Cocoa Pebbles

When I get stressed I eat a lot of cereal. Sunday night I went shopping and bought 2 boxes of Cocoa Pebbles (unhealthy, I know, but $3 cheaper than most of the other cereals). I am almost finished with both boxes.

This "stress" I am feeling is unlike normal college stress because it's not directly related to things like papers that needs to be turned in or large exams, but rather the fear that I don't know what I need to do and/or I am not doing things correctly. When I get assigned large projects I just want to sit down and work on them non-stop until they get done (perhaps with a couple cereal breaks), but unfortunately the world does not allow this method of working. So I have a small bunch or projects, but keep not getting things done at the rate I would like to. I get stressed when the world makes it impossible for me to "get my way". So that is the cause for first box of cereal.

Box two is quickly being devoured because I am beginning to think that I do not want to be a lighting designer for my "Real Job". I have been thinking about it for awhile, but I have been afraid to pronounce it... in case I change my mind. However, I- in time- have learned that it is okay to change your mind. So, if I change my mind back, you'll just have to forgive me. It's not that I don't enjoy lighting... I do. It's fascinating and beautiful and... so much more, but as I watch LD:MD jump from project to project I realize that there is not time in the day for him to dedicate as much of himself to each project as he would like. Now, I realize that he does a great job of balancing projects and is still able to create beautiful, supportive-to-the-story-telling work, but I don't know if I want that to be the kind of stress I am dealing with everyday. Sure, there is some fear-of-failure associated with this for me, but overall, there's a realization that there are other things I can dedicate my talents to: stage management, production, general electrician, ect. I will probably still try to do some design when I return to Hope, but I realize that as far as grown-up, post-college, career decisions... I might just design on the side. I don't know if a marriage would work out. I'm not against a relationship on the side though if lighting and I can work something out.

After all, it's like Tom Petty sings, "It'll all work out eventually..."

Cardboard Cells

Today I met a woman who said she hadn't been happy since the day she was born. I didn't get her name, but I do know that she has trouble finding shoes because her feet are messed up. She gets paid on the first of the month and offered to go shoe shopping with me. She told me her tongue, head, ears... body hurt "because of those stupid ***** cops and..." (she went on). I told her I hope she could get some rest and I wished things would get better for her... and I did, but I hope she didn't mean it when she said she "hasn't been happy since the day (she) was born". It breaks my heart to think about.

On that note, I have been doing a decent job of trying my best to see reality as it is and staying positive. I find the second part is one of the best ways to keep one's self "happy". For the most part I am successful. This weekend there were moments when I would forget to be rational and I would crave for realities that did not exist, but different moments followed those ones and here I am, listening to Bright Eyes again, being reminded that everything "must belong somewhere".

This idea, of belonging somewhere, is what keeps the possibility of being happy open for me.... well, as long as the "somewhere" is pleasant.

Won't You Be My Neighbor

The idea that people are not friendly in New York is lunacy. I understand that people are often in a rush or preoccupied in whatever they are doing, but when it comes down to it: people are kind to each other. There are constantly women and men helping people with strollers up/down the stairs. Camille's UPS guy was the friendliest ever. People treat each other to coffee and offer suggestions. I rarely hear of anyone's need for directions going unanswered.

While we all have room for growth and a denser population allows for an increase of opportunity to run into one of the "crazies" I think most people who speak of unfriendly New Yorkers could not have spent more than a week here (in the wrong area).

Done.

I think the always-favorite one month grace period is coming to a close rather quickly... I was hoping it would last through part of October, but small things are shortening it.


In better news, I went running today and I saw Hamlet this evening.

Fall Cleaning

I just cleared out 60 people from my phone's phonebook and it feels oddly good. It was like cleaning out closets, except different.

I do, however, need to get my room in a working order. I keep cleaning it, but it doesn't stay clean. It's a work in process.

Not new, just recently reminded

I love couples in love.

The real kind of love inspires those who are near it.

