paper.

I am half way done with my Job paper that's due tomorrow.

Actually, it's my second paper, as I decided that the first one (which was also nearly half-finished) stunk.

I am hoping to use bits and pieces of it in this paper however.

However, I'd rather be watching the American Idol auditions. They are lame, but they're also mindless, and they make me laugh.

Which is more than I can say about writing a depressing paper on a depressing topic.

And I'm tired and cranky anyway...

On the bright side of things, I have the following things coming up:

1. Calian Gala on Thursday!
2. Horseback riding this weekend (for the first time EVER)
3. 31 days until Dabney gets here!!!
4. 32 days until Marne's wedding!!!
5. 33 days until New Orleans!!!
6. 38 days until Chicago!!!

:0)

See, life's not so bad.

I am still sick of this paper, however.

Bye :0)

stop.

A few reasons why I will move out of my apartment as soon as I graduate:

1. A fellow student was mugged this week.
2. I spent at least a half an hour rubber necking from my very own home. Why? There were between 5 and 10 cop cars/paddy wagons on campus at any given time...and lots of profane shouting...lots of asking (read: shouting) "Where's the gun?!?!?" and commentary on the quality of the drugs. And the K9 unit was on the scene. And several people walking around the perimeter of the parking lot (where my car happens to be parked) with their flashlights, seeking out...a person? the gun? more drugs? all of the above? That remains to be seen (as does the condition of the cars).
3. I was appalled to turn on the 11:00 news on three different stations, and all of them spent the first 10 minutes (i.e. 1/3 of the show) with a package on the game tomorrow....Now, I understand that this is "Steeler (err...'stiller') Nation" (ugh...I cringe to even type that silly thing)...but there are so many things that are so much more important...which leads me to my next point:
4. I can't stand the way that Steelers fans have been. Sure, every town has some of them, but they are a rare breed of obnoxious in this town. I can't wait until their season ends.


I'll have more to say later, but I'm too tired at the moment. Bye :0)

sudoku.

I am exhausted, and I have a paper to write and a midterm for which to study before the night is through. Technically, I have a whole host of other things to do as well, but I'm aiming for the first two, and will allow myself a "break" only if it's to wash dishes or do some other equally productive form of cleaning the disaster that I call an apartment.

I just wish I could get my brain to function in a way that allows my paper to flawlessly write itself, and the stuff I need for Wednesday to just be securely locked into place with only one glance. Alas, such is not the case.

And, to add two horrible insults to such an injury, both the Colts and the Bears lost. Of course, the Colts had no excuse, especially given the horrible play calling (all of which "shockingly" went in their favor), but even still...ugh. So, as it stands right now, I want Seattle to win the Super Bowl. Why? A few reasons:

1. I hate the Steelers.
2. I hate the Broncos.
3. I hate both AFC teams in the running (See 1 and 2).
4. The Seahawks have never been to the Super Bowl. As a Browns fan, I know how that feels.
5. The Seahawks have been a more consistent team than the other 3.
6. If the Steelers win the Super Bowl, I will move. Heck, if they beat Denver, I'll consider it. I just don't want to be in this town if that happens.


Ugh. I am repulsed by the Steelers. I wish they had never made it to the playoffs. Sick.

Ok, I have to do work before I get all riled up and in a frenzy.




I <3 my Cleveland Browns!!! :0)

"ribble"

What a weekend it has been...and to think, it's only Saturday! I love that my weekend feels as if it should be coming to a close (as it began on Thursday evening), and yet, it's only halfway through! Monday, of course, is the day that we remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. A worthwhile event.

But, for now, a few details on my weekend:

Thursday, Debbie and I drove up to Cleveland and spent the evening hanging out with Mom. That included: sudoku-solving, hot tub-soaking, and tv-watching, among other things. It was relaxing. The rule for Debbie and me was that we were not allowed to do any work that evening...Little did I know that so little would be done yesterday or today.

