This is what my life has felt like the last few days (although, I will not complain). In the course of the last two weeks, I got a new job at Fusion, where I found I will be the jazz teacher, teach one session of choreographic concepts, and coach the junior dance team. Whoa. I have so much to prepare for!
Then, last night, I got an email that sealed my fate for next semester. I will be teaching a history course at La Salle University. Yes, you read that right. I'm not going to publish the exact course here, but basically its a survey course taught through biographies. Now, my only problem is finding a topic, ordering books, and writing a syllabus in oh...two weeks. Then reading said books again. Ahh!
So, I went from having nothing to do, to having a very busy and fulfilling schedule. I'll still have Monday nights to play Quizzo and Friday nights, and my whole weekend. It's an ideal set up. However, I will be very busy for winter "break," which is definitely more of a blessing now that I need to get so much done.
I'm so excited for 2010.
- I'm peachy.
12.23.2009
12.18.2009
300.
It is fitting that this is my 300th post on "Chex in the City." So, my readership has generally stayed the same; the blog hasn't experienced any real growth, but I have. Let us look back at the last few years.
2005: I began this blog during my sophomore year, as I was looking to get away from livejournal and xanga, because well...I'm 20. The year was interesting...I had a boyfriend, I didn't have a boyfriend...not the best year of my life. Moving on.
2006: 2006 was an OK year. I got to be in my first straight show as "Mrs. McCarthy" in Red Herring, and I got elected to E-Board. However, our next show was Jekyll and Hyde and we all know how I felt / feel about that one. By junior year of college, I was again boyfriendless and just feeling lost and such. Junior year sucked, 2006 was just so-so.
2007: THIS was a good year. I went to Disney, I was "Dinah Lord" in The Philadelphia Story (my ideal straight show role), and I met the man who will become my husband in a few short months from right now. I had the best job of my life, I lived in a-15, and I really had a good time in the Masque. Yay for 2007.
2008: I got into Penn State, got the scholarship, graduated from La Salle and was sad about it. However, I also got engaged...so, the year wasn't a loss. Haha.
Now here we are at the end of 2009. It has been a banner year. I made great new friends (Nancy and Emily), I will graduate from Penn State, I moved to Philadelphia and spent copious amounts of time with my friends. Life is good. In the last two days, the final pieces of the puzzle have fallen into place. I finally got a job that can help me pay my loans and contribute to the house. I will be teaching jazz dance at Fusion School in Cherry Hill. It's a dance / music / acting school and so far, I have really enjoyed being there. I feel appreciated and in a job, that's a big deal. I also might have something else in the works that I'm very excited about, but I don't want to talk about it here. Don't worry, you'll find out if it comes through.
Tonight Jason and I head to South Central PA to spend the weekend with our families and watch me graduate. The weather may have other plans, but I'm prepared for anything. My sister came home a day early because of the storm, so that's good enough for me.
Thank you to all who have read my blog and hopefully, one day, I'll have something really interesting to say.
I'm peachy.
2005: I began this blog during my sophomore year, as I was looking to get away from livejournal and xanga, because well...I'm 20. The year was interesting...I had a boyfriend, I didn't have a boyfriend...not the best year of my life. Moving on.
2006: 2006 was an OK year. I got to be in my first straight show as "Mrs. McCarthy" in Red Herring, and I got elected to E-Board. However, our next show was Jekyll and Hyde and we all know how I felt / feel about that one. By junior year of college, I was again boyfriendless and just feeling lost and such. Junior year sucked, 2006 was just so-so.
2007: THIS was a good year. I went to Disney, I was "Dinah Lord" in The Philadelphia Story (my ideal straight show role), and I met the man who will become my husband in a few short months from right now. I had the best job of my life, I lived in a-15, and I really had a good time in the Masque. Yay for 2007.
2008: I got into Penn State, got the scholarship, graduated from La Salle and was sad about it. However, I also got engaged...so, the year wasn't a loss. Haha.
Now here we are at the end of 2009. It has been a banner year. I made great new friends (Nancy and Emily), I will graduate from Penn State, I moved to Philadelphia and spent copious amounts of time with my friends. Life is good. In the last two days, the final pieces of the puzzle have fallen into place. I finally got a job that can help me pay my loans and contribute to the house. I will be teaching jazz dance at Fusion School in Cherry Hill. It's a dance / music / acting school and so far, I have really enjoyed being there. I feel appreciated and in a job, that's a big deal. I also might have something else in the works that I'm very excited about, but I don't want to talk about it here. Don't worry, you'll find out if it comes through.
Tonight Jason and I head to South Central PA to spend the weekend with our families and watch me graduate. The weather may have other plans, but I'm prepared for anything. My sister came home a day early because of the storm, so that's good enough for me.
Thank you to all who have read my blog and hopefully, one day, I'll have something really interesting to say.
I'm peachy.
11.30.2009
Sick and Tired
The title describes Jason and I perfectly right now...in the literal sense. He is fighting off a cold, the likes of which I have never seen. He's pale, has chills and a cough and he just feels awful. It makes me sad to look at him, because he's always curled up in a ball trying to adjust his temperature. It's so bad that I'm sleeping in the guest room so he can have the bed all to himself (and so I don't get sick.)
On the flip side, I'm exhausted. I couldn't tell you why, but I am. It could be these crazy hours I'm keeping, or perhaps all the traveling we've done over the last few days. I'm also trying to keep from getting sick. :/
Thanksgiving was good. We have very few actual traditions. The number and range of people is always different, and aside from turkey, taters, and green bean casserole, the menu is different too. There is some drama in my family (extended...not my immediate), so that provides stress. I'm not saying it for pity (it's more awkward than anything else), but its something on my mind.
My various Christmas crochet projects are coming along well. I have three things 100% completed, and another well on its way. I have to also find some new things for people because those projects proved to be either too difficult, or not quite right for the person. I overestimated the amount of yarn I'd need, so I'm also keeping my eye out for a really good afghan pattern to use the scrap yarn for. I'm very excited about that. :)
On the dance front, I'm in the throws of choosing my recital pieces. I have a lot of contenders, but I want to submit some really solid ones to Michelle (my boss) so I'm happy with whatever she approves. I am also constructing my class plans and lessons, and I think the biggest challenge will be only having an hour to teach improv, dance, and vocals each week. Ahh! I want to be as prepared as possible so that when I get another full-time job, I won't be stressed preparing for class.
I definitely need to update more often. I wish I had more to say, but my life really isn't super exciting right now (which is a-ok with me). Comment away!
- I'm peachy.
On the flip side, I'm exhausted. I couldn't tell you why, but I am. It could be these crazy hours I'm keeping, or perhaps all the traveling we've done over the last few days. I'm also trying to keep from getting sick. :/
Thanksgiving was good. We have very few actual traditions. The number and range of people is always different, and aside from turkey, taters, and green bean casserole, the menu is different too. There is some drama in my family (extended...not my immediate), so that provides stress. I'm not saying it for pity (it's more awkward than anything else), but its something on my mind.
My various Christmas crochet projects are coming along well. I have three things 100% completed, and another well on its way. I have to also find some new things for people because those projects proved to be either too difficult, or not quite right for the person. I overestimated the amount of yarn I'd need, so I'm also keeping my eye out for a really good afghan pattern to use the scrap yarn for. I'm very excited about that. :)
On the dance front, I'm in the throws of choosing my recital pieces. I have a lot of contenders, but I want to submit some really solid ones to Michelle (my boss) so I'm happy with whatever she approves. I am also constructing my class plans and lessons, and I think the biggest challenge will be only having an hour to teach improv, dance, and vocals each week. Ahh! I want to be as prepared as possible so that when I get another full-time job, I won't be stressed preparing for class.
I definitely need to update more often. I wish I had more to say, but my life really isn't super exciting right now (which is a-ok with me). Comment away!
- I'm peachy.
11.23.2009
I'm dreaming...
...of a white christmas, which I know I'm not going to get. The holiday season is one of my favorite and least favorite times of year. It is wonderful and stressful all at the same time.
I love Thanksgiving, for all of its food and togetherness. Last year was the first year I had ever spent Thanksgiving away from my parents, so it was weird, but I loved getting to spend it with Jason's family. This year, we're taking our little fuzzy ball of joy with us, so that will be nice. My parents are hosting, Oma and Pappy are going to be there, as well as lots of aunts and uncles and cousins. Oh, and of course Jason and Sarah. I can't wait to get up on Thanksgiving morning and watch the Macy's parade and eat breakfast in front of the TV. I look forward to helping my mom, now that I'm a semi-competent cook, and perhaps making some of my own goodies. I also look forward to my epic post-dinner nap.
The weekend after Thanksgiving will be dedicated to resting and preparing Christmas gifts. I'm making the vast majority of my presents this year, so I have to just keep working on them.
The weekend of the 5th will be busy, but a ton of fun. I'm going to my parents' house on Friday to print my thesis, turn in my thesis, pick up my graduation regalia, and meet with our travel agent about the honeymoon! I can't wait to go to Disney, and I almost remove it from the wedding itself, but I will have the best time ever when I go. I love going on vacation with Jason, because we have the same philosophy about traveling, depending on the destination. Disney World is about seeing the parks and squeezing every little drop out of the trip. The cruise will be for relaxing, being warm, and being in love.
On the 5th, I'm traveling with my mom and aunts and Oma and cousins to Allentown for our annual "Ladies Shopping weekend". I got to go for the first time last year and it was a ton of fun.
The 12th is my birthday! I will be 24 and as much fun as 23 was, I'm looking forward to the many things the new year has in store.
The 19th is graduation day! Exactly one week after turning 24, I will graduate from my Master's program. Woo! Brant is also walking that day, so I'm psyched about graduating with my fellow grad assistant. Oma and Pappy and Jason's parents and possibly some other special people will be in attendance, in addition to my parents. Sarah will not make it, silly college, but she sat through my La Salle graduation, so I don't really feel like she's missing anything. The next day is Brewer family Christmas, and it will be great to see everyone again after the wedding we were all just at.
Less than one week later is CHRISTMAS! I LOVE CHRISTMAS MORE THAN I CAN POSSIBLY EXPRESS. I'll start decorating the apartment the weekend after Thanksgiving. This is also my last Christmas as a single lady (and it was the day that Jason proposed, so the holiday is even more special to me now). On Christmas Eve, we go to mass and then usually go to the Wasikowski's for their Christmas party. This year might be different due to the new family dynamic, but I'll make new traditions. Then we usually watch "A Muppet Christmas Carol" and Sarah and I might also watch "Love Actually" or "The Family Stone." In case you were wondering, we usually watch "White Christmas" around my birthday. Then we all go to sleep, the electric candles still glowing in the windows. It's magical. In the morning, we all get up and have cinnamon buns, juice and something hot to drink, and open our stockings. We open presents next, then bum around until (our really early) dinner. I then go to the Yinger's to spend the rest of the day with them and eat another giant dinner. It's a great day. I'm sure none other will be as awesome as last year, but I'm OK with that.
The next week is New Years and we all know what that's about.
