Christmas

Lately I haven't been writing much because I feel like my life is lackluster at the moment (like Carl Allen's, played by Jim Carrey, on Yes Man, which causes me to think that maybe I should start saying "yes" to everything?!), but something fascinating always happens around Christmas--like flying into Long Beach instead of Burbank and stopping to eat at Cupid's Hot Dogs because it's hard to find a good chili dog anymore, and then eating the traditional Christmas Eve won tons, opening presents and going to breakfast at Denny's on Christmas morning, and then going to see a movie that opens on Christmas Day because after presents there isn't much else to do.

If you're not already bored here's something exciting. Just the other night I was playing Rock Band, and I was the singer for either "I Think I'm Paranoid" by Garbage, or "Dani California" by Red Hot Chili Peppers, or "Baba O'Reilly" by The Who, and I was getting my groove on (I was "playing" the tambourine) and I tripped over a huge box and fell on a controller. Now I have a huge contusion on my knee, and hit my head against my sister's soft plush foot rest. Only I would do something so stupid.

My Post "New Kids" Obsession

I have a new obsession. Somehow (I don't know how) I got over New Kids on the Block (don't worry I still love them), and now I am onto a new song called "Unbeautiful" by Leslie Roy. She has a raspy voice that I love, and the first time I heard the song it reminded me of a song I should have heard in the movie Twilight. My obsession led me to buy the song off of iTunes breaking the bank at $1.07. Thanks to my sister-in-law Brooke, I learned how to embed YouTube videos (such as Jem), and I tried to look up a good video that does justice to the song, but my pickings were slim. This is the best I could do to share this song with whomever comes across my blog. (The song is set to scenes from Twilight)

Jem

I decided, since I have nothing else to write about, to post about "Jem." I've been thinking about my childhood a lot (the other day I got a Happy Meal from McDonald's and they had My Little Pony toys loved it!), and "Jem" was one of those childhood joys. I loved watching her. It is because of her I still sing in my hairbrush!

Now It's Time to Break Out Those Dusty Christmas Records!

I guess it is officially ok to start celebrating Christmas. I just feel like Thanksgiving needs it's time in the sun (it doesn't get much of it anyways, especially not this year, it was overcast all day in Bakersfield). Happy Hannukah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice, and Christmas (and any other December holidays) to everyone. Happy Father's Day to all my friends in Thailand on December 5th (that's the king's birthday, he is turning 81 this year)! As a side note, I wouldn't mind being in Thailand right now, being stuck for a few extra day wouldn't be so bad to me, I just hope I wouldn't go broke from all the extra shopping I would be doing--Oh wait Thailand is cheap! (As of 9:33 MST the exchange rate is 1.00 USD = 35.6907 THB.)

Let's Get This!

November 15 was the greatest night of my life. My life is complete, and I can die a happy woman! I've been waiting to see New Kids on the Block since I was eight years old, and it's been almost 20 years. The concert was so awesome!

I went with my Korean roommate Wendy, my Kiwi Krystie, and my friend Anela. We were pretty close, and there was a part where they went to a revolving stage in the middle of the crowd, and we were so close. They were literally 10 feet away. New Kids are such nice guys, and they are really great with their fans. It's awesome! It was so amazing. I will never forget it. They opened with "Single," and closed with "Summertime," and did two encores "Step by Step" and "Hangin' Tough." I wished it never ended, but I did need to come home, sleep, and wake up for church.

Natasha Bedingfield opened, and she was really good! Both performers (Natasha and NKOTB) interacted with the crowd, and got us all involved. It was great! I missed Lady Gaga, but I wasn't really upset about that because I don't really know any of her stuff, and she kinda freaked me out on "So You Think You Can Dance." Anyways, I highly recommend New Kids concerts to everyone. They are really great performers, and they care about their fans, and it's just all around good fun.

I obviously had to buy souvenirs, so I bought a New Kids shirt, and a program. I am so giddy, I was giddy all day Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and I will continue to be giddy for a long time after this! I'm gonna have good dreams for awhile!

"Let's get this!"



In the first photo Donnie is holding a shirt that a fan threw at him that says "I [heart] Mormon Girls!"
The second photo is of me with the girls!

Just 5 Days Away

Guess where I'm going in 5 days! Nope, it's not Disneyland (although I truly do wish that). . . No, it's not there either! New Kids on the Block! Yes, in just 5 (long) days they will be in Salt Lake City, and I will be sitting in row 51 drooling like a geriatric over the amazing vocal stylings of Donnie, Joey, Jordan, Jon, and Danny.

I've loved them since I was 8, and I have never quite gotten over the break-up. In my infantile mind I thought they would be around forever singing and dancing to "The Right Stuff"--and they probably thought so too--but "fame is a fickle food" (according to the famous recluse Emily Dickinson). The concert is in West Valley so I am a little scared for my life, and the life of my car. But who cares. . . it's New Kids on the Block! Unfortunately, I will have to share the New Kids with my Korean roommate, Wendy (I guess New Kids were famous in Korea), and my friend Anela.

Emma: A Good Dose of Prozac

I know I haven't written much lately, but honestly my life has been kinda dull. Except for the fact that I am student teaching 10th and 11th graders. They're super fun! Everyday is a new adventure. So far the students haven't made me cry, I made myself cry though. On Friday I felt like I am messing up sooo much and I am going to ruin their chances of getting into Harvard--like going from an "A" to an "F"--but then again, sometimes it's just them. I thought I was lazy!

I'm getting better, everyday is a new day, and every period is a new period that I can start over and do better.

So after my meltdown on Friday I watched Emma and felt so much better!

http://dvd.easycinema.com/easy/images/products/6/1306-large.jpg

My New Haircut

So I don't usually like to put pictures of me on my blog because it seems so self-centered, egotistical, narcissistic, and vain. If I had my beautiful burmese cat that's all that would go up, but since I don't, I guess I have to put something up, and since I cut 10 inches off my hair I figured I should let the world see.


Yeah! Ten inches! I know it's soooo short.

"M" is for Maggie's Magnificent Moves

After a long day of teaching I babysit my very adorable, energetic nieces Maggie and Miley (not Hannah Montana). Maggie likes to dance to "Shake It" on her kitchen table. Sometimes you just let 'em do what they want!



Miley was sleeping during the filming of this movie.

Spoiler Alert!

Now that I am student teaching I will not write about my daily experiences (mostly because they will be filled with my teaching misadventures, and I should protect the innocent that and if they found out what I really thought about them . . . ) so hopefully my blog won't get too boring, but don't worry there is never a dull moment in my life!

I Told You I Could Do It!

So, I decided to quit the alphabet thing for awhile since I couldn't think of anything starting with an "M" this week. (I'm going through a dry spell.) This week was my first week student teaching, but lucky me, I just sat back and observed the real teacher--which is nice because I don't really start full-time teaching for a couple weeks, so I can work on my unfinished lesson plans. The big novels I will be teaching are Beowulf and The Scarlet Letter.

Last Friday I taught because my co-op teacher was out of town. It was pretty cool. The first 2 periods were fine. We finished the work we were suppose to, and they behaved well (10th graders can be very chatty) except one girl was texting under the desk, but the substitute picked that up for me. That's the one thing I need to be more aware of is students sneaking notes, phones, and iPods. Last period, oh my goodness! It was fun, and some learning occurred, but . . . WOW! I couldn't contain myself. Tuesday through Thursday I felt tired by 3rd period, which is normal for me, (oh yeah, they do AB days here, and there are four 80 min periods a day + lunch), but when last period rolled around I wasn't as tired. I guess because I was active, and the kids were cracking me up. It was really fun, but I didn't really do any of the preparation. I think I can handle it . . . hopefully!

"L" is for Lacking Logos

Today I watched Clueless, one of my favorite movies, and I realized how familiar one has to be with pop culture to get the subtext. I also realized that it is much like my all-time favorite movie Emma, which it confesses to be about. Yes, I did get the jokes, and (I feel so proud right now) a joke that I didn't get before--amazing how life changes perspective.

Anyways, the reason why I say that I was lacking logos (mostly because it's an "L" word) is because I watched it with my new Korean roommate, who isn't familiar with most of the slang, nor the American pop culture, nor the decade that the story takes place. (I was just starting high school in California when the movie came out, and I can blame Cher for using "like" 20 times in a sentence, for the way I talk. There you go dad! Now you know why I talk the way I do--Cher Horowitz's influence.) My roomie laughed at the right parts which indicated to me that she did get some of it. Afterwards, I asked if she liked it, and she said yes, and I told her that some of it she might not get because you have to be familiar with American pop culture. I don't know . . . maybe it will help her learn English faster, or maybe it will stunt her progression, but whatever the outcome it's a great movie!

