Chinese Food On Christmas

China Buffet and Enchanted :)

Merry Christmas!

ouch!

Nothing kills the Christmas spirit faster than Christmas shopping! For the first time, I did a majority of my shopping online this year. It's fun. It's easy. And, your purchases are delivered right to your door. It was working. Then today I decided that I needed to go out to the stores. Boy, was that a mistake. First, most people can't drive. I know that I'm pretty much a maniac on the roads, but I try to be respectful and reasonably cautious (I've slowed down considerably since being hit with a $140 ticket outside Cleveland). Second, people are everywhere! You can't find a parking place. You can't get around the stores. You stand in line forever to pay. You get so frustrated that you forget this is supposed to be a joyful time of year. I'm either going to start doing the good Jewish thing and reject Christmas, or I'm going to start celebrating the holiday in February.

Before the torture of shopping, I was tortured by unfriendly medical workers. The phlebotomist was particularly unhelpful, as the giant bruise on my arm can attest. She took 6 vials of blood and didn't even offer me orange juice when she was done! :) My reward for the experience was a trip to Cheesecake Factory (a farewell, if you will) and a walk around the upscale mall.

I must now go nurse my arm, as the bruise is starting to hurt.

Straight No Chaser - 12 Days

For your amusement.

200th post

Not that I'm going to say anything more interesting than I had planned, but I thought I'd point out that this is indeed the 200th post. Amazing, isn't it?

I'm done for the semester. I took my final tonite. I learned all kinds of fun things about the geology of the US and the national parks. I'll get to drive my family crazy the next time we visit Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Oh! And I can tell you the names of all the rock sequences in the Grand Canyon starting with the Vishnu schist and ending with Kaibab limestone. Next semester the torture will be astronomy.

Now that I have a few weeks off from school (and in a week and a half I'll get 10 days off of work, too!), I'll have to figure out what to do with myself. I have about 5 books waiting on me to read, so I have a pretty good idea where to start. The 2 I'm most looking forward to are The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian by Sherman Alexie (which has been taunting me for months and now demands to be read) and The Eyre Affair (the first book of the Tuesday Next novels) by Jasper Fford. That should take care of the rest of this week. Anyone have any suggestions for the rest of break?

blogging for the sake of blogging

Let's see, I could talk politics and comment on how the House of Representatives finally did something right. Or I could express my love for my electric teapot. I love it almost as much as I love my ipod, and that's alot! Or I could complain about all the crap I have sitting in my spare bedroom making it nearly impossible to get the room clean for the maintenance man to change the battery in the smoke detector. Or I could rejoice in the fact that I live in an apartment where the maintenance man changes the batteries in the smoke detectors. Or I can just say I'm not in the mood to talk about anything and call it a night.

End of semester apathy has set in. I'll deal with whatever grade I get, 'cause I'm done!

Maybe getting cable wasn't such a good idea...

I baked challah and made truffles instead of cleaning and doing homework. My week is shot before it's even begun.

I filled out a FAFSA tonight. Yes, I know, I'm a little late, but I decided paying for next semester on my credit card wasn't a very good idea. I'm not expecting any free aid this late in the game. I am, however, hoping to take out a very small student loan. The interest rates are lower than the credit card and I can defer payment until I become a bit more financially stable. That's the theory anyway.

I had planned to write an enlightening post about upgrading my cell phone, but I just got home from Dayton and want to sleep now. Maybe tomorrow.

I've been a very bad blogger lately. In my defense, the cold I thought I was getting over came back worse than before and I was completely useless for most of last week. I'm feeling more or less human again, so I thought I should post something.

There are times that I truly wish I was a writer. Every year at Thanksgiving, my cousin and I bombard my grandmother with questions about the family. Over the years, the story of her life has begun to unfold. For some reason, this year I decided I wanted to write that story, fictionalized of course. But as I've stated here before, I am not a fiction writer. It's very frustrating to have story ideas and not be able to do anything with them!

I suppose it was inevitable. When do you think they'll start building the Enterprise?

Love and vengeance

I just got home from seeing The Magic Flute and now I have the Queen of the Night Aria stuck in my head. My goal is to be able to sing that aria, high Fs and all!

