Let the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing in your eyes, O Lord, my strength and my salvation.
Pslam 19:14
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
seven daily reasons
Why today is generally good. Stolen from one of the more inspirational women I have ever met, this affirmation may be necessary on multiple days throughout the next two weeks.
1. Never being too old to appreciate the importance of the most important day of 2010...and having a good friend to do it with
That is Kayla and I at approximately 5:51 on November 19th after attending the 3:15 a.m. showing of Harry Potter 7 (yes, they show that late). And might I mention...fully dressed in wizard's robes.
2. Knowing that I have another semester left, but only 2 weeks of this one left.
3. That starbucks exists in the Reitz providing caffeine pre-tour without an extra stop.
4. A new How I Met Your Mother, which can always make a Monday better
5. Inspirational messages from Ruthie every Monday
6. Still having some of these leftover:
7. Thinking about new year's in New Orleans.
1. Never being too old to appreciate the importance of the most important day of 2010...and having a good friend to do it with
That is Kayla and I at approximately 5:51 on November 19th after attending the 3:15 a.m. showing of Harry Potter 7 (yes, they show that late). And might I mention...fully dressed in wizard's robes.
2. Knowing that I have another semester left, but only 2 weeks of this one left.
3. That starbucks exists in the Reitz providing caffeine pre-tour without an extra stop.
4. A new How I Met Your Mother, which can always make a Monday better
5. Inspirational messages from Ruthie every Monday
6. Still having some of these leftover:
7. Thinking about new year's in New Orleans.
Day 14-A picture you love
Dolphin stadium after the gators won the national title in 2008. One of the defining moments of my college career and my life as a gator fan. We're definitely in a point where I have to remind myself, in all kinds of weather, but win or lose I will be a gators for life.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Timing
I've been watching Sex and the City recently and there was an episode about timing. Carrie asks the question with two answers, is timing everything? It made me really evaluate where I am in life. Timing-wise, I'm about at the point where I choose a career, settle down in a new place, re-create the friendships I've spent 3 1/2 years perfecting, and begin the progression toward adulthood. Reality-wise I've changed my major four times, have three different life paths I might like to pursue, live in an apartment fully furnished with a twin bed and have no better handle on my future than I do on controlling the post-Thanksgiving break traffic back into Gainesville. This last year has been all about timing--being in the right place at the right time, and finding the right things at the wrong time. Discovering the UF offered an interdisciplinary major that exactly suited what I was interested in, 2 years too late to do anything about it. Putting off pursuing a business minor until my last two semesters, making them much more intensive than I needed for a senior year. Creating the perfect summer groups of friends, turning 21, and then leaving it all behind to pursue that other important part of my life, being a life-changer. Being the right person for someone who is so wrong for you. Mentally feeling ready to leap forward, but being impeded by societal beliefs about age and experience.
My personality psychology professor mentioned the other day that the most important factor in deciding to build a relationship with someone is propinquity. Is it more important than timing? Do we really have no soulmates, but simply reach out for the closest thing we can touch? Is it fate that I majored in Psychology, or was it simply because it was the only major at the school I happened to be at that held my interest? How do we make the large, life changing, soul shaking decisions we do, if really our decisions are simply based on what is around? Are we all just existing simultaneously in the same life, with the power to travel somewhere else and establish the exact same niche?
If life is all about timing, I think it's safe to say I'm stuck in a different time zone than my body...
***
“Life is all about timing... the unreachable becomes reachable, the unavailable become available, the unattainable... attainable. Have the patience, wait it out It's all about timing.”
-Stacey Charter
My personality psychology professor mentioned the other day that the most important factor in deciding to build a relationship with someone is propinquity. Is it more important than timing? Do we really have no soulmates, but simply reach out for the closest thing we can touch? Is it fate that I majored in Psychology, or was it simply because it was the only major at the school I happened to be at that held my interest? How do we make the large, life changing, soul shaking decisions we do, if really our decisions are simply based on what is around? Are we all just existing simultaneously in the same life, with the power to travel somewhere else and establish the exact same niche?
If life is all about timing, I think it's safe to say I'm stuck in a different time zone than my body...
***
“Life is all about timing... the unreachable becomes reachable, the unavailable become available, the unattainable... attainable. Have the patience, wait it out It's all about timing.”
-Stacey Charter
Day 13-Goals
What an ironic day to land on as I sit here procrastinating the large pile of work sitting next to me.
Goals are interesting because the general ones linger, but the specific ones change on a fairly regular basis. I guess I'm about at a point where my goals are going to become my reality soon, or that is the ideal, but I don't know how to classify them.
I can say with certainty I have the general goal of making a difference in the world. At one point, I wanted it to be a measurable difference. But as I looked back on my recent volunteerism, I think it's safe to say I am well on my way to achieving this one, or possibly already have. In more specific terms, I would like to look back on my life and think that I have had a positive impact on the world. And while not really more specific, some ways I have thought this would play out were Doctors without Borders, pursuing public health policy, working for a non-profit, and most recently perhaps doing Americorps or the Peace Corps.
I know that it is my goal to see as much of this world as possible. This goal worries me the most, because the world is constantly changing and there is so much of it. I have the goal of visiting all 7 continents before I die, and all 50 states before I turn 50 (a goal my cousin and I set when we were younger). There are places all over Europe and Asia that I would like to visit, as well as several places in Africa. I purchased a copy of 1000 places to see before you die last year, and I was overwhelmed the moment I opened it. Many of the places will never be within my reach, and so at some point I will need to narrow this one down so that it becomes more attainable.
I would like to do a climb for cancer and scale the seven summits. Fortunately, these goals can be combined, as well as working towards my goal of reaching all 7 continents (by the way, I have 4 down). This goal is my highest reach (no pun intended), as I would have to overcome several obstacles to do so. The first, unfortunately, is financial. These climbs are not cheap, especially Everest, which costs around $60,000 for supplies and oxygen. The second, is the fact that I am nowhere near in shape for this, and am only getting older. Living 121 feet above sea level does not quite prepare someone for any part of this climb, and although I have found alternate routes for trying to train, it is not something I would be able to try for several years (see previous blog posts for more on this goal).