"K" is for Kraze Times

This week has been a crazy week. One of those transitioning weeks. I've been homeless (actually my junk has been homeless), working from 11-5 (which isn't a lot, I just don't like working that late, I'm a morning person), driving back-and-forth from Provo/Orem to Spanish Fork, and dealing with some faculty/staff changes at work (that's why I've been staying until 5). I'm just glad that I am taking next week off from work so I can mentally (and physically) get ready for student teaching. By then all my unpacking should be done, and I will be able to read through all the information I've been given about ST, finish The Scarlet Letter, write lesson plans, and, especially, read the "The Shafer Writing Program" that MVHS is using. I'd like to think I'm a good writer (my papers reflect that), but my strength lies in literature; I just like to sit and think--deeply--about a text. (Sometimes that's why I always look like I have a blank look on my face because I am thinking about something, most likely it has nothing to do with what you just said to me.) Being able to write is one thing, teaching an adolescent how to do it is another. Writing is an innate ability, but writing effectively isn't--it took me 27 years to figure that out.

"J" is for Junk in the Trunk

It's that glorious time of year when I have to move. I hate it when a contract ends on the 16th of the month and the other begins on the 26th of the month. It makes me want to cry. Normally I'm a good planner and start preparing at least a week in advance, but my mind has been stressing about other things. (Also I just barely moved into this place and the thought of moving again escaped my conscious.) So, I didn't start packing until two days ago, and now I have to be out by tomorrow at noon. I have too much stuff. There's only so much that I can fit in my roommates room, and squeeze into nooks and crannies anywhere else. Looks like I will be living out of my car for awhile. Hmmm I've never done that! That might be cool!

"I" is for Incoherency

Have you ever felt like your tongue is literally tied up, and you can't talk? or That your brain is thinking faster than your tongue can move and so you ramble on and on and on 'til your tongue catches up with your brain? Well that happens to me on a daily basis. Not only do I have a tongue-to-brain-synapse misfire, but I also have a problem with "word vomit" or "diarrhea of the mouth."

Earlier, I was talking on the phone with a student and all of the sudden my tongue got tied, and I felt the need to tell him that "I can't talk." What is wrong with me? Would telling him that I couldn't spit out a simple sentence make me feel better because he would then be sympathetic to my problems? (Because I wasn't feeling sympathetic towards his problems of IRRESPONSIBILITY, you're an adult man learn to take care of your problems.)

On top of that, bad grammar slips out, and I always catch myself doing it, and I definitely notice when other people speak improperly, but I don't call them on it cuz I'd rather have friends than not!

"H" is for Harry Potter

I haven't written about my man in awhile, and he's slowly being "eclipsed" by Edward, but don't you fear Harry will always have a special place in my heart. I know, it's so weird to be obsessed with fictional characters, but they seriously have helped me get through some rough times in my life. I like to call it bibliotherapy (ok, so that's what the shrink calls it). Anyways, I saw the trailer for it, and I seriously got the chills. I am so excited to see how Hollywood interprets the magical world that J.K . Rowling created on screen. Here's a link to the trailer:

http://harrypotter.warnerbros.co.uk/site/index.html

I guess I'll be spending November 21 in line at the theaters! I think I should plan a trip to Thailand on the 2oth of November!

"G" is for Great Googelymoogely

I honestly don't have much to write about. I ate at Ruth's diner on Saturday. It's in a canyon outside of SLC just past Hogle Zoo (I don't know what the canyon's called I'm sure it has a name). The food is really good; it's homestyle cooking like "mile high biscuits" mmmmm. Later I went to the Gateway Mall, and had a phish food ice cream cone at B&J's, then a friend-of-a-friend's reception, and to close my day, a dance at the SLC institute (where I randomly ran into an old friend who happens to be going to New Kids with me!). Oh yeah, there were some guys at the dance. That's all.

"F" is for Frustrated out of my mind

Now that UVSC has become UVU things have gotten worse not better. Today I went to get my new UVU ID/ATM card and they totally screwed me (the first time was kinda my fault). My colleagues and I walked all the way down to the Student Center from the Liberal Arts building (which is quite the walk), and we briefly talked to the UCCU reps to get our cards. Since I already have an account there, I went on down to Campus Connection to get my ID. So, before we left Dorice told us to bring our student ID just to have, of course I am a motard and didn't bring it, because for some reason I thought my actual ATM card would be enough. The guy at CC told me I needed my Driver's License or some form of photo ID, being the lazy person that I was I tried to convince the guy that Dorice could prove I am who I say I am.

So, I ran back to the office to get my student ID (because my DL is such a pain to get out of my wallet) and ran back (part of the way). When I got back Dorice was still waiting to get her ID and I had to wait in line once again, and by the time I rolled up to the counter Kim caught up. I proudly, showed them my ID and they said that I needed my DL because my UVSC ID had expired. I just yelled at the guy "YOU'RE SCREWING WITH ME!" (and not in the "bad"way) Yeah I was infuriated. The other guy said that I just need some photo ID. My UVSC ID was only expired for a month, and then he has the gall to say that "it's the law." Then Kim tries to get her card too, and they won't let her. It's so frustrating, it's a good thing they served a chocolate fountain!

Later Kim went back with her DL sans UVSC ID, and they tell her that she needed both to get the new ID with all the bells and whistles. HOLY HANNAH! Someone shoot me now. What are they going to ask for next . . . . our SOULS? It's so ridiculous and frustrating. The guy just said that he would give it to her anyways. Which is what they should have done the first time.

"E" Is for Why Can't I Find an Edward?

I finished reading Breaking Dawn on Sunday, and it's sooo good! (Don't worry I'm not gonna spoil it.)

Why can't I find a guy like Edward? Oh, that's right they don't exist (vampires that is)! He's way too perfect, and no man on earth can live up to those expectations. But, some guys can at least emulate, or mimic his perfectness. It's not that hard to treat a girl with respect, and like she's the only one on earth, and that you would do anything for her. Now is that too much to ask?!

But what do I know!

"D" Is For (Breaking) Dawn

This morning I was up at the butt-crack of dawn to get to Borders. Today is the midnight release party for Breaking Dawn, and I can honestly say that I lived the title of the book. I was at Borders at 6 am because I figured there would be a long line because of my Harry Potter experience, and because Provo is the hot spot for "Twilighters," I am #57 (pretty close to where I was in line for Harry Potter). I gotta give props to my peeps at Borders, this year the event ran smooth as butter. You might think I am obsessed, but I actually enjoy waiting in lines for these events, I feel like I am a part of something big (bigger than me), but I draw the line at dressing up and camping over night (the person in the front of the line was there since noon yesterday--honestly, there wasn't a need for that). OK, so I am obsessed, but not obsessed! (My obsessions are Harry Potter, and presently New Kids on the Block.)

For rolling my butt out of bad at 5:20 am, (and actually getting dressed--yes a wardrobe change!), I deserve a medal.

"C" Is for Can't Wait to Get New Clothes

I'm gonna do it. You can't talk me out of it. I probably shouldn't . . . . but I am. I need to! It's not a want, it's a need, a must, a . . . . if I don't do it now I won't be able to do it later. I need to get the bug out before fall, and besides, I am going to a party this weekend.

I was looking at the clothes in my closet and I realized that they are either too churchy or too schooly. Like they are clothes you just throw on when you roll out of bed for an 8 am class (normally, I would just wear my pj's on such a day, but I got in trouble for that, so I just make a nonchalant wardrobe change instead of getting dressed up). I don't have clothes or shoes for my nonexistent social life, but just in case I do get a life I need to be prepared.

I also need to get dressier clothes for the fall, so I will be taken seriously as a student teacher. I think I will get glasses too and wear my hair in a bun, the "no nonsense" look, to scare the pee out of the students. Teaching is going to be soooo cool!!

"B" is for Boo Radley

I just thought of the funniest thing as I was reading an old posting about TKAM so Jem is the name of Scout's brother, and I am in the process of starting (just for kicks and giggles) a Boo Radley fan club on facebook. I even thought about making the tagline "Boo Radley is Jem's hero." So, the reason I thought that was funny (partially cuz I was thinking Scout was Jem) because I loved the cartoon Jem when I was little. I just thought it was funny that Boo could be her hero too! Anyone can join the club, so get on facebook, and get connected to all the Boo lovers!

