Wednesday 29 December 2010

Is there a lining? Is it silver?

Cloud:
1. Lost one of my part-time jobs, because the dad had his hours severely reduced.
2. Car is old and needs replacing, which costs money. Money I don't have, because (see above).
3. Cats have fleas. Fleas. Won't. Die.

Silver lining:
1. I did not lose the job because of my work, just because of circumstances. They, and many other parents I know, want me to be employed. I will get good recommendations.
2. I have until February 1 to find another job.
3. Getting a car with 4 doors sounds AWESOME. I love Annabelle, my bug, but she isn't really all that practical.
4. As much as I'd hate to go back to mooching off of my parents, they will not let me starve, live on the streets, or be consumed by debt.
(There is no silver lining to the fleas)

Unrelated positive events:
Going on a New Years Adventure into the snow with a large group of awesome people.

Sunday 26 December 2010

Clover and I were having a conversation about which movies she would bring with her on the plane to watch.

Me: Have you ever seen...? Oh, what's it called? It's like....
Clover: Spirited Away?
Me: Well... yes.

The child can read my mind!

Wednesday 15 December 2010

No, I'm not.

I have a particularly close relationship with the children I nanny for, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I volunteer in their classrooms, attend their performances, share their joy in their accomplishments, and laugh myself silly when I discover that they're saying something with the same inflection I do. I am their nanny, and I don't think there could be a job that is more fun or rewarding.

Sometimes, people (generally my age) will make comments about me being a "second mom." I always vehemently deny these. I am not, in any way, shape, or form, a mother. I think it's really weird when families get their nannies Mother's Day gifts. Sometimes, families work out where kids have more than one mother-- lesbian parents and step-mothers, for example. BUT-- nannying is not one of those situations.

I'm having a hard time getting to my point. Good news, though-- here it is!

What does it say about our society that an involved, loving woman is so frequently said to be "like a mother"? It makes it seem like we perceive ourselves in isolated little family unites, unwelcoming to others, neither giving or taking love and support from those around us. I don't like to think that's how things really are. Just because we don't have a word to specifically identify the relationship I have with the children (because "nanny" will always imply pay and while, yes, I am paid, if I could afford to do this job for free I totally would) does NOT mean that the next most logical thing to do is to compare it to motherhood. I've not been a mother, so I guess I can't be sure, but I'm willing to bet that it is very, very different.

Monday 13 December 2010

Best.

Guys, I can't stop watching this music video.

Thursday 9 December 2010

"Hurray for the 7 year old!"

Well. Friends, I think we're getting there. I think Neptune, at age 7, has greater sensitivity to issues of race and gender than I had at age 17.

At Target yesterday:

Neptune, resigned, pointing at a toy kitchen: Well, yep. That's a girl on that box.



Several minutes later:

Neptune, looking at a spy kit: Yeah. And this one has boys on it. Huh.






We've been talking about how we're "taught" to behave, and how marketing contributes to teaching us that. But this time? He totally saw that all by himself.

Wednesday 8 December 2010

Santa Claus

The story goes, when I was very small, I asked my dad if Santa Claus was real. He looked down at me and said, very seriously, "Santa comes to those who believe." I gazed back, eyes wide, and responded slowly, earnestly..."I believe."

I like that story, the little girl choosing what to believe. Of course, I probably made that choice for highly materialistic reasons, but nonetheless. I like to think that I chose magic.

Monday 6 December 2010

This blog is rapidly starting to sound like my "race and ethnic studies" courses from college

During a Shrinky-Dink ornament fest. (Don't know what Shrinky Dinks are? They are SO FABULOUS. See?)

Me: What colour are you going to use for Santa's face?
Clover: Oh, just normal skin colour. (By which she meant a sort of peachy shade)
Neptune: That isn't normal for some people. Some people have darker skin.

Well. I'm just so glad he notices things like that.

Friday 19 November 2010

Well, yes. Yes, it is.

I was telling the kids about interesting psych studies (you know, like you do), and came to a particularly famous one. I'm sure you're familiar with it-- a teacher told her class that the brown eyed children were smarter, prettier... you get the idea. Soon, the brown eyed children started acting like it, and treating all of the other kids horribly. There are many more details, but that's the gist of it.

So what did the kids say when I told them about this?

Neptune responded, "Oh. It's like what happened with Black people before Martin Luther King Jr."

I have never, ever been so impressed with anything a child has said. What a magnificent, thoughtful mental leap.

Wednesday 17 November 2010

When I grow up/Oh to be a kid again

As a child, my friends and I longed to be grown up. We wanted to be able to make our own decisions, eat dessert before dinner, and choose when to clean our bedrooms based on when WE thought it needed doing (read: never) rather than when those pesky parents did.

As a (granted, young) adult, I hear many other adults, my age and older, who long to be kids again. They dream of the days when problems were solved for them, "money problems" meant not enough allowance, and when they really, truly thought they could grow up to be anything they wanted.

We idealise both. You couldn't pay me to be a kid again! I do NOT want to go back to someone else watching my every move and deciding what the "right" choices for me are. I don't want to depend on someone else's approval for every step I take. On the other hand, being an adult seems to come with a lot of bills and fewer freedoms than I had imagined as a child.

And so, to sort of even things out, I make a point of doing certain things periodically Just Because I Can. Occasionally, I have dessert instead of dinner. I have two wonderful cats because I wanted to, not because it was the most responsible choice. Sure, I pay my bills, vacuum regularly, and am always on time for work.

But sometimes? Sometimes I do silly things, just because I can.

Saturday 13 November 2010

Family

When I was learning Chinese, one of the first things I was able to say (after "Hello," "thank you," and "shut up") was "My family (or "house" technically) has 5 people. My dad, mom, little brother, little sister, and me." (Wo jia you wu ge ren. Wo baba, mama, didi, mei mei, he wo.") It was not a great conversation starter, but it came up pretty frequently in oral examinations. On more daring occasions, I would add that I had a dog and a cat. I never did learn how to say "hamster."

The definition of family was pretty straight-forward. The people in my house were my family. I generously expanded this definition to include my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. The end.

Lately, though, my definition of "family" has expanded significantly. "Wo jia" no longer simply has "wu ge ren." Now I consider many more people members of my family. Several of my college friends certainly fall into that category as, of course, do Clover, Neptune, and their parents. Even their extended family has, to a certain extent, become my extended family.