I want to have a library in my house. Think a la Beauty and the Beast. Filled to the top with all kinds of books; I have started this goal and am well on my way to finding books to stock it on a regular basis. The closest I have seen is this, in my friend's house a little south of here:
I want to be successful in all ways, happiness and financial stability included. I want to figure out where my niche is and reach it, in a job that is flexible with my need to climb mountains and see the world. I think it will take a couple tries to get there, and so I am very comfortable with the idea of multiple jobs. I'm just not sure where to start.
Goals are interesting because the general ones linger, but the specific ones change on a fairly regular basis. I guess I'm about at a point where my goals are going to become my reality soon, or that is the ideal, but I don't know how to classify them.
I can say with certainty I have the general goal of making a difference in the world. At one point, I wanted it to be a measurable difference. But as I looked back on my recent volunteerism, I think it's safe to say I am well on my way to achieving this one, or possibly already have. In more specific terms, I would like to look back on my life and think that I have had a positive impact on the world. And while not really more specific, some ways I have thought this would play out were Doctors without Borders, pursuing public health policy, working for a non-profit, and most recently perhaps doing Americorps or the Peace Corps.
I know that it is my goal to see as much of this world as possible. This goal worries me the most, because the world is constantly changing and there is so much of it. I have the goal of visiting all 7 continents before I die, and all 50 states before I turn 50 (a goal my cousin and I set when we were younger). There are places all over Europe and Asia that I would like to visit, as well as several places in Africa. I purchased a copy of 1000 places to see before you die last year, and I was overwhelmed the moment I opened it. Many of the places will never be within my reach, and so at some point I will need to narrow this one down so that it becomes more attainable.
I would like to do a climb for cancer and scale the seven summits. Fortunately, these goals can be combined, as well as working towards my goal of reaching all 7 continents (by the way, I have 4 down). This goal is my highest reach (no pun intended), as I would have to overcome several obstacles to do so. The first, unfortunately, is financial. These climbs are not cheap, especially Everest, which costs around $60,000 for supplies and oxygen. The second, is the fact that I am nowhere near in shape for this, and am only getting older. Living 121 feet above sea level does not quite prepare someone for any part of this climb, and although I have found alternate routes for trying to train, it is not something I would be able to try for several years (see previous blog posts for more on this goal).
I want to have a library in my house. Think a la Beauty and the Beast. Filled to the top with all kinds of books; I have started this goal and am well on my way to finding books to stock it on a regular basis. The closest I have seen is this, in my friend's house a little south of here:
I want to be successful in all ways, happiness and financial stability included. I want to figure out where my niche is and reach it, in a job that is flexible with my need to climb mountains and see the world. I think it will take a couple tries to get there, and so I am very comfortable with the idea of multiple jobs. I'm just not sure where to start.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Day 12-What you believe
I believe in God.
I believe that the ocean is better than the mountains.
I believe that we were given the opportunity to experience as much as possible, and so we should. For me I believe that means seeing the world, but for other I believe it is different.
I believe that I was put here to do big things.
I believe that people 6 years younger can change you just as much as you can change them.
I believe that I love shoes.
I believe that I have some of the best friends in the world.
I believe in constant communication.
I believe that there are holy places.
I believe that caffeine and alcohol are medicinal.
I believe in the power of thought.
I believe in the Gators...in all kinds of weather.
I believe that college is 4 years...for a reason.
I believe in Greek Life.
I believe there is more to this.
I believe that the ocean is better than the mountains.
I believe that we were given the opportunity to experience as much as possible, and so we should. For me I believe that means seeing the world, but for other I believe it is different.
I believe that I was put here to do big things.
I believe that people 6 years younger can change you just as much as you can change them.
I believe that I love shoes.
I believe that I have some of the best friends in the world.
I believe in constant communication.
I believe that there are holy places.
I believe that caffeine and alcohol are medicinal.
I believe in the power of thought.
I believe in the Gators...in all kinds of weather.
I believe that college is 4 years...for a reason.
I believe in Greek Life.
I believe there is more to this.
The Bloody Mary quest
On the way to the perfect bloody mary...
9/20/10
Stopped in Mississippi on the way back from New Orleans. Had spent all weekend craving bloody mary. Saw a jar of cajun dill beans from The Shed. Upon inquiry, I learned that the secret of the great bloody marys of the gulf coast is their use of these special beans in the drink. Obviously purchased said dill beans, knowing upon return to Florida I had to share these with the general population.
9/21/10
Stopped at grocery store. Bought tomato juice, V8, worstechire sauce, hot sauce (also 4 bags of candy but that had nothing to do with the bloody marys).
Attempt 1:
Too much vodka
Tomato juice and v8
Not enough worstechire sauce
Not enough hot sauce
Salt
Pepper
2 cajun dill beans
Realized I forgot lemons. Good but needed more of the aforementioned "not enough" ingredients.
9/22/10
Attempt 2:
3/4 cup vodka
1/4 cup tomato juice
salt
pepper
enough worstechire sauce
TOO MUCH hot sauce
2 cajun dill beans
still no lemons
added minced onions...not sure it made a difference
One major issue I'm having is that of the vodka separating from the tomato juice. My mom says that I should get the mix because its designed to stop this from happening, but I don't believe in mixes...that's the point of this quest.
I also believe that if you use v8 and get your full serving of vegetables, bloody marys are good for you.
**
Substitute celery salt for regular salt. Add a quarter of a lemon. Never substitute cajun dill beans for anything else. Add olives if desired.