P.S. Boo's real name is Arthur, like yesterday's word. We have already come full circle.

"A" Is for Arthur

Yesterday I was a part of a great discussion in my New Testament institute class about how being branded can affect a person's character, and outlook on life. I have been reading The Scarlet Letter, and instantly I was reminded of this classic piece of literature. The teacher used an analogy of two brothers that stole sheep and were branded "ST" (sheep thief), one became a bitter man living a nomadic life roaming from place to place, running away from his reputation, eventually he died alone and miserable, and was buried in an unmarked grave; the other brother decided he wouldn't let the brand dictate to him who he was, and lived his life out helping people and doing good, and eventually people forgot what the "ST" burned into his forehead meant.

Well, even if you haven't read The Scarlet Letter you probably know what it's about. Hester Prynne, a lonely Puritan woman with needs, is forced to wear a scarlet "A" on her chest for the rest of her life for committing adultery. (Puritans forget that it takes two-to-make a baby, and to tango, and so Hester is the only one punished.) The mystery of the novel (and among the naive, clueless, blind Puritans) is "who's the daddy?" Pearl gets it, I don't understand why any of the adults don't (Pearl is the illegitimate daughter, or the spawn of sin).

After several years the statute of limitations was up and the case became a "Cold Case," but one determined man continued the search--Roger Chillingworth. There's about 100 pages of drama, Governor Winthrop dies, Arthur Dimmesdale (the local minister that everyone loves) yells out on the scaffold, and all the Salemites run out to see what the ruckus is about and a meteor flies across the sky back and forth magically making an "A" in the sky. Most of the peoplr interpret it to mean "angel" for the Governor (oh ye foolish Puritans).

One hundred pages later the villagers are still clueless (like the villagers in The Village). Thank goodness for the intelligent readers who can see through the minister's cloak. The "scarlet letter" doesn't mean adultery, or able, it means. . . Arthur! Hester was able to change and not let the brand affect her, and even though Arthur didn't wear a brand, he was tormented with a guilty conscious for the rest of his life. If anyone's life was ruined it was Arthur's not Hester's because she didn't have to dress so boring like the other ladies . . . she got to wear red! Isn't repentance awesome!

I Was Right

Today's Breaking Dawn quote comes from Edward: "Oops."

I was right he didn't turn Bella into a vampire, but a griffin!
http://www.pantheon.org/areas/gallery/folklore/folklore/griffin.gif

"Why am I Covered in Feathers"

Twilight is back in the media with the new Entertainment Weekly cover of Bella and Edward (they should have consulted me before going to press!), and I am at a loss due to the fact that the movie isn't coming out until December. Though the book release is 2 weeks away, I would like to see a picture of Stephenie Meyer on the cover rather than the movie. But that's not the point, on Stephenie's website http://stepheniemeyer.com are "quotes of the day" taken from the upcoming finale to the Twilight series, Breaking Dawn. There is no backstory, or context clues, so they are just random. Today's quote is: Bella, "Why am I covered in feathers?"

Backstory #1:
Rosalie and Alice throw a sleepover/bridal shower for Bella. Like at all girl sleepovers there is a pillow fight, and it's fierce, cuz you know, vampires don't play fair--they cheat by using their magical powers--and Bella loses. She wakes up the next day surrounded by feathers, and Edward laughs at the scene.
Backstory#2:
The Cullen's lose their fortune, and all the vampires, including Bella, have to take on full-time jobs. Bella gets the worst one--plucking chicken feathers for KFC.
Backstory#3 (This is really fun):
Instead of turning into a vampire, like Edward promised, she turns into a griffin, a formidable mythological creature that is part lion and part eagle (the feathers), now she can kick butt!

What do you think it means?

I Must Have Really Liked the Movie!

Friday night I was suppose to see Hellboy 2: The Golden Army with my niece, but she decided to go to 7 peaks, so once again I donned my tankini for public scrutiny (it wouldn't bother me so much if I still had the body I had in high school). But that night, my dream wasn't about waterslides, or peeing in the wavepool, or even overexposure, it was about Hellboy.

In my dream there were demons in my room playing tricks on me. They were moving stuff around, and it seemed so real that when I woke up I thought they had really moved stuff. It was one of those I'm awake, but still dreaming moments.* Why did I dream about Hellboy, even though I didn't see the movie? Was my subconscious telling me something? and Why was it so real?

I still want to go see the movie!

*In those moments right after I wake up, or in the middle of a nap, I am really out of it, and very vulnerable (so if you want something from me that is the best time to get it, so don't bother me!).

Cali or Bust

So, obviously I had a blast in Cali, hangin' with the fam, swimming, getting some needed sun, and watching Hancock (excellent movie by the way). It was a much needed and deserved break. I forgot that I had my really cool digital camera, so I only have a few pictures and several videos from Sunday, which was the day my whole family was there.

Accepting Donations

I don't think I have talked about my elation over the reunification of New Kids on the Block (if Spice Girls can get back together so can the boys from the city). Were they really split up? or did they take a hiatus from the music business? So, anyways, I really want to go to their concert in Salt Lake City, and being the "poor college (happily single) student" that I am, I will need to find someone to go with, this means that I will need to buy at least 2 tickets. I could use the ticket as a nonconfrontational, unscary way to ask a guy out (but most likely a guy would not want to go to New Kids), or convince a guy to buy both tickets. Either way tickets are not cheap, and I will need help in purchasing them. Therefore, I am accepting donations, or any financial support (like a loan with no interest!) in purchasing said tickets, and it could be declared as a tax ride off or something. Consider it charity!

Image taken off of Google images at http://img2.timeinc.net/people/i/2008/news/080512/new_kids400.jpg

A Piece of History

I've seen quite a bit in my 27 years of life; a lot of history. Just think when I'm dead people will be reading (by then information will be implanted into people's brains) and learning about my generation, and all the crazy things we did. I was alive when the space shuttle Challenger blew up (I remember watching it happening live, or at least I think it was live, before I ran to the bus stop), I heard Ronald Reagan ask Gorbachev to "tear down that wall" (and he did), I wrote to soldiers in the first Iraq/Persian Gulf war, there was Rodney King, and I was forced by my dad to watch the O.J. Simpson car chase (that's two hours I will never get back). The O.J. Simpson trial was huge (that really blew up!). I was a senior when Columbine happened, and that was pretty much the end of my innocence.

Now I am apart of history. Today UVSC (my alma matter) officially becomes UVU, and we finally have an awesome library that is energy efficient, and environmentally safe. It's pretty cool, but I don't even get to enjoy the fruits. I was apart of the transition and all the hullabaloo over the past few years. For the first time I am proud to be a wolverine; before I would say that I go to UVSC with some contempt, as if it was a disease, maybe it's the stigma from being compared to BYU. Now we are out of BYU's shadow and can be our own university, and maybe someday we will have a football team, and the hugest rivalry known to man!

The Greatest American Novel

I read To Kill a Mockingbird for the first time when I was 25; I saw the movie for the first time when I was 27. What have I been doing with my life? The first time I read TKAM I fell in love with the book--dropping Harry Potter down to second place. It is "The Greatest Novel" ever written. And the movie . . . . is amazing! This movie is an American treasure, and should not be remade, cuz who could play Atticus better than Gregory Peck, and Boo. . . .

Nobody told me that Robert Duvall played Boo Radley, my respect for the man has shot up 100%! I love Boo (and Duvall)!

I should start a Boo Radley fan club.

Sometimes I Wish I Were Mean

Today a person came into work and asked for some help. Being the nice person that I am (and because it is in my job description) I helped him. The problem with this guy is that he is really polite, so I would look like a rude annoyed [insert expletive here] person. Said person has been into the office at least 3 times before concerning the same thing. He's talked to the department chair, and the adviser about the same question, and every time he's gotten the same answer, which is exactly what I told him every other time he's come in. Get this, he wants to be a surgeon! hahaha

I had to explain to the distressed individual how to look up classes online, and I did it off the top of my head and explained it perfectly without having to open up the web browser, and the person still didn't get it. He said "I'm sorry I don't understand what you're saying. . . you're not clear." Was I speaking Chinese?! I told the person when you do a class search, look for the class that you want to take that is not located in these rooms[classrooms given here]--as if I didn't explain it clearly, how transparent do I have to be? So then I had to take the helpless person through the registration process step by step.

