So I randomly feel like blogging but it probably won't be much. We finally bought our house! Hopefully we should move within the next two weeks. And then I'm decorating it for Christmas. We won't be silly, because I'm leaving it up past Christmas to for when we have our family Christmas.
Eh well. Nevermind. I'm tired.
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Soooooooooooooooooooooooooo
HI! I was getting fussed at today because I never post on my blog. So look! Here I am. Posting on my blog. Yep.
If you follow me on Facebook, you already know this but....
I AM PREGNANT!!!
I am very excited, and yes so is my husband. These seem to be the first questions everyone asks. And yes I was crazy enough to be trying when I knew I was going into grad school. I'm hoping for a girl. So far we have come up with Victor Cole and Victoria Rose (I really, really, really love Victoria Rose, Tory for short...). Also today I came up with Flynn Oliver.... So much fun!
I was going to go to sleep because I was not having a good reaction to my BLT pizza but I started talking to Amanda (my sister-in-law) on facebook. Now I'm listening to loud music and typing on my blog. I'm thinking sleep after this though... I haven't made it to eleven pm in a very long time. I'm finally starting to get some energy back now that I am fifteen weeks (and five days!). My due date is March 24. We are having a gender reveal party. And of course, a baby shower or two. Nikki is planning those and having way to much fun. Pinterest is our best friend, by the way. Tons of cool stuff on. I'm going for Owls. I love owls. I found some really awesome stuff today.
In other big news, we are in the process of buying a house and it should close next Friday if everything goes well. I am so ready to be out of this house. Yeah, it was a great deal but there have just been too many problems and the news house is bigger and better laid out and all on one floor and I can have people over and it'll be fun. We are actually screening in the back porch and putting the litter boxes and cat stuff out there too. They will be able to come in, but seeing as how Deeogee won't be able to go out there, I don't think Tripps will ever come back in... We will be about 10 - 15 miles closer to Bowling Green which is making me ecstatic. I am so tired of driving.
OH! DRIVING! I HAVE A NEW CAR!!!! Major, major props to my brother-in-law Chris who went car shopping with me for two days and discovered just how much it sucks nowadays. I wound up with a 1997 Toyota Corolla. The owners (the tour bus driver at WKU and his wife) had named it Cricket, so I lovingly kept the name. This car is great. And in great condition. And I love it. It needs to love me for the next two years... and it gets around 34 miles to the gallon!!! We are still working on Sean. My father-in-law is taking over our current house with the garage, so hopefully he finally figure out what is wrong with the Alero and get it fixed.
I hate the song Blurred Lines.
School is going well as is the new job. I really love working with students. I have all A's so far, so that's cool. Yep. Everyone has been really great with planning for next semester when I shall have to take time off. I've also still managed to have lunch with Cole every week and see everyone in the LAC so that has been great.
I'm trying to think of random interesting things...
Deeogee is doing well. Crazy as always. She just shoved her way under a pile of blankets because she has to sleep that way 90% of the time. She just stuck her nose out enough to lay it on my laptop desk. Lol. She is so crazy. And cute. Arwen is still doing well, still just as spazzy. Moe is going strong. The cats are tormented but doing well. Tripps is SO FAT. I'm going to have to cut back on their food even more than I have. Lady drives me crazy but she's cute. My father in law may keep her. Mrs. Fuzzbutt is as elegant as ever. She comes and sees me on the bed all the time now, though eventually she gets chased off by Deeogee.
It is killing me not to decorate for Halloween but seeing as how I'm fixing to pack everything up starting this weekend, and hopefully move by the end of October it just doesn't make sense... -sighs- I miss it all. I did get a Halloween cup that lights up when you push a button on the bottom. Tis so awesome.
My sister-in-law got married. We didn't get to go sadly. I realized thought that even if we had bought the tickets I couldn't have gone. What with the pregnancy, I couldn't have been drugged for my ear like I am supposed to be. Ah well. I saw some wonderful pictures, with more to come. She made a beautiful bride and I'm glad she is happy :) They went to Disneyland for their honeymoon which stirred up my intense desire to go even more. Not to mention my fellow GA is a huge Disney fan and he interned there, and his finance proposed to him at Disneyworld so he talks about the time. And I've wanted to go even more since they finally built Belle's castle. Oh I love them. However, another friend was pricing for her and her husband to go for four days and it was around 2400 dollars between the tickets, hotel there, and a plane down (which we would switch out with a rental car and gas for about the same). There is NO way. -sighs- One day.... I have many things I want to do, and dadgum it, one day we shall. Back to what this was originally about, Amanda looked beautiful and she really enjoyed it. I can't wait to see more pictures.
Miley Cyrus needs a fashion intervention.
I am thinking about getting more tutoring on the side. And editing papers. I just got paid to edit a paper the other day. And I am tutoring Painter every week on computers. He is improving!! He uploaded a picture onto Facebook all by himself without his notes the other day and took pictures off his camera. I was very proud. He even updated his status. He is rather excited. I love helping people and getting paid to do it is even better. Maybe I will create a page on facebook... In January I'm not going to have a paycheck because we aren't contracted for that month as GA's and I haven't been able to apply for any second jobs because Sean and I are sharing a car. And well, who will hire me? So I need to figure out something...
Do do do... I'm running out of stuff. I love my new laptop.
OOOOH! Denny's is coming out with another HOBBIT MENU on NOVEMBER 15TH!!! AND IT LOOKS DIFFERENT!! EVEN NEW STUFF TO TRY. I AM SO GOING. And I am still going to the midnight premiere!! People will just have to deal with my loud hormonal crying, shouting and cheering.... lol.
I am currently watching Disney songs on youtube...
Okay, really. I'm just out of random stuff.
I really will try to blog. It's fall break! Laters!
If you follow me on Facebook, you already know this but....
I AM PREGNANT!!!
I am very excited, and yes so is my husband. These seem to be the first questions everyone asks. And yes I was crazy enough to be trying when I knew I was going into grad school. I'm hoping for a girl. So far we have come up with Victor Cole and Victoria Rose (I really, really, really love Victoria Rose, Tory for short...). Also today I came up with Flynn Oliver.... So much fun!
I was going to go to sleep because I was not having a good reaction to my BLT pizza but I started talking to Amanda (my sister-in-law) on facebook. Now I'm listening to loud music and typing on my blog. I'm thinking sleep after this though... I haven't made it to eleven pm in a very long time. I'm finally starting to get some energy back now that I am fifteen weeks (and five days!). My due date is March 24. We are having a gender reveal party. And of course, a baby shower or two. Nikki is planning those and having way to much fun. Pinterest is our best friend, by the way. Tons of cool stuff on. I'm going for Owls. I love owls. I found some really awesome stuff today.
In other big news, we are in the process of buying a house and it should close next Friday if everything goes well. I am so ready to be out of this house. Yeah, it was a great deal but there have just been too many problems and the news house is bigger and better laid out and all on one floor and I can have people over and it'll be fun. We are actually screening in the back porch and putting the litter boxes and cat stuff out there too. They will be able to come in, but seeing as how Deeogee won't be able to go out there, I don't think Tripps will ever come back in... We will be about 10 - 15 miles closer to Bowling Green which is making me ecstatic. I am so tired of driving.
OH! DRIVING! I HAVE A NEW CAR!!!! Major, major props to my brother-in-law Chris who went car shopping with me for two days and discovered just how much it sucks nowadays. I wound up with a 1997 Toyota Corolla. The owners (the tour bus driver at WKU and his wife) had named it Cricket, so I lovingly kept the name. This car is great. And in great condition. And I love it. It needs to love me for the next two years... and it gets around 34 miles to the gallon!!! We are still working on Sean. My father-in-law is taking over our current house with the garage, so hopefully he finally figure out what is wrong with the Alero and get it fixed.
I hate the song Blurred Lines.
School is going well as is the new job. I really love working with students. I have all A's so far, so that's cool. Yep. Everyone has been really great with planning for next semester when I shall have to take time off. I've also still managed to have lunch with Cole every week and see everyone in the LAC so that has been great.
I'm trying to think of random interesting things...
Deeogee is doing well. Crazy as always. She just shoved her way under a pile of blankets because she has to sleep that way 90% of the time. She just stuck her nose out enough to lay it on my laptop desk. Lol. She is so crazy. And cute. Arwen is still doing well, still just as spazzy. Moe is going strong. The cats are tormented but doing well. Tripps is SO FAT. I'm going to have to cut back on their food even more than I have. Lady drives me crazy but she's cute. My father in law may keep her. Mrs. Fuzzbutt is as elegant as ever. She comes and sees me on the bed all the time now, though eventually she gets chased off by Deeogee.
It is killing me not to decorate for Halloween but seeing as how I'm fixing to pack everything up starting this weekend, and hopefully move by the end of October it just doesn't make sense... -sighs- I miss it all. I did get a Halloween cup that lights up when you push a button on the bottom. Tis so awesome.
My sister-in-law got married. We didn't get to go sadly. I realized thought that even if we had bought the tickets I couldn't have gone. What with the pregnancy, I couldn't have been drugged for my ear like I am supposed to be. Ah well. I saw some wonderful pictures, with more to come. She made a beautiful bride and I'm glad she is happy :) They went to Disneyland for their honeymoon which stirred up my intense desire to go even more. Not to mention my fellow GA is a huge Disney fan and he interned there, and his finance proposed to him at Disneyworld so he talks about the time. And I've wanted to go even more since they finally built Belle's castle. Oh I love them. However, another friend was pricing for her and her husband to go for four days and it was around 2400 dollars between the tickets, hotel there, and a plane down (which we would switch out with a rental car and gas for about the same). There is NO way. -sighs- One day.... I have many things I want to do, and dadgum it, one day we shall. Back to what this was originally about, Amanda looked beautiful and she really enjoyed it. I can't wait to see more pictures.
Miley Cyrus needs a fashion intervention.
I am thinking about getting more tutoring on the side. And editing papers. I just got paid to edit a paper the other day. And I am tutoring Painter every week on computers. He is improving!! He uploaded a picture onto Facebook all by himself without his notes the other day and took pictures off his camera. I was very proud. He even updated his status. He is rather excited. I love helping people and getting paid to do it is even better. Maybe I will create a page on facebook... In January I'm not going to have a paycheck because we aren't contracted for that month as GA's and I haven't been able to apply for any second jobs because Sean and I are sharing a car. And well, who will hire me? So I need to figure out something...
Do do do... I'm running out of stuff. I love my new laptop.
OOOOH! Denny's is coming out with another HOBBIT MENU on NOVEMBER 15TH!!! AND IT LOOKS DIFFERENT!! EVEN NEW STUFF TO TRY. I AM SO GOING. And I am still going to the midnight premiere!! People will just have to deal with my loud hormonal crying, shouting and cheering.... lol.
