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.

If you happen to be in the Dayton, OH area this Saturday, Oct. 21, stop by Temple Beth Or and watch me become a bat mitzvah! Services start at 10:30.

Vive le tour

I've been neglecting my blog again. Mostly out of apathy, really. I just haven't felt like writing anything. But tonite I feel inspired, so we'll see what happens.

We just moved at work. You can't imagine what it's like to move a library. We were in two places for a couple weeks. Our books were in one library and our offices in the other. That was alot of fun. But Tuesday the two were united and now we have a brand new facility and I have a new office to clutter up! And I have my very own circulation desk! No longer do I have to share with reference. Nope. I'm moving up in the world.

Speaking of work. The position in CO was filled without so much as a "thank you for applying". I'm not really upset about it. I still haven't heard anything from Bowling Green, but I decided to stay here for the time being. Why leave this brand new library? Anyway, I have a pretty good deal in the dorms and one more year to pay for my braces. Maybe next summer. I still want to move out west, just not now.

The only other thing happening in my life right now is the Tour de France. I'm a total geek for it. I'm not a bike rider. I don't watch any other races, but I LOVE, J'ADORE, le tour. I watch every night religiously. I can't miss Bob Roll. I think I like Bob almost as much as I like the tour, even if he does make up words. Okay, most of you probably don't care, so I'll stop.

It's officially the end of the summer session. We begin 5 weeks of no students. Let the summer begin!!

Wanderlust

I've recently been a bit stir-crazy. I don't know what it is. Maybe I'm anxious about the move into a new library at work, or maybe it's the same ol' dissatisfaction with my job. I can't tell you what it is, but it's got a hold of me. I thought a little change would help, so I did what I always do when I feel the need for change. I chopped off all my hair. I have a cute little pixie cut that doesn't quite look right on me, but I like it anyway. And now I'm going a little further...
I applied for jobs in Tacoma, WA, Aurora, CO and at Bowling Green State University. The job at Bowling Green is actually pretty cool. It's in the music library and sound recordings archive. I just like the idea of going to work where there are thousands of lp's, 8-tracks, cassettes and cd's at my disposal. But the downfall to all this job hunting is the fact that I can't actually afford to move out of the dorms. I have one more year to pay on my braces and finish paying off my credit cards, then I'm home free, but can I last another year?
So there's this job in Wellington, New Zealand. Does anyone know if $39000 is a decent salary in NZ?

poetry

Because Laurie asked for it, here are some poems I wrote for my class. :)
Can you recognize this place?

Bear Lodge

As I approach this place
holy to one culture and revered
by generations of moviegoers

I am filled with awe
of the giant stone sculpted by nature
rising from its bed of trees

As I read about its sacred nature
all I can think about
is mashed potatoes and flying saucers

The monument is a mystery
but I feel at peace in its shadow
I can understand why its holy

to Native Americans
and movie aliens

Spring

Explosion of color against the gray;
the once dead earth resurrects herself.
As brown turns to green, flowers bloom
in a kaleidoscope of reds, yellow and blues,
and the blossoms scent the earth with sweet perfume.
The trees answer nature’s call
with buds and branches reaching for the sky,
welcoming the sun once again.

Give me something to talk about

Hi. How is everyone? Okay how are you, my 2 loyal readers? I'm doing just dandy, thank you. Enjoying the new car, even if I'm still suffering from the shock.
I'm at work. It's the last day of finals. The place is a ghost town. Tomorrow will be worse. I'm always so happy when the semester ends. It means no people to deal with for at least a week until the summer semester begins, but no people also means unnaturally quiet and boring. So I'm keeping myself entertained by writing to all of you, my 2 loyal readers. I thought about posting some of the poems I wrote for my poetry class, but I don't know if I should do that to you. I probably will, just not right now. I think I'll stop babbling now and do something worthwhile. I hope this post of random babbling is enough to make up for weeks of not posting.

I'm an idiot. I just want to get that straight up front. Why am I an idiot, you ask? Well, last night I went to test drive a Honda Civic. I do this from time to time. I research cars, trying to find something a little bit better than the one I own, then I go test drive them, and then I'm happy. I don't buy the car. Well, not until last night when I was bombarded by an overzealous salesman who decided I needed this car. I still don't know how it happened. But, today I have a brand new 2006 Civic with all the bells and whistles, including a moon roof and ipod port. This is ridiculous. Especially in light of my last post, talking about all those cars on the highway that are held together by tape and I'm spending more on a car per month than I have on some places I've lived! The whole experience leaves me feeling like I'm holding on desperately to a speeding bullet.