This person is a fully grown homo sapien with a fully developed brain, at the top of the food chain, not some 18 year old that needs their parent to hold their hand and wipe their nose (this type also annoys me, the student and parent), he's been doing the college thing for awhile, so I'm the one that's confused, about how he managed to get this far! It was really hard for me to control my facial expressions. When his back was turned I rolled my eyes, hit my forehead, and made nasty faces at him (it's really good that God didn't give us eyes in the back of our heads, or I would be in serious trouble, but I already am with Him--I'm so driving the bus). He thought I was being nice to him . . . he has no idea (and even if he read my blog, which he wouldn't, he wouldn't know I was talking about him)!

You probably think I am a mean person, which I am, but I would never be mean to your face. I don't have the guts!

The 21st Century Titus

The other day I watched Four Brothers with Mark Wahlberg, Tyrese, Andre "3000" Benjamin, and Garrett Hedlund. I was thinking to myself this is a pretty decent revenge story, and how can I relate it back to Shakespeare (what can I say I idolize the man). Of course he is a man "not for an age, but for all time," according to Ben Jonson. The one good thing about my English degree is that I can relate anything back to Shakespeare. So, after watching it I seriously contemplated how "Shakespearean" is the movie?

It's totally Titus Andronicus, one of Shakespeare's bloodiest, revengiest, coolest plays!

In Titus, Titus comes home from a war with the Goths bringing with him their queen Tamora (vile woman), her two sons (I personally wanted to kill them and put them in a pie, like in Fried Green Tomatoes "Secrets in the sauce"), and Tamora's lover a Moor named Aaron (he is so warped and would do anything for love, but not the healthy kind of way, but criminal style). While Titus is at war (for 10 years) the emperor dies and his two sons, Saturninus (the oldest) and Bassianus, fight over the throne and Titus' brother, who happens to be the Roman Tribune, decides to wait for Titus to come back to make the decision--that's good thinking to have the war hero decide who the next emperor is-- and he picks Saturninus (duh!), Saturninus ends up marrying Tamora, very poor strategy on his part considering she is the enemy, a slave, spoils of war, and the bad guy. Titus ends up sacrificing Tamora's oldest son, Tamora's justification for revenge, and she, along with Aaron, plot revenge against Titus, and then Titus seeks revenge on Tamora, and it goes back and forth 'til they're all dead (no one is off limits), but of course it's way cooler than that (the details are not G-rated like most of Shakespeare). Aaron doesn't die though, he just gets buried up to his neck and starves to death.

Doesn't that sound like the basic plot to Four Brothers? The brothers' mother is murdered, they seek revenge, the murderer is like a Union boss or something (he has people doing his dirty work like Tamora), innocent people die along the way, and there is a big fight scene at the end. Shakespeare is more tragic, in that the main character dies, and it has more of a Renaissance feel to it; whereas, Brothers has a happier ending and a 21st century feel, the main character, Mark Wahlberg, doesn't die (a lot of unhappy ladies would have left the theater very sad that night). Another reason he couldn't die in the movie: he was Marky Mark (the pants dropper) that carried a cane with an 8 ball on it(I wonder if it told the future), and one of the few white guys in Hollywood with "real street cred."

I highly suggest reading or seeing Titus Andronicus. There is a pretty cool movie with Anthony Hopkins just titled Titus, that's how cool he is, he doesn't even need a last name!

I wonder if I could teach Titus in Utah schools?

Links to images (taken from google images):
Titus BBC
Four Brothers, cinemashelter.com

An Uneventful Event

I know it's been awhile since I posted, but nothing, wacky, crazy, zany, traumatic, exciting, or eventful has happened the past week. (I know)! So, keep holding your breath until I get back to ya'll!

I Finished! (Finally)

I finished reading The Host, and I love it! At first I didn't care for the ending, but now I realize that it fit the rules of the world that Stephenie Meyer created.

I highly recommend it!

Macbeth Movie

This is the video I made for my media class. I will be teaching Macbeth this fall, so I am really excited to have something cool prepared for it! Enjoy!

Speculating the Twilight Saga Outcome

I am really bugged by the new cover for the upcoming Twilight book Breaking Dawn. It's ugly, and lame. It was a total let down, and a waste of $13 (I got it on sale), [sigh] oh well, Iguess I can put it in my classroom. To me it feels like it deviates from the theme of the other covers--minimalistic . . . symbolic . . . you know--I just don't get what chess has to do with vampires (maybe Edward goes to a chess tournament and meets Bobby Fischer, who, according to Wikipedia, died this year, but he is immortalized as a vampire because Victoria made him a part of her vampire army--obviously before he died--and Bobby is her new love interest after the death of James, and Bobby manages to escape before the Volturi sweep in and clean things up, and then, this is where the plot gets good, because he's supersmart, you know, and is a good tracker, and hunts Jacob down after the big battle, and he holds Jacob hostage until Edward and Bella come to save him, because Bella convinces Edward to help Jacob, and Edward would do anything for Bella ["love"] and the "chess game" begins). But then again, I don't know how to play chess, and what it has to do with the Twilight saga is all speculative right now. I guess I will have to wait until August to read it; hopefully I will be able to make the connection.

I like the covers for Twilight and Eclipse, but New Moon and Breaking Dawn are just . . .I don't know, not relevant (and confusing). So, I guess the even numbers get the sucky covers, which is sad because I like even numbers.

I Am Going to Have to Hire a Driver

I'm usually a chill person, but I totally stress/freak out when I'm driving. I swear I will die early from a heart attack while I am driving. Granted, I am not the best driver in the world, or America, but I feel like I am a little better than Utah drivers, and they are the cause of my anxiety.

Today I was driving along a certain street in the certain town that I live in, and there is a line of cars in my lane ahead, and so I start to slow down . . . oh wait first before that story . . . so I turn right onto the above street, and there is an old lady turning into my lane while I am coming up behind her (from what I saw I think she was flipping a "Uey" in a driveway, and coming out of it) and she keeps going (finishing the maneuver) and so I swerve to miss her, thank God no one was coming up behind me, and then I continue on my partially merry way (my anxiety level went up, and didn't come down yet) until the next incident . . . before I hit the cars in front of me, leaving a gap, another person decides to pull-out in front of me TALKING ON HER CELL PHONE! Honey if you're going to pull out in front of someone make sure you are not on the phone. So, by now my anxiety is through the roof--of my car!

The problem is, is that people just don't pull out in front of you and get their butts in gear, they do it in slow motion. I hate it when I am driving at a comfortable speed, cruising along enjoying my tunes, with my hair blowing (to my air conditioner), with the right-of-way and then some putz makes me brake. That is the most annoying thing I can think of. Oh it continues . . .

So then I turn right onto a bigger street that goes up a hill, and more crap happens. This is ridiculous! I can't take it anymore! There is only one thing that I will have to do--hire a driver!

Chili's Potato Cheese Soup and Death Cab for Cutie

Last night I went to the Death Cab for Cutie concert, and it was pretty cool. I got to be an "undercover" security personnel. I guarded the "secure area" (with a real security person, who looked more the part than me) where the bands got their food. I didn't get to see Death Cab though, just the opening band, Sara and Tegan. I've never heard of them, but apparently they're "big" and from Canada (that's probably why). They brought an interesting bunch of people. I felt bad for another band that got canceled.

Due to the crazy weather we've had here in Utah Valley--rain, hail, Antarctica temperatures--there was a delay. They didn't start letting people in until close to 7 pm (and the line was long, I bet they were as grumpy as the Stephenie Meyer people, but I wouldn't know because I was still guarding the "secure area"). Death Cab didn't come on until about 8:30 pm. I was able to leave the secure area to go watch the concert, but some couple with a baby decided to start nursing the poor cold thing in front of me (did I mention it was really cold outside). So I left, and switched posts with someone else, and started taking tickets while the girl I replaced took pictures.

It was so cold, my hands were numb, and I couldn't tear the ticket stubs off. Some people were getting impatient with me, and helped me out by giving me their stub, and then on one person's ticket I tore off the wrong perforated end of the ticket. It was a fun night though. I got to hear my favorite song (because it mentions Bangkok) "I Will Follow You Into the Dark" from the ticket area, but I was still happy! (for some strange reason I have a new attitude about things, I don't get so worked up about stuff anymore, except for bad Utah drivers) Oh, did I mention that Lehi has a 10 pm curfew?! Yeah so people started leaving before Death Cab was finished, but obviously I stayed to the end. I also thought that there would be no point because there was a long line to get out, but I went the back way (suckas) and got home sooner. I stopped at Chili's and got some soup, that really warmed me up!