I am currently watching Disney songs on youtube...
Okay, really. I'm just out of random stuff.
I really will try to blog. It's fall break! Laters!
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
I disappeared...
Hello everyone! I know it has been ages since I have blogged, and to anyone who actually read this, I apologize.
To slightly pick up where I left off, I finished The Secret Diary of A Call Girl. It had an appropiate ending but it pissed me off nonetheless. I was texting Morgan with "Whys, NOOOOOO and I REFUSE TO CRY" and all. She got a kick out of it. It was a really good show and Billie Piper rocks. Speaking of which, I still have her flash drive...
In much depressing news, our lawn mower has blown up, my car blew up and Sean wrecked his car. We are having terrible luck. We have been trying to fix our Alero for a month and every time it looks like it is fixed, it is not. We have both been having to catch rides to work which has been a pain in the butt. I'm currently on the lookout for a car, because well, we have to do SOMETHING!! I start my new position soon, plus my new classes, and this is all really important to me.
I went to the Jane Austen Festival with Anna from Phi Alpha Theta. It was fun, except that may have helped blow up my car. -sighs- Did I mention my run of bad luck? Due to various reasons for both Morgan and I, we cannot go to Chicago Con. Which is depressing. However, we did both manage to sell our tickets for $50 a piece. So at least we only lost $15 each. -sighs- Maybe next year. Or maybe I'll at least make the Nashville one and meet a few people.
Heather is here visiting me at the LAC :) I never get to see her anymore, so this is fun. She's filling out a form while I blog. Cause I never blog. This is me blogging.
Supposedly everything should start moving on the house soon. I'll have siding and windows of awesomeness. We'll get the Alero fixed and then Richard can fix my bathroom. That'll make me happy.
To slightly pick up where I left off, I finished The Secret Diary of A Call Girl. It had an appropiate ending but it pissed me off nonetheless. I was texting Morgan with "Whys, NOOOOOO and I REFUSE TO CRY" and all. She got a kick out of it. It was a really good show and Billie Piper rocks. Speaking of which, I still have her flash drive...
In much depressing news, our lawn mower has blown up, my car blew up and Sean wrecked his car. We are having terrible luck. We have been trying to fix our Alero for a month and every time it looks like it is fixed, it is not. We have both been having to catch rides to work which has been a pain in the butt. I'm currently on the lookout for a car, because well, we have to do SOMETHING!! I start my new position soon, plus my new classes, and this is all really important to me.
I went to the Jane Austen Festival with Anna from Phi Alpha Theta. It was fun, except that may have helped blow up my car. -sighs- Did I mention my run of bad luck? Due to various reasons for both Morgan and I, we cannot go to Chicago Con. Which is depressing. However, we did both manage to sell our tickets for $50 a piece. So at least we only lost $15 each. -sighs- Maybe next year. Or maybe I'll at least make the Nashville one and meet a few people.
Heather is here visiting me at the LAC :) I never get to see her anymore, so this is fun. She's filling out a form while I blog. Cause I never blog. This is me blogging.
Supposedly everything should start moving on the house soon. I'll have siding and windows of awesomeness. We'll get the Alero fixed and then Richard can fix my bathroom. That'll make me happy.
Saturday, July 13, 2013
The Secret Diary
of a call girl! This show is really interesting. I just finished the second season. Only two left. I wound up screaming at the tv on the last episode of this season. And most of the time I really just want to be like "ROSE TYLER, PUT YOUR CLOTHES ON! YOU BELONG WITH THE DOCTOR! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" But yeah, it is a pretty good show, and I read up on the background of it, and the person it is based off of is also very interesting. I was sending Morgan messages that read like this:
I did finish the new Anita Blake novel and it was fantastic. Even better than some of her last ones. I shall update my reading post soon, and possibly just do a whole post reviewing the novel itself.
I've got several more things to blog about, but my ear hurts and I wish for sleep. Plus I'm waking up at six so I can yoga, start laundry, then I need to hang up desperate amounts of laundry, clean my room, and possibly do the dishes, before I leave at 12:20 to go tutor. After that, I'm heading home and Morgan is bringing me Season three and four. And I have many other things that need doing in my home as always. Oh buying a fixer-upper. How I hate and love it.
Night peeps. I'll try to blog tomorrow and if not, I shall Monday. I need to cover house stuff, Beauti Control training, Beauti Control in general and I'm sure many other things. -sighs-
"This series better end well!
I did finish the new Anita Blake novel and it was fantastic. Even better than some of her last ones. I shall update my reading post soon, and possibly just do a whole post reviewing the novel itself.
I've got several more things to blog about, but my ear hurts and I wish for sleep. Plus I'm waking up at six so I can yoga, start laundry, then I need to hang up desperate amounts of laundry, clean my room, and possibly do the dishes, before I leave at 12:20 to go tutor. After that, I'm heading home and Morgan is bringing me Season three and four. And I have many other things that need doing in my home as always. Oh buying a fixer-upper. How I hate and love it.
Night peeps. I'll try to blog tomorrow and if not, I shall Monday. I need to cover house stuff, Beauti Control training, Beauti Control in general and I'm sure many other things. -sighs-
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Paula Deen, Prop 8 and Getting Fit
I haven't updated my blog in a while, and I have so very much going on. And apparently the world does too :P
So first off, let me talk about Paula Deen. I have been hearing something about her being racist and being sued, and saying the "N" word and I was really curious as to what exactly happened. I mean, she's just like the most lovable grandma type person ever. So I started investigating online and found out that a former employee, who was working at her brother's restaurant, claimed sexual harassment and demanded 1.2 million dollars from them or she would go public. They refused, and so she sued them for that exact amount. Now she is suing the son because he said it started out at "extortion" on CNN. It seems to me that this woman appears money hungry. Paula Deen has been fired by Food Network, and dropped from Smithfield Hams. Others who sell her products, her magazine, and so on, are saying they will watch the situation closely before making a decision. One tv network said they will accept her apology and run with it - they have known and worked with her for years. The cruise line has added a second cruise for 2014 because of a recent overwhelming response to support her.
Personally, I haven't had much dealings with Paula Deen. I see her magazine, I seen occasional glimpses of her on tv. I'm not an avid fan or anything, but I do have and love her cookware. So far as I can see, people get offended at everything. And this woman doesn't appear to have followed normal channels for sexual harassment or making complaints but all that is being investigated, as well as the restaurants. Who knows what will happen now. But I personally say, learn what you can for yourself about the matter and make your own decision - but remember - we all say offensive things at some point or another. I know too many of my elders who still say things that others do not like. It was their culture and their time. Just remember - if you made such a mistake would you want it dragged out like this? Let Paula Deen make her apology.
I don't have much to say on Prop 8 and DOMA except YAY! Our country is coming closer to equality. My simple opinion has always been this: it doesn't matter what you believe as long as you uphold your own moral/religious standards but you should not hold others to them as well. The country itself must concern itself with what is legal - not what christian or any other religious beliefs are. And no, this country was not founded on religious principles - it was founded for money and glory. Religious groups just flocked here and trust me, most of them followed beliefs none of you would live with. So, like I said, we need to be concerned with legality and equality!
And on a final note and my personal rant:
Getting fit and losing weight are two things which concern many, many people for many, many different reasons. I have never ever believed in crash diets of any kind. If you wish to change your eating habits so that you are eating healthier, or because you no longer have a choice health wise, than that is fine and as I said, healthy! However, it has always been my belief that starving yourself, just eating way less, or skipping meals is not healthy whatsoever, and science supports this. There are many studies that now say that just dieting may cause you to lose weight but when you gain it back, then you gain back more. Exercise and toning just seems to me to be the way to lose weight, with the understanding that you aren't eating whole packs of cookies. There are new studies that are saying that a person who loses weight may face challenges keeping it off no matter what or how they do it. So here is this fabulous article, "The Fat Trap" that everyone should read. It is very interesting.
In other news, I am trying to exercise every day. I clean, go to the gym for at least an hour, and have been working on toning as well as cardio. I am trying to watch what I eat and make smarter choices as well. I haven't really lost any weight yet, but I'm telling myself that the time will come, darn it. Wish me luck.
Deeogee started eating my dining room floor. I had always planned on replacing it, but now my hand has been forced. I started tearing it up yesterday. Tis no fun. Hopefully we are just going to be able to paint the floor underneath which is concrete. My kitchen floor also needs replacing but that will certainly have to wait. I want to build some outdoor furniture from pallets but I have to get my hands on some. Then I'm going to get some concrete pavers and slowly begin to build a patio. Next year we are hoping to build on a back porch and screen it in for the animals. I have too many projects I want to do. Siding and windows should really happen soon, so wish me luck in that regard.
Laters, peeps.
So first off, let me talk about Paula Deen. I have been hearing something about her being racist and being sued, and saying the "N" word and I was really curious as to what exactly happened. I mean, she's just like the most lovable grandma type person ever. So I started investigating online and found out that a former employee, who was working at her brother's restaurant, claimed sexual harassment and demanded 1.2 million dollars from them or she would go public. They refused, and so she sued them for that exact amount. Now she is suing the son because he said it started out at "extortion" on CNN. It seems to me that this woman appears money hungry. Paula Deen has been fired by Food Network, and dropped from Smithfield Hams. Others who sell her products, her magazine, and so on, are saying they will watch the situation closely before making a decision. One tv network said they will accept her apology and run with it - they have known and worked with her for years. The cruise line has added a second cruise for 2014 because of a recent overwhelming response to support her.
Personally, I haven't had much dealings with Paula Deen. I see her magazine, I seen occasional glimpses of her on tv. I'm not an avid fan or anything, but I do have and love her cookware. So far as I can see, people get offended at everything. And this woman doesn't appear to have followed normal channels for sexual harassment or making complaints but all that is being investigated, as well as the restaurants. Who knows what will happen now. But I personally say, learn what you can for yourself about the matter and make your own decision - but remember - we all say offensive things at some point or another. I know too many of my elders who still say things that others do not like. It was their culture and their time. Just remember - if you made such a mistake would you want it dragged out like this? Let Paula Deen make her apology.
I don't have much to say on Prop 8 and DOMA except YAY! Our country is coming closer to equality. My simple opinion has always been this: it doesn't matter what you believe as long as you uphold your own moral/religious standards but you should not hold others to them as well. The country itself must concern itself with what is legal - not what christian or any other religious beliefs are. And no, this country was not founded on religious principles - it was founded for money and glory. Religious groups just flocked here and trust me, most of them followed beliefs none of you would live with. So, like I said, we need to be concerned with legality and equality!
