I Could Write a Book

Tuesday, August 30, 2005

Plowing Ahead.

Well, the worst of Katrina is past us now. But there is so much in disrepair all along the Gulf coast...the pictures are breathtaking...

Plus, there are still so many questions left unanswered...and no one in the heavily affected areas is really capable of communication at this point. I hope that people are able to be rescued from roof tops all over, etc.

Of course I want most to receive word that everyone I know is okay, but I truly hope that casualties are minimal, because everyone who knows someone is waiting to hear that they're okay. I have decided that I want to go down to New Orleans in Feb/Mar no matter what. I'm going to spend time with the Homans, and if that means spending time with them to help repair their home and, simultaneously, their life, then so be it. Unless they would rather I didn't go, I have every intention of pitching in as I can. That is six months away, which seems like a good while, but there is so much to do.

Their house is on stilts, so that makes me feel better about potential damage...and their house isn't in the area of New Orleans proper that was most affected, but there was really no "good" place to be down there.

On a different note, I am making some headway on my paper, which is very good, as it's due 2 days from now and I am less than 300 pages in to the text (I've read it, but it's been a little while).

I hope that I can find a way to help everyone who's now suffering under these weather conditions. It's so hard to imagine that nature can be so beautiful and amazing, but can also murder and destroy without discrimination.

I am really tired after 7.5 hours working (plus an hour for lunch--I felt I deserved it). I must get back to this paper, though I think it's possible that Dr. Tappy will have a cow when he sees how long it is...It's true--a length requirement would have been nice. Oh well, at least my other two papers for him are only 4 pages each.

Goodnight.

Monday, August 29, 2005

Blankets.

Despite a somewhat sleepless night, which followed an hour or two glued to the weather channel (I felt like Dad, except that I was actually less interested in the 'Local on the 8s' section), I am feeling a bit better today.

That Katrina went to a Category 4, though not great, is still an improvement. That it has gone slightly east is also very helpful. It is going to devastate New Orleans, but not nearly like expected. You have to take the joys where you can find them in a situation like this.

It always amazes me the way hurricanes are so far-reaching. Here in Pittsburgh, we are now gearing up for a good bit of flooding as a result of Katrina. Last year, most of us were stuck on one side of a river or the other. In my case, I was landlocked inside all three rivers. Of course, this doesn't compare to what's happening down south, but the disrepair is no less heartbreaking for people who lose their homes here. It's just crazy to me that here, in Pennsylvania...many hours, many states away from the "action," we're seeing the effects.

On a sort of bright note, I got up earlier this morning and have gotten more work done on my paper than I had expected. It's still not finished, but it's more managable now. I'm almost on page 8, and I'm just finishing up the EB IV/MB I period (which, of course, means I still have almost 400 pages of my book to go, meaning this could very well be a 30-page paper or something insane like that. Urgh. I need to work!!!

Prayers for the Homan family, the DuBose family, the Garrett family, the Topp family, and everyone else bearing the brunt of this hurricane...

Sunday, August 28, 2005

Crap.

Ok, so, I was scared for the whole Hurricane Katrina thing. But I consoled myself with the thought that everyone I knew would at least be out of there, even if they lost everything...But, now that I know Michael is still in New Orleans, I'm really scared (But his wife and kids are in Mississippi, which will be at least slightly better--no flooding where they are).

I realize I have seen him for a total of only 5 weeks in my life. But spending 5 weeks in Israel amongst a group of new faces and eating, drinking, and working together causes a sort of closeness that other things might not. Plus, we've really kept in touch. And, of course, I was supposed to be staying with them this February. Now, I still don't know what is going to happen. None of us do...

Anyway, we got to know each other fairly well, given the alotted time, and he has become someone who I respect and admire greatly, in his profession, but more importantly, as a person. He is a strong character--and hilarious--with immense depth. In short, he is fantastic...not that I've ever actually told him that. I'm not one for expressing myself too frequently.

And then there's Roy...He said he may get to Texas, but wasn't sure because he has to take care of his grandma...who can't walk...Roy is a firecracker, so I know he would get himself out of there, but I also know that he wouldn't ever leave anyone behind--he just cares so much about the people in his life...And I'm not sure he realizes how many people care about him!

Basically, here's the scoop: This sucks.

Saturday, August 27, 2005

Irony.

I just finished booking my flight to New Orleans. Then, I strolled over to weather.com...I really hope Louisiana is there by the end of this (not that hurricanes are a new phenomenon to the area at all, of course). I have a much more vested interest now that I actually know people in New Orleans...Though I was always at least a little bit concerned.

Speaking of rain, I got an email from Conor; He has arrived in Guam and is really enjoying himself there so far. He left his new address and phone number...it's not an international call!! It would be great to talk to him again.

But, alas, today I have many things to do...plus, it's the wee small hours of the morning over there right now.

I added a few more songs to my ipod last night; I'm up to 300+, but I still have an incredibly long way to go! :0)

Friday, August 26, 2005

Apple Stuff.

Bonsoir, mes amis. Apres un trop long jour, il est si excellent a manger mon diner et lire mes emails. Je pense que ce week-end va etre bien. J'ai beaucoup de chose a faire...L'orientation pour les nouveux etudiants commence a le 1er Septembre (seulement trois jours avant mon anniversaire! Felicitations a moi!) :0) Donc, il y a un list pour Purdie, Kelvonna, Brian, et moi.

