tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45793095904729718292024-03-13T12:57:35.766-07:00Allergic to the SunA northeastern American goes to Nice, France and then decides to move to Portland, Oregon.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4579309590472971829.post-74202986724672241852016-04-28T10:11:00.004-07:002016-04-28T10:11:39.637-07:00Why I Write.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm planning on making a YouTube video on this topic, so I thought I'd collect my thoughts here.<br />
<br />
This is such a complicated, multi-layered subject. Something you may or may not know about me is that I played tennis for most of my life up until five years ago. My relationship with tennis is tangled and weird and confusing. My relationship with writing is the same, but if tennis is shroud in shadow, writing is cast in light. Although, similar to a yin-yang symbol, neither one is absolute.<br />
<br />
There's a picture of me in one of many childhood photo albums where I'm holding up a piece of paper, either the same size as my body or larger, and I've written out my name. I look really pleased with myself. I don't remember how old I am in the photo, but by that point, I was definitely a fan of paper, pens, pencils, crayons, and markers. I was also a little reader. My mom and dad read to me every night--<i>Little House on the Prairie</i> with Mom, and the classic Berenstain Bears books with Dad (we probably read those well past the intended age bracket). Mom liked good stories, usually historical fiction, and Dad liked morals.<br />
<br />
I have stacks and stacks of journals (rarely is one completed), containing half-formed poems, songs, and, well, rants. I have a memory of carving several pages worth of my favorite swear word at the time after a row with my dad. I'm aware the narration of these diaries is of very low caliber, and I cringe to think of the spelling and grammatical errors that run rampant. However, these journals are some of the first places I began to organize my thoughts, dreams, ideas, and stories.<br />
<br />
I guess you could say I was drawn to writing even before I understood what the craft entailed. I wrote with free abandon, letting the words come out of me. I did nothing to organize these nebulous lines; my poetry was horrible. My reading was of similar low station (although there are exceptions)--I gulped down shitty young adult fiction, even though I thoroughly enjoyed the more literary texts we read in school. I simply did not consider that I could read classics on my own. I did not know what contemporary fiction was. And I certainly didn't read poetry on my own. Although I loitered the poetry section of my local bookstore, whenever I leafed through Whitman or Plath, the obscurity of their words shut me out. I desperately wanted to "get" it, but I did not.<br />
<br />
I joined a writing group in high school, and this experience shaped me irrevocably. I tend to hyperbolize, but this is not an occasion of that. Here I learned to give shape to my words--not well, but the idea was laid down. I rubbed shoulders with wonderful, intelligent, and kind people, and created lasting memories of good conversation over warm cups of coffee after the café had closed. It was a safe space for me to go when so many other things in my life were uncertain.<br />
<br />
I knew I was an English major before I even knew what majors were. Right before I formally submitted the paperwork, I flirted with being a Philosophy major. But that only lasted for a moment, and so I embarked on my English-majoring journey. Additionally, I went into college with a Creative Writing concentration and thoroughly enjoyed my introductory course despite the abundance of nursing majors who where there to fulfill their humanities requirement. Studying creative writing in college and taking workshop-based classes helped me sharpen my style and voice and taught me to read widely. I did a directed study in which I observed my advisor write a non-fiction book-length piece, and the thesis statement of that reflective essay essentially reads, "in order to do the thing, you must do the thing." A writer writes.<br />
<br />
Am I writing? Yeah! Not as rigorously as some, but consistently enough. I could always write more. We all could. Yet I have my goals and my projects and I chip away. And that is good.<br />
<br />
But <i>why</i> do I do the thing? It's like this--because I want to. Because despite the blood, sweat, and tears, it mostly brings me joy. Because if I don't do it, I get cranky. Because it's an outlet. A call. A religion. (Haha, maybe. I don't know). (But it is definitely those other things).<br />
<br />
Why do we do anything? I think we are responsible for creating the meaning that is the lining in the fabric of our lives, and so because I attribute worth to writing, that is why I find it worth doing.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4579309590472971829.post-61910552576073787152016-03-23T21:14:00.001-07:002016-03-23T21:20:39.290-07:00Curry, Broad City, and Rebel of the Sands<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I can't believe that basically a month ago I turned 24. March happened in a blink of an eye. I know we still have a week of it left, but it doesn't feel that way. Spring always does this to me. It works on super speed. The end of summer and beginning of fall fuse and meld into winter like melting chocolate on a double broiler. It takes FOREVER. And then all of a sudden it's spring and I get really busy, like I'm making up for being a slow, lumbering hermit for four months, and before I know it it's the summer and I'm laughing and living and sweating but the sweating feels good--like I've worked hard for it and everything has been building up to this moment.<br />
<br />
Anyway, happy spring to you.<br />
<br />
Last week I got paid (I get paid every week) (but as I'm saving money, this pay period was specifically for grocery shopping) and I went grocery shopping, and I spent $20 AND GOT ALL OF THE VEGETABLES, because Quality Food Center has this amazing discount shelf where they bag up really ripe stuff in .99 cent pouches, and they also mark down anything that's on its way out, AND they have a section in the back where you can get dented canned food for like .43 cents. So, I took my loot home (strapped to my back as I biked) (yes, I'm trying to make this sound more epic than it actually, probably was) and made curry for the first time.<br />
<br />
I'd gotten a Whole Foods voucher for my birthday, so in my pantry tomato paste, curry powder, and canned coconut milk were already waiting for me. What I really enjoyed was taking the time to cook a hearty, amazing-smelling meal. Chopping vegetables. Simmering the onions with the tomato paste. Cooking down the squash and parsnips. Etc. (I don't know if there is a "real" way of making curry, so I'll omit a step-by-step rendition to avoid offending anyone). By the time it had finished cooking, I was excited to eat my late lunch (it tasted delicious) AND at that point I had two weeks of food to get through. I put half of it in the freezer and I have been slowly making my way through it.<br />
<br />
Last weekend was crazy. I did ALL THE THINGS, it seemed like. I got a stout with Emma and Aaron a day late to celebrate St. Patty's day. Then I slept over, got coffee with Dane, then we met up and got lunch with Emma before going to the Aviation Distillery gin tour and tasting, then Emma and I had another cocktail, then we went back to her apartment to have grilled cheese and watch Futurama, then Aaron and I took my bike to the bike shop, then Aaron and I met Laura and Tyler at Apex and had drinks and nachos, and then I went to Laura and Tyler's to try Laura's red velvet pancakes, then I slept over, then I hung out with Laura, Penny, and Stella while Laura made zucchini bread, then I ate her zucchini bread, then I biked home and made a YouTube video, then I relaxed and read before this crazy week started.<br />
<br />
This week I've had extra hours at work since the kids are on spring break. After work, I have had no energy for anything besides eating and curling up into a ball to watch TV or read. I have been watching the third season of <a href="http://www.broadcitytheshow.com/">Broad City</a> and if you haven't checked it out I say you should. It's a semi-sketch sitcom of two best friends living in New York City, and it's sort of the more realistic middle-class, aware of its privilege, funny version of GIRLS, but totally its own thing. It's produced by Amy Poehler and really great fun.<br />
<br />
I've also been reading <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24934065-rebel-of-the-sands?from_new_nav=true&ac=1&from_search=true">Rebel of the Sands</a> and oh my God, I just finished it earlier this evening (you can read my review <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1567937592?book_show_action=false">here</a>), and I loved it. It's everything I want out of YA and more. A girl from the desert is desperate to get to the city her dead mother always used to talk about, but when the opportunity arises and she finally escapes her small town, she is swept up into the legends of her people and the war of her time. Boom.<br />
<br />
READ IT. Do it. Doooooo ittttt.<br />
<br />
That's what I've been up to, people. These next couple of weeks I am going to lay low, copy-edit, and chill until Tom comes to visit. TOM IS COMING TO VISIT IN BASICALLY A WEEK AND A HALF. I'm super excited! We're going to take over Portland by storm.<br />
<br />
More soon. Xx.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nPtzejM6d7w/VvNpGwfY-AI/AAAAAAAAUnQ/4012ESvGMyg_b4b1WEmseshqnznYeuMJw/s1600/IMG_2128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nPtzejM6d7w/VvNpGwfY-AI/AAAAAAAAUnQ/4012ESvGMyg_b4b1WEmseshqnznYeuMJw/s320/IMG_2128.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Two weeks ago I went to a beer and doughnut festival if you can believe it!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7oz06N2nXW4/VvNpHTzH6iI/AAAAAAAAUnU/yXf6pVOR3S42uNs9J3BU0EunEnYaalJeg/s1600/IMG_2146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7oz06N2nXW4/VvNpHTzH6iI/AAAAAAAAUnU/yXf6pVOR3S42uNs9J3BU0EunEnYaalJeg/s320/IMG_2146.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
David visited me in Portland and we drank wine and ate abandoned peanut brittle. This may or may not have been on a bus. We also did lots of other fun Portland-y things!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J1JFr8BfyCE/VvNpHpcJ1GI/AAAAAAAAUnY/JYtERN_3chs7ZVnGO3SBP8_8lb3MXvyPg/s1600/IMG_2164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J1JFr8BfyCE/VvNpHpcJ1GI/AAAAAAAAUnY/JYtERN_3chs7ZVnGO3SBP8_8lb3MXvyPg/s320/IMG_2164.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Emma and Dane at the gin tasting!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-95VQbv1FCKw/VvNpIBl4q_I/AAAAAAAAUnc/bk3cva--LLA9XWR4r5npWfE7b4qliGnPA/s1600/IMG_2170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-95VQbv1FCKw/VvNpIBl4q_I/AAAAAAAAUnc/bk3cva--LLA9XWR4r5npWfE7b4qliGnPA/s320/IMG_2170.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A LITER OF CHOCOLATE STOUT. YES.</div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4579309590472971829.post-41198782355593722012016-03-04T19:06:00.000-08:002016-03-04T20:29:39.814-08:00Slow TF down.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This morning I woke up with the worst head cold and sore throat I've had in many a year. I don't <i>think</i> I have a fever, but I am currently experiencing what could be politely called a heat flash. I have been drinking orange juice all day, sleeping, and I chewed through an entire bag of Ricola lemon-mint cough drops (the best part of being sick). I also re-watched <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0091042/" target="_blank">Ferris Bueller's Day Of</a>f</i>, and I get it now. It's a good movie. Visually, story-telling-wise, sound track. Just, Ferris is a dick. Has anyone noticed that? He takes advantage of and manipulates the people in his life to have a good time. Yes, they usually experience something awesome that they otherwise wouldn't have, but still. Using your friends is dumb. He sort of redeems himself at the end when he apologizes to Cameron for getting them in trouble with the car. But do the ends justify the means??!!?!??!!?! Answer me that, blog-reader friend.<br />
<br />
Sanne at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/booksandquills" target="_blank">booksandquills</a> on YouTube recently made a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwCCfHSoMJE" target="_blank">video</a> about Helmiku--this series of videos she does every February. The video is a vlog in which she and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/marionhoney" target="_blank">Marion</a> go to Brick Lane AND GET RAINBOW BAGELS. I have always been attracted to colorful foods, despite the fact that food coloring does not enhance taste or texture in any meaningful way. But let me live out my rainbow food fantasies in peace, please. In my half-awake, half-delirious state, I have googled "rainbow bagels portland." This is what I found:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://portlandbagelcompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/13PBagels-0002-EPUERTO-_EPU3234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://portlandbagelcompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/13PBagels-0002-EPUERTO-_EPU3234.jpg" height="319" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://portlandbagelcompany.com/our-bagels/" target="_blank">Portland Bagel Company</a> makes a rainbow bagel. It's not the same as the one on Brick Lane, but the shop's cream cheese flavors are promising and--</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Oh my God. I was going to talk about how I never go to NW Portland and it would be good to have a reason go adventuring up there. But I just realized this place is in North Bend, OR. It's not even in Portland. It takes three hours to drive there by car.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Wow. Now half of this blog post is irrelevant.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You know what? I don't even care. Basically, I wanted to tell everyone that it's important to listen to your body and relax. Because if you don't slow down, your body will. And then you'll be bed-ridden, writing shitty blog posts about rainbow bagels you cannot even get to realistically. Although, if Ferris has taught me anything today, it's that I <i>should</i> live a little. Anyone up for a road trip? After I've recovered, of course.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sending out my love!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A</div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4579309590472971829.post-71074882776550244052016-02-17T10:48:00.000-08:002016-02-17T10:50:42.989-08:00February update.