And on a final note and my personal rant:
Getting fit and losing weight are two things which concern many, many people for many, many different reasons. I have never ever believed in crash diets of any kind. If you wish to change your eating habits so that you are eating healthier, or because you no longer have a choice health wise, than that is fine and as I said, healthy! However, it has always been my belief that starving yourself, just eating way less, or skipping meals is not healthy whatsoever, and science supports this. There are many studies that now say that just dieting may cause you to lose weight but when you gain it back, then you gain back more. Exercise and toning just seems to me to be the way to lose weight, with the understanding that you aren't eating whole packs of cookies. There are new studies that are saying that a person who loses weight may face challenges keeping it off no matter what or how they do it. So here is this fabulous article, "The Fat Trap" that everyone should read. It is very interesting.
In other news, I am trying to exercise every day. I clean, go to the gym for at least an hour, and have been working on toning as well as cardio. I am trying to watch what I eat and make smarter choices as well. I haven't really lost any weight yet, but I'm telling myself that the time will come, darn it. Wish me luck.
Deeogee started eating my dining room floor. I had always planned on replacing it, but now my hand has been forced. I started tearing it up yesterday. Tis no fun. Hopefully we are just going to be able to paint the floor underneath which is concrete. My kitchen floor also needs replacing but that will certainly have to wait. I want to build some outdoor furniture from pallets but I have to get my hands on some. Then I'm going to get some concrete pavers and slowly begin to build a patio. Next year we are hoping to build on a back porch and screen it in for the animals. I have too many projects I want to do. Siding and windows should really happen soon, so wish me luck in that regard.
Laters, peeps.
Friday, June 14, 2013
Plans for the Future!
I AM SO EXCITED!!!
So I was looking up Comic Cons and I discovered the one in Chicago. And it's only six hours away. AND CAPTAIN JACK FROM DOCTOR WHO WILL BE THERE! AND THE WEASLEY TWINS! I MUST GO! So I asked on Facebook about who would want to go with me, and Morgan instantly snagged a seat. Heather and Jaccob are also hoping to go. My hubby and my friend Abbie may also go, but Walmart is evil and only approves days off three weeks in advance and tickets may be sold out at that point :( I am so excited I cannot stand it. If anyone would like to donate funds to my autograph fees that would be ever so awesome :P
I also registered Heather, myself and my sister for Jane Austen Festival in Louisville in July. It is really fun, and we went last year. There are pictures on Facebook if you are interested. Becky and I dressed up. I got to drink the most amazing tea, and this year I am determined to buy some. Last year they were sold out. We are attending a play this year about Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy and we are hoping that the same incredibly hot guy will be doing the show about men's fashion. We will also attend a four course tea. Walk around the grounds, see the sights, and generally have a wonderful time. They needed more shops last year, especially of higher quality stuff - it's sad that more people aren't into that time period.
I may also go to the Nashville Comic Con in October because a friend is going to it. It's cheaper and Kevin Sorbo will be there (if you don't know who he is then you suck!). Plus, if I can't get to Spike in Chicago then he will also be in Nashville. It will be fun. Not to mention that November 7th I will be teaming up with Kacy and going to see Straight No Chaser!!! This year I am determined to have fun, lol.
I may actually be tutoring someone in computers soon so that is exciting, as it means extra money, which I really need for so many various things. On that note, lord have I become so sad. I constantly look at things to spend money on. I'm terrible. And I admit it. Thank god my husband hoards his money because he hates spending it on random stuff and really all he buys is video games and not many of those. Well, and LOL stuff. So, yeah. But 30% of mine goes to clothes, 50% on Fandom things, and 10% on food, and 10% on whatever. I really need to calm it down. Of course I also put back all the necessary money for bills and gas. I'm not totally irresponsible. It's just that during the school year I would maybe (if I was lucky) have about thirty dollars extra from a check that I could be like, YEAH I WANNA BUY SOMETHING. And usually not even that. Oh well. I have so many things I want to do, like fix up the game room about the garage, paint and redo stuff in the house, go to Comic Con, and all manner of things. -sighs- But I've become obsessed with stuff, and I'm going to try to tone that down some. Really. I promise.
I will be starting my Graduate Position in September, which I'm excited about because it means more money that Sean and I can put toward the house and stuff we need. We have sooo much to do. Richard has to fix the back wall and the bathroom - which we have the stuff for. We need to build on a back porch that is screened in for the cats, and replace the windows and put on siding. Sooo much to do. -sighs- Every time we save up for something it feels like something else breaks. We had enough to do the windows, and then our vanity broke the pipes in our bathroom, and then the toilet broke, and then the sink messed up. Then the a/c messed up. It's never ending. And don't get me started on the air unit!!! We've given up on it and just bought window units. We spend 800 dollars to redo the stuff under the house and I think it was never actually the problem. Not to mention the about 800 dollars that went towards the electric bills that were killer from where it wasn't supposed to be screwed up. And then the other 70 dollars to have someone else look at the unit and find out it would be around another $400 to fix it. And we are worried that once again, it won't fix it so we just say SCREW IT!!!! That would have been more than enough to replace our blasted windows which were my entire plan. And then Sean screwed up his car because he sneezed, went off the road a bit into a ditch, corrected the wheel, and managed to pop it up and go off the road the other way. He wasn't hurt but his car is in bad shape and we are trying to fix my Alero. Sorry. Long painful rant. I shall quit now. Anyways. Yeah. Oi.
Well, in 6 more minutes I'm clocking out at work, meeting someone at B&N, then meeting Heather, then meeting Becky with Heather at Crafty Hands at 4, and then meeting Cole and friends to celebrate her birthday at Yuki's at 5. This day of easy going turned into a very busy one!!!!
So I was looking up Comic Cons and I discovered the one in Chicago. And it's only six hours away. AND CAPTAIN JACK FROM DOCTOR WHO WILL BE THERE! AND THE WEASLEY TWINS! I MUST GO! So I asked on Facebook about who would want to go with me, and Morgan instantly snagged a seat. Heather and Jaccob are also hoping to go. My hubby and my friend Abbie may also go, but Walmart is evil and only approves days off three weeks in advance and tickets may be sold out at that point :( I am so excited I cannot stand it. If anyone would like to donate funds to my autograph fees that would be ever so awesome :P
I also registered Heather, myself and my sister for Jane Austen Festival in Louisville in July. It is really fun, and we went last year. There are pictures on Facebook if you are interested. Becky and I dressed up. I got to drink the most amazing tea, and this year I am determined to buy some. Last year they were sold out. We are attending a play this year about Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy and we are hoping that the same incredibly hot guy will be doing the show about men's fashion. We will also attend a four course tea. Walk around the grounds, see the sights, and generally have a wonderful time. They needed more shops last year, especially of higher quality stuff - it's sad that more people aren't into that time period.
I may also go to the Nashville Comic Con in October because a friend is going to it. It's cheaper and Kevin Sorbo will be there (if you don't know who he is then you suck!). Plus, if I can't get to Spike in Chicago then he will also be in Nashville. It will be fun. Not to mention that November 7th I will be teaming up with Kacy and going to see Straight No Chaser!!! This year I am determined to have fun, lol.
I may actually be tutoring someone in computers soon so that is exciting, as it means extra money, which I really need for so many various things. On that note, lord have I become so sad. I constantly look at things to spend money on. I'm terrible. And I admit it. Thank god my husband hoards his money because he hates spending it on random stuff and really all he buys is video games and not many of those. Well, and LOL stuff. So, yeah. But 30% of mine goes to clothes, 50% on Fandom things, and 10% on food, and 10% on whatever. I really need to calm it down. Of course I also put back all the necessary money for bills and gas. I'm not totally irresponsible. It's just that during the school year I would maybe (if I was lucky) have about thirty dollars extra from a check that I could be like, YEAH I WANNA BUY SOMETHING. And usually not even that. Oh well. I have so many things I want to do, like fix up the game room about the garage, paint and redo stuff in the house, go to Comic Con, and all manner of things. -sighs- But I've become obsessed with stuff, and I'm going to try to tone that down some. Really. I promise.
I will be starting my Graduate Position in September, which I'm excited about because it means more money that Sean and I can put toward the house and stuff we need. We have sooo much to do. Richard has to fix the back wall and the bathroom - which we have the stuff for. We need to build on a back porch that is screened in for the cats, and replace the windows and put on siding. Sooo much to do. -sighs- Every time we save up for something it feels like something else breaks. We had enough to do the windows, and then our vanity broke the pipes in our bathroom, and then the toilet broke, and then the sink messed up. Then the a/c messed up. It's never ending. And don't get me started on the air unit!!! We've given up on it and just bought window units. We spend 800 dollars to redo the stuff under the house and I think it was never actually the problem. Not to mention the about 800 dollars that went towards the electric bills that were killer from where it wasn't supposed to be screwed up. And then the other 70 dollars to have someone else look at the unit and find out it would be around another $400 to fix it. And we are worried that once again, it won't fix it so we just say SCREW IT!!!! That would have been more than enough to replace our blasted windows which were my entire plan. And then Sean screwed up his car because he sneezed, went off the road a bit into a ditch, corrected the wheel, and managed to pop it up and go off the road the other way. He wasn't hurt but his car is in bad shape and we are trying to fix my Alero. Sorry. Long painful rant. I shall quit now. Anyways. Yeah. Oi.
Well, in 6 more minutes I'm clocking out at work, meeting someone at B&N, then meeting Heather, then meeting Becky with Heather at Crafty Hands at 4, and then meeting Cole and friends to celebrate her birthday at Yuki's at 5. This day of easy going turned into a very busy one!!!!
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Catching Up
So, it has been quite a while since I have blogged. I'm not 100% why that is, but hey, what else is new? Since graduation, I've been working at the LAC, which I will do until the third week of August. I will be sad to leave. Four years here has meant a lot to me, and helped me find a career path I love. Otherwise, the first week being FREE, I uber cleaned my house. Which I need to do some more. Really. Sadly, I haven't been reading enough which I started correcting over vacation last week.
So far as reading, I have many books to read! Some I have bought, several I have loaned, and some I just want to get my hands on. Right now I'm reading The Fall of Arthur by J.R.R. Tolkien and Christopher Tolkien. The poem was pretty great, and now I get to learn all about his notes and history with the subject. I hope to finish it today. Last week I read the new(ish) Rachel Morgan book. My reading blog has been updated. My next book is the new one by Katherine Howe, and I read a few pages into it and it wasn't quite catching my attention. I hope it gets better. I also want to read the special books I have about The Hobbit, and then The Atlas of Middle Earth. Then I have several Cormac McCarthy books I must read, Les Mis, and all the others plus more on my list of hopeful readings. Of course, my TV Zombie self has continued. Two seasons of House down, Three seasons of That 70s Show, and several episodes of SVU. Yeah. I need to cut back on the land of tv.
