This was going to be a New Years Resolutions blog, but I'm not a big fan of resolutions. I don't usually make them, and follow-through is even more rare. I figure, if something is important enough for me to change, I'll do it, and if not, well, good luck.
Then I thought I could write about what I've been up to over break and post a few pictures. Well I've seen alot of friends and family and played my share of board games, and you can look at pictues on facebook.
I haven't written much about slavery or human trafficking recently, but I also haven't been up to much. I'm still reading articles and looking up organizations and doing my best to stay informed. I know I'll have some events on campus next semester but we haven't started much since Nikki and I are both away.
So for all the things this blog isn't talking about, I thought I'd fill you in on the latest developments for my future:
There are none. Future developments, I mean. I started looking at grad schools again once I realized pursuing a Masters in Social Work wasn't necessary and I could probably find something more engaging. I found all sorts of great Masters programs - International Human Rights, International Peace Studies, Global Studies with an emphasis on just about any country. Study abroad programs in England, Australia and Germany. But there's that $51,000 a year pricetag, and that foreign language requirement that I've been trying to ignore for the past four years.
I've been looking at job listings, too. I just discovered my dearly beloved change.org has a section of job listings all over the country. By all over the country we mean that most are in Washington DC. Wrong Washington, folks. Anyway, there are some sweet jobs out there but very few in fighting Human Trafficking. I'll give it a few months before I apply anywhere since I'm not very mobile til mid-May, but that doesn't stop me from looking.
Both of my Dove Promises just told me to slow down, take notice, and savor the moment. I think that's chocolate speak for "give it up and relax, you'll figure it out".
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Greetings From Scrooge
It's currently three days before Christmas, and I just had an inner debate on the appropriateness of Christmas music. I hate Christmas music. Most of it is sappy, cheesey, corny, or otherwise obnoxious. The majority of such tunes usually mention four letter words such as s-n-o-w, c-o-l-d, l-o-v-e, or some other form of "Christmas magic". If it wasn't enough that these songs blare from every radio station and cd player you blink at, they usually start long before there's any sign of snow on the ground, and continue after the last of the holiday paper has been thrown away.
If you must force your merriment upon us in musical form, keep it to a week or two. As previously mentioned, I'm not sure if it should be allowed even three days before the big day.
At this point I should probably admit that I'm trying to work on my scroogy-ness. Meaning I'm trying to listen to Christmas music. Although an overwhelming 133 songs of the season creeped their way onto my itunes, I'm only allowing selections from Leigh Nash, Kevin Max, and the Transiberian Orchestra to sing about it today. We'll see if any more make the cut a little closer to Christmas, but it's not looking hopeful.
If you must force your merriment upon us in musical form, keep it to a week or two. As previously mentioned, I'm not sure if it should be allowed even three days before the big day.
At this point I should probably admit that I'm trying to work on my scroogy-ness. Meaning I'm trying to listen to Christmas music. Although an overwhelming 133 songs of the season creeped their way onto my itunes, I'm only allowing selections from Leigh Nash, Kevin Max, and the Transiberian Orchestra to sing about it today. We'll see if any more make the cut a little closer to Christmas, but it's not looking hopeful.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Que Fuerte
This morning was, by far, the most ridiculous morning of the year. (Que fuerte, loosely translated, means "that's ridiculous", or "how ridiculous". It's one of my favorite Spanish phrases. I used it a lot in Spain. Spain is kind of ridiculous, in a wonderful way.) I digress.
I knew I had to open the coffee shop at 5:30 am. I also knew we were in for a blizzard. I set my alarm for 4:30am to have adequate time to prepare and get myself through the snowy streets. Ha.
4:30am - wake up to obnoxious ringtone. Look out the window. I see nothing but white. My street has not yet been plowed, but I can see the cross street is plowed.
4:32am - I wonder if I should really go to work. I wonder if my boss even wants me to risk my life to go to work.
4:40am - I check my email. My final is cancelled 'cause my prof doesn't want to put us in a dangerous situation like driving to campus at 1pm. Again I wonder about my decision to go to work.
5:00am, my street is plowed, pushing even more snow toward the end of my driveway. My little black Ford Focus looks kinda sad and covered in snow. I venture outside.
5:05-5:12 I brush snow off my car. We're talking more than a foot, and it's blowing everywhere. I'm starting to question my decision to try this.