I survived my birthday, without any trauma over my age. It was a good birthday, actually. I went to Cleveland and hung out with my bestest friend.
I was driving back from Cleveland, not thinking of much of anything when I started noticing the the cars around me. I was on the bypass around Columbus looking at all the cars that were held together with tape (there were an amazing number of cars that looked less than healthy on the road last night) when creeping up behind me I saw the strangest looking car. It was a Mercedes sports car that I'd never seen before, so I looked it up on the internet and showed the picture to a friend and she started freaking out. You saw a McLaren!! I'd never heard of the car, so I didn't have any clue why she was so excited, but then I saw the price of the car and realized it's rare indeed to see that car on the road. It seemed so unfair to have all these other people driving tape mobiles and some dude passing us at ridiculous speeds spending half a million on a car! Capitalism at work.

I'm sitting here listening to The Killers updating my MySpace page and trying not to think about anything too serious. Lately my thoughts have turned to where I'm at in my life (see I told you, these 5 years get to me). I'm considering a job hunt. I'm not really frustrated with my job as much as I am bored. Okay, I am frustrated, but not with the job, the people. I have to consider my living arrangements, however. If I quit the college, it's very likely that I'll lose my apartment in the dorms. That's the only thing holding me back right now.
I'm also thinking other serious thoughts that I don't really want to discuss here, but suffice it to say I'm thinking way too much these days. Anyone have any good jokes?

I'm still here

It's been awhile, I know. I'm neglecting my blog again. My life is incredibly boring most of the time, which makes me wonder why I insist on writing about it. I got nothin' else to do, so why not.
Last Friday, I tried to apply for a job in Italy. Try being the operative word. It seems the federal government has a thing against people applying for jobs overseas unless they already live there or have a relative in the military there. Stupid rules! Granted, I don't know the first thing about living in a foreign country. I don't speak a lick of Italian and getting over there might be a challenge, but damnit I wanted that experience. I'm not saying I'm going expatriate on ya. Hell, I'd be working at an airforce base, so I don't think it's possible. But to just have the experience of living in another country, taking in the culture. I'll keep trying. I don't know if I'll ever win this battle, but I can keep dreaming.

Your Inner European is French!

Smart and sophisticated. You have the best of everything - at least, *you* think so.

Who's Your Inner European?

Okay, yesterday's post was a bit lame. I can't guarantee this one won't be as bad.

I'm having a bat mitzvah this fall. It's only a couple decades too late! For those who don't know, the bat mitzvah (it means daughter of the covenant) is a coming of age ceremony where the bat mitzvah leads the service and reads from the torah. It's not necessary, really, but I'm excited about it! It's been a long journey to get here. I guess you can say it's the culmination of a life time of searching. Granted, it's not going to be easy. I've spent the last year trying to learn Hebrew and now I have to learn the tropes in order to chant it properly. Then I have to learn the service. At least I won't be doing it alone. There will be three other women with me (I'm the youngest), so the torah portion will be smaller! This shindig ain't for awhile yet. I'm sure you'll hear more about it as it gets closer.

I don't really have anything to say, but I've been neglecting my blog too long. So here goes nothing.

I'm too lazy to cook for myself, or pack my lunches. It takes a whole minute for me to get home, but instead I go to the cafeteria. I don't know why. Take a look at today's menu for instance:
Vegetable Soup, Creamy Zucchini Soup, Country Health Loaf, Carne Con Pappas, Rice with Corn and Asparagus, Zucchini Provencal, Broccoli Spears, Savory Lentils, Salad Bar, Peanut Butter Chewies, Low Fat Cherry Pie, Red, White and Blue Cookie
I don't even know what some of that stuff is. Country Health Loaf? Carne con Pappas? Yeah, I'm excited about lunch. Salad, anyone?

okay, not the most exciting post, but this is what I live with. Someone teach me how to cook!

Not again

My mother is back in the hospital. This time for suspected heart failure. I will update as we know what's happening.

*Update*

My mom was discharged after a battery of tests showed there is nothing wrong with her heart. However, the reason she went to the emergency room in the first place, shortness of breath, was never addressed. They did find fluid in her lungs, but nothing was done about it. They just sent her home! Very frustrating!

