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells

10) Agoraphobia---I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day But Wouldn't Leave My House

11) Senile Dementia---Walking In a Winter Wonderland Miles from My House in My Slippers and Robe

12) Oppositional Defiant Disorder---I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus So I Burned Down the House

13) Social Anxiety Disorder---Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas While I Sit Here and Hyperventilate

14) Attention Deficit Disorder--We Wish You......Hey Look!! It's Snowing!!!

Ravi Rocks!

After 4 years of "meaning-to-goes" or "just-missed-its", I finally saw Ravi Shankar and his daughter Anoushka Shankar Sunday night in Santa Cruz. It was Raga-tastic and Tala-rific. I was accompanied by my musically-savvy chica, NoeBoe, for an evening of transcendental, pentatonic vibrations. (Yes, we were drug-free for this experience.)

What a fantastic crowd; I have such an appreciation for Santa Cruzers! You had everything from the devout classical listener to the dread-locked hippie. They all nodded and applauded. There were three standing ovations: One for the entrance of Guru Shankar, one for a FABULOUS tabla solo, and a very LONG one at the end.

Ravi Shankar is 87! I had no idea how frail he was. He couldn't sit on the floor anymore, and needed people to bring him onstage. Then, low and behold, he started to play and you stopped worrying about him. Until you've seen an 87 year old man rock out on an instrument more difficult than a guitar (7 strings - HA!) you haven't seen anything. His daughter, Anoushka, also amazing, had a lot more dexterity than her father, but Ravi was definitely the one pushing the tonal and rhythmic limits for the entire group. I should also mention that Anoushka has quite a career ahead of her - she's really bringing a lot of sitar music into western classical and even pop music.

I was inspired. Very rarely do you see such competent musicians, let alone to see them work together spiritually, while, of course, rocking hard core on classical instruments. It was much more like watching a jazz combo than a classical group. I can't say as much for choral singers or orchestral players. (Very beautiful, but boring to watch indeed.)

Ravi and/or his daughter are in the Bay Area a couple times a year. I wouldn't call myself a "fan" of very much. But, I'd like to see the Shankars again next year.

Fabulous Friday - Frozen Pizza

I'm starting a segment called "Fabulous Friday" in order to make myself accountable to my tens of blog readers (HA). If I start slacking off, you need to find me, call me, write me, email me, message me, and pull me out of the hole. There! Now I've made YOU accountable.

Let me remind you all of the fabulous things that my blogalicious friends have been doing lately: Arethusa, recently promoted; Helga, recently licensed; Saba, soon to be working one job; George, don't know but probably doing something fabulous.

As for me, I've run about 14 miles since last Friday (not bad), and have a Student Development project underway. I also have a hot date on Saturday. :)It's amazing that I don't feel a whole lot better this week than in less healthy weeks. The roommate tells me that stress causes fat because it's comforting to the body. Makes sense, I guess. I can't do anything at this point to take a few busy hours out of my day; all I can do is use the hours I have free to eat well, exercise, be well, and thrive. (Oh, crap, that was a Kaiser commercial!)

Sometimes I look to my Midwestern roots to make myself feel better. Every time I go home to the Midwest, it amazes me how inactive most people are. I am also appalled by the food choices. After last winter, I have eaten Kung Pao Shrimp for the LAST time in a Midwestern restaurant. Frozen shrimp - argh. Midwesterners live longer though - frozen food and all.

I will admit, though that I enjoy a frozen pizza from time to time, although these days it's usually the Trader Joe's variety. I can't help the frozen pizza eating. It's apparently in my blood.

Read fun article, Midwest: frozen pizza capital of the U.S.

Professional (Personal) Development

I think one thing my employer does very well is incoporating HR professional development workshops into the workplace. Workshops are voluntary and free. Currently, I'm taking Business Writing. The instructor is an English Professor, and the students are staff members from all over campus: Student Life, Admissions, Development, Engineering, IT, and the Provost's Office. These workshops are not only informative, but also very good networking opportunities. LOVE THEM.

Another professional development workshop just caught my eye; I love when life events come full-circle or are tied to one another.

Tuesday, November 6 - Emotional Intelligence with (Name Here)

Which do you think is a more accurate predictor of life success: A
person's emotional intelligence or a person's IQ? If you are like most
of us, you'd probably guess that IQ-a person's mental intelligence-is
more important. However, you'd be surprised to learn that a person's
emotional intelligence is actually more closely tied to life success.
This workshop will explore:The powerful forces that can result in an
individual's success

The factors that are linked with emotional intelligence

Your personal emotional intelligence level

My MA coursework this fall has revolved around Student Development, and emotional intelligence is part of all of Chickering's vectors (Check out links at right). I've also been thinking about emotional intelligence with regard to relationships. Most recently, about my own emotional intelligence, and my former partner's emotional intelligence.