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I feel like the second half of January and the first half of February happened so fast. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>What is time?</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What have I been up to?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I took a little break from Writer's Forum.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've been reading quite a lot (as <a href="https://multcolib.bibliocommons.com/" target="_blank">the library in Portland</a> is phenomenal).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I started a second babysitting job.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iPWLmlLvbKs/VsS9-tS72EI/AAAAAAAASTk/0w9enBfSNDs/s1600/IMG_1844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iPWLmlLvbKs/VsS9-tS72EI/AAAAAAAASTk/0w9enBfSNDs/s320/IMG_1844.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I cat-sat some more.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ppDh8TQ0uhg/VsS9-oX4gLI/AAAAAAAASTc/mIj3bzHixTk/s1600/IMG_1850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ppDh8TQ0uhg/VsS9-oX4gLI/AAAAAAAASTc/mIj3bzHixTk/s320/IMG_1850.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've consumed a lot of coffee.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've been writing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've been making <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEgrwyp_E-8wWLD_r6cZizA" target="_blank">YouTube videos</a>.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8oNvbfyuyzA/VsS9-hs1SWI/AAAAAAAASTg/3EywgN64tbw/s1600/IMG_1855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8oNvbfyuyzA/VsS9-hs1SWI/AAAAAAAASTg/3EywgN64tbw/s320/IMG_1855.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I went to <a href="http://www.sainthonorebakery.com/view-our-division-location--locations-division" target="_blank">St. Honoré</a> on Division with Emily and we had a delicious French feast for lunch.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've been missing Europe.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-auxM_X9aPzY/VsS-BR-h75I/AAAAAAAASTs/ewVaHu3VwrY/s1600/IMG_1887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-auxM_X9aPzY/VsS-BR-h75I/AAAAAAAASTs/ewVaHu3VwrY/s320/IMG_1887.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1JPKLa-Ofc" target="_blank">I've been drinking</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've been hanging out with friends.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We've had some good life/philosophic/travel-related chats.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0CczKafjf7U/VsS-BcvMyLI/AAAAAAAASTo/v_9yZyX5lqQ/s1600/IMG_1921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0CczKafjf7U/VsS-BcvMyLI/AAAAAAAASTo/v_9yZyX5lqQ/s320/IMG_1921.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've been Instagraming.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fIi7CZCgQFg/VsS-DCUTLHI/AAAAAAAAST0/DPH-dkg2PYM/s1600/IMG_1951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fIi7CZCgQFg/VsS-DCUTLHI/AAAAAAAAST0/DPH-dkg2PYM/s320/IMG_1951.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've been hanging out with Sunny, Emily's dog.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We have gone on several walks.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I used the dog-treat bowl at <a href="https://www.umpquabank.com/" target="_blank">my bank</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
#banklocal</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GcB-NgjXSIQ/VsS-DjYxy0I/AAAAAAAAST4/fu_2qVDOqXQ/s1600/IMG_1955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GcB-NgjXSIQ/VsS-DjYxy0I/AAAAAAAAST4/fu_2qVDOqXQ/s320/IMG_1955.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And that pretty much brings us up to date.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Oh, and I've been copy-editing as well.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm turning 24 in 9 days.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ew.</div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4579309590472971829.post-71724392682365166232016-01-26T09:51:00.004-08:002016-01-26T09:51:59.727-08:00A Year of Listening: Audiobooks I Consumed in 2015<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I drafted an outline on this topic for a YouTube video, but when I finished writing it, I realized I had too much to say for one video. I decided to write a blog post instead.<br />
<br />
Early last year, many YouTubers made videos sponsored by Audible in which they discussed using a free trial and what their experience listening to audiobooks was like. (Amy Poehler's <i>Yes Please</i> had just come out, so many people reviewed that book; I haven't listened to the audiobook, but it's read by Amy and I hear it's great).<br />
<br />
This exposure to Audible and some other various factors persuaded me to get an account. And thus, I started my audiobook journey.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1406506532l/20603034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1406506532l/20603034.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I first downloaded <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20603034-rooms" target="_blank">Rooms</a></i> by Lauren Oliver. This is the story about two ghosts who watch as a family cleans out its late father/ex-husband's house. Gretchen at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjGXH0qGS56ayGmuwyHG9JQ" target="_blank">ChicNerdReads</a> had recommended it in book form, but for some reason I decided to listen to it. I think I thought it wasn't the type of book I'd normally read myself, but I'd be willing to have someone read it to me. Whatever my thinking, it doesn't matter: this audiobook is fantastic. The vocalists' performances make the book come alive. <i>Rooms</i> has multiple points of view, and each point of view has its own vocalist. The drama of the story is based on who knows what information and each speaker does a wonderful impression of the other characters--it's not corny at all. I would take long walks home from work just to listen to <i>Rooms</i>, and it really left me with a positive impression of audiobooks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1418614984l/22859497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1418614984l/22859497.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
After <i>Rooms</i>, I tried picking up <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22859497-etta-and-otto-and-russell-and-james" target="_blank">Etta and Otto and Russell and James</a></i> by Emma Hooper, but I really didn't like the performer's style, nor was I partial to, to be frank, the sound of his voice. I think I'd enjoy the story--a woman, who has never before seen the ocean, decides to go see it and just packs a gun and some chocolate and starts walking--but in text. I took a lengthy hiatus from audiobooks after this mishap.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1342257356l/13599433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1342257356l/13599433.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I had purchased <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13599433-the-casual-vacancy" target="_blank">The Casual Vacancy</a></i> by J.K. Rowling the previous year for when my mother and I cleaned and painted our house in Vermont. We put it on in the background, but we were always in different rooms and could never really commit to the story. I am so glad I gave it another go because it is incredibly heart-breaking and important. The writing is an example of Rowling's range as an author. Just because she's known for a heart-warming fantastical children's series doesn't mean she can't point out and look directly at so many messed up things in the very real world. Tom Hollande is a wonderful vocalist--each character sounds distinct and is recognizable without sounding artificial. Also, this story made me cry to the lyrics of "Umbrella" by Rihanna. The detail and complexity in this book is remarkable. However, it is not for the faint of heart. A listener must be in the right mindset.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1403479582l/22567427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1403479582l/22567427.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Next, I dipped an ear into <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22567427-the-girl-with-all-the-gifts" target="_blank">The Girl With All The Gifts</a></i> by M.R. Carey. It is a fresh look at the zombie apocalypse. I'd heard about this book through <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/jenvcampbell" target="_blank">Jen Campbell</a> on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwiPyJznVGA" target="_blank">BookTube</a> and was determined to give it a listen. Sadly, it took me forever to get through it. Partly because I was busy, and partly because I went back and forth between listening to music and listening to the audiobook while I was in transit, which is where I get most of my listening done. I do think, however, that the story itself is somewhat slow. While it is beautiful and sad in an eye-opening way, the tension takes a while to build. There is steady psychological and mental conflict, but the action is sparse. This does not necessarily make it a bad book, but maybe this style of book isn't conducive to a positive audiobook experience. By the time I got to the conclusion, I felt let down. It makes sense, but it didn't touch me in any lasting way. I wonder if I would have felt differently if I had read it, and in a shorter span of time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://covers.audiobooks.com/images/covers/full/9780698189621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://covers.audiobooks.com/images/covers/full/9780698189621.jpg" height="320" width="277" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I took a couple-month break before diving into <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24298721-the-girl-on-the-train" target="_blank">The Girl On The Train</a> </i>by Paula Hawkins. This is a sort-of-psychological crime thriller, and I don't want to say too much more because it is best to go in knowing very little. I adored this audiobook. And, I'd go so far as to recommend you listen to it in lieu of reading it. There are three female vocalists and they all do an amazing job. So amazing that they got in my head and made me question my own sanity.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1442340428l/26543921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1442340428l/26543921.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Next, I listened to <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26543921-why-not-me" target="_blank">Why Not M</a>e?</i> by Mindy Kaling. This book is great fun--Mindy reads it herself, and as a professional comedian, she delivers. Her advice and experiences are intriguing: this book is a solid choice for anyone interested in Mindy's work, the entertainment industry, and how to be a successful person. Mindy's writing has such a distinct voice that if I had read the book, I would have been able to hear her on the page. Her actual reading of it adds a nice touch to the whole experience.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1418771379l/20981352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1418771379l/20981352.jpg" width="291" /></a></div>
<br />
Finally, I have listened to <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20981352-the-art-of-asking-or-how-i-learned-to-stop-worrying-and-let-people-hel" target="_blank">The Art of Asking: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Let People Help</a></i> by Amanda Palmer three times now. This audiobook is changing my life. You should listen to it. Everyone should. I talk discuss <i>The Art of Asking</i> in more detail <a href="https://youtu.be/NOUqMgmocpY">here</a>: Feel free to check it out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/NOUqMgmocpY/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NOUqMgmocpY?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
So, what have I learned about audiobooks from my year of listening?<br />
<br />
There is not necessarily a particular genre of book that is more or less compatible with the audiobook format; however, slower-paced books, such as <i>The Girl With All The Gifts, </i>might be more enjoyable in book form.<br />
<br />
A vocalist's performance can make or break an audiobook. <i>Rooms</i> by Lauren Oliver isn't a book I would have normally picked up, but the vocalists kept me interested in the story they were telling.<br />
<br />
I want to listen to more psychological thrillers, because, during <i>The Girl On The Train</i>, I enjoyed feeling connected to the characters--like I was gaining access to the inside of their minds--through an audible voice.<br />
<br />
Listening to an author read her own non-fiction piece can have its perks--Mindy Kaling makes one or two side-notes that aren't in the book-version of <i>Why Not Me?</i>, plus some of her friends read parts of the book where appropriate, including B.J. Novak. In <i>The Art of Asking </i>audiobook, some of Amanda's songs are played in-between sections. And yet another bonus? You get to hear her Neil Gaiman impression.<br />
<br />
It's difficult to say which books <i>should</i> be listened to instead of read. Of course, as a reader-listener, you have your own taste--you have to experiment to see which things work for you. Some people really like listening to memoir or other non-fiction books, but I'm not sure I'd be able to pay attention for that long. Some wonderful books have terrible vocalists; often you can sample a piece of the audiobook before purchasing it. I'd recommend listening to these clips--it's pretty easy to tell how you like someone's voice right off the bat.<br />
<br />
I'm going to continue listening to audiobooks to see where they take me. If you're an avid audiobook listener, what sorts of things do you prefer to listen to? Do you have any recommendations? Let me know. Either way, happy listening!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4579309590472971829.post-23503502730202333002015-12-31T16:37:00.001-08:002015-12-31T16:54:45.315-08:00On Being Homeless.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Yesterday, I slept in my bed for the first time in a week, then promptly re-packed my bags and headed out again (after a load of laundry, a stop at the bank, a cup of coffee). Point is, I've been moving from house to house for dog-sitting, and now that I've done it for several days, I have a system down:<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1. Always pack extra socks.</div>
<div>
2. Take the bus when you're transporting your laptop and soluble instant coffee from house to house. (I don't know if anybody's ever told you, but it rains Portland. A lot.)</div>