When I graduated from college, I decided to come to Seattle because I wanted to create a "home town" for myself. I've moved around a fair amount, and have never really felt like I'm FROM anywhere. On one hand, this is extremely liberating. I certainly wouldn't change my growing-up years for any amount of money. On the other hand, it would be nice to have roots of some kind. I thought-- silly, naive me-- that developing a home town would consist largely of becoming aware of the regional jokes, gaining the ability to drive around in the city without needing directions, and cultivating a healthy amount of ridicule for the "opposing" city (or maybe just the East Coast in general?). There's an element of truth in this, but I underestimated two things-- 1. The necessity of cute weather proof clothing and 2. How important people are. It's not the city that's "home." It's the people ("awww...").

I'm not building a "home" so much as I am spinning my web. Sure, the geographical area is part of it. I'm gradually learning my way around Seattle, I just bought a waterproof winter coat, and I can use the word "sun break" in a sentence without feeling like a fool. Not to be ignored, though, are the very important people who are all part of this web.

Thursday 28 October 2010

Welcome to my mind.

I'm only sharing these because I like you. They are magic.

To be sung to the tune of "Up on a Rooftop"

Gods of parking, hear my plea
Have the perfect space for me
Make it a space outside my door
I'll love you forever more

Make it a space that is just right
Not too big and not too tight
Make sure it's cozy for a bug
And I'll give you a big hug


---------------------------------

Gods of streetlights, don't be mean
We are waiting, please turn green
We have have many places to be
It would be nice if you would help me

Wednesday 27 October 2010

Pros/Cons

The Real World, in a pro and con list:

PRO: I get my very own space, that I can keep as tidy (or untidy) as I choose
CON: I'm expected to pay a large sum of money each month in order to actually stay here

PRO: Instead of depending on the dining hall for every meal, I get to eat what I want. I also get to eat when I want, instead of during the set mealtime hours.
CON: I have to buy and then prepare the food I want.

PRO: Cats
CON: There is no con to this.

PRO: No homework (for me)
CON: I get be the homework manager for two other people.
PRO: Their homework is quick, straightforward, and they are cooperative

Friday 15 October 2010

Halloween

I love Halloween. It's not one of my favourite holidays, but it certainly is a fun one-- and I will latch onto any excuse to be "festive." Not to be underappreciated is that a nice holiday like Halloween lends some direction to crafting (and, I'm sure, cooking and baking-- though I haven't gone down that route yet). This week, Clover, Neptune, and I decorated gourds.

Yes, gourds.

I give you the results:


(That's Rafael, the bizarre white squash, and what I think of as the magical pumpkin. I decorated these ones...)


Neptune decorated these. I love the blue pumpkin and all of the foam shapes.


And this is all Clover's doing. She was particularly into this craft project (I can't say I blame her). The best one, in my opinion is that small orange and green gourd that looks like a hedgehog. Awesome.

Monday 11 October 2010

Finding the Car

Really (really, really) I'm a nanny. But sometimes, this job comes with other duties. Yesterday, it was my job to pick up Family B (the morning family) from the airport.

Now, I drive a VW Bug. Annabelle, though a wonderful car, fits approximately 2 adults or 2 adults and 2 children comfortably. There was no. way. I was going to take her to the airport to pick up a family of four. Logically, I decided to take the family's Honda Pilot.

Their car was parked in the Park and Ride in the city where they live, and I set off to find it. It was not until I was IN the parking lot, that it occurred to me: Probably, more than one person in this city ones a Honda Pilot. Probably, more than one is parked in This Very Parking Lot.

And, sure enough, I had to try at least 4 other cars before I finally found the one the key unlocked.

The best part? The remote unlock function on the key was broken, so I had to go around sticking the key into the lock on each of the car doors, trying to open them.

I'm sure I looked like the worst car burglar in the world.

Wednesday 6 October 2010

Unfun?!

A woman in the QFC (grocery store) parking lot just came up to me and, seeing sticker on my car, asked if I had gone to Scripps College (see how I'm telling you now, because I'm not there anymore? Sneaky!):

Me: Yeah, I did.
Woman: What did you think of it?
Me: Oh wow, I loved it. Best four years of my life!
Woman: Oh. My daughter and I just visited, and we thought it was really uptight and unfun. It seemed like everyone studied until 1am.
Me: ...

I mean, yes, people DO study hard. It's a school that requires work, and work we do! But that's certainly not the extent of it. We study hard, and play hard.

We DEFINITELY have fun.



After having this conversation with the misguided woman, I immediately called Aslan. She was as flabbergasted as I was, and after a few minutes of discussing this, she said, "You know, I feel kind of offended, like she was questioning whether *I* had fun or not!" Which, once she said it, was definitely how I felt too.

I texted some other folks from Claremont, and this is what they said:

Esquire: Wow. Well, maybe she's a stuipdhead who can't recognise fun if it hit her in the face.

Joanna: Wow really...? Maybe college isn't right for her. She could take up bartending...?

Jill: Boy are they wrong! Oh well. They are missing out.

London: To each her own, I guess!

Polka Dot: That was not my experience. No frats but that doesn't mean no fun.

Zee: Oh boy. Little do they know.

Wednesday: Well, it maybe unfun now, but only because we're not there.


Clearly, CLEARLY even the most polite of people agree with me on this one. Scripps was FUN! So what on earth did these people experience while they were there? Who was their tour guide?! I wish I had asked....

I mean, are these the faces of kids who never had fun?

Tuesday 5 October 2010

Mysteries of Life

For a long time, my trousers were all just a LEETLE BIT too tight. Not painfully, muffin-top tight, just slightly uncomfortable.

Now, I am discovering that all my trousers are just a LEETLE BIT too lose. Not falling-off loose, just feeling-like-they-might loose.

When, oh when, was the time that they fit perfectly? And how did I miss it?

Sunday 5 September 2010

Uh-oh.

I just realised how much has happened since I last wrote a for-real post...

Llama trekking (llamas + packs + gorgeous trail + kids)
Cancun (beaches + pools + cenotes + kids)
New Apartment (!!!)
New Job (20 hrs of nannying in the morning to supplement 20 hrs of nannying in the afternoons. So far, like this new job v. much)
New kitten (see previous post)

I am unlikely to ever catch up, so I'm not even going to try.

And you can't make me.

Next post will deal with Real Life, Right Now.

Saturday 4 September 2010

It's a GIRL!


I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Miss Scarlett Jane to our family. The youngest of two, Scarlett joins her older brother Willoughby Finnegan (Finnegan) in mischief making, tuna flake craving, late night cuddling, and early morning waking. (Finnegan is less fond of this arrangement than might be hoped, but I expect he will come around soon.)


The grouchy big brother

After all, I imagine anyone-- including Finnegan-- would find it hard to NOT appreciate a kitten who leaps into the shower in the morning...