Il faut que je parlais en anglais maintenant...

I have several bruises and cuts to show for all of the work I've done this week. We finished all of the paneling today in the basement...it lightens everything up SOOO much. Now we need to redo the ceiling in there and caulk a few places, then shampoo the carpet. Then, the basement will be nearly finished.

"Caulk" reminds me of "Baulk," the spelling of which really annoyed me while in Israel. When talking about the 'Center Baulk' for example, I always envisioned that it was spelled "Balk" or even "Bulk," but never did it enter my mind that it's "Baulk." Now, having spent a reasonable amount of time with the actual spelling, the other two seem silly. In fact, the bulk of you may balk after such a spelling faux-pas...

I have laundry to do, papers to write, and an apartment to clean. And I'm going (finally) to Boardman on Sunday. I also need to officially book my flight to New Orleans, for which I have gotten the go-ahead from Mom and Dad. Now I'm just waiting to hear from Michael if Sunday-Thursday or Monday-Friday works better for his family.

After listing in the previous paragraph all of the fun things I need to do, I have decided that very little of it is going to be done tonight. Tonight, instead, I'm going to play with my ipod and upload more songs. I worked all day long. I deserve a break today. :0)

Tschuss! :0)

Registration

I am exhausted.

Yesterday, I had meetings galore, and work in between. However, I did successfully get from South Park to Crafton, so I was somewhat impressed with that. I had my first meeting with CHUPC for Field Ed last night. There were about 8 of us there, and it seems like it will be a really good group.

I am leaving in 10 minutes for work again, by way of a gas station, of course.

It saddens me that I have to drive to work. If it were closer (i.e., not an hour away), I would walk. I could use the walking and this world could use one less driver. C'est la vie.

So far this morning, I have registered for the SBL Conference and have completed my voter registration form with my address change. The month of November is much happier now that I have tended to its registration-related needs.

Also, last night, despite my exhaustion, I went ahead and installed all of my fun ipod stuff, and have put somewhere around 200 songs on so far. The sad thing is, I didn't even really make a dent into my cd collection, and I haven't even begun to think about how long it will take to put all the songs on there from the cds I listen to on a regular basis (all of which are either in my car or at the house where I'm working). It was exciting and felt moderately productive, if nothing else.

I'm still trying to figure out NO,LA '06, but Mom seems pretty well on board with the AirTran stuff since it is 50000 miles to fly down there. Flying either Sunday-Thursday or Monday-Friday seems to be the best plan. I think I'd prefer Sunday-Thursday. Regardless, I am pumped "like a Reebok" to be going at all!

Ok, work is calling (and I'm answering only because it's Friday, so I get 2 days off after this!) :0)

Thursday, August 25, 2005

AirTran

Reasons Why I Love AirTran:

1. They fly from Pittsburgh to New Orleans.
2. They fly on the days I want and at the times I want.
3. All of this for $222 roundtrip.

YES!!!!!

I emailed Mom today and gave her the NO,LA '06 Lowdown. Basically, the Homans have graciously offered their home for me to stay in, the price of travel is just about perfect, and Mom and Dad do need Christmas ideas for me, after all... :0)

I am uber-excited. Actually, it would be uEber since I don't have an umlaut on my u. Because that's the point of this entry.

I talked to J today. We have exchanged some tear-jerking emails this week, so it was nice to talk to her again. Plus, she got the first season of The Muppet Show on DVD for her birthday. HOW JEALOUS AM I?!?

It was also amusing to hear that Rachel thought I lived at Disneyland. That would be fun.

Plus, at least J, and possibly also Mat and Rach, will be flying out here for a visit in October! YES!!!

So, I have so many fun things to which I am looking forward:

~Orientation 9/1-2
~Miami vs. OSU on ABC 9/3
~My Birthday/Mom and Dad here 9/4
~School starting 9/6
~Ben here/Dinner with Dave the Badge (and possibly Jim Platt!) 9/6-9/10
~Rich/Suzy wedding party 9/10
~Lisa's pig roast 9/10
~NFL FOOTBALL REGULAR SEASON BEGINS! (Browns v. Bengals at Cleveland; 1 p.m. Eastern, CBS) 9/11
~Buckwheat Festival/VT @ WVU game (9/30-10/2)
~J, Mat, & Rach here!!!!! (10/22-24)
~SBL/ASOR Conference in Philly!!! (11/19-22)
~Thanksgiving! (11/24)
~Christmas Break! (12/20ish-1/3ish)
~SUPERBOWL XL!!! (2/5)
~New Orleans (2/27ish-3/4ish)

...And the list goes on and on. WOOHOO!!!

I am in such an overwhelmingly excited mood right now...

Even still, I'm beat. Pulling out a ceiling, then removing wall paneling all day (that was both glued and nailed for some reason) will do that to you. Tomorrow's agenda? 10 a.m.-S.A. Meeting; 11 a.m.-Work until 6; 6-7-Drive from Bethel Park to Crafton Heights; 7-8ish-CHUPC Teacher's meeting; 9ish-11-write papers.

Yes, it's going to busy.

Oh, and as a side note, MARIA GOT ENGAGED TODAY! WOOHOO!!! So, ladies and gentlement, this pushes the current total of upcoming weddings to which I will be invited up to ELEVEN.

Take care. Hope all is well with y'all! :0)

Wednesday, August 24, 2005

Zeitah.

