Vacation Bible School

My kids*:

• Hannah is my look-alike
• Mike is going to be a multi-millionaire when he grows up (smart little devil)
• Drake and Tanner (aka the twins) were disappointed I didn't turn into a boy today like I said I would
• Caroline, Hope, and Catherine are impossible to tell apart (but not related)
• Britain has a European name
• Alex has a name (his real one) that I thought would be a girl name........and I was expecting a girl....so when he came.....that was weird
• Kristin is the sweetest
• Travis has 13 letters in his last name and is a beast (not in the unhealthy, morbidly obese way)

We get to play games, eat snacks, sing and dance, make crafts, and play make-believe. What more could you want?

*names may have been changed

A power walk down memory lane

I never know how to start a reflection without sounding sappy or corny:

• "I thought it was going to be horrible, but (insert activity/topic) turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life"
• "I learned so many new things; not only about (insert activity/topic), but also about myself"
• "I can't believe the time has flown by so fast. It seems only yesterday when I started (insert activity/topic)"

You get the picture, and I know you've heard all of those lines before. So I'll do my best not to say too many phrases like that during this post.

But let's look back, shall we?

My first blog post. Frankly, it screams "inside joke". I hate inside jokes. They were funny in middle school. Now I hate them; nobody wants to be the one left on the outside of the joke. Saying inside joke is just a way to make yourself feel important. But it just makes you seem pompous (I suppose there are exceptions because there always are; just in general, though). So I don't care for this post very much, but it's in my history, so I don't want to delete it. It will remind me to avoid such things in the future.

Well, that got way off topic. Sorry, readers!

My first real blog post. I ended this one with "Did I do it right? I'm not sure." That pretty much sums up my feelings for a blog. I had never seen one- and had heard about them only in the context of people sitting with their laptops in coffee shops. So I felt a little bit like a baby bird tossed out of its nest to learn how to fly. This blog was wishful thinking- I used an article and commented on my thoughts. It's not a terrible post, just the expectations it set were too serious for what I wanted to do.

My first (and best) rant. Yes, I was (and still am) against ranting to the world constantly. But I have grown to accept that perhaps it is entertaining for readers to read complaints that are interesting (and not completely self-centered). And it's not boring to write, either. This post also had my first video (a now common theme among my posts).

Blog with the most comments. I got three comments on this post- a record for me.

Blogs total: Counting this post, I will have 84 blog posts. I can't believe that! It really doesn't seem like I've done that much, but it seems I have.

Overall, blogging had its moments. Some months I blogged like crazy (in April '09 I had 20 posts alone). Other times there were spells of writer's block (like this post and this one and this one). But I think it has been a good experience so far. It forces me to write a little better than normal, knowing that other people have the opportunity to read it. Will I keep blogging after this year? Not as religiously, but yes. I like the idea of having a website of my own (even if its not visited that much). And I feel technologically savvy (something I'm not used to, because I'm just horrible with computers).

But enough about me and this blog. It's a great day out; you should go and have a picnic or something.

Seniors

It feels weird knowing they will be graduating and leaving so soon. And yet, I feel odd about how I am going to miss them. I don't really have that many friends in the grade above me. Acquaintances, yes. People I talk to daily, yes. But no one I really spend time outside of school with. And yet, as I continue to get graduation party invitations, I find myself becoming sad as I think about their departure.

The same type of thing happened last year, too, I suppose. When my sister graduated, I felt that my life at home and in school would never be the same. She, her friends, and classmates all left our high school, and I thought that part of me would leave with them. But looking back, it didn't shake my world like I was expecting (you see all of those movies about how people are never the same once people leave). I didn't have many times where I thought, "My life would be so much better if they were all back here like it was my sophomore year." People around me had changed, but my life pretty much stayed the same.

Understanding that this year I have no family member leaving me, I can only assume that my feelings will be the same: painful at first, but then adaptation to my new role later. Don't get me wrong: I will miss many seniors. But they will move on and I will too.

Although comforting, this bothers me in some ways. Why don't I miss people more? I always assume our separation will be heartbreaking. It is painful at first, but after a few weeks I am back to normal. Is that how it is with everybody? Or is it just me that reacts like this? Does it mean I don't connect to people as much as I should, or does it mean I'm in healthy friendships and relationships because I am able to let go? I don't know.

Feeling no sadness makes me feel scared. If I got over a family member leaving, am I incapable of having strong feelings for anyone? It seems to me that the positive emotions I feel for people are inflated in my mind- I make myself feel that there is a stronger connection than there is (the same cannot be said for dislike- if I hate someone, those feelings take a long time to disappear, if ever). I only realize that perhaps I had exaggerated our relationship once they are gone and I feel fine. Or is it true that I feel strongly for them and I'm just 'cutting the cord' to make it easier on myself? I'm not sure. This is just a ramble of thoughts with questions that will most likely never be answered.

I (and you) need to stop thinking all of these sad thoughts. They never got anyone anywhere but down in the dumps. Besides, I believe that things will work out if you put in the effort and have a little faith.

To all of the seniors, congratulations on making it through high school! I hope you all able to do what you love, and I hope nothing ever holds you back but yourself.

Oh no.

I have to start working on Tuesday.

I had gotten lucky at the start of the spring term- I had so much tennis that it was impossible for me to come in and work. I asked my coordinator if I could delay my start date until after the regular season. She was really flexible and agreed.

Unfortunately, the regular season has ended, and I received an email from her telling me that a new project would be starting soon. If I would be able to come in and work on it, it would be recommended. Well, I didn't want to push her- she had been nice enough. So I responded with the enthusiastic, "I would love to!"

But I didn't give her the impression that I was a genius (she already knew that from the c++ classes). I even let her know I was nervous about my abilities. She reassured me, letting me know that I would be on a project with someone she referred to as "brilliant." She explained he would be located in the cubicle next to me, ready to assist me if, more like when, I have no idea what I'm doing. Perhaps his genius will even rub off on me. Or maybe he'll go and complain to my manager about how "that stupid annoying girl" won't leave him alone.

Please cross your fingers for me. That would be much appreciated!

Slumdog Millionaire

Yes, yes, I know- this movie came out months ago. I had heard great things about it and have been wanting to watch it for a long time, but I kept putting it off until my sister came home (I had promised her we would watch it together, and by the time she arrived my homework load would be less obnoxious). I went into the film with high expectations- something I hate to do but can't help. You know when you go into something expecting greatness, and you always come out disappointed because it couldn't live up to your inflated expectations? I worried that this would happen with Slumdog Millionaire, because I have been in desperate need of a movie to lift my spirits.

You know what? I came out loving it. My expectations were fulfilled. The movie, a story of a poor, uneducated contestant on the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, is as incredible a film as I have ever seen. Throughout the movie, he is accused of cheating for continually knowing the answers to increasingly difficult questions on the show. Yet you discover that it was his life (destiny, as the movie puts it) that had given him all of the answers. He has lived them.