9/20/10
Stopped in Mississippi on the way back from New Orleans. Had spent all weekend craving bloody mary. Saw a jar of cajun dill beans from The Shed. Upon inquiry, I learned that the secret of the great bloody marys of the gulf coast is their use of these special beans in the drink. Obviously purchased said dill beans, knowing upon return to Florida I had to share these with the general population.
9/21/10
Stopped at grocery store. Bought tomato juice, V8, worstechire sauce, hot sauce (also 4 bags of candy but that had nothing to do with the bloody marys).
Attempt 1:
Too much vodka
Tomato juice and v8
Not enough worstechire sauce
Not enough hot sauce
Salt
Pepper
2 cajun dill beans
Realized I forgot lemons. Good but needed more of the aforementioned "not enough" ingredients.
9/22/10
Attempt 2:
3/4 cup vodka
1/4 cup tomato juice
salt
pepper
enough worstechire sauce
TOO MUCH hot sauce
2 cajun dill beans
still no lemons
added minced onions...not sure it made a difference
One major issue I'm having is that of the vodka separating from the tomato juice. My mom says that I should get the mix because its designed to stop this from happening, but I don't believe in mixes...that's the point of this quest.
I also believe that if you use v8 and get your full serving of vegetables, bloody marys are good for you.
**
Substitute celery salt for regular salt. Add a quarter of a lemon. Never substitute cajun dill beans for anything else. Add olives if desired.
Day 11-Favorite tv shows
This one is easy because the list is short.
In my opinion the all time best show that was ever on television:
Friends is the show by which all other shows are judged, in my opinion. It is extremely difficult to get me to laugh out loud at something happening behind a glass screen, and this show is the first I can remember having that effect on me several times throughout a 30 minute show. We used to joke that everything in our lives could be related to friends, and although the effect has faded out since it has become less prevalent in my life, the jokes will always be funny and the lessons always relevant. When Friends ended, I cried for about an hour after it ended before pulling myself together and reminding myself that emotional attachment to a television show was ridiculous. But it has never been outdone in my opinion.
My current obsession:
This show is second only to Friends in its ability to make me laugh out loud. Although I think the quality of the show began to fade a little in season 5, and I am still frustrated that we haven't met the mother, this show remains a constant part of my life, and is never overdone. My biggest regret is that Neil Patrick Harris isn't readily available, while my favorite episodes continue to be the Thanksgiving episodes, beginning with Slapsgiving, the episode that originally sucked me in.
I can't even explain this one:
While I am currently have the Food Network on 24/7, nothing can excite me more than turning it on to see my favorite Italian chef cooking up something in her beautiful California home. Giada has become a household name at the PHrathouse (my apartment), and my roommate and I watch in awe her simple grace in the kitchen. Although I can't cook, nor do I ever intend to become the perfect chef, Giada makes me want to be a better cook and work to create my own special recipes. She is an inspiration.
My Guilty Pleasure:
Yes Spongebob. Spongebob has been there for me for years, and since Nickelodeon still faithfully plays it far more often than any other show, I use it as background noise, as the catalyst for a great afternoon nap, or for stupid entertainment on a weekend morning. No I'm not kidding...no I'm not embarassed.
In my opinion the all time best show that was ever on television:
Friends is the show by which all other shows are judged, in my opinion. It is extremely difficult to get me to laugh out loud at something happening behind a glass screen, and this show is the first I can remember having that effect on me several times throughout a 30 minute show. We used to joke that everything in our lives could be related to friends, and although the effect has faded out since it has become less prevalent in my life, the jokes will always be funny and the lessons always relevant. When Friends ended, I cried for about an hour after it ended before pulling myself together and reminding myself that emotional attachment to a television show was ridiculous. But it has never been outdone in my opinion.
My current obsession:
This show is second only to Friends in its ability to make me laugh out loud. Although I think the quality of the show began to fade a little in season 5, and I am still frustrated that we haven't met the mother, this show remains a constant part of my life, and is never overdone. My biggest regret is that Neil Patrick Harris isn't readily available, while my favorite episodes continue to be the Thanksgiving episodes, beginning with Slapsgiving, the episode that originally sucked me in.
I can't even explain this one:
While I am currently have the Food Network on 24/7, nothing can excite me more than turning it on to see my favorite Italian chef cooking up something in her beautiful California home. Giada has become a household name at the PHrathouse (my apartment), and my roommate and I watch in awe her simple grace in the kitchen. Although I can't cook, nor do I ever intend to become the perfect chef, Giada makes me want to be a better cook and work to create my own special recipes. She is an inspiration.
My Guilty Pleasure:
Yes Spongebob. Spongebob has been there for me for years, and since Nickelodeon still faithfully plays it far more often than any other show, I use it as background noise, as the catalyst for a great afternoon nap, or for stupid entertainment on a weekend morning. No I'm not kidding...no I'm not embarassed.
Day 10-Something you're afraid of
This is an easy one. I am terrified of flying. The very thought of airplanes causes me anxiety, and being in airports can send me into a panic attack. I have never been very fond of the idea of falling out of the sky, but this fear escalated around 8th grade. Flying home from Brazil that summer, I experienced the only real turbulence I have ever felt before. Since then, I have learned to take numerous cocktails of anxiety reducing and memory erasing (legal and prescribed) drugs to alleviate this fear. However, it is far from being gone.
One of the funny things about being afraid of flying is that it is almost impossible to bring it up without sparking an irrationally long discussion about everyone else's bad experiences on planes. It never fails that one mention of my dislike for airplanes brings up some of the most horrible stories I have ever heard. I've always wondered why this happens, as when someone mentions their obscene fear of spiders I don't tell them about the largest spider I've ever seen. These conversations leave me even more shaken than I was before them, and I'm often compelled to leave the conversation.