I really need to stop looking at pictures from Israel.

Why? Because it makes me miss being there SO much.

I am fairly certain that, as of now, I have kept in touch with more people than anyone else who participated this season. But life moves on, so I can't just keep in touch with them with the expectation that we'll just talk about Israel all the time. After all, that is just a surefire way of realizing that a friendship is "surface" at best.

There were people on the dig about whom I really grew to care. Granted, we were only there for five weeks. But, we were with each other constantly. We ate together, worked together, traveled together, played cards together, drank a beer or two together, laughed together.

The first week, we sat at Shabbat dinner and threw around about a million movie titles. By the end of the trip, there were individuals with whom I talked about much more serious topics than that: serious relationships, dreams in life, difficulties, and, of course, the rules and history of Euchre.

When you're in an environment like that of the dig where you're forced to get to know the people around you, whether or not you actually like it, it is always refreshing to realize that there are those who you would've wanted to befriend in any other circumstance. My situation was particularly crazy because the 3 people that I spent the most time with, and with whom I hope most to keep in touch, are 23, 39, and 10. You don't plan for friendships to develop, and if you do spend all of that time "planning," then it seems like it's not really a friendship. You ought not force people to share things in common, or to laugh at the same ridiculous jokes (seriously, Euchre has never been so hilarious), or even to be honest with each other about some more important topics.

Being in Israel this summer had a greater impact on me than I realized when I was there, and even in the first few weeks after returning to the states. Now that I have been back for just shy of two months, I am beginning to understand how critical it was for me to have that sort of experience.

Plus, now I get to look forward to seeing a whole bunch of great people at SBL in Philly this November, and am in the midst of planning a trip to New Orleans, if I can swing it over Spring Break.

At any rate, I can't wait until Cpt. Badger gets my copy of his cd mix in the mail. I imagine I'll listen to that thing on repeat for a few weeks...It's a blessing and a curse to have such a good memory as I. I spend so much of my freetime, while I'm driving and whatnot, thinking about and reliving moments from this summer in Israel...

:0)

Tuesday, August 23, 2005

HumoUr.

Maybe it's just me (it probably is), but I think I am funny.

Now, I know that everyone thinks that they're capable of cracking a good joke or two on occasion, and people are typically considered "funny" if they are the first to make fun of some poor helpless soul...Sarcasm is often viewed as comedy at its best.

Sure I'm sarcastic enough, and I have certainly done my share of teasing people (although I have never done it with the intention of hurting someone)...But I think that my humor goes beyond that. I just think I'm funny.

My mom told someone once that no one could ever be around me for very long without laughing. And, frequently, they're laughing at me (physical comedy seems to be a gift, whether I like it or not), but even more frequently, they're laughing with me.

What lies at the root of this? Am I just gifted in the ways of wit? I don't think so...After all, the funniest people I know don't really have the same sort of humor that I do...They're more 'witty.'

I think that I just have a sort of innocence about my sense of humor. I have never been afraid to be dorky, and I have trouble pretending to be someone I'm not. I wear my emotions on my sleeve (for better or worse), so when I'm laughing, it's not hard to tell that it's a genuine feeling of amusement.

Which brings me to something else: my laugh. I somehow gain a reputation as "the girl with the crazy laugh" wherever I go. Even in Israel, such epithets seemed to follow me. I was "Kiiiiirsten the Snorter" or some other equally desirable name. And yes, it's true, I do snort when I laugh hard. And I do laugh loudly. And sometimes, if I try to inhale whilst laughing, this sort of gaspy donkey-like noise does escape, which generally leads to an eruption of laughter from those around me. One night at the Bistro, I was sitting at the dinner table with Lindsey, Kalypso, and Michael. I laughed. I made the inhaling donkey noise. I snorted. Multiple times. Of course, this had the rest of the table (and beyond) in stiches. When most of the laughter died down (or, at least, I thought it had), Mike (the cook, not Michael at my table) came up behind me and did his best impression of my laughter. This, of course, set us all off again. Granted, after the amount of homemade bread I had in Israel, it's probably not such a bad thing that we burned so much of it off at that particular meal.

I have a weird laugh, but it also seems to be universally contagious, and for this, I am pleased.

Plus, if I need a break from writing in the middle of class, and someone says something even slightly amusing, I can always laugh to get the class off subject for a few minutes. This proved exceptionally effective in Polity and Greek last year. :0) And my sister says I'm intellectual...

Anyway, in lieu of 10 Reasons to be Happy (though I could list those), I am going to list the ten funniest people (not including my family, since they're all hilarious) in my life right now (in no particular order)...All people who make me happy anyway:

1. Tom
2. Michael
3. Ben
4. Purdie
5. Dabney
6. Tim
7. Kelvonna
8. Nick
9. Mo
10. Steve

Ok, I suppose I ought to spend more time with girls, based on this list. Or, at least, I need to have more female friends who are funny!!! :0)

Anyway, I have a paper to write that I was going to start an hour ago. Whoops. Bye :0)

Chai.

Today has been sort of fun. I stopped by the office and talked to Tom and Melissa for awhile, then Jon stopped by and joined in on the conversation. As it turns out, so many GREAT people are working up there this year, so I'm sort of bummed about leaving...However, at the same time, I am thrilled to be working at WMI. I have been fortunate to have both of the 2 best jobs on campus.

