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!!

Mackenzie is delightful

Mackenzie said it best today, we don't hang out a lot, but when we do it's fun and never awkward. Mackenzie was 100% Katie's friend first, but I'm very happy to say that Mackenzie and I are great friends as well. She would not be the first person I would run and tell something to, but when we do talk, we go way more indept on a topic than I would with other people.

We got fitted today for the bridemaid's dresses in Pendleton, talk about depressing, to have someone measure your ass!! Just shoot me!! Then we went to this little deli and the owners were hilarious. She's going to Florida to be a 6th grade teacher and start a "real" life. It's an awesome thing to hear about. Working for something for over 4 years and seeing it materialize; I have a lot of respect for that.

We went and saw The Break Up, I think we were both a little disappointed with the ending, but it really was funny. Then to help our dress sizes, we went to Incredible Yogart!! YUM!

It was a great day with a great friend. =)

New York House!

Why didn't I take my camera?!? I take it everywhere!! Well, Mackenzie, Kendra, Whitney, Tyler, Heidi, Kevin, and myself all went to New York House on Main and High Street, in Muncie! It was fabulous of course!! We got little laterns, candy, raman noodles, braclets, earrings, bananas, green tea...and Heidi got PANTYHOSE!! How awkward!! But that's NY House for ya!! He brought out these HUGE ribs and a massive plate of pork!! The five of them ate it all!! He made me a giagantic plate of stir fry vegtables. It was wonderful as always. Everyone paid $6 and the drinks were endless. This place is an experience. If you ever want to go, tell me, and I'll take you! Because I love it and we'll have a great time!!

The first time I went was with Jacob, Mike, Matt, Kristen, and Rachel (who was lucky enough to be visiting me!!) There is nothing like going for the first time, but everytime it gets better and more priceless!!

The almond cookies are always great too!! Good times, good times!

Goin' back!

Indianapolis to Baltimore
7/21/06
6:30 pm - 9:44 pm
US AirwaysUS Airways

Baltimore to Indianapolis
7/26/06
3:13 pm - 6:18 pm
US AirwaysUS Airways

It's official!! I'm going back to see everyone in July when my classes are over!!! I can't wait!!

Beautiful summer, poopy daddy.

I love the summer, I can't express it! The warmth, the sun, the light, the long days, the flowers, the green, the bike rides, the runs, the fresh fruit and vegetables, mmm...I can't get enough!

I read outside today for a long time, I think I maybe a tad burned, but not too much. I did a lot of laundry and got my groceries for the week. I bought corn too, I hope it's delicious!!

My dad hasn't congratulated me or anything and it really hurts my feelings. I know he doesn't want me to go, but it's not really about him, because I'm going to Israel. He's not paying for it, nor am I actually, but I worked really hard and whether he likes that I'm Jewish or not, I'm still his daughter and he shouldn't take a decision he made 25 years out on me.

Ahh, whatever.

ISRAEL!!! For real!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am officially a Rotary Ambassador and I get to go to Israel for a whole year to get my Masters in Middle East studies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://hsf.bgu.ac.il/mapmes/index.aspx?pgid=pg_127851745868672048

Thank you note!

Rick sent me a thank you note today. It was the first mail I've gotten in Whitcraft Hall! It definitely made my day! (the sun and 75 degrees may have helped though.) It's weird being in Muncie without Katie or Rick. I've never been here without Katie and I've been here for two years with Rick. Obviously, I'm managing and thanks to Katie and my mom, I have a wonderful working cell phone. We probably talk more now than when Katie is at BSU because she's extremely bored.

When I was little, I always thought that when Katie got married, I would "lose" her. Really, I still thought this until I met Rick. I really wanted Katie to marry Rick. Then I was torn, because in my previous state of mind, that would mean she wouldn't be mine anymore, she would be Rick's. I realized I wasn't losing anything, Katie will always be my sister, and then she'll also be Rick's wife, which is wonderful, because then I get the greatest brother-in-law too.