Saturday 14 August 2010

Regarding: Disappearance

Sorry I vanished. There were llamas. And oceans. And cenotes.


Update to come.

Friday 16 July 2010

Feminism 101

Sometimes, having me as a nanny is like being in an elementary school level feminism course. We talk about how sometimes girls are told they should behave a certain way, or how boys are told the same thing. We discuss where these ideas come from, why people think of them as "truth," and how important it is to be aware of all of this.

Today, Clover asked me about Barbie, and if there is an equivalent for boys-- that is, something that teaches boys how to act, the way girls are taught how to "be" by Barbie (granted, one small example of the social indoctrination that occurs).

She was thinking of this! All by herself! Without being prodded in that direction!

YAY!

A+ in Feminism 101

Wednesday 14 July 2010

The Naked Bridesmaid?

This weekend, my friends got married. Aslan and Hans have been pronounced Mr. and Mrs., the bride was kissed, the people danced, the tea lights refused the stay lit, and we all ate cake. After the reception, we relocated and continued to the party.

Over the last few months, Aslan has taken to calling me her 'naked bridesmaid.' That is, I had "all of the stress, none of the dress." Though not a member of the bridal party, I threw myself wholeheartedly into the preparations, parties, and adventures relating to the wedding. I like planning. I like weddings. And I love Aslan and Hans.

I like the title "the naked bridesmaid" much more than I like "code name Blythe," so that's what I'm going to go with. Of course, I'll still BE Blythe, but that won't be the title of the blog anymore. Despite not being Aslan's naked bridesmaid anymore-- as the wedding is successfully completed-- but I still think it sums up my behaviour in general.

I like to be involved. I like to help. I like to plan. I do like to be thanked, but I don't need it to be "official"-- I'm perfectly happy to just jump on board and be excited!

I am, you see, The Naked Bridesmaid.

Wednesday 30 June 2010

Wait, I'm not OLD, am I?!

Me: Well, yeah, I guess we could watch Bugsy Malone sometime, but I only have the video. Do you guys have a VCR?
Neptune: What's a VCR?

Monday 28 June 2010

An OK Problem To Have...

Me: Guys, put down the books, it's time to eat.
Neptune and Clover: (remain absorbed in their books)
Me: NEPTUNE! Book down. CLOVER! Put. The. Book. Down.
Neptune and Clover: (don't even notice I am talking)

Oh, well, compared to a couple of years ago, it's pretty great:

2007:

Me: Neptune, Clover, let's do 20 minutes of reading
N and C: NO! NONONONONO! (insert moaning, whining, crying, and stubbornness here)



So you see, sometimes it's ok that they don't listen to me the first time around.

Wednesday 23 June 2010

The Biggest Compliment I Have Ever Received

Due to their mother's insane travel schedule (ie gone WAY more than either she or the children would prefer), birthday celebrations were put on hold this year. Despite the fact that the children's birthdays were way back in February, we will be celebrating their "unbirthdays" this summer. That's right-- there will be cake, a pinata, games, and crafts just about six months after their actual birthdays.

And I get to help plan it, because, you know, I'm here. With the children. During the summer.

And, well, because I'm pretty fond of such events. As it appears A has figured out by now.

SO, long story short, there are unbirthdays to be celebrated. The tricky part is scheduling. Though A doesn't have to travel to Asia anymore, that doesn't mean her weekends are completely open, and so we had to do some careful scheduling. The first available, reasonable weekend was July 10th/11th... the weekend I am going to be out of town for Aslan and Hans' wedding. I mentioned this to Clover, told her that I would not be offended in the SLIGHTEST if she wanted to have her party while I was gone, but that I wouldn't be available that weekend.

She paused, considered it, and then decided to wait an EXTRA MONTH for the party. That's right. The girl tacked on FOUR MORE WEEKS OF WAITING so that I could be there. (She thought it would be "easier." Heh. I am amused as this concept. What would I do that would make it easier? It's quite possible that she just thinks three adults are necessary to keep this birthday running smoothly.)

Anyway. There you have it. The biggest compliment I have ever received-- a ten year old delaying her (already delayed) party for a month, so I could be there to help things go smoothly. Either she likes more, or thinks I'm useful, or both. I'm good with any of these options.

Tuesday 15 June 2010

Cutlery, Cleaning, and Corkscrews, oh my!

I have a problem.

I have gone absolutely head-over-heels giddy for all things domestic. I look longingly at throw pillows. I used a birthday gift card to buy salt and pepper shakers. I used another gift card to buy a set of kitchen knives (to be fair, they are brightly coloured, so that makes them more legitimately exciting). I LONG FOR CLOTH NAPKINS (specifically the yellow "lettuce edged" ones at Bed Bat and Beyond-- $14.95 for 6. Outside of my budget for napkins). I bought half of my cutlery (service for four) with a coupon, and it was one of the highlights of my weekend.

THIS IS BAD, PEOPLE!

Well, I guess THAT part isn't so bad. After all, my salt and pepper shakers are cute. My couch is super comfy. Those kitchen knives are genuinely pretty cool.

THIS IS WHERE IT GETS SCARY:

On Saturday, I was helping my dad do a little bit of cleaning. During the process, I found myself getting truly excited when he said I could take some of the family rags (you know, old hand towels or cloth napkins that are now good for nothing more than cleaning). This is not FANCY. We are talking LITERALLY, RAGS. And I was getting excited.

But what really made me concerned? Really really?

He had a new toilet cleaning system.
And I was practically taking notes.


Is it obvious that I need an apartment of my own to fawn over?

Thursday 10 June 2010

England's just better

After a conversation about Mary Poppins...

Neptune: I wish we lived in England.
Me: Really? Why?
Neptune: In England, the nannies live with the families.
Me: Ah, that's right, Mary Poppins did live with the family, huh? You know, sometimes nannies in the United States live with families too. It really just depends on what works best for the family and for the nanny.
Neptune: Oh! So you could live with us?
Me: That would be fun, wouldn't it? But where would I stay? You don't have an extra room!
Neptune: The fold out couch is actually really comfortable!

That's actually quite generous of him-- he and his sister like that couch a lot.

Sunday 30 May 2010

Love.

It has happened. I have fallen in love.

Unfortunately, this love is with a couch, not with someone who can return my affections. But here's the thing-- this couch will hold me close. This couch will always be there when I get home. This couch will, I expect, never let me down.

That is, if i get this couch. It's $600 (if I buy it by tomorrow, when the sale ends).