I need to get a dog . . . No a cat

So all my friends and family members that have blogs are always writing about their kids, and poopy pants stories. I have nothing like that, I feel so out of the loop. My woes seem so superficial: meeting Stephenie Meyer, American Idol, body injuries, old mission stories, and other random stories. I should buy a kid or something, so I can keep up. If anyone out there has multiple children, and would like to give one, or two, to me I will take them.

Or maybe I should get a dog! No, a cat because I don't care for dogs (they're too much effort), then I will have something to write about, someone to take pictures with (and post on my blog), and brag about. I could even name my blog after my dog or cat. I want a Burmese cat, and I can dress her up in a pink tutu and buy a tiara for her . . . Oh that would be so much fun! I am so excited now! I think I will name her Duchess.

But wait, the cat would get all the attention and not me. People will start commenting on how cute she is with her squashed face, soft fur, and the tiara . . . I should wear the tiara. It's a good thing my apartment won't allow animals or kids. I have a responsible free life, and it's great! No, I don't think I will get the cat, and just work on getting the boyfriend.

The New American Idol . . .

Just because David Cook is not LDS does not mean that he won't make a "good role model for the kids." He is just as humble as Utah's beloved Archuletta. At least I am entertained by Cook. Tonight was the first night that Archuletta gave me goosebumps singing, Cook's done it almost every week.

I knew Cook would be the next American Idol!

I got tagged by my good friend Brianna (thanks a ton)!

1. List 3 Joys: 1) Ben n' Jerry's Phish Food and Dreyer's Mint n' Chip (when Ican afford it). 2) All eleven of my nieces and nephews (even the angsty teenage ones!). 3) Being able to relax and read for pleasure.

2. List 3 fears: 1) Drowning, really not being able to breathe underwater. 2) Coming down from heights (but not heights). 3) That I won't be a good teacher.

3. List 3 goals: 1) To eventually go to grad school (I am looking at a Master's program at Oxford, no GRE required!). 2) Finish my student teaching and get a job ASAP. 3) I just accomplished my huge life goal--to graduate from college.

4. List 3 current obsessions: 1) Anything Thai. 2) Twilight and Harry Potter 3) My next American Idol David Cook.

5. 3 Surprising/random facts about me (I am already a random person, so whatever I write here people probably know): 1) I injure myself a lot (almost on a weekly basis). 2) I love all animals except sharks alligators/crocodiles (any in that family), they're only good for accessories! (sharks don't make good accessories though) 3) I can touch my tongue to my nose and roll it like a taco!

Now I have to tag 5 people . . . Kyla, Kendra, Kiahna, Denise, and Brooke (keeping it in the family, cuz I don't want people getting mad at me)!

The Office and Stephenie

In the host, on page 218 there is a reference to The Office. Stephenie (we are so tight we are on a first name basis) likes the show! Just thought I should throw that out there.

OCD: Obsessive Cullen Disorder, or OMD: Obsessive Meyer Disorder

Last Night I was at the Stephenie Meyer event from 5 pm until midnight. Yes, I am a fanatic... but am I?! I came wearing black capris a white shirt (and my volunteer vest), but there were some fans dressed in "Twilight shirts" wearing pins that said I Love Ian, Jared, or whatever, one girl came as Wanderer, and many more interesting things. Yeah, I was dedicated, I went with a hurt ankle (it was still a little swollen), and it bothered me as the night progressed (but it was fine from 7 am 'til about 7 pm), but I think I was better off than some of the pregnant women that had contractions, and the girl that had an I.V. in her arm that had to get back to the hospital. No, I did not complain when people with special needs had to move to the front of the line to get there books signed (there were times when I stopped caring about telling people to back away from the stage to get pictures), but I waited until midnight to get my picture with her!

So, because I volunteered and did not camp out in front of Borders Monday night to buy The Host and event ticket Tuesday morning, and I dressed normally, and waited patiently to take a picture with her, does that mean I am obsessed? or does it mean that I have a well-adjusted appreciation/admiration for Stephenie Meyer and her writing skills?

On a scale of 1-10 how obsessed am I (1 meaning not at all, and 10 meaning Stephenie should put a restraining order against me)? Yeah, that's me standing on her right--suckas!!

The Next American Idol

OH MY GOSH!! David Cook is so amazing! He is sooo going to win!

The News of the Future

One of my classes this summer is a media/technology class. It has opened my eyes to a whole new world. I now realize how important using technology in the classroom is. I am also learning about all the cool new devices coming out, especially the technology they are using on the Nightly News with Brian Williams. When I saw this I thought, are you kidding?!

I think I'll blog about it

Well, I guess I should talk about my graduation since it is the greatest thing that has happened in my life thus far. It was fabulous! I think my favorite part was that all my siblings, parents, Grandma Beylik, and 7 of my 11 nieces and nephews were there. (I like to keep things small and simple.) I got a purple camera that has a pinkish hue (kinda like how I say my hair is strawberry blonde, I am in denial about it being red, and because of my obsession with pink), and so I took pictures with it this weekend. One of my cute nieces apparently is camera shy, and so instead of getting pictures of her, there is a nice one of her tonsils. She also took pictures of my ear. I also took pictures of us at SLC Temple Square, and a movie (which only seems funny to us). All-in-all, it was a superrad weekend!

. . . . I think I'll blog about it! . . .

A Surreal Moment

surreal: sur·re·al
\sə-ˈrē(-ə)l also -ˈrā-əl\
marked by the intense irrational reality of a dream; also : unbelievable, fantastic.

This is pretty much how I felt on Friday April 25, 2008. My dream of graduating from college finally happened, and it is definitely a weird sensation. In the moment I was fine, but when I thought about what was really going on it was unbelievable.

My 20+ year career as a student (I can't say that anymore on applications) is over. **sigh** But there is always grad school!! **yeah**

Now that I have my degree in my hot little hand (and I can finally say I have a BA, honestly, on my resume) does that mean that the last 20 years have been a dream?! Or when the school handed me my empty diploma case?! For people who have served an LDS mission, and come home you kinda know how I feel--did I really do that? was I really in the places I was? did I see all the crazy stuff I saw?

Yes, these moments are all surreal!

THE ABOVE PAINTING IS CALLED "THE SON OF MAN" BY RENE MAGRITTE, A SURREALIST PAINTER. IT IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE PAINTINGS FROM THIS PERIOD/MOVEMENT OF THE 20TH CENTURY. TO SEE HIS WORKS, AND OTHER ARTISTS' CHECK OUT THIS COOL WEBSITE

"Harry Potter, the Cure for Reluctant Readers," or "The Perfect Man"

So, I have been doing research on how to motivate students to read, and most of the research studies show that if you bribe a kid to do it, they will. When I was little, bribing me to read wasn't that hard, it was when I got into high school that it became a problem. I finally figured out why I lost interest in reading--part of it is due to the fact that I didn't like the selection of classroom texts, except for Frankenstein, Macbeth, and maybe Lord of the Flies--reader burn out!

So maybe in the second grade I shouldn't have read over 200 books, but I was in a competition, and had to be the best . . . at reading. Later, in the fifth grade we had to read From the Mixed up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg, a Newbery winner, and I hated it. I thought it was the worst book ever written, but apparently people loved it enough to give it an award. The only thing I liked about the book was that it gave me the idea to runaway and live in a museum, that's cool! My favorite book in the fifth grade was Wait 'Til Helen Comes by Mary Downing Hahn, a story about a girl that becomes friends with a ghost that wants to kill her (hello!! smart one) it's a really good book, and it should have won an award. I read it again in the sixth grade and did a book report on it. I would suggest it for reluctant readers because kids like scary stories.

I think another reason that I didn't read as much in high school is also because I created the excuse that I was too busy to read books for pleasure, even during college, but really I was lazy (a symptom of reader burn out). It wasn't until Harry Potter came along that I got back into reading--it's like a shot of morphine, I'm addicted! I read the first four in the summer of 2001 within a week, and then read them again, and then the first one again before the movie. The fifth book came out while I was in Thailand, so I had to wait until I came home. The first week home, I didn't do anything until I finished. I watched the third movie, which wasn't good enough to hold me over until the sixth book, the movie sucked. (There were too many gaps between the books.) Harry Potter made reading cool again, and I embraced my nerdiness, and found people that were equally, if not greater, nerds than me (it's sooo nice to have a community of nerds). Now I am trying to read Wuthering Heights, and I'm having a hard time with it, but I am a member of SparkNotes (but not really), and use it when I am stuck with a difficult text **(Please see disclaimer).