So, as you can see...there is a lot to be done, but the reward is constant. If I don't have time to blog again until 2010, thanks for reading for another year and there will be some crazy things to blog about come January. :D
I'm peachy!
I love Thanksgiving, for all of its food and togetherness. Last year was the first year I had ever spent Thanksgiving away from my parents, so it was weird, but I loved getting to spend it with Jason's family. This year, we're taking our little fuzzy ball of joy with us, so that will be nice. My parents are hosting, Oma and Pappy are going to be there, as well as lots of aunts and uncles and cousins. Oh, and of course Jason and Sarah. I can't wait to get up on Thanksgiving morning and watch the Macy's parade and eat breakfast in front of the TV. I look forward to helping my mom, now that I'm a semi-competent cook, and perhaps making some of my own goodies. I also look forward to my epic post-dinner nap.
The weekend after Thanksgiving will be dedicated to resting and preparing Christmas gifts. I'm making the vast majority of my presents this year, so I have to just keep working on them.
The weekend of the 5th will be busy, but a ton of fun. I'm going to my parents' house on Friday to print my thesis, turn in my thesis, pick up my graduation regalia, and meet with our travel agent about the honeymoon! I can't wait to go to Disney, and I almost remove it from the wedding itself, but I will have the best time ever when I go. I love going on vacation with Jason, because we have the same philosophy about traveling, depending on the destination. Disney World is about seeing the parks and squeezing every little drop out of the trip. The cruise will be for relaxing, being warm, and being in love.
On the 5th, I'm traveling with my mom and aunts and Oma and cousins to Allentown for our annual "Ladies Shopping weekend". I got to go for the first time last year and it was a ton of fun.
The 12th is my birthday! I will be 24 and as much fun as 23 was, I'm looking forward to the many things the new year has in store.
The 19th is graduation day! Exactly one week after turning 24, I will graduate from my Master's program. Woo! Brant is also walking that day, so I'm psyched about graduating with my fellow grad assistant. Oma and Pappy and Jason's parents and possibly some other special people will be in attendance, in addition to my parents. Sarah will not make it, silly college, but she sat through my La Salle graduation, so I don't really feel like she's missing anything. The next day is Brewer family Christmas, and it will be great to see everyone again after the wedding we were all just at.
Less than one week later is CHRISTMAS! I LOVE CHRISTMAS MORE THAN I CAN POSSIBLY EXPRESS. I'll start decorating the apartment the weekend after Thanksgiving. This is also my last Christmas as a single lady (and it was the day that Jason proposed, so the holiday is even more special to me now). On Christmas Eve, we go to mass and then usually go to the Wasikowski's for their Christmas party. This year might be different due to the new family dynamic, but I'll make new traditions. Then we usually watch "A Muppet Christmas Carol" and Sarah and I might also watch "Love Actually" or "The Family Stone." In case you were wondering, we usually watch "White Christmas" around my birthday. Then we all go to sleep, the electric candles still glowing in the windows. It's magical. In the morning, we all get up and have cinnamon buns, juice and something hot to drink, and open our stockings. We open presents next, then bum around until (our really early) dinner. I then go to the Yinger's to spend the rest of the day with them and eat another giant dinner. It's a great day. I'm sure none other will be as awesome as last year, but I'm OK with that.
The next week is New Years and we all know what that's about.
So, as you can see...there is a lot to be done, but the reward is constant. If I don't have time to blog again until 2010, thanks for reading for another year and there will be some crazy things to blog about come January. :D
I'm peachy!
9.29.2009
Halloween
I would like to begin this entry with this statement: I AM THE WORST BLOGGER OF ALL TIME. I go along with an entry every day or so, collecting faithful readers, then BAM! for no reason, I drop off the face of the earth. It's been about 2 months since I last wrote an entry, so I apologize. I haven't really been busy, so I have no reason for not writing. Here's what I've been up to:
MY THESIS
Last week I visited PSHarrisburg to meet with my thesis advisors, and they were really pleased with my progress. They think I'll be 100% completed by Halloween, which would be fabulous. Right now, the whole thing is 71 pages, but there are holes that I need to fill, so it will probably clock in around 90. 90 pages. Only once before have I produced such a body of work (honors project, 2006-2007), but my thesis will be better writing over all. I'll be really excited to get it done and move on to new projects, but I know that I'll miss doing it as well.
JOB SEARCH
I look everyday and apply to a few jobs a week (not because I limit myself, but that's because there isn't much out there). Thanks to the new arts tax, my job search will probably get even more difficult. While I'd love to work in dance or theatre, museum or historical work is what I have training in doing...but since the arts tax only affects MUSEUMS and THEATRES and DANCE PERFORMANCES and ALL PERFORMING ARTS, I'll just keep plugging away. Jerks. It's also frustrating because I've worked so hard to get my degree in record time and I had an assistantship and I am a quality little worker (toot, toot). I learn fast, and I like to get things done quickly and correctly. I have no idea how to properly convey that in my resume without sounding full of myself, but I wish people would give me a chance, even though I don't have 3 - 5 years experience. Why does every job seem to require that?
WEDDING
Wedding plans are going well. Mom and Jill are really the forces behind most of the planning, but I've done some things as well. I'm working on floor plans, favors, centerpieces, and things that only Jason and I can work on. Not much to report. My shower is in a few weeks, so I'm excited for that. :)
LIFE IN PHILLY
I love living here. I love being close to my friends and close to Jason. It makes life so much easier. Now, if I could just get a job and find something to do with myself...
There you have it. My life in a little blog entry.
I'm trying to get my movie blog up and running again, so if you'd like to write for it, please let me know. You can write on ANY movie, new or old, domestic or foreign, comedy or drama.
I'm peachy.
MY THESIS
Last week I visited PSHarrisburg to meet with my thesis advisors, and they were really pleased with my progress. They think I'll be 100% completed by Halloween, which would be fabulous. Right now, the whole thing is 71 pages, but there are holes that I need to fill, so it will probably clock in around 90. 90 pages. Only once before have I produced such a body of work (honors project, 2006-2007), but my thesis will be better writing over all. I'll be really excited to get it done and move on to new projects, but I know that I'll miss doing it as well.
JOB SEARCH
I look everyday and apply to a few jobs a week (not because I limit myself, but that's because there isn't much out there). Thanks to the new arts tax, my job search will probably get even more difficult. While I'd love to work in dance or theatre, museum or historical work is what I have training in doing...but since the arts tax only affects MUSEUMS and THEATRES and DANCE PERFORMANCES and ALL PERFORMING ARTS, I'll just keep plugging away. Jerks. It's also frustrating because I've worked so hard to get my degree in record time and I had an assistantship and I am a quality little worker (toot, toot). I learn fast, and I like to get things done quickly and correctly. I have no idea how to properly convey that in my resume without sounding full of myself, but I wish people would give me a chance, even though I don't have 3 - 5 years experience. Why does every job seem to require that?
WEDDING
Wedding plans are going well. Mom and Jill are really the forces behind most of the planning, but I've done some things as well. I'm working on floor plans, favors, centerpieces, and things that only Jason and I can work on. Not much to report. My shower is in a few weeks, so I'm excited for that. :)
LIFE IN PHILLY
I love living here. I love being close to my friends and close to Jason. It makes life so much easier. Now, if I could just get a job and find something to do with myself...
There you have it. My life in a little blog entry.
I'm trying to get my movie blog up and running again, so if you'd like to write for it, please let me know. You can write on ANY movie, new or old, domestic or foreign, comedy or drama.
I'm peachy.
8.03.2009
Megan's Mild Obsessions - Conan O'Brien
I'm in love with a man.
Well, yes, Jason is really the answer, but there is another answer...I have never met him, but I've fallen asleep with him numerous times.
His name is Conan O'Brien.
Ok, I guess I'm not "in love" with him, as creepy as that would be. However, I love his show and he makes me laugh, and isn't that the most important thing? I've been watching Conan O'Brien since his last program, "Late Night with Conan O'Brien". When I was in late middle school and high school, I would watch him at 7pm the day following his broadcast on CNBC (of all places...I had no idea that was a channel about commerce until college). One of the most exciting things about going to college was the fact that I would be able to watch Conan when he was on any night of the week. I had a small TV in college with only bunny ears, but fortunately the clearest station on the dial was always NBC10 out of Bala Cynwyd, PA, so I could always spend the 12:35 to 1:35 hour with Mr. O'Brien. My sophomore year roommate and I (that roommate being Ms. Muller) always watched Conan and ate cheese and crackers. It was a nice way to wind down after a night of rehearsal or just a tough day. After Conan would thank his musical or stand-up guest, he would remind us to stay tuned for Carson Daly, which Michele and I knew was just his special way of telling us to turn off the TV and go to bed and not stay up for the horrible-ness that is Carson Daly.
When he was promoted to the Tonight Show, I was happy and sad all at the same time. When he was on the Late Show, he was in New York and there was always the chance that I could go and see his show. Now, he is in LA and I'll have to make a pilgrimage to be in his audience. Also, his promotion resulted in a long time with no new Conan, then no Conan at all because Jimmy Fallon was making his mark. (I have to say while Fallon is not a "MMO", I am a fan. We met once in 30th street station and he was extremely nice and talked to me way longer than he was obligated to...more or less at his own doing. Thanks Jimmy!). It was rough. I got by through watching old episodes and bits on NBC.com and Hulu. Still, I waited with bated breath for June 1, 2009 and his return.
Thanks to his new time slot, I was able to watch him every night and I got my mom hooked as well. She always enjoyed her hour of comedy on Comedy Central with Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert, but one night we were watching and without prompt at 11:35, she switched to WGAL 8 to see Conan. I was so proud.
His monologues are hilarious, as are his out of studio stunts. One of my personal favorites, and I'm sure I'm not alone, was the Old-Timey Baseball League. The way he interacts with people is just priceless, especially if they either want to appear overly serious and don't play along (requiring him to play along) or when they just don't get it. I have also enjoyed his trips around the NBC/Universal lot in LA, taking tours, using the sound effects stage, and exploring the prop rooms. He's just a very funny guy.
Right now I can't watch Conan when he is on "live" because I don't have TV of any kind. This is not a moral choice, but a mix of wanting to save money and being lazy. However, Hulu to the rescue. The other night Jason and I sat up and watched a couple of episodes back to back. When we came back from a week in the Finger Lakes, we watched all the back episodes. There is no narrative, but like the Simpsons, one doesn't want to miss a thing. If you miss a really funny episode or bit, and it becomes a re-occurring gag, you don't want to be out of the loop and have to catch up then.
In short, Conan cracks me up.
UPDATE: Last week, during a taping, Conan sustained a head injury after slipping on the floor. Look for the video in a variety of places, especially the one after he recovered and he and Andy Richter tell the story. He is A-Ok now, but I was worried. Feel better, Mr. O'Brien!
Next up: Coca-cola. I promise.
I'm peachy!
Well, yes, Jason is really the answer, but there is another answer...I have never met him, but I've fallen asleep with him numerous times.