<div>
3. Do not pack food. That shit is heavy, and there are several grocery stores in walking distance from where you are staying. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Bonus from dog-sitting (besides cash dolla dolla bills bills)? I've learned that I love dogs. I'm still more on the cat-person side of the pet-owner-identity spectrum, but let's say I'm a Part-Time Dog-Person...literally...it's my job.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When I moved to Sellwood at the beginning of December, I was delighted to have a room of my own again. My own bed. My own space to think in. A place to display my books (read: NOT stuffed in my suitcase). However, I quickly recognized some drawbacks to living in Sellwood: it's sort of far away from everything. And the buses are expensive and run irregularly. And even with the Springwater Corridor bike path, which cuts travel time in half, it often (surprise!) rains here, which I'm not about to bike in.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, if I want to go out, I either have to leave early enough to catch a bus, get a ride, or sleepover at a friend's house. Sleepovers can be fun, but there's that moment the next morning when all you want is your bathrobe, or a clean pair of socks (which you forgot to pack), or your own bed to laze around in.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Before Sellwood, I'd been crashing on friends' couches for extended periods of time, and I am grateful. I would not be where I am now without their abundant hospitality and aid. I've enjoyed living in their living rooms, on their futon and couch, curled up with their furry friends. Seeing them every day--getting a chance to chat about whatever--has brought us closer, and it has also helped me process my headspace as I barrel onward in my life-journey. (Thanks again, guys. You know who you are).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Before that, I'd stayed at my parents' house for several weeks. Before that I'd moved from Daphne's flat in Nice, to another Niçoise flat--taking residence in a friend's room to split rental costs. I had my own bed, and lived there for several months, but it still felt temporary. In Scotland, I stayed in a hotel, a hostel, Natalie's parents' house, and one night, after a jaunt in Glasgow, on her friend's couch. In London, I stayed with Tom. I have not really not lived out of a suitcase since residing at 5 rue delille.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
College was a longer-term temporary situation. I knew I'd be there for a while, but I was also aware of an end date. Hartwick is where I perfected my moving skills. That first semester, I co-inhabited a dorm room with my randomly-assigned roommate, Danielle (we're now nerd-compatriots), yet I quickly realized I needed to join the environmental campus, Pine Lake, after my tennis teammate took me there for a day trip one weekend and we made pumpkin soup with Ashley and Casey in Outback 1 (or was it Outback 2? I can't remember). After finals, Emily's mom helped Emily and me shuttle our belongings to our double in the Lodge. Summers, I boxed up my stuff and either packed it in the trunk of my mom's Toyota Highlander, or moved it, one or two parcels at a time, to my room in the Farmhouse (the Pine Lake summer staff house). Each semester I schlepped my books, bedding, random array of collected furniture (a rocking chair, a beat up arm chair, a rug) from Lodge room to Redwood 1, back to the Lodge. I went to Paris and packed minimally, taking on the French mentality of employing several basic, essential items of clothing, and accenting these with the orange and green scarf Shannon brought me from India, and my Salvation Army trench coat, and my sturdy black clogs (which served me well, carrying me across miles of Parisian cobblestone). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I came home to the Cozy house in Oneonta with my one suitcase, stuffed with the books I'd acquired from patroning Shakespeare & Company. That was a great summer of barista-ing, beer, and trampolining. Then, one late-August morning, Shannon lent me her car so I could bring my <i>many</i> (sarcasm) possessions to townhouse A5 for senior year. I made a home with three hooligans: Olivia, Ben, and Aaron, and enjoyed providing refuge for stranded Pine Lakers whenever they needed a place to chill on campus. I stayed in townhouse A5 all year, and that was the longest residence I'd kept since moving to Litchfield, Connecticut with my family in 2009. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Litchfield sucked. I managed to get a part-time barista position at Common Grounds Café, which allowed me to save my own money--(most of which would go to a J-term trip in New York City the following year), but I was still battling my parents for independence; I underwent non-stop identity crisis (there was never a dull moment); and it took me the entire year to find people I could be myself around. I still resent Litchfield to this day. I'm trying not to be so bitter about it, and in many ways the struggles I endured have helped shape me--for the better. What I struggle to understand is why so many of the people I met in Litchfield were assholes. Maybe my judgement has been clouded by retrospective, residual angst, but I feel like my peers could've been more inviting. Sure, there was the brief <i>let's all meet the new girl</i> phase, but no one really cared to get to know me. Not for a while, anyway. I just wanted to be seen, and very few people took the bait. (That being said, here's a huge shout out to Katie, Bridget, and Chris for encouraging me to air my freak flag in their presence. Thank you, guys, for making me feel not so alone).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Vermont, although it's going on six years since I've had an 802 area code, has the closest semblance to home. This is where I grew up. Where I fell in love with bookshops. Where I became a vehement devotee of cheese, maple syrup, poetry, mochas, skiing, New England weather in all four of its glorious seasons, sustainability, and community (although I wouldn't be able to articulate my appreciation for some of these things for some time). It's where I met my best friends, started second families, and built pockets of support systems. Vermont is where I first planted the seeds of wanting to become an artist.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Syracuse, the city in which I was born, feels as foreign to me as Mars. I have a mild interest in it, but no burning desire to visit any time soon.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This pattern of migration didn't start with me: I come from a family of nomads. My grandfather on my father's side was the son of a marine officer, and they moved from place to place all his life, until Granddad started a family with my grandmother in Ithaca, NY. My grandmother moved from Decatur, Georgia to Miami, Ohio, to Ithaca--this is where she raised her children and began her role as a grandmother--before moving to Sarasota, FL. And, of course, my mother, youngest of eight siblings, saved her money to leave Brazil and move to America...where she met my dad. My parents began their relationship in Washington D.C., went to Cincinnati for a bit, and then lived in Syracuse, which, if you've been following the story, you'll correctly guess is where me and my sister came along.<br />
<br />
You can probably see why I have a difficult time answering the question, "So, where are you from?" When I'm living abroad, I have the opportunity to respond simply: <i>Je suis américaine</i>. But if people inquire further, things get messy. "Oh, I grew up in Vermont, but I've been living in ______," or "I grew up in Vermont, but my parents moved to Connecticut when I was a senior in high school," or "I went to college in upstate New York before teaching English in France last year and then for a couple of months I lived in a small town nearby where I went to college before moving to Portland. Cooperstown? It's where you'll find the Baseball Hall of Fame." I've always struggled with this question, never able to give a one-word answer.<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Where</i> am<i> I from?</i> If I'm being honest, I think the truest answer is that I'm not <i>from</i> anywhere. I'm homeless. Or, hometown-less.<br />
<br />
I was talking to Tom about my hometown-less-ness, and he mentioned that the nomadic thing is an American thing. He has a point. The draw to discovery and adventure--<i>to the west!</i> To fortune! To fame! is an American quality. Plus, America has a wonky workforce narrative. People follow jobs, and jobs crop up depending on opportunity--across miles and miles of country.<br />
<br />
For a long time, I'd been sort of sad about not having a hometown. But I've realized that many people aren't necessarily proud of their hometowns. In fact, a lot of American short stories, novels, poems, and plays all depict youngsters desperate to leave wasted-away, one-stoplight townships in search of something bigger. I need not cite fictional stories; my aunt Robin left small, college-town Ithaca for the Big Apple. I actually wanted to leave Vermont while I was living there. <i>Everything is SO FAR AWAY. NOTHING happens here. I'm so BORED. </i>Of course, promptly after leaving I realized Vermont is a beautiful, liberal utopia.<br />
<br />
Many people leave the place in which they grew up in search of something <i>else</i>. Something grand. Something that fills them up and forces them to grow. People may not know why they want to leave, exactly, but they feel a call. So they go. And by leaving, they turn to homes fabricated, nestled in-between the cracks of the road. Sometimes home is <i>on</i> the road, in the form of of a car, ox-drawn wagon, minibus, or motorcycle. Many of the homes I've found and co-created I mention, in some form or other, in the story above: Pine Lake is a big one. 5 rue delille. Cozy. My friends' living rooms. But more so, many of these homes haven't been in actual houses. They've been found in relationships with people. I feel part of and rely on <i>communities</i> when I need support, comfort, a shoulder, a pillow, a ride, a conversation, a coffee, a hug, a kiss, a memory, a dream. These connections, lasting or temporary (oftentimes dormant for months before resurging when I need them most), are my homes. My many various, montage-y, bespeckled homes.<br />
<br />
So, I'm not really homeless at all. Not really. I'm home-a-lot.<br />
<br />
As I continue through life, I hope to maintain my open membership of these magical places. At some point, I'd like to have a home<i>base--</i>where there are shelves to store my library, an open bed for a visiting friend, a kitchen for cooking Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, a table for hosting pot lucks, a pillow to rest my weary head, a desk for working, etc. But home, simply, will always be, as it always has been, where the heart is. <i>Awwwww</i>. Aren't clichés nice?<br />
<br />
I love so many of you and I hope you find the comfort and warmth you seek from your various homes; I hope you keep making new ones; and you are always welcome at mine.<br />
<br />
Be well, and here's to a home-filled 2016!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
Bonus. Have a poem I wrote:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oKVVtJC86EU/VoXJ_JP3AmI/AAAAAAAASSk/HYHBAyJePbI/s1600/blessed%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oKVVtJC86EU/VoXJ_JP3AmI/AAAAAAAASSk/HYHBAyJePbI/s640/blessed%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="572" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love you. I'm glad I exist.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4579309590472971829.post-53058271440277738862015-12-26T15:29:00.003-08:002015-12-26T19:54:06.759-08:00Merry Christmas 2015!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Happy Boxing Day!<br />
<br />
I hope you are having/had a lovely time with friends and family even if you couldn't make it home (like me). There were a couple of moments where I was quite sad about being away from my family, but I'm happy with how my festivities went down.<br />
<br />
I have made a vlog in which I take you with me out and about on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, which I will link below. I'm currently dog-sitting two dogs, Indie and Sunny, and they have been wonderful company. (Professional furry cuddlers are always welcome). The house I'm staying in has a beautiful tree, and the owners let me have some friends over. I entertained! I wore a party dress! I love playing host, and I must give my mother a shout out, as she taught me most everything I know about party presentation, even though she didn't host that often when I was growing up.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VgL0HlvlDwo/Vn8lHaZHypI/AAAAAAAASRw/Vblxr2KvbdU/s1600/DSCN4472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VgL0HlvlDwo/Vn8lHaZHypI/AAAAAAAASRw/Vblxr2KvbdU/s320/DSCN4472.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-565VBoX1HyY/Vn8lHk5OzHI/AAAAAAAASR0/7fPSnIGDpXo/s1600/DSCN4476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-565VBoX1HyY/Vn8lHk5OzHI/AAAAAAAASR0/7fPSnIGDpXo/s320/DSCN4476.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Christmas Day I had tofu scramble, vegan peanut butter cookies, mimosas, and coconut milk nog with Aaron and Emma. We swapped some gifts, and Emma remembered me saying how each Christmas I get a haul of Burt's Bees in my stocking which gets me through, chapstick-wise, each year. She and Aaron got me a stick. <3<br />
<br />
In the evening I went to the Sellwood house (where I live normally) and had Christmas dinner (ham!) with my Portland family. I was a little loopy from not getting that much sleep the night before, so when we played some games after dinner that required me to <i>think</i> I was a little slow, but I got into the groove and by the end of the night Steve and I (we were partners for this game, I forget its name, where you have to get your partner to guess the name of a famous person...similar to charades but it's its own thing) dominated.<br />
<br />
Then I came back to let the dogs out and had a wonderful sleep.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<br />
I've been listening to Amanda Palmer's <i>The Art of Asking</i>, and the experience has pretty much gone like this:<br />
<br />
1. Amanda tells a story about her life.<br />
2. She explains how this is related to her philosophy on love and community.<br />
3. I cry, smile, laugh, nod, mutter "Hmm" or shout "YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"<br />
4. I am left with a warm feeling in my heart and a huge love for this crazy, intelligent, kind, thoughtful, encouraging person I've never met.<br />
5. I am filled with inspiration to <i>create, create, create, </i>for and with others; <i>share, share, share</i>; which is to say <i>love, love, love.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