Arguments FOR the couch:
1. Most comfortable couch in. the. world.
2. A lovely couch. A cute couch.
3. Have space to store couch until an apartment is obtained.
4. Do not need to buy any other living room stuff, as have either stock piled it from high school (eg the papasan chair) or gotten it from the kids' grandparents during their basement clean-out

Arguments AGAINST the couch:
1. Oddly, the store wants money for it. $600, specifically.


Here, my friends, is the couch. (The picture doesn't do it justice.)

Thursday 27 May 2010

You know you wish your kids said stuff like this...

Neptune: Can I open these [temporary tattoos] so I can look at them on the way home?

Me: Yeah, just be careful not to spill them on the bottom of the car. That'd be a pain to clean up.

Neptune: Oh, ok. But even if I spill them... they'd be my responsibility to clean up. You wouldn't have to do it.

Friday 21 May 2010

I should tape record every day...

Blythe: "The Karate Kid... that's the movie with Jaden Smith in it, right? Will Smith's kid?"
Neptune: "Will Smith? Is that the guy who wrote all of the plays?"
Blythe: "No, that's William Shakespeare."

Monday 17 May 2010

Thursday 13 May 2010

Things I Have Learned in College

- Not all family is biological
- 2am is the perfect time to get work done or hang out with friends (8 or 9am is NOT)
- Alcohol is a food group
- Classes and professors Can and Will change your life
- Flip flops are the only type of shoes you ever really need
- You do not finish college as the same person you were when you started
- Curiosity is the first step
- It's about the process
- Dorm rules are really just meaningless words. No need to obey them.
- True independence is a myth
- Everything is more complicated than you thought it was
- Everything will take more time than you thought it would
- Study guides are a gift from the gods
- Dusting is a fictional activity
- In the right set of circumstances (ie dining halls) people will both cook your food for you, and clean up the dishes after you
- It is likely never possible to appreciate college enough.

Tuesday 4 May 2010

Just So's You Know

In case you were wondering (and I'm sure you were):

YES tomorrow is my last academic day of college (followed by senior week, and then graduation)

YES I will be the student speaker at graduation

YES my speech involves a puzzling metaphor (would it be a graduation speech if it didn't?)

YES I spent a significant part of the afternoon by the pool today

YES tomorrow is the faculty/student mixer, during which we will drink and gossip together

YES we have successfully been drinking every night for the past week or so (though usually only a class or two of wine or a beer)

YES my friends and I did a photoshoot around our school (see example photo below)

YES Hans fixed my computer, and now I can listen to music on it

YES I have friends from out of state coming to visit VERY SOON

YES things are going well, and I want this next week and a half to stretch on for a very long time


Monday 19 April 2010

Things I Do:

These days, I do many things that aren't necessarily a blog post in and of themselves. So, I'm going to write a list. I like lists.

I like lists a lot.

THINGS I DO:

1. Look at apartments available on seattlerentals.com.
2. Dream of kitchen appliances, dish towels, and living room furniture
3. Make lists of the things I have Left To Do In College. Cross things off of said list.
4. Count down to graduation (4 weeks!)
5. Write real cover letters and resumes.
6. Write fake cover letters.
7. Look at apartments available on seattlerentals.com
8. Complete school work. Consider important topics very carefully.
9. Marvel that it takes the same amount of time to write a 5 page paper as a 10 page paper. Consider why this is.
10. Watch many episodes of Bones. In a row.
11. Discuss apartments on Seattleapartments.com with friends. Consider each other's plans for next year. Panic a little.
12. Eat dessert regularly.
13. Create budgets for next year.
14. Register with Every Single Nanny Agency I can think of.
15. Look at apartments on seattlerentals.com

Thursday 15 April 2010

How Cover Letters Should Be

Dear Potential Employer,

We all know you're just going to skim this, and go right to the resume, but I just want to throw out there-- I would rock at this job. I am GOOD at working with children. I think they're funny; they think I'm funny. Really, it's a match made in heaven!

Oh, and did I mention how much I like CRAFTS? Glue! Glitter! Paint! Crayons! Clay! Bring it on-- I am so ready.

Imagination! I LOVE imagination!

And, yeah, I can mediate disputes and teach cooperation and sharing and all that jazz. I'm warm and loving, absolutely, but I have certain expectations for behaviour, and I expect those to be obeyed.

I cook. I bake. I love virtually all animals. I am not afraid of dirt, snot, etc.

I am your GIRL, employer! Think how lucky you would be to have me!

Awaiting my job offer,


Blythe

Sunday 11 April 2010

And in the category of Faster Than A Speeding Bullet we have: The Last Four Years

Writing my last 10 page paper of my college career.
Where, or where, has the time gone?

Monday 22 March 2010

Letters to Somebody

Dear Spring Break,

You were great, and though it has been less than 24 hours, I miss you already. Please feel free to swing by again soon, bringing the ocean and the clubbing with you, but leaving behind a couple of other experiences. You know what I'm talking about.

All love,

Blythe



Dear LA Drivers,

Really. REALLY?

Here is a news flash for you: Turn signals are easy and fun! Just flick your hand to the left of your wheel and BOOM, I immediately know to expect you in my lane. Is it really so hard, LA Drivers? Is it really?


Wearing a helmet while driving,

Blythe



Dear School Work,

Do yourself. Thanks.

Blythe
March 22, 2010
Writing Letters To Somebody
Prof. Me


Dear Job For Next Year,

I'm waiting for you to fall in my lap. Where are you? I'm sure I'll like you very much. Please feel free to e-mail me at codenameblythe@gmail.com. I'd love to hear from you.

In the meantime, perhaps I should put in some actual work to find a job. Hmm.


Yours,
Blythe



Dear The Moose,

Our Clique has the funniest name of all cliques. This is possibly because you guys are the funniest folks. And the most supportive. And the most fun. And... oh man, this is getting sappy.

I love you, Moose. I really do.

Love (love, love),

Blythe

Friday 12 March 2010

Predictive Text

Dear Predictive Text,

Here are some thoughts for your consideration:

I find it concerning that the word "cropped" comes up before the word "crossed." This is because I keep my fingers crossed, NOT cropped, and I find the implication that I might crop my fingers alarming.

Typing "dessert" should not result in me sending a text about a "ferret," though I'm pretty sure I might have hit a wrong letter in there somewhere. But still.

When I type "are" I don't want "Ase" as the first option. That's silly.

But to be honest, I think that it's kind of nice that "book" and "cool" are spelled with the same keystrokes. That might be because I'm the daughter of a librarian though.

And I end up saying things like, "All the book people are doing it."

So, predictive text, I would like you to fix some of these errors. But keep on with the book=cool thing. I like that.


