Paris and Brussels

I was quite ignorant. Of course I wanted to see the sights in Paris, but once I actually saw them, I was in awe. Pictures hardly do the city justice. The Arc de Triomphe is so detailed. Napoleon would have been proud if it was only finished before he died.

Having visited the Art Institute hundreds of times in my life I expected to be an expert at the Louvre, but I was quite mistaken. The museum is never ending. It’s not just the art work on the walls though; it’s the ceilings and architecture. Even the bathroom I used (go figure) had a butt of a statue in the window. I wish I had taken the camera in with me.

The hot chocolate in Europe is much better than home. I’m fairly sure that it’s because they put loads of cream in everything. Haha. The Eiffel Tour was also much more magnificent in person. Every facet (I think that’s a word my dad would use) of the tour is beautiful. There are twirls and shapes. It’s actually a light brown color. From pictures I always thought it was black. The line to go up so ridiculously long. We walked across the Seine River and when we looked back the lights were on. Paris is a beautiful city, but like many people have said, it is a little dirty and smelly.

This morning we left for Notre Dame before 8 am in the rain. Dad was of course afraid we would miss our train to Brussels. The cathedral isn’t so big as it is old and high. The ceilings keep going up and up. The stained glass windows aren’t original. It’s very dark inside, no one could read when it was originally built, but when people started to read, they knocked out all the stained glass and put in clear glass. Still the stain glass is beautiful. I wish I knew more about the Catholic saints because there are pictures and statues everywhere. But with my good Jewish upbringing, we didn’t learn about the saints.

Brussels is a quaint little place. There is chocolate, waffles, and French fries EVERYWHERE! Some people may say that it’s heaven. There are castles and the king is home. I didn’t get to meet him though. L We bought mom chocolate from a man who has a shop across from our hotel. He was so nice and gave us free pieces. This city is much more than I had ever expected.

London and Normandy!

Freezin' my tush off on Omaha Beach!

Leaving home was quite emotional, I assumed it would be and it deserves to be. I don't like to cry, but the people I'm leaving deserve more than just tears, they mean the world to be and it'll be difficult to be with out them for the next few months.





Dad and I ran all over London. It was somewhat ridiculous really, but we got to see a lot. After the $100 cab ride, we checked into the hotel. It was a tiny room with squeaky beds and a narrow toilet. Facebook has the pictures! The London Eye was much better than I had expected and dad fully appreciated it for his Christmas present! Dad had such an awesome time seeing everything. I think he really wants to go back, but not as much as he wants to go back to Normandy!





Catching trains to Paris and then Caen was quite a hassle! I could not have gotten my suitcase by myself and I'm so grateful Dad was there to help me! We traveled first class on the trains which will probably be my first and last time of doing that, but getting breakfast, tea, and hot towels is all still fun.





Caen is a quint little town, that is presently decorated beautifully for the holidays! No one in France eats until after 7, at least you can't get dinner out until after seven. It's a weird thing to get used to. There are many parts of the trip so far that I wish other people could be with me, but today, there is no one I would rather share Normandy with than my dad! The day was freezing, absolutely cold and foggy. Despite the weather, it was a terrific learning experience. I was very moved and it's extraordinary to see the cliffs that they had to scale. Omaha lost 3,000 men, while 6,000 were lost on D-day. Half of the casualties were there and all American. It's a difficult place to describe because walking through a cemetery is never a joyful experience, maybe grateful is a good word for it.





I bought a cord for mom's camera to upload the pictures because my camera is pretty dead, we'll see if the PX has a cheap one! Tomorrow we're going back to Paris and then to Brussels the day after.

Christmas picture at the beach and my adorable mom!!

Christmas Eve at Rick and Katie's!

Christmas Eve was so much fun. Everyone was up at Rick's little apartment, but it didn't seen that crowded! Jackie, Tom, Alex, Cindy, Grandpa, Jack, and Anita were all there from Rick's family and my grandma, aunt and uncle were there too! It was just a little stressful during gift opening time, but very fun overall! I even cried when Rick got my this little device that will allow my to talk to my parents over the internet! It was a great gift.


Katie's nephew, Alex!! Adorable.......


Off to Europe in 7 hours!! Ah!

Haha!

Don't ask...just laugh. =)

Freaking out. A little.

Alright, I'm excited, but I'm getting a little worried. I can't wait to go and be in Europe, but packing is a huge job and I'm going to miss my family. Yet, I'll make a new family in Germany, I know, but it won't be quite the same. It's going to be the time of my life...at least until I get to Istanbul!

We're doing Christmas Eve at Rick's and Christmas Day at home, then we'll be on our way to London!!!!!

I went to Nashville for an orietation about Istanbul and I got to meet a lot of the other scholars. They're really going to some incredible places like Chile, Hungary, Moscow, Singapore, Ireland, France, etc. I'm not jealous but I get to go to my own place, but it's still awesome to think about all the experiences that people will have!

19 days...

My dad are leaving for London on Christmas day! Then going to Normandy on the 27th, followed by Paris, Brussels, and Waterloo. By January 2nd, we'll be in Frankfurt to meet the rest of the student teachers. We're going to Spain for a weekend in early February, and Dublin for St. Patrick's Day. Spring break will cover Italy and the open weekends will include Berlin, Amsterdam, Paris, Prague, and Auschwitz.

Before that, I have two papers and three finals. Not too bad, but a big hurdle nonetheless!! (And of course, a LOT of packing!)

Sexual Content

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8SY3AxmmLI

I think this is interesting because although it was made as a joke, it's really not.

The Myth: Humpty Dumpty was a giant egg.

The Facts: Humpty Dumpty was actually the nickname for a large cannon on the wall of St. Mary’s Church in Colchester, England. During the English Civil War (1642–1649), a shot from an enemy cannon damaged the church wall, causing Humpty Dumpty to fall to the ground. Royal sympathizers (“all the king’s men”) tried to perch Humpty Dumpty on another part of the wall. But since the cannon was so heavy, “all the king’s horses and all the king’s men” couldn’t get Humpty back atop the wall.

Thanksgiving Report...

Besides Thanksgiving Day itself, break was fine. I saw The Queen and Bobby, both of which was entertaining. Bobby was an awesome movie and I would highly recommend it for everyone. My mom and I went on some great walks and talk about the past, present, and future (always our favorite topics).