If you're looking for a good New Year's Resolution, I'd say you should listen to <i>The Art of Asking</i> on audiobook. It's wonderful to hear Amanda read it herself, plus there are bonus clips of songs she's written in-between chapters.<br />
<br />
Friendly reminder, if you love someone, just tell them. If you're scared, that's okay. It makes it more real.<br />
<br />
Be patient and kind with loved ones. I know family and friends can get on one's nerves, especially when politics is thrown into the conversation. But life is way too short to let that stuff get in the way of our happiness.<br />
<br />
I love you. I'm glad I exist.<br />
<br />
Christmassy Vlog:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/TaEmeJGNgCc/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TaEmeJGNgCc?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4579309590472971829.post-15948769282674250862015-12-17T23:08:00.000-08:002015-12-17T23:09:56.905-08:00Christmas is in a week...wtf, bro.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As I lie on my comfy bed and listen to <a href="https://youtu.be/IxebFIS3YpA" target="_blank">a live version of Years & Years' "Eyes Shut"</a> (which is distracting me very much, by the way... I just want to jam out. Example:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D_E8A5QD2fE/VnOZgsTsoFI/AAAAAAAASQs/7gpjuJTwZA8/s1600/Photo%2Bon%2B12-17-15%2Bat%2B9.28%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D_E8A5QD2fE/VnOZgsTsoFI/AAAAAAAASQs/7gpjuJTwZA8/s320/Photo%2Bon%2B12-17-15%2Bat%2B9.28%2BPM.jpg" width="320" /></a>)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
it hits me that Christmas is a week away. It's sad that I'll be so far away from friends and family back home, but I'll be pet-sitting a wonderful dog and cat in an awesome house, and I want to treat the seclusion as a writing retreat. When I'm not doing my regular babysitting work, I will be writing. Poetry mostly, I think, unless an urge to work on a short story I started so, so long ago (like, two weeks ago) sets in. We shall see. The house is also equipped with an Apple TV and the owners have HBO Go, so anything could happen, really. Basically, I'm excited to have my own space for a week.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I've talked to several friends on the phone recently, and when you talk to people you know well and catch up on life, you do a lot of evaluating. Because inevitably you will be asked, "How are you? How's the new place? Are you doing well?" And you will give the best answers you can give, but, really, do you even know how you feel? I'd like to stick around long enough to see what it'll be like to communicate through sensation or feeling--I think in the future we'll all have little antennae that we'll poke each other with and a sort of sensational communication will take place and we'll just <i>know</i> what the other person means.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
How am I? How's the new place? Am I doing well? In short, yes, I am well and the new place is good. Portland is a great city to live in, my living situation is working out, and I'm staying busy with both work and play. I'm getting confident on my bike and learning which roads are bike-friendly. I'm growing a tougher skin against the rain. I'm sampling a variety of brunch restaurants. Have I mentioned how insane brunch is in Portland? People here are nuts about brunch. It's crazy. I'm talking hour-long waits at some places. But, brunch is something I am 100% willing to wait for. Brunch is the Merlin of meals. King Arthur is lunch, like a solid soup & sandwich combo. Guinevere is after-work drinks. Lancelot is the app sampler at Applebee's. But Merlin--Merlin is the glorious magic that is brunch.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Guys. Do you ever feel stuck between your present and your future? I <b>am</b> putting in a conceded effort to participate, contribute, say "yes!" to invitations and opportunities. Even though Portland isn't exactly what I thought it would be, I am grasping it by the horns and taking it in. I suppose I could try harder to meet "native" Portlanders (read: Californians who've been here for 4+ years who deny that they play into the Cali-migrant stereotype) but I feel fairly comfortable with the group of peers I have at the moment. Anyway, in addition to Portland life, I'm wondering what's next. Where am I going? How can I do what I love and make money? How am I going to shape this next phase of my life? How can I be near the people I care about and still follow my dreams? </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Something I've realized since being here is that I have to <i>do</i> the things I want to do. I know that sounds stupid, but it's true. In college, I wanted to be a writer, but I hardly ever read (outside of class) or wrote. After graduating I started reading again. In Nice I wrote occasionally but didn't make it a priority. Now when I have a free moment, I'm like, "I should be writing right now." I want to make <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEgrwyp_E-8wWLD_r6cZizA" target="_blank">YouTube videos</a> and be consistant in the content I create and upload (and now that I have a room of my own, I can do that again!). I want to build community around reading and writing, and I started the Writer's Forum MeetUp group, which is a good start. I don't know. I don't know if any of these things will lead to a job or career, but the compulsion to <i>make</i> something and share it is there, and I'm going to ride it and see where it takes me.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Currently I'm listening to Amanda Palmer read her book, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20981352-the-art-of-asking-or-how-i-learned-to-stop-worrying-and-let-people-hel" target="_blank">The Art of Asking</a>,</i> on audiobook and holy 'effing poo, read it. Something I have a difficult time admitting, or proudly proclaiming, is that I'm an artist. I am. I <i>have</i> to make things. And I <i>have</i> to share these things with others. (Not everything. Lol. Some things no one will ever see.) Amanda talks about asking people to believe you, as an artist. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.wattpad.com/82285630-the-art-of-asking-i%27m-real" target="_blank">PLEASE. BELIEVE ME. I'M REAL.</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Rarely do people look you straight in the eye and see you. Part of an artist's job is to create situations or environments in which those eye-lock moments can happen. To connect the dots. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;"><span id="goog_1438465941"></span>This was a Poet — It is That</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;">Distills amazing sense</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;">From ordinary Meanings —</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;">And Attar so immense</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;">From the familiar species</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;">That perished by the Door —</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;">We wonder it was not Ourselves</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;">Arrested it — before —<span id="goog_1438465942"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/This_was_a_Poet_%E2%80%94_It_is_That" target="_blank">Emily Dickinson</a> explains that a poet (or artist in general) creates this concentrated bit of meaning out of the "ordinary"--something imperceptible that the artists brings to life--and the audience is like, "Whoa, bessie! I've totes-bagoats felt that way before. Thanks for showing me my own feeling/experience." When that happens--when there is a tangible exchange between a creator's creation and its audience--that moment is what I'm after.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
But money is a thing. Woo hoo!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If you want to see more of me, feel free to check out my latest YouTube videos! I recently did a video blog (vlog) where I take you around Portland for a day:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/yBpCvrSE8Sg/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yBpCvrSE8Sg?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here are some photos:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JSgslX2jgrk/VnOubSE1ZTI/AAAAAAAASQ8/3Af5IPDN4SA/s1600/IMG_1415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JSgslX2jgrk/VnOubSE1ZTI/AAAAAAAASQ8/3Af5IPDN4SA/s320/IMG_1415.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Cookies & Christmasy drinks party with friends</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ixSFM_EIOs8/VnOubfYqLgI/AAAAAAAASQ4/w54MruVZFxE/s1600/IMG_1435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ixSFM_EIOs8/VnOubfYqLgI/AAAAAAAASQ4/w54MruVZFxE/s320/IMG_1435.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Portland being festive </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(despite the current war on Christmas)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ECnYmqLG5pE/VnOub6TTGNI/AAAAAAAASRA/Y2DOK6eK7cI/s1600/IMG_1496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ECnYmqLG5pE/VnOub6TTGNI/AAAAAAAASRA/Y2DOK6eK7cI/s320/IMG_1496.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/MotherFoucaults/" target="_blank">Mother's Foucault's Bookshop</a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tDXaPpmbcVA/VnOuc9gaHOI/AAAAAAAASRM/xiwLUwIMNwU/s1600/IMG_1516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tDXaPpmbcVA/VnOuc9gaHOI/AAAAAAAASRM/xiwLUwIMNwU/s320/IMG_1516.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Snack one of my girls I babysit made <3</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I hope everyone has a very merry Christmas and holiday time and that 2016 knocks everybody's socks off in the best way. Love, love, love. </div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4579309590472971829.post-57057666659879942972015-11-23T10:39:00.000-08:002015-11-23T10:41:43.705-08:00Job/Housing Search: What A Hoot ....that's sarcasm<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm not sure if anyone has told you this before, but moving to a new city--finding a place to live, and then finding work to fund that living...takes time. Before I left for Portland, I knew getting myself out there and getting established would take effort. But I was fairly lax in my attitude. <i>It'll work out.</i> And it is working out, but maybe not as quickly as I thought it would.<br />
<br />
I have a place to live! It's in a neighborhood called Sellwood, and it's with a family: journalist, professor, thirteen-year-old daughter, dog named Olga, and cat (name to be learned). Their house is full of books. Done deal, really.<br />
<br />
On the work front, so far I have a part-time nannying position. I'm also tutoring two international students--one needs help with his composition class, and the other needs conversation practice. Powell's, the bookstore, isn't hiring at the moment, but I'm keeping an eye out (read: refreshing the application page several times a day).<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, I've been exploring the city. Emma and Aaron are going through the same thing as me, so when we're not all worrying and stressing and scouring Craig's List, we hang out. Tyler and Laura have been most welcoming--they've showed us some of their best beer haunts, including the splendid Mississippi Pizza, which has pub quiz on Wednesdays. And Emily has just been the best, opening her home to us.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u8YDUjzFFJE/VlNbTsrDiRI/AAAAAAAASP8/tlav4yWM7M4/s1600/IMG_1190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u8YDUjzFFJE/VlNbTsrDiRI/AAAAAAAASP8/tlav4yWM7M4/s320/IMG_1190.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Outside Mississippi Pizza</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fVzTWvG796I/VlNbTyvF71I/AAAAAAAASQA/o1k--odA5jU/s1600/IMG_1237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fVzTWvG796I/VlNbTyvF71I/AAAAAAAASQA/o1k--odA5jU/s320/IMG_1237.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Kate, Laura, Emma, Aaron at Green Dragon Pub</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kpzPIaOw6TA/VlNbTj2oXKI/AAAAAAAASP4/d4T4td31nCs/s1600/IMG_1266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kpzPIaOw6TA/VlNbTj2oXKI/AAAAAAAASP4/d4T4td31nCs/s320/IMG_1266.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sunset from Mt. Tabor Park</div>
<br />
The next step is mostly to keep doing this step: find reliable work. Keep exploring this new city. Additionally, I'd like to make friends with some Portlanders. "Find my people," more or less. You know.<br />
<br />
Wish me luck!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4579309590472971829.post-75775841481256196742015-11-08T13:19:00.001-08:002015-11-08T13:19:38.800-08:00I Like Portland<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This city is totally Angelica-friendly. There is excellent coffee everywhere. As a standard. It's amazing. The city welcomes bikers! Bike lanes abound and there's even a bike/pedestrian specific bridge. The whole food truck thing is ridiculous. I can't get over how much good food this city has. And the craft beer. Jesus, the craft beer! I don't know if I'm just with friends who have good taste, or if every bottle/tap in Portland is genuinely delicious. It certainly seems that way.<br />
<br />
And the <i>books</i>. Thanks to Powell's, bookstore Mecca, this city really likes to read. Yesterday, I went to a literature festival for crying out loud. The art museum seems cool, too. And there are so many used bookstores scattered throughout the city. Bookstores I want to explore--I'm glad Powell's is here, but also that it can co-exist with so many unique, smaller shops. Record stores! Thrift stores!<br />
<br />
People recycle here. The environment is respected and appreciated. People want to go skiing and hiking and general adventuring.<br />
<br />
Everyone is young and smart and interested in stuff. At least, from what I can see. It's pretty cool.<br />
<br />
These are my first impressions.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/ashleyperez/what-city-should-you-actually-live-in#.clJwGq1re" target="_blank">Buzzfeed's personality quiz</a> wasn't wrong when it said I'd fit in here. Buzzfeed knew.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pz6FJTZNEzU/Vj-7Mf3PwmI/AAAAAAAASO4/reHowf_VynE/s1600/IMG_1026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pz6FJTZNEzU/Vj-7Mf3PwmI/AAAAAAAASO4/reHowf_VynE/s320/IMG_1026.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