You learn of his heartbreaking childhood, a lost love, and a struggle between brothers. You find yourself urging on the poverty-stricken children, praying for their safety, and begging characters to do....well, whatever they are supposed to do to make the story come out right ("No, don't leave!" "Turn around! Turn around!" "Run! Run! No, that way! Other way!"; you get the picture). The story greets you, envelopes you, and before you know it, it has captured your heart. For anyone who disagrees with that statement, I would be interested to hear why you were not entranced.

The film is based on Vikas Swarup's novel Q&A, if any of you are interested in checking that out. I think I'll have to put it on my summer reading list.

If I haven't done so already, I do apologize that this review is done in such delay to the movie. I suppose this is sort of like a 'last call' to all of you out there who have not seen it yet. If you think this is just another movie that can be set aside, please reconsider. Seeing this film may not change the course of your life, but it can touch your heart, giving you faith that even in the worst of situations, people can persevere.

Go rent it.

"Angels on the Moon" by Thriving Ivory

Why are you online right now?

It's Mother's Day, for goodness' sake! Get your little rear out of that computer chair and go hug your mom. You're probably asking me why I'm doing this blog, then. My mother is actually not in town right now, but will be home later tonight when I will spend time with her then.

Not much for hugs? Go and buy her a gift (like flowers, a cute purse, or even an ice cream cone- I'm not talking big bucks here; just something so that she knows you were thinking about her). And you don't even have to buy anything- just make her a short card. I know, I know, I'm not one for the lovey-dovey-let's-talk-about-our-feelings cards. I'm not that type of person. I'm not one to write, "You've always been there for me and I love you always." It would just be a weird moment (would she expect that type of writing now every time I make a card? Would I be expected to share my emotions? Gross). So just write honestly (and kindly, mind you). If the card thing freaks you out, just spend time with her.

Your mom's not in town? Call her. Seriously, it's one measly day of the year- I think you can manage to set aside a few moments.

Why are you still reading? Go!

25%

That's how many of my AP tests I have completed. I took the US History test on Friday morning. What did you guys who took it think? I thought the multiple choice was kind of a jerk- we're not on speaking terms at the moment. But the essays weren't too bad. From the people I talked to, most said the same thing- which is both good and bad. It's good because that means I wasn't stupid for marking over 30 of the multiple choice questions as, "I'm not 100% sure about this one" (more like "I'm not even 50% sure about this one but I answered it anyway"). The bad news is that our score we receive is based on how everybody else did. If everyone thought the test was what I thought of it, then I really have no idea what my score will end up being.

Oh well. It's over.

But wait! I forgot to tell you about my little testing fiasco (yes, I know, my life is so full of drama and you can't wait to hear about what happened to me because every story I tell keeps you on the edge of your seat). So THERE I WAS, walking into the testing room in a freaking-out yet slightly confident mood. I had done a test in the exact same room the year before- and I knew how they worked. You found your name on the long tables and sat down. Yeah- that was difficult for me last year-how was I supposed to know they were in alphabetical order? But I was so ready this time. I even knew the general area I would be sitting in. Oh yeah, call me genius.

I walked town my predicted aisle, searching for my name. I found the letter, I found the second letter close to mine, and then.......wait? what!? Where was mine? I went back and forth between the two seats that my booklet should have been between and IT WASN'T THERE (gasp!). Then our school coordinator came up to me and told me they couldn't find my book. What a soothing statement. Would that mean I couldn't take the test? Couldn't get credit? That I had taken that entire year of history for nothing simply because they couldn't find my booklet with the AP labels and bar codes in it?

I know I'm getting you worked up, and I apologize. Don't worry and breathe easy, readers; it all turned out to be okay. They simply had me sit at a desk in the back of the room with some other kids whose booklets had gone 'missing'. And halfway through the test, she found my booklet (I guess it was in some other testing room- I bet they stole it, because who wouldn't want my book with my labels and my bar code?). No harm done, except to my fragile little nerves. But don't worry, I'm in full recovery. Nothing a little therapy couldn't fix.

Now I only have tests Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and then I'll be home free for the rest of the year. I'll cross my fingers for all of you guys taking them too. Hope your book doesn't get lost and you kick the test's butt!

www.patheos.com

This is a website just launched this past Tuesday, and was promoted by an article on the Time website. Patheos.com is, as the site itself puts it, "the premier online destination to engage in the global dialogue about religion and spirituality and to explore and experience the world's beliefs." The web page includes ten religious "gateways" (although some are still under construction): Buddhist, Catholic, Evangelical, Hindu, Jewish, Humanist, Muslim, New Age, Pagan, and Protestant Mainline. A site for religion. Cool, you think.

Actually, it is cool. Saying just that it's a place to talk about God doesn't bring the whole idea into focus. Patheos.com is a place to explore, experience, and engage in religion. You are able to see to see unbiased, accurate information on multiple world religions. News feeds dealing with each religion are available. In addition, you can talk to people of other faiths, questioning where their religion stands on controversial issues like abortion (or just questioning their religion at all). You can even search for places of worship in your area (did you know there are 391 in Cedar Rapids alone, including Zen and something called Christian Science?), and get links to religious retreats. This website has it all.

And it's about time. We have all heard the spiel about how we live in a faster-paced, technology-based world. How we want things now, do things quickly, have immediate access to almost anything we want. Religion has always seemed to be a connection to an older, simpler way of life. And I love that feeling- that through a faith I am connected to people that lived hundreds of years before me. But Patheos.com is a connection to the here and now- a second connection that many faiths have struggled to create or maintain in our times. It gives us a picture of other faiths we may not have gotten as easily otherwise(well, you could walk into a mosque, sit and take notes, and ask questions. They actually probably wouldn't mind, but I would find it personally awkward and uncomfortable).

As I was writing this post, I decided to sign up for an account on the website. I have no idea if it will do me any good, but at least it's a chance to connect with people of other faiths out there. It's intimidating though- if I argue for my religion, I had better have the facts to back it up (many of the discussions are filled with research and insight- a setting that prevents the desire to post whatever stupid comment you want). I think I'll observe for a while and watch the website get going. It has great potential- I would recommend checking it out.

Ameriquest commercials

Gotta love 'em. Here are a few:

And you thought you'd seen them all.

I find this infomercial offensive for multiple reasons:

1. We're zooming in on boobs. Half of the video is closeups of women's breasts. And they're moving very unnaturally in a way I don't want to describe. Watch the video if you want to see it. People don't just constantly stare at the female bust (unless they're absolute perverts). So when it's the only thing to look at, I feel uncomfortable. Especially as a girl.
2. Why is this on tv? Yes, I understand they're not doing the commercial tastelessly. In fact, they're probably doing the best job possible with such a topic. But still. its awkward. Who gave this ad the ok to be on daytime television? And it looks so shallow (of course there are times when most women want bigger boobs; but the product seems directed towards insecure women unable to just be happy with themselves).
3. Do you really think it will actually work? Although the movement is impressive, do you really think you will go up in bra size? Or even be able to keep it that way if you do? I don't know. I admire the commercial's effort to change without going under the knife, but once again, it seems to be preying on the desperate.
   