"Whatever, I'll sleep on it and come up with something great"
-MD, the designer

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When I get married I'm playing the "Catch a Falling Star" song

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Sometimes big challenges imitate me. It's not necessarily things that are a "big deal," but rather things I am not confident about... there are not that many of these things, so when I run into them, it makes my tummy nervous.

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I like people who nod and yes during church and plays and beauty

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There's a scene in a Boy and His Soul that makes me want to grow old with someone even more than I already do. It also makes me miss my grandparents.

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I don't mind running errands for people, but I dislike the uncertainty of how much soy milk they want in their coffee.

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Interstitial spaces are important.

Check Please

My sister's name is Anna Jo and I found this blog of a girl named Anna Jo who isn't my sister. This is her list of "Rad Things to do Before [she] die[s]"

I'm going to bold the things I've done because that's cool

From her blog:
"Here is my list in no particular order. If I have accomplished one of my goals, the date is listed to the right. There are more that I never added and have probably forgotten about. I guess I will just have to live forever to get this all done.

1. run a marathon in every state (6/50)
2. **learn to surf** (8.3.04)
3. be a liftie at a ski resort to get a free pass
4. **marry the raddest guy, in the temple** (9.27.06)
5. bike a century
6. **triathlons!!!** (5.22.04)
7. **run the camp pendleton mud run** (6.11.05)
8. **see Ben Folds live (and his five? reunion show!)** (4.23.08)
9. be on while you were out or surprise by design
10. help an old lady across the street
11. become an awesome telemark skier
12. be a mom
13. speak ASL fluently
14. go on a humanitarian trip to a different country
15. write a children's book
16. take another pottery class and master the wheel
17. have a darkroom in my house
18. be an artist
19. make something out of sticks (wood)
20. **go scuba diving** (Spring of '05...)
21. **go skydiving** (5.8.04)
22. go bungee jumping
23. make stained glass windows and such
24. meet the brothers chap
25. make an independent film
26. get in the patagonia catalog doing something rad
27. become a hardcore outdoor enthusiast: travel to rad places to do
rad things
28. kiss in the rain! ("get some" rain)
29. **hike timp and watch the sunrise** (7.24.04)
30. do the big muddy outdoors adventure race
31. **win a race (at least my age division)** (5.22.04)
32. put up a slackline in my yard
33. own cool dogs
34. make a scrub skirt
35. date a bike messenger guy
36. be a member of a climbing gym with my husband and kids
37. sell something on ebay
38. do something new or start a hobby on each birthday
39. **try the elbow trick** (spring of '06--see above, #4)
40. go to iguacu falls
41. live sustainably
42. join a bowling league
43. **go to a movie by myself** (7.15.04)
44. be on the price is right
45. sleep in a park (like a homeless person)
46. use crampons
47. **go to havasupai** (10.7.05)
48. qualify for and run boston
49. train for a marathon or century en route for the race
50. ironman new zealand
51. bike across Utah
52. Utah grandslam
53. lotoja
54. slackline on the equator
55. raise awareness for something as I bike and/or run across the
state and/or country, etc.
56. hood to coast relay (oregon)
57. bowl a turkey on Thanksgiving





I just liked her list. My own list is as follows:
1. Kiss in the rain [check]
2. Run a marathon
3. Run an ultra marathon
4. Break 20 in the 5k
5. Run a naked 5k
6. Go skinnydipping [check]
7. Get out of debt
8. Be the "Storytime Lady"
9. Love and be loved fully, truly, always.
10. Wake up outside with someone I love
11. Be something incredible
12. Have a room full of my books
13. Bench press my body weight

Obviously it's an "in process" list.

Three Weeks in 3 Links, not the Zelda kind.

Opening Night for A Boy and His Soul is this evening.

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The Museum of Chinese in America's opening was two nights ago. The Museum is beautiful and truly eye-opening. I highly recommend it if you venture to NYC.