First view of <a href="http://powells.com/" target="_blank">bookstore Mecca</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B6Xv4g4e8pw/Vj-7MZ4PM0I/AAAAAAAASPA/cwvy6eGpHgc/s1600/IMG_1035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B6Xv4g4e8pw/Vj-7MZ4PM0I/AAAAAAAASPA/cwvy6eGpHgc/s320/IMG_1035.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Polish food truck food </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y58frR8By9Y/Vj-7MWdh2-I/AAAAAAAASO8/1zNp8rIYlJw/s1600/IMG_1042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y58frR8By9Y/Vj-7MWdh2-I/AAAAAAAASO8/1zNp8rIYlJw/s320/IMG_1042.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Willamette river</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e1fMlj48Du8/Vj-7Mzp74eI/AAAAAAAASPE/luR6KyQ_zpQ/s1600/IMG_1047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e1fMlj48Du8/Vj-7Mzp74eI/AAAAAAAASPE/luR6KyQ_zpQ/s320/IMG_1047.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Turkish coffee</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xVWZvgAUerE/Vj-7M4pu-CI/AAAAAAAASPI/FnR7ih94p0E/s1600/IMG_1051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xVWZvgAUerE/Vj-7M4pu-CI/AAAAAAAASPI/FnR7ih94p0E/s320/IMG_1051.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.tartberryinc.com/" target="_blank">Tart Berry</a> toppings</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4579309590472971829.post-30829935073384229922015-10-29T14:45:00.002-07:002015-10-29T15:01:18.997-07:00So, I'm Moving To Portland...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
On Tuesday, November 3, I'm spreading my wings (last minutes packing) and flying (taking a plane) to a city I've never been before, but according to Buzzfeed, I'm quite compatible with. I don't have a job, or a clue, really. Luckily, I have generous friends who have offered to keep a roof over my head until I find one of my own. I plan to drink amazing coffee. That's my primary goal. Then, go to the bookstore Mecca, <a href="http://www.powells.com/" target="_blank">Powell's</a>.<br />
<br />
Over the past months, when I've told people where I'm going, the most common reaction question is: "Why?" Which makes sense. I haven't mentioned Portland before. I don't have any particular connection to it. There's no professional reason to go out there. On a basic level, I'm going because I can. I'm a leaf in the wind! <i>Not all those who wander are lost</i> and all that.<br />
<br />
There are dissenters. Some have told me about all the people with MA's who are making tacos. In a city full of educated young people, good jobs are hard to come by. Housing is pricey and the cost of living is just going to keep getting higher and higher. I'm sure all this is true, and yet I don't know how acutely the statistics will affect me. Will I become a statistic?<br />
<br />
If it doesn't work out, I can always go someplace else.<br />
<br />
For now, I'm busying myself with work, packing, and goodbyes. Cooperstown has been a lovely home, The Farmers' Museum has been a unique and fun place to work, and my hiatus in upstate New York before embarking on this next adventure has afforded me the time and space to reflect on what I want, where I want to go, and who I'd like to become. I don't have any definitive answers. But that's okay. I have an idea, and from ideas great things spring forth.<br />
<br />
I'll keep you all posted.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kHS6XWbEMyc/VjKT1xPywbI/AAAAAAAASOo/zyT7RRV7-EU/s1600/IMG_0707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kHS6XWbEMyc/VjKT1xPywbI/AAAAAAAASOo/zyT7RRV7-EU/s320/IMG_0707.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Farmers' Museum</div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4579309590472971829.post-60538025920705483832015-10-05T08:34:00.002-07:002015-10-05T08:34:49.453-07:00It's October and I've Been Doing Stuff<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Time is passing at a weird rate. I'm super aware of the weather--it is autumn. The leaves are changing. It is getting colder. This, in addition to the fact that I finally bought a ticket for my flight, has made me hyper aware of the time I have left before I leave for Portland.<br />
<br />
I have several books I want to read before departure (so I can leave them behind...I really can't carry everything with me) and I don't spend enough time reading. I've started re-watching <i>The Office</i>. It is the single most comforting thing in my life right now, especially when so much is uncertain. I know that Michael Scott will always be inappropriate. I know that Jim will always gaze lovingly at Pam. And I know Creed will always be inexplicably weird in an old guy with one hell of a back story kind of way. Crawling into my collapsed futon bed with my laptop and, frankly, too many snacks, is, at the moment, my definition of solace. I'm gearing up for the changes ahead.<br />
<br />
Other things I've been up to:<br />
<br />
-Reapplying for my student loan payment plan<br />
-"Saving" money to move<br />
-Developing my interpreting style at work<br />
-Thinking about writing poetry<br />
-Freezing my hands while walking to work<br />
-Getting tickets for Glastonbury Festival<br />
-Falling in love<br />
-Learning how to work the wood stove in the print shop<br />
-Doing the dishes<br />
-Cuddling hardcore with Kristofferson the cat<br />
-Dancing at Sam & Kyle's wedding<br />
-Chatting with a co-worker about whether or not women should be in the military<br />
-Listening to "Dolphin's Cry" by Live<br />
-Respecting Miles Davis<br />
<br />
If you want to hang out before I leave the east coast, tell me so we can figure something out. However, I might say no, as <i>The Office</i> is perpetually calling my name. Just kidding. Sort of.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4579309590472971829.post-23188581750019140702015-09-09T08:04:00.002-07:002015-09-09T08:04:49.658-07:00Life is good.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I work at The Farmer's Museum. I interpret rural life of upstate NY circa 1845. This is how I dress most days:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VCd1G4x7WxM/VfBJaSU54cI/AAAAAAAASNY/w-NGBN3LhYo/s1600/IMG_0331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VCd1G4x7WxM/VfBJaSU54cI/AAAAAAAASNY/w-NGBN3LhYo/s320/IMG_0331.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I like my job! I work in the print shop and I've made some cool things, including a copy of this Emily Dickinson poem:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FssMJ2sD7ak/VfBJtqrYukI/AAAAAAAASOI/tI-usSe-WVo/s1600/IMG_0424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FssMJ2sD7ak/VfBJtqrYukI/AAAAAAAASOI/tI-usSe-WVo/s320/IMG_0424.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I like living with Robby and Andréa. They take really good care of me. We have good chats all the time. Andréa and I have started watching <i>Chopped</i> on Netflix after work. I've also fallen in love with their cat, Kristofferson. It's not entirely mutual...yet.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pja4nKhQAwc/VfBJOTjYLzI/AAAAAAAASNM/nyf2Xbok5WM/s1600/IMG_0318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pja4nKhQAwc/VfBJOTjYLzI/AAAAAAAASNM/nyf2Xbok5WM/s320/IMG_0318.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
On Monday nights I play D&D. We've come so far in the campaign! One more level, and my character will finally get to turn into a giant eagle.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-06cKMdy6GcY/VfBJrQM-ymI/AAAAAAAASN4/ZS-DocTrcO8/s1600/IMG_0443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-06cKMdy6GcY/VfBJrQM-ymI/AAAAAAAASN4/ZS-DocTrcO8/s320/IMG_0443.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Sometimes we go to dances, or play games, or get drinks at the fire bar. One time we rode on the Blues/"Booze" train.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6jhPYjNzh3g/VfBJkTGIwgI/AAAAAAAASNs/1YrAYI0x-5o/s1600/IMG_0326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6jhPYjNzh3g/VfBJkTGIwgI/AAAAAAAASNs/1YrAYI0x-5o/s320/IMG_0326.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yswwleocbio/VfBJkN1PNOI/AAAAAAAASNw/Dz__sGSS_T4/s1600/IMG_0347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yswwleocbio/VfBJkN1PNOI/AAAAAAAASNw/Dz__sGSS_T4/s320/IMG_0347.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uPrxbkFEzGw/VfBJssQ_2jI/AAAAAAAASOE/j_ZHyHnCqkU/s1600/IMG_0474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uPrxbkFEzGw/VfBJssQ_2jI/AAAAAAAASOE/j_ZHyHnCqkU/s320/IMG_0474.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gZU0usWyJYY/VfBJiLHIMwI/AAAAAAAASNg/yDlv5pObux0/s1600/IMG_0365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gZU0usWyJYY/VfBJiLHIMwI/AAAAAAAASNg/yDlv5pObux0/s320/IMG_0365.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Life is good.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4579309590472971829.post-10488287709315096472015-08-22T08:08:00.000-07:002015-08-22T08:12:29.356-07:00Transitions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Purgatory is a good word for it--how one feels moving between one adventure and the next. The waiting, the wondering, the stress. A harsh light is shed on the temporality of situation, and relationships. Everything moves too fast and so, agonizingly slow. Decisions must be made. Adulthood must happen. Money is probably a good call.<br />
<br />
It's good to be back. To see faces I haven't seen in seven months. To listen to friends' stories and life updates. To compare goals and ask big questions together. It's also been really great having access to my favorite Thai food.<br />
<br />
But now is the time to make important choices I've been putting off since April. It's all fun and games to decide to move across the country, but then the reality of actually doing it hits you in the face. <i>Is this what I really want?</i> There are two sides to a coin: on one side, one wings it. On the other, one carefully researches and plans. Maybe these sides are on the same coin for a reason. I've got the winging down. The planning I'm working on.<br />
<br />
I have no idea what I'm doing. It is terrifying. Luckily, I have amazing friends who feed me and let me pet their cat. Amazingly, I've found some work to occupy my time (and fund my craft beer tastings) until I get on the road. Hopefully, I can keep my shit together until that time, if not for longer.<br />
<br />
There are some things that are keeping me sane. The first sip of coffee in the morning. The sunrise over Otsego county's breath-taking hills, knolls, and farmland. Loving Kristofferson, Andréa and Robby's cat. Music. And walking. Frothing the perfect foam for a latte. And writing, when I do it.<br />
<br />
I'm going to leave you with a poem, because poetry is great and everybody should appreciate it on a more regular basis.<br />
<br />
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding: 0px 0px 1.5em;">
<a href="http://writersalmanac.publicradio.org/index.php?date=2000/12/06" target="_blank"><b>Poem:</b> “The Orange,” by Wendy Cope, from <i>Serious Concerns</i> (Faber & Faber).</a></div>
<blockquote style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 1.5em;">
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; padding: 0px 0px 1.5em;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The Orange</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br />At lunchtime I bought a huge orange—<br />The size of it made us all laugh.<br />I peeled it and shared it with Robert and Dave—<br />They got quarters and I got a half.</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; padding: 0px 0px 1.5em;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">And that orange, it made me so happy,<br />As ordinary things often do<br />Just lately. The shopping. A walk in the park.<br />This is peace and contentment. It's new.</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; padding: 0px 0px 1.5em;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The rest of the day was quite easy.<br />I did all the jobs on my list<br />And enjoyed them and had some time over.<br />I love you. I'm glad I exist.</span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lJuh_JqDndM/VdiRRnkteQI/AAAAAAAASMg/qf98MdG4Qos/s1600/IMG_0262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lJuh_JqDndM/VdiRRnkteQI/AAAAAAAASMg/qf98MdG4Qos/s320/IMG_0262.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
</blockquote>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4579309590472971829.post-60742125761163826882015-07-28T08:56:00.000-07:002015-07-29T10:24:40.651-07:00No Longer Allergic!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm back in the United States of America. For the foreseeable future. It's <i>very</i> bittersweet. Like, if you looked up "bittersweet" in the dictionary, there would be a close-up picture of my face as I stepped on the plane that took me to Moscow*. And beside that photo would be a GIF (because this dictionary is interactive and on the Internet, apparently) of animated rainbows dancing. Guys, I'm so excited about the Next Step. Super pumped. Ready to roll. It's going to be amazing (and hard... adulthood is not as simple as clicking your red heels together; it's more like a long and treacherous journey down an apocalyptic alternative reality version of the yellow brick road--let's be real). Like, whoa.<br />
<div>
<br />
<div>
But I miss Nice! Fancy that! Let's take a moment and look at what I thought of Nice before I even got there:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #323232; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">So, I'm a little nervous about moving to Nice. Nice has 147 days of "strong sun" and 64 days of "weak sun" annually. That's 211 days of sun. I'm used to a 164 days of sun! I will have to deal with 47 extra days of sunshine! Oh my! What am I going to do?!"</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I may have been a little too preoccupied with meteorology. I <i>have</i> gotten rashes from the sun before, so my worries were legitimate. Besides this, though, I had no idea what to expect from Nice. I had no sense of the place. No inkling of what I'd find when I got there. No expectations. Which is cool, I guess. I was free to experience the city without prejudice. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now that I've lived there for 8+ months, I definitely have a sense of the place. My sense is that Nice is always going to be something different. People come and go too quickly there. Businesses fall apart and go up in days. The turnover of tourists is remarkable. These are integral parts of Nice's identity. In some ways, it's good that I'm leaving Nice when I am. The delightful pocket of Nice I experienced last year no longer exists, which is very sad, but is also the nature of the universe. Change. <i>C'est la vie</i> and all that.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I want to take a moment, though, to appreciate my Nice. The Nice in my head--the Nice I'll always remember. Here's a poem:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><div>