His name is Conan O'Brien.
Ok, I guess I'm not "in love" with him, as creepy as that would be. However, I love his show and he makes me laugh, and isn't that the most important thing? I've been watching Conan O'Brien since his last program, "Late Night with Conan O'Brien". When I was in late middle school and high school, I would watch him at 7pm the day following his broadcast on CNBC (of all places...I had no idea that was a channel about commerce until college). One of the most exciting things about going to college was the fact that I would be able to watch Conan when he was on any night of the week. I had a small TV in college with only bunny ears, but fortunately the clearest station on the dial was always NBC10 out of Bala Cynwyd, PA, so I could always spend the 12:35 to 1:35 hour with Mr. O'Brien. My sophomore year roommate and I (that roommate being Ms. Muller) always watched Conan and ate cheese and crackers. It was a nice way to wind down after a night of rehearsal or just a tough day. After Conan would thank his musical or stand-up guest, he would remind us to stay tuned for Carson Daly, which Michele and I knew was just his special way of telling us to turn off the TV and go to bed and not stay up for the horrible-ness that is Carson Daly.
When he was promoted to the Tonight Show, I was happy and sad all at the same time. When he was on the Late Show, he was in New York and there was always the chance that I could go and see his show. Now, he is in LA and I'll have to make a pilgrimage to be in his audience. Also, his promotion resulted in a long time with no new Conan, then no Conan at all because Jimmy Fallon was making his mark. (I have to say while Fallon is not a "MMO", I am a fan. We met once in 30th street station and he was extremely nice and talked to me way longer than he was obligated to...more or less at his own doing. Thanks Jimmy!). It was rough. I got by through watching old episodes and bits on NBC.com and Hulu. Still, I waited with bated breath for June 1, 2009 and his return.
Thanks to his new time slot, I was able to watch him every night and I got my mom hooked as well. She always enjoyed her hour of comedy on Comedy Central with Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert, but one night we were watching and without prompt at 11:35, she switched to WGAL 8 to see Conan. I was so proud.
His monologues are hilarious, as are his out of studio stunts. One of my personal favorites, and I'm sure I'm not alone, was the Old-Timey Baseball League. The way he interacts with people is just priceless, especially if they either want to appear overly serious and don't play along (requiring him to play along) or when they just don't get it. I have also enjoyed his trips around the NBC/Universal lot in LA, taking tours, using the sound effects stage, and exploring the prop rooms. He's just a very funny guy.
Right now I can't watch Conan when he is on "live" because I don't have TV of any kind. This is not a moral choice, but a mix of wanting to save money and being lazy. However, Hulu to the rescue. The other night Jason and I sat up and watched a couple of episodes back to back. When we came back from a week in the Finger Lakes, we watched all the back episodes. There is no narrative, but like the Simpsons, one doesn't want to miss a thing. If you miss a really funny episode or bit, and it becomes a re-occurring gag, you don't want to be out of the loop and have to catch up then.
In short, Conan cracks me up.
UPDATE: Last week, during a taping, Conan sustained a head injury after slipping on the floor. Look for the video in a variety of places, especially the one after he recovered and he and Andy Richter tell the story. He is A-Ok now, but I was worried. Feel better, Mr. O'Brien!
Next up: Coca-cola. I promise.
I'm peachy!
7.22.2009
Megan's Mild Obsessions - Sour Cream
Sara inspired me with her WSIL series and I am going to make a similar series of entries.
SOUR CREAM
It only makes sense that my first article would be the on the greatest condiment ever created by man. Sour cream, and preferably Daisy sour cream, is a staple in my kitchen and I have a lot of foods that I eat it with. Daisy is the preferred brand due to taste, not due to the cheesy little inspirational sayings on the container seal.
Sour cream makes a fantastic dip. I have turned a lot of people on to this, and in that I take personal pride. Tortilla chips, pretzels, and potato chips...the salty and milky combo is quite delicious. Just make sure that you put some sour cream in bowl and don't eat the sour cream directly out of the container...my experience has shown me that mothers don't like that.
I also use sour cream on almost any mexican dish. At Taco Bell, I only get the soft taco supreme because it's the one that comes with both sour cream and tomato (another obsession for another time). Nachos, tacos, dirty rice...many of these are also accompanied by cheese (yet another obsession). Many of my favorite dishes also happen to include sour cream by nature, including the ever delicious "chicken gook" or "chicken divine". Look it up...its easy and delish.
I don't know if it has something to do with my being of Irish decent, but I also feel that no baked potato is complete without butter, salt, bacon bits, cheese, and SOUR CREAM. One can't overload the spud with any one ingredient, but one must maintain the proper ratios. A small "dollop" will do. If you don't know what a dollop is, watch more TV.
When I visit my parents, especially if I'm going to be staying over night, have sour cream on hand. My parents have tried to break me of this habit, but to no avail. My mom has also tried to make it so that I at least eat fat free or low-fat sour cream. I refuse. Sour cream in which the fat content has been tampered is disgusting and has this acid-esque taste to it. If you can't have Daisy, at least have full fat sour cream. Seriously.
It is a running joke among my friends concerning the amount of sour cream I eat, or that I always have it in the fridge. Oh well. I enjoy my sour cream. :)
I'm peachy!
Next up: probably Coca-Cola.
SOUR CREAM
It only makes sense that my first article would be the on the greatest condiment ever created by man. Sour cream, and preferably Daisy sour cream, is a staple in my kitchen and I have a lot of foods that I eat it with. Daisy is the preferred brand due to taste, not due to the cheesy little inspirational sayings on the container seal.
Sour cream makes a fantastic dip. I have turned a lot of people on to this, and in that I take personal pride. Tortilla chips, pretzels, and potato chips...the salty and milky combo is quite delicious. Just make sure that you put some sour cream in bowl and don't eat the sour cream directly out of the container...my experience has shown me that mothers don't like that.
I also use sour cream on almost any mexican dish. At Taco Bell, I only get the soft taco supreme because it's the one that comes with both sour cream and tomato (another obsession for another time). Nachos, tacos, dirty rice...many of these are also accompanied by cheese (yet another obsession). Many of my favorite dishes also happen to include sour cream by nature, including the ever delicious "chicken gook" or "chicken divine". Look it up...its easy and delish.
I don't know if it has something to do with my being of Irish decent, but I also feel that no baked potato is complete without butter, salt, bacon bits, cheese, and SOUR CREAM. One can't overload the spud with any one ingredient, but one must maintain the proper ratios. A small "dollop" will do. If you don't know what a dollop is, watch more TV.
When I visit my parents, especially if I'm going to be staying over night, have sour cream on hand. My parents have tried to break me of this habit, but to no avail. My mom has also tried to make it so that I at least eat fat free or low-fat sour cream. I refuse. Sour cream in which the fat content has been tampered is disgusting and has this acid-esque taste to it. If you can't have Daisy, at least have full fat sour cream. Seriously.
It is a running joke among my friends concerning the amount of sour cream I eat, or that I always have it in the fridge. Oh well. I enjoy my sour cream. :)
I'm peachy!
Next up: probably Coca-Cola.
7.11.2009
Speakeasy and Swizzlesticks.
Whew! That was one busy and exhausting week!
On Wednesday night, I took the train down to Philadelphia to spend some time with my pickel, because why bother hanging around my apartment when I could be down with my fiance? Jason and I don't have cable right now, but we do have a ton of movies, tv shows (on dvd), and video games to keep us occupied. Since Jason only has one multi-player game, Smash Brothers Melee, that's what we've been playing. We stayed up until the sun began to rise on Thursday morning. Oh my.
Jason had to work on Thursday, so I went in with him and did some thesis research and hung out with Liz and Meg. It was quite the lovely and productive day. After Jason got out of work, we drove to Conshohocken to hang out with the crew over there and drank the evening away.
On Friday, since we stayed up way too late again playing video games, we slept in very late, then decided on a whim to have a get together at our apartment. I was able to see a lot of my friends who I hadn't seen in a while, Miss Michele Muller being one of them. We had snackies and beer and watched "The Office." Doug came over later and we played video games again.
The fourth of July was a really exciting day! Jason and I had to go back to Harrisburg in order to meet up with my friends for our Finger Lakes trip and we wanted to see fireworks and all of that good stuff. We went to Nik's house, ate pizza, played video games, set off fireworks, did not watch fireworks on City Island, and started our trip off right.
The 4th was also really important because NANCY AND SCOTT HAD THEIR BABY! Her name is Anne Beth and she is adorable. Jason and I visited the Jones' on Friday (the 10th) and I got to hold her for about an hour. So cute!
The Finger Lakes was beautiful and we had a wonderful time hiking, playing frisbee, making up annoying catch-phrases, and playing loads of video and board and card games. I have pictures up on facebook.
We got back to Harrisburg on Friday, got to my apartment, and found that Jason's car had been towed because they had to do emergency construction on the spot and couldn't get in contact with us (so they say...they didn't try that hard). A ton of money later, Jason had his car back, I had a "discussion" with my landlord (which came to nothing), and we high tailed it out of there to visit the Jones' and go to my parent's for a BBQ.
Jason's Nana passed away yesterday, so we'll be driving to Pittsburgh for Sunday and Monday. It's going to be a long week for everyone involved, and I know Jason's going to be exhausted. Poor pickel. :(
This week has a lot in store: Work for my parents, packing, helping Nancy with the baby (Scott has to pick up his mom at the airport late at night in Philly, so I may come over and keep her company), dance (?), HARRY FREAKIN' POTTER! (I need someone to see it with at midnight...please?), and probably back to Philly. I will be thrilled when I'm done living out of my suitcase.
That's really it for now. I'm sleepy...and it's only ten after 8. Sheesh.
- I'm peachy!
On Wednesday night, I took the train down to Philadelphia to spend some time with my pickel, because why bother hanging around my apartment when I could be down with my fiance? Jason and I don't have cable right now, but we do have a ton of movies, tv shows (on dvd), and video games to keep us occupied. Since Jason only has one multi-player game, Smash Brothers Melee, that's what we've been playing. We stayed up until the sun began to rise on Thursday morning. Oh my.
Jason had to work on Thursday, so I went in with him and did some thesis research and hung out with Liz and Meg. It was quite the lovely and productive day. After Jason got out of work, we drove to Conshohocken to hang out with the crew over there and drank the evening away.
On Friday, since we stayed up way too late again playing video games, we slept in very late, then decided on a whim to have a get together at our apartment. I was able to see a lot of my friends who I hadn't seen in a while, Miss Michele Muller being one of them. We had snackies and beer and watched "The Office." Doug came over later and we played video games again.
The fourth of July was a really exciting day! Jason and I had to go back to Harrisburg in order to meet up with my friends for our Finger Lakes trip and we wanted to see fireworks and all of that good stuff. We went to Nik's house, ate pizza, played video games, set off fireworks, did not watch fireworks on City Island, and started our trip off right.
The 4th was also really important because NANCY AND SCOTT HAD THEIR BABY! Her name is Anne Beth and she is adorable. Jason and I visited the Jones' on Friday (the 10th) and I got to hold her for about an hour. So cute!