When parting ways, we (actually I) had a conversation about how much your college drinking (binging, drugs, etc) days lead into a poor development of emotional intelligence (further into other vectors such as "#4 Developing Mature Interpersonal Relationships")and drinking further into your 30's doesn't allow you to ever develop the emotional intelligence that normal people have. This is part of the problem with alcoholics.

I seriously had this conversation with Mr.IQ>150 when we parted ways.

I'll let you know how I score on the Emotional Intelligence quiz. I've never had an IQ test. (I'd love for Mr.IQ>150 to be able to come with me!)

Please drink responsibly. :)

Halloween - Booooo!

No one wants to go with me to a Halloween party tonight -- too busy, too sick, too not-answering-emails-or-phone calls. I'm going to end up doing homework tonight.

Booooo!

I guess there are always the S.C.U.M.B.A.G.S. tomorrow night.

Halloween Fun

I usually am not a big fan of holidays. Even Halloween. Two years ago I went to happy hour with a co-worker and didn't make it past 9:30 to attend a costumed celebration. Last year was a HUGE step up when I pulled out the ole' Junior year prom dress (happily I fill it out now... woot woo *whistle*), made a sash and went out in Los Gatos as Miss Idahoe (yes, with an "e"). Only the "Los Gatos Trophy Wives" could outdo me. Anyway, the girlfriend I was out with ended up persuading two out-of-town guys to hang out with us, and the night ended up with my saying, "Um, yeah, I'm tired. Why don't we take you guys back to your hotel."

I'm truly a mother hen.

So, this year I'm going to two, yes TWO Halloween celebrations and I'm going to have a good time if it kills me. The first party is a singles celebration on the peninsula, the second, a friendly bash with MBA students. WOOT! I'm also not going to join the ranks of slutty Halloween nurses, maids, devils or cats and think up an original costume. If I can't think of anything by Friday, well, Miss Idahoe deserves another reign? Dontcha think?



Miss Idahoe, from Iowa City, Ohio:
She's a much better public speaker than Miss Teen South Carolina.

The Adventures of Mr. Striped Shirt

Yay! It's girls night out! My friend is celebrating as a single woman before she marries the most perfect guy ever! We decided to hit this club because one of the girls knows the D.J. - we have V.I.P. passes, free booze, and a safe limo drive home! We are having a good time.

Yeah, we're a little wild - It's a bachelorette party! We decided to all wear wigs! It's kind of silly, but we think we're cute. We'll have some good pictures to show our friends.

Let's hit the dance floor! Yeah this is the same kind of music they play at all of the clubs, but this seems to be a cool mix of people and we typically dance in a circle anyway. Besides, we've all had a few, and we're having fun! We like to shake our asses a little when we dance and sing along. There seems to be someone with bad breath and a striped shirt lurking in the shadows. Uh, oh, don't make eye contact, he's coming over...

Sure, we like to dance. Dancing is a part of our culture. We may be a little wild, but we are just having a good time. Suddenly we realize that there is a guy lurking behind. Our smiles turn to smirks as you creep over behind my friend. You are being pretty sly, there. Nice job. No one was giving you a come-hither stare... so why did you come over? My friend is engaged to a great guy, she didn't want to sleep with YOU... none of us want to sleep with you. Who is the maid of honor? Does it matter? She doesn't want to sleep with you either, and she especially doesn't want your junk on her leg. Don't be up in her grill, dude. It's "girls" night - get it? Punk.

Oh, I see. You wanted to grab on my friend. Well, she is not interested in you but doesn't know how to tell you to leave. She's barely dancing anymore. We are all laughing at you, but you are too drunk to notice. You give us all a glazed over stare and a smirk - yeah, you think you are the man.

Finally, one of us has to tell you to stop. But, why are you so upset? Don't call my friend names, she doesn't like that! OH, you say my friend is a lesbian. That's interesting. Just because she doesn't want to feel your junk near her butt, doesn't really make her a lesbian, now does it? If that's what will keep you away...yes, we are all lesbians. Go away. Please don't come back. Don't be talking trash about lesbians either, or I'll have to find one to kick your ass.