I guess this is ironic, because the job that I would love to have next year requires me to be flying across the country almost weekly. I have a hope that this constant exposure will alleviate my fear, and if not I always have the wonder of modern medicine, and the airport bar. I have, by no means, stopped flying either. I simply find ways to make the trips more pleasant, such as only flying certain airlines and certain size planes. I have, since the main incident, traveled to Europe and Israel, as well as places in the middle of the country and across the country. And I have no plans to quit flying.
One of the funny things about being afraid of flying is that it is almost impossible to bring it up without sparking an irrationally long discussion about everyone else's bad experiences on planes. It never fails that one mention of my dislike for airplanes brings up some of the most horrible stories I have ever heard. I've always wondered why this happens, as when someone mentions their obscene fear of spiders I don't tell them about the largest spider I've ever seen. These conversations leave me even more shaken than I was before them, and I'm often compelled to leave the conversation.
I guess this is ironic, because the job that I would love to have next year requires me to be flying across the country almost weekly. I have a hope that this constant exposure will alleviate my fear, and if not I always have the wonder of modern medicine, and the airport bar. I have, by no means, stopped flying either. I simply find ways to make the trips more pleasant, such as only flying certain airlines and certain size planes. I have, since the main incident, traveled to Europe and Israel, as well as places in the middle of the country and across the country. And I have no plans to quit flying.
Day 9-A picture of your friends
Falling a little behind in this...but here goes
This one would be caption "My Fwendz (minus Charnele)." These girls have become my saving grace in the last 3 1/2 years of college. Even though I technically only live with two of them, I spend enough time with the four of them that we should live together just to save driving time. Lauren, Jen Ren, Ruthie Tootie, and Kim (and not pictured because she has taken sabbatical in D.C. is Charnele) and I have formed a core group of friends that I know I will bring with me wherever I go from college.
Meg. The only friend I've remained in contact with from high school. I have no words for this girl, because I use them all each day bbming with her.
And Ginnie. My best friend since 8th grade. Ginnie and I started our relationship 13 years ago in a very different form...sheer hatred. It wasn't until being forced to sit near each other for 6 years that Ginnie and I did a 180...forming the closest and only lasting friendship I have ever had.
This one would be caption "My Fwendz (minus Charnele)." These girls have become my saving grace in the last 3 1/2 years of college. Even though I technically only live with two of them, I spend enough time with the four of them that we should live together just to save driving time. Lauren, Jen Ren, Ruthie Tootie, and Kim (and not pictured because she has taken sabbatical in D.C. is Charnele) and I have formed a core group of friends that I know I will bring with me wherever I go from college.
Meg. The only friend I've remained in contact with from high school. I have no words for this girl, because I use them all each day bbming with her.
And Ginnie. My best friend since 8th grade. Ginnie and I started our relationship 13 years ago in a very different form...sheer hatred. It wasn't until being forced to sit near each other for 6 years that Ginnie and I did a 180...forming the closest and only lasting friendship I have ever had.
Friday, November 19, 2010
The Midnight Showing-ers
So while I am a little concerned at this particular group of people, I'd like to come clean right now and admit that there are a few movies that I would never miss a midnight showing for. Timing wise, you might guess that one of them is Harry Potter. On that list have also been Spiderman, Lord of the Rings, and Pirates of the Caribbean. However, considering that LOTR is over, Spiderman is not as good anymore, and Orlando Bloom is not in the next Pirates movie, it's safe to say that I may now be contained to Harry Potter.
Which fortunately, is an idea that I am completely ok with. I have never been ashamed of my intense obsession with the Harry Potter series. I can remember exactly the moment when I was first handed the books, over 10 years ago when only two were in existence. I was an avid fan long before it became "cool" to be a fan, and for the first 6 weeks after the premiere of the first movie refused to see it because "it would not be good enough." However, as I have matured I have become almost as emotionally attached to the movies as to the books, and so I feel obligated to share with the world the types of people who I have encountered on these trips.
The Avid Fans (me): These people come in costume down to teasing/dying/creating a wig for their hair. From the genuine robes to the props accompanying (snitch, glasses, scar, broom etc) these people feel a strong emotional connection with every aspect of the movie (book premiere). To them, the thought of NOT seeing it at midnight is painful, and it is stressful enough knowing that in earlier parts of the world the movie has already premiered (the only time Central time one-ups Eastern time). These people will shush you in the movie, and expect you to be ushered out if you do not comply with their shushing. Do not question or push these people, they may snap fairly easily.
The other fans: Second to the avid fans, these may show up in one simple piece of themed clothing--ie a tshirt, or a blanket with the logo of the movie imprinted on it. While these people would never wear normal clothes to a midnight premiere, they are certainly not willing to compromise the color of their hair or their forehead skin for something that will last approximately 3 hours. They are, however, just as intense about not being able to see it the moment it premieres in the first region of the world, and have probably doodled their names in hearts with the name of the main character more than once as well.
The friends of the avid/fans: These people are recognizable by their lack of costume--ie they look like normal people who happen to be at a movie. Friends are normally seen texting, making fun of, or generally disdaining the avid fans, who in turn feel equally negative towards the friends for NOT showing up in costume. Whether or not they are the first people to see it is irrelevant, however anyone who shows up to a midnight premiere does not want the movie ruined for them.
Those others: Others are my least favorite people. In cases like Harry Potter, they are people who have perhaps never been to a midnight premiere of HP, or worse, have never even read the books. These are the people that will be shushed and perhaps assaulted by the avid fans, for talking, making inappropriate comments, laughing at the pain of a character, or otherwise ruining the overall aura created by the avid fans in their costumes. Should not be left alone with an avid fan, and hopefully will fall asleep early on in the movie so as to stop their incessant noise-making.