The actual day was less than one would desire. My dad is a completely different person on holidays, as in a bad person. He continually insults my mother, which upsets me. He made my grandma cry and go home and he blows his top for no reason. I wish he'd realize it's not about him, not that he isn't important, but holidays aren't about a specific person, it's just being grateful and being with family.

Oh well...less than a month until Germany.

Home sweet home

Seriously, I'm excited about being at home. Usually I'm stressed and just glad I'm not at school, but I really happy to be with my parents, maybe it's because I'm leaving so soon, (just over a month to departure) I'm not really sure, but I'm going to have a great Thanksgiving. I know it.

I made two pecan pies, a cinnamon coffee cake, and Thursday morning, I'm making a Greek dish that a lady from my temple makes, I hope it's as good as hers! YUM!

Oprah Aftermath!

I had a blast at Oprah. It was a LONG day, but so worth it. I got to spend the whole day with Katie, which was awesome and hasn't happened for a long while. We got to see my parents and Rick, who bought me lunch at Olive Garden! YUM!

John Mayer is so adorable in person!! Although they didn't announce it on TV, we all got the CD! I love the songs, a lot of anti-war and anti-media, even though it's not in your face annoying about it! The rest of the show was random. Dancing with the Stars interviews, a $75 million house, animal reproduction, and John Mayer...hmm...but it was live, so if you didn't get to see it Tuesday, you'll have to wait for the re-run!

OPRAH!!!!!!

On Wednesday, Katie and I are going to see JOHN MAYER on OPRAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHH!!!!

Rachel and Matthew

Rachel and Matt got engaged! Is it weird if I said that I was proud of them? I am happy for them of course, but proud too. I think it takes a lot of courage for a commitment and I'm proud to be able to call them my friends. Plus, I can't wait for the wedding, since I'll be wearing burgundy... =)

Knitting

I knitted this adorable little hat...on accident, but at least it fit my teddy bear. She's beautiful!

Fall Break

I'm home, it's lovely, especially since I'm going back tomorrow. My parents took me to see Little Miss Sunshine. I was literally laughing so hard I had tears running down my cheeks! We went to The Town, a little one screen theater. The owner is an old man who sits at the down with his dog and takes tickets. At intermission, yes there is an intermission, his wife serves coffee as the line forms to get cake and cookies. There are two suits of armor that decorate the sides of the screen as well as shields that hang on the wall. In conclusion, The Town is a gem.

Tomorrow we're driving to Chicago to see Rick and Katie for lunch. Then I'll be heading back to beautiful Muncie to get some homework done. This week will be rough, but for the most part, things are settling down I suppose. I'm leaving for Germany on Christmas day and on January 13th I'm going to Rome to take the Praxis test. If I pass, I'll still be able to graduate in May. We'll see what happens. Everything happens for a reason, right? Right...

Dollar

I took my morning walk today, at 6am as usual. And I found a dollar, in bill form. I smiled the rest of the way and sang "I got a dollar, I got a dollar, I got a dollar hey hey hey..." for a good five minutes.

For your enjoyment...

Hoops

I despise jumping through hoops, that really seems to be what this year has been for me. They're not enjoyable hoops either. It's like Mario having to get six golden coins, then still having to pass the final level only to jump over lava, avoid flying fire balls, and kill the evil man lurking in the cave who has more lives than a black cat on Halloween. Except there is no restart button, or even a pause! Sometimes I just want a breather, but it seems I can't get above water. Or I think I'm close, the surface it right above, the rays of light are filtering in, but then everything changes and the tide comes in, taking me farther from my goal. Having adopted for four years, I would have hoped I'd have fins by now, but no such luck.

Enough with the metaphors, I want to get out of here and graduate. Everytime I think I do enough homework, I still have four more novels to read, or I make great progress on my portfolio and then the rubric is flipped upside down. I want to come home and relax, but my house is so tense and I feel like I'm walking on egg shells not to piss anyone off, but then another part of me doesn't care at all. The three of us sat down and talked, but I feel like it's almost worse now. I want to write down everything that I feel, but I know my roommates read this and I'm sure I would offend someone, even though it's just my own ridiculous OCD tendencies.

I want to be out of Muncie and away from my sister, Ball State is the last thing I need to get rid of to be completely away from the path I once followed to be like Katie. I feel like I'm suffocating because it was the wrong choice for me to come here in the first place. I won't say that I haven't learned or grown, but I think I would have been much better off someone else, somewhere I was passionate about going and free to be myself. I feel like I'm constantly judged here against standards that aren't my own.

Plus, I'm lonely, so I've slept with this boy a couple of times, that I shouldn't sleep with because it's not fair to either one of us. Because it's not real, but I hate sleeping alone. Hate it.

I don't want to alarm anyone, this isn't my usual happy-go-lucky blog, but I needed to vent, and tomorrow is a new day. A day in which I have a midterm on early philosphers in my PoliSci class that is worth 1/4 of my grade, then I'm going to try to give blood again since my iron was too low today.

Awesome.

Decision Point 3

I'm working on homework and passing all my requirements to student teach today! I got back from an awesome trip to Cincinnati to visit Lisa last night. We went to services and danced with the Torah. Watching old men run around with scrolls over 100 years old is incredible. It was like watching someone dance with the love of their life, literally. (and I mean that in a good way) We went out to a brewery for dinner, I met Lisa's brother, Adam, who is adorable. I have a little innocent crush, not gonna lie.

Before I starting working on my homework, I vaccuumed the living room floor so I wouldn't get dog hair on me or my things. I really thought I was getting less OCD, maybe not!

Aida

I saw Aida last night with my summer buddies. I was really impressed. I had no idea what it was about, but I loved it and I can't get enough of the soundtrack now! I cried...I didn't expect that, but obviously it was moving. I'm always a sucker for a good love story.

Aftermath

It's not so much the feeling of hunger that's difficult to deal with, just the intense headaches and tiredness that comes with no food or water. Plus, your throat really hurts, it's dry, scratchy, and raw. I wanted to sleep and I did fall asleep in my 9am Middle East history class, which led to me appologizing to my teacher afterwards.

Another bad part is that when I actually did get to eat, my throat hurt so much it wasn't that enjoyable. Then there is sooo much food, and you want to eat all of it, but you get stuffed so quickly. I was a little sad by how little I could eat. And more sad how huge my stomach feels right now.

