And now for your viewing pleasure....
Halloween LolCats!!
Halloween LolCats!!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Fun with religion and politics
Election day is creeping closer and closer and I guess some people are just getting really desperate to influence voters.
Today, there were 2 different evangelists on campus. And these guys were making it clear that they didn't plan this. It was, to quote one of them, "a divine sign that God really wanted preachers here to spread the word today." Although, I've never heard of anyone converting college students by yelling at them. Usually, they just yell right back. And today was no exception.
Of course, their true purpose today was to influence the powerful young vote represented by students on a college campus. Mixed-in with their typical speeches about the evils of abortion, gay marriage, drugs, etc., the preachers are encouraging people to "Vote for Life" or "Vote for God" by voting McCain/Palin.
I stopped and listened for awhile. I was saddened by how much fear and anger their were inserting into their rhetoric. They referred to "Barack Hussein Obama" and brandished a Koran, calling it "the book of evil and death." Its nothing new...I've been hearing this for the past few weeks in the news and such. It just disturbed me even more to see it in person. I'm very troubled by the lies that have been perpetuated throughout this election season, mostly from the religious right. Now, I'm not a practicing Christian, but I was raised with Christian ideals and this just seems so very wrong to me. Christianity is supposedly a religion of peace, forgiveness and understanding. How can these Christians spread such hatred and anger? They are doing the exact same thing they claim Islam does. Even if I wasn't an Obama supporter, I'd still be upset. I'm also worried about what is going to happen to this country the day after the election. There are going to be a lot of people out there who are disappointed and angry, no matter who wins. I just hope we can all retain our common sense.
Today, there were 2 different evangelists on campus. And these guys were making it clear that they didn't plan this. It was, to quote one of them, "a divine sign that God really wanted preachers here to spread the word today." Although, I've never heard of anyone converting college students by yelling at them. Usually, they just yell right back. And today was no exception.
Of course, their true purpose today was to influence the powerful young vote represented by students on a college campus. Mixed-in with their typical speeches about the evils of abortion, gay marriage, drugs, etc., the preachers are encouraging people to "Vote for Life" or "Vote for God" by voting McCain/Palin.
I stopped and listened for awhile. I was saddened by how much fear and anger their were inserting into their rhetoric. They referred to "Barack Hussein Obama" and brandished a Koran, calling it "the book of evil and death." Its nothing new...I've been hearing this for the past few weeks in the news and such. It just disturbed me even more to see it in person. I'm very troubled by the lies that have been perpetuated throughout this election season, mostly from the religious right. Now, I'm not a practicing Christian, but I was raised with Christian ideals and this just seems so very wrong to me. Christianity is supposedly a religion of peace, forgiveness and understanding. How can these Christians spread such hatred and anger? They are doing the exact same thing they claim Islam does. Even if I wasn't an Obama supporter, I'd still be upset. I'm also worried about what is going to happen to this country the day after the election. There are going to be a lot of people out there who are disappointed and angry, no matter who wins. I just hope we can all retain our common sense.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Election
The day is getting so close, and I can't help but be nervous. All these ridiculous stunts and accusations flying fast and furious are getting annoying. Yes, the RNC spent way to much money on Palin's wardrobe, Obama is visiting his ailing grandmother, and a mentally ill McCain volunteer faked a politically motivated attack. Why is it that people care about such fluff news where there are more serious issues out there?
I'm not saying that these news stories aren't important. People do have a right to know what is going on in this election and what kind of people the candidates are. These stories are providing information that the general population should know. My problem is that these stories are taking precedence over more important issues. Instead of learning more about the campaign's economic policies, foreign policity, plans for the future, potential cabinet members or other such important news, all I see in the daily headlines is more and more minor news.
Maybe we're just so close to the election that the general population has already heard all the talking points, so they aren't news any more. I disagree and would love to hear more, but I guess I'm in the minority. Regardless, I have made up my mind and I have already cast my vote thanks to the early voting laws in Florida. After considering the issues and doing research on my own, I'm proud to say that I voted for Barack Obama and Joe Biden yesterday. Now I just have to wait and hope.
I'm not saying that these news stories aren't important. People do have a right to know what is going on in this election and what kind of people the candidates are. These stories are providing information that the general population should know. My problem is that these stories are taking precedence over more important issues. Instead of learning more about the campaign's economic policies, foreign policity, plans for the future, potential cabinet members or other such important news, all I see in the daily headlines is more and more minor news.
Maybe we're just so close to the election that the general population has already heard all the talking points, so they aren't news any more. I disagree and would love to hear more, but I guess I'm in the minority. Regardless, I have made up my mind and I have already cast my vote thanks to the early voting laws in Florida. After considering the issues and doing research on my own, I'm proud to say that I voted for Barack Obama and Joe Biden yesterday. Now I just have to wait and hope.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Autumn
Yay! Fall has finally come to Florida!!