Anyway...I've had a crush on a man (are they still called crushes at my age?) for about 6 months now. It's really weird though, because I don't much like him as a person. There is obviously something about him I find attractive, other than his appearance, but there is also something about him that completely turns me off. I know this is actually a common conundrum, but it's the first time I've experienced it. I really am one of those people who is more concerned with personality than looks (okay, everybody says that, but some of us actually mean it), so if I find his personality off-putting, why am I still attracted to him. I would like it to stop now, please.

The geology test wasn't that bad, which always worries me. It's when you think you've done well that you fall on your face. Uplifting, aren't I?

Watching Bones and studying for geology. Relative geologic time and half-lives. woohoo.

Evolution

Lately, I've had some insights into myself and my character. It's a rather surreal feeling to understand your motivations and obstacles. Most people just stumble through life, reacting to various circumstances, but not really understanding what was behind their reactions. I'm not saying I'm fully self-realized. That will probably take several more incarnations, but I'm starting to understand why I try to knock down the brick wall in front of me with bare hands instead of just walking around it. Say what you will about psychiatry and drug therapy, but I know I would not have reached this point without that help. Psychotropic drugs are not the path to enlightenment, but without healing yourself emotionally and mentally, you'll never get there.

Okay, I feel the need to lighten the mood. How 'bout a quick survey?

Currently watching: Heroes on nbc.com
Currently listening to: Apocalyptica plays Metallica by Four Cellos -- Even if you don't like Metallica, I highly recommend this CD. It is beyond words!
Currently reading: Geology notes, I have a test on Wed.

More tomorrow...

Talking in circles

Sometimes I wish I had studied philosophy. Not because I enjoy philosophy, on the contrary. I think philosophers are pretentious windbags who don't actually say anything, but manage to convince people of their superior intelligence by using big words and talking in circles until no one understands what's being said, thereby causing people to believe the philosophers know more than they do. However, philosophers have one trait I wish I had: the ability to present a logical and rational argument. I tend to argue purely from emotion, which gets me nowhere, so I want to learn to argue dispassionately. Example: There are people walking around campus wearing empty gun holsters as a protest to a state law that bans guns on college campuses. I fully support that law, and my initial response to those wearing the holsters is: "Why are you stupid?". That line of questioning doesn't get me very far. So maybe philosophy isn't completely worthless if it can teach me to present an argument in a way that the other person understands and doesn't make me look like a complete idiot.

Before I end this, I am in need of opinions. I'm thinking of transferring this blog to wordpress.com. Any thoughts?

boredom


helpful

This cold, or respiratory infection, or whatever it's called is kicking my butt! Posting will resume when I can stay awake past 8:00.

It's been a strange weekend. Now I'm exhausted and not ready for the work week. But I got myself a free bottle of wine to get through.

Fuck

I'm getting old. This becomes more apparent everyday, but it really sticks out when it comes to sitting in class with 18 and 19 year olds. They all bring their laptops and cell phones and rarely pay attention to the instructor. Tonite for example, I watched people playing on myspace and facebook, playing video games, watching sports and texting. Even the people who actually use their lap tops for note taking are at a disadvantage in a class where we have to draw diagrams of rock sequence layers. When I was younger, it was enough for me to just sit in class, but I had to be actively listening to retain anything. How do these kids learn anything? Now that I'm twice the age of the average freshman, I need to take notes, very thorough, detailed notes. So, either age is catching up with me, or these 18 and 19 year olds are going to fail geology.

Stayed home from work today. I still feel miserable. Hopefully tomorrow I won't be so loopy from a stuffy head and cold medicine that I'll actually be able to write something of substance.

Please excuse me...

while my head explodes. I hate being sick!

What would you do?

I went to Kroger to get my prescription filled and to pick up some supplies for a weekend of unhealthiness. I took my purchases to the pharmacy to pick up the prescription. As the pharmacist is scanning my items, she gets distracted and forgets to charge me for the drugs. I realize this once I get to the car and look over my receipt. My question is, if this happened to you, what would you do?

2 completely unrelated questions

Why do doctors prescribe antibiotics for viral infections?

If John Lennon were a young musician today, what kind of music would he play?

sick. frustrated. and wondering why the Fabulous Johnson Brothers are telling everyone they are on the Next Great American Band when they actually aren't.

Because I goofed off and forgot to post, you only get a video today.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDSGmx8c2AM

It's starts off slow, but keep watching for the Ninjas!