Allergic to the Sun</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When you move to a place without </div>
<div>
expectations, and with an apprehension </div>
<div>
for the sun, you will fall into friendship</div>
<div>
with the bars and the people--with the </div>
<div>
people, for a night and with </div>
<div>
the bars, for a lifetime. </div>
<div>
This is the inevitability of the Côte d'Azur.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Do not be alarmed. The sea will sooth</div>
<div>
your browning skin. The rocks that</div>
<div>
make up the plage will leave gray </div>
<div>
dust on your clothes--reminders of good </div>
<div>
times gone by. Ghosts of smiles.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The street names will remind you of</div>
<div>
dreary Paris, but the light and the </div>
<div>
colors--weapons Matisse harnessed to </div>
<div>
revolutionize his craft--will awaken </div>
<div>
in you a fidelity to a place you never</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
thought you'd call home. Here, you</div>
<div>
work, and you play more than you work,</div>
<div>
and that is the nature of your stay, and</div>
<div>
you don't mind. The government does</div>
<div>
its best to dishearten you, and you</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
laugh at it, because that is all you can</div>
<div>
do. You laugh and file the paperwork, joke</div>
<div>
and then pray. You go to the beach with friends</div>
<div>
who laugh and pray with you. You sit beneath a</div>
<div>
brilliant sky and wonder at how this </div>
<div>
became your life. And as you sit you realize </div>
<div>
you are no longer allergic to the sun.</div>
</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Whoop, whoop! There it is. Nice won me over, guys. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyway, I want to give a huge shout out to all the lovely people I met who made my Nice experience what it was. <i>You</i> guys basically won me over, so there you go. I can't wait to see some of you again--either at a Nice reunion, or a chance encounter, or during a trip to a new corner of the world. You're also welcome to come find me in the U.S. I will feed you delicious Annie's Mac n' Cheese and we will drink fantastic craft beer. Deal?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
*My trip from Nice took an epic 2 days in which I traveled via overnight train to Paris; Orly airport to Moscow; Moscow to JFK; airtram to Grand Central where I had beers with Olivia and Max!!!; Metro-North train from Grand Central to Waterbury; and my dad's car from Waterbury to home.</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4579309590472971829.post-39987994143577436422015-07-12T16:10:00.001-07:002015-07-12T16:29:53.825-07:00From Scotland With Love<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Guys. Scotland is gorgeous. BBC Radio 1 is perfect. Scotch eggs are delicious. There are sheep everywhere! And used bookshops for charity! And wonderful beer, and people, and fun!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I arrived in Scotland a week ago. Grant picked me up from the airport and we drove to a picturesque town in the highlands, Pitlochry, where we met Natalie. That evening we listened to live bagpipes, traditional Scottish music, and saw trad dancing at the town hall. I had my very first Scotch egg (a hard boiled egg encased in breaded meat) and loved it. The next day started off right with a full Scottish breakfast--including black pudding! We went out to Blair Atholl where I had my picture taken with some highland cows! (Mad horns, man!) We rested mid-day with high tea whilst watching Wimbledon. (At that point, I realized how insane these stereotypes were getting, but, when in the UK...) The next day I saw Blair Castle. The Ballroom is ridiculously decorated with a bunch of deer heads and random swords and it's pretty amazing. It has a huge wooden floor and I imagined I was out of time at some sort of contra dance-viking-fusion party. For dinner we went to The Old Mill Inn and I had haggis. And I loved it. The next day I relaxed and wandered around Pitlochry. It's pretty small, but cutesy. I got a poetry anthology at the train station secondhand bookshop for £1. After Natalie got back from work, we went to Gregg's for lunch. Hooray for cheap, hot food! On Friday we walked a path to Scotland's smallest distillery and went on a whiskey tour. It was cool to see how whiskey is made (and to taste some...especially on a cooler, rainy day). After lunch, Grant, Natalie, and I headed to Inverness! On the way there we stopped at the Battle of Culloden Memorial where Natalie told us the story of how Bonnie Prince Charlie lost Scotland to the English in in 1746. That night we got delicious pub food and went to a place called Hootananny where a group of 20-something guys were playing live traditional Scottish folk music (read: jigs and waltzes...it reminded me of Pine Lake so much). We made friends with a pair of older gentlemen named John and ? who've been to Belarus. They had some incredible stories. We ended up staying in the most lovely, chill hostel. In the morning we had free tea/coffee before heading to Primark where I got some new shoes (my old ones were wrecked from hiking through wet grass). Before heading out, Natalie showed us this AMAZING secondhand bookshop called Leaky's (which, let's be honest, belongs on Diagon Alley). Then we did some serious touring of the highlands, guys. I actually can't believe we got this all in--Urquhart Castle, Fort William (and Loch Ness, of course), the set of the Great Lake and the Hogwarts Express from the <i>Harry Potter</i> movies near the Glenfinnan Viaduct, and Glencoe. We did all of this on our way to Glasgow, where I got to meet Natalie's friends and get a taste of the Glasgow Uni neighborhood and Glasgow bar scene. We had a DELICIOUS American-style brunch at TriBeCa restaurant the next day before touring Glasgow University campus (which is essentially Hogwarts). Later we got refreshments on Ashton Lane and watched the crazy tie-breaker between Federer and Djokovic in the Wimbledon final. And then we headed to Linlithgow where I took a much needed shower, relaxed, and enjoyed a lovely evening with Natalie and her parents.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On Monday and Tuesday we're volunteering at the charity shop and seeing the Linlithgow sights and then on Wednesday I'll get to see Edinburgh before heading off to London. So much is happening and it's all wonderful and I'm just really glad, happy, and thankful. I can't believe I'm here. Shout out to Natalie for being a tour guide/host goddess; Grant for driving and being patient and up for anything; Sarah & friends for hosting Natalie and me in Glasgow; and Natalie's parents for being the sweetest people ever. Okay, I'm done now. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(No pictures at the moment because my computer charger doesn't work in the UK but stay tuned!) </div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4579309590472971829.post-86187572072059321412015-06-22T05:54:00.000-07:002015-06-22T06:05:27.020-07:00Wedding & Beyond<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've been bedridden for the past couple of days. Reason? I've been having too much fun. I had a manic socializing phase, and getting sick is my body's way of telling me to slow down. On the one hand, it's good that I'm getting time to myself to recover and rest. On the other, I wish I'd been a tad better at reading myself and my needs. Because I'm coming to the end of my stay in Nice, I want to get the most out of it. But there's definitely a balance that can be struck between friends and me-time.<br />
<br />
The main thing that has happened since I last wrote is that I went to Kristen and Lee's wedding. It was awesome. The ceremonies happened on a Wednesday and Thursday--one day was the French civil ceremony (it was really cool to see how a French marriage places a lot of value on rearing children) as well as champagne and canapés at High Beach, and one day at Kristen and Lee's wedding villa in Cannes. I can't believe that this is my life. But apparently when in the south of France...<br />
<br />
Kristen and Lee are such wonderful people, and they surround themselves with cool people. I loved getting the chance to hang out with their family and friends, and bond with my lecteur/Nice family. Caroline and Tom, Jenny's friends from home, visited as well, and it was really good to see Caroline again (we went to Dublin together along with Helena and Jenny), and meet Tom.<br />
<br />
I feel really blessed and lucky to have met so many amazing people since I arrived in September. I didn't know much about Nice before I left my Pine Lake home. I wasn't sure what I'd find here, except for maybe some teaching experience, some free time to figure out what to do with my life, and some sun burn. Now that I'm leaving, I'm really sad to go. I think I've definitely lived life to the fullest here--more so than I did when I first lived in France. Maybe too full at times. I guess I shouldn't be sad that it's over, but that I should "smile because it happened," or whatever.<br />
<br />
Anyway, here's to more fun times ahead! (I'm not leaving <i>yet</i>).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IXuYhAj-_hQ/VYgHPuoh0KI/AAAAAAAASKo/CXKXT1DibjE/s1600/DSCN3445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IXuYhAj-_hQ/VYgHPuoh0KI/AAAAAAAASKo/CXKXT1DibjE/s320/DSCN3445.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5mNiMUH-bsI/VYgElg7gaBI/AAAAAAAASJ8/KlOUZde8xaY/s1600/DSCN3448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5mNiMUH-bsI/VYgElg7gaBI/AAAAAAAASJ8/KlOUZde8xaY/s320/DSCN3448.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QPnWDvlhUmY/VYgHSRv_SvI/AAAAAAAASKw/spay3KMIyu4/s1600/DSCN3470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QPnWDvlhUmY/VYgHSRv_SvI/AAAAAAAASKw/spay3KMIyu4/s320/DSCN3470.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TUe6CufNdeg/VYgE0onpSYI/AAAAAAAASKE/UUIqinp1xQ0/s1600/DSCN3481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TUe6CufNdeg/VYgE0onpSYI/AAAAAAAASKE/UUIqinp1xQ0/s320/DSCN3481.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xZNuXXt3f9E/VYgE2QTbeQI/AAAAAAAASKM/ohNQt9vvj1s/s1600/DSCN3505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xZNuXXt3f9E/VYgE2QTbeQI/AAAAAAAASKM/ohNQt9vvj1s/s320/DSCN3505.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4579309590472971829.post-40647807773247068332015-06-02T05:38:00.001-07:002015-06-02T05:38:43.807-07:00Now That I've Finished Teaching...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I went to wine country outside of Nice with Kristen and Lee a couple of weeks ago. We tasted several different wines, drove in a CAR (which was so liberating...public transit is nice, but this American girl misses her open highways), and managed to see some really beautiful land.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vQEgpx5m4LQ/VW2cQWqIQTI/AAAAAAAASIY/U98QfvL9r20/s1600/DSCN3294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vQEgpx5m4LQ/VW2cQWqIQTI/AAAAAAAASIY/U98QfvL9r20/s320/DSCN3294.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SHkYjrOF-Tc/VW2cU7q2kcI/AAAAAAAASIg/NwCZUkN6_Us/s1600/DSCN3317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SHkYjrOF-Tc/VW2cU7q2kcI/AAAAAAAASIg/NwCZUkN6_Us/s320/DSCN3317.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The wine is for a party of sorts. 72 bottles = success.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then Kirsten and I had people over for a pot luck!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rkqao5Qo5Io/VW2dA_k5QeI/AAAAAAAASIo/eT6ejb3CJI0/s1600/DSCN3359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rkqao5Qo5Io/VW2dA_k5QeI/AAAAAAAASIo/eT6ejb3CJI0/s320/DSCN3359.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Kristen has a Vitamix that only seems to work at our house when the dishwasher and oven are off (the industrial blender takes a lot of energy to use). Kristen made delicious hummus, gazpacho, cashew dressing for a salad, and silky-smooth tofu chocolate cake with the super-powered blending possibility on hand. I made a veggie tarte. Kirsten made veggie wings and kale chips. Amy made a cheese hors d'oeuvre, and Lauren, Katya, Lee, and Jenny all came, too. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jy4srgzrGro/VW2epV8R8gI/AAAAAAAASI0/IHPI8eGFBg4/s1600/DSCN3356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jy4srgzrGro/VW2epV8R8gI/AAAAAAAASI0/IHPI8eGFBg4/s320/DSCN3356.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yesterday Kirsten, Kristen, and her brother, Kevin, and I all went to Antibes. We did a coastal walk on Cap d'Antibes, and then got lunch at a lovely vegetarian restaurant. Lee met us later and we got coffee, then checked out the ENGLISH BOOKSTORE. I didn't know there was one so close to Nice! But there you go! It is really small and cozy and caters to the many English tourists that visit the cute coastal town. After the bookstore we went to the good 'ole Absinthe bar. It was a great day!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PNbxxNf_hg0/VW2hT88TmdI/AAAAAAAASJQ/q4QZb2JVDbo/s1600/DSCN3390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PNbxxNf_hg0/VW2hT88TmdI/AAAAAAAASJQ/q4QZb2JVDbo/s320/DSCN3390.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-592n8YPDnYA/VW2hMZu4HeI/AAAAAAAASJA/X0X0qfxhEWE/s1600/DSCN3391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-592n8YPDnYA/VW2hMZu4HeI/AAAAAAAASJA/X0X0qfxhEWE/s320/DSCN3391.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Cordon bleu--breaded and fried tempah</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
with goat cheese</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yJpKXYtCKK8/VW2hRJMA5gI/AAAAAAAASJI/IiZFbRHaf4U/s1600/DSCN3393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yJpKXYtCKK8/VW2hRJMA5gI/AAAAAAAASJI/IiZFbRHaf4U/s320/DSCN3393.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Floppy hats!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DMGOdGylSc4/VW2hbdNwyCI/AAAAAAAASJY/miRcOHRahIg/s1600/DSCN3395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DMGOdGylSc4/VW2hbdNwyCI/AAAAAAAASJY/miRcOHRahIg/s320/DSCN3395.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Absinthe and random hat-induced sass</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Other than hanging out with friends, I've been reading, watching TV, and private tutoring. I recently finished <i>Gilmore Girls </i>and have caught up on the latest seasons of <i>Game of Thrones</i> and <i>Once Upon A Time</i>. I have yet to go swimming at the beach. I've definitely acclimated to Niçoise temperatures because 75 degrees doesn't seem hot enough to put on a suit and get in the water. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4579309590472971829.post-77675480572839323432015-05-16T05:07:00.003-07:002015-05-16T05:11:49.141-07:00An Update in Three Parts<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Part I<br />