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Last night was the opening for The Blue Rider in Performance. This article is not the best as far as 'giving credit,' but it does give you an idea of what the project is about.



So far all of these three projects have been quite different, but all wonderful, learning experiences.

I am in the right place.

The City might not sleep, but someday I want to

The rest of Week 1:


Wednesday
Wednesday was my first day of my internship. I had stayed up a bit too late the night before, but this is a bit of a habit of mine. I went to the [V] theater a bit before 11. Wednesday night was our first preview and we spent the day going through notes, messing with cues, and teching. After the preview some of the production staff & I went next door. By the time I left I felt energized by the people. It was great to be back in the theater/theatre and I felt very comfortable with everyone I talked to. While I was still in intern shoes, we discussed things evenly. I felt/feel GREAT about what this semester holds.
During my dinner break I went to Barnes & Noble and looked through numerous different sections. I left without buying anything, but only because I had a giftcard back in my room and felt guilty buying something I could use the card for.
After I came back to '305' I sent some emails out for my internship and then had light conversation with people upstairs. By 3A I finally made my way to bed.

Thursday
I met [3] at a museum where the permanent exhibition is being lit. Having limited knowledge about exhibition lighting it was great to hear a little bit about it. Add that to my list of things to research. After the museum we made our way back to [V] for more notes and the nightly preview. I had a slightly longer dinner break and made my way back to '305' for a nap. This was a bad choice as I slightly overslept and had to sprint/walk the 1.3-1.5 miles back to [V]. I arrived only a couple minutes late and until I apologized no one had noticed [there were "bigger fish to worry about"]. Although, my arches were pretty mad at me for that sprint. Walking over 5 miles a day in shoes that have no support probably isn't the best thing for my feet/legs.
Despite the sprint, the nap was beneficial as I was much more attentive during the show. Aftewards we went next door again. There was a much larger amount of people there; a fundraiser had just let out and it was the location for their after party. We kept the evening short due to our inability to hear each other and I returned to '305' where I had more conversation and eventually sleep.

Friday
I made it out for a quick run in the morning [40ish minutes] and got to [V] just after lunch. The best part about this was that I didn't have to spend money eating out... it really adds up, but often there isn't time enough for another option. After notes I made my way over to the Museum by myself to take inventory. It was rather simple, but exciting to be given a task on my own. Afterwards I had a cheap dinner in China Town. I don't normally go for Chinese food, but 4 options, a drink, soup and rice for 5.50 is a great deal. After some good phone conversation and sitting in a park while it rained, I went back to [V] for another preview. It's great to watch how different audiences respond to the show. If you're in NY, ask me about it, I would definitely recommend it. I enjoy it every night.
I returned to '305' with the intention of sleeping.

Instead I caved to peer pressure and went with Amy, Bryce, Fallon & Rudy to The Comedy Cellar. It was a bit expensive, but wonderfully funny. Many of the comedians I had even see on Comedy Central before! I would name names, but let's be honest, I don't remember them all. It was really cool to see/hear people you've seen before [but only on screens]. We returned to '305' and watched some television. By 4A I passed out, wondering why I didn't go to bed at 11P when I was tired.

Saturday
Due to the late bedtime and limited commitments, I slept the morning away. By the time I finally woke up, I indulged in cheerios and spent most of the day writing emails and tying up loose ends. Around 5:00 I started looking for things to do. At 5:30 I read about Michael Alan's Draw-A-Thon Theater at 6:00.... 5 hours of "performance" art. I sprinted to the Gershwin Hotel and after some confusion, found a lovely purple couch and made a couple friends. The Draw-a-Thon claims to combine Theater and live art making, but there was a lot more live art making than theater. Despite the lack of theater, it was a great time. I only stayed for 4/5 hours because I got tired, but I sketched for most of the time. It was my first time sketching for more than a few minutes in many years and my first time ever sketching nude models. It was a great experience and something I would love to do again when better prepared [with paper bigger than a small notebook]. And if you think about it, $20 really isn't a bad fee for so many crazy models, props and positions.
I came back to '305' with a new energy, only to watch OSU lose the OSU-USC game. A few people went out later that night, but I made the wise decision to stay in, write, and go to bed around 1.