Oh, your friends don't really know what to do. They are neither helping nor hindering you. Some wing-men they are. You all go out, thinking you're going to be able to rub your junk on a bunch of girls because you are drunk and looking swave in your Banana Republic striped shirt. Yeah, not so.

How to spot "Mr. Stripped Shirt"
1.) He's in a group of other stripped shirts. They are like a herd of zebras.
4.) He is surrounded by women, or he surrounds women.. one of the two.
3.) He is the drunkest guy at the bar
4.) He is the loudest guy at the bar
5.) If you can't spot him at this point, you need to take off your beer goggles or something...

Be thurprithed at Fryths

(Be surprised at Fry's) For those of you who aren't familiar with the large discount electronics chain - "Be surprised, at Frys" is the company slogan.

I was more in fear for my life at Frys. Admittedly I've only been to Frys 3-4 times - very hard to believe for many of you tech savvy people or even native Californians.

I really thought this time it would be different... it wasn't.

I'm sure you know that all Frys have a "theme." What is this place? Like Prom or something? Anyway my neighborhood Frys is supposed to look like the inside of King Tuts tomb. Very weird.

The sales people don't really "sell" anything, they just tell you where things are - Knowing this, I brought in a borrowed AC adaptor, found a friendly geek, ahem, sorry, salesperson, and said, "Where is this?"

He said, (pointing) "All along this wall."

That's it? No, "What kind do you have?" "Here are your options.." Nada. All I needed was a Dell AC adaptor for my notebook, and they only had this generic adaptor that costs the same as buying the Dell one online. I was disappointed.

The clientele at Frys is also disappointing. You'd think it would be chalk full of smart men. Not so. Or, perhaps smart, but living-with-your-mother kind of smart, if you get my drift. It's chalk full of, well, very interesting people. They also come completely solitary, or in inappropriately large groups. It's not just techie dudes, either. I saw a woman laughing hysterically in one of the aisles. Goodness! Is there really ANYTHING to laugh about at Frys?

As I was leaving, even the greeter guy had a slight lisp. "Thanths for sthoping in." He said.

Frys is really a stereotype. I feel like I should start taking my out-of-town visitors there to experience the real (totally stereotypical) Silicon Valley.

Come on, tech geeks! Let me hear your Frys stories!

Single-shmingle

Upon telling my girlfriend K that I'm single again:

Me: I don't think I'm going to date anyone for while.
K: How long is awhile?
Me: I don't know. Maybe 6 months.
K: WHAT? Well don't keep that door completely shut.
Me: Nah, I'm just keeping the screen door closed so I don't let anymore bugs in.

If I lost my sense of humor, one could worry. Obviously, I'm fine. :)

Books I should write.

85% of Americans think they have a book in them. Here are my book ideas. Since there is about a .5% chance that I'll actually write one, maybe someone else will about these nifty, important topics.

"You Pay for Drinking, Smoking and Sexual Activity: A Parent's Guide to College"
I don't like to lie to people, so why not tell parents what they are really paying for.

"The Dying Arts: Inspiration to Keep Them Alive"
Should include sections explaining why popular is not always art, and art is not always popular.

"Wooking Pa Nub In All Da Wong Places"
Buttwheat's guide to dating. I'm sure he doesn't know what he's doing either.

"Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas: A Novel"
A coming of age story about a girl trapped in the "real" Las Vegas.

"The Real America" Volume 1: Iowa, Volume 2: Illinois, Volume 3: Indiana, Volume 4: Michigan, Volume 5: Minnesota
An explanation is needed to those city-slickers who don't understand how Bush won the last election. It will also have a travel section, encouraging people to visit and, at the very least, see those "other people" for themselves.

"Weddimus: Weddings for the Rest of us."
How to plan your joyous, weddimus, filled with non-traditional fun. How to plan a wedding on $5,000. The joys of elopement. A section on making things easy (and not expensive) for your bridal party.

Where's Lloyd?

I caught the last hour or so of the movie "Say Anything" tonight. I'd *gasp* never seen it before. I'm a fan of John Cusak - I think I've seen just about every other movie he's been in, but for some reason, this one has always passed me by.

I found it interesting that the girl's boyfriend ended up being more reliable than her stealing/lying father. An interesting premise. Or perhaps, because her father loved her so much, but upon his going to jail, she needed to quickly replace the man in her life. I have no idea who could possibly love me more than my own father - and I have no need to replace him. Perhaps having such a good relationship with both of my parents makes it more difficult to find someone who will take me as seriously as they have my entire life. Lloyd, even at his young age, takes people seriously.