<br />
I went to Italy to see Alessandro graduate from the University of Milan and got a sneak-peek of Italian living--of both family life and college-student life. It was really fun to walk around Milan, pick up some Italian words, and meet some of Alessandro's family and friends. And eat! I had some great meals in Italy, as you do, but I didn't get to try nearly as much as I would have liked to, so, basically, I have to go back...<br />
<br />
One of the classic moments from this trip was after we'd all gone out to celebrate Alessandro's graduation. We'd been drinking and it was fairly late, and I was hungry. I suggested stopping somewhere to get kebab or fries--some sort of drinking food. But Alessandro's friend was like, "Oh, I'll just whip up some pasta when we get home." And she did. So there's Italy for you.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-51nY-Xp_rT4/VVNbIW4SBeI/AAAAAAAASEA/3MGurhcZ1Zk/s1600/DSCN2961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-51nY-Xp_rT4/VVNbIW4SBeI/AAAAAAAASEA/3MGurhcZ1Zk/s320/DSCN2961.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Me, Cyril, and Alessandro in Milan</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kxof1Gp0eBo/VVNbCiZnLjI/AAAAAAAASD4/i0vVt1AWNE4/s1600/DSCN2971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kxof1Gp0eBo/VVNbCiZnLjI/AAAAAAAASD4/i0vVt1AWNE4/s320/DSCN2971.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lake of Como</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9c6APO2hZ2w/VVNbOiuo4wI/AAAAAAAASEI/ew6_scjyIJs/s1600/DSCN2981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9c6APO2hZ2w/VVNbOiuo4wI/AAAAAAAASEI/ew6_scjyIJs/s320/DSCN2981.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hotdog encased in Italian bread</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f8Wcwv5Oogs/VVNbhw-5AuI/AAAAAAAASEQ/sfe8gmkz2L8/s1600/DSCN3018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f8Wcwv5Oogs/VVNbhw-5AuI/AAAAAAAASEQ/sfe8gmkz2L8/s320/DSCN3018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Alé chillin' with his degree</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_rsskOJ6czY/VVNbl7kNIII/AAAAAAAASEY/3ktRngxqPM4/s1600/DSCN3046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_rsskOJ6czY/VVNbl7kNIII/AAAAAAAASEY/3ktRngxqPM4/s320/DSCN3046.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hurt feet from walking the streets of Milan</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zooOTUT3TWs/VVNbn1fKMeI/AAAAAAAASEg/68njMIvjYuA/s1600/DSCN3063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zooOTUT3TWs/VVNbn1fKMeI/AAAAAAAASEg/68njMIvjYuA/s320/DSCN3063.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
At the graduation party</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Part II</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When I studied abroad in Paris, I had the wonderful luck of meeting some of the world's greatest people. One of these amazing humans came all the way from Brest (basically draw a diagonal line across France from Nice, and that's where you'll find Brest) to see me. Emma! We had a lovely time together--from exploring Nice, to celebrating Emma's birthday with brunch, to hanging out with some random animals at Parc Phoenix, to eating good food, and to some great nights out. I'm really glad we got the chance to reconnect and create some new memories together!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gdqVR7795WQ/VVNekNIcnTI/AAAAAAAASEs/5FMnJG3tD6o/s1600/DSCN3065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gdqVR7795WQ/VVNekNIcnTI/AAAAAAAASEs/5FMnJG3tD6o/s320/DSCN3065.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Birthday Brunch</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u-hTvKwV97g/VVNekvzdo_I/AAAAAAAASEw/axdOr5duEnk/s1600/DSCN3071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u-hTvKwV97g/VVNekvzdo_I/AAAAAAAASEw/axdOr5duEnk/s320/DSCN3071.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Oh, hey, mini Statue of Liberty!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KJADpFy-QWU/VVNeyB38ynI/AAAAAAAASE8/8xp-4j824zM/s1600/DSCN3087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KJADpFy-QWU/VVNeyB38ynI/AAAAAAAASE8/8xp-4j824zM/s320/DSCN3087.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Random wildlife in Nice...JK</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vHbRJ7Xoki8/VVNe_2AdkYI/AAAAAAAASFM/nq7NEI_jdKI/s1600/DSCN3093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vHbRJ7Xoki8/VVNe_2AdkYI/AAAAAAAASFM/nq7NEI_jdKI/s320/DSCN3093.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Typical Niçoise fare at La Tapenade</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
with Kristen</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VHi9Fg0KJL0/VVNe-4iVmXI/AAAAAAAASFE/zvIYwQrlIJg/s1600/DSCN3104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VHi9Fg0KJL0/VVNe-4iVmXI/AAAAAAAASFE/zvIYwQrlIJg/s320/DSCN3104.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Paris sisters at Pub Quiz</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Part III<br />
<br />
I went to Dublin. It was pretty cool. The pride that the Irish have for their history, stories, language, drink, and culture really stood out to me. I felt so welcome and so a part of the city while I was there--so much so that I definitely want to go back. I traveled with Jenny, Helena, and Caroline and we had a lovely time going on a Literature Pub Crawl, as well as going to the Whiskey Museum, the Viking Museum, and a suburban town outside of Dublin called Dún Laoghaire, where we visited the James Joyce museum. We also had a good taste of Irish night life, in addition to trying some wonderful Dublin restaurants. This was an amazing holiday.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RErWo6q-2Ag/VVcwHcxXuGI/AAAAAAAASFg/-r1otFG_gwc/s1600/DSCN3110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RErWo6q-2Ag/VVcwHcxXuGI/AAAAAAAASFg/-r1otFG_gwc/s320/DSCN3110.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Welcome to Ireland. It's green.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8S71SfFT4JE/VVcwkqF7ReI/AAAAAAAASF4/VrrDWJ-w2Tg/s1600/DSCN3135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8S71SfFT4JE/VVcwkqF7ReI/AAAAAAAASF4/VrrDWJ-w2Tg/s320/DSCN3135.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What up, Oscar Wilde?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c0O6ch7ITes/VVcxwH-GG1I/AAAAAAAASGE/huQOMJGhQWQ/s1600/DSCN3142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c0O6ch7ITes/VVcxwH-GG1I/AAAAAAAASGE/huQOMJGhQWQ/s320/DSCN3142.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Jenny, Caroline, and Helena</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
outside of The Duke on our Literature Pub Crawl</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wcE1sv5mreI/VVcwe9FRIGI/AAAAAAAASFo/iJEBiCg_Cl0/s1600/DSCN3148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wcE1sv5mreI/VVcwe9FRIGI/AAAAAAAASFo/iJEBiCg_Cl0/s320/DSCN3148.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Drinking Guinness at O'Neill's</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x9jzTsRoBtk/VVcwjII5WfI/AAAAAAAASFw/MBOYZH5NRu0/s1600/DSCN3228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x9jzTsRoBtk/VVcwjII5WfI/AAAAAAAASFw/MBOYZH5NRu0/s320/DSCN3228.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Dún Laoghaire in the sun</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That's what I've been up to. Oh, I also moved to a new flat, and have proctored some exams, and said goodbye to some lectrices. This is a whirlwind transition moment as my job is ending, adventures are just beginning, and the great beyond is utterly impenetrable. Hurrah! </div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4579309590472971829.post-8168460394361222362015-04-17T09:17:00.000-07:002015-04-17T09:17:21.836-07:00Late to the Party<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello! Usually I post on a Sunday, Monday, or even a Tuesday, but this week I am showing up late to the party. One of the reasons for my tardiness is that I have been socializing like an extrovert. A proper let's-spend-time-with-people-ALL-the-time person. And surprisingly, I feel OK. Traditionally I get really tired and moody and need to spend two or three days alone if I see people too much. I'm wondering if the crash is just around the corner, daunting and inevitable, or if my tolerance has gone up! Either way, I'm riding this tidal wave of friend-time for all it's worth.<br />
<br />
Since I last wrote, we've had two new people move into the flat. It's all temporary, but really fun! We've been cooking together, having silly dance parties in the kitchen; we've gone bar hopping, and out for coffee. The kitchen is dirtier, but my fun-meter has sky-rocketed.<br />
<br />
I also went on a ski weekend adventure with Natalie and Helena! We had an amazing time. There were ups and downs, but like any ski trip, it was definitely worth it. Natalie and I stayed at a terrace at Isola and went to a hot tub, made dinner, and played Agricola (one of my favorite board games). Helena joined us on Sunday. The slopes were sort of slushy, because it's the end of the season, but it was VERY sunny and now I have an amazing face tan.<br />
<br />
Next week we have final exams at uni, and then that's sort of it. We have to stick around to proctor exams, and I teach night classes, which run through May. But summer is fast approaching and I have a lot to look forward to! Beach errrrr day. Plus, visitors! Including a visit by Emma, one of my Parisian besties, and Wilson, a childhood friend from Finland. And then the traveling will commence!<br />
<br />
Oh, and I'm moving to a new flat at the end of the month. April is always so hectic! As is May! Last year at this time I was doing a video every day challenge on my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCefWEeC3spWK8tumlFs2AYw" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a> and filming "Seniors" with Jenna. And maple sugaring. And getting ready to graduate. It's weird to think about that... my life is so different now, and there is no way I could have known that I'd end up where I am today.<br />
<br />
Have some pictures!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lchq7-s64w8/VTEw6RLcYvI/AAAAAAAASCo/cYmIQO-1PeE/s1600/DSCN2769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lchq7-s64w8/VTEw6RLcYvI/AAAAAAAASCo/cYmIQO-1PeE/s1600/DSCN2769.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Selfie at Isola.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6M6Rs5SQzhA/VTEw14LMYmI/AAAAAAAASCg/Wo7ZahrXT08/s1600/DSCN2796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6M6Rs5SQzhA/VTEw14LMYmI/AAAAAAAASCg/Wo7ZahrXT08/s1600/DSCN2796.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
L'équipe!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y7fmBmHpIPM/VTEw7G_ZVkI/AAAAAAAASCw/8OsxHQsG8Y8/s1600/DSCN2832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y7fmBmHpIPM/VTEw7G_ZVkI/AAAAAAAASCw/8OsxHQsG8Y8/s1600/DSCN2832.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Taco night with the girls!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r-T3bN_HUgE/VTExQLeDakI/AAAAAAAASC4/IwwYOLQf2kE/s1600/SAM_0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r-T3bN_HUgE/VTExQLeDakI/AAAAAAAASC4/IwwYOLQf2kE/s1600/SAM_0021.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Throw back to this time last year at Poem & A Cookie Day, an English Honors Society event! Yeah..I think my hair has gotten better. </div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4579309590472971829.post-72489429917609517562015-03-31T02:10:00.002-07:002015-03-31T02:19:43.397-07:00Tomorrow Isn't April; Time is Stupid--Let's Throw Rocks At It.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A fortnight, because that's more or less the interval between each one of my blog posts*, seems like an eternity. So much has happened since I last wrote, and yet everything is more or less the same. So, maybe I'm the thing that's changed. Ew. Is that too cliché?<br />
<br />
This semester has been challenging in many ways, but also super rewarding. I've gotten a lot <i>done</i>! Doing night classes--teaching beginners--has given me a sense of what teaching is actually like (and it's not that bad). Hopefully the students retain at least some of the information I assume I'm giving them.<br />
<br />
I've been reading (+ listening) to at least three books at a time, which can feel overwhelming, but this sensation is something I really enjoy. The sensation that I'm accomplishing something. It may be a weak attempt at simulating a college reading pattern (without having to write the essays), but oh well.<br />
<br />
I do miss school. But also the idea of applying to school is disgusting. Maybe this is because nothing seems to fit just right. I love English and Creative Writing, but I don't want to only study those things. I want to go to a liberal arts graduate school. Hartwick has ruined me.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 17.5px; line-height: 20px;">But it was all a dream; no Eve soothed my sorrows nor shared my thoughts; I was alone. I remembered Adam's supplication to his Creator. But where was mine? He had abandoned me, and in the bitterness of my heart I cursed him." (15.11 <i>Frankenstein</i>) </span></span></b></div>
<br />
I've also had my fill of excursions: skiing and other various day-trips. These can be draining physically, as well as socially (poor little introvert), but they are SO WORTH IT. Part of me wants to stay in Nice just so I can keep skiing.<br />
<br />
Also, my camera broke. So that's fun.<br />
<br />
Here's are some stolen photos from Helena's album:<br />
<br />
We went to St. Marguerite, an island off the coast of Cannes and had a picnic.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/11080000_10206134775318509_8181931624364182367_n.jpg?oh=2872a5a39d860addaf8e81ed9853f96e&oe=55B51D4D&__gda__=1437509400_388f4682bab3ffbe4df17078f649566a" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/11080000_10206134775318509_8181931624364182367_n.jpg?oh=2872a5a39d860addaf8e81ed9853f96e&oe=55B51D4D&__gda__=1437509400_388f4682bab3ffbe4df17078f649566a" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-fra.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10422227_10206134776038527_8007125645686965741_n.jpg?oh=71ebdceacd6cc2480c9adafd1e357874&oe=5575A5AD" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://scontent-fra.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10422227_10206134776038527_8007125645686965741_n.jpg?oh=71ebdceacd6cc2480c9adafd1e357874&oe=5575A5AD" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Pretty soon, if all goes according to plan, I'll have a new flatmate during the month of April, I'll move into a new flat in May, and perhaps I'll travel to several places in Europe in June and July. <i>On verra</i>. </div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*After publishing this post, I realized I was meant to write <i>last</i> week, which is why the interval between this post and the last seemed longer--because it has in fact been 21 days; not 14.</span><br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4579309590472971829.post-37879935492795140092015-03-10T13:38:00.001-07:002015-03-10T13:40:02.133-07:00HOW IS IT ALREADY MARCH?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Alright, so this is going to be quick because for some reason I'm really busy. I have no idea how that happened. OH WAIT: I'm teaching more hours, have private tutoring, and have to do more prep than before. Also, life. (I'm going skiing again on Saturday!)<br />