"I'm so much older than I can take" - The Killers

Friday night. I can't sleep so I've been playing on the internet. Went to Shrug's website. Can't wait for the show on Jan. 14! Then found myself on the Fabulous Johnson Brothers site. The Jbros are friends from high school and I've never seen them play. They will be playing a show on my birthday this year. I'm so excited. I've been thinking about having a birthday party this year, and now I can have a party and see my boys! I'm a strange one. I don't freak out over birthdays on the decades. No, I get crazy over the 5 years. I had a breakdown on my 25th birthday, so who knows what this year has in store. Hopefully a large crowd of old friends will ease the pain. If some new friends would like to join us, leave a message, I'll tell ya where and when. In the meantime: Happy New Year!

toys for young and old

When cell phones first became popular, I was adamantly against owning one myself. I was annoyed at all the people on their phones at the grocery and the mall or while driving. I didn't see the need to carry my phone around with me, since I don't much like having one at home. But then I got roommates. 3 girls, one phone line. It just seemed to make sense to have my own phone, so I broke down and joined the cell phone revolution. It has now been two years, and last night I was eligible for a new phone. For someone who grudgingly bought her first cell phone, I ran to the Verizon store last night for my new phone. I researched all day to try to find the best phone and so I didn't sound like a complete idiot at the store. When I got there, the sales clerk talked me into (it wasn't that hard, really) the newest and the best Verizon had to offer. I left the store with my brand new video phone with VCast and Blue Tooth. Granted, I have no need for most of the bells and whistles. Hell, I don't even know how some of them work, but I can set MP3's as ringtones and that's all that matters. Right?

why I hate politics

Try, try again

Last night was the dorm Christmas party. We couldn't have timed it better with the first snow storm of the season. We had catered food from a local Italian restaurant and watched movies. We watched Christmas with the Kranks which has to be the worst movie I've ever seen. I certainly hope the book it's based on is better, but I doubt I'll ever read it. I've come this far without reading a John Grisham book, I don't plan to start now.
The snow was beautiful. I went for a walk last night. Between the fresh snow and all the lights around the campus, it was very scenic.
Now I'm at work. The snow wasn't enough to cancel classes. How I long for a snow day!!

A word of advice

When you go to the library and ask the librarian for help finding a book, don't tell her "it's a white book and I found it on the bottom shelf last time", because we haven't figured out a way to catalog books by color. It just doesn't work that way. If you've had the book before, try to remember the stupid title. I can't go to the card catalog and type in "white book on bottom shelf" and magically come up with the book you're looking for. Get it? Good!
When closing the library yesterday, I saw someone left a note on the whiteboard in the study room-"hurry Christmas break". I'm so ready for a break, so please, hurry Christmas break!!!

Random post

Hello to all those faithful readers of the Critic who have found your way to my little blog. You will not find the intellectual ranting here. In fact, you will find very little intelligence here.

For awhile I felt I needed to justify keeping this blog going to myself. I started it when I applied for a job in Wyoming, thinking it would be a good way to keep in touch with friends and family when I moved across country. A year and a half later, I'm still in Ohio and finding myself with no time to write. Mostly because I don't want to bore the occassional reader with my tales of non-traditional student life, but since that's all I got, that's what you'll get from now on. Tales of work and school. Doesn't that sound exciting? And maybe someone out there can help me with algebra.
Thanks for stopping by, and please leave a message.

A place where I belong

All my life, I've felt like an outsider. I've never really felt like I belonged anywhere I was. I think this week I figured out why.
This past week, the college photographer was in town. He is trying to grow dreads, which I admit don't look great at this stage, but everyone at the college was aghast at his hair. I'm not so sure the look suits him, but I wasn't pointing and laughing with everyone else. I personally think the guy is attractive, dreads or not. He explained, when someone asked about his hair, that he is from San Francisco and he is perfectly normal there. So maybe that's my answer. Not San Francisco, necessarily, but I need to move out of the midwest. I don't know that I want to live in a real city, but I think I need to be in a more metropolitan area. That might not be the answer to all life's problems, but it could be a place to start. The real question is, will I actaully move?