The 3-am movie attenders (also, me): This is an interesting crowd. Anyone willing to see a movie that begins at 3 am and is known to be over 2 hours long should fall into the avid-fan-who-did-not-realize-the-midnight-showings-were-sold-out crowd, but unfortunately also attract other weirdos as well. The 3 am crowd can consist of a mix of the earlier groupings, of which only the avid fans will make it all the way through the movie without falling asleep once and will continue to feel adrenaline until the final credit has rolled and the movie has been thoroughly dissected. These people also include others who thought a midnight premiere of a super-cool movie might be fun, but also missed the boat on getting tickets, as well as a group of weird people who I assume do normally function during these strange hours.
Which fortunately, is an idea that I am completely ok with. I have never been ashamed of my intense obsession with the Harry Potter series. I can remember exactly the moment when I was first handed the books, over 10 years ago when only two were in existence. I was an avid fan long before it became "cool" to be a fan, and for the first 6 weeks after the premiere of the first movie refused to see it because "it would not be good enough." However, as I have matured I have become almost as emotionally attached to the movies as to the books, and so I feel obligated to share with the world the types of people who I have encountered on these trips.
The Avid Fans (me): These people come in costume down to teasing/dying/creating a wig for their hair. From the genuine robes to the props accompanying (snitch, glasses, scar, broom etc) these people feel a strong emotional connection with every aspect of the movie (book premiere). To them, the thought of NOT seeing it at midnight is painful, and it is stressful enough knowing that in earlier parts of the world the movie has already premiered (the only time Central time one-ups Eastern time). These people will shush you in the movie, and expect you to be ushered out if you do not comply with their shushing. Do not question or push these people, they may snap fairly easily.
The other fans: Second to the avid fans, these may show up in one simple piece of themed clothing--ie a tshirt, or a blanket with the logo of the movie imprinted on it. While these people would never wear normal clothes to a midnight premiere, they are certainly not willing to compromise the color of their hair or their forehead skin for something that will last approximately 3 hours. They are, however, just as intense about not being able to see it the moment it premieres in the first region of the world, and have probably doodled their names in hearts with the name of the main character more than once as well.
The friends of the avid/fans: These people are recognizable by their lack of costume--ie they look like normal people who happen to be at a movie. Friends are normally seen texting, making fun of, or generally disdaining the avid fans, who in turn feel equally negative towards the friends for NOT showing up in costume. Whether or not they are the first people to see it is irrelevant, however anyone who shows up to a midnight premiere does not want the movie ruined for them.
Those others: Others are my least favorite people. In cases like Harry Potter, they are people who have perhaps never been to a midnight premiere of HP, or worse, have never even read the books. These are the people that will be shushed and perhaps assaulted by the avid fans, for talking, making inappropriate comments, laughing at the pain of a character, or otherwise ruining the overall aura created by the avid fans in their costumes. Should not be left alone with an avid fan, and hopefully will fall asleep early on in the movie so as to stop their incessant noise-making.
The 3-am movie attenders (also, me): This is an interesting crowd. Anyone willing to see a movie that begins at 3 am and is known to be over 2 hours long should fall into the avid-fan-who-did-not-realize-the-midnight-showings-were-sold-out crowd, but unfortunately also attract other weirdos as well. The 3 am crowd can consist of a mix of the earlier groupings, of which only the avid fans will make it all the way through the movie without falling asleep once and will continue to feel adrenaline until the final credit has rolled and the movie has been thoroughly dissected. These people also include others who thought a midnight premiere of a super-cool movie might be fun, but also missed the boat on getting tickets, as well as a group of weird people who I assume do normally function during these strange hours.
Day 8-A place you've traveled to
The most recent traveling I did was last December when I went on a birthright trip to Israel. It was one of the most life changing experiences I have ever had. I was extremely hesitant to go on the trip, assuming that since the majority of people attending would be from south Florida I would have a lot of trouble getting along with them. However, I had three friends who I only grew closer with during those amazing 10 days. Here are some of the highlights:
The view in Haifa. Thought Haifa was to the north and located several thousand feet above sea level (which set off my altitude sickness), this view is almost unmatched. The gardens here are kept perfectly preserved overlooking the beautiful water. I am always drawn to water, and so this coastal city was my favorite northern destination.
The desert. Going into the desert was a new experience for me, and I didn't realize how ignorant I am of the natural world until this visit. We hiked through the desert mountains, played in the desert streams, and I wore a sweatshirt the entire time because I am unnaturally sensitive to cold. The hot, dry, desolate, flat images I had in my head were completely erased as I found complete solace in this natural beauty. The picture I posted a few days ago is of a scene that I cannot recreate with digital photography, but I will say that after this visit I have a lot more appreciation for the dry, desolate areas than I ever did before.
Riding a camel is one of the quintessential Israel experiences. Although I am not sure that any of this is genuine anymore, the camel escapade was followed by one of sleeping in bedoiun tents "as the nomads do" and hiking to the top of Matsada to watch the sun rise over the desert. I can assure you that camel travel will never be popular again as camels may be the least graceful of God's creatures.
Second to the desert, Jaffa was my favorite stop on the journey we took. Jaffa is an old biblical city linked with Tel Aviv, the modern entity of Israel, that teems with history. While the smell of pigeons overrides any other pleasant odors that may mingle with it, Jaffa was one of the only times I branched out of my niche and ate authentic Israeli food besides hummus. I came back only able to talk of two foods I liked, and one is the tomatoey goodness of Shakshukra, which is apparently extremely famous in this one small place in Jaffa.
I got mine with sausage because I firmly believe all food is better with protein.
And of course, no visit to Israel is complete without visiting Jerusalem. Jerusalem is pictured here with the desert behind it. The city is a complete melting pot of different cultures stirred together with the extreme modern influence of the tourists. It was quite interesting to visit the most holy place in the Jewish faith in the same day as a visit to the local bars, but the importance was not lost on our group. I learned more here than I did in any other part of Israel about the culture of the Israeli people. Walking around Jerusalem at night I felt safer than I ever had. It occurred to me on the last night that no one had ever told me to watch my purse or not walk alone, and in stark contrast to my visit to Europe I never felt the need to grasp on tightly and stay confined to the safety of my bedroom at night. The overwhelming sense of security is something foreign to me while back in this country, and I am confused by the fact that I am more comforted by the openness of their guns than I am concerned that there are guns out in the open. It was nice to feel what life can be like without constant worry, which I always thought was a constant concern in Israel.