5:15 - I try to just back my car through the snow. I make it ten feet down the driveway and get stuck. My car will not go forward or backward.
5:20 - I call my friend Paul who is scheduled to work at 6am with me. We discuss the ridiculousness of the situation and wonder to eachother if we should go to work. Paul has his roommates' 4wheel drive and is convinced we can make it. He offers to pick me up in 20 minutes and we can open together. I gladly agree and start to shovel my driveway while I wait. 16 inches of snow takes a long time to move.
5:30ish Paul shows up and I leave the driveway in its sorry state and wade through drifts up to my thighs to get to the street. We plow through drifts in this amazing 4wd that could take on blizzards in the arctic. It was amazing. We get to Mugby. It hasn't been plowed at all. There's no way we're going into the parking lot, and we wonder who would drive through an unplowed parking lot in this mess to get a cup of coffee.
5:46 - I feel bad for waking my boss but I call her at home and ask her what to do. While she calls the snowplow company, Paul and I go pick up the bakery order since we have 4wd and some time.
Bakery run consists of wading through more 16inch snow, dropping off one box at the other store, and coming back to Mugby, which still is not plowed. Plow service isn't answering the phone. Paul and I find the whole situation halerious and ridiculous. Evenually we park across the street at the hospital and trudge through the snow and streets, carrying boxes of fresh baked scones, and unlock Mugby. We figure we deserve a scone or two.
By this time my boss has looked outside and recognized our heroic efforts. I'm still wondering if heroic is a synonym for delusional.
Customers in pickup trucks start coming slowly, apparently giving no concern to the drifts they plow through. I think they're ridiculous. They think we are equally ridiculous for being open, and give us good sympathy tips.
It's 7:30 before our drive-through or parking lot is plowed. Bored with the lack of customers, we find refrigerator magnets and make stupid sentences all morning. Ashley comes to replace Paul and there is still nothing to do. We drink coffee. I work til 12 and get another co-worker, Ben, to drive me home in his pickup.
I decide I should either:
a) move south ASAP - oh wait, I decided that a long time ago
b) buy a vehicle with 4 wheel drive
c) not leave the house for about 3 days
It took both roommates and a wonderful friend to shovel the driveway and get my car unstuck from all the snow I packed under it. I'm looking forward to doing it all again tomorrow.
I knew I had to open the coffee shop at 5:30 am. I also knew we were in for a blizzard. I set my alarm for 4:30am to have adequate time to prepare and get myself through the snowy streets. Ha.
4:30am - wake up to obnoxious ringtone. Look out the window. I see nothing but white. My street has not yet been plowed, but I can see the cross street is plowed.
4:32am - I wonder if I should really go to work. I wonder if my boss even wants me to risk my life to go to work.
4:40am - I check my email. My final is cancelled 'cause my prof doesn't want to put us in a dangerous situation like driving to campus at 1pm. Again I wonder about my decision to go to work.
5:00am, my street is plowed, pushing even more snow toward the end of my driveway. My little black Ford Focus looks kinda sad and covered in snow. I venture outside.
5:05-5:12 I brush snow off my car. We're talking more than a foot, and it's blowing everywhere. I'm starting to question my decision to try this.
5:15 - I try to just back my car through the snow. I make it ten feet down the driveway and get stuck. My car will not go forward or backward.
5:20 - I call my friend Paul who is scheduled to work at 6am with me. We discuss the ridiculousness of the situation and wonder to eachother if we should go to work. Paul has his roommates' 4wheel drive and is convinced we can make it. He offers to pick me up in 20 minutes and we can open together. I gladly agree and start to shovel my driveway while I wait. 16 inches of snow takes a long time to move.
5:30ish Paul shows up and I leave the driveway in its sorry state and wade through drifts up to my thighs to get to the street. We plow through drifts in this amazing 4wd that could take on blizzards in the arctic. It was amazing. We get to Mugby. It hasn't been plowed at all. There's no way we're going into the parking lot, and we wonder who would drive through an unplowed parking lot in this mess to get a cup of coffee.
5:46 - I feel bad for waking my boss but I call her at home and ask her what to do. While she calls the snowplow company, Paul and I go pick up the bakery order since we have 4wd and some time.
Bakery run consists of wading through more 16inch snow, dropping off one box at the other store, and coming back to Mugby, which still is not plowed. Plow service isn't answering the phone. Paul and I find the whole situation halerious and ridiculous. Evenually we park across the street at the hospital and trudge through the snow and streets, carrying boxes of fresh baked scones, and unlock Mugby. We figure we deserve a scone or two.