The Finger Lakes was beautiful and we had a wonderful time hiking, playing frisbee, making up annoying catch-phrases, and playing loads of video and board and card games. I have pictures up on facebook.
We got back to Harrisburg on Friday, got to my apartment, and found that Jason's car had been towed because they had to do emergency construction on the spot and couldn't get in contact with us (so they say...they didn't try that hard). A ton of money later, Jason had his car back, I had a "discussion" with my landlord (which came to nothing), and we high tailed it out of there to visit the Jones' and go to my parent's for a BBQ.
Jason's Nana passed away yesterday, so we'll be driving to Pittsburgh for Sunday and Monday. It's going to be a long week for everyone involved, and I know Jason's going to be exhausted. Poor pickel. :(
This week has a lot in store: Work for my parents, packing, helping Nancy with the baby (Scott has to pick up his mom at the airport late at night in Philly, so I may come over and keep her company), dance (?), HARRY FREAKIN' POTTER! (I need someone to see it with at midnight...please?), and probably back to Philly. I will be thrilled when I'm done living out of my suitcase.
That's really it for now. I'm sleepy...and it's only ten after 8. Sheesh.
- I'm peachy!
6.29.2009
"david! the aliens are coming!"
This weekend was quite packed with fun and such.
After Friday night's night of celtic-ness, I slept over at my parents' house because I was just far too exhausted to drive back to Middletown. I woke up around 11 (thanks mom) and she and i had bagels and a Michael Jackson dance party. We even woke Sarah up with our special rendition of "We are the World" (complete with Dylan, Springsteen, and Lauper impressions). After the dance party ended, I trekked home to prepare for Miss Henderson's arrival.
As soon as she got here (around 2ish), I had quite the day planned. We went to the mini-golf course / arcade near my apartment, came home to freshen up, went to Mechanicsburg to see a friend of mine play some songs from his new album, and met Jason and Fred at the Colosseum. Thanks to Fred, the four of us played games for hours, eventually racking up over 3400 tickets. It was exciting. Based on Megan and I's squeals of delight, you'd think we were winning millions of dollars. We are easy to please. Megan, Jason and I ended out the night drinking and watching Independence Day.
Sunday was much more low key, especially since we had stayed up until 3 am the night prior. My parent's had the three of us over for dinner and we all watched "Dan in Real Life" (which has an extreme awkward factor). Dinner was delish and the company was lovely.
Jason left this morning, and Megan and I ventured into Harrisburg to eat at Roxy's and look around at the capitol. That building is just beautiful.
Busy week ahead. Look for the next blog in a few years (haha).
I'm peachy.
After Friday night's night of celtic-ness, I slept over at my parents' house because I was just far too exhausted to drive back to Middletown. I woke up around 11 (thanks mom) and she and i had bagels and a Michael Jackson dance party. We even woke Sarah up with our special rendition of "We are the World" (complete with Dylan, Springsteen, and Lauper impressions). After the dance party ended, I trekked home to prepare for Miss Henderson's arrival.
As soon as she got here (around 2ish), I had quite the day planned. We went to the mini-golf course / arcade near my apartment, came home to freshen up, went to Mechanicsburg to see a friend of mine play some songs from his new album, and met Jason and Fred at the Colosseum. Thanks to Fred, the four of us played games for hours, eventually racking up over 3400 tickets. It was exciting. Based on Megan and I's squeals of delight, you'd think we were winning millions of dollars. We are easy to please. Megan, Jason and I ended out the night drinking and watching Independence Day.
Sunday was much more low key, especially since we had stayed up until 3 am the night prior. My parent's had the three of us over for dinner and we all watched "Dan in Real Life" (which has an extreme awkward factor). Dinner was delish and the company was lovely.
Jason left this morning, and Megan and I ventured into Harrisburg to eat at Roxy's and look around at the capitol. That building is just beautiful.
Busy week ahead. Look for the next blog in a few years (haha).
I'm peachy.
6.27.2009
Darcy's Drunken Donkey
Tonight, Amanda and I ventured to Mt. Hope and attended the opening night of Celtic Fling, which is held on the grounds of the Mt. Hope Estates and Winery (AKA the home of the PA Renaissance Faire). Even though most of the vendors weren't there and there was limited food, we had an absolutely fabulous time.
I got a beer in a beautiful mug (which I could have had refilled if I wanted to wait in a ridiculous line). It was some type of "gold" beer. Very light and very delicious. Amanda and I also had "drunken chicken" (why it's called that, we have no idea) and baked beans.
There were three celtic rock artists there tonight, and we got to see all three. Gaelic Storm was the headliner and they were fantastic. They had us on our feet, clapping our hands, and dancing all over the place. I clapped so much that my engagement ring wore a little sore on my pinkie finger! Pictures to come, here and / or on facebook. I want to go back tomorrow and sunday (which would be expensive) to see the "feis" (Irish dance competition), highland games, and "freckliest person" contest. I think I could do well in the latter.
Megan arrives tomorrow! Jason comes home tomorrow! I very well may have gotten an A in my summer class!
I really want to make a CD of some great Michael Jackson tunes. I keep missing the radio marathons. I heard a song today that I had never heard by him, but apparently was very popular, "Dirty Diana." Also, NPR did a really nice little bio of Jackson and an analysis of the media coverage of his death. They gave major kudos to MTV for returning to its roots to show the real genius that was.
My save the dates came in today and they look beautiful! Nancy is the best for designing them. :) If you don't get one, don't feel offended. We're only sending them to family and friends who live farther away. Most of my friends and Jason's friends are up on the details already.
I'm peachy.
I got a beer in a beautiful mug (which I could have had refilled if I wanted to wait in a ridiculous line). It was some type of "gold" beer. Very light and very delicious. Amanda and I also had "drunken chicken" (why it's called that, we have no idea) and baked beans.
There were three celtic rock artists there tonight, and we got to see all three. Gaelic Storm was the headliner and they were fantastic. They had us on our feet, clapping our hands, and dancing all over the place. I clapped so much that my engagement ring wore a little sore on my pinkie finger! Pictures to come, here and / or on facebook. I want to go back tomorrow and sunday (which would be expensive) to see the "feis" (Irish dance competition), highland games, and "freckliest person" contest. I think I could do well in the latter.
Megan arrives tomorrow! Jason comes home tomorrow! I very well may have gotten an A in my summer class!
I really want to make a CD of some great Michael Jackson tunes. I keep missing the radio marathons. I heard a song today that I had never heard by him, but apparently was very popular, "Dirty Diana." Also, NPR did a really nice little bio of Jackson and an analysis of the media coverage of his death. They gave major kudos to MTV for returning to its roots to show the real genius that was.
My save the dates came in today and they look beautiful! Nancy is the best for designing them. :) If you don't get one, don't feel offended. We're only sending them to family and friends who live farther away. Most of my friends and Jason's friends are up on the details already.
I'm peachy.
6.26.2009
Yet Another Blog
Jason and I have started our couple blog! It'll be nice for our families and such, especially once we move to Philly. :)
www.theyingers.blogspot.com
Check it out!
www.theyingers.blogspot.com
Check it out!
6.25.2009
irish lace and the waiting game.
Today I finished my coursework for my Master's degree! I handed in my final project for Material Culture, filled out my final SRTE (Penn State's fancy-schmancy name for class evaluations), and left the Penn State Harrisburg campus for a while. I'll go back to talk with my thesis advisors and get stuff signed (and maybe a summer flower photo shoot...), but otherwise, I'm very close to being done. I'm still debating if I'll walk. Part of me wants to just because a couple of my friends are walking in December, and it would be fun to walk with them. I'm celebrating with a Corona (sans lime :( ) and a quesadilla.
The rest of the week is going to be busy busy busy. Tomorrow is my weekly day with Miss Nancy, unless of course her baby decides to be born in the next 12 hours. Our plan is to craft, watch Toy Story, and go to lunch to celebrate the end of my coursework and the halfway point of Nancy's. It's so funny to think that I only met Nancy in January. It was the beginning of the winter semester, and I was dreading going back, but I did and Nancy made the semester so much more awesome. I'm also super excited for her and her husband as they wait for their new baby to make her grand debut! I'm on call most of the weekend to help in anyway I can. They have a really tight knit group at church who can help, but most of those people are parents and have their own kids. Nancy's mom is coming in on Saturday, but she doesn't know her way around, so if they need food, I'll help. If laundry is just getting overwhelming, I'm there. If the baby decides to come on Saturday and Nancy's mom is at the airport, I'm there. I just could not be more excited for this awesome couple.
Tomorrow is also my first (and quite possibly my only) Three Mile Island alarm drill. I don't have to do anything, but at quarter after noon, they're setting off all 96 TMI emergency alarms for three minutes. I'm probably going to forget and piddle in my pants with initial fear. If you don't know what TMI is in this scenario, please wikipedia it. You'll understand my fear. The alarms sound in a 10 mile radius of the station. I live about 1 and a half miles. Eek. I'll be melted!
Friday is probably going to consist of cleaning and hanging with friends. I'm cleaning so thoroughly for two reasons. 1) I'm moving in about a month, so I want to get my security deposit back. 2) My little one is visiting me this weekend! Megan is driving down on Saturday morning and I'm going to show her all the glories of Central PA. I'm seriously excited.
On a side note, I love Mario Kart on Wii. Jason got it for his dad for father's day and we played it for hours (we being Jason, his brother Tim, my sister Sarah, and myself). I want it for our Wii.
I'm really into knitting and crocheting right now. Seriously, it's sad. Thankfully, since all my schoolwork is done, I can crochet whenever I like.
How sad was the last statement?
I'm going to the Finger Lakes in 2 weeks. It's going to be awesome...
I really like Dove bar soap in green tea and cucumber.
Jason and I really need a name for our blog. Something witty. I'm starting it when we move in together. That way our parents and families and friends know what is going on in our lives.
Wedding planning is going well. Let me just take a moment to say how awesome my bridal party is. First, my bridesmaids have been nothing but easy going and lovely gals. They are pretty much completely outfitted. Dresses, shoes. They're going to look so pretty. Apparently, people who have seen the bridesmaid dresses have told Michele that I'm a really nice bride. Why would I put four of my favorite people in the entire world (two of which I'm related to) in something ugly, expensive, and sad? My favorite part of their ensemble is the shoes. Target = awesome. I know when the wedding gets closer and things kick into high gear, my girls will be around to help. I also don't want to leave out my guest book attendants / program hander-outers / honorary flower girls, Megan and Maeve and my musician, Doug. Music is super important to me and I know Doug will make the ceremony's atmosphere just amazing. The girls will also be a ton of help. Maeve is also doing the bridal party's hair on the day of, so I'm going to look awesome (toot toot).
Well, I think that's it. Tomorrow starts another round of working out, which I hope sticks this time. I also need a job. So much entry.
I'm peachy!