I can actually turn off my air conditioner and open the windows. I can walk to the bus stop without being drenched in sweat by the time I get there. I realize that I live in Florida and the head is inevitable, but it stays hot for so long!! And all too soon it will be getting hot again. So, for now, I'm going to enjoy this reprieve!
I can actually turn off my air conditioner and open the windows. I can walk to the bus stop without being drenched in sweat by the time I get there. I realize that I live in Florida and the head is inevitable, but it stays hot for so long!! And all too soon it will be getting hot again. So, for now, I'm going to enjoy this reprieve!
Monday, October 13, 2008
Homepage
I'm talking a class called Internet Communications this semester. I've really been enjoying it, especially because the professor really emphasizes actual web design. For the class, we have two projects that require us to create web pages.
For our first project, we had to design and write all the code for a personal website. Using HTML and CSS coding and doing my own image editing in Photoshop, I created a five page website. I would have preferred to feature other things besides "Hobbies" and "Travel" but those were required by my professor. Still, I'm proud of my site.
Check it out:
http://plaza.ufl.edu/ekeegstr/mmc3260/index.html
For our first project, we had to design and write all the code for a personal website. Using HTML and CSS coding and doing my own image editing in Photoshop, I created a five page website. I would have preferred to feature other things besides "Hobbies" and "Travel" but those were required by my professor. Still, I'm proud of my site.
Check it out:
http://plaza.ufl.edu/ekeegstr/mmc3260/index.html
Stuck inside
It looks like such a beautiful day, but I'm stuck inside at a job that I really, really don't like.
As I've mentioned before, I have a new job this semester for my graduate assistantship. I'm now working in the Visual Resource Center. It really isn't that bad of a job. I'm just frustrated with it because I don't want to be working here and I wasn't given a choice. The school told me I could not longer work at the museum and I now had to work here.
The problem is there isn't much for me to do. In fact, most of my time is spent doing my work for classes. I've done some work for the VRC while there, but not much. I just feel like I'm wasting my time and I could be doing something so much more productive and useful if I was still working at the museum.
Unfortunately, there's nothing I can do except make the best of it. Of course, writing all that above isn't really making the best of it. In fact, I didn't intend to write all that when I started out. Oops.
Well, I'm going to make the best of it. So, here I will sit, listening to some music, doing my reading for my 16th century lit class and looking out the window. *sigh* I wish I could be outside. It really does look nice. The sun is shining and there is a breeze which keeps tossing about the branches on the trees outside my window. Just two more hours and then I leave. Maybe I'll take a long walk after I get off, just so I can be outside. I really hate being stuck inside, especially when I have such big windows that show me how nice it is outside.
As I've mentioned before, I have a new job this semester for my graduate assistantship. I'm now working in the Visual Resource Center. It really isn't that bad of a job. I'm just frustrated with it because I don't want to be working here and I wasn't given a choice. The school told me I could not longer work at the museum and I now had to work here.
The problem is there isn't much for me to do. In fact, most of my time is spent doing my work for classes. I've done some work for the VRC while there, but not much. I just feel like I'm wasting my time and I could be doing something so much more productive and useful if I was still working at the museum.
Unfortunately, there's nothing I can do except make the best of it. Of course, writing all that above isn't really making the best of it. In fact, I didn't intend to write all that when I started out. Oops.
Well, I'm going to make the best of it. So, here I will sit, listening to some music, doing my reading for my 16th century lit class and looking out the window. *sigh* I wish I could be outside. It really does look nice. The sun is shining and there is a breeze which keeps tossing about the branches on the trees outside my window. Just two more hours and then I leave. Maybe I'll take a long walk after I get off, just so I can be outside. I really hate being stuck inside, especially when I have such big windows that show me how nice it is outside.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
The drought is over
After a long dry spell, I'm back. It wasn't my fault, really. I blame it on an evil, irregular, extremely busy summer schedule and my temporary lack of wireless internet.
That's all over now. As for the first reason, school has now started and my schedule is back into a normal pattern. Also, I no longer work at the museum (a whole other, long story), so my work hours stay within their normal bounds. The second reason was a simple re-installation of my wireless router software, which took me weeks to get around to because of the first reason. But now that all has been resolved.
I'm back in class now that the fall semester has started up. Thankfully, everything worked out just as I planned, so my life is a lot less stressful these days. I actually have freetime on the weekends now. That's a big deal for me. I haven't had weekend freetime in almost a year. Ok, that's exaggerating a little, but still, it has been awhile.
Just a brief status report: I'm in my final semester of my Museum Studies M.A. Due to my prior diligence in fulfilling my degree requirements, I'm taking two elective courses and a thesis course. My electives are a class in 16th century literature and a journalism class called "Internet Communication." I'm designing websites for class and reading interesting literature!! This is so cool. When I'm not doing that I'm writing, rewriting and rerewriting my thesis. More on that later.