Moral of the story: This thing is stupid. Just be happy with yourself.

If you really want to, though, if you call RIGHT NOW you could get it for $9.99 plus shipping and handling. What a deal!

Why it stinks to have no homework:

I never thought I would be saying (typing, I suppose) those words. It's true, I was ecstatic at first, seeing my homework load drop off like a politician's popularity after a sex scandal. But then I began to understand the reason why it was happening. And the undercurrent was ugly; very ugly, indeed.

The AP exams were coming.

Are coming.

Soon.

There's no way to describe my dread. I'm guessing, though, that most of the people who read this blog understand. We have been told time and time again, "Study and prepare for these tests. They could get you college credit. They could put you ahead of other college freshman in your class." Now, let's reword that to what we hear: "If you don't study and prepare for these tests, you won't get college credit. You will be put behind the rest of the freshman in college so that you can never catch up. You will get a third-rate job and be poor and unhappy for the rest of your life." It's kind of a downer. And enough to scare us silly. But just how legit are AP tests?

According to that article, although they have been growing in popularity, AP tests don't necessarily prepare students for the tougher college curriculum. And a lot of colleges are rethinking whether they should allow AP test scores to count as a class credit. They think the test is no longer an accurate measure of college preparation because so many high school students are now taking the test (with so many, it's more difficult to gage ability correctly). If they're no longer valid, they're no longer worth looking at.

Let me be translator again for you- the article seems to say that taking these classes are a joke. You thought you were bettering yourself with those extra hours of homework and hair-pulling tests. You thought the extra effort was worth it. But the article makes it seem that all you've really been doing is running in circles, preparing for a test that could, potentially, not matter or help you get a head start. What a blow.

I can't even imagine that these classes haven't been helping me for college. I have had to work so much harder, actually read the textbooks, form study groups to review for tests, and complete a crap-load of homework. Yes, it probably is true that if you don't put in the time and energy, then an AP course will not prepare you for college. But what about those that do work? Or would they simply have been ready for college without taking the class?

I also have to keep in mind, just what are they measuring in this article? What classes? Perhaps the problem is that some teachers don't know HOW to teach an AP class. Not to blame it all on the teachers, because of course it is the students' decision to work. But what if our school didn't put as much emphasis on AP testing? Would our teachers be as prepared? Would they know how to best prepare their students for the tests in May? I would bet there are many schools out there where the teachers don't have the funds to learn how to properly prepare their kids for the exams. So yes, there may be certain classes that don't prepare students for college (and students themselves who refuse to work at it themselves), but there are just as many high schools that can prepare you.

And honestly, so what if you aren't completely prepared for college? A slight schock to the system never hurt anybody (and really, do you really want more of the same when you get there?). Even if it may not be the best preparation for a college course, it teaches responsibility and the ability to take control over your own education. And you get the chance to be with kids that want to be there and teachers that want to teach you. So don't feel too put out if you're in AP- they're still worth something.

That still doesn't make me like the fact that I don't have homework.

Girl Scout Cookies

Yes, I am aware that the Girl Scout cookie-selling season has long gone by. But because of the whole Lent and giving up sweets thing, I couldn't eat them when they first came to my door months ago.

Doorbell rings. I go to answer it.

Girl Scout: Hi, here are the cookies you ordered.
Me: Oh, thank you! (Secretly I thought, sweets! sugar! SWEETS!)

I take the cookies and start to shut the door.

Girl Scout: Umm...you still have to pay for those.
Me: Oh, ok. (What? You bring these things to my door and now I have to pay to get them?)

That was a lame story. Back on track, after Easter I was finally able to dig in. I had my first Caramel Delight ever and loved it- I had always been afraid of the coconut. It's not my favorite food, but it turned out to taste pretty good with everything else. I'm still a huge thin mint fan, though.

I know I made fun of the Girl Scout in the above mini-story, but I really have nothing against them. I too was one of the little girls that rang door and said, "Hi, I'm a first grader from Pierce Elementary. Would you like to buy some Girl Scout cookies?" Door to door, person to person I went. I was not one of those kids who handed the order form to my parents to take to work. I had tried, but they handed it back and said, "You have to do this yourself" (by myself doesn't mean make me go out by myself- they came along, for all of you out there concerned about my youthful safety). Needless to say, it was a tough task.

Be nice to the Girl Scouts. Buy a box. If you think that just because you don't answer the door when they ring the doorbell they will think you aren't there, you're fooling yourself. I always knew. I could hear the tv blaring, the attempted-quiet footsteps. And what's up with saying, "No, I don't want to buy a box of your cookies"? Would it kill you to give up $4 to a cute little kid (well, I'm assuming most that most small children are cute)? I remember the people that didn't come to the door and the ones that said no. One of the families that never bought from me actually had their little girl come to our door, asking if we wanted to buy some Girl Scout cookies. We did, but I watched the parents out the window, hoping they were ashamed of themselves.

Moral of the story? Be a nice person. Buy one box from the girls. You might even find that the cookies taste pretty good.

I Believe....

• Talking to the computer does make it go faster
• That everyone has a twin (not biologically; just a look-alike) somewhere in the world
  
• In God
• Spiders, snakes, and creepy-crawlies are gross
• I will never need to understand natural logs, e, or sinusoids when I grow up
• In life
• In the power of a good nap
  
• Every spell of happiness will pass
• Every spell of sadness will pass
• You can do almost anything you want to if you try (I said almost to get rid of those, "Well what if I want to be a cat? I can't do that just by wanting it," type of comments)
  
• People that say nuke-yuh-ler (as opposed to nu-klee-er) need to be informed
• Chocolate beats vanilla. Every time.
• Mint chocolate chip beats chocolate. Every time.
• Cake beats pie. Every time.
  
• Saying, "It went pretty well" is better than, "It went pretty good"
• A world without music would be a world without life
• Science and religion can coexist peacefully
• Jeans match any type of shirt
• Leather pants don't match anything
  
• In El Cabrito (placed on this list at his suggestion)
  
• That we are all watched over
• Talking face to face is better than email, texting, or other technology-based communication
• Getting a hand-written letter in the mail is exciting (they cared enough to sit down, write you, figure out your address, and pay 42 cents)
• Outlets and power cords should be one-size-fits-all
• Temper-tantrums by small children are annoying; tantrums by adults is ridiculous (please go figure out your problems where I don't have to watch you hit and throw things)
• There is power in prayer
• There is such a thing as luck
• "Bad luck" is an overused term- some people simply got what they deserved
• Most personal problems are all in your head (easier to say than to actually comprehend and apply)
• Eye contact is the best way to let someone know you are listening
• Swearing has its place in the world, but it often oversteps its boundaries
• Fast food has its place in the world, but it often oversteps its boundaries
  
• Success=Happiness
• Failure=Unhappiness
• The Chiefs will one day win the Super Bowl
• Whoever invented the lint roller needs to be thanked multiple times
• Musicals make some of the best, most ridiculous movies
• Peace in the world isn't possible, but it's a good goal
• Old movies are the bomb (yes I said 'the bomb')
• Books are beautiful
• Computer programming is impossible; anyone that can do it is my hero
  
• Family and friends are essential to happiness
• True love exists, but we are often too impatient to find it
• There are things beyond human perception and understanding that occur in our world (and beyond); things that we will never comprehend. And that's okay.
• Everyone is self-centered (like this post)
  
• That this list may be completely wrong and off. But that's why it's titled "I Believe."
  