This is a picture I took in the soldier's cemetery while attempting to be artsy. At the time I didn't realize how beautiful and representative it really was to me. I considered very hard the thought of moving to Israel after this trip, and while that may still be a possibility in the future, this picture reminds me that there is both hope and loss, and wherever I go those two things will continue to co-exist.
The view in Haifa. Thought Haifa was to the north and located several thousand feet above sea level (which set off my altitude sickness), this view is almost unmatched. The gardens here are kept perfectly preserved overlooking the beautiful water. I am always drawn to water, and so this coastal city was my favorite northern destination.
The desert. Going into the desert was a new experience for me, and I didn't realize how ignorant I am of the natural world until this visit. We hiked through the desert mountains, played in the desert streams, and I wore a sweatshirt the entire time because I am unnaturally sensitive to cold. The hot, dry, desolate, flat images I had in my head were completely erased as I found complete solace in this natural beauty. The picture I posted a few days ago is of a scene that I cannot recreate with digital photography, but I will say that after this visit I have a lot more appreciation for the dry, desolate areas than I ever did before.
Riding a camel is one of the quintessential Israel experiences. Although I am not sure that any of this is genuine anymore, the camel escapade was followed by one of sleeping in bedoiun tents "as the nomads do" and hiking to the top of Matsada to watch the sun rise over the desert. I can assure you that camel travel will never be popular again as camels may be the least graceful of God's creatures.
Second to the desert, Jaffa was my favorite stop on the journey we took. Jaffa is an old biblical city linked with Tel Aviv, the modern entity of Israel, that teems with history. While the smell of pigeons overrides any other pleasant odors that may mingle with it, Jaffa was one of the only times I branched out of my niche and ate authentic Israeli food besides hummus. I came back only able to talk of two foods I liked, and one is the tomatoey goodness of Shakshukra, which is apparently extremely famous in this one small place in Jaffa.
I got mine with sausage because I firmly believe all food is better with protein.
And of course, no visit to Israel is complete without visiting Jerusalem. Jerusalem is pictured here with the desert behind it. The city is a complete melting pot of different cultures stirred together with the extreme modern influence of the tourists. It was quite interesting to visit the most holy place in the Jewish faith in the same day as a visit to the local bars, but the importance was not lost on our group. I learned more here than I did in any other part of Israel about the culture of the Israeli people. Walking around Jerusalem at night I felt safer than I ever had. It occurred to me on the last night that no one had ever told me to watch my purse or not walk alone, and in stark contrast to my visit to Europe I never felt the need to grasp on tightly and stay confined to the safety of my bedroom at night. The overwhelming sense of security is something foreign to me while back in this country, and I am confused by the fact that I am more comforted by the openness of their guns than I am concerned that there are guns out in the open. It was nice to feel what life can be like without constant worry, which I always thought was a constant concern in Israel.
This is a picture I took in the soldier's cemetery while attempting to be artsy. At the time I didn't realize how beautiful and representative it really was to me. I considered very hard the thought of moving to Israel after this trip, and while that may still be a possibility in the future, this picture reminds me that there is both hope and loss, and wherever I go those two things will continue to co-exist.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Day 7-Favorite movies
This is difficult because I have so many.
The top spots have to go to my two loves:
and of course:
(2 days)
I'm a big fan of action movies. I do not like romantic comedies. I'd say that some of my favorites to watch over and over include Pirates of the Caribbean and the Austin Powers movies. I don't like crying in movies, only laughing. I HATE horror films.
But this one really takes the cake:
The top spots have to go to my two loves:
and of course:
(2 days)
I'm a big fan of action movies. I do not like romantic comedies. I'd say that some of my favorites to watch over and over include Pirates of the Caribbean and the Austin Powers movies. I don't like crying in movies, only laughing. I HATE horror films.
But this one really takes the cake:
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Day 6-A picture of something that makes you happy
This is a picture of the desert in Israel. It is a large crater in the natural environment, and this picture doesn't even begin to do it justice. It was one of the most peaceful places I have ever sat.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Day 5-Your siblings
I only have one sibling and her name is Rachel. Rachel and I are related only through our mother, but we were raised together as if we were sisters. We are 8 years apart, which has made it difficult for us to relate to each other, although recently since I moved out and started growing up we have become a lot closer. Rachel is way cooler than I will ever be. She makes her own clothes, has actual style, and likes to be barefoot all the time. While my wardrobe consists of mainly black, hers consists of pieces of clothing that used to belong to other people (like me) that she mixes in a way I could never figure out, and wears with a confidence I just don't have. At 10 years old, she told my roommate she was an "agnostic" and defined it correctly, a feat I wouldn't have been able to accomplish until at least 17. People often call her an "old soul" and I do think she is mature for her age (although having a sister 8 years older than her might account for that too). We are polar opposites on some things--she is quiet, reserved and doesn't blurt out the first thing in her mind. I compared us at her bat mitzvah in certain ways, such as my affinity for buying shoes and her affinity for not wearing them. While we are very different, our interests overlap a lot, and I am very impressed with the person she is becoming.
Friday, November 12, 2010
"OMG I'M GOING TO MISS YOU SO MUCH"
The other day I was walking to class and I noticed a couple hugging each other as if the world was about to end. It was one of those scenes you see at the airport where one person is flying halfway across the world for 6 months and they won't be able to speak because they'll be 7 hours apart...but in the middle of my sidewalk. And all I could think to myself was, really, you've probably spent the last 3+ hours together, and you now have to go sit in a room for 50 minutes where you have complete ability to whip out your phone and text the whole time, and you're going to cry about it?