The rest of the week is going to be busy busy busy. Tomorrow is my weekly day with Miss Nancy, unless of course her baby decides to be born in the next 12 hours. Our plan is to craft, watch Toy Story, and go to lunch to celebrate the end of my coursework and the halfway point of Nancy's. It's so funny to think that I only met Nancy in January. It was the beginning of the winter semester, and I was dreading going back, but I did and Nancy made the semester so much more awesome. I'm also super excited for her and her husband as they wait for their new baby to make her grand debut! I'm on call most of the weekend to help in anyway I can. They have a really tight knit group at church who can help, but most of those people are parents and have their own kids. Nancy's mom is coming in on Saturday, but she doesn't know her way around, so if they need food, I'll help. If laundry is just getting overwhelming, I'm there. If the baby decides to come on Saturday and Nancy's mom is at the airport, I'm there. I just could not be more excited for this awesome couple.
Tomorrow is also my first (and quite possibly my only) Three Mile Island alarm drill. I don't have to do anything, but at quarter after noon, they're setting off all 96 TMI emergency alarms for three minutes. I'm probably going to forget and piddle in my pants with initial fear. If you don't know what TMI is in this scenario, please wikipedia it. You'll understand my fear. The alarms sound in a 10 mile radius of the station. I live about 1 and a half miles. Eek. I'll be melted!
Friday is probably going to consist of cleaning and hanging with friends. I'm cleaning so thoroughly for two reasons. 1) I'm moving in about a month, so I want to get my security deposit back. 2) My little one is visiting me this weekend! Megan is driving down on Saturday morning and I'm going to show her all the glories of Central PA. I'm seriously excited.
On a side note, I love Mario Kart on Wii. Jason got it for his dad for father's day and we played it for hours (we being Jason, his brother Tim, my sister Sarah, and myself). I want it for our Wii.
I'm really into knitting and crocheting right now. Seriously, it's sad. Thankfully, since all my schoolwork is done, I can crochet whenever I like.
How sad was the last statement?
I'm going to the Finger Lakes in 2 weeks. It's going to be awesome...
I really like Dove bar soap in green tea and cucumber.
Jason and I really need a name for our blog. Something witty. I'm starting it when we move in together. That way our parents and families and friends know what is going on in our lives.
Wedding planning is going well. Let me just take a moment to say how awesome my bridal party is. First, my bridesmaids have been nothing but easy going and lovely gals. They are pretty much completely outfitted. Dresses, shoes. They're going to look so pretty. Apparently, people who have seen the bridesmaid dresses have told Michele that I'm a really nice bride. Why would I put four of my favorite people in the entire world (two of which I'm related to) in something ugly, expensive, and sad? My favorite part of their ensemble is the shoes. Target = awesome. I know when the wedding gets closer and things kick into high gear, my girls will be around to help. I also don't want to leave out my guest book attendants / program hander-outers / honorary flower girls, Megan and Maeve and my musician, Doug. Music is super important to me and I know Doug will make the ceremony's atmosphere just amazing. The girls will also be a ton of help. Maeve is also doing the bridal party's hair on the day of, so I'm going to look awesome (toot toot).
Well, I think that's it. Tomorrow starts another round of working out, which I hope sticks this time. I also need a job. So much entry.
I'm peachy!
6.15.2009
life.
my dad brought me three old "Life" magazines that a customer gave him this week. One is a 1968 retrospective (the year!), a 1963 issue from March of that year, and the magazine commemorating man's first walk on the moon. the articles are interesting, yes, but the advertisements are even better. American studies nerd, ahoy! If you didn't take Fran Ryan's AMST 100 at La Salle, you should know that advertisements are a fascinating way to study the values of the American people at a given time in our history. The messages they spell out about the ideals of women, men, and society at large are just amazing.
i love historical stuff like this.
i'm peachy.
i love historical stuff like this.
i'm peachy.
6.10.2009
the things that i think.
this has been a very big week, let me tell you.
last weekend, i started moving (slowly but surely) into jason's apartment, which will be mine too at the end of july. we're so excited about this long distance thing coming to an end and the rest of our lives actually beginning. this whole last year has been a year of flux. between college (yay) and marriage (yay). i could categorize it as grad school, but emotionally, it was a giant waiting game. jason and i even bought a sofa and ottoman. they're pretty and arriving on friday!
on sunday, whilst jason was doing paperwork for the couch, my mom called me to ask me something, but also told me that a dear friend of our family friends, the albrights, had passed away. i never met emily, but heard so much about her in the last few years since she became so close with megan (the albright's daughter). emily was even one of patriot news' best and brightest. she went to penn state with megan, went to camp with megan, and was really active in THON (penn state's annual dance marathon fundraiser for the four diamonds fund). even though i had never met her (my sister went to camp with emily too, so she knew her), i feel sad when i think about her death. lots of people die everyday, so why should this get me upset? who knows. i guess it shows that i'm delightfully human. i really feel sorry for her family (of course) and megan. megan is like a little sister to me and to see her in such pain makes me very sad. sarah and megan go to nawakwa this week, so hopefully some healing can begin and emily can be remembered.
my sister and i had a discussion recently. for a long time, she didn't get my obsession with the masque. for a long time, i didn't get her obsession with nawakwa. however, one day it dawned on us: the masque is my nawakwa. the people i need to get my act together, or just feel better are in the masque. when my sister has had a troubling week, she heads one hour south to nawakwa. i have a piece of the stage, she has a painted rock. i don't really know her camp friends, aside from the ones from yg, and she doesn't really know my masque friends (aside from the few she has met because they crashed at our house or she visited me at school.) i'm glad i have a place (ocean city nj is my other "place.") i'm glad sarah and megan have a place. it's good to know.
i also decided this week to postpone grad school graduation until december. i was rushing though my thesis and it was not turning into anything i'd want to present to an employer or publisher. that is the whole point of the thesis, so why not make sure it works out? now i get to read whole books for research, rather than just skim for info. it's a good feeling.
i picked up my wedding dress from the bridal shop. i need to get it altered, but thats not until december. it's so pretty! sigh.
i'm glad i got that all out.
i'm peachy.
last weekend, i started moving (slowly but surely) into jason's apartment, which will be mine too at the end of july. we're so excited about this long distance thing coming to an end and the rest of our lives actually beginning. this whole last year has been a year of flux. between college (yay) and marriage (yay). i could categorize it as grad school, but emotionally, it was a giant waiting game. jason and i even bought a sofa and ottoman. they're pretty and arriving on friday!
on sunday, whilst jason was doing paperwork for the couch, my mom called me to ask me something, but also told me that a dear friend of our family friends, the albrights, had passed away. i never met emily, but heard so much about her in the last few years since she became so close with megan (the albright's daughter). emily was even one of patriot news' best and brightest. she went to penn state with megan, went to camp with megan, and was really active in THON (penn state's annual dance marathon fundraiser for the four diamonds fund). even though i had never met her (my sister went to camp with emily too, so she knew her), i feel sad when i think about her death. lots of people die everyday, so why should this get me upset? who knows. i guess it shows that i'm delightfully human. i really feel sorry for her family (of course) and megan. megan is like a little sister to me and to see her in such pain makes me very sad. sarah and megan go to nawakwa this week, so hopefully some healing can begin and emily can be remembered.
my sister and i had a discussion recently. for a long time, she didn't get my obsession with the masque. for a long time, i didn't get her obsession with nawakwa. however, one day it dawned on us: the masque is my nawakwa. the people i need to get my act together, or just feel better are in the masque. when my sister has had a troubling week, she heads one hour south to nawakwa. i have a piece of the stage, she has a painted rock. i don't really know her camp friends, aside from the ones from yg, and she doesn't really know my masque friends (aside from the few she has met because they crashed at our house or she visited me at school.) i'm glad i have a place (ocean city nj is my other "place.") i'm glad sarah and megan have a place. it's good to know.
i also decided this week to postpone grad school graduation until december. i was rushing though my thesis and it was not turning into anything i'd want to present to an employer or publisher. that is the whole point of the thesis, so why not make sure it works out? now i get to read whole books for research, rather than just skim for info. it's a good feeling.
i picked up my wedding dress from the bridal shop. i need to get it altered, but thats not until december. it's so pretty! sigh.
i'm glad i got that all out.
i'm peachy.
5.19.2009
Decisions, decisions...
So, I'm going to soon go to just two personal blogs. One will be Jason and I's blog and the other will remain Chex in the City (the wordpress one). I'm getting rid of my trivia blog (that no one reads) and my manifest destiny blog (that i don't keep up with). I'm keeping my movie blog and soon inviting others to write in it (the person I started it with doesn't keep up and I'd love more movie watchers to help me keep it going). I will also continue to write in 'skinny jeans', because why not.
I do need to make some decisions about my new blog (which will premiere sometime this summer).
1. Wordpress or Blogger? I have accounts on both and like both...so which one?
2. What shall I call Jason and I's blog?
3. Who will make me a sweet thing-at-the-top-of-the-blog?
That's really all. Advice, ideas, and suggestions please!
I'm peachy.
I do need to make some decisions about my new blog (which will premiere sometime this summer).
1. Wordpress or Blogger? I have accounts on both and like both...so which one?
2. What shall I call Jason and I's blog?
3. Who will make me a sweet thing-at-the-top-of-the-blog?
That's really all. Advice, ideas, and suggestions please!
I'm peachy.
5.08.2009
Pretty Awesome Day.
Today, two great things happened to me.
1. I finished my assistantship. That means I'm done working for Penn State and I have one class and a thesis standing in my way of a Master's degree. I'm ready to move on to bigger and better things.
2. I bought my wedding dress today! I did not expect to find the dress on this trip, and even if I did, I had one I really liked at David's Bridal. However, there was something about this dress that was just perfect. Even in pictures, I'm not totally sure what made me love it, but when I had it on and looked at it in the mirror, I knew it was the one. I never would have guessed that my dress would look like this either. Crazy.
I'm peachy.
1. I finished my assistantship. That means I'm done working for Penn State and I have one class and a thesis standing in my way of a Master's degree. I'm ready to move on to bigger and better things.
2. I bought my wedding dress today! I did not expect to find the dress on this trip, and even if I did, I had one I really liked at David's Bridal. However, there was something about this dress that was just perfect. Even in pictures, I'm not totally sure what made me love it, but when I had it on and looked at it in the mirror, I knew it was the one. I never would have guessed that my dress would look like this either. Crazy.
I'm peachy.
5.07.2009
Ch-ch-ch-changes.
Note the nice little changes on the side of my blog.
I can now see who has updated and when, instead of visiting people's blogs for no reason.
The second set is of blogs that I look at almost everyday.
The third is blogs that deal with my old interest of crafting and my new interest of (gasp!) cooking.
I'm peachy.
I can now see who has updated and when, instead of visiting people's blogs for no reason.
The second set is of blogs that I look at almost everyday.
The third is blogs that deal with my old interest of crafting and my new interest of (gasp!) cooking.
I'm peachy.
Decisions, decisions....
I love to blog. I think we all know this.