Anyway, after visiting for awhile, I went to Shadyside and got a cover for my ipod. It's hot pink and oh-so-cool. I talked to a dude there who said they were highly recommended (versus another that I'd picked up) because they don't scratch the ipod, have holes in the top and bottom of the case, and have a removable clip thingee. Yay me. Plus, I stopped by my old stomping ground (Starbucks) and got my soy chai. Yum.

I've been in the WMI office for a few hours this afternoon, and have suddenly realized that things are heating up quickly. I have a meeting Thursday, work to do, papers to write, a meeting next week, WMI work on Wednesday, Orientation next Thursday and Friday...etc. etc. etc. But, I am excited. I tend to thrive on hustle and bustle.

Also, I received word from Dave Badger. He, Ben and I are going to have dinner when Ben comes up here in a few weeks. I may tell the shortest, most interesting stories there.

Anyway, I'm off to go make copies of some stuff for SA. Bye :0)

Saturday, August 20, 2005

Chicago

I am writing from J, Mat, & Rachel's place in Chicago.

Thursday night, I stayed at Twyla's and finally saw "Napoleon Dynamite." I recommend it--of course I do...Unbeknownst to me, I was quoting that movie without ever having seen it. Anyway, I got up early Friday morning and worked at Mary's house for about 5 hours, then Twyla drove me to the airport. My flight left on time and we arrived at Midway about 25 minutes early! So, I contacted the Smiths and they were caught in traffic, so a couple of hours later, they picked me up. We celebrated J's birthday with dinner at Uncle Julio's--yummy--then topped it off with Coldstone. Again, yummy. J opened her gifts, then they gave me my birthday gift since I don't know when I'll see them again, but it certainly won't be before my birthday (in 2 weeks...yay!). I could not believe it, but they got me an IPOD FOR MY BIRTHDAY!!! I was in shock...what an overly-generous sister and bro-in-law I have!

Today, we ate at The Golden Nugget (because that's what we do), then shopped on Michigan, spending the bulk of our time at H&M, but also making a stop at Jamba Juice. We caught some of the air show as well, but will see that tomorrow. Gino's for dinner topped off a great day. I'm only bummed because I'll be leaving tomorrow evening.

Bye :0)

Thursday, August 18, 2005

Ten.

For whatever reason, I managed to recall a habit I started a number of years ago, then dropped about a year ago. I used to end my day by writing down 10 reasons to be happy. I discovered that no matter how bad my day had been, I could always come up with 10 things that were positive...and, certainly, there were days when I had to stretch it a bit to come up with enough, but I always managed to do it. It was good for me. I think I shall begin again:

1. I have managed to keep in contact with 8 people from Israel!
2. I leave for Chicago tomorrow. :0)
3. My new neighbors are great.
4. Everyone's starting to move back to Pgh.
5. Annie is on AMC this morning.
6. My apartment is actually almost clean.
7. I got to talk to Dan Dan, the mailman this morning.
8. I know what I want my tattoo to be, so now I just have to find a place to go!
9. I found one of my high school yearbooks while cleaning yesterday. And it was hilarious.
10.Orientation is almost completely planned, and it's going to be fun!!!

καλό Σαββατοκύριακο, οι φίλοι μου. Bon week-end, mes amis. хороший викэнд, мои друзья.

Have a good weekend, my friends. :0)

Wednesday, August 17, 2005

Euchre.

In an effort to gain a better knowledge of my work requirements at WMI this year, I showed up at 10 a.m., as scheduled. However, after waiting an hour, Dr. Sunquist stopped by my office to let me know that Don has kidney stones...Clearly, he would not be showing up.

Sooo...I headed down to South Park and begand another day of home repair. The day began well, as we spent it at Home Depot buying several supplies, not the least of which was cement board, drywall, and a tub surround. Not lightweight materials.

We grabbed lunch then went back to Mary's house. First, we carried all of the old tile and wall paper and other "shrapnel" from the bathroom down to the curb. Again, not lightweight materials. Then I got the shop vac and swept the leftover crap. Then, we hauled several other things (garbage pickup is in the a.m.). In an effort to continue working but not kill myself, I then opted to finish taping the rest of the living room, upper hallway, etc. Of course, I ran out of tape after the picture window, the sliding door, and one other door frame, but such is life. I will have plenty to paint prior to getting more tape anyhow. I left at around 5 and got back here before 6. Upon arrival, I noticed two young individuals moving into my apartment building. As it turns out, they are my next door neighbors!!! Their names are Chris and Eileen, and they are newlyweds (as of only 2.5 weeks ago, in fact). I introduced myself, helped unload some stuff, then Debbie came up and we ended up talking to them for a half an hour or so. They seem to be pretty laid back and a lot like me, so that's good. I did go ahead and warn them about me during football games. They didn't mind. Plus, Ben and I will be going to the only bar in Pittsburgh that shows Cleveland games (it's for all of us stranded Browns fans), so I won't always be around on Sundays during game time anyway.

I have started cleaning up my apartment, and I need to pack tonight since I will be leaving in the morning, not to return until Monday night! It's always sort of a pain to pack for two different places at once, but I'm sure I'll manage. I just can't forget my sister's bday stuff!!!

Also, as a weird sidenote, this random guy named Jack wants to go out sometime. He's 25, an electrical engineer, and seems to be sort of normal. However, I don't know that I'm interested in starting anything with anyone right now. Plus, he lives almost an hour away, and I am just back and forth as to whether or not I ought to even consider it.