In the end, I'm very proud of myself for doing it. I don't know if it was more to prove myself to G-d or to myself, but I'm glad I did it. Here is to a great year. Cheers!

Yom Kippur

Today is the Day of Atonement and on this day Jews fast from sundown to sundown. So I stopped eating yesterday after dinner and ice cream with my family and I won't eat or drink (maybe a little water) until 6pm tonight.

It's crazy, I already have a headache and my throat is soooo dry. I think it'll be worth it.

100th Post...

It's official, as long as I graduate, I'm spending a year here:


http://www.boun.edu.tr/index_eng.html

Most random weekend ever.....

Yesterday Elise, Lani, Naomi, Josh and I went to the James Dean festival!! The three Jewish ladies worked with Lisa (our student rabbi) over the summer in Massachusetts at a camp. They're from Australia and are traveling around the world now! They went to Rosh Hashanah services with me and then to Marion where they were suppose to take the Greyhound to Chicago to catch their flight to Vancouver. After much complications at the bus station, Josh and I decided to take the Ozzies to Chesterton so they could take the South Shore into the city this morning. It was a fun trip up north, after stopping at White Castle, which was disgusting. But of course, seeing my parents, Nelly, and my grandparents was well worth the journey. Besides the girls need to get to the city. Now it's homework time, since I haven't done any in about two weeks. Oops...

Tomato Sandwich

Yesterday (Tuesday, September 19th, 2006) I ate a tomato sandwich. Yes, it's true. If you know me, this is very significant because you wouldn't ever believe it! But by golly, I really did. They were tomatoes from the garden I planted at Dr. Chang's house, and I baked them with olive oil and this Greek spice that my mom always uses. And I ate them, on toast. It was delicious...I can't wait to have my own garden when I grow up.

Rabbi and Mackenzie visit in the same weekend!

This weekend flew by. Friday night I went to services, where Larry unfortunately sang. They were celebrating two couples' anniversaries, one 66 years, the other 50. I can't imagine living with someone for 66 years. That would take a lot of patience. I told Linoy I would help her with Sunday School, teaching the 5-7 year olds.

Before going to temple, I went to Ryan's with Dr. Chang and Grace for his 81st birthday. It was crazy. We were there for 3 hours before I left, while they proceeded to eat. They're like bottomless pits.

Saturday, I went to the Farmer's Market, then to Torah study with Lisa. Kay and Willard (great name) where there too. They're an adorable couple and Kay gave me a great hug. I continued to knitting class, where we started our dish rag. Mine is light yellow and pretty darn cute so far.

DeAnna, Lisa, and I went to lunch at Panera...Lisa and I went for a run...I wanted to die, but I think Lisa was saying prayers for me so I kept going, haha. Ok, but seriously, I haven't run in the longest time.

Hillel took the Rabbi out for dinner, which was delicious, and I think they liked Lisa. Atleast I haven't heard otherwise. We went to see The Last Kiss, which was rather depressing to me, but I did enjoy it for the most part. The previews were so intense though!!!! Every movie they showed made me jump in my seat! We got FROYO (frozen yogurt, if you don't know the terminology) I love Incredible Yogurt because the guy that works there is so cute. haha.

I went to visit Mackenzie, who was in town with Tyler for Mud Volleyball. I love her, end of story.

This morning (Sunday) I went to help with Sunday School, there are only 4 students. It's so different than at home. They don't go enough or long enough. Somehow I volunteered to help teach always, so that'll be interesting, just one more thing I got myself into.

I miss Jamee, who is in Mexico...and I have so much homework. So I'm going to get busy.

DeAnna's Birthday!

Last night DeAnna, Mike, Jen, Chelsea and I went to Cheeseburger in Paraside for DeAnna's 22nd birthday!! I hadn't hung out with her in way too long and it was awesome. It's amazing how much you realize you miss someone when you're finally with them.

And I like Mike, DeAnna's boyfriend. I think he's more comfortable around me now. He's really funny, and loves DeAnna, so that makes me happy! =)

Interfaith Service

Tonight I attended an interfaith service (Jewish and Muslim) at the Universalist Church in Muncie. I found that the Muslims wanted to explain why Jews and Muslims are brothers and sisters (as in Ishmael and Isaac are brothers, son of Abraham) maybe some in attendance did not know this, but if they didn't before the service, they will know now because it was repeated quite frequently. The Jewish side of a little random, very focused on peace, as was the whole service. And on unity.

They talked about how there are extremist and moderates in all religions, but that's as far as they went into the topic of politics. It was agreed that it would not be discussed, but I would have liked to listen to the different points of view.

I met the president of the Muslim Student Association on campus, who happens to be very attractive. Go figure.

There was dinner following, everything was terrific. I ate a lot of food, and everyone ate the cookies I brought. I find this funny, because they were Martin Van Buren cookies, but they had a weird spice, so I think everyone thought they were ethnic.

Anyways, I have to finish a book and a paper by tomorrow at 9am.

And I learned how to knit yesterday. It's exciting, I'm not sure if I like it more than crocheting though. But I'm better and faster at crocheting as of right now, so I'm biased of course.

Akeehal and the Bee

So I just watched Akeehal and the Bee. I would highly recommend it everyone! There was a great quote, which follows:


Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Favorite Quotes

I'm taking my favorite quotes off Facebook, but I didn't have them written down anywhere else. So I'm putting them here so I can reference back when needed.


"Strong and bitter words indicate a weak cause."

"It's really a wonder that I haven't dropped all my ideals, because they seem so absurd and impossible to carry out. Yet I keep them, because in spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart. " ~Anne Frank

"If your success is not on your own terms, if it looks good to the world but does not feel good in your heart, it is not success at all." Anna Quindlen

"In the lives of individuals, and of peoples, too, the worst conflicts are often those that break out between those who are persecuted." Amos Oz

"To be nobody-but-yourself - in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else - means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting." -E.E. Cummings

"If you can't be good, be sanitary." -Nelly

"I can see Katie with a man. You...I see you with a suit case." -Nelly

Labor Day Weekend

On Friday, I set the microwave on fire. A real fire, big flames. We had to use the extinguisher. It was quite exciting. We got a new microwave.

I went home Saturday morning. It was a great day. Nelly came home from the hospital, grandpa was so surprised, and Grandma Mettie flipped when she saw me. Daddy and I played cards and my mom and I rode our bikes up town and took a nice walk.