However, I think once I get married, I'm going to stop blogging in this specific blog. Leave my old boyfriends, petty grievances, and single life behind. I might get the whole thing printed and bind it together. That could be nice. I'll still continue my trivia blog, my movie blog, my fitness blog, and my wordpress blog (which is quality, when I write in it), but this one needs to be laid to rest after March 6, 2010.
I'm going dress shopping tomorrow, which is a lot of fun. David's Bridal (which is where I've already looked) is having it's almost-daily dress sale this month, so I'm sure I'll be over there soon. Wedding planning is going to get kicked into high gear, as mom and I want most of it planned by the time I move to Philly in August. Speaking of which, I have been applying for THE MOST ridiculous jobs, just because there isn't a whole lot out there for me. The humanities jobs are not plentiful.
I'm so ready to move back to Philly. I'm ready to go to bars with the old hats and have time to have those meaningful friendships back in my life, as well as spending a lot more time with my fiance. This whole long-distance thing is no fun, and we are both ready for it to be over. Now. I want seeing my friends to be less like a reunion everytime and more like actual friendships. I was thinking recently about my college friends, the various ones that I've had over the years, and the ones that I want to keep, I really miss everyday, especially the ones that have been more difficult to maintain because of distance. I think Amy is the best example. We were very close for the time we were at school, and I got to spend quality time with her last year too. However, this year I've seen her only a few times and we never get the chance to have "sistah" time anymore. Lamesauce. That's going to change next year...seriously.
That's all. My last project for the semester gets turned in tomorrow, my sister is home, and I anticipate the next week or so to be very productive before I start my LAST class of graduate school (perhaps ever). Yay!
Final thought: I'm going to get crafty soon. More so than now. Nancy can sew and stuff and I want to get good at quilting and other assorted practical crafts. :)
I'm peachy!
However, I think once I get married, I'm going to stop blogging in this specific blog. Leave my old boyfriends, petty grievances, and single life behind. I might get the whole thing printed and bind it together. That could be nice. I'll still continue my trivia blog, my movie blog, my fitness blog, and my wordpress blog (which is quality, when I write in it), but this one needs to be laid to rest after March 6, 2010.
I'm going dress shopping tomorrow, which is a lot of fun. David's Bridal (which is where I've already looked) is having it's almost-daily dress sale this month, so I'm sure I'll be over there soon. Wedding planning is going to get kicked into high gear, as mom and I want most of it planned by the time I move to Philly in August. Speaking of which, I have been applying for THE MOST ridiculous jobs, just because there isn't a whole lot out there for me. The humanities jobs are not plentiful.
I'm so ready to move back to Philly. I'm ready to go to bars with the old hats and have time to have those meaningful friendships back in my life, as well as spending a lot more time with my fiance. This whole long-distance thing is no fun, and we are both ready for it to be over. Now. I want seeing my friends to be less like a reunion everytime and more like actual friendships. I was thinking recently about my college friends, the various ones that I've had over the years, and the ones that I want to keep, I really miss everyday, especially the ones that have been more difficult to maintain because of distance. I think Amy is the best example. We were very close for the time we were at school, and I got to spend quality time with her last year too. However, this year I've seen her only a few times and we never get the chance to have "sistah" time anymore. Lamesauce. That's going to change next year...seriously.
That's all. My last project for the semester gets turned in tomorrow, my sister is home, and I anticipate the next week or so to be very productive before I start my LAST class of graduate school (perhaps ever). Yay!
Final thought: I'm going to get crafty soon. More so than now. Nancy can sew and stuff and I want to get good at quilting and other assorted practical crafts. :)
I'm peachy!
4.28.2009
one of us...
Pennsylvania's senior Senator, Arlen Specter, just switched parties from Republican to Democrat. PA just got a little bluer...in a good way.
I've been a big fan of Specter for years. He's done a lot for Pennsylvania. He is on the Committee for Appropriations, as well as the Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee. He also survived brain cancer, so it makes him kinda awesome.
What I'm really impressed by is the fact that he switched parties at all. He has always been an independent thinker. He was quoted today as saying that "he does not represent the Republican party, but the people of Pennsylvania." I don't want a person who will just tow the party line, but do what is right for his constituents. If he doesn't tow the Democrat line, he will get criticized, but I'll be happier if he thinks for himself.
I wish there weren't any parties, but I'm glad someone can have the decency to switch when necessary.
On another note, to the morons who approved the Air Force One (sans Obama) fly-over above New York City:
YOU'RE BIG FAT JERKS.
How dumb does one person have to be to think that was a good idea. It wasn't even for training or security. It was a photo-op. Gee whiz.
Lunchtime. What an exciting day.
I'm peachy!
I've been a big fan of Specter for years. He's done a lot for Pennsylvania. He is on the Committee for Appropriations, as well as the Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee. He also survived brain cancer, so it makes him kinda awesome.
What I'm really impressed by is the fact that he switched parties at all. He has always been an independent thinker. He was quoted today as saying that "he does not represent the Republican party, but the people of Pennsylvania." I don't want a person who will just tow the party line, but do what is right for his constituents. If he doesn't tow the Democrat line, he will get criticized, but I'll be happier if he thinks for himself.
I wish there weren't any parties, but I'm glad someone can have the decency to switch when necessary.
On another note, to the morons who approved the Air Force One (sans Obama) fly-over above New York City:
YOU'RE BIG FAT JERKS.
How dumb does one person have to be to think that was a good idea. It wasn't even for training or security. It was a photo-op. Gee whiz.
Lunchtime. What an exciting day.
I'm peachy!
4.22.2009
There's light at the end of the tunnel...
...and no, it's not a train.
I can finally see the end of the year approaching and I could not be more excited for life after a master's degree. I have two rough drafts completed (out of four papers) and the other two papers are started. Our project for American childhood is slowly but surely coming along. I'm excited for Material Culture this summer, as well as my thesis. It just all feels good.
My allergies have been a bitch lately, trying to keep me from getting things done. Silly allergies.
Babies everywhere update: My cousin Devin had her baby! Cayden Scott Alexander was born on April 17th and the whole family is just so excited. My old Masque advisor, Dawn, is in labor with her second baby (fondly known right now as "indiana jones") right this minute. Other than that, all the other ladies getting ready for their children are still playing the waiting game. I'm sorta petrified that one day when Nancy and I are hanging out this summer, her baby will decide that is the time to come. At least she lives at a hospital...
That's really it for now.
I'm peachy.
I can finally see the end of the year approaching and I could not be more excited for life after a master's degree. I have two rough drafts completed (out of four papers) and the other two papers are started. Our project for American childhood is slowly but surely coming along. I'm excited for Material Culture this summer, as well as my thesis. It just all feels good.
My allergies have been a bitch lately, trying to keep me from getting things done. Silly allergies.
Babies everywhere update: My cousin Devin had her baby! Cayden Scott Alexander was born on April 17th and the whole family is just so excited. My old Masque advisor, Dawn, is in labor with her second baby (fondly known right now as "indiana jones") right this minute. Other than that, all the other ladies getting ready for their children are still playing the waiting game. I'm sorta petrified that one day when Nancy and I are hanging out this summer, her baby will decide that is the time to come. At least she lives at a hospital...
That's really it for now.
I'm peachy.
3.25.2009
Are YOU Motivated?
Ugh.
That's the best word to describe schoolwork/assistantship/my work ethic for the last eight weeks. I just couldn't get my rear in gear, and even worse, I was reverting back to all of my bad undergrad habits, such as:
- PROCRASTINATING like it was my job.
- Waiting to start my term papers until much later in the game.
- Taking any opportunity to not go to work or do school work (Thanks Brant...)
The lowest point (although I had a ton of fun) came on Monday when Brant asked me if I wanted to go to Philadelphia for the day with his wife and their friend (and their beautiful baby girl, Annie). I was printing out a paper and without even thinking, I said "yes", stuck the paper in my professor's mailbox, and high-tailed it out of there. I felt guilty all day. I didn't even see Jason while I was down there! It was so weird, but fun, but the guilt plagued me all day. After I got my car issues sorted out (a tale for another entry), I sat down and wrote a damn good paper. Then today at work I was focused and did a ton of work AND another paper. This evening I cleaned and wrote half of another paper.
I think I'll be OK. I think I'll graduate in August.
Phew.
I'm peachy.
That's the best word to describe schoolwork/assistantship/my work ethic for the last eight weeks. I just couldn't get my rear in gear, and even worse, I was reverting back to all of my bad undergrad habits, such as:
- PROCRASTINATING like it was my job.
- Waiting to start my term papers until much later in the game.
- Taking any opportunity to not go to work or do school work (Thanks Brant...)
The lowest point (although I had a ton of fun) came on Monday when Brant asked me if I wanted to go to Philadelphia for the day with his wife and their friend (and their beautiful baby girl, Annie). I was printing out a paper and without even thinking, I said "yes", stuck the paper in my professor's mailbox, and high-tailed it out of there. I felt guilty all day. I didn't even see Jason while I was down there! It was so weird, but fun, but the guilt plagued me all day. After I got my car issues sorted out (a tale for another entry), I sat down and wrote a damn good paper. Then today at work I was focused and did a ton of work AND another paper. This evening I cleaned and wrote half of another paper.
I think I'll be OK. I think I'll graduate in August.
Phew.
I'm peachy.
3.20.2009
Cat-muzzles.
Woah!
The last month went incredibly fast! I didn't even realize that I hadn't written in this blog in that span of time. Phew.
So, what's new?
1. I CAN HEAR THE BELLS
- Jason, our moms, and I have done a ton of wedding planning. So far, the church is booked, flowers are booked, and the hunt for reception sites, bridesmaids dresses, and other minor details are on the way. I'm going tomorrow with Jill (my future mom-in-law), Mom, and (baby / doctor's willing) Nancy to shop for WEDDING DRESSES! Not that it didn't sink in before, but its getting to me that I'M GETTING MARRIED TO THE BEST PERSON IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD! My friend Nancy and her husband remind me of Jason and myself, mainly in how they relate to each other. Hopefully soon, two of the other couples in my program and I are going to have dinner sometime and it's going to be fun. :)
2. BABIES EVERYWHERE
- The other day I realized that I'm at that age where a lot of people I know are having babies (me not one of them, duh). Nancy is having a little girl (who I will call various fruit names for years). My cousins Devin and Sasha (who are sisters) are having a little boy and a little girl within about a month of each other. One of the other assistants is pregnant, various people from school had babies, and it's just crazy. I have to start crafting for Nancy soon....
3. BFF
- Last night I spent the evening with Sara and it was so nice to spend time with her and just her. The only thing that could have made the night better would have been if Michele was there too. We saw the show, which was hilarious, mingled like big girls (and saw the illustrious, wonderful Michael Borton!), then sat on the stairs like little kids and talked and giggled. :)
4. SCHOOLS OUT...IN AUGUST
- I'm almost officially graduating in August. I'll walk in December (as per the suggestion of a variety of people), but I'll be done in about 4 months. Thank goodness; I'm burned out.
5. OTHER STUFF
- I'm writing in a new blog "Skinny Jeans"
- I'll be living in Philadelphia starting in August.