Sunday
This morning I woke up around 8:30 and went running. I ran along the Hudson River path [only having to stop for vehicles twice and to stretch once] and even found some grass in patches. At one point I was running on mulch and the guy running towards me [also on the mulch] laughed as we managed not to run into each other, saying "hahah, you like the dirt too". While there are some aggressive bikers, and grumpy bad day runners, I love the pseudo-community. After 45 minutes [including one sub8 minute mile due to a guy running next to me... the rest were too slow to mention] I returned home to shower and get ready for church.

My good friend Isaac recommended this church to me called Middle Collegiate. It was a great service as the church is for social change. I definitely intend on returning.


More on that soon, I have to go translate a script... wish me luck <3



P.S. People ask me for directions or help on the train nearly every day. I know there are a lot of people, but does this happen to everyone? Usually it's when I'm in running clothes [because what tourist or scary person would be running?], but sometimes even in regular clothes. The best part is that every time someone has asked me a question, I have been lucky enough that they ask me something I know! I love that feeling.

The Importance of Being Invited

Being invited is one of my favorite ways to be. It makes me feel a part of things and that people want me around. This builds comfort which then transforms into my ability to trust and remain secure around those people.

While it has 3 days or less since I have met the other people in the NY Arts' Program, I am already feeling comfortable around most of them. While I am sure our relationships will all transform and become something greater or less or simply different- there is something precious about this world. They invite people. We invite people. Sometimes it's individual invitations- someone will knock on your door or see you in the hallway, but often it is simply yelling in the stairwell that people are going to lunch. If you stick your head out and ask them to wait for you, they will without a second thought. Of course, we are all low on other commitments, but you get the idea. There may be plenty to worry about [the future], but in the present... I have Faith.

The World Spins Madly On

My favorite sound at 8:30 in the morning is vacuuming. No, no, it's not.
However, that is what I was woken up by today (^Monday, now yesterday).

Despite going to bed around 3 or so [as a result of excellent conversation with people who make me laugh] I decided to get out of bed. The chance of me falling back asleep with that noise was slim to none. I sat for a bit and then got dressed to run. I ran to the first theatre I will be working at and then continued on to East Riverside Park. It was a bit of a journey and I did not spend an extensive amount of time at the park, but I was there long enough to take advantage of a bit of their path (most of which I am told is usually under construction) and their 6 lane track. When I arrived on the track my legs were overjoyed. I didn't think they could feel emotion, but as it turns out, they do. My mind may love the city, but my body still YEARNS for trails: dirt paths, crushed lime stone and tree roots to avoid. I am thinking on days off I might try to splurge travel out of the city just once or twice to give my body a real long run. I'll just have to make sure to wear the non-road-rash shorts (Yes, a problem again).

I came home, talked with my mom*, showered, and fixed myself some cereal and yogurt. As I went outside to eat them I ran into a group going out to lunch. I encouraged them to go on and I joined them after they ordered so as to avoid spending money. I had the opportunity to talk to people who I previously hadn't invested much time in, but whose company I really enjoyed. One of these people is the other Sara, and she's a quality person to share a name with. And there is Edward, whose name I keep trying to change (accidentally) and who is working at the [V]- currently with an sm [w] who I think is awesome. He has been there for over a week now and I am hoping I will feel as comfortable as he seems to be.

After lunch we walked to a great bookstore called The Strand. Sadly they didn't have most of the books I was looking for, but I did purchase a Satre book. I am trying to get a deeper knowledge of some of the great philosophers. I wish I had more time to take more classes. I have so much to learn. Why is the unknown always winning? ..I digress... I texted my sister to ask her if there were any books she wanted and while they did not have her request, she did inform me that she had wondered into the store when in New York with Jeff. I liked the idea Anna Jo had been there before. It is a shared experience at different times. Time is such a confusing thing and if we take it away, we were there together.