Sometime this weekend, I'll actually write something.

I survived Wednesday! Yea! I'm so ready for the weekend!

Work. Choir practice. Still writing paper.

Damn, I meant to send The Critic a link before I left work and forgot, so I'll just post it here.

Busy weekend. Long day. Paper to write.

There will be no blogging this weekend, as I will be out of town.

I just realized that I forgot to do a lesson plan for the sub at religious school this weekend. I guess I should go work on that. Until Monday...

Potter Puppet Pals in

Tired

Don't wanna blog.

a demain

Midterms

I had this great stream of consciousness thing going while driving today, which I had hoped to transcribe, but my overwhelming need to study for my geology midterm has limited my computer time tonite. Must do better on this test than the last, which isn't hard to do considering the last test score. I haven't done that badly on a test since the 4th grade! Anyway, must go, the geologic features of the volcanic national parks are waiting.

Single White Jewish Female looking for...

Last Friday, I clicked on the you tube link The Critic sent me about Ann Coulter. While watching the video, I noticed in the related videos window a link to a clip of the Henry Rollins Show. I didn't know Henry Rollins had a show. I haven't really thought much about Henry Rollins since the early 90s, but, curious, I clicked on the link, which lead to another link, and another, and so on. The Henry Rollins I saw in those video clips was not the angry front man of Black Flag. This guy was articulate and funny, even almost vulnerable. I'm sure he's still the belligerent, arrogant bastard I thought he was back then, but that hasn't stopped me from developing a little attraction to the man. In one of the videos, he talked about a list of questions men ask women when they are first getting to know one another (top 3 records, top 5 foreign films, etc.). I thought I'd go ahead and answer those questions here, to save some time later. You know, for when I meet Henry Rollins and he asks me on a date (I'm a dreamer, what can I say :)

Top 3 records? My question is, by records, do you mean singles or albums? Since you did ask in the video the 3 discs in my changer, I'll reply with the last 3 discs I've listened to (since I don't have a changer). 1. Boys for Pele -- Tori Amos. 2. Mix CD I made for family music exchange (I will be happy to provide a list of songs upon request). 3. Carmen -- Bizet

Top 5 foreign films? I actually only have two favorite foreign films. I have seen more than 2. I went through a period a few years ago when I'd only watch foreign films, but none of them really stuck with me. Since my 2 foreign films are on my list of favorite movies, I'll give you that list, in no particular order. Princess Bride, Amelie, Sense and Sensibility, The Road Home (from China, it is a love story, but it's a beautiful movie), and the A&E Pride and Prejudice. Yeah, so they're all girly movies. It doesn't mean I don't enjoy a good action flick every once in a while.

Currently reading? I'm not one to only read one book at a time, so here are the books I'm currently reading: Love is a mix tape (yes Mr. Critic, I'm still reading it. I read it on my lunch break so it takes longer to read than it would if I just sat down with it), The Critical Edition of the Diary of Ann Frank, and The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian (yes Henry, it's a children's book. Deal with it!).

So there you are. If any of that piques your interest, feel free to send me an email.

Okay, I feel like I just filled out some online dating survey for a guy who will never read it, but it gave me something to blog about tonite.

To change the subject, I just found out that some friends from high school are going to be on Fox's America's Greatest Band or whatever it's called. They are The Fabulous Johnson Brothers. Check them out this Friday at 8 on Fox. Do I get paid for that?

thoughts while listening to Tori

I've been writing this in my head for a week, but wasn't really sure I wanted to post it. I decided, however, that whether or not any of you need, or want, to read it, I need to write it. So, here it goes:

Monday night as I was driving home from Cinci after meeting Sherman Alexie, I toyed with the idea of writing a book of my own. After about half an hour of formulating a story in my head, I realized that I am not a writer. First of all, I'm completely incapable of developing a character. I know this because I've tried. Secondly, although I enjoy writing, it is not my passion (to use an Oprah expression). Feeling a little despondent, I asked myself for the millionth time what my passion is. What is it that consumes me so completely that I can see myself happily doing it for the rest of my life? I've never been able to come up with a satisfactory answer to that question in the past, but last Monday night, driving on a country road in the middle of nowhere, the answer came to me. It was so obvious that I had to wonder why it took me so long to figure it out. Judaism. My passion is Judaism.