Healthy People 2010

Suprisingly, I am having a difficult time coming up with a topic to blog about. So I'm taking Embroz's advise and trying a random post.

Instructions:

1. Go to Wikipedia


2. Click on the Random Page link


3. Click through ten random hyperlinks


4. Write about the article you land on

I started with some complicated physics theory, found my way to the Social Security article that warned, "This article may be too long to comfortably read and navigate," and ended up on "Healthy People 2010." How exciting!

First off, what is it? According to Wikipedia (yes, I know, it's not that credible. But this isn't a research paper and if you don't believe me, there are plenty of other sites out there for you to double check), it is a plan started by the US Department of Health and Human Resources in 2000. 2000? That's kind of embarassing that I haven't heard a ton about it. It's goal? You are so smart! To make Americans healthier by 2010.

The thing is common sense- their concerns consist of obesity, substance abuse, mental health, immunization, and a healthy environment to live in. Well, duh, of course those would be great to improve and eliminate those problems! But I guess it's not as easy to actually follow through than just to lay them out there. So bravo for trying to do something, I suppose. And you know what? Healthy People 2020 is scheduled to come out sometime next year. More healthy humans!

And if I write anymore, this post will officially become lame (defined by WordNet as "pathetically lacking in force or effectiveness"). Well, that last sentence was kind of lame. But I put a cute little baby surrounded by healthy food in my post, so that offsets it. Sort of.

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For all of the "I'm Gonna Beat You's" of the world

A small note of advice: Telling me that you're going to beat me is not a good way to start a friendship. Or keep one.

Now I must clarify, there are many times when I say "I'm going to kick your butt," "I'm going to beat you at [insert selected item]," and other such phrases when it's FRIENDLY. Likewise, there are people that tell me the same thing and I don't mind. It's a joke, and whoever wins doesn't really matter. If I beat you at checkers, I would hope that no ones feelings would get hurt. If someone scores higher than me on a test, I won't go crouch in a corner and suck my thumb.

But when it's over something of real rank and constant competition (like a chair in band, a place in show choir, a place on a varsity sports team, a job), it's not funny. "I'm going to beat you someday," is said with an undertone of menace and jealousy. And really, what am I supposed to say? "Oh, no, my dear friend. You suck and will never surpass my awesome talents"? "Yes, you will beat me someday and I am so looking forward to the opportunity to hand over my place of honor so that you can feel a little bit better about yourself"? It's annoying. It's stupid.

So don't tell people you are going to beat them. Trying to psych them out isn't nice. Beat them with your talents. Show them, and quit being an ass. What grade are we in, people. Really?

Ok that was very rant-like. Happy note time; it's the Xylopholks!

There is nothing to blog about

Nevertheless, I am going to blog, anyway. About what? About everything I see in my room right now.

• The keyboard of this computer needs to be dusted.
• I have an LA skit from last year still pinned up by the computer. It was fun to make- a present-day Of Mice and Men play. My friend and I had Lynette (Lenny) and Georgiana (George) move to a new school (town) and dream about opening their own tea shop (owning their own farm). Sound ridiculous? It was, but that's what made it so fun.
• The Norton pop-ups that constantly come up when I'm blogging drive me nuts.
• Ooh, there's a library book over on the couch that I really need to return. I wonder if they will arrest me like that one lady if I don't return it soon.
  
• There are a lot of random papers by the computer-- rough drafts of papers from first term, instructions for computer programs, assignment requirements, used Post-it notes-- that should really be recycled. Maybe I'll do that.......when school's over.
• We keep our pencils by the computer in a TGI Friday's kiddie cup from at least ten years ago.
• The stapler needs staples.
• We have a Kansas City Chiefs mouse pad that has its edges pretty roughed up (our keyboard is on one of those shelves that can roll out and in, so when we roll it in sometimes the mouse pad gets too close to the edge and gets caught and mangled. I know you wanted to know that).
  
• Why is it cold in our basement? I want to go grab my precious Honeywell space heater, but I'm too lazy and it seems wrong considering that it's spring. If I'm going to use it at all now, it would have to be used as a fan.
• I lied, it turns out I'm not too lazy; I put the heater on. So sue me.
• I just found a schedule that I have been searching for for about a week.
• There are some tax documents by the computer. I really hope that they weren't required for the April 15th deadline....
  
• It's getting late. This post is not interesting. I'm sorry.
  

"Pony (It's OK)" by Erin McCarley

I got it when it was a freebie off of iTunes. It wouldn't be on here if I didn't like it, now would it?

Waiting Rooms

They are so awkward. Everyone sits around, waiting. No one talks to each other. When someone new sits down, the entire room watches thinking, "I wonder why they're here." And what are you supposed to do while you are waiting? You cannot simply sit there doing nothing, because then the whole room will be convinced you are an idiot (who is unable to read), a creeper (as you watch other people), or mentally ill (if you stare at a wall, trying to avoid looking like a creeper). So, to avoid being labeled as idiot-creeper-mentally-ill, you casually pick up a magazine and pretend to be interested. Perhaps you really do care about what Fishing Monthly and Women's Weekly have to say. But I know that when I pick one up, I'm focused on feigning just enough interest for people to ignore and not talk to me. I flip the page at appropriate time intervals, waiting for my name to be called so I can get up and escape as fast as I can.

But really, who made it a rule that waiting rooms were to be so socially-awkward? I have never been to one where the people are cracking jokes, making conversation, and enjoying themselves. It just doesn't happen. I know, I know, it's probably because this is the only time some people get to be quiet and alone, and they just want to sit and enjoy the moment. For the rest of us, the situation is too weird to enjoy.

So on Wednesday of this week I had to go have a meeting with someone at my new workplace. And what did I have to do? You are such a fabulous guesser: wait in a waiting room. But this room wasn't even worthy of being called a 'waiting room.' For one thing, it wasn't even a room; it was a hallway with two chairs and a table carelessly assembled to one side. Secondly, there was NOTHING TO DO. No magazines. No pictures. Nothing except for a worn out directory of contact numbers for workers in the building.

To make matters worse, my appointment time was at 4 o'clock in the afternoon. Do you know how many people decide to leave work at that time? A lot. So there I was, being stared at by every person that passed by. At first I tried to look at my shoes and ignore all eye contact. Later, I gave up and gave them a weak smile. After I had been sitting for about ten minutes, each person got a full-blown "Hi!" There was nothing else for me to do, and let's just say I got desperate. I tried to avoid my idiot-creeper-mentally-ill look, but I don't know how well that one turned out.