I easily put Rick into my "inner circle" of people who I truly care about, and I truly care about what they think of me. Really, the only other people there are Katie and my parents. They have the ability to make me cry, but also, and most of the time, make me extremely proud and happy. Rick makes Katie a better person too, which is probably the best part.

P.S. He's also the funniest person in the world!! (of course)

Just playin' with Photoshop!

Gotta love sepia tone!


This one reminds me of the wedding pictures Katie has been looking at!


Original:

Not original:


The last one is my favorite. It's amazing how I can entertain myself with a plant.

The Da Vinci Code

Don't read this if you're planning on seeing the movie and don't want a tiny part of it spoiled!!



















Hokey, so...I don't know what Ron Howard was thinking. The movie was incredible and I was captivated and I fell in love with the characters, etc. But at the end, they don't kiss!!! They don't show any intention of Langdon and Sophie being together!! HELLO!!! I need some sort of romance. Good thing I read the book and I know they fell hopelessly in love and probably had a ton of Jesus-blooded babies!!! Or else I really would have been pissed!

Summer??

This morning almost felt like summer. Not the temperature, but the ability to run to Minnetrista, walk around the Farmer's Market, buy fresh strawberries, chat with the sellers, etc. The sun was out beaming down on all of us. I wish I had time to make/sell something at the market. With three classes and a job, I know it's not feasible, but someday, when I live somewhere where it's warm all year, I'll contribute. I think I'd like to make sweets using the fruits and vegetables I grow in my garden; pies, muffins, breads, scones, cookies. Mmm...I love baking, especially for other people!! I could have a little label with my name on it and the ingredients listed. Oh, I'm so excited about it already!!


The most delicious strawberries from the Farmer's Market!!!

Minnetrista Bulletin Board

Puzzle Bulletin Board

New flowers for my room!!

Yesterday, I didn't have my last class, so I ran some errands and picked up some flowers to pot and put in my room. Let's hope I don't kill them. Although, after going to Minnetrista this morning, I wish I would had been more patient and bought them there, but I didn't realize they would be selling flowers too. Last year I was only able to go in the fall, not the spring. The market has a whole different dynamic based on the seasons.

I put up some bulletin boards last night, not my best by any means, but for the summer they'll be just fine. I always appreciate Katie's help on them too. She's terrific!!

I still can't wait to wake up one morning and it already be 75 degrees out!!! I know it'll be here soon!!!

The Expert!

While I was procrastinating, I took a personality test, and it's so true it's scary:


Your Personality Type
INTJ Female (Introverted Intuitive Thinking Judger)

You already know you are not the typical, traditional woman. If, at an early age, you concluded that marriage was not for you, you won't marry no matter how attractive or desirable a man appears to be. Or if you decide that you will marry at a specific age - say thirty, forty, or fifty - you will reject any suitor who enters your life before your designated time. You don't care if Prince Charming himself arrives at your door with a wedding ring and roses galore. If he's not on schedule, forget it. As a female Expert, you make your own decisions independent of any pressures from your family, friends, or society, and you will rarely change your mind once you have come to a carefully thought out, logical conclusion. Your optimum match tends to be an equally independent and strong-willed man who can appreciate your individualistic, nonconformist streak.

Either the Expert or the Traditionalist (ESTJ) will do. The Traditionalist is an interesting choice. Because he is a strong, masculine type of male, you will be attracted to his power and competence. He is the cowboy, the man who takes charge. But watch out if he is a strong Sensor (S). If so, his conventional nature may override his other qualities, and he may try to mold you into his ideal traditional wife while ignoring your true personality. Beware of this potential flaw in his nature.


Your Best Match's Information
INTJ general

You are the most independent and strong-willed (some might say stubborn) of all the LoveTypes. Once you make up your mind to do something - whether it’s starting or ending a relationship, or anything in between - you will do what you want to do. And God help anyone who tries to dissuade you.