I've known for a very long time that I've wanted to be a member of the clergy. Even back in my Wicca days, I wanted to be a priestess. I actually considered going to seminary at one point, but thought better of it when I realized I'd have to convert to Christianity. I might've taken the scenic route to Judaism, but it is my cultural and genetic heritage. So, when I started thinking about becoming a rabbi, it made sense to me logically. I am a Jew and I want to be clergy. I never realized that was where my passion lies. But when I finally made the connection, it was a "well, duh!" moment. I can actually justify to myself why I want to do this. It's not just intellectual curiosity. That is part of it. But mostly it's the desire to share my faith, my knowledge and my passion with others.

I found a video clip of the Ann Coulter interview. I can't take anything this woman says seriously. However, there are people out there who are defending her and her comments, and that frightens me.

I usually run from anything involving Ann Coulter, but this is one interview I wish I'd seen.

I started writing a post last night, but it was really long, and I was very tired, so I didn't post it. I will edit it and try to post it later.

As for my day yesterday...I declared a Jewish studies minor, read children's Aleph-Bet books, scoured the web trying to find Israeli postcards for my 2nd graders (to no avail), and actually worked. I went to class instead of attending the University Orchestra concert, and was rewarded with a lecture on metamorphic rocks. How could a concert featuring the concert master and acclaimed violinist of the Philadelphia Orchestra compare with metamorphic rocks? Who would choose Tchaikovsky over shale? Okay, enough sarcasm. More later...

fiddlin' around

I tried to break in the new (very crappy) violin at Temple band practice tonight. I broke the E string while tuning, which prompted another band member to introduce me to the wonders of a chromatic tuner. Although I'd like to relearn the art of tuning by ear, the tuner is definitely something I need to invest in. I could tune my violin, bass and guitar all with one little piece of machinery. Ah, the miracles of modern science.

"The game between the Jews and the Indians

is tied going into the bottom of the ninth inning". For those of who do not know, that is the title of a Sherman Alexie poem. It is one of my all-time favorite poems, by one of my all-time favorite poets. "Why are you telling us this?", you are asking. Because, tonight I got to see Sherman in person at Joseph Beth in Cincinnati. It was the first time I had been to a book signing. I do have other autographed books, Da Chen's Colors of the Mountain being my favorite with hand brushed Chinese calligraphy, but this was the first time I actually got to watch my book being autographed while saying wildly stupid things to the author. I kept trying to remind myself that he is just a person, there's no need to act like an idiot, but I wasn't convincing myself. I practically idolize the man (not as much as a certain High School English teacher I know). He's the reason I started writing poetry, which is the least stupid thing I said to him. So, with autographed book safely in hand, I ran out of the store before my mouth could once again outrun my brain. When I'm done berating myself, I'll remember this as one of the best "entertainment" events I've been to, second only to the first time I saw Tori Amos at the Arnoff in Cinci (where I made the aforementioned English teacher stand around the tour bus for an hour waiting for the smallest glimpse of Tori). If you're not familiar with Sherman's work, I highly recommend you change that. If you like poetry, read The Summer of Black Widows. If you prefer prose, check out The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven. If you're not a reader, watch Smoke Signals. There's something for everyone!

A little sidebar about the weekend: There is nothing cooler than a newborn baby. I got to hold a 2 day old little girl, who opened her eyes and looked at me and I thought, "there could be no better experience than this, except holding my own baby, if it ever happens". Then I remembered that the sweet, angelic 2 day old would someday be a demon possessed teenager and I happily have her back to her mother.

Weekend

Whirlwind. You?

It's yet another day...

It's Thursday. I like Thursday. It's the only day during the week I don't have a commitment after work. Yes, Thursdays are good.

Tonight I came home and decided to do some housework, so I clipped on the ol' ipod and got to work. I listened to Matthew Sweet. I haven't listened to him in ages. My brother met him once in Jackson, and told him, "my sister loves your music". Although that could be taken as a back-handed compliment, he was gracious. But, I didn't get anything out of it except the story. My brother doesn't believe in autographs and such. He tries to avoid looking star-struck. However, he fawned all over Billy Corgan when he met him. Anyway...I really enjoyed listening to Matthew Sweet tonight. I might technically be a child of the 80's, but 90's music resonates more with me.