I almost stayed today to go to the beach with them, but I promised a friend I would hangout with him tonight, so I also didn't make plans with my sister, but then he decided he didn't feel like it 15 minutes before hand. I was/am pissed. Then he wanted to hangout Monday, yeah...right.

Plus, I got pulled over on my way back from Chesterton on 69. But I was only given a warning.

Tomorrow I'm suppose to have lunch with Katie and Rick, then it's all homework. =)

September!!!

Happy September!! It's cooling off already! But the leaves are so beautiful when they change, I'll deal with the climate.

Don't forget to change your calendars!

Daily News

So, they published my little response. The best part...they called me Andrew, THREE times!!!!! Cool...

A response I wrote to an article in the Daily News.

In response to Jason Hoskin’s column Israel’s attack on Lebanon necessary, I don’t believe the issue is as simply as supporting one side or the other, Israel or Hezbollah. The issues in the Middle East may seem complex, but the origins are a continual universal problem. Groups of people in the Middle East are without necessities. The Lebanese government is not providing its citizens with basic amenities to live comfortably. There is not enough food, water, or shelter in the area to live secure lives. As history has proven, without security people will rebel and gain these items anyway possible. Since Hezbollah is the only group in the region providing food, shelter, and jobs; the group is easily gaining more power than ever before. The same thing is happening in the Gaza Strip. The Palestinians are living under great human rights violations and thus the Hamas are becoming more influential. The organization has no need to recruit members when on one side of the fence Israeli’s have lush green grass; while in Gaza, clean drinking water is barely accessible. It is easier to blame people who are living well and to point fingers than to actually fix the problem. Israel is targeted in the region because it is a prosperous country that is not helping clean up any messes.

Yet, this is not unique to the Middle East. It is proven that hate organizations in the US, such as the Ku Klux Klan, target people who are without jobs, shelter, and basic needs. These people are desperate and are willing to do anything to be provided with security even if that involves violent acts. Also, after WWI, the US left Germany helpless, without any hope of a future. As in Lebanon and Gaza, hate groups formed and targeted successful groups of people. As a result, the country was so lost, Hitler easily came to power by providing citizens with basic needs they had not had for years. After WWII, the US rebuilt Europe and Japan. By providing Europeans and Japanese with provisions they had not previously had the US assured that peace could be restored. Why aren’t we helping rebuild Gaza and Lebanon?

The problems in the Middle East and the origins of the terrorist groups are complex, but to move in a peaceful direction, people must be provided with jobs in order for them to buy food, clothing, and shelter. If the 15,000 Lebanese soldiers Hoskin speaks of would provide citizens with these necessities and/or the government would create jobs, the people would back the government and not the terrorist organization in the region making recruitment nearly impossible. Right now, Hezbollah is the only political group providing jobs to citizens, but the jobs they are providing usually include a homeless fifteen year old boy and an AK47.

Bombs

What's up with bombs exploiding in the countries I want to go to...? http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=topNews&storyID=2006-08-28T005102Z_01_L27115125_RTRUKOC_0_US-SECURITY-TURKEY-EXPLOSIONS.xml&WTmodLoc=NewsHome-C1-topNews-1

I really don't want to pick new places to go for Rotary (again).

Rain and Rabbis

It rained tonight, a lot...

Is it weird that I want to be a rabbi? I think it's weird.

Temple Beth El

Let's just say that Friday night service was fabulous. Larry, the flamboyantly gay (irrelevant) one-man-show opera, prayer singing, tambourine slamming, cantor, was on vacation. The new 24 year old student Rabbi, Lisa, led the beautiful service. She was so sincere about the prayers and adorable when apologizing for a mispronunciation. When we said the prayer for healing, I almost cried because Nelly is in recovery for hip surgery. I was a little emotional tonight, probably because I was alone and no one would have judged me. If I was with friends, that would have never happened.

Everyone was so welcoming and overjoyed that I'm going to be the liaison for Hillel. I think it's going to be a great semester. Right when I'm actually making some real connections with people in the community, it will be time to go to a different country. At least I'll be more prepared when I'm abroad. On September 10th, we're going to help clean up outside the temple to get ready for the High Holidays. I finally feel that the temple really wants the students to be involved. It's only taken four years!

I talked to my parents and aunt on my way home, everyone is happy and healthy. Life is good. =)

Finally Friday!

The week really flew. Being back on a schedule is a beautiful thing. I workout everyday at two after my classes. Go home, do some homework, go to whatever meetings, shower, go to bed. It's exciting, obviously, but I love it this way.

There are way too many non-traditional students in my classes and I want to shoot them already. I love when they tell a joke that isn't funny and they're the only ones that laugh. Although, I usually laugh after that, at how ridiculous they are.

My president's class will be all right. I'm the only history student in the class, which is rather disappointing. I don't want to be the asshole student that knows more than everyone else. But they did enjoy the George Washington cookies I made. I'm going to make Thomas Jefferson one's next! YUM! My teacher said we'd get extra credit if we named all the presidents in order and the years they served. I think I could name them all, but definitely not the years, not yet at least.

My mom received the bridesmaid's dresses in the mail! That's a whole lotta pink! But for how bring the pink is, they're very beautiful dresses. I'm sure we'll all look gorgeous. Katie couldn't have picked more attractive bridal party. (I'm clearly biased, haha)

I'm going to temple tonight. I'm going to be the Hillel/Temple liaison for the fall semester. I have to go the first Tuesday of every month, which is not a big commitment at all. It'll be nice to get to know some more members and be an advocate for Hillel. Jessica is doing a great job as president and I'm excited to see where Hillel is headed.

Tomorrow, Holly, Jena, Mik, and I are going to the Farmer's Market, then I'll bake a little, go to crochet class, then DeAnna and I are going to hang out until she works the desk. It'll be a good day!