That's all over now. As for the first reason, school has now started and my schedule is back into a normal pattern. Also, I no longer work at the museum (a whole other, long story), so my work hours stay within their normal bounds. The second reason was a simple re-installation of my wireless router software, which took me weeks to get around to because of the first reason. But now that all has been resolved.
I'm back in class now that the fall semester has started up. Thankfully, everything worked out just as I planned, so my life is a lot less stressful these days. I actually have freetime on the weekends now. That's a big deal for me. I haven't had weekend freetime in almost a year. Ok, that's exaggerating a little, but still, it has been awhile.
Just a brief status report: I'm in my final semester of my Museum Studies M.A. Due to my prior diligence in fulfilling my degree requirements, I'm taking two elective courses and a thesis course. My electives are a class in 16th century literature and a journalism class called "Internet Communication." I'm designing websites for class and reading interesting literature!! This is so cool. When I'm not doing that I'm writing, rewriting and rerewriting my thesis. More on that later.
Friday, September 19, 2008
International Talk Like a Pirate Day!
In honor of this auspicious holiday, I have gone on a search to discovery my true Pirate identity. According to these wise sages, my piratical identity is:
Mad Bess Kidd
Every pirate is a little bit crazy. You, though, are more than just a little bit. Even though you're not always the traditional swaggering gallant, your steadiness and planning make you a fine, reliable pirate. Arr!
Saturday, May 31, 2008
More please!
Last night Bo and I rented I Am Legend, starring Will Smith. I've heard good things about the movie and I know the book it is based off of is supposed to be quite good, but I found the movie to be a bit of disappointment. There were so many interesting ideas hinted at in the movie, but there was no follow through on these ideas. The basic idea behind the movie was only sparsely sketched out and much was left to speculation. Not that I mind speculating about what is going on in a movie, I just think too much was left out.
The movie felt like it was very short and over too quickly. When it was over, I understood that there was a virus, where the virus came from and that this virus killed almost everyone. But I was left wondering why specific people were immune and did all the people who survive have immunity or were some just lucky? Why was New York City considered "ground zero" of the infection? Why was finding a cure Neville's responsibility when another scientist was the one who invented the virus? At least, I think that opening bit indicated that the "cancer cure virus" was the one that caused all the problems.
I just think the film could have done a much better job of probing the depths of this story. It felt more like the series premier of a new TV show rather than a full-length movie! Despite that, I think Will Smith did a very good job in this movie and the sets for the abandoned New York City were very impressive.
The movie felt like it was very short and over too quickly. When it was over, I understood that there was a virus, where the virus came from and that this virus killed almost everyone. But I was left wondering why specific people were immune and did all the people who survive have immunity or were some just lucky? Why was New York City considered "ground zero" of the infection? Why was finding a cure Neville's responsibility when another scientist was the one who invented the virus? At least, I think that opening bit indicated that the "cancer cure virus" was the one that caused all the problems.
I just think the film could have done a much better job of probing the depths of this story. It felt more like the series premier of a new TV show rather than a full-length movie! Despite that, I think Will Smith did a very good job in this movie and the sets for the abandoned New York City were very impressive.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Remembering college
I graduated from a very liberal liberal arts college: Oberlin College in Ohio. Sometimes I forget how crazy it was going to Oberlin. Those memories blur into the fond recollections that everyone has about college: late nights of studying and partying, close friends, new ideas, uncomfortable dorm experiences, and various other typical college experiences. However, mixed in with all of that is something so uniquely Oberlin that sometimes I forget other people haven't had the same college experiences. Most people haven't eaten at a vegan co-op, haven't negotiated their way through complex discussions of racism, sexism and sustainable practices while just sitting around in the lounge after class, haven't forgotten to flip the shower sign to Women only and be joined by the guy that lives down the hall, haven't been paid to use the bathroom in a specific building that is a living machine. They certainly aren't familiar with the phrase "If its yellow, let it mellow" and they most definitely don't understand why Harkies dressed as pirates were terrorizing the campus.
I talk about these experiences with my friends and co-works when we are sitting around sharing funny stories from our past and many times I get incredulous stares and hesitant laughter. I never hear people say "Oh yea! I did something like that!" Instead I hear things like:
"You mean, you took a shower with 3 other people and some of them were guys?"
"Wait, you guys all lived together, cleaned your own dorm and cooked all your own food?"
"So, you not only had co-ed dorms and co-ed halls, but co-ed rooms?"
Yes, we did. And I loved it and I think I'm a better person because of it.
Then again, maybe I am just a little weird because in many ways Oberlin is a little weird. Of course, that's why I loved Oberlin and I wouldn't change a second of my time there.
This nostalgia was trigged by a New York Time article about sustainable practices implemented by students at Oberlin. What really made me think about all this was the fact that this article considers what these students are doing as new, unique and innovative. The fact is, Obies do this stuff everyday. And they don't think of it as new and different. They think of it as normal.