I'm currently reading Love is a mix tape. I highly recommend it.

Another day

Geesh, this posting everyday is hard. It was an average, unexciting day, punctuated by bouts of unhealthiness. The headache is mostly gone and now I'm ready for sleep. I'm really trying to think of something more exciting, but that's all I've got. Goodnight!

This gives new meaning to a sweet new year. Who needs apples and honey when they can eat the sukkah?

October 1

Highlights of my day:

1) I hit a high D in voice class today. It wasn't pretty, but I did it.

2) I finally grasped the concept of geological hot spots and plate tectonics. Maybe I'll actually get a passing grade on the next test!

It's a small world

I was in Tel Aviv this morning with 11 second graders, a parrot and a skink. Now I'm getting ready for a geology field trip to Hawaii. Hopefully, I'll be back in Ohio at a decent hour so I can do laundry and pot some plants.

Shalom!

I mean, Aloha!

I mean...oh, never mind...

Me sing pretty now

I'm taking a voice class this semester with the misguided belief that I will again be a music major. After several weeks of technical lessons, I finally get to learn an aria. I'm attempting to sing "Voi, che sapete" from The Marriage of Figaro. The first video is how it should be sung. The second video most closely resembles how I sound singing it. Enjoy!

Federica Von Stade : Cherubino's

voi che sapete

Gimme a break

We had some much needed rain today. A beautiful harvest moon is shining through my window as I type this, which means it's the first day of Sukkot. Fortunately, Sukkot doesn't require me to drive to Dayton for Temple activities, but I may visit the Sukkah that Hillel built. I'm enjoying my week away from Temple. I'm using the time to sample the new network t.v. offerings. Tonite is the remake of the Bionic Woman. Since I am a huge fan of the original show, I have to watch the new one, but I remain a skeptic. I will write a real post sometime in the near future.

E.T. phone home

I am still recovering from High Holidays. I keep falling asleep on the couch before I have a chance to post something. Here is what I meant to write yesterday.

I was doing some research and ran across this. Intrigued and amused, I stopped what I was doing and started researching breatharianism. I found this site that sounds much like the previous article. Then I found The Breatharian Institute of America. I can't even begin to summarize all I found on this site. Leave it up to an American to take something spiritual (albeit wacko) and turn it into a capitalistic freak show! This site provided much entertainment yesterday. I recommend reading the Q&A section.

la la la...

Heroes is new! A happy ending to a mediocre day.

Sunday

Chaos

Yom Kippur

As The Critic pointed out, I neglected to post yesterday. I could give you excuses, but the plain fact is, I was busy yesterday and forgot. And while we're speaking of not posting. Yom Kippur starts tonite and goes through tomorrow evening, so there will not be a post tomorrow.

Here's the crux: I promised myself when I started this blog that there would be certain subjects I wouldn't mention. Well, because of my experience yesterday, my mind is fully occupied on one such subject. So...do I break my promise to myself? Not today. If I know you and you want to know what's going on, send me an email and I'll explain all.

recant

The Critic sent this in response to my previous post. It's not nearly as inflamatory as the CNN article makes it out to be. I've had this problem with CNN before. I should know enough to verify the facts before I post stuff here. Thanks Critic.

Wow!

This is just amazing!

Ms. Keirn-Swanson's English assignment

Where I'm From
by Erin
with thanks to Ms. Keirn-Swanson
and George Ella Lyon

I am from an acoustic guitar
from Coca-Cola and pickles
(to appease maternal cravings long after childbirth)

I am from the rose bushes in the front yard
the pine trees planted by young hands
in celebration of Arbor Day

I am from Christmicah and singers
from L'Shana Pearl and Orla
I am from 'I can do it myself'
and 'I'll take care of it later'

From "you're the one who has to wear it"
and "you're so pretty; you could be an actress"

I am from The Beatles and The Eagles
Sonny and Cher
from family sing-a-longs
and Barry Manilow specials

I am from Bellefontaine and Russia
(where the pogroms made the name of the shtetl obsolete)
from peanut butter cookies and tuna noodle casserole

From the seamstress who traveled alone
to the Land of Opportunity
and the grocer's wife who created a family
in the post-War boom

I am from an LP player and the kitchen table
that greeted us with bowls of cereal and Valentine's candy
From photos still waiting to be put in albums
to share with significant others and the next generation

Validation

I don't know why this is such a big deal. I know plenty of women who are with older men, but people still have a hard time accepting an older woman with a younger man. Just call me a cougar :)

My day

Temple, grocery, laundry, study, clean.