One day a couple of weeks ago my friend Morgan came over and we watched the last two episodes of Season 7. Thanks to her, I got to watch all of Season 7. I rather do love Matt Smith. And his new companion that came in that season. The 50th anniversary special will be THE MOST AMAZING AWESOME PERFECT WONDERFUL HAPPINESS MAGICAL EPISODE EVER because David Tennant will be back. Then the Christmas Special will be our last episode with Matt. Tis sad. I did finally get a shirt with David on it though. And it says Allons-y. How cool is that? Oh, I loooove Doctor Who.
I also started working out in May. My sister and I joined a gym. I worked out five days a week that week. Oh the pain! I also started counting my calorie intake. I'm not really limiting what I eat, just how much. Though I am trying to cut out the really crappy stuff out of my diet. Heh. Then I went on vacation last week. Which was really fun. AND BLEW MY DIET. We ate several buffets. I'm terrible. Ah well. It was fun. We went to the smokies. I got to see Cades Cove which was beautiful, and scenic, and historic. I would like to go back sometime and actually do the trails. I want to get into hiking, but I need someone to join me.
Gatlinburg was actually disappointing. Most of the cool stores had closed down. Earthbound Trading Co. was still there, and I finally got my silk wrap skirt. Other than that, most of them sucked or were just T-Shirt stores. They still have good attractions, but I did most of the ones I've wanted. We saw The Comedy Barn in Pigeon Forge which was hilarious except for one comedian. They also have show dogs which are all rescue dogs. Which is awesome.
So, I'm back to work. Back to calorie counting. And working out every day. I started selling BeautiControl - so if you are interested in that hit me up. I'm catching up and finishing Season Three of Games of Throne Sunday. Watching Season Three of House. The grass around our house is taking over because our lawnmower broke. Yay us. We have the worst luck. Sean is borrowing his father's today, and hopefully we will get it all mowed. Yep.
Laters people. I'm off to read. Oh that reminds me, people bug me about writing. I seriously need to work on my book!
So far as reading, I have many books to read! Some I have bought, several I have loaned, and some I just want to get my hands on. Right now I'm reading The Fall of Arthur by J.R.R. Tolkien and Christopher Tolkien. The poem was pretty great, and now I get to learn all about his notes and history with the subject. I hope to finish it today. Last week I read the new(ish) Rachel Morgan book. My reading blog has been updated. My next book is the new one by Katherine Howe, and I read a few pages into it and it wasn't quite catching my attention. I hope it gets better. I also want to read the special books I have about The Hobbit, and then The Atlas of Middle Earth. Then I have several Cormac McCarthy books I must read, Les Mis, and all the others plus more on my list of hopeful readings. Of course, my TV Zombie self has continued. Two seasons of House down, Three seasons of That 70s Show, and several episodes of SVU. Yeah. I need to cut back on the land of tv.
One day a couple of weeks ago my friend Morgan came over and we watched the last two episodes of Season 7. Thanks to her, I got to watch all of Season 7. I rather do love Matt Smith. And his new companion that came in that season. The 50th anniversary special will be THE MOST AMAZING AWESOME PERFECT WONDERFUL HAPPINESS MAGICAL EPISODE EVER because David Tennant will be back. Then the Christmas Special will be our last episode with Matt. Tis sad. I did finally get a shirt with David on it though. And it says Allons-y. How cool is that? Oh, I loooove Doctor Who.
I also started working out in May. My sister and I joined a gym. I worked out five days a week that week. Oh the pain! I also started counting my calorie intake. I'm not really limiting what I eat, just how much. Though I am trying to cut out the really crappy stuff out of my diet. Heh. Then I went on vacation last week. Which was really fun. AND BLEW MY DIET. We ate several buffets. I'm terrible. Ah well. It was fun. We went to the smokies. I got to see Cades Cove which was beautiful, and scenic, and historic. I would like to go back sometime and actually do the trails. I want to get into hiking, but I need someone to join me.
Gatlinburg was actually disappointing. Most of the cool stores had closed down. Earthbound Trading Co. was still there, and I finally got my silk wrap skirt. Other than that, most of them sucked or were just T-Shirt stores. They still have good attractions, but I did most of the ones I've wanted. We saw The Comedy Barn in Pigeon Forge which was hilarious except for one comedian. They also have show dogs which are all rescue dogs. Which is awesome.
So, I'm back to work. Back to calorie counting. And working out every day. I started selling BeautiControl - so if you are interested in that hit me up. I'm catching up and finishing Season Three of Games of Throne Sunday. Watching Season Three of House. The grass around our house is taking over because our lawnmower broke. Yay us. We have the worst luck. Sean is borrowing his father's today, and hopefully we will get it all mowed. Yep.
Laters people. I'm off to read. Oh that reminds me, people bug me about writing. I seriously need to work on my book!
Sunday, May 12, 2013
100th Post: Future Reading List
Hello!! I have much I want to read this summer. I figured this is great as the 100th post as many of my posts have been about my reading lists.
Books:
1. Les Mis
2. The Orchard Keeper
3. Outer Dark
4. Child of God
5. Suttree
6. Blood Meridian, Or the Evening Redness in the West
7. All the Pretty Horses
8. The Crossing
9. Cities of the Plain
10. No Country for Old Men
11. The Road
12. Kentucky BBQ
13. Bailey's Cafe
14. The Hiding Place
15. Beautiful Creatures
16. Beautiful Darkness
17. Beautiful Redemption
18. Beautiful Chaos
19. The Bookman's Tale
20. The War of the Roses
21. The Children of Henry VIII
Suggest away!!!!
-I remember having more on this list....
Books:
1. Les Mis
2. The Orchard Keeper
3. Outer Dark
4. Child of God
5. Suttree
6. Blood Meridian, Or the Evening Redness in the West
7. All the Pretty Horses
8. The Crossing
9. Cities of the Plain
10. No Country for Old Men
11. The Road
12. Kentucky BBQ
13. Bailey's Cafe
14. The Hiding Place
15. Beautiful Creatures
16. Beautiful Darkness
17. Beautiful Redemption
18. Beautiful Chaos
19. The Bookman's Tale
20. The War of the Roses
21. The Children of Henry VIII
Suggest away!!!!
-I remember having more on this list....
TV Zombie List
1. Ghost Whisper (All)
2. Grey's Anatomy (Current)
3. Lie to Me (All)
4. Angel (All)
5. Eastwick (All)
6. Buffy the Vampire Slayer (All)
7. The Cosby Show (All)
8. Frasier (All)
9. Bones (Current)
10. Psych (Current)
11. Doctor Who(Current)
12. The Big Bang Theory (Five Seasons)
13. Hot in Cleveland (Current)
14. Happily Divorced (Current)
15. Crossing Jordan (All)
16. Glee (1st Season, part of 2nd)
17. How I Met Your Mother (Seven Seasons)
18. Reba (All)
19. Charmed (All)
20. Say Yes to the Dress (Five Seasons)
21. Melissa and Joey (two seasons)
22. Monk (All)
23. The Tudors (All)
24. Game of Thrones (Current)
25. Downton Abbey (All)
26. The Finder (All)
27. Hercules (All)
28. SVU (Working on it)
29. Xena (Most)
30. House (All)
31. Voyager (In second season)
Planning to Watch:
- NCIS
-The Sopranos
-Star Trek
-Firefly
-Torchwood
-Alias
-Xena
2. Grey's Anatomy (Current)
3. Lie to Me (All)
4. Angel (All)
5. Eastwick (All)
6. Buffy the Vampire Slayer (All)
7. The Cosby Show (All)
8. Frasier (All)
9. Bones (Current)
10. Psych (Current)
11. Doctor Who(Current)
12. The Big Bang Theory (Five Seasons)
13. Hot in Cleveland (Current)
14. Happily Divorced (Current)
15. Crossing Jordan (All)
16. Glee (1st Season, part of 2nd)
17. How I Met Your Mother (Seven Seasons)
18. Reba (All)
19. Charmed (All)
20. Say Yes to the Dress (Five Seasons)
21. Melissa and Joey (two seasons)
22. Monk (All)
23. The Tudors (All)
24. Game of Thrones (Current)
25. Downton Abbey (All)
26. The Finder (All)
27. Hercules (All)
28. SVU (Working on it)
29. Xena (Most)
30. House (All)
31. Voyager (In second season)
Planning to Watch:
- NCIS
-The Sopranos
-Star Trek
-Firefly
-Torchwood
-Alias
-Xena
(Almost) Everything You Need To Know About Me...
Personal Introduction
First
off, talking about myself is generally not my favorite thing to do. Or at least
I think this, but then I have a Facebook, this blog and I tend to ramble about
myself quite a bit so you’ll have to forgive me. Overall, I’m quirky, weird,
loving, happy and generally a crazy person to be around. I smile so much that
if I’m not people think something is instantly wrong. I love to read and write. Fiction is my game,
and I tried my hand at my first fantasy story and am now turning
it into a novel. I have won a few awards in my time for creative writing as
well as research writing. I have four
cats (three inside, one out) and three dogs (One is my husbands, and I got an
Australian Shepherd this summer. Her name is Arwen! Then we have Deeogee, my hubby's min pin/yorkie) I want people to know that
I’m here to help, and I love being able to help others. I try to not care what
others think, but I would like to be thought of as organized, friendly and
probably a nerd. If you want to know
anything else about me, details of everything and anything can be found on my
blog, and a million pictures on Facebook.
Facebook:
As to
the most basic information, I am 23. I graduated in May 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts in History and English. I was married
for four years on September 13th, and yes we were young but we have
been together for seven years and we’ve done pretty great so far. High school
sweethearts for the win! My husband and I live in our home town and are currently renovating our home – it was a tad bit of a
fixer upper. I will be beginning my Student Affairs Masters in the Fall. I plan on working for WKU and continuing my education, getting another masters in history or English. I am determined to have a PhD one day or possibly an EDD. I finally figured out this summer that though History is my passion, I need a
bit more security with something I’m going forty thousand dollars of debt for. Currently I work at the LAC on South Campus
for WKU as a tutor in English/Math and other random subjects. I love working
with the other students, and it dawned on me it could be turned into a career
and also get my other degrees paid for. VIOLA! I am a genius. I say it all the
time, and it’s finally true (Or at least that’s what I’m telling myself). I will begin a different job as a Graduate Assistant in the Fall.
I’m
obsessed with the Lord of the Rings and I was at the Hobbit midnight
premiere! Ren Faires are some of my favorite things and I
recently went to a Jane Austen festival. Pretty much anything involving
costumes will grab my attention. I love animals, hanging with my friends,
riding horses, reading, and watching an entire series in a short span of time (I watched all
seven seasons of Buffy last summer.) I'm a bit of a TV Zombie. I love Doctor Who. I'm working on a (too) long list of all the shows I've seen every episode of. Oh, I LOVE The Big Bang Theory.