INTJ how to win love
Plan dates that tap into your Expert’s knowledge of law, science, business, politics, or anything else he or she considers an area of expertise. Remember: Experts strive for mastery in everything, including their hobbies and pastimes. If you can encourage your Expert to display his or her knowledge and competence on a date, this intellectual connoisseur will begin to see you in a favorable light.

INTJ where to meet
Where can you meet an Expert? Here are some popular

Expert hangouts:
The Single Gourmet: a club for singles who enjoy fine dining
Law school libraries and cafeterias
Wine tastings
Computer stores and fairs
Exotic or antique car shows
And anywhere competence, knowledge, education, and intellect are highly valued.

Okay, so that seriously cracks me up.

Everything I haven't said for the past weeks or so.

Have you ever eaten a peppermint while drinking hot chocolate? It's darn good, you should try it.

A month or so ago, not long after I started writing a friend of a friend called me a whore, so I haven't made out with a guy for a really long time, (well, it seems like a long time in my head.) I like it, I feel good about it, and I don't plan with making out with anyone for a very long time. So I'm glad that it happened.

For my international relations class, I have an 80 year old Chinese man. I can't understand him or read his writing on the board, nor can anyone else in my class though. He told us he eats ginger, onions, and garlic to stay young. Plus he walks 15 minutes to school each day and drinks green tea! In other words, he's adorable.

My history class should be interesting, much more socially, economically, and politically based on Civil War study then the military triumphs or defeats which is nice, especially after last summer, not that I didn't enjoy everything I learned from Josh, Kevin, and Chris. There is a ton of reading a ten page paper. I think I'll be all right.

My public policy professor is awesome. I had him for Pols 130. He's hilarious. We were talking about being opened minded and reacting to people's opposing views. He told us we should be grateful to see a different point of view. We should say, "Thanks Public Policy buddy! I didn't see it that way!!" I was cracking up. Then today, on a similar topic we were discussing how policy makers have to convince someone to see things their way. He used an example of his daughter eating peas, she hates peas, but he loves them. As a father he thought she had to eat her vegetables. He goes, "I just didn't understand [that she didn't like peas] because when I put peas in my mouth, I say YUMMYYYYY!" He was so excited about the peas. I just laugh the whole class. It'll be a fun 5 weeks, and a whole lot of reading.

My sister is settled in in Iowa. (Great state I've heard, even if there are 6'6" Republicans there.) I think she likes it, she's being taking a lot of walks, I bet she's a little bored. Rick seems to like his job, and I bet he's a little bored too. (I just heard through Katie, I haven't talked to him since Chesterton when his car alarm went off in our driveway and he got pulled over my a police officer while driving with only pajama pants on! I bet if it was recorded he could have won America's Funniest Home Videos.) But I'll miss Rick. Not that we really hung out ever or that I even really saw him. Every once in a while the three of us would have dinner or I'd pass him in a hallway, or I'd inappropriately wave to him while he was in a meeting. But he always listens when I needed to talk and was always a voice of reason, seeing the side I did not see, or really did not want to see. I know that won't necessarily change, but it's nice to be close just in case.

My room is quaint and colorful, but also freezing! They turned off the steam in the building because they're working, since it's cold here, my room is cold. I go to bed with freezing toes every night, it's rather miserable after 9pm, particularly for my feet. I've been eating a lot of yogart, the non-cooking kind. Really, I don't think you can cook yogart (unless you're baking with it, there was a lemon pie I made a while ago that called for it), but the point is, I'm eating things that don't involve a stove.

All right, back to reading about slavery and then about public policy. I wish I was in Gettysburg with my friends, I miss them. I know they'd give me some good lovin'!

RACHEL

I just got off a two hour phone conversation with Rachel, who is now back from Oxford. I'm more in love than ever. It was wonderful talking to her and I'm glad I was right that I knew everything would go back to normal as soon as we were in the same country again.

MEMO TO MOTHER NATURE: I want it to be 80 degrees and sunny everyday! Work with me here!!

Holy Moly!