I guess it's called a life changing event for a reason, but, man, does the mind rebel. It's not easy getting to acceptance. Hopefully I'll get there, but right now the tunnel is still too fucking dark.

For a funny commentary of America's favorite past-time go here.

The root of the problem

I started writing a post in my head last night as I was falling asleep. It was very thoughtful and introspective. The kind of post that would shine a spotlight on the inner workings of my heart and mind. It was going to be fabulous. Then I woke up this morning and it was gone. Don't get me wrong, I'm still thoughtful and introspective, I just can't put my thoughts into comprehensible sentences at the moment. But, at the moment the fact that I can compose the simplest of sentences is an accomplishment, as I am extremely tired.

I've decided to make it my goal to try to post something everyday, even if it's just a random word. We'll see how long this lasts.

L'Shana Tova!

I had a dream last night that I bought a baby at Wal-Mart for $29.95.

Can anyone else hear it? tick tock tick tock

Florence Foster Jenkins the queen of the night

Working in a music library has given me a new appreciation for opera, as the following video shows. And no, the second voice you hear is not me.

"Already, we are told, there are young people who can't sleep at night because they are convinced that before they reach adulthood the house they live in will be 20ft underwater and that Al Gore, at the tiller of his hydrogen-powered ark, may not have room for them and their families." - Clive James

I'm back. Really. Ok, so it's been awhile, but it's not like I haven't disappeared before, and at least this time I had a legitimate reason. No matter. I'm back.

Let's see. I moved. I have a nice little apartment, not as big as the last, but it's 5 minutes from work. I don't miss the hour commute. I do miss the free rent, however. And the free cable. I really miss the free cable. I can't afford cable now. I get about 5 channels, and there's never anything on. I've taken to watching my DVDs of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but there is only so much Buffy a girl can take before she needs a change. Thank goodness for the internet!

I've been watching Dr. Who on BBC, well actually on TV Links. David Tennant is growing on me. It took awhile to adjust to him as The Doctor, but now I think I like him better.

What else? Well, through the BBC I've been keeping up with the world. The EU treaty is exciting stuff (Yea Poland for putting a wrench in the works). And I've been reading about the snow storms in New Zealand. Oh, and the vibrating condoms in India. The world is a strange and fascinating place.

Well, that's my life. Living vicariously through the BBC. What's in like in your world?

Almost back

Hey everyone! Thanks for checking out my blog while I was on hiatus. I'm not actually back online yet, just visiting :) I'll be back for good (hopefully) come tuesday, so I'll give you a full report of what I've been up to then. Please check back.

Move tomorrow. Be back sometime.

"I'll see what you're made of by what you make of me" - Ani diFranco

I get the keys to my new apartment in 2 weeks! I've started counting days until I no longer have to drive an hour to work everyday. And I've actually started packing, which I should be doing now instead of playing on my computer.

It's been an interesting week or so since I last posted. I went to graduation for the school I used to work for. It was bittersweet. I am happy for my kids, but I won't have kids for much longer. As excited as I am to move and live like a real adult, I'll miss the students.

Random question: does anyone know how to say hello in Bulgarian?

Soundtrack of your life

I don't normally posts surveys on this blog, but I thought this one was fun. The way this game is played is to put your mp3 player on shuffle and answer each question by the song that is playing.

Opening Credits -- Drugs or me by Jimmy Eat World
Waking Up Scene -- You each time by Ani DiFranco
Getting Ready Scene -- Happy Birthday by Concrete Blonde
Car Driving Scene -- Leather by Tori Amos
High School Flashback Scene -- Cut the rope by Willy Porter
Nostalgic Scene -- Kathy's song by Simon & Garfunkel
Angry Scene -- Flavor of the Month by The Posies
Agony, Painful Scene -- Super Un-glued by Squirtgun
Break-up Scene -- Say Goodbye to Hollywood by Billy Joel
Sad, Breakdown Scene -- The more I see you by Michael Buble
Nightclub/Dance Scene -- Rush by Depeche Mode
Buddy/Sidekick Scene -- Think about you by Guns n Roses
Dreaming of Someone Scene -- Every word by Belly
Contemplation Scene -- Fuego by Bond
Love Scene -- Come to Love by Matthew Sweet
Kissing Scene -- Twisting by They Might Be Giants
Relaxing Scene -- Gee Angel by Sugar
Action/Fight Scene -- 50 Ways to leave your lover by Paul Simon
Victory Scene -- Any time at all by The Beatles
Closing Credits -- A mind with heart of its own by Tom Petty