THE 100 MOST ANNOYING THINGS (according to the British)

THE 100 MOST ANNOYING THINGS (compliments of Rick, I thought it was funny.)
1. Cold callers
2. Caravans
3. Queue jumpers
4. James Blunt
5. Traffic wardens
6. Tailgaters
7. Brown nosers
8. Chantelle and Preston
9. Ex-smokers
10. Noisy neighbours
11. Hangovers
12. Carol Vorderman (above)
13. Loud mobile users
14. Men in flip-flops
15. Paper cuts
16. Bad hair days
17. Breaking wind
18. Abi Titmuss (right)
19. Off milk
20. Being put on hold
21. Motorcyclists who weave through traffic
22. Drivers who park in disabled bays
23. Rude shop assistants
24. People who read over your shoulder
25. Skinny people who complain they are fat
26. Stepping in dog poo
27. Big Brother 5
28. Noisy eaters
29. People who don't clear up after their dog
30. Slow drivers in the outside lane
31. Junk mail
32. Bossiness
33. Novelty ring tones
34. Somebody nicking your parking spot
35. Diahorrea
36. Debt companies
37. Snobs
38. Jehovah's Witnesses
39. Running out of loo roll
40. People who have their phone turned off when you call them
41. Mosquitoes (right)
42. Buses not arriving on time
43. Children who cough in your face
44. Being bloated
45. Leaving your mobile at home
46. Americans
47. David Blane
48. Spots
49. Stepping in chewing gum
50. Running out of hot water
51. Wasps
52. Headaches
53. Crazy Frog
54. London Tube
55. Losing your glasses
56. Warm beer
57. CDs that skip
58. Paper jam
59. Bottled water
60. Sunburn
61. Running out .. of change
62. People who .. text in capitals
63. Estate agents
64. Stubbing your toe
65. Rubbish printers
66. Flat tyres
67. People who write 'text back' in texts
68. Breaking a nail
69. Russell Brand
70. The Teletubbies
71. A pen which has run out of ink
72. Cat hair that sticks to your clothes
73. Running out of petrol
74. Flatmates who don't clean
75. Heat rash
76. Losing your passport
77. Natasha Kaplinsky
78. Being hungry
79. Tax returns
80. Road works
81. Cramp
82. Shoppers hitting your heels with their trolley
83. Failing your driving test
84. Burning toast
85. Cold showers
86. Scientology
87. Not being able to find a matching pair of socks
88. Missing the last post
89. Chihuahuas
90. Karaoke
91. Stomach ache
92. PDA (public displays of affection)
93. Craig David
94. Secret workers before exams
95. Socialists
96. Pimped up cars
97. Getting something in your eye
98. Out-of-tune singers
99. Hollyoaks
100. Fake fingernails

First day...

Let's just say, my classes are awesome. I have Middle East history with Dr. Argo, who happens to be quite attractive. He's also funny and intelligent. I have no doubt I'll thoroughly enjoy the class. He also happened to have spent 4 months are the university in Turkey that I would like to attend next year. But I'm also looking at Sabanci University in Istanbul, based on his suggestion. So, we'll see...

My class of Modern Britain class is already fabulous. My teacher is really excited about the topic and spent the summer in London. She already brought in some cute artifacts. Neither class has a research paper, only four five page response things. Very easy.

I'm going to play tennis tonight with Katie and her RAs. I love being on a schedule again!!!!

My one roommate keeps getting louder and more annoying everyday. =) The other is the opposite though, we're getting along really well and I find her less obnoxious (I never disliked her though) the more we live together. I really really like her, and her boyfriend.

Parents

I love my parents. I really do. I know I complain a lot and I'm selfish on many levels, but they are truly amazing people. I'm clueless to how they actually ended up together, but if it works for them, then it doesn't matter to me.

The whole time I was home they went out of their way to make sure I had everything I needed. I know I get aggravated with them, but everything they do is out of love. I feel like no matter what I do, I'll never have as much patience with them as I'd like. I'll snap back at them, but no apparent reason and then feel horribly about it afterwards. I'm better about it now, than when I was younger, but even if I keep improving, I'm sure I'll never feel like I love them enough.

On a side note, my new Rotary choices are as follows:

Istanbul, Turkey
Cairo, Egypt
Hungry
Australia
England

Chicago (Day 2), Redamak, and Oinks!

Today was great again. We went to Lincoln Park Zoo, Navy Pier, rode our bikes along the lake front, and enjoyed the beautiful Chicago breeze. When we got home (on our completely traffic-free drive) we went to Nelly's for her wonderful baking. Then we went to Redamak's and Oinks with a stop at the Michigan beach in between!!

Chicago!!! Day 1!

We went to Millennium Park, in the fountains and by the bean!! We went to the Museum of Science and Industry and saw the DaVinci Exhibit and we saw the trains (which Matt loved) and the chicks hatching!! We had a blast, the South Shore always comes through!! We ate Ghirardelli's, which was as wonderful as ever!! We're going up today to bike on the lake front and go to Navy Pier. We're going to dinner in Michigan tonight!! It will be a blast! I can't wait!!

Rachel, Matt and Andrea in INDIANA!!

The sunset in the dunes was one of the best ever!! You can see the city in the background!! We're having a great time so far, hopefully we'll get enough sleep!!

Israel - No more...

"Dear Andrea,
We have received your application and noticed that your first and second choices of study institution are in Israel. We regret that we cannot assign scholars to or allow Rotary staff to travel to Israel because of the current political situatation there. The Rotary Trustees made this decision to protect Rotary scholars and staff. We therefore request that you send us two alternate choices. If you wish, you may rearrange your current choices to make the University of Sydney your first choice, etc. In any case, please send us two alternate choices to make a complete list of five. Other countries in the region to which we cannot send scholars now are Lebanon, Iraq, Iran, Liberia, Sudan and Yemen.

You can just respond to this email to finalize your list. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. "

So now I'm thinking Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Fukuoka, Japan; or Osaka, Japan. All cultural or international studies.

What do you think?

http://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/english/data/2004//social_cultural.html Kyushu University

http://www.osaka-u.ac.jp/eng/academics/human.html Osaka - Japan

http://www.vnuhcm.edu.vn/en/index.htm - Vietnam National University

Media

http://www.aish.com/movies/JP/PhotoFraud.asp

I think this link has it's own bias, but it's interesting nonetheless.

I think it'll work now...

I felted this purse, I learned in crochet class. It looks a little ugly in the picture, but in reality it's rather cute. I started another one tonight. It'll be ivory and brown, and wide and short.






Rick helped me out with Fireworks, so I'm hoping the picture will work now! =)

This is my room. It's rather small, but I really don't need a lot of space. The bed is really low to the ground right now because I don't have a bed frame, but I'm waiting for my parents to come and help me.