So, I guess the point of this is that we shouldn't push kids to read a lot, and read stuff they don't want to. We should offer them opportunities to read when they want to, but not punish them with reading, like telling them they can't play XBox until they have read for an hour. This causes early onset RR, reading then becomes drudgery, and you lost him/her to the disease.

I decided that I want a husband like the Beast-- someone who will give me a library filled with books, all kinds of books, floor to ceiling, with 100 foot walls--that would be the perfect man (the beast not the prince 'cause he wasn't a very good looking prince).

**I really only use SparkNotes if I didn't do the reading, but hey, at least I can fake it in class. It should really be called "How to fake knowing what you are talking about in your English class"!

Finally...the Story Everybody's Waiting to Hear

This week I went to NCUR in Salisbury, MD. It's to make nerds feel special. . . vindicated. Some eventful things happened to me, but I wouldn't be me if it didn't. My scheduled time to present the paper (I have been working on slavishly all semester) was moved from Saturday at 12 something to Friday at 3:40, so it was good that I didn't have to present on the shuttle on the way to the airport. My crabs wouldn't crack open, making it very hard for me to eat them, and causing all the juice to squirt on the people at my table. I had to check into the late registration desk taking an extra 10 minutes instead of a quick 30 seconds. On the way back I got in trouble with security at the airport because of my water bottle (I probably wouldn't want to drink it after all the radiation from the scanner) honestly I didn't want to cause trouble. The night before we left I remembered my camera after I zipped up my suitcase and was laying in bed (excited or nervous about missing the flight); I started looking for it and couldn't find it so I had to buy an $11 disposable camera. Thursday, the first day, I decided to dress up just in case I got bumped up to the first day (yeah right!) I wore my heels and got blisters, it's a good thing I prepared and brought my flats with me (and a change of clothes). . . . What else . . . well I guess that is all I can think of for now, but really I had a great time.

I didn't get to eat blue crab (or whatever it is that people get excited about in MD) because they weren't in season, but I did eat red crab (I guess) and lobster tails.

The whole experience was cool, and I wish that I went to a school with a pretty campus--pretty buildings, pretty flowers, and . . . just pretty all over.

You know if all that "truer than fiction" stuff didn't happen to me my life would be very dull, and nobody would care about reading it on my blog. I just have to say that sometimes being a nerd, a dork, a clutz, a goofball, quirky, random, and loveable pays off!

An Entreaty

Does anybody wanna finish my projects and assignments for me?!!

(No I don't have burn out as a result of "senioritis," or what I like to call a case of "I am already graduated, and torturing myself by taking more classes so I can be a teacher!")

My Teaching Premier

Last week I had a scary experience. I practiced being a teacher. It was scary because I wasn't as prepared as I should have been. I finished my lesson midnight the night before, and didn't really have time to practice, and go through the lesson. It started out well, and then I started to talk about themes in The Glass Menagerie. I was hoping that by talking about the controversial life of Tennessee Williams that would loosen the students up, but not in "Happy Valley," Utah (Jessica Biel says the movie is a "must see!"). After I bombed the second-half, I talked to the teacher and she told me that they aren't use to me, and don't know how to respond. The class is quite talkative with Mrs. Peterson (the real teacher). I tried to relax, but it's really hard when people just sit there and stare at you. I tend to be very honest when I am nervous (Mrs. P noticed and put it in my evaluation).

So I prepared better on Thursday, and added a weapon to my arsenal--candy! It still didn't work. I just hope that my class will respond better to me.

There is a quote by Julie B. Beck, that has more to do with being a mother, that helped me get out of my slump. It helped me get focused, and remember why I want to teach, "[I] gain[s] as much education as [my] circumstances will allow, improving [my] mind and spirit with the desire to teach what [I] learn[s] to the generations who follow [me]."* It's inherent! Teaching is in my blood. It's natural. It's what I am suppose to do.

Another reason why I want to be a teacher is because I get 3 months off a year! (This is where I would say, "Sucka!")

*I individualized the quote (kinda like what we do with the scriptures!) that's why there are brackets.

Graduation

Graduation is Friday April 25 at noon.

Is There a Drug For That? and My Dream as an English Major

OK! So this is what I have diagnosed myself with so far: ADHD (who hasn't had it at one time), speech fluency AKA cluttering (if you ever listen to me talk you will know that I am somewhat incoherent), and receptive language disorder; this weekend I had a case of insomnia (thank you Mountain Dew), but made up for it with my fight against narcolepsy in church; I may possibly have anemia, but that's still inconclusive; I tried to develop tourettes, but gave it up; I also have chionophobia, Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia (the fear of long words, but really multisyllable words--it's the closest I could find--I wonder if that is considered irony), Homichlophobia (thank you Bakersfield--fear of fog-- hahaha), and a good ol' fashion case of hypochondriatitis (wow! and neologism). At least I don't have MPD, Multiple Personality Disorder, with all my self-diagnosed diseases that would be scary! Oh yeah I also have the common cold. Don't worry, I will still be diagnosing myself at least until April, when I graduate.

How long do you think it would take Dr. House to diagnose me?

(I finally did it! I always wanted to write one very long convoluted sentence, my dream as an English major. Nietzsche would be proud!)

How Breaking My Eardrum Renewed My "Sparkle"

When I was little my sister broke my eardrum. The details aren't worth mentioning (they might embarrass her), but she accidentally--really purposely--pushed a q-tip (that I put there) further into my ear than it needed to be. My mom was livid. My pediatrician was out of town, so a younger doctor prescribed ear drops, which by the way tastes nasty, and he didn't say there were birdies in my ear like my doctor would say (and not because they got out through the hole in my ear).

The point of this is because today I had an amazing experience in my Exceptional Students class that reminded me of why I want[ed] to be a teacher. It brought the "sparkle" back in my eyes.

We discussed students with hearing loss, and so we talked about ear anatomy, and it was really cool! (We also talked about blindness which reminded me of my blind grandma, and the hearing loss reminded me of my other grandma.) I love this class, and every time we learn about some new disorder or disability I diagnose myself as having that. (This time, though, I didn't diagnose myself with a visual or auditory disability, yeah me!)

I learned how the outer, middle, and inner ear works and its parts: hammer, anvil, and stirrup, eustachian tube, and cochlea. It was fascinating!

So, now I am excited about being a teacher again!

Complacency Isn't a Good Thing

I go to church at 2 pm which is ridiculous. As I was sitting in Sacrament meeting I was thinking to myself I need to find a ward that starts earlier--this is in the middle of my nap time I can do 9 am! It's weird because when church starts later I feel less spiritual, like I can get away with reading, doing my homework, or listening to music (maybe stuff I should or should not be doing . . . ) and forget to get ready. I get so caught up in what I am doing that I don't realize, "Oh! It's 12 o'clock. I need to get ready now!" (the fact that I am an early riser does not help the situation). Having church in the middle of the day, and into the evening, I feel takes away from the holiness of the day-- it just isn't right. I guess this is another reason for me to move. The problem is I am too lazy to move, and I have a pretty decent pad with decent amenities, and the situation is decent. Complacency isn't a good thing.

Get Rich Quick Schemes

Have you ever just wanted to throw your computer against the wall because it's acting retarded?! (I believe computers, like robots, have feelings, can think for themselves, and therefore can act retarded. Eventually they will soon take over the human race!) Well this weekend I didn't, but instead decided to buy a new one. I came into some money thanks to the government (pell grant), and put it in my savings so it will accrue interest (not very much), and well, it did, eventually I had enough money to buy a nice MacBook, and I am enjoying it.

Now I need to be really careful with my spending! I think I will go on "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader" as my next get rich quick scheme.

Ice Skating In the Parking Lot In My UGGS

I had a fun experience sometime last week that I am reminded of on a daily basis (at least until my scar goes away). I think it is the universe that is telling me that maybe I am not suppose to be a teacher. Accidents seem to happen to me whenever I walk to, or from the Education Building (EB) at UVSC.

I use to live in the LA Building (Liberal Arts) while I was taking all my English classes, and I still do (thanks to my favorite job!), but now I have to walk outside in the ice and snow to get to the EB. A serious hazard to my health!

On that fateful day after class I walked back to the LA to start work, and I slipped in ice (I thought I could make it through in my UGGS, I had on my way to the EB). A girl in army fatigues walked by and asked if I was alright, but kept walking. I told her I was fine, and the fact that I was laughing about it she probably thought I would be fine, and I thought so too . . . I didn't realize how hard it is to get up in the middle of an ice puddle without falling down again. Remember I have my bookbag full of books (I bet I looked really funny falling, if only I had the ability to have an outer body experience to see it happening!), and it was really awkward trying to get up. I rolled around for a little bit, and eventually got up, and stepped away from the ice. I continued to walk, and I looked down and saw that I was bleeding, and my skin was peeled back. I walked faster to get to the building.