As a second sidenote, the other person in the computer lab with me is whispering along to everything as she reads. She's clear across the room, but it's like she's whispering into my ear.

Finally, I got an email from Michael today. He's willing to sign my book...yay! It's the little things in life, as far as I'm concerned.

Anyway, I ought to go get some more cleaning, packing, and dinnering (?) done. Oh, and it's a sad day in Oxford, Ohio. Miami students will no longer be able to enjoy the "walk-up drive-through" at the Wendys--it burned down on Friday and has irreparable damage. But, as Roommate said, at least it wasn't the Steinkeller's (or Mac N Joes, Pachiko, or any of the other bars that we grew to know so well during the undergrad years).

Enough from the peanut gallery! :0)

Tuesday, August 16, 2005

Crow Bars.

Today was another fun-filled day of home repair. The two of us put a second coat in Bedroom 1, painted Bedroom 2 in its entirety, pulled up carpet on the stair case (and all the tacks and nails beneath), pulled the baseboards in the front entry hall, took out all of the registers and vents in the LR, BRs and the main hallway, took down all of the blinds and valances, and taped the LR so the we can paint the trim. In 5.5 hours.

Yes, we are quite the duo. It feels good to be working again; I hate feeling idle.

Tomorrow, I will work at WMI in the morning, then will head down to Bethel Park for more work on the house in the afternoon (unless I don't leave WMI until 4 or something). Thursday will be more of the same at the house, but I'm staying down there so we can get an early start on Friday before Twyla takes me to the airport and I go to C-H-I-C-A-G-O-!-!-! I can't wait to see J, Mat, and Rach!!!

James moved back on Sunday morning, so I got to see him last night for the first time--he sort of attacked me with a hug. Then I saw Abraham who now, apparently, lives in my building. He acted very...Abrahamish. Today, I got a call from Maria that she was on campus, but it was while I was working. Upon returning her call this evening, I learned that she was out with Candy for the last time before Candy moves, but she will be moving back here a week from Friday! I can't wait to see her!!! I am very excited for everyone to move back/come home from their respective places. I am almost even ready for school to start...though this year is going to be heinous at best.

Anyway, I am off to read about a new computer program that I'm helping Dave implement in the morning. :0)

practically perfect.

5 quick notes before I begin my work day:

1. Rach watched Mary Poppins the other day with J and Mat. She is a bit confused, I think. She thinks it is "Larry" Poppins.

2. I started work yesterday: ripped down bathroom tile and part of the cement board behind it, ripped down wallpaper in that same bathroom, and painted one of the bedrooms. Yay!

3. Ben is coming to visit in September! Yay!

4. I am finally an official Student Member of SBL! Woohoo!

5. At this very moment, I am talking to Conor!!!! He's in Korea for 6 more days, then off to Guam for a couple of years. Oh, how I miss him...but the internet is great. As is IM. Yay Conor! :0)

Sunday, August 14, 2005

victory.

Ok, so I realize that it's only preseason, but the BROWNS WON!!!

They beat the Giants, 17-14. YES!!!

And Braylon Edwards wasn't even playing.

Oh my goodness, it is so nice to have football back for another several months!!!! :0)

huh...

I didn't realize people actually read this...what a novel concept. :0) I do enjoy the occasional "glancing" through of blogs...the use of the next blog link. A lot in Spanish though...I don't know Spanish (but loved it when I came upon a French blog!) Now, I suddenly feel pressure to "entertain" with my writing...but I'm quite sure I won't. What follows in this entry is most certainly an example of my blasé treatment of everything...oh well.

Completely unrelated: There are all sorts of past interviews with Peter Jennings on various channels (I'm currently watching on CNBC). What candor he had...and yet, he was so very diplomatic. It is very sad to now look at our news sources and wonder if they can even approach the objectivity that Peter Jennings fought so hard to maintain (though, being honest, it's hard to imagine any news anchor maintaining 100% objectivity, but at least he made a concerted effort). I really appreciate a quote he just made saying that most of the young people interested in being anchors are "...less interested in the N news than they are in the T Television." How sad and true.

Along the lines of sad and pathetic television, there is actually a reality show on E! that has brought together several of the reality t.v. "stars" (I here use that term incredibly loosely) and is now filming a movie called The Scorned. This show seeks to share with us the purportedly "interested" audience all of the gory and/or gooshy details of these people in the midst of their movie collaboration.

The goriest part is that they hope to be taken seriously.

Saturday, August 13, 2005

test.

My sister tested positived for the BRCA gene (I'm not sure if it's BRCA-1 or-2, but there's not a huge difference).

This means that, at 29, she's going to have to receive breast screenings, etc. multiple times a year, possibly start on some early medication (like tamoxifin or something along those lines), and may have to reconsider family planning (though she already has Rach, and she and Mat want only 1 more...).

But, on the happy side, she doesn't have cancer yet.

I enjoy being the eternal optimist, but sometimes it's really hard. I have to get my testing done still (on the agenda for this fall). I had always sort of hoped that it would be me who tested positive, not her...I just love my sister too much to want to worry about her struggling with this.