<br />
The past two weeks I did stuff.<br />
<br />
First, I got very ill.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0oYZbCRGDp4/VP9RwOhh1RI/AAAAAAAASAo/gvrt7R-rClM/s1600/DSCN2508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0oYZbCRGDp4/VP9RwOhh1RI/AAAAAAAASAo/gvrt7R-rClM/s1600/DSCN2508.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then it was my birthday! I turned 23. This is me, still recovering from a violent cough and overall tiredness--must-stay-in-bed-and-do-nothingness. I got out of bed to say hi to friends. At 9 p.m. I went to sleep.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Vacation was pretty chill. Helena and I helped Kristen move to a new flat. I went to the Matisse museum with Helena and Peter. Then I made chili!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fCX1y_AniiM/VP9TTW9B2SI/AAAAAAAASA0/_Kyo_jkIEcM/s1600/DSCN2547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fCX1y_AniiM/VP9TTW9B2SI/AAAAAAAASA0/_Kyo_jkIEcM/s1600/DSCN2547.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1gktBSahjzI/VP9TUNuDZVI/AAAAAAAASBA/E7UgF3BVljs/s1600/DSCN2550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1gktBSahjzI/VP9TUNuDZVI/AAAAAAAASBA/E7UgF3BVljs/s1600/DSCN2550.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NocCmTeLaYs/VP9TTzG96iI/AAAAAAAASA4/7-8d1n6rDkU/s1600/DSCN2551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NocCmTeLaYs/VP9TTzG96iI/AAAAAAAASA4/7-8d1n6rDkU/s1600/DSCN2551.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Like always, it was really fun to prepare dinner for everyone. We had good conversation, too (mostly about the American agricultural system). Hooray!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then on Saturday I went to a Dutch Pancake Party! Basically this guy, Robin, is a freelancer, and he hosts pancake parties every weekend around the world. (The pancakes are Dutch because Robin is from The Netherlands). I met and hung out with a bunch of different people!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lrdxRzUEfnQ/VP9TheSf8EI/AAAAAAAASBM/YMF13wK9ALs/s1600/DSCN2560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lrdxRzUEfnQ/VP9TheSf8EI/AAAAAAAASBM/YMF13wK9ALs/s1600/DSCN2560.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d7c62B0vNh8/VP9Ti-GIaZI/AAAAAAAASBU/kPANWX5wUnw/s1600/DSCN2563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d7c62B0vNh8/VP9Ti-GIaZI/AAAAAAAASBU/kPANWX5wUnw/s1600/DSCN2563.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was crowded. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This week, I'm participating in Read-O-Rama--a BookTube read-a-thon in which participants must read 7 books in 7 days and complete challenges. You can learn more about the event by watching my TBR (to be read) video below:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/67TJ9oJipDM/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/67TJ9oJipDM?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And you can follow my progress (or lack thereof) on Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/angelicacofer">https://twitter.com/angelicacofer</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Have a great couple of weeks!</div>
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4579309590472971829.post-72158564049758030222015-02-23T10:31:00.001-08:002015-02-23T10:31:57.543-08:00Skiing Sundays<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Since I last wrote, I've been getting into the swing of a new schedule, started private tutoring, read another book for book club, been to two birthday celebrations for the same person, learned to play another board game (Eldritch Horror), and I fell back into love with skiing.<br />
<br />
I was never hugely into skiing. It was just something I did on Tuesday afternoons growing up. Now that I'm an "adult," I am tremendously happy that I know how to ski, and that I learned it when I did. It's the type of thing that just comes back to you after one warm-up run.<br />
<br />
Not to mention, skiing in the Alps is beautiful and amazing. Here are some photos:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Valberg</b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U3NamTOw1Kc/VOtwHafCmBI/AAAAAAAAR_M/rW_4HkFuqlM/s1600/DSCN2357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U3NamTOw1Kc/VOtwHafCmBI/AAAAAAAAR_M/rW_4HkFuqlM/s1600/DSCN2357.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ne8SJvQlCpY/VOtwH33iGOI/AAAAAAAAR_Q/d7ToPBkexj0/s1600/DSCN2366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ne8SJvQlCpY/VOtwH33iGOI/AAAAAAAAR_Q/d7ToPBkexj0/s1600/DSCN2366.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TD1idLQAdBU/VOtwHUhS4WI/AAAAAAAAR_I/P3AUEFq1mcI/s1600/DSCN2376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TD1idLQAdBU/VOtwHUhS4WI/AAAAAAAAR_I/P3AUEFq1mcI/s1600/DSCN2376.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xfDrMHLkrt4/VOtwY4_p-sI/AAAAAAAAR_g/5AjHT59JgHk/s1600/DSCN2388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xfDrMHLkrt4/VOtwY4_p-sI/AAAAAAAAR_g/5AjHT59JgHk/s1600/DSCN2388.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Isola</b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9kDNUnVI0Lo/VOtwdoKIR_I/AAAAAAAAR_o/n_KPGBHQumU/s1600/DSCN2419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9kDNUnVI0Lo/VOtwdoKIR_I/AAAAAAAAR_o/n_KPGBHQumU/s1600/DSCN2419.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dxz89kqaZIo/VOtwewharwI/AAAAAAAAR_w/spo_KraAdK0/s1600/DSCN2432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dxz89kqaZIo/VOtwewharwI/AAAAAAAAR_w/spo_KraAdK0/s1600/DSCN2432.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T1kUXHHXDlQ/VOtwq9U1GCI/AAAAAAAAR_4/iil_FoST71c/s1600/DSCN2466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T1kUXHHXDlQ/VOtwq9U1GCI/AAAAAAAAR_4/iil_FoST71c/s1600/DSCN2466.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WTpJIPx7dJs/VOtwsheP6GI/AAAAAAAASAA/aogu_PMorsc/s1600/DSCN2469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WTpJIPx7dJs/VOtwsheP6GI/AAAAAAAASAA/aogu_PMorsc/s1600/DSCN2469.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I hope to go on several more ski trips before I leave Nice. Who'd a thunk Nice was a good place for a skier??<br />
<br />
Until next time!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4579309590472971829.post-27105629387364781302015-02-04T03:21:00.000-08:002015-02-04T03:27:09.564-08:00Being Back and Around<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello! I've been a busy bee since returning to Nice. I'm happy to report that my days have been filled with work, personal projects, and social time--whether it's relaxing or upbeat. The weekend following my return, Alessandro and I (and Raphaela, really, even though she doesn't live with us anymore) hosted a cheese and wine party, which was absolutely delightful. Raphaela invited many of her Erasmus friends, Alessandro invited his, and the lecteurs got an invitation from me. It was a melting pot of people, and I'm fairly certain the attendees had fun. I did, anyway.<br />
<br />
On that Sunday, I went to Valberg, a nearby skiing village, with Alessandro and his crew. The drive to Valberg is a beautiful and curvy car ride through the mountains. Once we got there we found a nice place for lunch, and then went sledding! It was a treat to experience snow in France--the stuff that sticks, like I'm used to back home. I also got to listen to and speak French all day, although everyone spoke enough English that we could switch back and forth comfortably enough to enjoy one another's company.<br />
<br />
The first week of classes ensued; in short, it has been chaotic setting up a definitive timetable for this semester. The lecteurs are responsible for additional hours in the Centre de Langues, which is sort of like The Writing Center at Hartwick, but for a bunch of languages. I'm going to be designing a night course twice a week, and I'll offer workshops on other campuses (e.g. the business or law school, etc.). It should be a good change of pace. Variety being the spice of life and all that.<br />
<br />
This past weekend I got to see my dear friend, Casey, in Paris, as well as Mark Wolff and the Hartick J-term France class. It was freakin' awesome. Highlights include: a Bateaux Mouche ride at night, the Institut du Monde Arabe exposition, tea at la Mosquée de Paris, dinner at Nos Ancestres Les Gaulois, mass at Notre Dame, and seeing <i>Olympia</i> at Musée d'Orsay (finally).<br />
<br />
This week has started off rainy and dreary, which adequately reflects my energy level. I must push through the tired to teach, and hopefully have another enjoyable weekend.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10940607_710553672398046_1362603973718959881_n.jpg?oh=f5a6820242503461d6e5da9d941857af&oe=556C9229" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10940607_710553672398046_1362603973718959881_n.jpg?oh=f5a6820242503461d6e5da9d941857af&oe=556C9229" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Friends at lunch in Valberg</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/10941005_710553919064688_3007110997652944381_n.jpg?oh=1c8e668e64fc759d0f3b9866cc86e1e5&oe=555F88D8&__gda__=1431755246_d0dae240c4a33b381ca85bc9eba62043" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/10941005_710553919064688_3007110997652944381_n.jpg?oh=1c8e668e64fc759d0f3b9866cc86e1e5&oe=555F88D8&__gda__=1431755246_d0dae240c4a33b381ca85bc9eba62043" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The sledding scene at Valberg</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/q81/s720x720/10451717_714772475309499_1596622621368016093_n.jpg?oh=4cadcea78a0f7470bbe4bb41665efe6b&oe=556B54A3" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/q81/s720x720/10451717_714772475309499_1596622621368016093_n.jpg?oh=4cadcea78a0f7470bbe4bb41665efe6b&oe=556B54A3" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Casey standing before the Institut du Monde Arabe</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/p417x417/10959568_714773171976096_8802598801548658880_n.jpg?oh=a0abb6c00f3fdb8ad0e0bcda3142c02c&oe=555AD81F&__gda__=1432198137_0b02b982c03ecbeba213d62ea2eafe22" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/p417x417/10959568_714773171976096_8802598801548658880_n.jpg?oh=a0abb6c00f3fdb8ad0e0bcda3142c02c&oe=555AD81F&__gda__=1432198137_0b02b982c03ecbeba213d62ea2eafe22" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Casey and me at the Gaulois-themed (think French viking) restaurant, Nos Ancestres</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4579309590472971829.post-50111836062289192762015-01-18T21:02:00.001-08:002015-01-18T21:16:45.665-08:00Resolutions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Thanks to Lena Dunham's recent collection of essays, <i>Not That Kind of Girl,</i> and my insistence on "letting my body do its thing," I am awake at 5:28 in the morning. I'm not sure why it's called "jet lag." Jet jumps, or jet whenever-the-hell-my-body-feels-like-sleeping are more accurate terms. I'm not bothered--I feel wide awake and am enjoying the extra time I get to read and listen to Walk The Moon's <i>Talking Is Hard</i> album. (SPOTIFY IS AMAZING!) I'm sure I'll feel differently in a few hours.<br />
<br />
I just wanted to touch base. Basically, I've decided to be better. To try harder. To say, "Yes, please!" enthusiastically with a wild grin slapped on my face. Because, if I'm being honest, I was a sourpuss last semester. I relied too heavily on embellished introversion--the idea that I <i>have</i> to spend time alone in order to find some magical equilibrium where I feel wholesome and healthy. I definitely need to crash after spending too much time around people, especially if I'm meeting people and have to stick to that get-to-know-ya banter. But I didn't have to be alone as much as I was during the fall.<br />
<br />
It's easy to get stuck. To wind up in a place you didn't expect to be and have no idea how you got there. Or how to get the hell out. Sometimes you need your mother to yell at you to realize you're being stupid and stubborn and, frankly, a prick. She technically didn't yell at me. We didn't get in a fight or anything, but she was clearly frustrated with me for not taking advantage of my opportunity. For not being grateful. For not seizing life by the balls, etc.<br />
<br />
There's a difference between knowing something conceptually and then living out that knowledge. So, all last fall I <i>knew</i> to get involved, to participate, say "yes" would be the best way to live up my experience in Nice. I'd already learned this shit. You can look back to my dramatic Traversing Paris blog posts. The whole dealing with homesickness and culture shock thing. It's all there.<br />
<br />
But I stayed in my room one too many times. I missed home, okay? Also, I'd just graduated <i>college</i>. I'd had to shed a <i>life</i> I'd had for the past four years! Didn't anyone understand? And I still think this to a degree. I think the transition between college and adulthood is underrated.<br />
<br />
Going home was the best thing I could've done. It reminded me that I won't change overnight--that I don't need to clutch at my past self like it's a ghost slipping through my fingers. It reminded me that everyone is going through the same shit as I am, regardless of where they are in their journey. Going back to Oneonta showed me that home isn't going to leave me behind--that I can always come back, and even if it looks different, that will be okay. I was reminded that some people love me, despite that partition known as the Atlantic Ocean, and that some people don't. Plus, I ate a bunch of terrible, delicious food, and watched approximately 5 seasons of <i>The Office</i>.<br />
<br />
And of course, talking to my mom reminded me to take myself less seriously and have fun. To relax. Practice speaking French, for crying out loud! Yes, Mom.<br />
<br />
I resolve to say, "YES!" more. (For more information on this topic, read Amy Poehler's <i>Yes Please</i>).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6666wT1b840/VLyP3L3vcJI/AAAAAAAAR-U/CDKq-lSRGmI/s1600/DSCN2036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6666wT1b840/VLyP3L3vcJI/AAAAAAAAR-U/CDKq-lSRGmI/s1600/DSCN2036.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0