By this time my boss has looked outside and recognized our heroic efforts. I'm still wondering if heroic is a synonym for delusional.
Customers in pickup trucks start coming slowly, apparently giving no concern to the drifts they plow through. I think they're ridiculous. They think we are equally ridiculous for being open, and give us good sympathy tips.
It's 7:30 before our drive-through or parking lot is plowed. Bored with the lack of customers, we find refrigerator magnets and make stupid sentences all morning. Ashley comes to replace Paul and there is still nothing to do. We drink coffee. I work til 12 and get another co-worker, Ben, to drive me home in his pickup.
I decide I should either:
a) move south ASAP - oh wait, I decided that a long time ago
b) buy a vehicle with 4 wheel drive
c) not leave the house for about 3 days
It took both roommates and a wonderful friend to shovel the driveway and get my car unstuck from all the snow I packed under it. I'm looking forward to doing it all again tomorrow.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Like I could tip a cow.... by myself
Favorite movie ever. Sweet Home Alabama always makes me nostalgic... maybe 'cause I watched it every week in highschool.
Monday, November 30, 2009
It's on her list
Black Friday is not for the faint of heart. Early morning, mad shoppers, crazy deals...mall cops...in-store infomercials. The fun never ends. According to the t shirts of 3 frenzied women, they averaged a total of 13 hours of shopping on black Fridays for the past six years. These people are crazy.
We chose to join in with our own form of crazy - you guessed it, social activism. My friend Nikki and I paired up with the God's Child project and Breaking the Chains and went to the Mall of America to tell shoppers about modern day slavery, which meant getting up at 3:30am and to the country's biggest mall by 4:30. Technically it wasn't a protest or a demonstration, but we did have a sign, some rope, and hundreds or thousands of fliers. Department stores opened at 5am so we worked our way through the mobs of people, telling them about slavery and asking them to check out our website. By the time we had made our way to the front of the line and the Macy's doors were opening, the mall cops were there. Apparently MOA is private property and they do not appreciate protests, demonstrations, or the solicitation of information. We fell into the last category, and were escorted off of mall property, with the promise to be arrested if we returned that same day. Fortunately the camera crew from TLC was also there, making a documentary on the mall cops at MOA. We gladly signed the release form with hopes of our cause being televised. Yeaaaah social activism.
It was then 5:30am and I was in the cities. My mom and sister were about to start shopping so I took a big breath and joined the madness. I got some sweet deals on Christmas gifts but lacked the enthusiasm of the most serious black Friday shoppers. And then we went to Slumberland Furniture. I am not, at this point in time, in the market for furniture. However, this place has amazing sales. As we walked in the door we were handed tickets for $25 of free merchandise, with no minimum purchase. All table-toppers were 75% off. Therefore one could find a candle, vase, or other sweet table topper normally priced at $100, take 75% off making the price $25, and then use the coupon. Three women walked out of the store with $300 worth of items without spending a cent. I had to check my reflection in the mirror to make sure I wasn’t wearing a ski mask, ‘cause I felt like I was robbing the place. I left with these sweet urns.
Take that, consumerism.
We chose to join in with our own form of crazy - you guessed it, social activism. My friend Nikki and I paired up with the God's Child project and Breaking the Chains and went to the Mall of America to tell shoppers about modern day slavery, which meant getting up at 3:30am and to the country's biggest mall by 4:30. Technically it wasn't a protest or a demonstration, but we did have a sign, some rope, and hundreds or thousands of fliers. Department stores opened at 5am so we worked our way through the mobs of people, telling them about slavery and asking them to check out our website. By the time we had made our way to the front of the line and the Macy's doors were opening, the mall cops were there. Apparently MOA is private property and they do not appreciate protests, demonstrations, or the solicitation of information. We fell into the last category, and were escorted off of mall property, with the promise to be arrested if we returned that same day. Fortunately the camera crew from TLC was also there, making a documentary on the mall cops at MOA. We gladly signed the release form with hopes of our cause being televised. Yeaaaah social activism.