Thank goodness that the restroom was close to the entrance! My hand stung until I got inside (and after). When I got to the office I tried to play nurse and put gauze and tape on it, but that didn't work, mainly because I am not a very good nurse, and the wound is in an awkward place. Finally we found a huge band-aid that fit over it nicely, but it didn't stay on very well either (just a little better than the gauze). So I just never wore band-aids or gauze again because it is futile. I felt a little self-conscious of my wound, so I try not to wave my left hand around--thank goodness for the right hand.

Another time somebody dropped me off by the LA Building, and I got my thumb stuck in the

door. I still can't figure out which is worse, not having a hand or a thumb. You never know how important a thumb is until you lose one! (Opposable thumbs are great!) And, even though my UGGS failed me that day I still love my UGGS! They keep my feet so warm!

Harry Potter vs. Twilight

Have you ever felt like you were betraying your favorite artist by actually enjoying their competition, for example M.C. Hammer v. Vanilla Ice, or N*SYNC v. Backstreet Boys. It feels like you're helping the other team win (more money), or gain more popularity. You can't like both. Well that's how I felt after I read the Twilight series in a weekend. (Yeah, I actually read Twilight, New Moon, and Eclipse during President's Day weekend, and stayed up until 5:30 am Monday morning reading Eclipse, and slept for 2 hours, and only ate a pickle and a slice of Grandma Sycamore's Bread.) I felt like I was betraying Harry Potter by enjoying Twilight (only the parts with Edward), but that wasn't the case.

So, I've come to the conclusion that you can like both, and I do for different reasons. It's not a case of being torn between "two masters," but supporting the starving artists. All I have to say is that Breaking Dawn better have Edward in it.

A conflict of interest: Cedric Diggory plays Edward the Vampire

So, I just heard that Cedric Diggory is going to play the vampire in the Twilight series movie. I think this is a conflict of interest. You can't go from being a wizard to being a vampire, especially with the competition between Harry Potter and Twilight (I know there really isn't competition Twilight can't hold a candle to the unprecedented phenomenon of Harry Potter). If you go to Stephanie Meyer's homepage the picture of Cedric Diggory A.K.A Robert Pattinson is on the first page (just scroll down a bit), doesn't he look Vampirish?!

I guess I am going to have to go buy the books and read them now!

Answers to the test

I don't think I posted the answers to my quiz. For those of you who are dying to know your grades (you eager beavers) the answers are all C's. That's right! So give yourself a pat on the back if you got a 100%, and for those of who didn't . . . . well it looks like you are going to have to put on a dunce cap and go sit in the corner. (I like the "old school" way of punishing, embarassing, and humiliating students to do better.) Better luck next time, and just a little hint if you guess pink, or Emma, or anything about Harry Potter you're most likely going to get it right! Until next time kids!

Chionophobia

This week the weather has been very unpleasant. For those of you who don't know I am deathly afraid of snow. Not the fun stuff on the mountains that you ski/snowboard in, but the stuff that sticks to the roads and eventually turns into ice that causes my car to slide on the road, and me to overcorrect because I don't know what I am doing.

Being a Californian we tend to not know what to do in the snow. It has only snowed once in my 20 plus year existence in Bakersfield, California, and it was supercool! That year we had an Italian foreign exchange student, and I told her that it would never snow, but it did, and we didn't have to go to school, but . . . . there's more to the story. The day that it snowed was a teacher inservice day, and there was already no school! What a waste of a perfectly snow day. The storm was kinda freakish in that it snowed in other places in the Central Valley. The state only had one snow plow, and it started from Fresno and worked its way south. It never made it to Bakersfield.

People still felt obligated to go to work (why?), and so there attempts were futile. Big SUVs were slipping and sliding when they turned. I have a friend that says "there is no such thing as 4 wheel drive breaks," or something like that. The Bakersfieldians did not know how to act in the snow, that wasn't on the mountains.

Another reason I am afraid of the snow has to do with avalanches, and the dangerous speeds at which one goes down a hill, or mountain, doing an intentionally fun activity. At church activities where we went to the snow to go sledding/tubing people have been seriously injured and died. I will never go down a hill on a sled by myself. I always have to ride in the back with my eyes closed the whole way down.

I was once told that when you get stuck in an avalanche to just start digging up, but how do you know which way is up after being rolled over so many times. Are you s'pose to count how many turns you did, or try to look for the light?

Yep snow is dangerous--ly tempting. The fun stuff you can do like build snowmen, and throw snowballs, and make snowcaves. Those are all fun and safe activities to do in the snow. Why don't people like to do them as much anymore?!

The passing of a good man

This is a sad time for me. President Gordon B. Hinckley of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has passed away. Yeah, I was shocked too! He was suppose to live at least until the Millenium. He was a good man who loved the Lord, his family, the saints, and the rest of the billions of people on the planet. He is in a better place (with Marjorie) and free of his aging body.

Ok I can't write anymore--it's too sad.

I'm going to NCUR

So, I got accepted NCUR (National Conference for Undergraduate Research), and I'm really excited! Can't you tell?! The conference is at Salisbury University in Maryland. My idea is comparing Mary I and Elizabeth I to Katarina and Bianca in The Taming of the Shrew. So now I have to write the paper.

Heath Ledger

There is probably going to be a million blog postings about the death of Heath Ledger, so I decided to make it a million and one. I was sad about the news. I will admit (now that I am grown, and out of the silly teen idol phase) that I had a crush on him. Yes, he was very cute when he co-starred with Keri Russell in the short-lived Medieval period series "Roar," and then popped up as the rebel Patrick Verona in 10 Things I Hate About You. I watched it almost on a weekly basis with my Kiwi friend Kristie (sorry about the misspelling) memorizing the whole movie and quoting lines at just the right moment--it was beautiful how every line could fit into our BYU world.

Because of him I thought I "could change my stars" be whatever I wanted to be, and that only I can determine my destiny. Then we drifted apart. He sporadically popped up in movies that I haven't gotten around to see. I don't think I can watch 10 Things, or A Knight's Tale the same way again. This summer we will get to see him for the last time as the Joker in The Dark Knight.

I am sad that he is dead, and it's just weird . . . how all the reports said his body was found. . . . This is proof that it's hard to know what is really going on with people. It's really sad.

Reading Quiz

This is what I do when I am bored. Make tests. I guess I need to practice since I plan on becoming a teacher. This quiz will be on all the pop culture references I have made in my blog thus far. It shouldn't be too hard since I have only 7 posts. But now you know how closely you need to pay attention! There will definitely be more references and more quizzes in the future. (Note: Not all the answers can be found by reading my blog-- you just need to know pop culture as well as I do!)

#1. In "Did you see that?! DID YOU SEE THAT?!" I said Brett Favre "was not at all unpleasant to look at!" (Did you really think that I came up with that line on my own?) What favorite movie of mine was I quoting, who said it, and whom is it really said about (the part about not being at all unpleasant to look at) . . .

a. The Goonies, Andy about Sloth

b. Clueless, Cher about Travis the skater

c. Emma, Miss Bates about Mr. Frank Churchill

or d. It was really me, and I say it about every good looking guy I see (especially Brett Favre).

#2. What classic Christmas movie did I loosely quote when I skipped over the "double dog dare," and went straight to "the triple dog dare"?

a. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

b. It's a Wonderful Life with the late Jimmy Stewart.

c. A Christmas Story

d. How the Grinch Stole Christmas

#3 A lot of times Disney cartoon series will take story lines from real events and fictionalize them. In one episode they mixed the tragedy of the Titanic and the Hindenburg, and flipped it into a somewhat happy story, but only to have the story end like the Titanic and Hindenburg (but without the deaths). One of the characters in this episode was know to say "billions and billions" a lot. What was the cartoon?

a. Jem

b. Tale Spin

c. Ducktales, or

d. Mickey's Playhouse

#4 What does Professor Trelawney teach at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry?

a. Defense Against the Dark Arts

b. Transfiguration

c. Divination, or

d. Predicting the deaths of Harry Potter.