Today I walked to Marsh and bought quite a few baking products. Getting caught in the rain is always enjoyable. The smell is so refreshing and you don't have to shower. (Just kidding) I dried myself off and proceeded to bake. Since I'm a little OCD, I can't bake with anyone else. Doing it my own way is my style and I don't like when others try to help. I'm sure that's a surprise to everyone. I laid out all the ingredients, and accomplished a lot with out an electric mixer. I made James Buchanan's Apee Cookies, cranberry/white chocolate chip/oatmeal bars, and Mrs. Field's chocolate filled sugar cookies. Being the dessert lover that I am, I must say they were all wonderful! Of course I'm biased because I picked things I would like, but they do say the baker is the worst critic. I had confirmation from the ladies at knitting/crochet class that everything was fabulous. The women there are so adorable, I love having older people to converse. I really do miss my mom a lot. Katie never really opens up the same way we do. I don't know if it's because she went to college, leaving me at home for two years to bond with my parents. Even before that though Katie wasn't as open. That's probably why I ask so many questions, since she never offered information. I'm sure my pestering has helped her huge expanse of patience, which I altogether lack.

My friend sent me a message today that he's not mad at me, and that feels great, even though I swore I didn't care.

Annoying

I posted this picture so I could change the one on my profile, but it's too big. So there is no reason to have this post. But I like the picture, so I'll leave it. I would have been able to change it, but I don't have photoshop anymore and I can't figure out how to minimize the size on Fireworks. What a dilemma!

Sigma Chi

Our last conference of the summer consisted of 1,200 Sigma Chi guys from all over North America, and one from Australia.

I loved it, they're all adorable. Clearly, there were some that were ugly, but for the most part, they were so polite and respectful. Being one of five females in the whole building does give me some leverage. I was very impressed. I was expecting rude, gross, vulgar (at some were) but a majority were great guys.

After doing room checks, I came out with an extra $24.49 in my pocket. Not too bad for doing a job that's required!

I also drove a wallet to the Indy airport and got to fill up my tank and I got $20 extra!! Holla...(clearly I'm a little hyper, or I wouldn't have said that.)

Lion.

The lion is for Jamee. =)

Going back to school

There isn't anything in the world like buying new school supplies, especially a fresh box of Crayola Crayons. Opening the box smells like school, almost as much as a sack lunch with PB&J, an apple, and a Hosttest Cake of ones choice.

Sweating all day

MOMs now has a booth at the Farmer's Market. They sell little things the kids have made and the profit goes to help provide for the school/programs. A Swedish lady sold me some lettuce and I bought some popcorn for Jamee since she wanted to sleep in. For 90 cents I got four ears of corn as well.

I walked to the mall today. Yeah, I know it's far, but it was so nice outside. I got my eyebrows done and hair trimmed (just the back, so I don't have a mullet, I'm growing it out for the wedding!) I went to the Health Foods Store (That's actually the name of the store, I didn't capitalize it for fun) and I got Burt's Bees chapstick and baked apples. I lounged at Panera for almost two hours drinking tea, reading, and munching on whole grain bread samples.

On the way home I walked through the fair and bought a chocolate malt from the Lions. $1.50 well spent. I love the smell of farm animals, elephant ears, and gyros at the fair. It's a complete flashback to having my tiny hand engulfed inside my fathers while being entranced by the bright lights from the rides that I was too terrified to try.

I haven't showered in three days. Yeah, I wish I was joking too. Going to get real clean now...

Monkey

Big lessons, little novel...

This is my new friend Nancy, from North Carolina, we met in Gettysburg. She took me on the Buchanan Trail, to his national park and birthplace. She has quite the "sunny disposition" and it's impossible to not fall in love with her instantly.

Jaret took my to Indy for my flight, which was really two, to BWI via Pittsburgh. They were both short and pleasantly uneventful. Nonetheless, exciting though, mostly from anticipation of my destination. After being picked up from the airport. It was like I had never left, the teasing commenced. Both gentleman have girlfriends, which I did not mind at all. Really I like guys who have girlfriends more, because I don't have to worry about being hit on or put into an awkward situation. But this caused problems on where I would stay. For some reason, the boys did not trust themselves, or their significant others did not trust them, because I could not simply stay in room with one of them even if I was fully clothed (including bra) at all times in a separate bed. We worked it out and I much appreciate them going extremely out of their way for me.

(Okay, so I took this part out because I realize that it was unfair and judgemental of me to write that, and I'm extremely sorry...another lesson learned the hard way.)

The other great thing I took away from my adventure was from my best friend and her boyfriend, who is now also a great friend, even if just by association for now. This was the first time I have actually talked to him in person, although I did break him up with his ex-girlfriend, so he would go out with my best friend. I had almost given up hope finding someone who was a virgin, (and not for a religious right reason) intelligent, smart, and sexy. But these two gave me my faith back. They're completely adorable and I love hearing her stories, however silly they may be, about learning from each other and teaching each other what's going on. I want that too. I don't want someone to tell me I'm doing something wrong or that I'm suppose to do it a certain way because that's how he did it with a fling or an ex-girlfriend. I don't want him to be completely naive, but I want to learn, experience, and appreciate together, and if he did that with someone else first, I feel like it wouldn't be as meaningful and I wasn't worth the wait. I may be looking too deeply into something that men see as a necessity to love, but I don't care.

They're coming to visit me in August, we're going to Chicago to see the city, hopefully ride bikes along the lake front to Navy Pier. We'll probably go to Michigan for dinner and then for icecream. I'm sure that's surprising.

This seems long enough a short novel and I barely touched the surface of all the great things I did in Gettysburg, I crocheted a monkey while I was there, I'll post a picture of it soon.

We went to Winchester, VA. I relaxed, drank tea, snuck into a movie at the Majestic. Talked and laughed with Kevin, who hasn't changed one bit, and I'm grateful for that.

Hippo!

I made a hippo...also adorable!

I'm making a lion next for Jamee!!

My flight for Gettysburg is tomorrow. I can't wait to see Rachel and my boys, I love them all!

Duty

Let me tell you, you haven't lived until you get to be on duty with 300 cheerleaders in the building. And a word of caution, don't give razors to 7th grade girls. One cheerleader fell into a crate on the sidewalk outside the building, I'd sue. She'd definitely win. It's okay though, who doesn't enjoy cleaning up blood?