If you want to know anything else, see
said blog and facebook!
Graduation!!!!
So this has been a pretty awesome weekend. Friday I overslept. Luckily my hubby called me when he got off work at seven and woke me up. Yay for the hubby!!!! I got ready and left within ten minutes, made it to my final at 8, and was finished by 9. Then my lovely friend Nikki let me go to her house and take a shower. She had forgotten she had a lunch that day, so I took her some clothes for that. It all worked out pretty well :)
I worked that day, then had lunch with Charles and Cole. Charles gave me the Atlas of Middle Earth, leather bound, which is one of the coolest presents I have EVER gotten!!!!!! It's beautiful. While at the lunch, a friend also posted on my facebook about a site his professor runs which involves replicating the journeys from Lord of the Rings, as a way to exercise. Which is ever so AWESOME!!!
After that, I met my sister, and we hung out at B&N. Mom came and met us at Outback, where we also met my uncle and aunt from Florida. It was so much fun to catch up with them and see my family. I had a small debate rambling about politics, as well as just talking about general stuff. Oh, and I got an awesome drink. After that we went back to Becky's and hung out for a while.
Saturday we got ready and left from Becky's. Graduation was tons of fun. They ran let getting us out of the side room and into Diddle. I sat with Laura and TK. We talked and laughed. I got my fake diploma. The last lady to talk went on forever and not one single person was listening to her. I GRADUATED!!!! My uncle, aunt, mom, brother, brother-in-law, sister, niece, and hubby were all there. Many of my professors were there too.
After that we went to Ryan's. My family was there, as well as my husbands, my bosses, and a few friends. I had a great time, though I ate too fast and made myself a little sick. After that my mom, me and my sister hung out at B&N and then went and had massages at Sun Suites. It felt so incredible. Mine was a present from my sister and brother-in-law for graduation. Becky got hers for mother's day and we split mom's for the same reason. Then we got some pizza and headed to Becky's for dinner. We watched random youtube videos and talked.
Then today we hung out, went to eat Greek food, and then shopped a bit. On the way there though my tire blew because apparently at some point I ran over something. There were two cuts in it. My father-in-law came, sent me on my way with my mom, and got my tire fixed. It's my happy graduation tire. Yay!!! Sean and I went to his mom's after I got home and we played a game called Quelf which was .... weird but fun. Now I'm home watching SVU.
I have one grade finally - An A in Southern Literature. Yahoo!!!!
Well, I'm excited. Off to work tomorrow!
I got several presents:
Money: Uncle Butch & Aunt Kathy
Money & Pretty Stones: Mom and David
Diploma Frame: Cole
Money: Jan
Alumni Mug: Kacy
Alumni Shirt: Nikki
Charles: Atlas of Middle-Earth
Money: Tina
Angel for car window and Cool flip flops: Aunt Shawn and Momaw
Massage: Becky and Chris
Purse: Morgan
Her Presence: Heather and Kids
Cards:
David, Tonya, Mom, Momaw & Aunt Shawn, Tina, Charles, Cole, Butch & Kathy, Jan, Nikki Burgett
There's possibly more but my brain is fried.
I worked that day, then had lunch with Charles and Cole. Charles gave me the Atlas of Middle Earth, leather bound, which is one of the coolest presents I have EVER gotten!!!!!! It's beautiful. While at the lunch, a friend also posted on my facebook about a site his professor runs which involves replicating the journeys from Lord of the Rings, as a way to exercise. Which is ever so AWESOME!!!
After that, I met my sister, and we hung out at B&N. Mom came and met us at Outback, where we also met my uncle and aunt from Florida. It was so much fun to catch up with them and see my family. I had a small debate rambling about politics, as well as just talking about general stuff. Oh, and I got an awesome drink. After that we went back to Becky's and hung out for a while.
Saturday we got ready and left from Becky's. Graduation was tons of fun. They ran let getting us out of the side room and into Diddle. I sat with Laura and TK. We talked and laughed. I got my fake diploma. The last lady to talk went on forever and not one single person was listening to her. I GRADUATED!!!! My uncle, aunt, mom, brother, brother-in-law, sister, niece, and hubby were all there. Many of my professors were there too.
After that we went to Ryan's. My family was there, as well as my husbands, my bosses, and a few friends. I had a great time, though I ate too fast and made myself a little sick. After that my mom, me and my sister hung out at B&N and then went and had massages at Sun Suites. It felt so incredible. Mine was a present from my sister and brother-in-law for graduation. Becky got hers for mother's day and we split mom's for the same reason. Then we got some pizza and headed to Becky's for dinner. We watched random youtube videos and talked.
Then today we hung out, went to eat Greek food, and then shopped a bit. On the way there though my tire blew because apparently at some point I ran over something. There were two cuts in it. My father-in-law came, sent me on my way with my mom, and got my tire fixed. It's my happy graduation tire. Yay!!! Sean and I went to his mom's after I got home and we played a game called Quelf which was .... weird but fun. Now I'm home watching SVU.
I have one grade finally - An A in Southern Literature. Yahoo!!!!
Well, I'm excited. Off to work tomorrow!
I got several presents:
Money: Uncle Butch & Aunt Kathy
Money & Pretty Stones: Mom and David
Diploma Frame: Cole
Money: Jan
Alumni Mug: Kacy
Alumni Shirt: Nikki
Charles: Atlas of Middle-Earth
Money: Tina
Angel for car window and Cool flip flops: Aunt Shawn and Momaw
Massage: Becky and Chris
Purse: Morgan
Her Presence: Heather and Kids
Cards:
David, Tonya, Mom, Momaw & Aunt Shawn, Tina, Charles, Cole, Butch & Kathy, Jan, Nikki Burgett
There's possibly more but my brain is fried.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Fancy Title Goes Here
I haven't blogged in awhile, but I had to tonight. Twas the last night of my Southern Literature class, a class that has inspired several blog posts and a very long list of books to read this summer. I love this class for the material, the discussions, the new friends I made, and because Dr. Berry is just an awesome teacher.
<-- And this is Dr. Berry:
As you notice - he has food. He wrote a book on KY BBQ, which one of these days I really will buy. Hey, I'm a poor college student. He said something about drinking beer after class today, and I said something I had been thinking for awhile. Teachers always talk about how they used to go drinking with their professors (especially in the history department) but none of them do it now. So Dr. Berry invited us all to a drink. After class, me and three others met him at Hilligan's and it was pretty fun! We discussed classes, writings, and told him how awesome his class was in general. After he left, we hung out talking about literature, school and other such random things. Sadly, this was my first time there. Ah well. I'm all responsible and crap.
Southern Lit was my favorite class this semester, so it makes it harder to care about the rest of the week. However, I have my paper in that class to write (10 pages), and I already have all the research and have it read. I even have it outlined. And topic sentences. And everything. So, my goal tomorrow night is to write that. As a preview my title is: "Opposition to Tradition? Bridging History and Culture Differences in Gloria Naylor's Mama Day."
My Modern China class was pretty cool today. Five of us presented the outlines for our papers. My teacher seemed to like mine. She asked if we liked doing the presentations and we all said we liked the feedback. One girl said she wished we had done it last week so we had more time to work on it. Dr. Du asked us if we would like more time, since more time meant more work. We were afraid to answer and told her so. So she clarified with "No, no, I wouldn't give you more work! Just more time means you would work more on it." Ah. Then yes. Yes we would. And she extended it from Friday to Monday. Which is awesomeness. I have 1/16 pages, though I have all my research read and studied.
Phi Alpha Theta's banquet went wonderful. We had a hitch with the food, but it was fixed and peoples got free drinks. Plus my ex-vice president bought me a drink which was cool. Gotta love free alcohol. We surprised Dr. Sanderfer with flowers and chocolate to thank her for everything she had done. I also talked to Dr. Plummer, my major mentor in all things History. She's so awesome. I hung out with Rachel and Johnny, as I gave them a ride. Afterwards, Rachel, Anna and I went to Sweet Cici's and got some frozen yogurt. Friday we had the first annual baseball game, nthanging out more all semester. Ah, well.
In other news, I'm pretty sure I announced that I WAS ACCEPTED INTO THE STUDENT AFFAIRS GRADUATE STUDIES PROGRAM!!!!!!!!!!! How awesome is that? I also have an interview tomorrow for a GA Position with the Alumni, and then an interview Thursday for another position with South Campus. Yep, it's a busy week.
I hung out with my friend Morgan today and we had fun. I sometimes wish I had done more than my college career, or finished quicker, or whatever, but then I wouldn't have had the past two semesters, which have been amazing. And I may never have started my novel. Or met the people I have. So no matter regrets or wonders I may ever have, I am thankful for every decision that I have made because it's led me to this amazing future I am looking at. I graduate in less than two weeks. I have a party I'm looking forward to with friends. I have family coming down for the day. I'm getting a massage, I already got fifty dollars, and a frame for my diploma and who knows what else I may get (money, money, money!). This summer we are doing tons to the house, and I'm creating our gaming room to have friends over (as my house is just really tiny). I just can't wait. Oh, and I'm joining a gym with my sister. My hubby and I have started walking together, since with his new promotion (more money!) we are getting to spend more time together. Yep. Life is great.
<-- And this is Dr. Berry:As you notice - he has food. He wrote a book on KY BBQ, which one of these days I really will buy. Hey, I'm a poor college student. He said something about drinking beer after class today, and I said something I had been thinking for awhile. Teachers always talk about how they used to go drinking with their professors (especially in the history department) but none of them do it now. So Dr. Berry invited us all to a drink. After class, me and three others met him at Hilligan's and it was pretty fun! We discussed classes, writings, and told him how awesome his class was in general. After he left, we hung out talking about literature, school and other such random things. Sadly, this was my first time there. Ah well. I'm all responsible and crap.
Southern Lit was my favorite class this semester, so it makes it harder to care about the rest of the week. However, I have my paper in that class to write (10 pages), and I already have all the research and have it read. I even have it outlined. And topic sentences. And everything. So, my goal tomorrow night is to write that. As a preview my title is: "Opposition to Tradition? Bridging History and Culture Differences in Gloria Naylor's Mama Day."
My Modern China class was pretty cool today. Five of us presented the outlines for our papers. My teacher seemed to like mine. She asked if we liked doing the presentations and we all said we liked the feedback. One girl said she wished we had done it last week so we had more time to work on it. Dr. Du asked us if we would like more time, since more time meant more work. We were afraid to answer and told her so. So she clarified with "No, no, I wouldn't give you more work! Just more time means you would work more on it." Ah. Then yes. Yes we would. And she extended it from Friday to Monday. Which is awesomeness. I have 1/16 pages, though I have all my research read and studied.