Oh, and did I mention the security guards? The first one was nice, offering to call the man I was supposed to meet with. And after sitting there for twenty minutes with no answer, he finally decided to take me by the guy's office, to find out that my appointment-man had been waiting for me and just decided not to answer his phone (he only listens to voicemail, I guess). So that's a great first impression on my part. Anyway, right before I wandered around the building with guard #1, guard #2 came to take his place. And he wasn't like that nice old security guard I talked about in this post. Oh no. You know those people that just give you the creeps? That make you want to grab a taser or your rape whistle? Well, he was one of those. "Maybe I'm just being paranoid," I thought to myself. I mean, you have to give people the benefit of the doubt, right? I did, but it didn't last long. When I got out of my appointment and was driving home with my mom, I come to find out he had offered to take me home if my mom couldn't . Him. Drive. Me. To. My. House. Even if you were trying to be nice, that's just weird.

Needless to say, I would rather have a waiting room with a bunch of boring magazines and unsocial people than one with an icky security guard. Or just no waiting room at all. That's cool too.

Pull Through, Little Man

The boy got rejected, cut him some slack.

Today I Got Asked to Prom

Never mind that I was halfway down the hallway when they asked, or that the only reason they knew my name was because it was on the back of my sweatshirt. I think it was pretty legit.

293 Words

I need to fill this post with that many words. And there's nothing worth talking about today.

Yesterday I went to an all-day tennis tournament (went to school at 7am, got home at 6pm). I got sunburned, exhausted, and had a fabulous time. I won all of my games, we got second overall as a team. But I don't want to talk about it anymore. It was fun, but putting it down on paper doesn't seem to be doing it any justice.

After I got home, I went to Easter Vigil mass at 8. It lasted for two and a half hours, and is my all-time favorite service. We start outside standing around a fire, then process into a church without lights (except for the candles held by some of the congregation); the readings are the same every year, with the same soloists singing the same parts of the mass; candidates for baptism actually get to step into the baptismal font. Again, it is something that cannot be appreciated in words.

I'm sorry, this post is getting rather pathetic, now isn't it?

A Happy Easter to everybody today! Hope nobody had to work too hard, to too much homework, etc. Not sure what to do with your day? Go color some eggs, or have an Easter egg hunt, or eat some candy, or spend time with family. Those are my top suggestions for you.

I still have sixty words to go.

I googled Roxanne Betta to see if my blog would pop up. It did, but there was also this other site under mine about another girl named Roxanne Betta. I clicked on it and got this. At first I thought, "What are the odds that another girl would have the same name as me? Oh my gosh!" And just when I was getting excited, I realized that 'betta' was a slang for 'better' as in, "its roxanne betta known as... roxxy." And I had let myself get so excited. Oh well, I guess I don't really want people to think I was her. We're not really that similar.

Word Count: Completed

Because my last post was so long....

I'll make it up to you! Not saying that last one was boring, oh no. But your brain and eyes may be exhausted from such dedicated reading of my blog. So here's a song that recently found and I like I got from my sister, but El Cabrito happened to have it on his iPod too (though he doesn't know how it got there). What are the odds of it being in two places? I took it as a sign to share it with you guys. Here's Franz Ferdinand's 'Take Me Out.'

Roxanne, Dead Body. Dead Body, Roxanne.

Yesterday was my fifth time ever seeing a dead body. It was the first time that it was not for a funeral. I went with a group of students to a cadaver viewing at a nearby college. Not going to lie- I was kind of nervous. I had been excited for the entire week, but as the date grew closer, I began to wonder: Would I find it disturbing? How old would the person....body....be? Would I pass out? I didn't know. I mean, this had been an actual human being. And I understand they donated their body to science willingly, but I find it weird to think they used to breathe, talk, laugh, love, and have a family.

We got there, and who did I discover was our guide? Why, the super-cool brain lady who had talked to our biology class earlier this year! Not only was she super-funny, but she knew what she was talking about. And she warned us properly before we got into the room: "Now, there's a certain......disturbance factor that occurs when people first see a cadaver. You tend to stiffen up and lock your knees. And what happens then? All the blood goes to your feet. So if I see any of you being statues, I'm going to make you move around or do a dance!" She proceeded to dance.

We went in and she pulled back the moist towels covering the body (the cadaver must be kept wet to remain preserved). Honestly? It wasn't too bad. The room had its own ventilation system that circulated the air constantly, keeping the possible stench down. Thankfully, the face of the body was covered, relieving us of the discomfort of feeling a more human connection. Plus, it turned out that the body was of a 95 year old male- so no sadness about a life cut short.

The brain lady took off the sternum, revealing the inner cavity of the body. But something seemed to be missing in the upper region. "Oh! The heart and lungs aren't in here right now because they dry out so quickly. Let's see, where did I put them.....?" She rummaged around the room (I mean, they're so easy to misplace), finally locating the organs and placing them in the chest so we could see what a complete body looked like. We looked at the organs, with the heart in particular. It turned out that for this man, his heart was enlarged to try to compensate for weaker pumps, probably due to old age. She also told us that he had had bypass surgery and showed us the leg artery that they had removed and placed on the heart to redirect blood. How did they get to his heart? He had staples in his sternum where they had cut him open.

After that, we got to put on gloves ourselves and "explore."
Heart: cut in half so we could see inside
Lungs: very spongy and squishy
Liver: big
Gallbladder: green (I guess because of the bile it makes and holds)
Kidney: smaller than I thought (a little smaller than the size of my fist)
Aorta: SO long! I thought this main artery only came out of the heart for a few inches. Who knew it was about a foot long?
Brain and spinal cord: These were cut out, and they were so cool
Small and large intestine: Actually, they looked a lot like they do in the textbooks

There's more, yes, but I don't want to bore you. I did feel a little light-headed at times, but I didn't know if that was because of the body or just the temperature of the room (with ten people in there it got a little toasty). We asked the brain lady if it was uncomfortable for her to deal with so many cadavers. She said, "Not really. I like to think of this as their last wish, and if this is what they wanted then we should learn as much as we can." It was a good perspective.

Did the day make me want to go into a career with cadavers (like medical, etc.)? I don't think so. Despite her enthusiasm, I don't think I could handle death so eloquently as the brain lady. Seeing corpses day after day would not make me the person I want to be, but I would like to do another tour or something like it in the future. In a way, seeing death puts your life in perspective for you (that didn't sound cliche or anything). And would I donate my body to science? To have people pick it apart and stare at my liver? I remain undecided, but it doesn't sound like such a bad idea. Give me a few years to think about that one.

Want to donate your body to science? Visit a local university to receive a registration packet.

"Spaceman" by the Killers

Well, his outfit's a little weird, but that doesn't stop me from liking this song.

The Return of the Writer's Block

I knew it wouldn't leave me forever. Unfortunately for me, this means I can't think of anything to tell you about (coherently, at least). Unfortunately for you, you have to put up with it. But really, I won't be offended if you choose not to read anymore of this, because it will be rather random.