And my parents are not doing too well...of course they aren't. Mom has already dealt with having cancer herself...and her mom...and her sister...Plus, we lost Ashley to it, and both Olivia and Beth had it, and they were 24 and 21, respectively. So, of course, she is expecting the worst for Jennifer...and it certainly is no cake walk for Dad, whose life revolves around his faith and his three girls...And anyway, no one ever likes to know their child is hurting...

But I am trying to remind myself that, despite the mind boggling statistics, Jennifer doesn't have cancer yet. *Optimist optimist optimist*

Having this gene increases the risk of breast cancer from about 5% to 60% by age 70 (with a much faster and greater incline in likelihood), and increases the risk of ovarian cancer from about 2% to about 40%...then, when one cancer is treated, the likelihood of having the other cancer then doubles. Ugh. Pretty staggering stuff.

As I said to J, 10 years ago, we could not have even known what we do now, let alone treated it...so, who knows what we'll have available to us in 10 more years!!!

It is still hard to be nearly 24 and surrounded by cancer...

Thursday, August 11, 2005

the elements.

I'm in Masontown for a couple of days, visiting my grandparents. I had the top down on my car for the first hour and a half of my trip, but fortunately, had the wisdom to put it up when the sky suddenly became an ominous shade of black. And then it poured.

But, I arrived safely, nonetheless.

We're watching Jeopardy right now...It was almost a compliment that Grampa said I should be on this, except that it's the Teen Tournament. :0)

It looks like I'll be working on some home repairs for Mary over the next couple of weeks, then I'll be helping Carolyn's son-in-law to repaint Carolyn's mom's house.

Brian's wedding is Saturday, of course. And I got an email from Ben yesterday! How exciting! It looks like he'll be up the week of 9/7! Yay!

Life is strange...indubitably...but it's also good.

Wednesday, August 10, 2005

one.

J I have only one thing to say tonight:

He's my lobster.Y

Tuesday, August 09, 2005

Lonely Planet

I am completely enjoying my very antisocial approach to life right now. I keep my phone off, have my music up loudly enough to not hear someone at my door (but not so loud that I bother Liz, my sole neighbor). I have been craving this alone time, so it's nice to finally have it. It's not that I am sick of my friends, but I am just in need of space...I didn't get any of that in Israel, nor did I get any of that for the 40 weeks prior, so now it is just fabulous to soak it in in large quantities.

I can't believe Brad Haney found me again. First of all, it was his brother, Craig, to whom I was especially close, but even Craig and I lost touch 3 years ago. Yet suddenly, I am reconnected to the Haneys and Anos. Crazy.

For some reason, I have the urge to just move somewhere and start over again. This is, of course, highly unreasonable and not at all sensible. I am 1/3 of the way through with graduate work (part 1), and I have no business at all leaving and starting something else. For someone who appreciates lists and schedules as much as I do, being antsy and restless and intrigued by the entire world is quite an issue. I just don't want my life to ever grow stagnant. I always want to see new things, meet new people, and, then, of course, I want to write about it.

I have often considered publishing. Fiction or non-fiction, I am not sure. I enjoy writing screenplays, and even had fun with the creativity that copywriting allowed me in college. And there's a part of me that dreams of moving out to the west coast and trying to make it in the "big leagues" of theatrics...I will never have the build of your standard "beautiful lead woman" but I could certainly fit the "not-nearly-as-beautiful-but-redeemably-nice" supporting actor. It's not even about the money. Honestly, I think I'm so attracted to acting because, as a successful actor, one has the chance to be exposed to a variety of careers on some level. To really portray a character with any amount of believability, it is important to research the lifestyle, upbringing, and occupation of such a person. To gain a psychological perspective--what would make this person tick? How would she respond in situations a, b, or c? Then, the beauty of it all is that I would be able to bring in that sort of researched character and combine it with creative developments of my own. There's no researching her favorite color, fondness for dogs, or dislike for feet, for example. And, certainly, in every character I played, there would be a bit of "me" exposed. That may be slightly scary, depending on which bits got out, but it also adds a sense of adventure.

In undergrad, I even created my Oscar acceptance speech. More than once.

For me, nothing has ever been enough. My thirst is never fully quenched, and I'm barely satisfied with what I've accomplished. Of course, I'm not even 24 yet (3 weeks or so until that "milestone"), but I am still at an age where all opportunities that present themselves ought to be, at the very least, given full consideration.

I am so thankful that I wasn't one of the girls who got engaged my senior year of college, then got married the summer directly following commencement. That just isn't how I operate, and I hate doing things because they're what's "expected" of me. I don't care if I don't fit into the mold of today's 20-something woman...Right now, I'm neither family- nor career-oriented. I'm not concerned primarily about fashion, nor am I a candidate for "What Not To Wear" on TLC.