All love,

Blythe

Sunday 7 March 2010

The Stereotypical College Weekend

I am amused that sometimes college is just so... college. Wasn't that profound?

This weekend has been a busy one, starting with a Friday night adventure going to see the play the theatre department was putting on. Saturday I went bowling with my mentee (who is 12 and lives in a town near here), wrote most of a paper for class, and then went to an 80s party on campus.

Let me tell you, I think I look amazing in a neon green shirt, a light purple skirt, gold spandex leggings, and a hot orange scrunchie. I didn't think I had "a colour" before, but, man, apparently that combination is perfect! Heh.

The party itself was held in a gym on campus, and was Such Fun. Unfortunately, it was shut down at 11:45 (11:45!!) due to a noise complaint. A NOISE COMPLAINT? Who makes a noise complaint at 11:45 on a Saturday night? Why would you move within a mile of a college if you had a problem with music being played at 11:45 on a Saturday night? That is ridiculous. We ended up going back to my friend's room, listening to more 80s music and ordering pizza. I went to bed by 2:00 because......

..... at 7:45 in the morning, I had to get up to get ready to leave for Hollywood by 8:30. After stopping for an almond croissant, we headed for the Jim Henson lot in Hollywood, to watch a screening of Aslan's friend's movie. What FUN!

And that, my friends, was a grand, grand weekend.

Wednesday 3 March 2010

Sometimes I Really Love College

Today, class was Extremely Satisfying.

Last semester, I took a class entitled Psychology of the Black Woman in America. This semester, with the same (wonderful, glorious, fantastic) professor, I am taking Identity Development in Minority Children.

And I have never been So Mad, So Frustrated, and So Inspired. The classes have made it very clear to what degree racism continues to exist in the United States, and how pervasive it is. I (and many other white Americans) take so much for granted; we have become totally accustomed to White Privilege, and most of us spend very little of our time trying to change anything. It's getting infuriating, it really is.

We were discussing this in class today, about to get on to our chat about the readings, when our professor was taken ill and had to leave. The class stayed, and we continued to discuss the challenges exist, and then-- finally!!-- what we could actually DO about it.

I'm so very proud of my class, and excited to be a part of it. At one point I said, "Can we do something as a class, to bring this to the attention of others?" The answer was a resounding YES. The class is enthused, we are coming up with plans, and we are going to Make This Happen. I'll tell you the details later, but for now I am just really thrilled to be a part of a class that is going to do something in response to what we have learned-- not because we'll get extra credit, not because we're being graded, but because we KNOW it matters, and we are going to share that with others.

This is EXACTLY how college should be.

Monday 1 March 2010

NOT one of my shining moments

Let me preface this by saying... I'm really a lot smarter than this post makes me sound. And so is Aslan! But the story is so funny that I thought I had to share it.

This happened last year around this time, and we were just reminiscing about it today at lunch.

Aslan, Wednesday and I were eating lunch, discussing Wednesday's upcoming 21st birthday. Amid the excitement, we were also slightly disappointed that one's 21st birthday is the last of the "exciting" ones. One of us (Aslan or I) commented that it would be nice if every multiple of 3 be some sort of big event.

"Yeah," Wednesday said, "So that would be our 24th."

There was a long silence as Aslan and I, seated on either side of her, counted silently in our heads, "20...23...26...29"

Suddenly, at the same time, we both got it. "OHhhhhh!!" we cried. It came together in our heads... 8x3=24.

And that, my friend, is how multiples work.

Oy.

Saturday 27 February 2010

Day... Oh no!

I was awfully good about doing the 25 days of random, wasn't I? I mean, I did all 25... not necessarily in a timely fashion, but it was FAR more timely than the way I usually blog. I decided to engage in the 25 days of random in order to give myself a boost, as it were-- force myself to write a little and actually get this blog back on its feet. And it worked... sort of. I mean, I DID write (hurrah!), but I am having no easier time thinking of topics to write about than I was BEFORE the 25 days of random. For now, today, I'll write about a fun week that is coming up... after that, I'll try to think of some actual topics to address. Deal?

My friends, there are so many wonderful things about college- and certainly I'll talk about some of the others later- but what I choose to address right now is Spring Break. Ah, please don't doubt my dedication to academics, but do appreciate all that spring break is: It is a chance to spend time doing Precisely What One Wants for a week in the middle of an otherwise busy semester. If you plan it quite carefully, there is no need to do school work at all! Instead, you can hang out with your family, friends, or get some peaceful one-on-one time, knowing that there are no meetings to go to, no papers to turn in, and no classes to attend. It is what we call Bliss, friends: sheer bliss.

My first year, Polka Dot and I went on a roadtrip through Arizona, spending time in Phoenix, Tombstone (heh), the Grand Canyon, and of course on our friend's ranch. It was delightful. My sophomore and junior years I returned to my family's home to spend time with them, PNW friends, and "my" kids. This year, I'm going no where. Why, you may ask? Because I LIVE in an area where people go on holiday! It would be silly not to take advantage of it, don't you think?

So for the first part of spring break, my friends and I are going to explore Disneyland, the Getty, Santa Monica, Old Town Pasadena, the beach, Hollywood, and the Venice Boardwalk. There will be so many adventures in places that are so close but that we rarely have time to appreciate.

And THEN? Well, THEN (the second weekend of Spring Break), we are heading down to San Diego for a weekend long bachelorette party for my dear friend Aslan, who is marrying her wonderful fiance, Hanz, in July. (There's something to be said for being the first of your friends to marry-- we are SUPER into the idea of a weekend-long bachelorette party.) The weekend will feature feminist drinks (strong, sweet, and pretty), beach time, a hot tub, and delicious Mexican food-- not to mention some of the most delightful people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing!

Yes, it will be an excellent spring break indeed.

Thursday 25 February 2010

Day 25

Day 25: Whatever Tickles Your Fancy

What tickles my fancy at present is giving you all a recommendation! A fellow student at Scripps makes the most beautiful jewellery-- I recently discovered it, and I am QUITE infatuated. She sells them online through Etsy, and can be found here. I highly recommend you go check it out! There are some beautiful birdnest necklaces (my favourite!):



and some really fun necklaces that include a message in a bottle (you write the message-- what a great gift):



and many other options including necklaces and earrings from sea glass, shells, beads, and so on. Go investigate!

Monday 22 February 2010

Day 24

Day 24: Your Greatest Fear

I'm going to skip all of the Deep and Meaningful Greatest Fears, and go straight to the most "real" fear.