Friday, the three of us woke up and ran a few errands: Verizon (I have a new phone! Hurray!), David's Bridal (I have shoes for the wedding! Hurray!), and Cracker Barrel (I have 2 new Yankee car scents! Hurray!) We headed home after that and I ended up zonking out for a long nap, while Debbie "studied" (ok, she slept too, she tells me) and Mom packed (she was leaving that evening for a retreat). Eventually, Mom woke me up (by pouncing--a very cruel way to awaken a very crabby girl) and said goodbye. Debbie and I proceeded to get more stuff done, then J called and we chatted for a bit. Also, I did laundry somewhere in this whole thing. Then, Debbie and I ordered dinner from The Boneyard and couldn't resist a stop at Handel's as well. Alas, homework became a necessary evil, so we did some of that, while managing to catch two episodes of "What Not To Wear."

Saturday (today), Debbie and I woke up and packed up the car to head back to Pittsburgh. Of course, lest you be deceived, we did not drive immediately back. No, we drove through Aurora, so as to give Debbie a somewhat-official tour. Of course, the snow delayed things a bit, but she saw some of the good stuff. And, I picked up my new frames from Dr. Tomko. They're fabulous. Also, we (of course) made a stop at Starbucks--Lauren was working, and Lindsey, Laura, and Mrs. Weaver came in, so I got to chat with each of them. Then we headed out. By about halfway through our trip, I looked at my gas tank and decided to fill up...so we exited at Boardman. Of course, I couldn't resist a stop at Peg and Ash's house, so we went there for a "five minute pitstop." Well over two hours later, we left again, but not until having plenty of tea and laughs. Finally, at 5:30, we returned to Pittsburgh, all set and ready to begin homework--for real this time.

At about 6:00 my (new) phone rang, and I got to it just in time to see that Ben had called. I called back and he wanted to go to dinner and to see Glory Road. The arm-twisting commenced, and, eventually, I concurred. I managed to get a surprising amount of work done in between him calling and him showing up, and felt even better about my decision when I learned that Brian and Debbie were joining us. Dinner was at the Outback down in Robinson. It was yummy and we had a great time. Plus, I have leftovers, which is always an exceptionally exciting situation. Ben and I went to see the movie, while Brian and Debbie opted, instead, to see Memoirs of a Geisha, which they said was excellent. So, all of us enjoyed our respective movies. Around 1, Ben rolled up to the curb, and the other three of us piled out of the car...which brings me to right now. I have to get up in under 6 hours, the wind is blowing furiously and, while I'm incredibly tired, I'm also rather wound up.

Tomorrow, I have church, then I really am going to get work done all afternoon. Then, in the early part of the evening, I will drive back to Boardman to meet up with Peg, Jay, and Rus. We're all going to drive up to Asbury, which will be fun. I'll most likely stay the night in Boardman, then, and drive back here on Monday morning.

Until then...bye :0)

ginger

On Breakfast:

I don't eat breakfast everyday though, of course, I should. However, I will perhaps be more inspired to eat breakfast right now because I have a new favorite cereal: Zen something-or-other. It involves dried cranberries, ginger, and a variety of flakes/rice puffs/brown All Bran-eque sticks/etc. It's really quite good. Yesterday, I found myself very much in the mood for an omlet from Bob Evans. I decided against going because it was rather silly. Of course, I ended up at Caribou doing homework again...and then ended up getting Subway for dinner. However, I have made an important discovery at Subway: the wheat bread is quite good! It will be a very healthy switch for me. Also, the chipotle sauce is fantastic, and half the fat & calories of the ranch dressing. Woohoo! I do enjoy eating fresh. But, this is no longer on breakfast.

On a related note, however, I noticed this morning that I need to do dishes, as I am out of bowls. Now, the interesting thing is this: I have a multitude of spoons. Now, I recognize, of course, that the use of bowl and spoon are not directly correlated. Also, I have more spoons than bowls. But, I also am well aware of my own eating, and I know for a fact that I have used spoons on a few occasions when no bowl has been necessary. Take, for example, cottage cheese. I have cottage cheese in my home (small curd, reduced fat), and can find absolutely no good reason to transfer it to another holding container before I eat it, so, I eat it direct from the container. That involves a spoon and no bowl. Similarly, each time I eat yogurt (strawberry banana, Danon Light), I use a spoon and no bowl. I am shocked and confused by the sheer surplus of spoons in my drawer...Moving on...