I don't know where that phrase comes from, but it seems appropriate right now. I have a lot of classes for just the summer!!

History of the Civil War, International Relations, and Public Policy.

So this means that I have a lot of reading to do and not a lot of time to write this =(

Just a little update:

1. My grandma is crazy and checked herself out of the nursing home, making my father ever so happy. He enables them though, so I don't feel badly for him or the situation he made for himself. I do feel sorry for my mother because she gets screwed over. He won't do things because he has to come home to take care of them instead of doing things away from home with my mom.

2. I got moved into Stu-west. It'll be a fun and class-packed summer.

3. The Rotary interview was today. I think I did well. There weren't any questions that threw me off. They asked very political questions about Israel and the Palestinians, the new Israeli government, withholding money from the Hamas, etc. The questions were very specific to the application I turned in and what I had written. There were jokes and lots of smiling and hand shaking. I'm proud of myself and all the prep work I did. They said I'd know in 2-3 weeks through email...yikes! We'll see what happens.

4. I'm tired and I'm going to bed.

P.S. I'm not used to cooking for myself or using communal bathrooms again. It's a tough life.

Have you ever?

Have you ever met someone who is an incredible person, not because of what they do, but because of the way they treat others? They don't discriminate, they have something nice to say about everyone, everyone is welcomed in their presence? They have the ability to make you feel great about yourself and laugh at any situation? In my opinion, there aren't a ton of people like that. In middle school it was Matt McKenna, great kid, probably still is. At CTT, it is was Dean. In Gettysburg, it was Chris. I know these people aren't perfect, not even close, but they have such a way about themselves that makes other people feel great. You don't forget about these people, or the way they made you feel.

There is a boy in the 5th grade class I've been subbing for that has these qualities, his name is Benz. He's only 10 years old and already has the ability to make others feel important. No matter who is in his group, the "disabled" kid, the "genius" girl, the "bully"...Benz says, "Come sit by me!! This is going to be awesome!" Or "Hey, Miss Wiese, did you meet my friend Kalvin? He's a cool guy."

I love Benz for being so innocent, but I don't think innocence is what makes him one of a kind, because Matt, Dean, and Chris are not innocent. At least that gives me hope that when he does lose his innocence, he won't lose the qualities that make him one of those people that are unforgettable.

This and that...

I made an ice cream cake for Thursday dinner with Katie, Rick, my parents, and most likely my grandpa! It'll be scrumptious.

I finally got to meet Alex yesterday!! He's SO adorable! He ate my fingers for about 30 minutes. I must have tasted really good!!

I subbed again today! They were very talkative, but I think after an in depth discussion, they'll behave better tomorrow.

I ran a couple of errands and didn't do much else, took a walk with Jackson, the regular. I'm ready to go back to school though, that's for sure. I want to get my books for the summer, I love getting them, it's so exciting to see what I get to read!

(Grades came out today and I actually did get straight A's. I'm really proud of myself, I worked hard this semester. It's motivating to keep it up. And I will.)

Biscotti

I got up and walked and then talked to me Grandpa, it was terrific. He's really great one on one. We talked about the Korean War and his view on the current war and world affairs. Quite interesting!!

I went to Lynne's and we drove to meet Gail and Larry for lunch. It was nice, they messed up almost everything I ordered, but that's okay. The company was nice. Lynne took me to get a pedicure and manicure, which is exciting because then I won't have to do my nails before my interview!!

My mom and I took another walk when I got home and then I made biscotti tonight. I like the mandel bread recipe more, probably because there is chocolate in it. haha =)

By the way, Strom Thurmond turns me on...

Blah blah blah...

All of my friends are doing awesome things! I get so jealous when people travel, see new things, and learn. AH! I want to go too!!

I drove to Oakbrook today to see my grandparents. My grandpa made his normal racist comments. He has a bad cough too. I felt badly because I know he wouldn't have gone out if not for me coming.

I know he's proud of me, but when he asked about school and I told him I was pretty sure I got straight A's...I don't know why I expected a good job because all he said was, "Well, we wouldn't expect anything less." Um...thanks.