So today's award goes to THOSE couples...the ones who can't stand to be apart for an hour and want everyone in public to know it. It doesn't matter that they spend every waking moment together and have lost sight of their friends, their teachers are interfering with valuable memory time that they could be making. And the public displays of affection...people are only bothered by them because they WISH they had a boyfriend/girlfriend to make out with in front of everyone else. So what if I shed a few tears each time we leave...I LOVE him/her! Even though our age probably still has a "teen" tacked on to the end of it, he/she is the ONE!
Thank you, THAT couple, for putting me in an even better state of mind to go to class.
"I sometimes think that God in creating man somewhat overestimated his ability." -Oscar Wilde
So today's award goes to THOSE couples...the ones who can't stand to be apart for an hour and want everyone in public to know it. It doesn't matter that they spend every waking moment together and have lost sight of their friends, their teachers are interfering with valuable memory time that they could be making. And the public displays of affection...people are only bothered by them because they WISH they had a boyfriend/girlfriend to make out with in front of everyone else. So what if I shed a few tears each time we leave...I LOVE him/her! Even though our age probably still has a "teen" tacked on to the end of it, he/she is the ONE!
Thank you, THAT couple, for putting me in an even better state of mind to go to class.
"I sometimes think that God in creating man somewhat overestimated his ability." -Oscar Wilde
Day 4-Your parents
Sometimes it gets confusing explaining my parents. My mom and dad got divorced when I was very young, and since both are remarried I find myself making the general comment of "parents" to mean any combination of people who raised me.
My mother (and by association stepfather) is Susan. She is a lawyer for UF, and exactly like me in many ways. Besides being almost identical, I think it is safe to say I don't have to look far to see where I got my stubbornnes, my determination, and my firm belief that I can do anything, and hearing that I can't is just going to push me farther. She married Bill when I was 7, and they have my sister Rachel (tomorrow's post), who is almost entirely the opposite of me. My mom's biggest personality quirk is that she is addicted to crafting (a skill I did not inherit) and has been expanding her crafting collection since I was about 8 years old. It doesn't seem to mesh with her lawyer persona, and I think one day she will probably quit and go into crafting full-time (as if that is a real job). She makes really good spaghetti and has recently developed a taste for Kahlua.
My father (and by association stepmother) is J. He lives in the mountains of North Carolina (which I HATE) and lives a much slower lifestyle than I do. From him I inherit my extremely low tolerance for stupid people, something that he is learning to control while I am simply learning to blog about it. His expertise is computers, and he has recently developed a fondness for the Linux operating system, which I refuse to use because I am happy with mac. Though born and raised in the beaches of Florida, he claims that 6 years in North Carolina has made him appreciate "seasons" and "cold weather" which I cannot tolerate either. He married Kasha when I was 15 and she is from Maryland (much more of that "seasons" and "cold weather"). My dad loves fixing up old computers (and fixing mine when I overload it) and creating websites, but actually has a degree in accounting (which I am dropping this semester). It is difficult when I visit him because his sleeping hours are between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m., and I never want to see that side of 5 a.m.
My mother (and by association stepfather) is Susan. She is a lawyer for UF, and exactly like me in many ways. Besides being almost identical, I think it is safe to say I don't have to look far to see where I got my stubbornnes, my determination, and my firm belief that I can do anything, and hearing that I can't is just going to push me farther. She married Bill when I was 7, and they have my sister Rachel (tomorrow's post), who is almost entirely the opposite of me. My mom's biggest personality quirk is that she is addicted to crafting (a skill I did not inherit) and has been expanding her crafting collection since I was about 8 years old. It doesn't seem to mesh with her lawyer persona, and I think one day she will probably quit and go into crafting full-time (as if that is a real job). She makes really good spaghetti and has recently developed a taste for Kahlua.
My father (and by association stepmother) is J. He lives in the mountains of North Carolina (which I HATE) and lives a much slower lifestyle than I do. From him I inherit my extremely low tolerance for stupid people, something that he is learning to control while I am simply learning to blog about it. His expertise is computers, and he has recently developed a fondness for the Linux operating system, which I refuse to use because I am happy with mac. Though born and raised in the beaches of Florida, he claims that 6 years in North Carolina has made him appreciate "seasons" and "cold weather" which I cannot tolerate either. He married Kasha when I was 15 and she is from Maryland (much more of that "seasons" and "cold weather"). My dad loves fixing up old computers (and fixing mine when I overload it) and creating websites, but actually has a degree in accounting (which I am dropping this semester). It is difficult when I visit him because his sleeping hours are between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m., and I never want to see that side of 5 a.m.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Day 3-Your first love
I don't pretend to ever have been in love. I'm 21 years old and I can barely commit to a major for long enough to graduate (psychology stuck mostly because UF stops allowing you to change after a certain point in your degree). So I think it's safe to say my first love was probably an animal, or an inanimate object that I wouldn't leave behind.
If you can love something inanimate, I will give my first love to the sheepskin blanket I was given when I was a baby. For some reason, instead of liking the wool side, I liked the scratchy other side better, which years later I would say was because it gets cold. Each edge of the blanket had a different feel, and there was one side I preferred to all the others. I remember times in life thinking I was too old to sleep with it anymore, and breaking that habit. The first summer I was at camp I cut a small corner off to carry around with me (which I immediately regretted). But even without the constant companionship of the blanket, I know that if anything were to happen to it I would be devastated.
So I guess that's love. I'll see if I can find a picture anywhere to add to this.
If you can love something inanimate, I will give my first love to the sheepskin blanket I was given when I was a baby. For some reason, instead of liking the wool side, I liked the scratchy other side better, which years later I would say was because it gets cold. Each edge of the blanket had a different feel, and there was one side I preferred to all the others. I remember times in life thinking I was too old to sleep with it anymore, and breaking that habit. The first summer I was at camp I cut a small corner off to carry around with me (which I immediately regretted). But even without the constant companionship of the blanket, I know that if anything were to happen to it I would be devastated.