After the bookstore we returned to 305 for a brief story time in which I only got through one paragraph without making a mistake. I gave up and took a much needed nap. I ate dinner and went to our 8:00 hall meeting.

After the hall meeting a bunch of us went to a restaurant down the street for Amanda's 21st birthday dinner. I had already eaten so I had some sangria and just chipped in for Amanda's dinner. It was another great opportunity to get to know people more. I had not talked to Danielle at all and I had the opportunity to learn more about Kevin as well. While these names mean little to you, I like to look back and watch how relationships formed (or didn't). Point of the story, it was another good investment of time. And, instead of each buying a glass of sangria, Sara- I think it was Sara... and I split a 1/2 L for the same price as buying one glass per person... brilliant.

I returned to 305 and eventually meandered upstairs to the top floor kitchen where cookies were being made again. I suck at 'WW'. They were delicious, that Robbins recipe will be the tummy of me. We immersed ourselves in good conversation and once again moved to the boys' room in time. By 3:30 we were all exhausted and had to put our great religion conversation on hold. I won't divulge into it too greatly, as I have to leave to walk uptown, but I will say this:
1. I am deeply interested in the ideas of Hinduism and
2. It is WONDERFUL to discuss religion with people who know things. It is even more wonderful to discuss religion [and philosophy and other things] with people who know more than you. There were names mentioned that I have never heard of.

Oh knowledge, how much more I wish I retained...






*I talked with my mom about many trivial things as well as one not-so-trivial detail that a good friend of mine from Church, Bill Vobbe had passed away. He always put a smile on my face and TRULY cared about what was going in my life. Since I am not in Ohio it, similar to so many other deaths, is not real to me. Surely, it is a coping mechanism. It is the same way I have dealt with Fred's death. And when I return to Trinity I will look for Fred and Bill every Sunday and I will let myself forget that their bodies will not be there... because they're there anyways. Bodies are unnecessary.

G'night

Orientation starts in 7 hours.
I am going to bed knowing that I have spent this weekend investing quality time in good people. I wish I could bottle this feeling.

Experiences with Others.

[Someone else's picture of the glorious Grand Central Station because I did not take my camera with me on any of my adventures and I can't find my phone chord].


My first full day in New York began with a run. This is a milestone for me because this is how I like to be able to stay I started my day; however, it's not always the case. It can be hard to motivate oneself to get out the door each day, but day one, it happened. I ran 50 minutes. I began at W. 29th and Eighth and ran North to Central Park. It took approximately 13 minutes of running on the watch to get there, but I had to stop for cars and pedestrians occasionally. For awhile I was doing quite well and every road said walk, but I must have changed my pace because that streak didn't last. Once I reached Central Park I ran for awhile inside. I tried to sneak onto their graces, but large sections are fenced off which makes that not possible. I still ended up on cement for most of the run, but at least that section was nicer than the sidewalk [kinda]. I left Central Park and figured I would head down Broadway to return home. After spending an extensive amount of time weaving pedestrians I decided it was not necessary to see all of the theaters on Day 1(or 2). I weaved back and forth between Eighth, Broadway and a few of the streets inbetween and eventually dropped back into rhythm and made my way home. I stretched for a bit, and knew I would nap at some point. 14 hour train rides and cement do not lend to happy legs.

After showering I ate the second half my sub from the day before and went grocery shopping with Nick and Kelly. I figured Joe would be proud of me as I purchased 33 items for 43.64. This, of course, included 12 yogurts at three for a dollar (a steal), but I thought this was pretty good for New York. The yogurts were also non-fat and delicious, but I digress.