I went to church today at 9am to help set up for a Confirmation retreat that I would be helping out with until 5. I didn't know what to expect, but lately I have really enjoyed church and decided that volunteering would do me some good. After all of the team leaders met and got a brief rundown of the day, we headed over from the hall we were set up in to the actual church. And oh my God, there were so many people there for Palm Sunday (the week before Easter). I couldn't believe my eyes- there wasn't even enough room for everybody to sit down. Very cool.

The retreat? Well, it was what I expected in that the kids (mostly about freshman age) weren't that enthused. And I have to admit, I was the same way when I was getting confirmed. But sitting there, learning the lessons again, made me appreciate it so much more. I even got to give a brief, random, totally unprepared talk about faith in my life. It was pretty bad, but it was honest- I hope the candidates took at least something positive from it.

Why do some people so readily try to disprove religion? Is it such a horrible thing to believe in something? In someone? Why is it always "there's no proof God exists" and not, "there's no proof God doesn't exist"? I understand that there is the want for things to be 'scientifically proven,' but it must also be understood that for some, such proof is not necessary. And there is nothing wrong with either route of thought. For Pete's sake, yes, challenge each others' ideas; it is a good way to strengthen your own. But at the end of the day, accept that people will think what they want to. And that is okay.

Security Clearance

It should not be this difficult. That's all I can say.

Dear God

Here I am, at the All-City Music Contest. I managed to sneak away to the computer lab to do something productive with my time while I sit and wait for my last group to go.

There was too much to do today:

Brass Quintet: meh

Horn Quartet: oh my (the bad type of 'oh my')

Horn Duet: not too shabby

Horn Solo: AHHHHH!! Let's just say I never came in and we'll call it even, okay, judge?

Brass Choir: TBA, but probably boring.

It's boring just talking about these things. I'm going to stop now before I put any of you to sleep. But I just wanted YOU, my precious readers, to know that I was thinking of YOU while I was here in this mini musical hell.

The Security Guard and the Engineer

Yesterday afternoon I was sitting in the lobby of an office building, waiting for the woman I was supposed to talk to. An old man sat at the security desk, his blue uniform pressed and comb-over hair perfectly in position. He looked at me with a kind smile and said, "Would you like me to call her for you?" I said yes, and he did. We then sat in silence.

It was around 5:00; the time when many engineers decide to call it quits for the day. Each murmured a "Have a nice night" or a "Take it easy" to the old man as they left. He told them to do the same.

Then, an older woman walked in. Her black hair was obviously dyed, and she her makeup was a bit excessive (with the thick mascara and pencilled-on eyebrows), but it suited her well. The security guard saw her and smiled.

"Are you headed out?" he asked

"Yeah, it's about that time." She glanced out the window at the rain. "Oh, drat! I thought it was going to be snowing out. Now I'm going to get all wet. But I might have an umbrella in here somewhere....." She began rummaging through her purse.

The old man laughed. After a few moments, the woman found her desired object. "Ah ha! Here it is!"

The guard grinned as he looked at it and said, "That's looks like a baby umbrella." It was one of those that can compressed, making it look very tiny. "But if it does the job, then why not, huh?"

The engineer woman laughed. "As long as it keeps my hair dry, I'm happy. See you tomorrow, alright?"

"Okay, you take care now." He watched the old woman as she left, a smile still on his face even after she was gone.

Now if that isn't cute, I don't know what is.

Stick Me!

Yeah, that's right. I saved three lives aka gave blood yesterday.

Was I nervous? That's up for interpretation. I went to the drive at my previously scheduled time at 8:15, filled out the necessary forms (no, I'm not being forced by the mafia to give blood; no, I haven't sold my services for money; no, I didn't travel to Africa and get AIDS), and got in line. I felt fine- perhaps a little anxious. But no hyperventilation, because I had given blood before.

Correction, I have tried. Over the summer my church had a blood drive, and so I went. Long story short, it was not a success. They poked one arm and got some blood, but then the flow stopped. They tried to make it go again by twisting and adjusting the needle in my arm, but no luck; they had to take it out. But I was a trooper! "Do you want us to try the other arm?" they asked. "Sure!" I replied. I had already been stuck once, why not twice? Still, same problem. But I thought they would still tell me my blood type, at least. But no; I left the drive without the warm feelings of giving back and with long bruises up and down my arms. Though I did get some cookies out of the deal.

Yesterday, I vowed for things to be different. I drank an ungodly amount of water the day before to pump up my veins and avoided sick people like they were the plague. But when the woman took my blood pressure, iron levels, and pulse rate, my pulse was too high. "Hmm..your pulse is a little high, so we'll just take it again when you go and sit down in your chair." My thoughts: 'WHAT?! No. My pulse cannot be too high. I HAVE to calm down right now or else I can't give blood. CALM DOWN!' Needless to say, that didn't help. I had to come back later to give it another go.

When I came back and got back in line, March of the Penguins was playing. The blood drive nurses told me that they had had too many high pulses that day. What better way to calm people down than watching waddling penguins with the narration of Morgan Freeman? And it worked- my pulse was under 100 beats per minute!

To finish briefly, they stuck me, said I had weird, squiggly veins, and that my flow was really slow. But it kept flowing! I managed to fill up the whole blood bag without passing out, ate a cookie (despite my Lenten resolution, but I didn't want to die or anything so decided God would understand), and went back to class.

Yay for giving blood! If you haven't YOU should give it a shot. Are you eligible? Check it out.

Making Bread

That's right. Today I decided to roll up my sleeves, face my fears, and have an attempt at baking. I decided to look online for a bread recipe. I had two requirements: first, that our kitchen contained all of the necessary ingredients; and two, that it was simple. I suppose a third key was that it had to taste good (but I just had to gage that one off of reviews others had given the bread).

It took a little bit of looking, but I finally found this recipe. Five-star light oat bread (it's supposed to look like that picture). And the directions just said add everything to a bread machine and you'd be set to go. Well, I didn't have a bread machine, but how difficult could it be, really?

I found a lady's comment explaining how to make the bread without a bread machine. I mixed the dry ingredients in one, the wet in another, and combined them. Simple, no?

Well, it got tough with the kneading. First, the bread was REALLY sticky, and even though I floured the counter and the bread and my hands, it got stuck everywhere. I had to scrape it off and wash my hands so that I could start again. The second time around I added so much flour that.....well, I'm not sure how it will turn out. But still, it kept getting sticky, and because I didn't want to add too much flour, I stopped kneading only after about four minutes (five to eight is recommended, or until the dough is elastic-like....mine wasn't really).

So then the directions said to let the dough rise. I know, I know, for all of those who can cook, this stuff seems pretty obvious, but I wasn't sure- do I let it rise in the fridge? sitting out? covered? left open to the fresh kitchen air? I first decided just to set it out covered in plastic wrap. After I had done the dishes, I remembered that my mom covers hers with a towel. So I did that.