No time

School is overwhelming. I've got nothing else to say. Okay, alittle more. I managed to see Green Day during mid-terms. It was an excellent show!! Although I know I'm getting old now, because I kept thinking, "it doesn't really need to be THIS loud". My ears were ringing for days! Still, probably one of the all time best shows I've been to. Now back to reality. School, work and dormlife.
Shanah tovah (hey I'm only a week late).

around the world in 80 minutes

I went to an international adoption seminar this past weekend. I have been thinking about this for a couple of years, but never really felt ready to be a mom. But out of curiosity, I went to the meeting. I was impressed with how honest the agency was about the conditions the children lived in and the possible health risks of those living conditions. I had read several articles of the horrors of international adoption and how unscrupulous agencies try to convince you of how wonderful the whole process is, but not this agency. It's a complicated, time consuming and ridiculously expensive procedure. I talked to my mom about it and her great advice was to go get artificially inseminated if I wanted children that badly. It'd be cheaper, she said. Yes my mother, who does not want to be a grandmother, gave me that piece of advice.
I was talking to a woman I work with who told me my biological clock has kicked in. So this is what it feels like...
After much deliberation, I decided not to be a mom. At least not now, and not by myself. I started back to school for a reason, and having a child would interfere with that goal. I might never be a mom, but I can be the doctor my Jewish family so desperately needs!

and now for a word from our sponsors

I had to turn in some poems I've written for my independent study, so I decided to post them here as well. Just thought I'd warn ya...

Untitled

I'm just a woman
symbolism is not my strength
my words spill forth
full of meaning but without disguise

there are so many words
locked up inside my head
where there are too many
places to hide

when the words finally flow
they do so with simplicity
no allegory or metaphor
just a girl speaking plainly

I try to be clever
when it comes to love
I try to be obscure
when the words are written for you

but in the end
there is only truth
and those words
aren't ready yet


Self Portrait

she has a beautiful soul
underneath the wool and burlap
but she hides in her mud hut
afraid others will see
the patina on her halo


Winter

Oh glorious night
cold wind whipping through my hair
the chill takes my breath away
it's almost enough to make me forget
images of love
unrequited emotion
boddhisatva hidden behind the snow

Why did this make me laugh?

Your Brain's Pattern

You have a tempered, reasonable way of thinking.You tend to take every new idea in, and meld it with your world view.For you, everything is always changing. Each moment is different.Your thinking process tends to be very natural - with no beginnings or endings.

What Pattern Is Your Brain?

The week in a life

Sunday at work. This will be my life until I finish school, whenever that will be. It's not so bad. Sundays are quiet in the library, so I spend my day catching up on work I can't do through the week. And I take time to post here. Everyone deserves a break in the workday, right?
School has definitely disrupted my life. I have time for nothing. I spend all my free time studying (I actually kinda enjoy it, but I don't like to admit it - except sociology, which is going to bore me to death before the semester is over). My week is spent trying to work full time, go to class, volunteer at the art institute, choir practice, hebrew lessons and the occasional outing with my friends. I love Saturday. Saturday is the only day I have absolutely nothing to do.
This weekend LaToyia and I went to the Italian Festival. As with all festivals, it was just an excuse to drink alot of wine and eat "authentic" italian food. We walked around the booths and left shortly after arriving. We ended up at an italian restaurant instead. Not sure of the logic there, but LaTotia wasn't impressed with the festival in the least and wanted to go someplace familiar. I didn't care. It was just good to be away from the dorms.
Speaking of the dorms, I have a new nickname from the RA's - The Enforcer. It was a joke during dorm orientation that has stuck. The students don't know my name, but they remember the enforcer, so that's what I hear when I walk through the halls. It's better than the lame Housing Monitor title the Dean's came up with last year.
So this is my life, school, work, supervising a dorm in my off hours and a tiny little social life. Don't you envy me?

Goin' to the chapel

Went to another wedding today. I'm getting a cultural education this summer along with my wedding attendance. First it was the Filipino wedding in Chicago; today it was an African-American wedding in Columbus, OH. I love being one of a handful of white people in a room full of blacks. We should all be in the minority once in a while (although a Jew at a Christian wedding is a bit of a minority situation in and of itself, but that's another story). I love all the "amens" and "yeahs" that pop up from the congregation. It's so foreign to me, but it's kinda fun. Yes, I just said church is fun, don't tell my rabbi :) Anyway, it was a beautiful wedding. The bride is a former student at the college where I work. I'm not sure how I feel about these kids getting married before me, but she's so happy, so it's hard to complain. And thank goodness this wedding was only an hour from home. No out of state trips to unknown territory and no bleepin' toll roads! Afterwards, my friend and I hit the upscale mall for some window shopping. A walk through Saks is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. Looking at all the things I'll never be able to afford, and probably wouldn't buy even if I could. Thank goodness tomorrow is a holiday. A chance to catch up on chores and homework I've put off all weekend.
New cd of the moment: Bob Mould Body of Song. Love Bob, not sure what I think about this cd.