I am Terrified of Heights. Fear courses through my body when I'm standing more than about 6 feet above the ground, doesn't matter if it's on a balcony, by a window (love the Eiffel Tower-- didn't love being at the very top!), in a small plane (big planes are fine), anything like that. My limbs feel rubbery, my knees start to quiver, and I am what is colloquially referred to as a "hot mess."

It's so bad that when I watched Up in the cinema (in 3D!), my palms sweated through the entire movie, and I tried to slide further back in my chair during the scene on top of the blimp. Oy.

Sunday 21 February 2010

Day 23

Day 23: A YouTube video

Here are several that I think are hilARious:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2FX9rviEhw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVqhc-8mypQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTxW3GWZ5hI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FU5KmnvRKIw

Saturday 20 February 2010

Day 22

Day 22: A Website

What ABOUT a website? One that I use all the time? (That would be Facebook, Gmail, and Blogspot.) One that makes me roll my eyes, but I read sometimes anyway? (Fmylife, Mylifeisaverage, Texts from Last Night.) A website I wish existed? (A visual google, where you could take a picture of something, and it would search for it-- like a reverse image search.) A cool new website that you probably have never heard about before? (No idea-- I'm always the last to know.)

So there you go. Pretty much regardless of what that prompt meant, I have answered it. Ta da!

Friday 19 February 2010

[Belated] Happy Birthday, Neptune!

Though I spoke to Neptune on his birthday, and did in fact communicate my birthday wishes to him, I neglected to write a birthday post on his Very Exact Birthday, which was yesterday.

Goodness gracious, World-- Neptune is 7 years old, and I can hardly believe it. It was lovely talking to him on the phone yesterday, but I quite wish I had been there to sing happy birthday and celebrate this brand new age. Seven. That's getting up there in years.

Neptune keeps me constantly laughing, he is a peculiar, delightful child who aspires to catch 17" rainbow trout, dances like a maniac (seriously-- this is the funniest thing one could ever see), enjoys making cookies, swims in such a way that it looks like he is drowning, wears elaborate and fantastic costumes, has been known to wear goggles while he plays pool, and knows more about snakes and sharks than I will ever hope to know.

Happy [belated] birthday, Neptune-- I'm wishing you a wonderful year full many adventures and lots of laughs!

Day 21

Day 21: A Recipe

I'm giving you two recipes, because I have two that I think are positively delicious. Here they are...

Lentil Soup

In a large pot saut̩ 3 Р5 minutes:
¼ cup olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 carrot chopped
1-2 stalks of celery, chopped

Add and sauté 1 minute more:
½ tsp each dried thyme and marjoram leaves

Add:
3 cups vegetable broth
1 cup dry lentils, washed
Salt and pepper, to taste
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (or a tablespoon or so of dried parsley)
1 lb canned tomatoes

Cook in covered pot until lentils are tender, about 45 minutes.

I love this with freshly grated parmesan cheese on top, and French bread and a salad on the side. And wine.


Best Chocolate Cake Ever Eaten by People:

3 oz unsweetened chocolate
3 teaspoons baking soda
½ cup butter or margarine
½ teaspoon salt
2 ¼ cups light brown sugar, lightly packed
2 cups sifted flour
3 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

Melt chocolate, set aside. Grease and flour two 9-inch pans, set aside. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large mixer bowl cream butter or margarine until smooth. Add brown sugar and eggs. Beat with an electric mixer on high speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. With mixer on low speed, beat in vanilla and melted chocolate, then baking soda and salt. Add flour alternately with sour cream, beating on low speed until smooth. Pour in boiling water, stir with a spoon until blended. Pour into prepared pans. Bake 35 minutes or until done. Cool in pans 10 minutes. Turn out on wire racks. Cool completely. Frost with icing made of butter, cream cheese, milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Add sprinkles (of course).

Thursday 18 February 2010

Day 20

Day 20: A Hobby You Have

Oh, my hobbies range far and wide. I do theatre (in most capacities), scrapbook (even though I am only 22), and travel as much as my budget and time allow. That last one is my favourite: I LOVE to travel, and I revel in new experiences. I've been many places, and have been so fortunate to see so many things (that's actually how I started my other blog, while I was studying abroad in London, and travelling). My favourite city to visit is definitely Istanbul-- I'm all about the Asia-meets-Europe feeling, the Bosphorus, the Grand Bazaar, Turkish delight ("lokum"), unbelievably gorgeous mosques, and fun atmosphere of the city. In terms of a more "natural" environment, nothing beats Borneo-- a tangle of rainforest, orangutans, proboscis monkeys, turquoise ocean, sandy beaches, and sea turtles-- though the Calanques in France were also overwhelmingly beautiful.

Yes indeed, I'm quite a fan of going on grand adventures.

Tuesday 16 February 2010

Day 19

Day 19: A Talent You Have

Instead of one valid talent, I have chosen four ridiculous ones. Enjoy. Try not to be too jealous.

1. I can make my tongue do that clover-leaf thing
2. Occasionally, I am capable of making my eyeballs vibrate. I won't say it's useful, but it certainly shocks people.
3. I make excellent lists.
4. My most amazing talent of them all: I can lick my elbow.

Monday 15 February 2010

Day 18

Ok, so my "25 Days of Random" don't necessarily follow one right after the other. Sorry about that.

Day 18: Whatever Tickles Your Fancy

Well, friends, what tickles my fancy today is telling you a story from Inside a College Dorm.

The time was 12:15am. The date was Thursday, February 11th. Aside from the murmurings that are always present on a college campus, the dormitory was relatively silent until... a rhythmic thumping began. "Drums?" the sleep-addled mind wondered, "Perhaps construction the middle of the night?" For fifteen minutes, I lay there, trying to ignore the sound and drift into the sleep I was confident I deserved. My phone buzzed, alerting me to a text message.

"Are you hearing this???" Zee, my next door neighbour, was also disturbed.
"What the hell is it?" I answered, still partially asleep.
"Sex. Lots of sex. Come into the hallway, and you will know."

She was right. As soon as I exited my room, the sound became immediately identifiable-- a bed was slamming into the wall (THUMP...THUMP...THUMP...) and the bedsprings were squaking angrily. There was a pause, and the noise changed (THUMPTHUMPTHUMPTHUMP). We giggled, rolled our eyes, and observed that the action taking place in the room across the hall sounded far from... well... FUN.

Soon, two students from downstairs appeared, having followed the sound to its source. Then Wednesay, who lived next door to the thumping, appeared, irritated at having been woken up. Loris followed, then her neighbour, and we were soon joined by a girl from around the corner. Soon we gave up all pretense of whispering, and discussed the event openly. Time passed. We puzzled over the lack of the vocalisation, and the seemingly unending energy behind the thumping. More time passed. We wondered how long this would go on for. It stopped. We paused, hopeful.... and then it started again.