A Day in the Life

I know, I haven't written much lately. It's mostly because there's not much to write about, but also because I spend 2 hours commuting everyday. Instead of waiting for something fun and interesting to write about, I thought I'd just give you an idea what an average day is like in the life of me. Here goes:

The alarm went off at 6:45. About 7:15 I got out of bed. I made breakfast (cereal) then got ready for work, fighting the temptation to go back to sleep. At 7:50 I began my morning commute. It was a little misty this morning, but the traffic was moving along nicely. I listened to Boomer on the Morning X for most of the drive, then switched to Mix 107.7 when The X finally faded out. It's a weird transition to go from "new rock" to "adult contemporary", but with my ipod needing charged, I had little in the way of listening options. Although, when I couldn't take the radio any longer, I put in a Regina Spektor CD (11:11). I arrived at work at 8:55. By 9:00 (my official starting time), I had made my morning salutations and checked my email.

At 10:00 I had an orientation meeting at King Library. It's nice to be on a real campus, but walking across campus, uphill, in the rain: not so much fun. My orientation was on disaster preparedness. After the meeting, I began the downhill walk, in the snow this time, back to the music library. After a little more than an hour back at the post, it's time for lunch, so I headed over to the Shriver Center and got myself some food (egg and cheese sandwich on wheat and chicken noodle soup - I'm sure my eating habits are fascinating). I took my food back to the music building and ate in the green room.

After lunch, I got back to my desk and discovered the hanging file rack I needed had arrived, so I spent a good part of the afternoon cleaning off my desk and organizing my files. I have a nice clean desktop now and I should be able to find things when I need them. I spent the rest of the afternoon keeping myself occupied, all the while thinking I should be cataloging books, but never actually getting to it. It's not that I don't like to do it, I just don't completely understand it yet. I never cataloged before this job, and it's like learning a foreign language. Anyway...6:00 finally rolled around and I clocked out. I wished a student luck on his senior recital as I walked out the door.

Before I could head home, I needed gasoline. I headed uptown, stopping for dinner on my way to the gas station (fast food, nothing to worth writing about). Gased up, I started for home. The ride home was uneventful. Again, I listened to the radio to keep me awake and entertained. I passed Jesus, but I've become so accustomed to him that I don't even notice him anymore, although some days I do say "hi" to my Jewish brother. (for those of you not familiar with the giant Jesus on I-75 check this out)

I made it safely home, where I immediately got on my computer, sent a bulletin on myspace and decided to write this post. Now I think I'm going to veg in front of the tv and hopefully fall asleep before 10:00.

Good night.

Well, I had big plans to do a day in the life post, but I got kidnapped by students who forced me to watch American Idol. Okay, so maybe that's not really how it happened, but the result is the same. I do not have the time or the energy to write a detailed post right now. Instead, you get a teaser. Sometime this week, you'll get a day in the life of me. I bet you can't wait...

Shabbat Shalom

Because I've been told I need to post something, and I'm bored, I thought I'd say hello on this beautiful, freezing Shabbat evening. Hey, I'm a reformed Jew, I'm allowed to break the rules!

Life is a wonderful and exciting adventure that has kept me away from my blog for far too long. The daily commute is a pain in the ass, and I do not envy people who have to do it indefinitely. I, fortunately, only have to do it for about another 6 weeks, which still seems awfully long. I have an apartment, well, I signed a lease and forked over money, so in theory there will be an apartment waiting for me at the appropriate time. It's a nice apartment, too. I'll have a dishwasher, so hopefully no more trips to the emergency room! I'm looking forward to my move, not only because of the commute, but it's really time to leave the dorms and see how real adults live. It might be scary out there in the real world, but there are advantages. (No offense to any students who might be reading this, I'll miss you terribly!)