Susan (the bookstore owner) told me that I could sell the crochet animals in the store. I'm really excited! Now I just have to make them, sell them, and figure out what charity I want to give the money to!! It's really exciting to me! (Bunny picture coming tomorrow, I quit with the arms and legs, it's too small. The pattern wasn't very good, but it's still cute!)

Last week!!

It's the last week of classes. I have a lot of homework, but nothing too extensive! Then on Friday I'm going to GETTYSBURG! I talked to Rachel yesterday on the phone, I'm so pumped. I can't wait to see everyone!!

I'm making a crochet bunny now. It's really really small, especially compared to the huge Octopus! I think I'm going to sell them and donate any profit to Magen David Adom (the Israeli Red Cross) or to this poverty center in Muncie, maybe both. I was to ask Susan (my crochet teacher) if I can sell them in the store. They're so cute, but honestly, how many little animals can one person have? I think this will be a great hobby and hopefully benefit some people.

I have to find out if it's legal first!

OCTOPUS

Yes, I made that! And despite all the ridicule, I love her!!!!!!!!! I'm starting my next project tomorrow when Katie brings me more yarn from Nelly!! Either a pig or a bunny...only time will tell!!

Long time...

I haven't written in a while. The engagement party was awesome! I had such a blast!

Katie and I are so happy with my Grandma!! We swam, played beanbags, ate, laughed, ate some more! It was terrific, I wish I could do it again!!

I'm crochetting an octopus, no seriously! I go to crochet time at Danner's Book Store, it's excellent. The ladies are like the old ladies in the Music Man how like gossip and sometimes bicker. It's adorable, and much better than hanging out with college students constantly! Not that I don't like them, but it's good to be in the real world! I'll post a picture when I'm done.

Fiddler on the Roof (in Japanese)

http://blog.92y.org/index.php/weblog/item/fiddler_on_the_roof/

In case you ever wanted to see Fiddler on the Roof in Japanese, here it is!! CRAZY!

Ken Lay

Kenneth Lay, the Enron guy who was found guilty and would be sentenced in October, died this morning, at his "vacation" home in CO. This sad, but he died of a heart attack. Can anyone say they're surprised? I'm sure his job was stressful, so stressful he lied about it multiple times.

It is sad when people die, he has family, friends, etc. but it's probably better to die happy now in a vacation home than in prison, serving a life sentence, maybe.

Wasting time.

Astro and my SS395 class are a complete waste of my time. I'm not learning anything in either class. Astro is really the most boring thing I've experienced in my life. Not because of the topic either, but because my professor wants to make me shoot myself.

My social studies methods is during. The prof simply lectures like we don't have a clue and we've never had a class like this before. I hate writing lesson plans. Seriously. I don't think they're a waste of time, but I'm confident that I don't need them written out to such an extreme extent.

I'm excited about opening kids up to new ideas and things they're never thought of before. Am I excited about writing lesson plans? Heck no.

I'll get my A's and get out. I'm ready for classes to be over. I want to go to Gettysburg now!

Clean Slate

My friend Jessica and I are doing a weight loss plan together. Nothing different than I've done in the past, but she's doing it with me. I'm really excited to have a partner again. We worked out this morning and we're writing down everything we eat for each other. Really holding each other accountable. We're "weighing-in" every Friday. Jess is hilarious and I love hearing her stories. It'll be a good time.

Weird crap...

For whatever reason I think these things are interesting. My grandpa forwarded me an email and these were the ones that caught my attention!

1. Money isn't made out of paper, it's made out of cotton.
2. The Declaration of Independence was written on hemp paper.
3. The dot over the letter I is called a "tittle".
4. A raisin dropped in a glass of fresh champagne will bounce up and down continuously from the bottom of the glass to the top.
5. On average, 12 newborns will be given to the wrong parents, daily.
6. Orcas (killer whales) kill sharks by torpedoing up into the shark's stomach from underneath, causing the shark to explode.
7. Donald Duck comics were banned from Finland because he doesn't wear pants.
8. Upper and lower case letters are named 'upper' and 'lower' because in the time when all original print had to be set in individual letters, the upper case' letters were stored in the case on top of the case that stored the smaller, 'lower case' letters.
9. Because metal was scarce, the Oscars given out during World War II were made of wood.
10. The phrase "rule of thumb" is derived from an old English law, which stated that you couldn't beat your wife with anything wider than your thumb.
11. Celery has negative calories! It takes more calories to eat a piece of celery than the celery has in it to begin with. It's the same with apples!
12. The glue on Israeli postage stamps is certified kosher.
13. Astronauts are not allowed to eat beans before they go into space because passing wind in a space suit damages it.

I'm in astronomy...and my professor is talking about Mercury and how there are huge craters everywhere!! Then he goes, it was like when I was a teenager and I had cronic acne! It was tramatic. We looked similar, except Mercury is beautiful!

Wow...that's intense.

Sociology Discussion

I'm taking Sociology of Family this summer. We have lots of journals to read and then we discuss them in class. We recently have talked about gender roles in a relationship. Men are what they call instrumental leaders and they communicate and show love through actions. For example, they'll mow the lawn, fix the car, etc. Where women are usually expressive leaders and communicators and show love through words and discussion. For the most part, I believe this is true. The behavior is usually learned but some may actually be biological. Men want to fix the situation and women just want to talk about it.

We also watched a movie about Gottman, a sociologist who interviews newlywed couples and can predict if they'll stay together or get divorced. He's 90% correct in his predictions. There are positive and negative conflict resolution styles. There are 4 negative styles that he looks for in their communication, if they demonstrate these traits, he predicts that they will get a divorce. Women bring up 80% of all discussions and 96% of arguments are decided in the first 3 minutes depending on the tone the conversation was started.

The 4 types are:
1. Criticism - this tends to be more of a female style. They blame their spouse and tell them how they're wrong and attack their personality instead of the real issue.
2. Defensiveness - both genders use this technique equally. They don't accept responsibility nor validate the accusation. The complaint is answered with a complaint of the other person or complete denial.
3. Contempt/sarcasm - this is the most detrimental type. This tears down the other person in a extremely disrespectful way.
4. Withdraw - 85% of this type is men. The listener isn't there mentally or physically. The heart rate even remains low during the argument. This is seem as disrespectful to the initiator.

My parents do all of these things. Sometimes I'm surprised they're still married. But whatever works for them. I think they are flipped gender styles though. My mom does not like to talk and my dad nags. Either way, communication could be much better!