- Jason bought a Wii!
- I've recently become obsessed with citrus in my food.
- I have a presentation tomorrow that I'm 50% not prepared for.
- Tomorrow (the 20th...so today...) is free Rita's day and Nancy has never been. It's going to be glorious.
I hope you enjoyed this update into my life. I may abandon this blog upon my marriage, only to start a blog for Jason and I. We'll see. :/
I'm peachy!
The last month went incredibly fast! I didn't even realize that I hadn't written in this blog in that span of time. Phew.
So, what's new?
1. I CAN HEAR THE BELLS
- Jason, our moms, and I have done a ton of wedding planning. So far, the church is booked, flowers are booked, and the hunt for reception sites, bridesmaids dresses, and other minor details are on the way. I'm going tomorrow with Jill (my future mom-in-law), Mom, and (baby / doctor's willing) Nancy to shop for WEDDING DRESSES! Not that it didn't sink in before, but its getting to me that I'M GETTING MARRIED TO THE BEST PERSON IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD! My friend Nancy and her husband remind me of Jason and myself, mainly in how they relate to each other. Hopefully soon, two of the other couples in my program and I are going to have dinner sometime and it's going to be fun. :)
2. BABIES EVERYWHERE
- The other day I realized that I'm at that age where a lot of people I know are having babies (me not one of them, duh). Nancy is having a little girl (who I will call various fruit names for years). My cousins Devin and Sasha (who are sisters) are having a little boy and a little girl within about a month of each other. One of the other assistants is pregnant, various people from school had babies, and it's just crazy. I have to start crafting for Nancy soon....
3. BFF
- Last night I spent the evening with Sara and it was so nice to spend time with her and just her. The only thing that could have made the night better would have been if Michele was there too. We saw the show, which was hilarious, mingled like big girls (and saw the illustrious, wonderful Michael Borton!), then sat on the stairs like little kids and talked and giggled. :)
4. SCHOOLS OUT...IN AUGUST
- I'm almost officially graduating in August. I'll walk in December (as per the suggestion of a variety of people), but I'll be done in about 4 months. Thank goodness; I'm burned out.
5. OTHER STUFF
- I'm writing in a new blog "Skinny Jeans"
- I'll be living in Philadelphia starting in August.
- Jason bought a Wii!
- I've recently become obsessed with citrus in my food.
- I have a presentation tomorrow that I'm 50% not prepared for.
- Tomorrow (the 20th...so today...) is free Rita's day and Nancy has never been. It's going to be glorious.
I hope you enjoyed this update into my life. I may abandon this blog upon my marriage, only to start a blog for Jason and I. We'll see. :/
I'm peachy!
2.19.2009
Megan's less-popular lavender marker.
Today was a pretty good day, especially in comparison to the rest of the week.
Last night I went to Mom and Dad's for dinner (as I do most Wednesdays) and we had tacos. I love tacos. I also got a really nice bag as a gift from a family friend, which I'm planning on using for my trip as my carry on. I got new make-up.
Today just didn't suck. It wasn't super awesome, but it also didn't suck. I nailed down my thesis statement for my actual thesis. I"m pretty psyched about that. I also got an A on a paper and a 100% on another exercise. On both, we can re-submit for better grades. I'm glad I did them right the first time, mainly because I don't have the time to re-do things. The 100% paper was really just a review graded for certain grammar and style things. I now can:
- use "effect" as a noun AND a verb.
- properly use "whom"
- eliminate "to be" and its various lame forms from my writing, for a more exciting style of prose.
I'm thrilled. I'm also a huge nerd. sigh.
I'm peachy.
Last night I went to Mom and Dad's for dinner (as I do most Wednesdays) and we had tacos. I love tacos. I also got a really nice bag as a gift from a family friend, which I'm planning on using for my trip as my carry on. I got new make-up.
Today just didn't suck. It wasn't super awesome, but it also didn't suck. I nailed down my thesis statement for my actual thesis. I"m pretty psyched about that. I also got an A on a paper and a 100% on another exercise. On both, we can re-submit for better grades. I'm glad I did them right the first time, mainly because I don't have the time to re-do things. The 100% paper was really just a review graded for certain grammar and style things. I now can:
- use "effect" as a noun AND a verb.
- properly use "whom"
- eliminate "to be" and its various lame forms from my writing, for a more exciting style of prose.
I'm thrilled. I'm also a huge nerd. sigh.
I'm peachy.
2.17.2009
Megan's Purple Marker
The last two weeks were some of the most stressful of my life. I had to make sure that I got work done during the week so that I didn't fall behind during my jam-packed weekends. Don't misunderstand me. I had a wonderful time visiting my sister (during the most stressful weekend of her life) in North Carolina, where it was warm and sunny. A preview of spring, if you will. I was really happy to have the chance to speak at La Salle, even if I feel like I fell short a bit, especially in comparison to Father Frank and Dr. Kling. Those are difficult acts to follow (or proceed, in this case). I got to spend time with almost everyone at La Salle, which was nice, including alumni. I was beyond thrilled to finally see Jess, Sara, Mary, Gwen, Lou, Amy, Jo Anna, Chris, Greg, Davey, and Bill (I'm sure I'm forgetting someone). I don't get to see any of them enough.
However, on Sunday, I literally collapsed. I thought I would just be really tired (as per my last blog), but I laid around most of the day, and I'm pretty sure I had a low-grade fever. I was achy and such as well. I'm glad I don't feel like that anymore either.
This week I am determined to relax a bit, but still getting things done. I have no where to be this weekend (for once), so I can work fewer hours a day during the week, concentrating on my school-work, and relaxing a little each day. Maybe I'll exercise a little too.
This weekend will be dedicated to wedding planning, school-work, and relaxing. Maybe a round of engagement pictures. Nancy asked Jason and I to pose for her so she can try out some locations in the area.
Next weekend will be fun, but hopefully relaxing again. I may help with Improv 101 auditions...I'm really excited to improvize again. I think it will be just the stress-reliever I need.
I'm also planning a trip to New Orleans for the Popular Culture Association / American Culture Association National Conference, and it's been stressful planning. I've only once before booked my own hotel and never before booked a plane ticket. I also LOVE to fly (there is sarcasm in that statement), so there's that too. I'm pysched to go, but not in the getting there. At least Jason is going with me. I've never flown without my family either. Sigh.
I just thought I'd update my readership (as small as it may be now).
I'm peachy.
*edit*: michele muller is so very insightful. she pointed out that jason is family now, so i still will not be flying without family. :)
However, on Sunday, I literally collapsed. I thought I would just be really tired (as per my last blog), but I laid around most of the day, and I'm pretty sure I had a low-grade fever. I was achy and such as well. I'm glad I don't feel like that anymore either.
This week I am determined to relax a bit, but still getting things done. I have no where to be this weekend (for once), so I can work fewer hours a day during the week, concentrating on my school-work, and relaxing a little each day. Maybe I'll exercise a little too.
This weekend will be dedicated to wedding planning, school-work, and relaxing. Maybe a round of engagement pictures. Nancy asked Jason and I to pose for her so she can try out some locations in the area.
Next weekend will be fun, but hopefully relaxing again. I may help with Improv 101 auditions...I'm really excited to improvize again. I think it will be just the stress-reliever I need.
I'm also planning a trip to New Orleans for the Popular Culture Association / American Culture Association National Conference, and it's been stressful planning. I've only once before booked my own hotel and never before booked a plane ticket. I also LOVE to fly (there is sarcasm in that statement), so there's that too. I'm pysched to go, but not in the getting there. At least Jason is going with me. I've never flown without my family either. Sigh.
I just thought I'd update my readership (as small as it may be now).
I'm peachy.
*edit*: michele muller is so very insightful. she pointed out that jason is family now, so i still will not be flying without family. :)
2.05.2009
woah.
So in the last few hours, I just realized how busy the next week is going to be:
Tomorrow: Work, class, work, class, Jason comes home because...
Friday: Jason and I are driving to North Carolina to visit my little sister for her birthday. We'll be there (hopefully basking in the warm weather) until Sunday. I'm sure LOTS of homework will get done. (ha).
Monday: Back to work, class, work, class.
Tuesday: Work, class, work, class.
Wednesday: Work, class (turn in everything that is due on Thursday...because...
Thursday: I'm speaking at a symposium for the Masque about the American experience and 9/11 (or something like that). I have to miss a day of classes (woo) and I get something to put on my CV. However, I'm really nervous about it.
Friday: Who knows.
Saturday: Valentine's day dinner...with Jason, Nik, and Allison, then seeing "Recent Tragic Events".
Sunday: collapse.
On another note, my mom and I went to the mall tonight to get cards and such, and this car was following us very closely. Then it followed us into the parking lot...then parked next to us. and looked at us. He was a real creeper.
So tired, and I haven't done anything yet!
I'm peachy.
Tomorrow: Work, class, work, class, Jason comes home because...
Friday: Jason and I are driving to North Carolina to visit my little sister for her birthday. We'll be there (hopefully basking in the warm weather) until Sunday. I'm sure LOTS of homework will get done. (ha).
Monday: Back to work, class, work, class.
Tuesday: Work, class, work, class.
Wednesday: Work, class (turn in everything that is due on Thursday...because...
Thursday: I'm speaking at a symposium for the Masque about the American experience and 9/11 (or something like that). I have to miss a day of classes (woo) and I get something to put on my CV. However, I'm really nervous about it.
Friday: Who knows.
Saturday: Valentine's day dinner...with Jason, Nik, and Allison, then seeing "Recent Tragic Events".
Sunday: collapse.
On another note, my mom and I went to the mall tonight to get cards and such, and this car was following us very closely. Then it followed us into the parking lot...then parked next to us. and looked at us. He was a real creeper.
So tired, and I haven't done anything yet!
I'm peachy.
2.02.2009
Being a big girl.
So, following my last rant (entry), things have gotten a lot better.
About 12 hours after that angry passage, I met the person who has been my life-raft this semester. She's the newest grad student and assistant in the American Studies Department and she's very cool. We've actually gone on adventures together and such. Nancy was part of what was missing at Penn State: a grad student / friend. The others are cool, but Nancy and I just clicked. We also have three classes together, which helps.
15 credits has been pretty crazy...at times, overwhelming. However, I'll make it through.
I'm attending two conferences this semester. The first is in Elizabethtown (the Mid-Atlantic American Studies Association) over the last weekend in March. Fortunately, time still allows me to attend all the festivities going on at La Salle that weekend (the most crucial to me being the Improv 101 alumni show). The second is in New Orleans, Lousiana (the Pop Culture / American Culture Associations' Conference). I'm pretty excited / nervous / freaking out about them both.
I'm dramaturging PSU Harrisburg's production of Grease...mainly so my theatrical resume will have something on it for 2009.
I'm currently addicted to my giant tub of Jelly-Bellys. Thanks Nancy.
Life is calming down. It is good. I'm getting used to not seeing Jason everyday, mainly by keeping myself so busy on the off days that my mind is otherwise occupied.