I talk about these experiences with my friends and co-works when we are sitting around sharing funny stories from our past and many times I get incredulous stares and hesitant laughter. I never hear people say "Oh yea! I did something like that!" Instead I hear things like:
"You mean, you took a shower with 3 other people and some of them were guys?"
"Wait, you guys all lived together, cleaned your own dorm and cooked all your own food?"
"So, you not only had co-ed dorms and co-ed halls, but co-ed rooms?"
Yes, we did. And I loved it and I think I'm a better person because of it.
Then again, maybe I am just a little weird because in many ways Oberlin is a little weird. Of course, that's why I loved Oberlin and I wouldn't change a second of my time there.
This nostalgia was trigged by a New York Time article about sustainable practices implemented by students at Oberlin. What really made me think about all this was the fact that this article considers what these students are doing as new, unique and innovative. The fact is, Obies do this stuff everyday. And they don't think of it as new and different. They think of it as normal.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Books
I have nothing to say for my long neglect of this blog except this: work + crap busy work for class + attempting to have a life with my husband = no time for writing.
So, I saw this meme in a friend's blog and I thought I'd post it as well, for fun. Usually I ignore this type of thing, but since I adore books and regularly eat several in a week, this seemed perfect for me!
These are the top 106 books most often marked as "unread" by LibraryThing's users.
Bold what you have read, italicize those you started but couldn't finish, and strike through what you couldn't stand.
Add an asterisk* to those you've read more than once.
Underline those on your to-read list.
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell
Anna Karenina
Crime and Punishment
Catch-22
One Hundred Years of Solitude
Wuthering Heights
The Silmarillion
Life of Pi : a novel
The Name of the Rose
Don Quixote
Moby Dick
Ulysses
The Odyssey
Pride and Prejudice (I love Austen, really. Its just more fun to hear her writing aloud.)
Jane Eyre
A Tale of Two Cities
The Brothers Karamazov
Guns, Germs, and Steel: the fates of human societies
War and Peace
Vanity Fair
The Time Traveler's Wife
The Iliad
Emma
The Blind Assassin
The Kite Runner
Mrs. Dalloway
Great Expectations
American Gods*
Atlas Shrugged
Reading Lolita in Tehran : a memoir in books
Memoirs of a Geisha*
Middlesex
Quicksilver
Wicked : the life and times of the wicked witch of the West
The Canterbury Tales (in Old English, by the way!)
The Historian : a novel
A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man
Love in the Time of Cholera
Brave New World
The Fountainhead
Foucault's Pendulum
Middlemarch
Frankenstein
The Count of Monte Cristo
Dracula
A Clockwork Orange
Anansi Boys
The Once and Future King
The Grapes of Wrath
The Poisonwood Bible : a novel
1984*
Angels and Demons*
The Inferno
The Satanic Verses
Sense and Sensibility
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Mansfield Park
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
To the Lighthouse
Tess of the D'Urbervilles
Oliver Twist
Gulliver's Travels
Les Misérables
The Corrections
The Amazing adventures of Kavalier and Clay
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time
Dune
The Prince
The Sound and the Fury
Angela's Ashes : A Memoir
The God of Small Things
A People's History of the United States : 1492-present
Cryptonomicon
Neverwhere
A Confederacy of Dunces
A Short History of Nearly Everything
Dubliners
The Unbearable Lightness of Being
Beloved
Slaughterhouse-Five
The Scarlet Letter
Eats, Shoots & Leaves
The Mists of Avalon
Oryx and Crake : a novel
Collapse : How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed
Cloud Atlas
The Confusion
Lolita
Persuasion
Northanger Abbey
The Catcher in the Rye
On the Road
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Freakonomics : a Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance : an Inquiry into Values
The Aeneid
Watership Down
Gravity's Rainbow
The Hobbit
White Teeth
Treasure Island
David Copperfield
The Three Musketeers
I feel that I must point out that even though I have not read most of these books, I am intimately familiar with their content. For a lot of them, I've seen the extended, authoritative (supposedly) movie version. For others, they were constantly referred to and compared with other things that I read. Because I already know all about them, I don't plan to read many of them. I consider myself a well-read person. Does this meme say otherwise?
So, I saw this meme in a friend's blog and I thought I'd post it as well, for fun. Usually I ignore this type of thing, but since I adore books and regularly eat several in a week, this seemed perfect for me!
These are the top 106 books most often marked as "unread" by LibraryThing's users.
Bold what you have read, italicize those you started but couldn't finish, and strike through what you couldn't stand.
Add an asterisk* to those you've read more than once.
Underline those on your to-read list.
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell
Anna Karenina
Crime and Punishment
Catch-22
One Hundred Years of Solitude
Wuthering Heights
The Silmarillion
Life of Pi : a novel
The Name of the Rose
Don Quixote
Moby Dick
Ulysses
The Odyssey
Pride and Prejudice (I love Austen, really. Its just more fun to hear her writing aloud.)