-I love football more than any other sport, and would always pick watching it over figure skating or "West Side Story."
-My biggest goal in life is not currently that of finding a husband, though sometimes it would be nice to have someone.
-The last three guys I've dated are engaged to the girl they started dating after we broke up.
-I think I've grown rather cynical in the past couple of years, and yet I strive to believe the best about everyone.
-I hate peppers but I love salsa and spicy foods.
-I hate conconut but I enjoy pina coladas and Samoa Girl Scout cookies.
-I would call myself a Christian but can barely stand most Christian music. Music doesn't always have to be in a major key, does it?
-And sometimes, I would rather watch a movie that doesn't have a happy ending (which is why I rather enjoy foreign films as a genre).
-Fitting in is overrated, yet I dislike being disliked.
-It is rare that I meet anyone who loves their parents as much as I love mine.
-My favorite job so far was being a grill cook at Cracker Barrel.
-Over the summer, I have been told that I would make a fabulous mother, minister, pottery reader, professor, spy, talkshow host, and car saleswoman.
-My five favorite things to do around the house are: write, sing, play the piano, look at scrapbooks, and watch movies that make me cry while snuggling under a blanket and enjoying either wine, chai, or hot chocolate.
-I want a dog when I can have one in my home. Dogs make me happier than any other animal, and even moreso than some humans.
-If I had to pick eating Subway or gourmet for dinner, I would pick Subway.
-I take my time when making cd mixes because I think the order of tracks is very important.
-I'm assertive, overly competitive, and outspoken...but I'm deathly afraid of confessing romantic feelings.
-The only game I don't mind losing is Madden. I am very bad at Madden.
-Sometimes I wish I hadn't quit gymnastics. Or ballet.
-I miss playing softball.
-I don't understand how so many people at a seminary can be so mean.
-I am often more social than I want to be because then I can hide how I really feel.
-I am uncomfortable with silence.
-I wish that I had more friends who were interested in deep and meaningful conversations, and less who were only interested in t.v., clothing, and who's dating whom.
-I'm almost exactly like my mom, but I'm really glad that I'm a lot like my dad too.
-I'm scared of having cancer.
-I have done a lot of things of which I'm not proud...but I don't regret anything.
-If I could, I would wear flip flops every day.
-I tense up every time I drive past a semi, and I hate driving in anything but sunshine because I really do think I'm going to end up driving under another truck and not making it out this time...
-I'm hungry and have already revealed a lot about myself in this entry.

Monday, August 08, 2005

postsecret

Yesterday, in Entertainment Weekly, I read an article about this website, actually a blog, that displays postcards sent in anonymously that share the secrets of hundreds of people in the world...It is unbelievably moving...and I found myself relating to nearly all of them in one way or another, which has made me think about which secrets I'd post in hopes that sharing them would somehow ease the pain...

Obviously, I won't be posting those secrets here.

I went to Mom and Dad's this weekend and enjoyed myself greatly. I am loving this new concept of not having my phone on all the time. On Friday, we went to Dad's company picnic for awhile, had some dinner, then watched this movie called "What the Bleep do We Know?" It is a very interesting film dealing with exestentialism and the existence of things versus our perception of them and the way that memories create our emotive response to current situations, etc. Fascinating.

Saturday, I slept in (finally, I got sleep after a horrible sleepless week!), then did some things around the house. In the evening, we went to Blossom with Judie and Tim and I lived in a state of pure joy for 2.5 hours. Something about George Gershwin's music just does it--his rhythms, the way he challenges chord structure...fabulous. Although, I did count 6 mistakes in the pianists performance of "Rhapsody in Blue" but it's not exactly easy.

Sunday, I went to church with Mom and Dad at some new place...saw Cindy and Dan there as well. Then we went to breakfast at "Jeremiah Junction," this downhome diner sort of place. The hashbrowns were especially good. We went back to the house, I read for a long time, then we had a nice (and early) dinner before Mom and I headed downtown for the NEIL DIAMOND CONCERT!

It was fabulous. It was rumored the Neil puts on a good show, and he does. He did most of the classics: Song Sung Blue, Forever in Blue Jeans, Sweet Caroline, Coming to America, Shiloh, Cracklin' Rosie, Red Red Wine, I'm a Believer, Love on the Rocks, You Don't Bring Me Flowers...and more. Sadly, there was no September Morn or Hello, Again. Oh well. Can't get them all. We had terrific seats...and we had a lot of fun people-watching...especially the 80+ year old woman who was jumping around and dancing and clapping along to everything, and the 25 year old Don Johnson wannabe (white suit and all) who was drunk as a skunk and clearly annoying his girlfriend.

I woke up at 6 this morning and showered, packed, and headed back here. I had to be at work at 10 (yay!), and arrived with time to spare. I worked for 4 hours or so, then proceeded to see "Charlie and The Chocolate Factory" which, I must say, is quite different...especially the ending. Certainly worth watching again.

It was almost surreal to hear that Peter Jennings died. Along with Pope John Paul II, Peter Jennings is just one of those people who seemed as if he couldn't die because he's just been there. And my family always watched World News Tonight with Peter Jennings, and it hasn't really seemed right since he left in April. Of course, that he died of cancer only compounds the true feelings of sadness that I have for his loss. 67 years old seems so young now...

I'm talking to Jon right now...the first time in a long while. He's fantastic. It's a bummer that he was in the U.S. while I was in Israel, but that's the price you pay, I guess...

Friday, August 05, 2005

Bug.

I'm not certain exactly why, but there are a couple of people here that, under normal circumstances, are reasonably good friends of mine, but lately, they're bugging me to no end. One in particular keeps calling me--5,6, even 7 times a day. I have started keeping my phone off all day because I figure anybody who calls for an important enough reason will leave a message...And, wouldn't you know, that particular person called to make sure "everything was okay" because my car was parked in the lot but my phone wasn't turned on and I wasn't answering the door to my apartment. Ok, that's slightly scary...Leave me alone!

Plus, I don't need (or want) to have a babysitter...and, furthermore, I don't need (or want) to drive everytime I go somewhere in Pittsburgh (which, for the record, I was off campus without my car for a few hours today).