Chinese buffet and Jamee's handy work!

Dr. Chang and Grace took Sara, Ross, and I to the Chinese buffet for my birthday! We had a blast! They got my little hankerchiefs for a gift!! They're hand painted!

Then we hung out at the desk forever!! Jamee made/helped me make a cover for my laptop, hence the picture!! It turned out amazingly!! I can't believe the great friends I have here and how well we mesh together!! Even when we joke and tease, NO one gets offended, it's like we've been friends for years!!

Thanks for a great night guys!!

President's Picnic

Dr. Chang, Grace, Ross, Sara, and I at the President's Picnic. It was for faculty and their families so Dr. Chang invited me and Sara to represent his family since they couldn't go!! It was so cute and I think it meant a lot to him that Sara and I went. We really love him.

And boy did that little man eat. I think he had three hot dogs and a two or three hamburgers. Geez oh petes, he was like a bottomless pit!! He's so little too!! It's amazing!!

Tomorrow we're going to the Chinese buffet for my birthday and Sara and Ross are coming too!! It's going to be fun. I know we are really making a difference in their lives by helping out and being a part of their family.

21

Whitney is the token bitch...and we all love her for it!!
















Classy...I know... this was before there was whip cream everywhere!














Kevin cracks me up!!! (at the CA/RA indoor cookout!)
















Heidi and Kevin are adorable!!

Still my birthday for 30 more minutes!

Just some highlights from the day!!


Jaret and Kevin "working" the desk!!



Jamee, me, Whitney, and Ryann at Incredible Yogurt!! I got to spin the wheel because it was my birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I got a free waffle cone! YUM!



And I got a beautiful new license! Always a joy!!

Thanks for all the birthday wishes, cards, signs, and phone calls!!! They're truly appreciated.

Birthday!!

It's my birthday!!

Chick flicks!

"His penis is so beautiful I just want to knit it a hat."


This quote from Prime cracked me up!! But the movie in general was just okay. But it was prevalent if you're Jewish and want to marry someone not Jewish, but my family is obviously more open than what the movie portrayed.

I watched Casanova, which was adorable with a great feminist heroine. Always a good thing if you ask me, especially when they're faced with a guy that just wants to get in their pants...hmm...sounds familiar as of late.

I also watched Something New. Simon Baker is so beautiful! He really made the movie! Jamee and I were laughing so hard. Mm...I love that girl!

GOLF

Golfing yesterday was much better based on score. But it was still so much fun today. I loved that my dad came to visit me. We really had a blast. Then we went to Puerto's and to McKenzie's to get the mattress and box spring and took them to where I'm living in the fall.

Now I have to shower, I'm sweaty and sunny crusty. Like after you've been in the sun or just outside for the day and there is a layer on your skin of who knows what. Whatever, I'm dirty.

Super day!!

I got my computer!!!!!!!!!!! It's ADORABLE!!!

My dad came and we went golfing and then to New York House, and he loved it!! Then we went to see Dr. Chang and Grace. He liked them too, of course.

We're going to Walmart in a little while for groceries and then to Baskin Robbins because I got a free scoop for my birthday!! Woo hoo!!

Umm...I'm not so sure...

Ok, I took this quiz twice and scores the same both times!! I'm not so sure if I agree though. You should take it and let me know if your result was "correct"...

You scored as Satanism.

Your beliefs most closely resemble those of Satanism! Before you scream, do a bit of research on it. To be a Satanist, you don't actually have to believe in Satan. Satanism generally focuses upon the spiritual advancement of the self, rather than upon submission to a deity or a set of moral codes. Do some research if you immediately think of the satanic cult stereotype. Your beliefs may also resemble those of earth-based religions such as paganism.

Satanism
83%
Islam
71%
agnosticism
71%
Buddhism
67%
Paganism
67%
atheism
67%
Judaism
54%
Hinduism
46%
Christianity
33%

http://quizfarm.com/test.php?q_id=10907

It's clear I'm not a Christian...

If you're just bored, I'm sure this could entertain you for a while!! http://quizfarm.com/quizlist.php?search=new

Dang tea!

So today, when my iron was finally high enough to give blood (this is my third day of my finger being pricked!!) I was told that if you drink tea and/or what before, it dilutes your iron. Well, hello!! I drink tea in the morning and drink what when I work out!! No wonder my iron wasn't high enough at 9am in the morning!! Geez oh petes, they really should tell you these things! Good thing I was so determined!! So today I saved three lives, and that's great! I learned a lot too, blood can only be saved for 43 days, but once it's in the hospital it usually only lasts 10-15 before someone needs it. If you take aspirin, they will take your blood, but they don't use the platelets. ABneg - (my blood type) is pretty rare, most negative blood is rare actually. If you're negative, your second child is at greater risk of dying if they are also negative because your body doesn't build immunities like it does for the first child.

Then I got a shirt and animal crackers!! Yum!!

I didn't die.

I didn't die, but my computer did!! I know, very sad. But I new one is on the way, a Dell Inspiron 710M. I bought it on eBay!! (Not so my style, but I think it was a good decision!!) So my dad is bringing it to me next Saturday when he comes to golf with me for Father's Day and my birthday!! I can't wait to see him, we'll have a fabulous time!! Plus, it'll be between summer sessions and very stress free!!!

I tried to give blood the past two mornings, unsuccessfully! But I think when I get more sleep tonight, I'll be successful tomorrow!! I've been doing a lot of homework and a lot of mitzvahs! I helped with golf bags yesterday morning at the Rotary/Muncie Mission golf outing! Tried to give blood, and went to my professor's home and cut his bushes. On Saturday I'm going to plant some tomato plants and some flowers in his garden!! He's an awesome man!! He's over 80 years old and escaped communist China by going to Taiwan and then made it to the US. His father wasn't as lucky and died in a communist prison since he would not support the cause. But after trimming his immensely overgrown shrubbery, my shoulders are quite sour, but it's a good feeling!

I am well on my way on my 10 page paper for my Civil War history class. Captain Francis Adams Donaldson and I have become quite involved indeed!! My article reviews for Public Policy about the new immigration reforms are going well too! So everything should be nicely finish up next week when classes come to an abrupt end!

Conferences are finally moving in on Saturday! So Stu-west won't be quite so empty! I'm looking forward to it, but I'll have to stop walking around in just my underwear now :-( I'd most likely frighten the campers!!