Don't get me wrong, I love my grandfather, but sometimes he makes it hard to.

I'm pooped!! Lynne and Gail tomorrow and Cindy, Jackie, and ALEX on Monday!!

Extended family

So great news...the teacher I am subbing for had a baby boy! The girls were excited, the boys really didn't care all that much, which isn't surprising. Day two is just about as good as day one, if not better! The students are really great kids. We reviewed my rules from yesterday, I only have three. They can't say the words: stupid, retarded, or shut up. They ask terrific questions and for the most part, they're very polite to each other. We talked about the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 today. The boys just want to get to other war. I showed them pictures from my trip to Philly last summer and I brought in my Yukata from Japan and a paper doll to show them because they were amazed that I had been there. We read Time for Kids and talked about sweat shops in China and their exploitations of young females. In the other class we talked about the atomic bombs and the genocide in Africa. I think it's good to stir things up and get them thinking about other things besides themselves.

I ran to the nursing home yesterday afternoon to see my grandma, still unhealthy, but she's doing very well. That's somewhat promising. I finished my Vietnam final and I JUST finished the film review extra credit. I think I got all A's this semester, I'll be upset if that is not the case.

I went to temple with my parents and Nelly for Chinese dinner. (Little out of the ordinary for temple.) After dinner there were services and it was so nice. All the old people were back from their winter homes. Everyone looked from. Phil and Alice did not like Tuscan as much as Ft. Meyers, Jack and Elaine didn't stay in FL as long because Jack got sick, Harry told me his son went to Israel and never came home after he married a beautiful Israeli girl. Oh, great times, I miss them all so much, they're not big extended family. Nelly sat next to me in services and she read the prayers that were in English. Since she was in France during WWII, she still gets really emotional when she's around a lot of Jews because it reminds her of the Holocaust. She told me she had to prove she didn't have any Jewish blood when the Nazi's came into occupy her town. One of her friends did, and after three days of questioning, the girl was taken and she never saw her again.

I love being with my parents, but I'm ready to go away again. I can't stay here too long, it makes me feel confined. I don't know if confined is the best word, but it's the only one I can come up with right now. I'm going to spend most of the weekend in Chicago with my grandparents and aunts. It'll be really fun I hope.

And yes, that's me on a camel in the NEGEV! (Where I would be if I get to go to Israel!!!) hahaha.

5th grade

The Rotary meeting on Tuesday was absolutely fantastic! I had a practice interview with Dr. Stedman afterwards and she said I did really well. I got a little extra boost of confidence from that. I think a lot of people believe in me, so it makes it easier to believe in myself, even my dad is behind me and he really doesn't like the idea of Israel.

I got 100% on my geography final!! I think I'll have straight A's as long as I don't bomb the Vietnam take home test!! That was really make me happy! I gave the test for the class I am a TA for. Before that I moved everything, so I came home! I love being with my puppy! He's the greatest dog! (and SO handsome, I'm sure he'd look like a young Robert Redford if he was a real person!)

My parents didn't even know I was coming home because they've been so consumed with my grandmother. I'm going to run to the nursing home this afternoon since I didn't get to work out this morning. Then mom and I are taking a walk or bike ride. I love spending time with her. I'll go and see Nelly and my grandpa too and of course finish my Vietnam take home test!!

The 5th graders are great! It's awesome getting to be in a classroom by yourself and not have a teacher observing/hanging over you!! I love it. They're doing DEAR right now. (Drop everything and read, for you non-education people!!) Then social studies, my favorite!!

Not the Country Club

Not the Country Club

I thought this blog was interesting. I started clicking the "next blog" button at the top right hand corner while I was procrastinating. I'm amazed!! So many blogs from all over the world!! I can probably procrastinate for the rest of my life!!

Don't fret about the template change. I like this one a lot more, it's rather soothing and not so in your face...At least that's what I think, and since it's my blog, I get to pick. This is a blogocracy!