On Mail:

Last year, I learned the lesson that it's easier to ship things to campus than to have them shipped here to my apartment. Why? Because, when the shipping company is unknown, and then it results in UPS or FedEx, they invariably require a personal signature if they're going to leave a package in the apartments. Now, I understand, of course, that they must cover their butts. However, I am, for the vast majority of their working hours,not at home. I ordered a book last year (NIB Commentary: Acts, Romans, 1 Corinthians) and had it shipped here...I ended up taking a mini-road trip with Josh to a scary UPS warehouse to pick it up. While Josh and I had a most enjoyable time on that trip, it would've been a much more productive time going...anywhere else, I think. All this is to say that, of course, I am eagerly awaiting all of my deliveries, and hope they arrive sooner than later.

On Organic Food:

I love organic food. If I had the money to afford it, I would shop exclusively at Whole Foods and stores that are comparable (Trader Joe's, Mustard Seed Market, or, if I'm ever near Fairfield, OH again, Jungle Jim's). I just like it better. Even things that taste exactly the same are improved because they are all natural (read:healthier) and, often times, they are products being traded fairly. Working at Starbucks, surprisingly, increased both my awareness of and passion for fair trade. Now, if only I could integrate that into my clothing purchases.

I do realize that I'm sounding more and more like a "granola girl" and that I sound more and more like a candidate for the Tri-Delts at Miami, but oh well. I still own leather products and eat meat.

On Hand Lotion:

I love hand lotion. I have several kinds that I use at various times in the day. My Aveda Hand Relief (a breast cancer awareness product, generously placed in my collection by my sister) gets used most frequently because it's in my living room/dining room/family room. It just sits on my tv stand, beckoning me to use it. And it's scent is quite subtle and pleasing to the olfactory sense. I also use my Ahava (means "love" in Hebrew) hand lotion that I brought back from Israel relatively often. It troubled me greatly to see that some Ahava products are now available at Costco, but I own several things that are not. At any rate, regular Ahava products have a delightful fresh scent--the Ahava Dermud products (for sensitive skin) are unscented.

I love lotion in general. Off the top of my head, I can think of at least 14 kinds of lotion that are in my bathroom right at this very moment. Some have shea butter, some are citrus scented, some decrease the frequency of needing to shave (though the existence of winter seems to do the same, to an extent), and one even has gold shimmer. They are all good at what they do, and I frequently select a lotion based upon my mood, so it's nice to have such a diversity.

This is a random blog, to be sure, but I don't especially care. Not too many people read this (I don't think, though I'm learning of more with each passing day), and it is my blog, after all. :0) Ok, bye.

throwback.

Things to be happy about:

1. 851 calories less today, after spending some time on the elliptical and treadmill. :0)

2. I, rather hurriedly, made a purchase today. Actually, three of them. In thinking about some of the best books that I've ever read, I recalled three that I had somewhere around 1991. And I hopped on Amazon.com and ordered them, to be shipped sometime next week. They are: The Westing Game, Mandy, and The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles. I assure you, these are the cornerstones of life. Or, at least, they are all fantastic (and fantastically imaginative) books. I can't wait to reread them.

3. I have been in correspondance with this guy, Brad Listi. Now, it's probably true that none of you has ever heard if him. However, he has a new book coming out in February called Attention.Deficit.Disorder, and it looks phenomenal. He's a creative, talented, young writer. And, as it happens, he's hilarious.

4. Tonight, for the first time in awhile, it does appear that we are going to play cards. And the alternative for that is just as thrilling: we're going to watch...Zoolander!!! How very brilliant.

5. J called and left a message. That always makes me smile.

6. Clif Bars were on sale at Giant Eagle. So, I purchased two flavors: chocolate mint and oatmeal raisin. Of course, I blame my interest in said product completely on the Smith family. And that's ok.