I'm a fairly patient person, but this has been going on since the day I got back from Israel. Also, this same person has been whining to me about how no one wanted to ever spend time with him/her until I got back and wonders why I'm "so much more popular" and all this other garbage. Perhaps it's that I take the initiative to plan things. Of course, the fact that I know most of the people that are currently on campus better than this person also makes a difference. I know it's not a big deal at all, it's just a nuisance. But, I'll be gone for the weekend anyway, so maybe that will help to quell the shennanigans...

On a happy note, I got to eat Indian for lunch today! Yum! I recalled enjoying the spinach/cheese stuff (I'm horrible with remembering the names of most Indian dishes, and even worse at spelling them) that April had when we were there in March, so I had some of that...Of course, this was a buffet, so I tasted several things, but the spinach and the curried chicken were the two highlights.

Anyway, Bob and Al want to wax the floor of this entire level of Long, so I ought to skidaddle.

Thursday, August 04, 2005

Air.

Happy birthday to Kristen Ritter and Brandon Gillen!!

In a stroke of unforseen goodness, I was given an air conditioner yesterday. For free! And, it was installed for free! I was floored. And excited. And cool (literally, but, of course, figuratively as well).

And I talked to Mom last night, and we're going to Blossom on Saturday night! They're doing 'An Evening with Gershwin,' which guarantees I will get to hear the song of all songs, Rhapsody in Blue. I taught myself most of the piano part to that song (and by most, I mean about 20 of the 29 pages or so), and I am just in love with it. The rhythms, the melodies, the crazy key changes...it is just music at its finest. And we're certainly going to get some "Porgy and Bess" as well. Yes, it will be a wonderful evening. Plus, I haven't seen the Cleveland Orchestra perform at Blossom for a long time, so it will be nice to go out there, picnic with the parents, and lay on the lawn while enjoying the wonderful sounds of George. In fact, I think it may be true that I have not been to Blossom since I saw Survivor/Little River Band/Chicago, which was 5 or 6 years ago!

Today (in about 15 minutes, actually), I have a lunch meeting with Dean White, Purdie, and Kelvonna. Hopefully we will get the little wrinkles straightened out for Orientation. And, hopefully Dean White will be able to produce the list of incoming students for us, since the Admissions Dept. is dragging its feet.

Jen called me last night, so we got to catch up on all sorts of things. We have decided that we'll need to meet up when I'm in D.C. which, of course, isn't for over a year, but that's only a minor detail...we also agreed she should come down here sometime for a visit, so hopefully that will work out.

Anyway, life is exciting and air conditioned now. Hurray! :0)

(And p.s.-my birthday is one month from today!!!)

Tuesday, August 02, 2005

Scheduled.

Things are becoming refreshingly busy around here now. I officially begin working at WMI tomorrow morning, have a lunch meeting set for Thursday with Dean White and Purdie to discuss SA and the coming year, and I have a PTSMC meeting on Friday morning with Don and the rest of the crew (most of whom I haven't actually met).

Plus, of course, my Israel papers are still looming, as are the resume and autobiography I need to submit to CHUPC before I start Field Ed. That stuff is really no big deal though. I've done all of the preparation for the Israel papers, and I know myself well enough to write a resume and autobiography (obviously).

Last night was, again, sleepless. I was up until 2:30 this time, then kept tossing and turning for the remainder of the night. I don't know why I'm suddenly having such trouble sleeping, except, of course, that things that I was able to push out of my mind earlier in the summer have now crept their way up to the front again. I'm not ready to deal with all of it, but I don't want to continue in this insomniac's lifestyle either.

I am started to get excited about meeting all of the new people this year, and to see everyone again after being apart for several months. But, at the same time, I'm suffering from a severe case of the Travel Bug. After having been gone for 2 months, and spending time in two fabulous places, I am not satisfied just hanging around Pittsburgh...Hopefully going to Chicago in a few weeks will help stifle some of my "illness," which can then be eliminated by the mounting excitement for the start of school. I just don't know though. I want to see the world. My grandma and I both have the goal of getting to every single continent before we die. I have three out of the way. She has six...But we're both set on getting to Antarctica somehow. Anyway, being that I do, indeed, have 5 papers to finish between now and August 24, I am going to get to work.

Monday, August 01, 2005

Dramatic.

I was up until after 4 a.m...It was just one of those nights where everything I just thought about everything...Relationships, Jobs, etc., and things just became complex and intermingled. Finally, at about 2:30, I realized that sleep wasn't going to happen, so I got up and wrote a really long letter to my best friend. He probably won't ever actually see it, but it was good for me to do, nonetheless. Plus, it confirmed all prior notions that, indeed, I do write best after midnight. Of course, this is not convenient for scheduling purposes, but oh well.

I am currently reading The Four Loves by C.S. Lewis, and so much of what he says makes a lot of sense, though, of course, I don't agree with everything. When I have the book in front of me, I will comment more specifically. At any rate, I find it amusing that, essentially, he and Harry Burns (Billy Crystal) of When Harry Met Sally agree: Men and women can't (really) be friends. Only, C.S. Lewis is much better explaining it, though some of his points are now antiquated.

Anyway, I am going to talk to Don today--my first day back to work! Hurray!!! I am so excited to be establishing a routine, even if it's temporary.