Phi Alpha Theta's banquet went wonderful. We had a hitch with the food, but it was fixed and peoples got free drinks. Plus my ex-vice president bought me a drink which was cool. Gotta love free alcohol. We surprised Dr. Sanderfer with flowers and chocolate to thank her for everything she had done. I also talked to Dr. Plummer, my major mentor in all things History. She's so awesome. I hung out with Rachel and Johnny, as I gave them a ride. Afterwards, Rachel, Anna and I went to Sweet Cici's and got some frozen yogurt. Friday we had the first annual baseball game, nthanging out more all semester. Ah, well.
In other news, I'm pretty sure I announced that I WAS ACCEPTED INTO THE STUDENT AFFAIRS GRADUATE STUDIES PROGRAM!!!!!!!!!!! How awesome is that? I also have an interview tomorrow for a GA Position with the Alumni, and then an interview Thursday for another position with South Campus. Yep, it's a busy week.I hung out with my friend Morgan today and we had fun. I sometimes wish I had done more than my college career, or finished quicker, or whatever, but then I wouldn't have had the past two semesters, which have been amazing. And I may never have started my novel. Or met the people I have. So no matter regrets or wonders I may ever have, I am thankful for every decision that I have made because it's led me to this amazing future I am looking at. I graduate in less than two weeks. I have a party I'm looking forward to with friends. I have family coming down for the day. I'm getting a massage, I already got fifty dollars, and a frame for my diploma and who knows what else I may get (money, money, money!). This summer we are doing tons to the house, and I'm creating our gaming room to have friends over (as my house is just really tiny). I just can't wait. Oh, and I'm joining a gym with my sister. My hubby and I have started walking together, since with his new promotion (more money!) we are getting to spend more time together. Yep. Life is great.
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Happily Ever After, The End?
Well, I'm hoping my interview went well. I think it did. I'm a terrible judge at these things. Lord, I want in this master's program so badly that it will kill a part of me if I don't get in. Wish me luck, please!
I did a silly thing. I wore open toed heels down the hill at WKU. I killed my big toes. Got two giant blisters, and a cut on another toe, and my feet hated me. I had to pop them... eeeeehhhh. I hate doing that. Then I wore closed shoes on Friday, and my one toe royally hates me. So I haven't been able to go walking in a few days because it hurts to wear tennis shoes. I tried. -sighs- I've done some other stuff to work out though, so that helps. I could do more. One step at a time I guess.
I worked on my novel tonight. Wrote about ten pages. I'm proud of that. I have around sixty (depending on the font). I love this story. I hope I can finish this novel. I want to. So badly. Today I woke up with my ear draining, my back and head hurting, and I wasted the whole day. Last night I actually made two presentations, read 1 article and four short stories. Ups and doooowns.
Onto my tv zombieness - I finished Private Practice today. It was a great show. The end is beautiful. Actually, the whole last season is. The main characters all get their own episode where it is from their point of view. There is one character who is reading a fairy tale book and it ends with a happily ever after. She says that it isn't real life and we shouldn't read them to kids. It makes sense, and what she says is truthful, painful, poignant, and real. And the last episode gives everyone a happy ending. Do you know how awesome that is? Pretty dadgum awesome. I really enjoyed it. You should watch this show. Really. It's great :)
Well, I just don't have much tonight. Laters!
I did a silly thing. I wore open toed heels down the hill at WKU. I killed my big toes. Got two giant blisters, and a cut on another toe, and my feet hated me. I had to pop them... eeeeehhhh. I hate doing that. Then I wore closed shoes on Friday, and my one toe royally hates me. So I haven't been able to go walking in a few days because it hurts to wear tennis shoes. I tried. -sighs- I've done some other stuff to work out though, so that helps. I could do more. One step at a time I guess.
I worked on my novel tonight. Wrote about ten pages. I'm proud of that. I have around sixty (depending on the font). I love this story. I hope I can finish this novel. I want to. So badly. Today I woke up with my ear draining, my back and head hurting, and I wasted the whole day. Last night I actually made two presentations, read 1 article and four short stories. Ups and doooowns.
Onto my tv zombieness - I finished Private Practice today. It was a great show. The end is beautiful. Actually, the whole last season is. The main characters all get their own episode where it is from their point of view. There is one character who is reading a fairy tale book and it ends with a happily ever after. She says that it isn't real life and we shouldn't read them to kids. It makes sense, and what she says is truthful, painful, poignant, and real. And the last episode gives everyone a happy ending. Do you know how awesome that is? Pretty dadgum awesome. I really enjoyed it. You should watch this show. Really. It's great :)
Well, I just don't have much tonight. Laters!
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Excitement!!!!!
I know it's been a while since I have blogged, but life has been chaotic. And for once, it's been a happy chaos! It's Spring!!! How awesome is that? I'm so excited to be wearing flip flops, tank tops, and capris. It's pretty great.
I got an A on my midterm in Brit Lit, and an A on my midterm in Mythology. Classes are going great, I have A's in all of them, so school is awesome. Chaotic, stressed, way too much homework/reading, but it's going pretty well. My last semester. Wow.
I bought red heels and a graduation dress. I bought a wonderful dress for my banquet and my interview. We had a family bonfire that was tons of fun. I got to watch the first two episodes of Game of Thrones. My hubby got a promotion at work - he is now full time and a CSM on the third shift. We'll have evening together, and he is going to exercise with me.
I've been exercising. Walking both dogs. I want to start yoga in the mornings too. I want to be healthier - and a tad skinnier. And toned. Maybe eventually.
Yep. Life is pretty awesome. And it gooooes on :P
My interview is tomorrow at 1:00 pm for admission into the Student Affairs graduate program. I am so nervous excited that it is insane. Wish me lots of luck.
We read Bitter in the Mouth for class yesterday. It was an wonderful book. It is a very true growing up story. Spoilers ahead, but I was looking for something that someone mentioned in class, that I noticed the first part was named "Confessions" and was dated August 3rd 1998, and the second part was "Revelations" and dated August 4th 1998. Then, in one part she says that they are realized at the end of a journey. And when she finds out about the death of her uncle in February, she leaves six months later to go home. Which would be in August. So it's her journey. Her journey back home. I know it's crazy but it just seemed really important to me, that I figured that out. I have no idea if its really that big of a deal, but it felt like it at the moment. Dr. Berry pointed out my Historian tendencies about dates. Haha.... it's true. Darn it.
Anyways, it's a very good book, and you should read it!
I don't have much tonight, and I have a lot more to do. Laters,
Fallon
I got an A on my midterm in Brit Lit, and an A on my midterm in Mythology. Classes are going great, I have A's in all of them, so school is awesome. Chaotic, stressed, way too much homework/reading, but it's going pretty well. My last semester. Wow.
I bought red heels and a graduation dress. I bought a wonderful dress for my banquet and my interview. We had a family bonfire that was tons of fun. I got to watch the first two episodes of Game of Thrones. My hubby got a promotion at work - he is now full time and a CSM on the third shift. We'll have evening together, and he is going to exercise with me.
I've been exercising. Walking both dogs. I want to start yoga in the mornings too. I want to be healthier - and a tad skinnier. And toned. Maybe eventually.
Yep. Life is pretty awesome. And it gooooes on :P
My interview is tomorrow at 1:00 pm for admission into the Student Affairs graduate program. I am so nervous excited that it is insane. Wish me lots of luck.
We read Bitter in the Mouth for class yesterday. It was an wonderful book. It is a very true growing up story. Spoilers ahead, but I was looking for something that someone mentioned in class, that I noticed the first part was named "Confessions" and was dated August 3rd 1998, and the second part was "Revelations" and dated August 4th 1998. Then, in one part she says that they are realized at the end of a journey. And when she finds out about the death of her uncle in February, she leaves six months later to go home. Which would be in August. So it's her journey. Her journey back home. I know it's crazy but it just seemed really important to me, that I figured that out. I have no idea if its really that big of a deal, but it felt like it at the moment. Dr. Berry pointed out my Historian tendencies about dates. Haha.... it's true. Darn it.
Anyways, it's a very good book, and you should read it!
I don't have much tonight, and I have a lot more to do. Laters,
Fallon
Monday, March 25, 2013
Wolf Whistle and Other Things
So the book this week was Wolf Whistle. I have to say, though it had beautiful descriptions, I am not a fan of this novel. It deals with Emmett Till's death, and honestly after reading To Kill A Mockingbird I do not think that any book could compare with it. That, and I do not like the way he dealt with Emmett and the story within the novel even though I understood what and why he was doing. It just was not my kind of book. Having said that, many people in the class loved it, and it is one of my teacher's favorites. You should read it and form your own opinion. I will say that there is a wonderful scene with buzzards, flowing description, and my favorite scene involves a random father and his child asking him random questions.
Starting back with last week, I opened our electric bill to find it was $400. I had a panic attack. Remember all my trouble with our air? Yeah, well, it wasn't fixed. We called a different guy and I found out that it is stuck in AC mode so we were heating and cooling our house at the same time. It'll be 350 dollars to fix it. Yeah. Not happy.
I presented at the REACH conference at WKU Saturday. I did okay, not my best, but then it wasn't my best paper either. So, I ate lunch and headed home - I was exhausted. I spent the rest of the night cleaning, so my house looks pretty good. Well, except for where Sean's lovely dog just tore paper up all over the floor -sighs-. Sunday, I found out that my car is leaking transmission fluid and I'm going to have to keep my eye on it until my father-in-law has time to look at it. And it's snowing, for the love of all that is holy. I WANT SPRING!!!! And my favorite two sayings so far, "Go home Mother Nature, you're drunk," And "Brace Yourself. Winter is still here for some reason."
I am obsessed with Les Mis. I watched the movie and the extras Friday when I got home - Love Heather for buying the deluxe edition for me from Target. I also got the book for eight dollars and I'm reading that this summer. I'm listening to the soundtrack right now! I cannot wait to read the book.
I panicked myself into a corner Thursday I was so upset about the bill, that I wound up taking my midterm today in Brit Lit. My teacher was pretty awesome about it. I think there were like four of us making it up. I've been exhausted all day. Dr. Berry even noticed it. I livened up while eating in the car after class, but quickly flattened back out. I'm thinking I'll be asleep by ten. I've got to start A Visit From the Goon Squad tonight too. Ah, well. I did however have a moment of poetic inspiration. It isn't finished but I'll end with what I wrote (recorded) in the car:
Starting back with last week, I opened our electric bill to find it was $400. I had a panic attack. Remember all my trouble with our air? Yeah, well, it wasn't fixed. We called a different guy and I found out that it is stuck in AC mode so we were heating and cooling our house at the same time. It'll be 350 dollars to fix it. Yeah. Not happy.