Jane Eyre
A Tale of Two Cities
The Brothers Karamazov
Guns, Germs, and Steel: the fates of human societies
War and Peace
Vanity Fair
The Time Traveler's Wife
The Iliad
Emma
The Blind Assassin
The Kite Runner
Mrs. Dalloway
Great Expectations
American Gods*
Atlas Shrugged
Reading Lolita in Tehran : a memoir in books
Memoirs of a Geisha*
Middlesex
Quicksilver
Wicked : the life and times of the wicked witch of the West
The Canterbury Tales (in Old English, by the way!)
The Historian : a novel
A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man
Love in the Time of Cholera
Brave New World
The Fountainhead
Foucault's Pendulum
Middlemarch
Frankenstein
The Count of Monte Cristo
Dracula
A Clockwork Orange
Anansi Boys
The Once and Future King
The Grapes of Wrath
The Poisonwood Bible : a novel
1984*
Angels and Demons*
The Inferno
The Satanic Verses
Sense and Sensibility
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Mansfield Park
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
To the Lighthouse
Tess of the D'Urbervilles
Oliver Twist
Gulliver's Travels
Les Misérables
The Corrections
The Amazing adventures of Kavalier and Clay
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time
Dune
The Prince
The Sound and the Fury
Angela's Ashes : A Memoir
The God of Small Things
A People's History of the United States : 1492-present
Cryptonomicon
Neverwhere
A Confederacy of Dunces
A Short History of Nearly Everything
Dubliners
The Unbearable Lightness of Being
Beloved
Slaughterhouse-Five
Eats, Shoots & Leaves
The Mists of Avalon
Oryx and Crake : a novel
Collapse : How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed
Cloud Atlas
The Confusion
Lolita
Persuasion
Northanger Abbey
The Catcher in the Rye
On the Road
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Freakonomics : a Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance : an Inquiry into Values
The Aeneid
Watership Down
Gravity's Rainbow
The Hobbit
White Teeth
Treasure Island
David Copperfield
The Three Musketeers
I feel that I must point out that even though I have not read most of these books, I am intimately familiar with their content. For a lot of them, I've seen the extended, authoritative (supposedly) movie version. For others, they were constantly referred to and compared with other things that I read. Because I already know all about them, I don't plan to read many of them. I consider myself a well-read person. Does this meme say otherwise?
Saturday, February 2, 2008
My Champion
Yesterday, Bo and I went to the local Renaissance Fair for the day. It really isn't the most historically correct of Ren fairs and while I know that there aren't any truly historically correct Ren fairs, this one is pretty far down the scale.
Anyway, it was fun. We ate fair food (not too tasty), watched some interesting performances, and browsed the marketplace (of ridiculous 'medieval' items). Our original intention was to go see our friend Chris perform in the living chessboard. He's a member of the Thieves Guilde and every year this group of volunteer performers stages live chess match-ups between Robin Hood and his merry men and the Sheriff of Nottingham and his cronies. Of course, each time a piece is taken, that character must valiantly fight for their lives, so it is very entertaining. Chris did a good job, both in the fighting and in the rabble rousing of the crowd, which is a major component of the performances.
However, the highlight of my day came while Bo and I preparing to watch a demonstration of medieval armed combat. While the competitors were standing on the sidelines preparing for battle, I overheard one of the fighters make a comment about is age and how he was getting too old to do this anymore. I called out to him and said he looked just fine. Then, he beckoned me to the side of the field where he asked if he might have the privilege of defending my honor as my champion. I consented and he presented me with a rose (fake, but pretty). After every battle he won, which was quite a few, he would turn and salute me with a flourish of his weapon and a short bow. At the end of the performance, he gave me a final salute and I went to the side of the field to congratulate him. He thanked Bo for being a kind and generous lord by allowing him to be his lady's champion and thanked me for my enthusiastic support. I bestowed a chaste kiss on his cheek and departed.
I had so much fun! I really enjoyed having a champion, having someone fight for my honor. I can see the appeal of this for medieval ladies and even for modern women, though we don't really have a similar social system of courtly love. Now, I kinda wish modern society did have some form of courtly love. Having a champion means a lady has someone to cheer for, someone to support and in return she gets someone that pays attention to her and makes her feel special and loved. She can flirt in a safe way with the approval of society. It was really a pleasure to be my knight's special lady.
Anyway, it was fun. We ate fair food (not too tasty), watched some interesting performances, and browsed the marketplace (of ridiculous 'medieval' items). Our original intention was to go see our friend Chris perform in the living chessboard. He's a member of the Thieves Guilde and every year this group of volunteer performers stages live chess match-ups between Robin Hood and his merry men and the Sheriff of Nottingham and his cronies. Of course, each time a piece is taken, that character must valiantly fight for their lives, so it is very entertaining. Chris did a good job, both in the fighting and in the rabble rousing of the crowd, which is a major component of the performances.