7. Despite my very pronounced lack of motivation this week, I'm no further behind now than I was a week ago!

8. I threw away an entire garbage bag filled with old papers and stuff that I don't need anymore and whose only use was occupying much-needed space in my apartment.

9. Every single BCS bowl game went as I'd hoped.

10. I listened to "Wizards of Winter" today while I was working out (it was one of many songs, of course) and it made me smile. And I even did the ending as my family does it--fortunately, no one else was in the room to witness it all, or to hear me laughing.

lobsters.

25 things that make me happy:

1. The messages on the inside of Dove chocolates
2. Hearing an old song and remembering all of the lyrics...and associated memories
3. Finding a few minutes to relax in the middle of a stressful day
4. Unexpected compliments
5. Stick-to-itiveness
6. Automatic lifts
7. Hope
8. Hand lotion
9. Pigtails
10. Uncontrollable laughter
11. Indian food
12. Lush bath products
13. Photographs. Especially candids where someone looks unexpectedly gorgeous
14. Writing
15. Having direction in my career path, and being able to defend it when someone thinks there are better alternatives for me
16. Orange Julius
17. Diet Coke with a real twist of lime
18. Clementines
19. Luxembourg
20. Looking at my passport
21. Making lists
22. Crossing things off lists when they're accomplished
23. John Cusack movies
24. Flip flops
25. A great bargain

25 random facts about me that you may or may not know:

1. My sister and I used to picket our parents. We would make signs that said "unfair parents" and/or "we hate our parents" etc., and we'd march around the house carrying them.

2. I never take corn on the cob the first time it's offered.

3. Sometimes, when I want to go somewhere but don't feel like getting gussied up, I wonder if Stacy and Clinton might be secretly filming me for "What Not To Wear."

4. At one point, both Miami and PTS were my last choice schools. I almost didn't apply to either. I have now attended both.

5. I have been to, eaten at, and taken my picture in front of the original Cracker Barrel in Lebanon, TN. My roommate and I drove almost an hour outside of Nashville specifically for that purpose.

6. I have had my yahoo email account for 9 years.

7. Sometimes my good memory bothers me, as there are a few things I'd rather forget.

8. The lowest grade I've ever gotten was a 38% on a 5 point exegesis quiz last year. It was curved up to a B. I got an A in the class.

9. I am no longer allowed to donate blood, as I've spent too much time out of the country. This makes me very sad, as I'd only donated a handful of times and I'm an O-.

10. I would love to go to Bagel and Deli in Oxford, Ohio and have a Random Bagel, no tomato right now. I'd wash it down with a UDF peanut butter milkshake.

11. In some ways, it seems like college happened long before high school.

12. My family likes to sing very weird things. There is a place on St. Thomas called Bolongo Bay. After having driven past it several times, my family began to sing "Stars and Stripes Forever" with the only lyrics being "Bolongo Bay" over and over again.

13. My sister requires that any guy I date be dorky enough to be ok with things like #12.

14. Despite the fact that living with her our freshman year was absolutely crazy (though we never fought), I still think it's kind of cool that Jayna and I sat next to each other at graduation, and that we're still in touch.

15. Though my grades are quite good, I still don't always work up to my potential, and that frustrates me so.

16. I wish I could ice skate and play kickball more often.

17. I remember when Mr. Caponi, my art teacher in 6th grade, wrote on my report card that I had outstanding ability. I still think he was lying.

18. I played the percussion in band for 3 years. Then, one day, Mr. Brookhart called and asked if I'd switch to baritone. So I did. It was much easier to talk during class in the lower brass section.

19. I hope that my high school class has a ten year reunion. But, I still have to wait 3 more years.

20. When I was in eighth grade, I had a conversation with Pat Gillen in homeroom about trying out for the football team. I wanted to be the kicker. Pat told me that his girlfriend, Kate, was going to be the kicker instead. Neither of us tried out, but I'm pretty sure I would've won.