I presented at the REACH conference at WKU Saturday. I did okay, not my best, but then it wasn't my best paper either. So, I ate lunch and headed home - I was exhausted. I spent the rest of the night cleaning, so my house looks pretty good. Well, except for where Sean's lovely dog just tore paper up all over the floor -sighs-. Sunday, I found out that my car is leaking transmission fluid and I'm going to have to keep my eye on it until my father-in-law has time to look at it. And it's snowing, for the love of all that is holy. I WANT SPRING!!!! And my favorite two sayings so far, "Go home Mother Nature, you're drunk," And "Brace Yourself. Winter is still here for some reason."
I am obsessed with Les Mis. I watched the movie and the extras Friday when I got home - Love Heather for buying the deluxe edition for me from Target. I also got the book for eight dollars and I'm reading that this summer. I'm listening to the soundtrack right now! I cannot wait to read the book.
I panicked myself into a corner Thursday I was so upset about the bill, that I wound up taking my midterm today in Brit Lit. My teacher was pretty awesome about it. I think there were like four of us making it up. I've been exhausted all day. Dr. Berry even noticed it. I livened up while eating in the car after class, but quickly flattened back out. I'm thinking I'll be asleep by ten. I've got to start A Visit From the Goon Squad tonight too. Ah, well. I did however have a moment of poetic inspiration. It isn't finished but I'll end with what I wrote (recorded) in the car:
I find myself lost
In these poetic moments,
Disjointed seconds,
As the light flicks over me,
And the darkness closes in.
Who has the right?
The right to be my voice
What can one say and
When does one have a choice?
The silver droplets fall,
They slide over my skin,
And in this moment I am infinity
And in this moment I am the end.
I pray to the Gods,
To all those above,
To the ones below
And the ones I’ve left in love.
How can I say all these things that I feel?
And where do these moments go,
When there is nothing that is real?
Monday, March 18, 2013
Liminal Places
For those of you who don't know, liminal means in between (and to be fair I just learned this myself tonight). I really like this word. Anyways, the topic came up when discussing Mama Day, which is a beautiful novel which I think more than anything else, demonstrates to us the complexity of life. If you have never read this novel, you should, and yes, I realize I say that about many books lately. I think it is a novel which touches on many realities of life while managing to convey that sense of "other" and mystery, magic and hope, that we all have.
In Mama Day, Gloria Naylor details the lives of characters, New York, and a little island called Willow Springs. Naylor manages to hit a thousand topics, covering everything from gender roles, race, social status, and history to myths, magic, beliefs, love, and revenge. Dr. Berry asked us in class which view or approach to the book (such as psychoanalysis or feminism) would open this book up best for an understanding. I have to say that I believe this book could be approached in any way because of it has so many complex layers that I do not believe just one would ever be able to full appreciate every aspect of this book.
As many of you know, I am very interested lately in magic, and this book is called "magical realism." It has magical things that are treated as every day subjects - they are dealt with as occurring almost normally. With my research into the cultural perception of magic, I wonder if there is any area where I could successfully study magic in culture through literature. The idea greatly interests me, and I am going to write my paper for Southern Literature over this novel and possible Wolf Whistle. This novel has all the old herbal lore than can be found as well as black/white magic. The idea that the intent behind the magic is what creates its purpose in this novel goes back to when the church declared "black magic" heresy based on intent. I would love to explore this.
In class we hit all the general subjects, but one was how there was not one single strong man within the novel. I have to say, I didn't agree with this. Ambush is a quiet man who goes along with his wife's wishes, but he is a man who knows the strength within himself, his land, and his future. George may give into Cocoa, and give up much, but he is a man who stands up for himself, who lived a hard childhood and carved his own path in the world. He has immeasurable strength even though he has a heart condition which limits him. There are others on the island who may be running away from themselves, but when the time comes, they have the strength to face what they have known all along in order to help someone else. They are the strength in the community in a way, because they work to provide for others, and they work together when needed. I think it is unfair to call them weak or without power just because this novel did not wholly focus on them, or what they were capable of. Women for centuries have been the ones with magic and prophetic powers and think that Naylor's portrayal lives up to that tradition and many others.
I am glad that I am first going to pursue a Student Affairs degree because I seriously am considering getting my English masters and pursuing literature - I enjoy our discussions and I enjoy delving into the meanings and blogging about how I understand things. I only have about 14 more minutes till my laptop dies and 17 till B&N closes, so this shall be a rather short post. I believe that Naylor managed something wonderful in this novel, discussing a culture and finding it a place within society. She understands that culture changes and that it is not the end of the traditions but a continuing evolving. If traditions did not change with the times then they would be lost. They would no longer be relevant. We may change them to fit our understanding but we carry with that change the knowledge of what was and the memory of why it is so.
Naylor ties history, myths, and storytelling into a tale that gives us so many pieces of life. Within all myths are a grain of truth, and a yearning to understand something that perhaps eluded those long ago. In order to arrange life or explain something, we tie it into a story and add a bow. The truth that is traced down remains somewhere within it, but the meaning of the story, and the heart of all the sides of the story are what matters. We see George and Cocoa's tale through several eyes, including their own, and it is all the sides of the story together that make is so touching, heartfelt, beautiful, and transcendent.
In Mama Day, Gloria Naylor details the lives of characters, New York, and a little island called Willow Springs. Naylor manages to hit a thousand topics, covering everything from gender roles, race, social status, and history to myths, magic, beliefs, love, and revenge. Dr. Berry asked us in class which view or approach to the book (such as psychoanalysis or feminism) would open this book up best for an understanding. I have to say that I believe this book could be approached in any way because of it has so many complex layers that I do not believe just one would ever be able to full appreciate every aspect of this book.
As many of you know, I am very interested lately in magic, and this book is called "magical realism." It has magical things that are treated as every day subjects - they are dealt with as occurring almost normally. With my research into the cultural perception of magic, I wonder if there is any area where I could successfully study magic in culture through literature. The idea greatly interests me, and I am going to write my paper for Southern Literature over this novel and possible Wolf Whistle. This novel has all the old herbal lore than can be found as well as black/white magic. The idea that the intent behind the magic is what creates its purpose in this novel goes back to when the church declared "black magic" heresy based on intent. I would love to explore this.
In class we hit all the general subjects, but one was how there was not one single strong man within the novel. I have to say, I didn't agree with this. Ambush is a quiet man who goes along with his wife's wishes, but he is a man who knows the strength within himself, his land, and his future. George may give into Cocoa, and give up much, but he is a man who stands up for himself, who lived a hard childhood and carved his own path in the world. He has immeasurable strength even though he has a heart condition which limits him. There are others on the island who may be running away from themselves, but when the time comes, they have the strength to face what they have known all along in order to help someone else. They are the strength in the community in a way, because they work to provide for others, and they work together when needed. I think it is unfair to call them weak or without power just because this novel did not wholly focus on them, or what they were capable of. Women for centuries have been the ones with magic and prophetic powers and think that Naylor's portrayal lives up to that tradition and many others.
I am glad that I am first going to pursue a Student Affairs degree because I seriously am considering getting my English masters and pursuing literature - I enjoy our discussions and I enjoy delving into the meanings and blogging about how I understand things. I only have about 14 more minutes till my laptop dies and 17 till B&N closes, so this shall be a rather short post. I believe that Naylor managed something wonderful in this novel, discussing a culture and finding it a place within society. She understands that culture changes and that it is not the end of the traditions but a continuing evolving. If traditions did not change with the times then they would be lost. They would no longer be relevant. We may change them to fit our understanding but we carry with that change the knowledge of what was and the memory of why it is so.
Naylor ties history, myths, and storytelling into a tale that gives us so many pieces of life. Within all myths are a grain of truth, and a yearning to understand something that perhaps eluded those long ago. In order to arrange life or explain something, we tie it into a story and add a bow. The truth that is traced down remains somewhere within it, but the meaning of the story, and the heart of all the sides of the story are what matters. We see George and Cocoa's tale through several eyes, including their own, and it is all the sides of the story together that make is so touching, heartfelt, beautiful, and transcendent.
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Spring Fever!
So I am a girl who loves fall, and generally loves Winter for gloves, long sleeves, jackets, hats and scarves, but this time I have been craving warm weather! I'm not sure what's into me, except I miss running around like an idiot with my dog outside, and my tanktops and crops are calling my name. Today it's almost seventy outside, and after this post I'm going to run around like a wild idiot and enjoy it.
So last weekend was my Phi Alpha Theta Regional Conference. The ride up and the night at the hotel was tons of fun, hanging out with friends and meeting new people. I practiced my paper, talked to fast, and shifted around a lot. There were also a few jumps in my paper that were hard to understand. So I went back and added in three transition sentences. The next day, I dressed up, and off we went. I was to present at 9:40, and I was rather nervous but when I stood up I just kinda instantly calmed down. I read my paper, and there were a few places were I started to speed up but Dr. Sanderfer motioned at me, and I instantly slowed down. Fifteen minutes later, I had only shifted my foot once, and read through the whole thing without a mispronounced word, skipped sentence, or general mess up. I'm rather dadgum proud of myself. I didn't win an award for my paper (and there were non for presentations) but two of our own brought back 2nd and 3rd place so I am rather happy about that!!!!
In other news, the week of Spring Break has passed and other than cleaning a bit, working and babysitting my friend's dog, I have been generally useless which I have comes to term with. I'm heading out to watch Beautiful Creatures tonight with a friend, and return said dog. I got my hair cut. Tomorrow, I'm going to have to clean like crazy to try to help my hubby's allergy to the poor dog, and finish all the work I was supposed to do during Spring Break....
On the topic of getting my hair cut, I went to the Lindsey Institute. My hair turned out really well, and she did a great job on my bangs. She also learned a few new techniques so I was glad to be of assistance :) It only cost 11 dollars too!!! The only downfall would be that she probably yanked out half my hair with her brush and when blow drying she kept bumping my head with it. It was kinda painful, but I managed.
Other than that... well school starts Monday and I have lots of to do. I have to finish Mama Day, read a few chapters in my Chinese book and sum them up, and study for Brit Lit midterm. Yeaaaaah..... on to outside!
So last weekend was my Phi Alpha Theta Regional Conference. The ride up and the night at the hotel was tons of fun, hanging out with friends and meeting new people. I practiced my paper, talked to fast, and shifted around a lot. There were also a few jumps in my paper that were hard to understand. So I went back and added in three transition sentences. The next day, I dressed up, and off we went. I was to present at 9:40, and I was rather nervous but when I stood up I just kinda instantly calmed down. I read my paper, and there were a few places were I started to speed up but Dr. Sanderfer motioned at me, and I instantly slowed down. Fifteen minutes later, I had only shifted my foot once, and read through the whole thing without a mispronounced word, skipped sentence, or general mess up. I'm rather dadgum proud of myself. I didn't win an award for my paper (and there were non for presentations) but two of our own brought back 2nd and 3rd place so I am rather happy about that!!!!