This weekend I'm going to North Carolina with Jason to visit my little sister. Jason's never been to High Point and seen Sarah's school, so we figured her 20th b-day / winter parent's weekend was a good time. :D
The following weekend I'll be in Philly for Recent Tragic Events and Valentine's Day.
So...that's it!
I'm peachy!
About 12 hours after that angry passage, I met the person who has been my life-raft this semester. She's the newest grad student and assistant in the American Studies Department and she's very cool. We've actually gone on adventures together and such. Nancy was part of what was missing at Penn State: a grad student / friend. The others are cool, but Nancy and I just clicked. We also have three classes together, which helps.
15 credits has been pretty crazy...at times, overwhelming. However, I'll make it through.
I'm attending two conferences this semester. The first is in Elizabethtown (the Mid-Atlantic American Studies Association) over the last weekend in March. Fortunately, time still allows me to attend all the festivities going on at La Salle that weekend (the most crucial to me being the Improv 101 alumni show). The second is in New Orleans, Lousiana (the Pop Culture / American Culture Associations' Conference). I'm pretty excited / nervous / freaking out about them both.
I'm dramaturging PSU Harrisburg's production of Grease...mainly so my theatrical resume will have something on it for 2009.
I'm currently addicted to my giant tub of Jelly-Bellys. Thanks Nancy.
Life is calming down. It is good. I'm getting used to not seeing Jason everyday, mainly by keeping myself so busy on the off days that my mind is otherwise occupied.
This weekend I'm going to North Carolina with Jason to visit my little sister. Jason's never been to High Point and seen Sarah's school, so we figured her 20th b-day / winter parent's weekend was a good time. :D
The following weekend I'll be in Philly for Recent Tragic Events and Valentine's Day.
So...that's it!
I'm peachy!
1.12.2009
Seven More Months?!
This break has been pretty good. I (tried to) relax (I found out that I really can't...). I got engaged and spent copious time with my fiance (who I still refer to as my boyfriend). I went to Philly and saw my best friend not once, but twice! I had a wonderful Christmas (even if one omitted the aforementioned engagement).
But now I have to go back to school.
I don't wanna.
This is the first time in the history of history that I didn't want to go to school. Even before I knew exactly what school entailed, I knew I wanted to be there. It's where the action was. When I was about to start kindergarten, my school district experienced a teacher's strike. I was five, so I wasn't entirely clear on the labor relations front in 1991 and I just assumed I was going to West Creek Hills Elementary on a fateful day in August, as promised. That didn't exactly happen. The district and the teacher's union debated (I can assume) salaries, benefits, and the like. And every day, I would toddle (five year olds toddle, don't they?) into my parents room and look at them with my big brown eyes that hungered to learn and they would tell me that I wasn't going to school. Crushed, I would return to my room, put that day-of-the-week pair of under-roos back in its drawer and place tomorrow's pair out with my first day of school outfit. Then I would toddle with Bunky and blankie in tow down to the family room and watch the 7 am installment of Sesame Street.
How long did little Megan Colleen suffer?
Over a month.
The strike was so long that they had to send the seniors in to school with non-union teachers so that they would graduate on time to attend any early college sessions and get applications in early enough. Finally, the strike ended and on September 30, 1991, I began school. As a side note, this story has an epilogue. When I was in high school, the AP history teachers hosted Trivial Pursuit Nights on Fridays and at the end of the year, they would roast the seniors. In my senior year, I was roasted and received 2 gifts. From my 9th and 11th grade history teacher, a fake Oscar. From my 10th grade teacher (who I attribute my American Studies inspiration to), a copy of Captain Underpants. At a parent-teacher conference, my parents told that little story about my days-of-the-week underpants to the aforementioned teacher and he never forgot. Thanks Mom and Dad.
Anyway, I don't know when I burned out, but I don't want to go back tomorrow. Ugh. Additionally, being engaged makes me want to spend even more time with Jason, so I miss him twice as much as I did before December 25th.
Only seven more months...
I'm peachy.
But now I have to go back to school.
I don't wanna.
This is the first time in the history of history that I didn't want to go to school. Even before I knew exactly what school entailed, I knew I wanted to be there. It's where the action was. When I was about to start kindergarten, my school district experienced a teacher's strike. I was five, so I wasn't entirely clear on the labor relations front in 1991 and I just assumed I was going to West Creek Hills Elementary on a fateful day in August, as promised. That didn't exactly happen. The district and the teacher's union debated (I can assume) salaries, benefits, and the like. And every day, I would toddle (five year olds toddle, don't they?) into my parents room and look at them with my big brown eyes that hungered to learn and they would tell me that I wasn't going to school. Crushed, I would return to my room, put that day-of-the-week pair of under-roos back in its drawer and place tomorrow's pair out with my first day of school outfit. Then I would toddle with Bunky and blankie in tow down to the family room and watch the 7 am installment of Sesame Street.
How long did little Megan Colleen suffer?
Over a month.
The strike was so long that they had to send the seniors in to school with non-union teachers so that they would graduate on time to attend any early college sessions and get applications in early enough. Finally, the strike ended and on September 30, 1991, I began school. As a side note, this story has an epilogue. When I was in high school, the AP history teachers hosted Trivial Pursuit Nights on Fridays and at the end of the year, they would roast the seniors. In my senior year, I was roasted and received 2 gifts. From my 9th and 11th grade history teacher, a fake Oscar. From my 10th grade teacher (who I attribute my American Studies inspiration to), a copy of Captain Underpants. At a parent-teacher conference, my parents told that little story about my days-of-the-week underpants to the aforementioned teacher and he never forgot. Thanks Mom and Dad.
Anyway, I don't know when I burned out, but I don't want to go back tomorrow. Ugh. Additionally, being engaged makes me want to spend even more time with Jason, so I miss him twice as much as I did before December 25th.
Only seven more months...
I'm peachy.
1.04.2009
Dance Rant.
So, I'm watching this show on NBC called "Superstars of Dance".
There are eight nations and each submits a solo, duo, and a group.
The Irish group did what Irish dancers do best. It was awesome.
Then the United State's solo contestant popped.
REALLY? Popping looks cool, but it's not the type of dance that would win you an overall dance competition. Can't we define that as something else? That frustrates me on SYTYCD, a bunch of people get on for being genuinely talented at popping, but then can't maintain the talent because they really can't dance all that well.
Doug tells me that he was a SYTYCD reject. We couldn't get one of the winners?
Sigh.
I'm Peachy.
There are eight nations and each submits a solo, duo, and a group.
The Irish group did what Irish dancers do best. It was awesome.
Then the United State's solo contestant popped.
REALLY? Popping looks cool, but it's not the type of dance that would win you an overall dance competition. Can't we define that as something else? That frustrates me on SYTYCD, a bunch of people get on for being genuinely talented at popping, but then can't maintain the talent because they really can't dance all that well.
Doug tells me that he was a SYTYCD reject. We couldn't get one of the winners?
Sigh.
I'm Peachy.
The year that was...2008.
So, like many of my other friends who blog, it has come time for me to complete a retrospective of "THE YEAR THAT WAS: 2008".
BEST FILM I SAW: The Dark Knight. (I saw Frost / Nixon on the 2nd, so that doesn't really count for 2008).
SADDEST MOMENT: Graduating from La Salle and leaving A-15.
HAPPIEST MOMENT: Getting engaged.
BEST TRIP: (tie) Senior Week in Ocean City, NJ with Sara / North Carolina with the Yinger's.
BEST COMFORT FOOD DISCOVERY: Tomato Soup (with Cheez-it Duos) and a Mousetrap from Roxy's.
BEST NEW FOOD: Cheesy Crab Soup
BEST SNACK FOOD: Crabbies!
BEST CHEESE DISCOVERY: Pepper Jack
PROUDEST MOMENT: Getting my Penn State Scholarship
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT: Finding out that Penn State Harrisburg wasn't what I hoped.
BEST PLEASANT SURPRISE: Getting a random roommate who is awesome!
BEST NEW DRINK: Grasshopper (Thanks Val!)
MOST FRUSTRATING MOMENT: My computer crashing.
BEST CD I BOUGHT: Juno Soundtrack.
MOST SURREAL MOMENT: Barack Obama winning the Presidency / Seeing Obama in person.
(more to come as I think of them...)
Overall, I'd have to say that 2008 was a pretty good year, although when I was half-way through it, I was beginning to believe that the opposite would be true. I hated leaving La Salle and it's happy bubble. I hated not living with my best friends any more. That probably sucked the most (and still sucks). However, I'm halfway through grad school now and can see the light at the end of that tunnel. I'm engaged and I'll spend the next year and change planning the wedding. 2008 was the first full year that Jason and I were together. I had never had that before. Stability is lovely. I have a blog listing my goals by the year 2014. Some are frivolous (Woah! Dream Big!), but some are totally do-able, and one is done already. 2009 will be a big year just in what I have to do in the next year. Phew. One more week until classes start. Less than a week until the 3rd annual Pocononononononononononos trip.
2009, I'm going to kick your ass.
I'm peachy!
BEST FILM I SAW: The Dark Knight. (I saw Frost / Nixon on the 2nd, so that doesn't really count for 2008).
SADDEST MOMENT: Graduating from La Salle and leaving A-15.
HAPPIEST MOMENT: Getting engaged.
BEST TRIP: (tie) Senior Week in Ocean City, NJ with Sara / North Carolina with the Yinger's.
BEST COMFORT FOOD DISCOVERY: Tomato Soup (with Cheez-it Duos) and a Mousetrap from Roxy's.
BEST NEW FOOD: Cheesy Crab Soup
BEST SNACK FOOD: Crabbies!
BEST CHEESE DISCOVERY: Pepper Jack
PROUDEST MOMENT: Getting my Penn State Scholarship
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT: Finding out that Penn State Harrisburg wasn't what I hoped.
BEST PLEASANT SURPRISE: Getting a random roommate who is awesome!
BEST NEW DRINK: Grasshopper (Thanks Val!)
MOST FRUSTRATING MOMENT: My computer crashing.
BEST CD I BOUGHT: Juno Soundtrack.
MOST SURREAL MOMENT: Barack Obama winning the Presidency / Seeing Obama in person.
(more to come as I think of them...)
Overall, I'd have to say that 2008 was a pretty good year, although when I was half-way through it, I was beginning to believe that the opposite would be true. I hated leaving La Salle and it's happy bubble. I hated not living with my best friends any more. That probably sucked the most (and still sucks). However, I'm halfway through grad school now and can see the light at the end of that tunnel. I'm engaged and I'll spend the next year and change planning the wedding. 2008 was the first full year that Jason and I were together. I had never had that before. Stability is lovely. I have a blog listing my goals by the year 2014. Some are frivolous (Woah! Dream Big!), but some are totally do-able, and one is done already. 2009 will be a big year just in what I have to do in the next year. Phew. One more week until classes start. Less than a week until the 3rd annual Pocononononononononononos trip.
2009, I'm going to kick your ass.
I'm peachy!
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