However, the highlight of my day came while Bo and I preparing to watch a demonstration of medieval armed combat. While the competitors were standing on the sidelines preparing for battle, I overheard one of the fighters make a comment about is age and how he was getting too old to do this anymore. I called out to him and said he looked just fine. Then, he beckoned me to the side of the field where he asked if he might have the privilege of defending my honor as my champion. I consented and he presented me with a rose (fake, but pretty). After every battle he won, which was quite a few, he would turn and salute me with a flourish of his weapon and a short bow. At the end of the performance, he gave me a final salute and I went to the side of the field to congratulate him. He thanked Bo for being a kind and generous lord by allowing him to be his lady's champion and thanked me for my enthusiastic support. I bestowed a chaste kiss on his cheek and departed.
I had so much fun! I really enjoyed having a champion, having someone fight for my honor. I can see the appeal of this for medieval ladies and even for modern women, though we don't really have a similar social system of courtly love. Now, I kinda wish modern society did have some form of courtly love. Having a champion means a lady has someone to cheer for, someone to support and in return she gets someone that pays attention to her and makes her feel special and loved. She can flirt in a safe way with the approval of society. It was really a pleasure to be my knight's special lady.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Routine
Sad as it is, I have come to the realization over the past year or so that I need a set routine in order to function. Well, I can function without a routine, but I do much better when I do have one. I just get more done when I have a schedule that tells me what I'm supposed to be doing.
Now, I'm not talking about an intense, minute-to-minute plan. I'm just talking about a general plan for how my week is supposed to go. Class at this time, work at this time, studying during these hours, meals, personal time, etc. If I got it planned out, then I work more effectively and I feel more in control of my life. Without this schedule, I tend to slack off, procrastinate and generally be a lazy bum. If things changes from week to week and don't follow my schedule, then I don't get all the things done that I need to get done. I suppose its good that I know this about myself, but it makes me feel a little sad. I'd like to think that I'm a more together person than that, but I have to face the facts. I need organization and routine in my life. This semester is proving difficult because I can't seem to find a steady routine that works. Things keep changing week to week and its really throwing my off my stride.
Bo says I'm just trying to do too much. He tells me I need to back off a little and take it easy, but I already feel like I'm being lazy when I spend every evening hanging out with him and not doing work that needs to get done. Besides, if I don't do all the things that I have planned, then I won't do well in my classes, I won't do well at work and I won't do all those little things that I want to do. I don't know who is right in this situation, but I do know that I am a creature of habit and there's not much I can do about it, even if I don't like it.
Now, I'm not talking about an intense, minute-to-minute plan. I'm just talking about a general plan for how my week is supposed to go. Class at this time, work at this time, studying during these hours, meals, personal time, etc. If I got it planned out, then I work more effectively and I feel more in control of my life. Without this schedule, I tend to slack off, procrastinate and generally be a lazy bum. If things changes from week to week and don't follow my schedule, then I don't get all the things done that I need to get done. I suppose its good that I know this about myself, but it makes me feel a little sad. I'd like to think that I'm a more together person than that, but I have to face the facts. I need organization and routine in my life. This semester is proving difficult because I can't seem to find a steady routine that works. Things keep changing week to week and its really throwing my off my stride.
Bo says I'm just trying to do too much. He tells me I need to back off a little and take it easy, but I already feel like I'm being lazy when I spend every evening hanging out with him and not doing work that needs to get done. Besides, if I don't do all the things that I have planned, then I won't do well in my classes, I won't do well at work and I won't do all those little things that I want to do. I don't know who is right in this situation, but I do know that I am a creature of habit and there's not much I can do about it, even if I don't like it.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Illness
So, I'm sick. Again. I seem to catch colds very easily and I don't know how or why. I guess it might be because I work with kids sometimes, but I came down with several colds last semester and I wasn't working at the museum then. I guess I'm just rather susceptible to the common cold. Grrrr.....not fair. Maybe I should start taking Airborne or something like that.
What's frustrating is that I wanted to nip this in the bud, but apparently the medicines that can do that only work if you take them before you actually have the cold. I went to a pharmacy to pick up some Zicam, but the pharmacist told me that I shouldn't bother because it won't make any difference. That makes no sense to me, but I didn't waste my money and I'll just suffer through. I just hope I don't suffer long. Thankfully, I didn't have work or school today, so I could rest all day. Even better, Bo had the day off, so he could take care of the errands I needed to do and keep me company. I'm crossing my fingers that I feel better tomorrow. I don't have a lot to do tomorrow, so I can take it a bit easy.....just not too easy. I just don't have the time to spend another day doing nothing. I can't afford to get behind this early in the semester! So, let's just hope tomorrow I can get some work done!