Ode to a boy

When did I become the man?
Why am I doing the chasing?
Where are the flowers delivered to my door?
Where is the poetry written for me?

This is not love,
at least not the love I'm looking for.
You can write your own ending.
My story lies elsewhere.

Someone else's art

I had to write a book review for work today, so I thought I'd share the product of my work with the relatively few complete strangers who stumble across my blog (where did all my friends go?). It's all just silliness anyway. I hope you enjoy my first foray into book reviewing.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling

Book 6 of this controversial series sees Harry back at Hogwarts for his sixth year. The wizarding world is now fully aware of Voldemort’s return and the Muggle (non-magical) world is also at risk. Safe within the confines of the school, Harry and his friends, Ron and Hermione, can only read about the atrocities happening out in the world. But is Hogwarts really safe? Voldemort’s supporters are everywhere and Harry’s convinced his nemesis, Draco Malfoy, is among them. Book 6 is much lighter in tone than book 5, but the story doesn’t lose any of its momentum.
In Harry’s sixth year, the lines between good and evil seem to be clearly drawn, and Harry learns more than just the standard curriculum. Dumbledore gives Harry private lessons, teaching him the secrets of Voldemort’s immortality and how to ultimately defeat him, setting the stage for the final book in the series. The ending is shocking and distressing for regular readers of the series, but like all good coming of age stories, the ending makes sense in the greater context.
Harry Potter continues to be a fan favorite, making The Half-Blood Prince a must read for any Harry Potter fan.

Elephant Stew

I went to Chicago this weekend for a wedding. A traditional Filipino Adventist wedding. It was beautiful, if not a bit bizarre. And the part of Chicago we were in was gorgeous! Dayton doesn't have money like that! I hate Chicago, though. I hate driving in Chicago. I hate the toll roads. I hate the traffic. I hate the lunatic drivers. I was so excited to go, because I haven't been in years, then I got there and remembered why I stayed away for so long! I didn't do any sight seeing at all, so I'll eventually have to go back, but I need time to mentally prepare for it :)

On the drive, I listened to one of my new cd's that I've become absolutely addicted to. The artist is Rachael Yamagata. She is being compared to Fiona Apple, Norah Jones and Sarah McLaughlin, which are 3 very distinct artists in their own right. So, yeah, she's a chick with a piano and a sultry voice. That's about where the comparisons end. Her music is kinda funky, jazzy, pop-y, bluesy and even a little country. It's not quite as mature as Sarah, not as rough around the edges as Fiona and not quite as jazz inspired as Norah, but if you like the genre, then definitely check her out!

The things we do to keep ourselves entertained at work.

Back to normal, if that's what you call this...

Thanks to those of you who expressed concern about my mother. I shouldn't have left that sitting there for so long without following up. Last week was horrific! My mom spent 2 days in the hospital, but no one knows why she was having pain. Her heart is perfectly healthy. That's the good news! She now has to follow up with several doctors of varying specialties to figure out what's wrong. Meanwhile, she has this mild pressure in her chest that's almost constant now. She's not concerned, though. She feels as long as her heart is healthy she is a step ahead of her family history!
This week is much better comparatively. I just spoke with the instructor who will be teaching my independent study in poetry. I'm very excited about this class. I think I'm actually going to learn something! I have entirely too much on my plate for fall, a full-time job, 9 semester hours and a potential part-time job, not to mention choir, Hebrew lessons and other Temple related activities. If I'm not already crazy, I will be after September. Strangely enough, I'm looking forward to the chaos. I want to be so busy I don't have time to think about anything extraneous. It will either be good for me, or I'll be writing these during my breaks from my rubber room!
Something I learned this past week, and it shocks me that I am capable of understanding this, is to find joy where I can because if I wait for it to find me I'll be miserable forever. Yes, I know it sounds like a hallmark card, but it's really a revelation for me. I guess the anti-depressants are working.
2 days of work, then I'm off to Chicago for the weekend. More later...