After putting my groceries away I consulted TimeOut for things going on. My roommate (Amy), our neighbor (Jess), and one of the guys who lives upstairs (Ries) all went to Hell's Kitchen Flea Market. There was some quality stuff and if I lived here, I would have a new trunk and possibly a sword in my housing. Amy and Jess went back towards 305 to grocery shop while Ries and I decided to walk around some more. We stopped for beverages and band-aids, as my shoes were making the bag of my heels cry red, and then went off adventuring. We decided to head towards Times Square to sit on the "red steps". As we were closing in on the red steps we noticed the street directly to our right was FILLED with people yelling and delicious smells. Happy Brazil Day! Yaaayyy! We had unknowingly walked right into the Brazil Day festivities. Despite not being hungry, we both got a little something to eat and enjoyed the music, bits of dancing, and all-in-all- happy people. There were happy shouts and people greeting one another. The sounds of non-english being spoken were beautiful music. I wish I could have captured the experience for you. After over 2 blocks of people-stuffed streets, Ries and I reached the end and were transplanted back to New York, to Fifth Avenue. We began to walk back and stopped in Grand Central Station, where I had never been. We ended up taking the Subway back home to Penn Station, completing a wonderful adventure.

I took a nap. When I woke up it was time for dinner and I made an egg, cheese, salad, and delicious seasoning wrap. This delicious seasoning was acquired from the Brazilian Festival where I also picked up THEE BEST cajun seasoning I have ever tasted. I watched part of some quality tv shows (not true) and then left to wash my plate. After this I joined a lovely group of people in the next kitchen to make the 'Robbins Chocolate Chip Cookies' recipe. The Robbin's family has my seal of approval. The cookies were delicious and I failed Weight Watcher's. Cookie making led to more socializing, joke making and eventually card tricks and my favorite game of asking everyone questions. These included:

-What did you want to be when you were 6 years old?
-What are you passionate about?
-Are you religious?
-Do you believe in Love?
-What's your favorite piece of playground equipment?

Two of those are mine and you can probably guess at least one of them. It was a great first full day and by 3:30 in the morning, when sleep finally fell upon us, I felt as though I was truly living again.

Moving

I feel so far behind. In the four days I have not blogged I have made so many mental notes of things to write, many of them have been lost.

I made it to New York safe. Everything in my suitcases fits in my room and the train people didn't even give me hassle. Contrary to the Amtrak I remember from when I went to D.C. over 13 years ago, the people weren't the friendliest. While the journey was long it was easy overall. My parents bought me trail mix and chocolate to make the journey easier. I bought a veggie burger on the train and I, remarkably, still have some of the trail mix and chocolate remaining.
I met a couple people on the train.... Shane, who was going to a wedding, talked with me from 7A to 9A. As much as I enjoyed his company, I had only had 4 hours of sleep (2h at a time) and had difficulty being as enthusiastic about things as he was. I met a few other people, but spent most of my time reading, eating, or sleeping.

Oddly enough, one of my roommates was on the train with me. We waited for her checked luggage and headed to '305' (where we live). Anna, our other roommate was already moved in so Amy and I ended up mostly on the right side of the quad. While I would prefer not to live with 3 other people, there is room for a fourth person. It is nicer living in this space than the double I originally saw. Amy and I grabbed quick sandwiches and journeyed off to Bed, Bath, and Beyond for sheets, pillows, towels, and hangers. We weren't sure where to go for pillows, but when I asked a guy on the corner, his friends immediately looked up the address for me. While in the store we met some lovely, helpful people... two even helped me pick the color of towel.

After we returned we socialized for a little bit. There have been new people to meet each day and I'm not doing terribly remembering names, although I am having difficulties with a few.


My computer is currently giving me difficulties so I will leave you at that and attempt to continue later.