Now it's just sitting there, under the cloth. It doesn't look like it's risen at all (probably from the lack of kneading). But I hope it rises a bit, because then I get to punch it back down! Who knows. I'll try to update you later, after I've baked it, to tell you how it turns out.

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The bread barely rose at all, but it did get a little bigger when we baked it. It's really dense...almost like a rock. But it's a really good tasting rock. I recommend the recipe, even if you can't get the thing to puff up! Seriously, if I can do it, there's no doubt that you can, too.

Visiting the Cousins

This weekend my family drove up to Minnesota to visit my cousins (mom's side). I absolutely love going there. They live out of the way, sort of in the country. I swear we drove past more farmland trying to get to their house than we pass in Iowa. And when we get there, our cell phones are in roam, neighbors are a good hundred feet away from one another, and town is about a fifteen minute drive away. The partial isolation is kind of nice.

I know it's not said as much these days, but I really do love my family. Sure, here and there we had a temper tantrum from the four-year-old and some insensitive comments from the eighth-grader, but who said families are perfect? Besides, I'm pretty sure the eighth-grader was more juiced up on his newly-acquired testosterone than anything else. Being with them, I can see their growth and learn new things (I didn't know Polish sausage was venison, or that vacuum salesmen could be so relentless).

What did we do? Aside from a day of shopping (in which I got some wardrobe updates, like these shoes), we spent a lot of time around the house. We played Frisbee in their cornfield (with this kind. It goes so far! We had to climb over the wire fence on the property line to go fetch it once, and another time had to climb a tree), swung dangerously on their tire swing, and were introduced to their four outdoor cats (Mittens and Lilly being my favorites). I would go on, but I suppose you know the typical family stuff: sitting and talking, etc. The last thing of note was play chess and watch "Get Smart", a movie that I had forgotten how much I enjoyed. My favorite clip is posted below.

All things must end, and it's nice to be back home. Visiting family is great, but we would probably be under each others' skin had we stayed longer. Our trip was short and sweet. The perfect kind.

Happy First Day of Spring!

The Perils of the Telephone

When your phone works the way it's supposed to, you don't notice. But when the phone goes wrong, it's an ugly, ugly day. The worst things about the telephone:

1. The fax: Have you ever had a fax get the wrong number and they end up calling your home phone? If you pick up, you get the soothing "BEEP! BEEEP! BEEEEP! BEEEEP!" coming from their end. It's like the machine's trying to send you some top secret message in identical-sounding beeps. So what do you do? Annoyed, you hang up the phone. No less than a minute later, your phone rings again! You pick it up and, suprise! It's the machine again (probably miffed that you didn't listen the first time). Angry this time, you slam the phone down. When the phone rings for the third time, you resolve not to pick up the phone: show that fax who's boss. But you forgot about voicemail, didn't you? "Hey we're not here right now, but if you leave your name and number and we'll get back to you as soon as we can. Thanks!" "BEEP! BEEEP! BEEEEP!" Ahhhhh! You can't take it anymore! WHY ARE THEY STILL CALLING YOU? Didn't they notice that the people that were supposed to receive the message ten minutes ago still haven't gotten it? There's really no (logical and reasonable) escape from The Great and Scary Fax.


2. People with caller-id: (I have caller-id, myself, but for argument's sake....) Just who do they think they are? "I get to choose whether or not I think you are important enough for me to answer the phone." No, you should not get to choose who is important enough for to talk to you. You should have to interact with people whether you like it or not- isn't that what life is about? There is not always a choice. And besides, I don't like wondering whether people really aren't home, or if they see my name come up and decide I am not worth their time. Want someone to blame? Dr. Kazuo Hashimoto invented the first prototype.


3. Caller-id failure: On the flip side, for those of us with caller-id, we want it to work. We didn't buy the service so that "UNKNOWN" or "OUT OF AREA," pops up on our screen. Calls were unknown before we got caller-id. It was annoying, so we got caller-id. So I expect the phone to cough up who's on the other end. Nevertheless UNKNOWN makes us curious. "Oooh, unknown. Maybe it's a top-secret line, the FBI, or a serial killer concealing his number." Or could it just be one of those annoying political adds. Or a fax.
   


4. Complicated office phones: Have you ever tried to use one? Impossible. For God's sake, you just wanted to make a call! But now you're stuck: do you have to dial nine? Press line one? Two? Press private or mute? Wrap yourself in the telephone cord? WHAT will make your call go through?! Answering is even worse. Should you answer it? What if it's not for you? Do you have to press those line numbers again? How do you transfer a call? If you accidentally hang up on the caller, will you get fired? Why couldn't it have just been one of those phones that has twelve buttons: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,*,0, and #? Go ahead and get in the fetal position. I'll wait.
   


5. The Internet sound: Nearly extinct nowadays. But not five years earlier, remember? You picked up the phone to dial a friend, put it up to your ear to listen for a dial tone, and got blasted with "SHHHHHHHH!rrrrEEEErrrrrrEEEErrrrrWOOOSHHHHHH!!!!!" Then you had to go find whoever was online and argue with them over who's needs were more important. Then, after a show-down between the two of you, IF you won, you could finally make your call. Only to get the busy signal on their end: their family was online, too. Luckily this one has gone out of style as dial-up becomes unpopular, but I doubt we will forget those days (and I know you need stories to tell your grandchildren someday......."When I was a whipper-snapper, you had to make a choice: the internet or the phone..." That'll get 'em really riled up). Some things were just too horrific to repress.
   

Can YOU rap in Hebrew?

Me neither, but these guys can! It is a combination group: Subliminal (Kobi Shimoni) & The Shadow (HaTzhal). Their album (right), The Light and The Shadow, frequently covers Israeli-Arab conflicts (so says this site, because I can't translate their lyrics myself). The song is called Tikva (Hope).

Subliminal & The Shadow - Tikva (Hope) [Eng & Heb. Subtitled].

Sweet, sweet justice

Don't you just love it when people get what they deserve? I do, too. So if you haven't seen any of these yet, make it a point to.

1. Shawshank Redemption: Accountant Andy Dufresne is sent to jail for supposedly killing his wife and her lover. Once in jail, he faces hardened criminals, cruel guards, and a corrupt warden. He does meet one close friend, Ellis Boyd "Red" Redding, whose narrations are sprinkled throughout the movie. Andy faces many less-than-amusing situations: being beaten by the Shawshank State Prison's top gang, being refused a retrial despite a new testimony (the person to give the testimony is.....disposed of by the Prison; on purpose, mind you), and being forced to balance the warden's dishonest books. I won't say the end, but just know that it will make you want to point at the screen and say "Ha!" to all the people who thought they had gotten the best of him.
2. Dexter: This Showtime series doesn't have your average plot. Dexter Morgan, a blood spatter specialist who works for the Miami police department, also happens to be a serial killer. Who does he kill? Why, killers, of course! He channels his own killing urges on....well, people that "deserve" it. The show demonstrates his struggles to appear normal, uncover his mysterious past (he remembers little from his life before adoption at a young age), and to solve a peculiar case in which the killer is trying to connect with Dexter, personally. It's gripping, amusing, and you find yourself wondering how you could possibly be connecting with such a dark yet lovable character.
3. The Count of Monte Cristo: The movie portrayal of Alexandre Dumas's book is themed: "Don't get mad, get even. Well, ok, do both, but just don't forget that second part." The story begins in France with best friends: Edmond Dantes and Fernand. Fernand, however, is jealous of Dantes: his luck, his woman (Mercedes), and his happiness despite his poverty. His plan? Set Dantes up (with the help of an angry shipmate of Dantes and Villefort- a magistrate who wants Dantes in jail to prevent him from spilling the beans that Villefort's father is a supporter of Napoleon). Sending Dantes to a brutal prison, he remains there for 13 years until he manages to escape. And when he does, he has one thing in mind: ruin the lives of those that ruined mine. The movie has made revenge never seem so meticulous, so planned, so sweet.