45 minutes after the thumping began, it ended. The crowd in the hallway bid each other good night, and we all headed back to our own rooms. Thus ended the impromptu social hour on the second floor.

Saturday 13 February 2010

Happy Birthday, Clover!

Today is Clover's 10th birthday. I can hardly believe it-- double digits! I was fully intending to call her in the afternoon, but she beat me to it (good thing too, as it turned out they were going to be at the cinema when I was planning to call). My phone rang at 2:30, and I didn't hang up until 3:20! It does not seem that long ago that I would have a conversation of her that consisted of me asking questions and her answering in monosyllables. Her phone skills have QUITE improved, and now every sentence starts with "Guess what?!" and goes on to be something rather exciting. (My favourite phone conversation with her started "LLAMASLLAMASLLAMAS!!!!" but that's another story.)

I adore this girl, who is in turns clumsy and graceful, patient and demanding, flexible and stubborn. No one word sums her up, and I rather like it that way. She is daring, mischievous, absolutely ridiculous, very smart, and hilariously funny. We share a pretty absurd sense of humour, an appreciation for skirts that twirl, and a deep respect for the wonder that is a Truly Good Cupcake. We have been on some grand adventures, and there are more (scheduled and unscheduled) yet to come. I can't wait!

Happy birthday, Miss Clover!

Day 17

Day 17: A Piece of Art

This is the poster I have hanging on my wall, surrounded by all of the postcards I have collected or been sent. The painting is La Primavera, by Botticelli, and I saw the original (and got the poster) at the "Galleria Degli Uffizi" in Florence. What a grand and glorious adventure!

Friday 12 February 2010

Day 16

Day 16: A Song That Makes You Cry

I can't say there IS a song that makes me cry, to be honest. It's all about context, as far as I can figure.

Also, I'm aware that "Day 16" came several days after "Day 15." Apologies. I'll be sure to write about Day 17 tomorrow. Really.

Plus, I have a funny story to share. So please standby!

Tuesday 9 February 2010

Day 15

Day 15: A fanfic

I object.

I think fanfics are silly.

Monday 8 February 2010

Day 14

Day 14: Non-fictional book

Well, I like a lot of my texts for classes-- especially Identity Development in Minority Youth, Psych of the Black Woman in America, and Philosophy of Feminism. I also have a quotation book that I love (The 2,548 Best Things Ever Said), and-- of course-- The Diary of Anne Frank.

Sunday 7 February 2010

Day 13

Day 13: Fictional Book

I'm going to take that to mean *favourite* fictional book. There are many, so just hang tight while I list them. In no particular order they are:

Fancy Nancy
Chocolat
The Giver
Ella Enchanted
The Two Princesses of Bamarre
Most books by Jodi Picoult
The Memory Keeper's Daughter
Alice in Wonderland
Most Shakespeare plays

And there are more, of course. So many more....

Generally, I like just about every book that is handed to me.

Oh, how I love to read!

Saturday 6 February 2010

Day 12

Day 12: Whatever Tickles Your Fancy

I wish this was a nice long entry, but it's not.

Whatever I fancy?

Today I went on an adventure with my friends to San Diego for Mexican food.

While we were there, we visited Esquire's aunt's organic farm, and hung out with her goat, Elsa.

Then later I came home, did homework, and just (at 11:00pm) had a quesadilla and a bottle of Corona for dinner.

And all of that, my friends, is precisely what tickles my fancy.

Friday 5 February 2010

Day 11

Day 11: A Photo of You Taken Recently

This photo was taken in November, and it is my current favourite picture of myself. I think it's hilarious. Who knew I ever made a face like this? And what am I saying? And why does Esquire have that expression? Mysteries we'll never know...

Thursday 4 February 2010

We interrupt this programming..

I'm interrupting my 25 Days Of Random to discuss something that is Making Me Want To Hit People. Or one person, in particular. My friends, last night had the distinctly aggravating experience of hearing Mr. Newt Gingrich speak.

He gave a short talk supposedly on leadership, and though I disagreed with some of his examples, it is hard to argue with the overall suggestions-- ie, know your goals, prioritise your goals, and cheerfully persist at the things that are important to you. Yeah, ok. I mean, it's kind of hard to mess up an inspirational message like that.

And then... THEN, my friends... they started the question and answer session.

QUESTION:
My friend asked one of the first questions, asking Gingrich to comment on women in politics, what it took to make a successful woman politician, and why there are so few women in the area.

RESPONSE:
TURNS OUT that in fact, there is NO difference in women and men in politics. WHY, you may ask? Why, it's because Gingrich can list 10 women in politics off the top of his head. And did you know one of his friends wrote a book about Margaret Thatcher? WELL. If that doesn't scream "equal opportunity," I don't know what does! It's interesting, isn't it, how he neglected to notice that Congress is, in no uncertain terms, MOSTLY MALE. And he couldn't even comment on that honestly. GR. (Oh, and he also noted that race and ethnicity aren't issues anymore-- I'm sure they're not if you're WHITE and MALE...)

QUESTION
In your speech, you seem largely in favour of using police forces to reduce crime rates. I would be interested to hear your thoughts on the underlying problems of crime-- lack of education, poverty, and so on.

RESPONSE
I agree with you TOTALLY! Education is IMPORTANT! That is why I created a campaign to pay poor children $2 a book to read over the summer.

Because, obviously, PAYING CHILDREN TO READ not only fixes the failing US education system, but also creates a desire in the children to seek out and appreciate knowledge, not to mention to read for fun. Good use of money, Newt.

QUESTION:
(Paraphrased) What about the 46 million Americans without health insurance?

RESPONSE:
What about the 250 million Americans WITH health insurance (wait... what?)??? Do you want to take away THEIR options (well, no, but I'd sure like to give some to other folks...)? Do you want to take THEIR money? (Well, kind of. I mean, I think we should all pay taxes...)

But... wait, hold on, what about the question? Seems his conclusion is that no, in fact, he does NOT care about the 46 million Americans without health insurance.

Oh.

QUESTION:
Money is coming out of my paycheck for Social Security, and yet that system is failing and I will never see a penny of it. Do you have a solution?

RESPONSE:
Compound interest! Start saving! And I hope you don't begrudge paying into a system that will benefit your parents! (Fine, fine, play the "parents" card...)

Wait, I'm still waiting. What about the people who don't have enough money to save for when they're older?

...

No? We don't care about them? Oh. Ok.

OH! But it turns out this is all the current administration's fault, because of the giant debt....