There are plenty of things that my parents wouldn't do for me. Move to a foreign country - for one. The future man in my life.. yeah, it would be nice if I felt so inclined to take a job in England, Germany, or just Chicago. Of course, I would follow him too if the opportunity went the other way. Lloyd moved to England.

A serenade would also be nice. Lloyd has a very famous serenade in that movie.



Maybe I've missed out on Lloyd... perhaps Lloyd went to England and his girlfriend dumped him for a Brit. Now he is embittered and incapable of being with me. Perhaps Lloyd decided he didn't like England, or didn't like that his girlfriend's dad was a convict, so he doesn't want to put himself into a complicated position anymore. Perhaps Lloyd joined the English mafia (ha ha) and spent some time in jail or something.

The point is, is that Lloyd used to have feelings but they were somehow taken away. Now Lloyd has a good job somewhere, friends, security, but doesn't trust women. I don't know how this happened, but it's a tragedy. Poor Lloyd is probably in his 30's (ok, I know JK is more like 40) and he's confused.

So, you ask. What is a girl to do? Maybe I'll try and find an 18-year-old and treat him well so he doesn't become embittered. Maybe he would become embittered anyway, no matter how well I treated him. Unfortunately I don't like 18-year-olds (or 28 year olds for that matter) much. It's crossed my mind that I may be too old to find a Lloyd. At this point, I'd like someone with life experience to at least match mine. But, where are those non-embittered souls willing to not blame ALL women for ruining their lives, or being too scared that women will ruin their lives.

How did I get blamed for ruining men's lives? I mean. Really. I didn't do anything wrong. I didn't make anyone move to England for me... My dad isn't in jail and I'm not looking for a male role model of some kind... It must have been that other girl.

Bitch.

Maybe Lloyd needs to get over it.

Lloyd is dead.

Fall Flip-Out

Every summer I sit around, thinking a lot, wanting to do something more, but alas, no one else seems to want to do anything extraordinary. So, I sit, without complaint, driving myself insane and taking long lunch breaks. Strangely enough, it seems other in a similar job position to mine enjoy the summer - probably because they are happy doing nothing. That's just not the way I roll.

I believe in signs - whether they be from God or some other higher power. I think human beings have an awareness of when things aren't right, then follow signs to another path, thus leading them in another direction. Every summer I try to update my resume and do job searches because I find summer to be completely underwhelming.

Today I thought I saw a glimmer of light.

I think I have a great idea for my thesis, so I emailed my non-communicative advisor, and another professor for whom I have great respect (just in case my advisor doesn't respond). My thesis idea is pretty bomb-ass. My idea rolls into my career aspirations, and expands the role that I play at my job, and has future implications. My thesis will ensure that I don't have a boring summer next year.

Right after emailing my bomb-ass thesis idea, I receive and email that one of my classes has been canceled. My intention, of course, is to finish my MA this year, do or die! I won't survive another Summer of Mundane. I'm desperate! So, I started researching other programs online - even in Chicago, then in Washington D.C. "Damnit! I will finish! If they won't let me move on, I'll just move somewhere else and finish! No one will stop me!" I thought.

Yeah, I flipped out a little. It happens.

An hour later I receive a phone call from my advisor, who, for some reason has heard the situation and has read my emails to him and the department asking what I should do. Amazing.

The only option I have to satisfy the requirement for the canceled class and still finish at the end of 2008, is to take another class with "the teachers." I'll do anything - even take another class with people who need a step-by-step rubric.

So, the glimmer of light is to hold tight for another year before packing up and leaving for Chicago or Washington D.C. Perhaps the Bay Area will be able to keep me - it honestly won't be hard because I love it here.

But, I AM gearing up for a new adventure of some kind. I can feel it.

Back in the Day

What is this expression, "Back in the Day?" I'm 28, so back in the day would refer to what? The 80's? I don't know if that was really "the day." It seems this expression is being used to often by people my age or younger to explain, perhaps, a simpler time. I think, however, we should wait until at least middle age, when we have children our age, until we have licence to use the term freely. Those younger than us don't understand, and those older than us, well, the expression is just ridiculous since they remember more than just the 80's.

I will retire use of this expression, but post a picture from a simpler time. Remember perms? Remember Pound Puppies? Oh yeah!



Thanks to my cousin for this fabu picture!

Don't forget the lyrics!