From New York with Love...
xx

The return to old scenery, a new reality

My time at Hope was well spent. I arrived at night on Saturday. I stopped at the store, picked up grapes, strawberries, over-priced-fat-free cheese, turkey and bread. I ate it for 4 meals. I spent time with current and former runners catching up on what I had missed of their summers. It always amazes me the different things we can find to do to fill our time. We work at camps, hospitals, theaters... It's a blessing that I am given the opportunity to spend time with these people to hear about their experiences.
After Jackie, Amy and I left Emma and Joanne's we went to bed so four of us could wake up for practice in the morning. The team was doing a mile workout, but Jo and a few of the recovering-injured younger girls were just doing mileage. As it turned out, the team was going to the course for the workout so I was allowed to ride the Orange & Blue bus. I was wonderfully excited. I've been oddly nostalgic for the Orange and Blue bus. I had the opportunity to meet some freshmen and talk with other teammates. Contrary to my concerns, Coach introduced me to the bus and it wasn't awkward at all. I had a nice run with Jo and some of the other girls. There is even a freshman who plans to go into lighting and has worked with the designer at K-zoo college. I am slightly envious that she already knows what she wants. Even if she changes her mind, she has already dedicated herself to acquiring a fair amount of knowledge in an area. I, on the other hand, have spent a lot of time meandering. I have still retained a large amount of knowledge, but it's in a wide variety of subject areas.

Anyways, it was a good run. I returned home, showered, ate lunch, ran a few errands, and returned home for a nap. That evening I hung around the house with the girls. I stayed the weekend in the house where I will live in the spring. Saturday night a few of us went to the guys' cross country house where other runners and a few of their friends were gathering. It was nice to see everyone, but a different atmosphere due to the amount of freshmen. The new runners greatly out-number the veterans. I got to know a few of the freshmen (mostly the guys since they were slightly calmer) and spent the majority of my time talking with old friends. Jackie and I walked home that night and ran into my lighting design partner from last fall. The fact that in a 3 block walk, you can run into someone you know at least fairly well, just reminds me of how small Hope College really is. While, at times, this is frustrating, there is something comforting and incredibly homey about it. As excited as I am for this Fall, I am looking forward to the spring as well.

The next morning Emma had Meghan and I over for delicious biscuits. We talked for awhile and I was given more reasons to miss Hope this semester :) It's nice to have so many friends that I can return to and have things feel so effortless. I am hoping it will feel the same in the spring. The girls at the house let me help with organizing a few things and I am hoping the transition will be easy, despite going from 5 to 6 girls. However, a lot will happen before then.

After biscuits with Emma I waited in line at the Windmill for Joe. I would like to recommend that if you ever want to try the Windmill... don't go on a Sunday. Also, don't plan on bringing your Weight Watcher's mentality. Leave it at home, there is no good kid section. We had good conversation though. Mid this conversation Kayley (my friend whom I'd dropped off for the NIN concerts) called to inform me the train schedules were changed and she would not be able to get to South Bend, as we originally planned. Instead, she would be in Gary, IN an hour earlier. I finished my breakfast, speedily dropped by to see Rachel and rushed home to get directions to Gary. After some computer problems I was on the road again.

Kayley chilled for over an hour in Gary, but was fine and, to my relief, relaxed about it. We jumped back on the road and made in back to Ohio before 9 p.m. It was a quick return back to Ohio, but necessary. I spent the next day slightly down, but now I am just beginning to let the reality of New York sink in. I suppose, I should start packing sometime in the next 50 hours...

TLC and Travel

This summer I have made up for my years of watching limited tv by watching extensive amounts of:

Man Vs. Food
What Not to Wear
Clean House

I think if we added in a show about scrapbooking, these shows would sum up the way I've spent my time this summer.

I'll order it from Zanzibar

Recently friends of mine have been posting links on facebook. Here are a few I found interesting:


Here's a little bit on: Understanding maps and borders

This is more sad news than interesting, but Reading Rainbow is going off the air. This also reminds me that 3 of my top 10 favorite tv shows of all time have been on PBS.

And "What if Amazon Reviewers Took on the Classics"... truth be told, I <3 NPR

And as far as a love drug goes, why not just use E? I think I'd use the anti-love.

And how much sugar is really in that...?



And for anyone wondering, Zanzibar is located in Tanzania.