Wait.

I thought the Bush administration was the one that cut taxes for the wealthy, and started a really, really expensive war.

But I guess I could be wrong about that...


IN CONCLUSION, I am fascinated that Newt Gingrich cares so little for the people in this country who are not rich, white, and male. I never knew such indifference could exist. It makes me shudder (literally) to realise that people like him have so much power.

So when the opportunity arises, VOTE, my friends... because it is up to US, the voters, to say that People Matter.


****And yes, obviously I realise that my questions and responses were not exact quotes, but they certainly do accurately reflect what was being said!****

Saturday 30 January 2010

Day 10

Day 10: A Photo Of You Taken Over 10 Years Ago



This photograph was taken before a dance recital. I was never really big on recitals (largely because I could NEVER memorise that damn routine), but I LOVED the costumes. If I recall correctly, this particular recital required us to wear an open safety pin on a string around our necks, and, at one point in the dance, pop a balloon with it!

The question here is, who thought it was a good idea to let 5 year olds wear open pins around their necks?!

No one got hurt, though, and I got a fabulous fluffy dress out of the deal.

Day 9

Day 9: A Photo You Took




I took this picture in the south of France after a particularly lovely frost. My dad and I were driving to Paris (I believe this is the Bordeaux region... though it is quite possible I'm wrong), and I made him pull over to the side of the road so I could get a picture of this tree. It just sparkled, and I wish my little point-and-shoot camera could have captured that.

Still, it remains one of my favourite pictures that I have taken!

Day 8

Day 8: A Photo That Makes you Angry/Sad

How about "nostalgic"? Can I do that instead? I'm going with YES, because (guess what!) I don't take pictures of things that make me angry and sad.



This is a photo of some of my friends from Taiwan; the group of us used to hang out all the time, go on grand adventures, travel for school activities, and have more sleepovers than any reasonable group could possibly have. We frequented the Shih Lin Night Market, went shopping in Tien Mu, and went to see a variety of movies, and... well, I assure you we were busy folks! I almost never see them now, as they are in London, Taipei, and Vancouver, but we are still in touch and I miss them greatly.

Day 7

Day 7: A Photo That Makes You Happy



I put a lot of thought into WHICH picture that makes me happy I should post. After a lot of rumination, I decided that this was a good example of a picture that makes me truly happy.

It's a poodle.

In a diva hat.

What's not to love?

(This is the kids' poodle... we dressed her up in a series of ridiculous costumes. She was remarkably complacent.)

Day 6

Day 6: Whatever Tickles Your Fancy

You know what tickles my fancy? Giving you all some actual information about what I've been doing these days.

I'm a big fan of this whole "senior year" thing, even if it is a bit stressful trying to figure out What To Do With My Life. I'm taking classes that I am most fond of with professors I adore and respect. I help run our student theatre group. I hang out with friends, and go on occasional grand adventures (sometimes to places like Target, other times to places like San Diego). Really, it's quite lovely.

And when I'm not doing all of that? Well then, my friends, I am figuring what I should do Next Year. I will have a year between when I graduate and when I begin my teacher certification programme, so I need to figure out something to DO with my time, something that will make me happy and allow me to support myself. Those are the priorities right now. Everything else? Well, that can wait.

So. I eagerly look forward to seeing what Next Year will bring!

Friday 29 January 2010

Day 5

Day 5: Your Favourite Quote

If you know me at all, you know that I love the Things People Say. Therefore, there is no way on earth that I have one, and only one, favourite quotation. I have favourites from the kids (which I posted here), I have favourite inspirational quotations, favourite funny quotations, favourite literary quotations, favourite things that professors, family, and friends have said. I shall give an example of each. (Except the kid quotations, because that already has its own post.)


Inspirational:

"Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." -Howard Thurman

(Got that one from Yaya's blog-- thanks, Yaya!)


Funny:

Most things said by Groucho Marx, Dave Barry, and Eddie Izzard.

Literary:

"Alice laughed. 'There's no use trying,' she said. 'One can't believe impossible things.'

'I dare say you haven't had much practice,' said the queen. 'When I was your age, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.'
~ Lewis Carroll

"There are daggers in men's smiles." ~Donalbain in Shakespeare's Macbeth


Professor:

"Buck up, buck up! It's like a lesbian gym mistress!"
~my Shakespeare prof in London


Family:

Dad asks a question, and Eco answers correctly.
“That’s exactly right, Rick!”
~Dad

(And no, my brother's name is not Rick. Not even close. To this day, it is one of our greatest family mysteries... why did Dad call Eco Rick?)


Friends:

"I'm always sober...when I'm not drunk." ~Jill

“I know about as much Danish as Sarah Palin has foreign policy experience… meaning I can see Denmark from my house.”
~Nancy (she was studying abroad at the time)

Day 4

Day 4: Favourite book

I have many favourite books for different occasions. My favourite one I read in school was Joseph Conrad's The Heart of Darkness. It was quite good fun to analyse.

I have always loved Shakespeare. A lot. Fun to read, fun to analyse, fun to perform.

And, just for funsies, I like to read books by Jodi Picoult, and the novel Chocolat.

One of my favourite things to do is read, so if you have any recommendations, let me know!

Thursday 28 January 2010

Day 3

Day 3: Favourite TV programme

My first Very Favourite TV Programme is Bones, a crime show about a forensic anthropologist who studies, well, bones in order to solve mysteries. She may or may not be somewhere on the autism spectrum, and she is a truly fun character. She and her partner, Booth, go off and solve important, bizarre crimes, and have a lot of sexual tension for good measure.

I'm a big fan of crime shows, and in my opinion, Bones is the best one!

Tuesday 26 January 2010

Day 2

Day 2: Favourite Movie

My favourite movie of all time is Chocolat, but I am also rather fond of such movies as Finding Neverland, Enchanted, and The Emperor's New Groove.

Emperor's New Groove in particular makes me laugh because it has llamas. Llamas are the funniest of animals.

25 Days of Random: Day 1

In an effort to get back into this Blogging thing (I got distracted by senior year), I'm going to begin doing something that my friend has been- 25 Days of Random. I'm going to share a random Something with you, each and every day.

DAY 1: Favourite Song

I have many favourite songs-- too many, perhaps.

I have always loved Where Have All the Flowers Gone

I love Lilly Allen-- all of her songs, really, but especially "Him," "Fuck You," "The Fear," and "Friday Night."

I am also rather fond of Ingrid Michaelson, most notably "Maybe"

My guilty pleasure is typing in "Black Eyed Peas" into Pandora and seeing what comes up.

And that is my favourite music of today.