Even sexy Wayne Brady couldn't keep my attention to watch this horrible TV game show, in which players must complete the lyrics to win. The player can choose from a number of categories including: Pop, American Favorites, The 60's, KC and the Sunshine Band, and their winnings duplicate as they sing lyrics correctly.

I will admit that I didn't know any of the lyrics to songs selected. I don't think people understand that while I was learning about modes, scales, augmented 6 chords, vocal phonation, and diction (p.s. these are musical terms), I wasn't sitting around memorizing popular song lyrics or names of popular bands.

"Oh well it's lady's night, and the feelin's right, oh well it's lady's night, oh what a night!" There are actually verses to that song! *shocked and amazed* Who knew? Apparently, a lot of people know... and they have the lyrics memorized too.

I hate the American Idol phenomenon. Anyone can sound good in a recording studio -- anyone. Technology is amazing. I don't think people know just how amazing it is. Also, why should we idolize singers only?

As a musician, I think I disappoint people with musical conversation. People are unhappy that I don't think The Dave Matthews Band is the greatest band of all time, or when I can't tell the difference between Hall & Oats and The Grateful Dead. We didn't learn these things in school. Sorry. I'm thinking more about band names when I listen to a song. People are even more thoroughly disappointed when name-drop the classical musician names that everyone knows (Mozart, Bach, Beethoven) and expect me to say they are great, but instead I pull out names like Wolf, Mendelssohn, and Crumb.

When I meet new people and I tell them I'm a musician, these are the items that most disappoint them:

1.) The Dave Matthew's Band (or Insert Band Name Here)is good, but I refuse to say they are the best band ever.

2.) Pavarotti was not a good singer during most of my lifetime. Classical singers lose their voices and technique around their 50s. It's sadly the process of aging. Pavarotti was 71. (God rest his soul.)

3.) I think Mozart is boring. Yes, he was amazing for producing thousands of pieces by the time of his 30-something death, but they all pretty much sound the same.

4.) Chant, much Choral repertoire, and anything by Barber (who wrote "Adagio for Strings" made popular by the movie Platoon) are actually not "classical" music. The classical era was approx. 1750-1810. Chant was part of the Medieval period, Bach (choral composer)was part of the Baroque period, and Barber died in the 90's.

5.) By the way, "Adagio for Strings" is not a "song" - songs have words. Orchestral "songs" are referred to as a "work" or a "piece."

6.) I don't memorize popular song lyrics or band names. Not that I don't like some popular music, just that I'm thinking more about chords than words.

7.) Josh Groban is NOT an opera singer. He is "popera" at best. His Italian is atrocious and his voice has not fully developed for the style. He would never be hired by the MET unless they decided to be sellouts (not likely).

8.) Phantom of the Opera is NOT an opera. It is musical theatre. There is a difference.

9.) Yes, I play some piano, but just enough to get by. I'm very intermediate. I can't sing and play like Norah Jones. Sorry.

10.) People who practice to sing karaoke have too much time on their hands. Go listen to something new!

I need a new hobby

I think my need for a new hobby arises from the unproductive summer months. Because I work in academia, there isn't a lot going on in the summer. Once my class ended in July, I haven't had much going on. Now August is almost over, and I've realized that not many exciting summer stuff happened in the last 30 days. Now is the 2 weeks before the beginning of the academic year where the public schools are already in session, my choir has started rehearsing without me (I'm taking a break to focus solely on my MA), and I feel the need to take on a new hobby that fits into my busy schedule.

Such a hobby can have no financial bearing, as, let's face it, I'm working a low paying job and just took out another student loan. My new hobby can also have no time bearing because, let's face it, by expediting my MA, I have less of it. But, I always feel the need to grow in some new way. Someone asked me lately to bartend for a wedding, because they know I am open to new experiences. I don't really want to be a bartender, even for a night, but it might be fun and I might meet new people, and let's face it, I'm not going to take it on professionally.

I should base a new hobby on things I'm already doing. I've been thinking recently about training for a triathlon. Unfortunatley, yours truly doesn't really know swimming strokes and doesn't own a bike. So, I've contacted the Aquatics Director at work about swim lessons, and bf's parents have offered me access to a bike any time I need one. I should take up both offers.

Maybe I'll go out over Labor Day weekend and buy myself a new pair of running shoes, a one-piece suit, and some padded shorts.

Maybe I'm insane, and this new hobby will never take off with the amount of things that are already on my plate this fall. But, damn, I still have 3 weeks of summer left!