21. I think it's fun to do nice things anonymously.

22. When I was young, I thought that everyone in the Army had to shave their heads. So, when I wanted one of my Barbies to join the Army (though this was the Barbie and the Rockers one with the blue eyeshadow), I cut off all of her hair. I actually had two Barbie and the Rockers barbies because one was Tara Coleman's. She had been my babysitter and she left it there. I never gave it back.

23. One of my favorite elementary school memories is that I got to walk on the bikepath every day. If you're from Aurora, you know about the bikepath. I also felt cool when my sister and I would walk on it to go swimming at the country club. The bikepath is awesome.

24. I never want to be a politician.

25. I used to never think I could live in an urban environment until I moved to one.

Ok, time for bed. Bye! :0)

mr. waterford.

approximately 30 seconds ago, i got an email confirming my flights to and from chicago!

so, as it stands right now, i have a flight to new orleans, then a return flight from new orleans that will arrive after midnight. so, then, i will fly at 6:20 a.m. that same morning to chicago and will be there for 5 days. 10 days. woohoo! hopefully, all will work out accordingly.

also, i'm currently watching wvu and uga in the sugar bowl. i'm glad i caught a nap this afternoon, so as to be awake and alert for this game. it may haunt me a bit at my 8:30 class in the morning. i'll get over it.

boy--that steve slaton can run. and he's a true freshman. he just ran for his 3rd td and has 187 yards...and there's still 8:30 in the ballgame!

hail, west virginia, hail! :0)

i am desperately trying to get back into the swing of things. having had only one class today, and no absolutely pressing work to do this week, makes it rather difficult. i'm sure i'll be fine after a couple of days. i did meet with dr. tuell today to begin preliminary discussion for my independent study next term. he's really letting me sort of develop my own "curriculum" of sorts. also, i got information to begin thinking about my honors thesis for next year. 9 credit hours to research and write an 80-100 page thesis on a topic of my choice. yes!!!

anyway, there are under 6 minutes remaining in the game, so it's too intense for me to write while trying to watch. let's go mountaineers! :0)

bye :0)

1/4 of a century.

Ah, 2006.

A year that promises excitement, adventure, a winning season for the Browns, and much, much more. Right?

Well, at any rate, I know that there will be weddings. At CHUP, there are already two funerals. And I plan, at this point, to find myself in New Orleans, Chicago, Alaska, D.C., and Israel at some time in the next twelve months. Also, this will be the year of Master's Thesis-writing, PhD school-hunting, Hebrew-learning, and, of course, turning 25.

I'm rather ambivalent toward new year's resolutions. I think, after all, that one can be resolute about something at any time. But, as for me, I didn't come up with any new thing to which I hope to work toward. I had a list of things already without needing Jan. 1 to guilt me into coming up with another.

The past two weeks were a rare mix of relaxation and chaos. It was truly good to be with family. It was certainly an emotionally-charged holiday. My sister had all of us fighting tears around the dinner table on Christmas Day. It was a special moment for the 24 of us to share. Also, I saw lots of movies. And I am still cavity-free after all these years.

I am not even remotely prepared to begin classes again tomorrow. I have read for one of my four classes. Fortunately, I will have some extra time tomorrow that I hadn't originally been able to schedule. I know I'll get everything done as it needs to be done, but I am severely lacking in the motivation department right now.

By the way, for all of you cynics out there: THE BROWNS WON TODAY! That's right. All of you who dared to think that my Brownies wouldn't have a win in the AFC North this season better think again. And we beat the Ravens. Those filthy birds. Ah, it was marvelous. And our record improved by two wins this year (6-10). I am quite confident that, with a reasonable draft, we will be on the winning side of the game next year. I can't wait. I am truly bummed that the season has already come to a close. :0( But, there's still the Cavaliers and Indians for whom to cheer. And the Force, of course.

I am sorry for those of you who expected to read this, my latest update, and laugh. Apparently there are some who get quite a kick out of my entries. I think I am just exhausted right now. But don't you worry--I will be funnier in 2006 than ever before.

And now, at 11:15 p.m., I'm going to consider the merits of productivity. Bye :0)