Oh yeah, I had a birthday. Happy birthday to me. I had an interesting birthday. I was freaking out over being old and stressed out over life in general, and my friend had something that resembled a simple partial seizure (did you find that one yet, Critic?). We were a pair. I hope the next time I am able to visit her, we are both emotionally and physically healthy. Anyway, because I was so distraught over my birthday, I thought I would get drunk. Well, that didn't happen. I had one drink and I was done. I'm such a drinker, let me tell ya. But it was good to be with friends while I was having my meltdown. Thanks Mr. and Mrs. Critic!

I tried to write a poem today about old pictures of my dad that were mailed to me a couple weeks ago. It pretty much sucked, but I'll keep working on it, because I really think it could be a good poem. Nothing like angry, maudlin poems about deadbeat fathers.

Okay, I'm tired and babbling, but instead of editing this entry like I should, I'm just going to end it here and pretend I'm not making a complete fool of myself. Good night and Shabbat Shalom!

How you doin'?

OMG! I'm so nostalgic! I almost feel 19 again (not that my 19-year-old self would've said OMG. It would've been more like: Fuck, man, I'm so fucking nostalgic. At 19 I didn't have much to be nostalgic about, but I'm getting off track here). I've been working in a college environment for over 7 years now, so why is Miami making me feel like this? Maybe being in the music department has something to do with it. I feel like I'm picking up where I left off. It almost makes want to start over with my music degree, but I don't want to have to audition after all these years of not keeping up with my training. And I don't even want to think about music theory at this point. Although one of the students asked for help with her theory homework last week, and I actually understood what she was talking about, even if I couldn't help her.

Okay, enough babbling. "How's the job going?" you ask. It's going well so far. I'm still not entirely sure what I'm supposed to be doing, but I'm getting a feel for the environment and the people. It's so different from where I came from. The people are actually nice! The students are strange and fun. And the subject matter is so much more interesting to me. Take today, for instance. In the past when I helped with a book order, we were looking at Anatomy and Physiology or Nursing for Dummies or the like. Today, I was looking through a catalog of music books. Among all the titles for counterpoint, modulation, and ethnomusicology, there was this. I never would've found a critical study of Metallica among the Respiratory books I ordered before. My only real complaint at this point is the hour (one-way) commute to work, but I've started looking for apartments in Oxford.

Well, Critic, I hope you enjoyed my ramblings for the day.

I am swimming in the fog that is sleep deprivation, but I will soon return to tell you, my devoted reader, all about my new job.

Debate of the day: Bach or Bartok?

Where has the time gone?

You asked for it, so here it is. A brand new post. Exciting, isn't it?

Let's see, my last post was right before my bat mitzvah. It was a good day. There were a few complications, but when you have six people doing a service like that, it gets complicated. It was good, though. And my Hebrew was flawless, much to my own amazement!

Then life was boring. That's a big reason for the lack of posting. There were a few highlights: I discovered a new musician, Regina Spektor. She may not be new for some of you, but I had never heard of her until a friend gave me a CD. Highlight #2 feeds my couch potato inclination. One of the students gave me a website for tv on the web, TV Links. It's a British site, but it has mostly American tv shows. My favorite part, however, is that it has both seasons of the new Dr. Who, so I spent my winter vacation watching Dr. Who on my computer.

I spent New Year's Eve playing board games with my mother and watching Anderson Cooper on CNN. Happy New Year's to you all, by the way!

2007 started off much like 2006 ended, boring. Then on Jan. 5, one of my co-workers got hit by a car coming into work. She suffered minor injuries, but we were all dumb-founded. She will be off work for 6-8 weeks. She broke her fibula in two places, tore a ligament in her knee and had to have surgery. So, if you have the need to cross a street, watch for speeding cars!

It gets even more interesting, as this week I was offered a new job and yesterday I accepted. I will be working at Miami University in the Amos Music Library. I'm excited, but I'm depressed to be leaving the people I work with now. It's funny how I'm not thinking about the reasons I want to leave; I can only think of the things I will miss. I don't start my new job for another month, so I'm sure I'll remember why I wanted to leave before this month is up. And it's a wonderful opportunity. I'll get to work in a music library! When I was a music major at Ball State, we didn't have a music library. It will be fun to be around music students instead of health sciences students!

So that's my life at this moment.