So I guess that's love. I'll see if I can find a picture anywhere to add to this.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Day 2-Meaning behind your blog name
The meaning behind my blog name is both simple and complicated.
Essentially, it means In My Humble Opinion.
Last week, I was shopping for a birthday present for my best friend when I happened upon a journal called "In my humble opinion." I was intrigued by its bright orange color and catchy font, but it won me over permanently with its opening line. "Other people are so annoying."
This journal reminded me of last spring, when I began to spend a lot of time with one of the Jewish educators at our Hillel. I have never been accused of having weak opinions, but this woman pointed out to me one day that whenever I start a rant with "let's be honest," I always end up making a long, well-thought out argument about a subject that I feel strongly about. She suggested at that point that I start a blog about these feelings, and one day maybe even write a book.
That is the story behind my blog name.
Essentially, it means In My Humble Opinion.
Last week, I was shopping for a birthday present for my best friend when I happened upon a journal called "In my humble opinion." I was intrigued by its bright orange color and catchy font, but it won me over permanently with its opening line. "Other people are so annoying."
This journal reminded me of last spring, when I began to spend a lot of time with one of the Jewish educators at our Hillel. I have never been accused of having weak opinions, but this woman pointed out to me one day that whenever I start a rant with "let's be honest," I always end up making a long, well-thought out argument about a subject that I feel strongly about. She suggested at that point that I start a blog about these feelings, and one day maybe even write a book.
That is the story behind my blog name.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
30 Day Blog Challenge and Day 1
To push myself to blog more, I have stolen this 30 day blog challenge from one of the other blogs I have been paroozing recently. We'll see if this motivates me to be more involved in this and maybe begin a habit (which supposedly takes 30 days) that I finally dedicate a piece of time to this on a regular basis.
Day 2-Meaning behind your blog name
Day 3-Your first love
Day 4-Your parents
Day 5-Your siblings
Day 6-A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 7-Favorite movies
Day 8-A place you've traveled to
Day 9-A picture of your friends
Day 10-Something you're afraid of
Day 11-Favorite tv shows
Day 12-What you believe
Day 13-Goals
Day 14-A picture you love
Day 15-Bible verse
Day 16-Dream house
Day 17-Something you're looking forward to
Day 18-Something you regret
Day 19-Something you miss
Day 20-Nicknames
Day 21-Picture of yourself
Day 22-Favorite city
Day 23-Favorite vacation
Day 24-Something you've learned
Day 25-Put your iPod on shuffle, first 10 songs
Day 26-Picture of your family
Day 27-Pets
Day 28-Something that stresses you out
Day 29-3 Wishes
Day 30-a picture
--
Day 1-Introduce, recent picture, 15 interesting facts
My name is Emily, I am a senior at the University of Florida and I have zero direction in life. Here's my attempt at 15 interesting facts:
1. I changed my major four times. (Biology, Public Relations, English, Psychology)
2. I played piano for 11 years, as well as flute, drums clarinet and voice. I seriously considered pursuing music school but...
3. I have serious carpal and ulnar damage in both of my hands.
4. I am actually from Gainesville, FL, and I don't live with my parents.
5. I struggle with a severe identity crisis--being raised both in a southern environment and of a Jewish background. These two things often clash, but I can throw back some manischewitz while listening to the best of Rascal Flatts any day.
6. I love three things in life--harry potter, gator football and hugh jackman.
7. I have been working at the same summer camp for 4 years. The people I have met there have been the most life changing of any of the people I've ever met.
8. I thrive off of my planner and being obscenely busy.
9. While my wardrobe consists of mostly black, white and gray, Lilly Pulitzer dresses are my kryptonite.
10. One day I aspire to do a climb for cancer, and hopefully scale the seven summits in my lifetime.
11. I have been seriously addicted to caffeine since I was 13 years old. I don't have any plans to get over it.
12. I set out to make a phenomenal bloody mary this fall after visiting New Orleans and this bar 3 times...and then I did.
13. My new obsession is the food network...Giada at home...and learning how to cook very well. I am coming from a background of being able to make Ramen noodles...in the microwave.
14. I am also on a quest to have a full appreciation of alcohol. The process, the different types and the ways it can be incorporated into food. I might head for culinary school.
15. I don't like the cold weather. Or South Florida. So I might be stuck here forever.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Going to the phone store
Cell phones have revolutionized the world we live in. Not only are we at all times able to reach the people that we want, but we are able to access phone, internet, voicemail and email from wherever we happen to be. All of this has caused the 20-somethings of the world to ditch the land line...why pay for it? Land lines are wired, have small ranges, cannot travel with you, and you have to pay extra for caller id and long distance.
So yes, when my phone freezes, it is an issue.
Today's questionable human award goes out to the people who work in the cell-phone store:
No, ma'am, I cannot wait 48 hours for a new phone.
Yes, sir, it is an inconvenience to me to drive out here once you've sent me my new phone so that I can transfer all of my important data on to the next one, especially since I drove out here today for you to tell me to make a phone call.
No, it is not acceptable for you to hand me a phone number that connects me to someone in a different time zone, who cannot physically see my phone to fix it for me, to guide me through the process of fixing my phone, which is something people get paid to do, so you better be paying me anyway.
And no, I do not have 45 minutes to spare, nor do I have a place to call from, because as previously stated, I have no land line and my phone is broken!
And to the man in the different time zone fixing my phone, here's second place. Because while you may think I hung up on you out of frustration (although I would never do that because that would result in me still having a broken phone), the call was in fact dropped. And though it seemed as though you had such personal customer service, I do not know your name, nor do I have your cell phone number to call you back on.
Thanks.
"Hell is other people."
-Jean-Paul Satre
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