#5 What's a "grim" in Harry Potter?

a. I don't know only wizards can see them

b. an animal that likes shiny objects, and is really good and finding buried treasure.

c. a big black dog that's a bad omen. The person that sees it will usually die shortly after. Professor Trelawney predicted Harry's death a lot in his third year, and pretty much everytime she sees him after that.

d. Sirius Black

#6 What teenie bopper flick is the quote"back in the game from," and why does the character say it?

a. Emma, Emma hit the center target when she was practicing archery with Mr. Knightley.

b. Searching for Bobby Fischer, after he beat the Russian.

c. 10 Things I Hate About You, after Cameron is kissed by Bianca.

d. She's All that, Zach says to Laney Boggs after she is hit in the head with a volleyball.

#7 Why was I inspired to buy a pink ruffly umbrella in Thailand?

a. All the Thai people had them, even the guys-- hey they wore pink flowery shorts too!

b. It was cheaper than the green umbrella with ducks.

c. Because I like the color pink, and Emma Woodhouse had a ruffly umbrella. or is it

d. I like to collect rare umbrellas.

Bonus question for all the points . . .

What is my favorite color? and Why?

2 Hours Too Soon

I spoke too soon, and the the Packs didn't win, but I still hold to what I previously said: the Packs got in the Giants' heads (i.e. Tynes 2 missed field goal attempts). What do you expect from me . . . . I'm not a sports reporter, nor am I Professor Trelawny and can predict the grim outcome of the the Packers/Giants game.

Did you see that?! DID YOU SEE THAT?!

So, I go to church from 2-5 pm (and it kills me), and then I get home and get out of my stockings faster than you can say "football" (they're already off!). As I was preparing my leftover Thai food (it was ok) I remembered that today was the NFC playoffs, which I have been waiting for all week. When I turned the game on there was 11 minutes left in the second quarter, and the score was 6-0 Giants. I wasn't too worried given what happened when the Packers played . . . that other team last week, and was behind the first quarter and then scored 6 touchdowns in a row.

I have since come to the conclusion that Favre is a good leader. He is the glue of the team. He really knows how to rally the team and give them hope. That is exactly what he did the next play, after the receivers almost lost the ball on the kick off. Favre threw to #80 Donald Driver then he ran for 90 yards for the touchdown, and the kicker got the field goal giving the Packers the lead. I called my sister to make sure she saw what I just saw. By the time I got my phone, called her, and she picked up, she (and her family) had just sat down, but they were still cheering. I'm sure the BPD showed up to answer some neighbor's call about disturbing the peace.

After one play they're "back in the game!" It's psychological. The Packers get inside their opponents' heads, and pull the rug, or astro turf, right out from underneath them. They pretend to lose for awhile.

Then the Giants had to score:#27 Jacobs is a punkbutt faking the signature "jump into the crowd move" the Packs do to honor their fans. Maybe Eli Manning should have had his fiancee sit up in the suite instead of in the stands among the Packer fans (superstitions are so silly!).

I like Brett Favre. "He's not at all unpleasnat to look at."

The Elephant Stole My Coconut

A few years ago (and after my time in Thailand) I was in a friend's apartment, and she had some coconut shells. It's amazing what the brain recalls, cosidering I have a terrible memory. I remember that I was clapping the hollow shells together, and I blurted out "an elephant stole my coconut!" Of course everybody thought I was crazy, but nobody knew that I was having a flashback.

It is true that a baby elephant assaulted me while crossing a bridge in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and stole what was left of my coconut. I had drank the juice, but there was "meat" left (the fruity part). I was sad because I was going to eat it. The trainer laughed. Those funny tiny Thai men.

I should have known that elephants are never satiated. When we were waiting in line to ride an elephant, we had a bunch of leaves and bananas to feed them, so they would warm up to us and let us on the them. Well, we weren't paying attention when the elephant pulled up, and he (it could have been a her) started to grab our ankles, and attack us with its trunk. I told my mom, or dad, to drop the food to prevent any further mauling. (Apparently Asian elephants are nicer than African, and trainable.) It was like a ride at Disneyland, except the getting attacked part.

I was really sad about my coconut, but as soon as I saw how happy the elephant was I forgot all about my coconut until I was in my friend's apartment. I could have made a purse out of that coconut, or a bra!

What did I learn from this: Never have food that you are planning to eat in front of an elephant.

My Pink Umbrella

I figured since the name of my blog references Thailand I should probably write about it.

While I was in Thailand I came to the conclusion that I needed a new umbrella. I was in Roi Et during the rainy season (I think cuz it rained a lot while I was there), and I was without an umbrella. I purchased one in Bangkok--a green one with a duck on it. The umbrella also had a reflective side underneath which was really nice cuz it provided shade and kept me cool in the heat. I let a friend borrow my umbrella while I rode my bike home in the rain. (Hey it's dangerous riding and holding an umbrella at the same time). Needless to say I needed a new umbrella.

As previously mentioned I like the color pink, and several months later I bought a pink umbrella with ruffles. One night I was riding my bike through the streets of Roi Et holding my umbrella across my handlebars. It slipped and went through the spokes. My bike stopped, and I almost flipped over my bike. It was a miracle I didn't. I was more sad about my broken pink ruffly umbrella, and gave up buying umbrellas for awhile.

I like my ruffly umbrella it reminded me of my favorite movie Emma, and that is part of the reason why a bought an umbrella with ruffles. It's just a random scene, but I have seen that movie so many times that I know every little thing about it. In one scene Harriet and Emma are walking down a street, and they see Miss Bates coming towards them. Emma and Harriet hide behind their umbrellas, Emma as a white ruffly one, to avoid Miss Bates telling them about Miss Jane Fairfax. I laugh everytime.

Peace, Love, and Chicken Grease

Who says "peace, love, and chicken grease"? Apparently Randy Jackson does when sending off wannabe idols channeling Grace Slick. There was a moment when I thought she was Mrs. Slick (so I don't really know cuz I actually missed the "white rabbit" hallucinogenic era that was the 60s and 70s). Watch out Hollywood she wants to get into "actressing," and (because I care) citizens of Allentown, P-A don't take your cat to her.

The most entertaining audition was the "not yet admitted to the psyche ward" Paula stalker who "Snuck into her house and put on her underwear." If she was a chalkboard he would chalk her, or If she was a bathtub he would caulk her. Don't they have prescreening auditions to see if you are "t.v. worthy." This may be the season the judges need to take out restraining orders. The acknowledged stalker needed to be escorted out of the room. Then there was the social worker who sang "Sex Is Not Allowed," a song he wrote, he also seemed to be one Lincoln short of a dollar. I know Pennsylvania can represent better than this. Hello! It is the home of Benjamin Franklin and Rocky Balboa! These two are Freud's dream patients.

You know how they do the personal stories? Wouldn't it really suck if the ones that are doing it for a family member that is dying (or whatever tragedy), and they didn't make it to Hollywood?

I was hoping American Idol would be better considering all my favorite shows are in reruns due to the strikes. Fox really played it up, but it was a big disappointment. I still haven't figured out what Simon wants. Skinny or fat? Sane or insane? Good or bad? Mainstream or unique? He's fickle.




My favorite performer was the very last one on the second day in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She doesn't watch rated R movies, nor does she smoke or drink. She should be the idol just because I idolize her. Why do people have a desire to corrupt the righteous?

Pink Is My Favorite Color

So, obviously I like the color pink (that is part of the reason I chose this template). I think it has become an obsession. Whenever I go shopping for clothes I naturally gravitate towards pink. I buy pink toothbrushes, and razors (Venus), and the "Pink" song by Aerosmith, and my email page has a pink background. When I was a little girl I rebelled and liked the color purple (I still do, but over the years it has dropped to #2 status).

As previously stated most of my clothes are pink, and therefore I get compliments about them like: "That's a good color for your complexion," (I am fair skinned) and "Dang girl! You look hot!" and . . . . well mostly just those, but it's enough for me to continue wearing pink. Whenever I want to venture out and add color to my wardrobe it is usually brown, white, black (you know, neutral colors), with the occasional green, or blue, or red, or etc.

Pink makes me happy!

It also adds a splash of color to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry (sorry, but I had to add a Harry Potter reference). I must say, that is the only redeeming quality for Professor Dolores Umbridge--she wore pink!

There are "billions and billions" of reasons to like the color pink, but the most important one is . . . . do you have a pen and paper to write this down? . . . . Pink is the best color in the universe! Scientists have not been able to go beyond the universe, nor have humans thought of a larger spacial quantity. I claimed it first, and no one can say anything else is better. I just skipped over the "double dog dare" and went straight for the "triple dog dare." That's how I roll.