In other news, the week of Spring Break has passed and other than cleaning a bit, working and babysitting my friend's dog, I have been generally useless which I have comes to term with. I'm heading out to watch Beautiful Creatures tonight with a friend, and return said dog. I got my hair cut. Tomorrow, I'm going to have to clean like crazy to try to help my hubby's allergy to the poor dog, and finish all the work I was supposed to do during Spring Break....
On the topic of getting my hair cut, I went to the Lindsey Institute. My hair turned out really well, and she did a great job on my bangs. She also learned a few new techniques so I was glad to be of assistance :) It only cost 11 dollars too!!! The only downfall would be that she probably yanked out half my hair with her brush and when blow drying she kept bumping my head with it. It was kinda painful, but I managed.
Other than that... well school starts Monday and I have lots of to do. I have to finish Mama Day, read a few chapters in my Chinese book and sum them up, and study for Brit Lit midterm. Yeaaaaah..... on to outside!
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
A Mockingbird’s History
Two weeks ago we read To Kill A Mockingbird for class. I cannot believe I did not blog over this!!! I had read this book in high school and rather enjoyed it. Or, well, it was read to us in high school and I got in trouble for reading ahead and finishing it before everyone else... but that's not the point. The second time around, I was amazed at how much I managed to miss and how wonderful this book truly is. Dr. Berry asked if he should assign it again and got a rather loud return of yeses. Yes, yes he should. Always (And the HP fans just said "ALWAYS!).
When Dr. Berry sent out an email asking which books we would like to lead discussion on, I instantly replied with this one. Luckily no one else wanted it (or they don't troll their email 24/7). When I started reading this book again, I was amazed at how much I was discovering. I had bought a copy forever ago at a yard sale, or Goodwill, or something, and had never managed to reread it. Silly me. This book deals with so many issues all at once and the writing and the story are both equally beautiful. Your heart will soar, break, and then piece itself back together. You will cry, laugh, and shy all while angerly cussing out people you have never met... who are fictional...
This book once again brought me back to historical criticism. To save me time, I'll probably just post my whole jumpstart/paper on here (aren't you just excited?). I had to review an article dealing with the book, and of course I found something that was historical criticism. I am wondering if this is even a field you can still do? I am very intrigued by it and it combines both of my favorite things into one. Could this be my future? I'll have to give major props to Dr. Berry if it is.
This book deals with the issue of race, from a child's point of view. It accomplishes a beautiful message of how the south had those who were fighting for change. It is not only a matter of race however. It deals with drug addiction, growing up, murder, class issues, small town life, history, family ties, education and too many other topics to mention. The story of Boo Radley will have you crying by the end of the book. Scout will keep you honest, as no other narrative could have, and that was something everyone in the class agreed on. The movie (the hour I saw) does a wonderful job, and I had to fight not to cry in some parts. I really need to get my hand on that movie so I can see the whole thing. Harper Lee has my devotion and this was the only novel she ever wrote. I would love to meet her.
I could go on and on about this novel, but I have a million things to do. So, READ IT!!!!
When Dr. Berry sent out an email asking which books we would like to lead discussion on, I instantly replied with this one. Luckily no one else wanted it (or they don't troll their email 24/7). When I started reading this book again, I was amazed at how much I was discovering. I had bought a copy forever ago at a yard sale, or Goodwill, or something, and had never managed to reread it. Silly me. This book deals with so many issues all at once and the writing and the story are both equally beautiful. Your heart will soar, break, and then piece itself back together. You will cry, laugh, and shy all while angerly cussing out people you have never met... who are fictional...
This book once again brought me back to historical criticism. To save me time, I'll probably just post my whole jumpstart/paper on here (aren't you just excited?). I had to review an article dealing with the book, and of course I found something that was historical criticism. I am wondering if this is even a field you can still do? I am very intrigued by it and it combines both of my favorite things into one. Could this be my future? I'll have to give major props to Dr. Berry if it is.
This book deals with the issue of race, from a child's point of view. It accomplishes a beautiful message of how the south had those who were fighting for change. It is not only a matter of race however. It deals with drug addiction, growing up, murder, class issues, small town life, history, family ties, education and too many other topics to mention. The story of Boo Radley will have you crying by the end of the book. Scout will keep you honest, as no other narrative could have, and that was something everyone in the class agreed on. The movie (the hour I saw) does a wonderful job, and I had to fight not to cry in some parts. I really need to get my hand on that movie so I can see the whole thing. Harper Lee has my devotion and this was the only novel she ever wrote. I would love to meet her.
I could go on and on about this novel, but I have a million things to do. So, READ IT!!!!
A Mockingbird’s History
In
his article, “Prolepsis and Anachronism: Emmet Till and the Historicity of To
Kill a Mockingbird” Patrick Chura examines the historical context of To Kill a Mockingbird and whether or not
the story represents historical fact. Throughout the article, Chura compares the
case of Tom Robinson to that of Emmet Till, analyses the historical context and
ideals of the text, and argues that overall “the
novel cannot actually be understood within or tied to any single or particular
historical period” (23). The arguments
that Chura makes convinces the reader of the importance of the novel, as well
as the overall historical background behind it.
Patrick Chura begins by stating that
though it understood that the novel takes place during the Depression era, “no analysis has
attempted to separate the historical conditions of the moment of the text's
production in the mid 1950s from the historical present of the novel, the mid
1930s” (1). He argues that within the
paper several of the historical moments mentioned have not actually taken place
yet within the time frame of the novel, or the year in which they are
presented. Yet, he calls to mind the
fact that Scout herself announces she is writing this book from a future
perspective, and that Lee intentionally pointed this out. Chura’s overall argument is that “the mid
1950s/early civil rights era is therefore the context from which the novel is
best understood as the intersection of cultural and literary ideology” (2). He easily achieves this by comparing the trial
of Emmet Till and its surrounding problems in society with those of Tom
Robinson and everything that occurs within Maycomb.
Emmet
Till’s murder took place in 1955, when he went to visit his family in the
Mississippi Delta. The truth of what
actually occurred in front of the grocery story has never been known, but some
accounts say he whistled at a white lady, while others say he grabbed her hand
and said something lewd (23-24). With a
few days, Roy Bryant and J.W. Milam took the boy from his cabin, shoot him and
threw him in the river. After 67 minutes, and plenty of evidence to prove their
guilt, the jury announced a verdict of not guilty (23-24). This trial was headline news, and for many a
shocking reminder of how far the country still had to go to reach equality for
all. Chura believes that this trial inspired the trial of Tom Robinson in To Kill a Mockingbird (2). He compares many of the actual figures
of the trial and their actions to those of characters in the novel, such as
Atticus and Attorney Gerald Chatham, Judge Taylor
and Judge Curtis Swango, and Tom Robinson and Emmet Till (8-10). The
comparisons of the actions of both characters in the novel and their real
counterparts are only part of the overall similarities. Both trials had all white juries, both dealt
with racial issues and the fear of interracial sex, and the similarities only
begin there (5).
Chura’s
examination of both cases, side by side, allows insight into the trial of
Maycomb, and what it meant in a larger context.
Each comparison furthers the historical context of the novel, showing
its basis in the Civil Rights era, and its purpose at examining such a
case. For the people of the time period
who read this novel would have known about the Emmett Till case and everything
surrounding it. It would have spoke to the readers of the 50s as it cannot
speak to us. Understanding the problems
society was then facing allows us to see what Lee may have hoped to accomplish
with this novel, and the intersection of such beliefs allows a better
understanding of their culture and our own history.
This
article is a historical criticism of To
Kill a Mockingbird. Through looking
at the historical context of the novel, the facts and the fiction, as well as
the history of the writer herself, Chura is able to analyze and better
understand the novel itself. His own
conclusion about historical criticism, is that “the
implied tasks for historicist readings then would seem to be to continue to
work with texts in ways which acknowledge always that literary works are the
product of more than one discourse or set of material conditions, and to search
for concrete terms or strategies for answering the kind of historical questions
that arise so frequently in literature as a result of this phenomenon” (23). Chura uses the novel as evidence to further
understanding of the time periods it concerns.
The combination of the two time periods together does not detract from
the novel, but further adds to the statement it is making.
Overall, Chura believes that
“imaginative literature that is historically structured tells us as much about
the relationship of ideology to material conditions and hegemony as it does
about either its period of production or its historical present” (23). I had never thought of fiction as “imaginative
literature” and it is a term I rather like.
I also agree wholeheartedly with his assessment. Chura manages to use historical facts and
weave comparisons between the truth and what is presented in To Kill a Mockingbird. His argument is
well written, never dull and dry as often some criticism can be.
One thing I learned from this
article was that often Scout’s most important realizations come about in a
moment between reality and sleep, in an in-between world (19). When reading the
novel, each realization of Scout’s is profound for such a young girl, and yet
something the reader is already aware of.
Lee’s presentation of a young girl maturing through a difficult
situation is low key, but just as equally as important as the aspects of race
and society in the novel. Scout’s realization of what had happened in the
jailhouse, the comparison of the courtroom and the mad dog, and her ultimate
conclusion of the story after hearing Atticus read all occur when he is
half-awake or drifting again into sleep and each realization furthers her own
understanding of the world (19). Harper Lee wrote this book during a difficult
time in the South, and her own realizations about her childhood and the issues
of her time influenced this novel and her characters.
Another thing which I did not fully
pick up on but which Chura presents is that in the end, Atticus has lost faith
in the court system (17). The country as
a whole had lost faith that the court system would provide justice as it was
meant to, and in the novel, Atticus can no longer believe his own statement
that the court systems provide equality for all. When faced with having to
shove Boo Radley into a world he would not wish to inhabit, Atticus understands
it is better to go with Sherriff Tate’s story of events then expose the very
man who saved his children. Scout tells
her father that she understands that it would be “like shootin’ a Mockingbird”
(18). So, the theme of the novel stands, and one message of the book stands
clear – the innocent have been found guilty.
As historical criticism is something
I am becoming more and more interested in, I was pleased with this article and
what it managed to portray through the understanding of the historical time
periods. I learned new facts about the
historical background, about the author herself, and about the novel. I am sure I could not have done a better job
of presenting the comparisons between the Till case and Robinson’s, or Chura’s
argument of the work as a whole. The
article was informative, interesting, and educational, while at the same time
providing a deeper passion for the novel and everything it accomplished.
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