What's frustrating is that I wanted to nip this in the bud, but apparently the medicines that can do that only work if you take them before you actually have the cold. I went to a pharmacy to pick up some Zicam, but the pharmacist told me that I shouldn't bother because it won't make any difference. That makes no sense to me, but I didn't waste my money and I'll just suffer through. I just hope I don't suffer long. Thankfully, I didn't have work or school today, so I could rest all day. Even better, Bo had the day off, so he could take care of the errands I needed to do and keep me company. I'm crossing my fingers that I feel better tomorrow. I don't have a lot to do tomorrow, so I can take it a bit easy.....just not too easy. I just don't have the time to spend another day doing nothing. I can't afford to get behind this early in the semester! So, let's just hope tomorrow I can get some work done!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Movie Update
Time for yet another movie update. I realize its close on the heels of the last one, but I saw this movie last night and enjoyed it so much that I just had to write it up as soon as possible!
So, last night I went to see Juno. This movie now ranks among my all time favorite movies. It is that good. It is fantastic! For once, I have absolutely no complaints about a movie. Everything was so well done. The writing, the casting, the acting, the music, the timing....everything was just wonderful. Now, I realize that not everyone will appreciate this movie in the same way I did. It does take a certain mindset and sense of humor to appreciate Juno. However, I think anyone can appreciate the tactful and positive way that the movie addresses complex issues like divorce, teen pregnancy and adoption. I mean, most movies or TV shows portray these things as inherently negative and damaging to anyone involved. At the end of the movie, everyone is in a good place and everyone has a happy ending despite getting pregnant or divorced. I really respect that.
Also, I have to say that hearing several Moldy Peaches songs, including one of my favorite songs by them, was great fun. Their music is just so quirky and upbeat. So much fun to listen to. Bo and I were singing along with the final song. I know I'm going to be getting Juno when it comes out on DVD and I will probably be getting the soundtrack as well, which is something that I rarely do.
The updated, still-to-be-viewed list:
August Rush
I Am Legend
Atonement
P.S. I Love You
Grace is Gone
The Water Horse
(I've dropped a few movies because they have already left theaters. I'll have to wait until they come out on DVD.)
So, last night I went to see Juno. This movie now ranks among my all time favorite movies. It is that good. It is fantastic! For once, I have absolutely no complaints about a movie. Everything was so well done. The writing, the casting, the acting, the music, the timing....everything was just wonderful. Now, I realize that not everyone will appreciate this movie in the same way I did. It does take a certain mindset and sense of humor to appreciate Juno. However, I think anyone can appreciate the tactful and positive way that the movie addresses complex issues like divorce, teen pregnancy and adoption. I mean, most movies or TV shows portray these things as inherently negative and damaging to anyone involved. At the end of the movie, everyone is in a good place and everyone has a happy ending despite getting pregnant or divorced. I really respect that.
Also, I have to say that hearing several Moldy Peaches songs, including one of my favorite songs by them, was great fun. Their music is just so quirky and upbeat. So much fun to listen to. Bo and I were singing along with the final song. I know I'm going to be getting Juno when it comes out on DVD and I will probably be getting the soundtrack as well, which is something that I rarely do.
The updated, still-to-be-viewed list:
August Rush
I Am Legend
Atonement
P.S. I Love You
Grace is Gone
The Water Horse
(I've dropped a few movies because they have already left theaters. I'll have to wait until they come out on DVD.)
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Movie Update
As I mentioned in my New Year's post, I went to see Sweeny Todd on New Year's day with some friend. It proved to be an interesting mix of people because some of us had seen the musical before and some hadn't. I have seen it before, during college, so I was prepared for all the death.
Anyway, Sweeny Todd is a rather violent film by its very nature. The plot requires lots of death and it wouldn't be Sweeny Todd without it. However, if you can look beyond the violence, the film itself its really amazing. Tim Burton captures the eerie, dark and depressing feel of the period while letting the whimsy of Sondheim's music and lyrics shine through. The movie did a great job of brining Sondheim's work to the big screen without many cuts or alterations. I was very please that Burton didn't pull any punches, though I think they went a little overboard on the blood. The staging of the songs was well doneI especially liked the "House by the Beach" song sung by Mrs.. Lovett. Johnny Depp and Helena Bohnam Carter are wonderful in the lead roles. Carter's vocal ability isn't as strong as I'd like, but her acting makes up for it. Depp really surprised me with his vocals, but then, he constantly surprises me with his versatility and talent. Alan Rickman also did a great job, but he was overshadowed by the rest of the cast. Overall, a great movie if you can stomach a little blood. If the blood scares you off then you'll probably enjoy the movie just fine on a smaller screen. While the big screen is always better, it isn't necessary to enjoy Sweeny Todd.