Now go watch one and feel that sense of satisfaction. Did I miss any? Let me know.

Please Pass the Salt and the Socially-Acceptable Behavior.

My family is going over to our neighbors' house for dinner tonight. We haven't been over to someone's like this in about a year (we're not antisocial or anything...i don't think...it's just that the opportunity never comes up). I hope my proper social behavior hasn't gone rusty. Potential problems I see:

• Soo......: I won't be able to think of anything to talk about. "How's life next door? See any creepers around?" probably isn't the best conversation-starter. As I sit here and brainstorm, though, there is actually a lot we can catch up on: The wife (what should I call her? The woman? The girl? The female next-door-neighbor?) is pregnant, and I'm not sure how far along she is. Have they thought of names? Do they know if it's a boy or a girl? I can take that card and run with it. At least until my parents jump in.
• Meat? MEAT?!?: This poses more of a dilemma than an opportunity for a neighbor throw-down. I am Catholic. It is the Lenten season. Today is Friday. Friday = no meat during Lent. What are they serving? Meatballs. We're not those people that force our religion on other people-"I reject this sinful food you have prepared. Go back and make something else." We'll eat it and have a nice time (wouldn't it be worse to push the plate away? I think so). I just like picturing what that scene would be like.
• Life story- unabridged or edited?: I know that neighbors are always curious about each other. But how much do they really want to know? How much should be told? I don't want to end up telling them every allergen that makes me break out into a rash, but I don't come off as revealing as a Top-Secret FBI agent. Where is the balance?

I'll just have to see how it goes. Hopefully I won't insult them enough to make them kick us out of their home and move away. That would go under a "that didn't go so well" category. Yet I remain optimistic: I have resolved that I will act socially acceptable and will have a good time, and what more can I really hope for?

It couldn't go this bad.

Pan's Labyrinth (El Laberinto del Fauno)

If you have not seen this movie, you need to.

Tell me what I'm like, because I have no idea.

That wasn't really a question that I intended for you readers to answer about me. I probably don't want to know what you think, anyway. NOT because you don't have valid, accurate ideas (so don't close out of this window in offense). On the contrary, you are all geniuses and would end up revealing too much about me for my ego to handle (or accept). So answer it if you want, but know that I had no intention of you doing so; it was just a title.

This week in my psychology class we have been studying personality. And what would a personality lesson be without a personality test? So we filled out a questionnaire, giving 4's to the word most and 1's to the words least like us (giving 3's and 2's to the two words in between).

For example:

I am:................................. logical...............practical..............idealistic................creative

I value: ............................fairness..............tradition..........personal growth..........pleasure

I am annoyed by:.............. illogical people.......messy people.........rude people........negative people

I have a lot of: .................. natural wit.........commonsense..............love..................energy

For me, I am most logical, then practical, then creative, and least idealistic. So my scoring goes as follows: logical=4, practical=3, creative=2, idealistic=1. Got it? Good, now take the extremely shortened version above(ours had 23 questions).

What do your scores mean? Add up the columns. If you have the most in the:

1st column: Surprise! You are considered rational.

2nd column: Ta-dah! You are considered organized.

3rd column: Yay! You are considered loving.

4th column: Hoo-rah! You are considered energized.

What's the next step? Hypothetically, you would receive a packet that explained what type of person you were.

When I read mine, I was so happy to find how well the rational description described me. It said, among other things, that I was "typically calm and clear headed," I have "high performance standards," and am "meticulous and exacting." It was speaking directly to me, and it was eerily accurate (well, except for a few things, like I don't "speak in theoretical and complex terms...[and] talk over the heads of others." I don't think I could do that if I tried).

But really, why should that surprise us? We took the test. We gave our answers. Of course these "revealing" paragraphs about our personality are going to describe us!

Did you do the test above? Why? Did you not know what you were like? Of course you know your personality- you know if you prefer big or small groups, physical or cognitive connections, clear-cut rules or absolute freedom. Still, we jump at the chance to fill out yet another questionnaire.

Perhaps it is not so that we can describe ourselves, but so that we can understand others. Isn't it easier to say, "Oh, the test said I was rational person," than, "The test says I am content being alone, dislike being controlled by my feelings, and am often thought of as a perfectionist"? If someone said the latter, we would see them as too self-disclosing (I just met you, and I didn't want to know all of your inner struggles, thank you very much.....I'm just going to go.....somewhere......yeah........). With the first answer, it gives a small glimpse at others, while revealing ourselves in a more acceptable fashion.

Personally, I LOVE taking these tests (is test the right word? there's no right answer, after all). True, I know what I'm like, but that's not the point. These tests give you the chance to see how you compare to others. Are you similar? Polar opposites? As humans, all of us need connection with others at some time or another. Being able to share our "personalities" with one another, we may so happen to find someone else who loves to be antisocial in a corner just as much as we do.

"Joggers and Dead Bodies Theory"

Don't jog in the morning. Trust her.

A Short Little Story

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Ok. That was a bunch of random typing. Now I'm going to make a story using each letter as the first letter of a new word. Ready?

A large, smelly, dinosaur raced across seven extravagant territories. Yet because my friend said, "Delicately! Kindly!", Stegosaurus Ike stepped rationally, hoping desperately to heed rules involving over-sized kreatures. Zealous state Jamania's amendments read: "All stegosauruses entering our regime in August shouldn't trek harshly. Just journey, negating violent movements."
Very carefully, large Stegosaurus Ike evacuated, running under Yamania's authority. Said dictatorship kills foreign Jamanians and sells Edmontosauri. Luckily, though, our Ike had a green-card and lived.
Soon exhausted, run-down Ike quit progressing, electing just for movement x-iting mandates zoically. Suddenly, a she-Stegosaurus (and he) 'loped, ending Ike's roaming. I arranged great housing onan island, everything richly unique, sweetly luxurious, and kick-butt-ish. So, definitely fanciful'n jolly.

Wow that ending was pathetic, and I cheated here and there, but it took me longer than I thought. Do your own and post them on your blogs. I want to see what you come up with!