And the list is still quite long:
Martian Child
Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium
August Rush
Juno
I Am Legend
Atonement
P.S. I Love You
Grace is Gone
The Water Horse
Anyway, Sweeny Todd is a rather violent film by its very nature. The plot requires lots of death and it wouldn't be Sweeny Todd without it. However, if you can look beyond the violence, the film itself its really amazing. Tim Burton captures the eerie, dark and depressing feel of the period while letting the whimsy of Sondheim's music and lyrics shine through. The movie did a great job of brining Sondheim's work to the big screen without many cuts or alterations. I was very please that Burton didn't pull any punches, though I think they went a little overboard on the blood. The staging of the songs was well doneI especially liked the "House by the Beach" song sung by Mrs.. Lovett. Johnny Depp and Helena Bohnam Carter are wonderful in the lead roles. Carter's vocal ability isn't as strong as I'd like, but her acting makes up for it. Depp really surprised me with his vocals, but then, he constantly surprises me with his versatility and talent. Alan Rickman also did a great job, but he was overshadowed by the rest of the cast. Overall, a great movie if you can stomach a little blood. If the blood scares you off then you'll probably enjoy the movie just fine on a smaller screen. While the big screen is always better, it isn't necessary to enjoy Sweeny Todd.
And the list is still quite long:
Martian Child
Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium
August Rush
Juno
I Am Legend
Atonement
P.S. I Love You
Grace is Gone
The Water Horse
Friday, January 4, 2008
Happy New Year!
I hope everyone had a safe and wonderful New Year's and I wish you all lots of laughter and love, joy and peace in 2008.
I realize its already January 4th, so I'm a little late with my New Year's wishes, but better late than never, right? I went back to work New Year's day. (The only member of my department to do so!) I then had the 2nd and the 3rd off, which was really nice. Bo had those two days off as well, so we got to have a 'weekend' together, even though it was on a Wednesday and a Thursday. We've also been spending time with Faith, Russell and Kipp over the past few days. We all went out to see Sweeny Todd (review coming soon) the night of the 1st, then Kipp left the next day. Wednesday, Bo played a show at a local restaurant called Satchel's. It was really, really short notice, so unfortunately we couldn't get a lot of people together to come, but the few that came had a good time. It was freezing cold and the venue was in an open shed area, so we all sat around in our coat and scarves shivering to the music. Bo played really well, but he struggled with the lack of preparation, audience support and cold weather. Could have been better, but it also could have been a lot worse! Yesterday we spend the afternoon and evening with Faith and Russell, which was really nice. They really are great friends and its hard not seeing them because they live all the way up in Wisconsin. However, when we do get to spend time together, its like we were never apart.
I'm back at work today and I'll be busy at work tomorrow as well. Tomorrow is the museum's Collector's Day and we are expecting lots of visitors. Collector's Day is very popular. The whole day is dedicated to amateur collectors and their collections. We give them space to display everything and then let them take it away! I haven't been before, but apparently we have a wide variety of personal collections on display, everything from classic cars to Barbie Dolls to sticks collected by a seeing-eye dog. I have to come to work early to help set-up, but I don't mind. Besides, I can spend my lunch break wandering the museum and checking out all the stuff! I'll probably be exhausted at the end of the day, but it'll be worth it! Maybe I'll snap some pictures of the more outlandish collections and share them with you.
I realize its already January 4th, so I'm a little late with my New Year's wishes, but better late than never, right? I went back to work New Year's day. (The only member of my department to do so!) I then had the 2nd and the 3rd off, which was really nice. Bo had those two days off as well, so we got to have a 'weekend' together, even though it was on a Wednesday and a Thursday. We've also been spending time with Faith, Russell and Kipp over the past few days. We all went out to see Sweeny Todd (review coming soon) the night of the 1st, then Kipp left the next day. Wednesday, Bo played a show at a local restaurant called Satchel's. It was really, really short notice, so unfortunately we couldn't get a lot of people together to come, but the few that came had a good time. It was freezing cold and the venue was in an open shed area, so we all sat around in our coat and scarves shivering to the music. Bo played really well, but he struggled with the lack of preparation, audience support and cold weather. Could have been better, but it also could have been a lot worse! Yesterday we spend the afternoon and evening with Faith and Russell, which was really nice. They really are great friends and its hard not seeing them because they live all the way up in Wisconsin. However, when we do get to spend time together, its like we were never apart.
I'm back at work today and I'll be busy at work tomorrow as well. Tomorrow is the museum's Collector's Day and we are expecting lots of visitors. Collector's Day is very popular. The whole day is dedicated to amateur collectors and their collections. We give them space to display everything and then let them take it away! I haven't been before, but apparently we have a wide variety of personal collections on display, everything from classic cars to Barbie Dolls to sticks collected by a seeing-eye dog. I have to come to work early to help set-up, but I don't mind. Besides, I can spend my lunch break wandering the museum and checking out all the stuff! I'll probably be exhausted at the end of the day, but it'll be worth it! Maybe I'll snap some pictures of the more outlandish collections and share them with you.
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