It was then 5:30am and I was in the cities. My mom and sister were about to start shopping so I took a big breath and joined the madness. I got some sweet deals on Christmas gifts but lacked the enthusiasm of the most serious black Friday shoppers. And then we went to Slumberland Furniture. I am not, at this point in time, in the market for furniture. However, this place has amazing sales. As we walked in the door we were handed tickets for $25 of free merchandise, with no minimum purchase. All table-toppers were 75% off. Therefore one could find a candle, vase, or other sweet table topper normally priced at $100, take 75% off making the price $25, and then use the coupon. Three women walked out of the store with $300 worth of items without spending a cent. I had to check my reflection in the mirror to make sure I wasn’t wearing a ski mask, ‘cause I felt like I was robbing the place. I left with these sweet urns.
Take that, consumerism.
Monday, November 16, 2009
One way flights don't turn around
I have an obsession and fascination with traveling. I love to travel. Not only that but I check airline rates for trips I'm not planning on taking as a hobby. Today I found a flight to San Francisco for $198. It was a roundtrip ticket, but the flights coming back were sold out. Somehow this didn't bother me. I could leave tomorrow for Vienna for $725, but add on the fees and it's about $1100. Still not bad for showing up in Austria by 9am Wednesday morning. Trips to Spain are double what I paid in June, and as it is, my Spanish hostess is on a plane back to the states tomorrow morning. What starts as an afternoon with no homework can quickly progress into an itch to jet off to somewhere new. Now I'm dreamin' of dreamier places.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
My Mom thinks I'm special
Life is ironic. I've always been one to take note of the inconsistencies that make you wonder what's really going on. I love the free dictionary's definition of ironic: Poignantly contrary to what was expected or intended. I couldn't describe this week any better. So even though putting together all the pieces makes it seem a little less coincidental, let me fill you in on the recent events that lead me to smile at today's ironies.
This summer I spent quite a bit of time learning that I am not supposed to have a plan for my life right now. I then began my senior year and struggled to not worry about my future and what I was going to do. I started a Bible study that focused on discerning the voice of God. Last week through this Bible study I realized that by not planning my future, I was still making plans for in between graduation and planning the rest of my life. I nearly audibly heard God laughing at my plans on Thursday. Then began the "life is meaningless and I have no idea what I'm supposed to be doing" phase that brought us from Monday til this morning as I power walked five or six miles in frustration. Consider this the planning piece.
I attended class on Monday half asleep (10 hours of driving the day before will do that to you, I suppose) and we spent an hour and forty-five minutes talking about social work licensure. I'll spare you the infuriating details, but basically I have to get licensed, I have to start working on this ASAP, and I have to fork out quite a large amount of money to do so. Oh and I have to pick the state I'm going to live in for the rest of my life. This may not have been the exact lecture that was portrayed, but it's how my brain interpreted the message. I was not happy. I was also broke and refused to believe God would ever tell me I was going to live my life in Minnesota. Let's call this category social work and denial.
I started blogging this summer when I went to Spain. Blogging seemed like the thing to do when one travelled abroad, and I wanted to keep my friends and family updated with my trip while I was overseas. I liked it, and although I don't update this blog as much as I'd like, I have a few people tell me they enjoy reading it, too. This morning my mom sent me an email telling me how much she enjoys it. I realize she's my mom and it's part of her job to think I'm special, but it was encouraging. She said something about an alternative career in writing but hi, have you met my older sister? She's the writer. She's a really good writer. And I'm a social worker. I'm running out of names for these categories, so call this whatever you want.
I've had my internet home page MSN for years and I like it. It shows me my inbox, the forecast, major news headlines, recipes, and comics. I'm quite comfortable with it. Well MSN redesigned again in the last couple of weeks and I felt too lazy to apply all my settings again. So I changed my home page to change.org. I don't read change.org every day, but it has a wealth of articles, blogs and ideas for activists interested in social change. Today in little print under some recent headlines, there was a link proclaiming that change.org was hiring! I'm always looking at job openings just to see what's out there. To make a long storyjust as long short, change.org wants to hire more freelance writers to blog about social change. Topics including but not limited to human trafficking, women's issues, homelessness, immigration, and poverty.
I'm pretty sure your deductive skills have already begun to put these pieces together so I'm not going to spell it all out for you, but I got a little excited this afternoon. Even if change.org isn't interested in anything I have to say for now, it was a nice little reminder that there are more options out there than I had ever considered. I'm still pretty sure I'm not looking at a career in writing, but it's something I'm going to look into, especially just a few articles here and there for some extra gas money.
Right around this time itunes decides to serenade me with Augustana's Found My Place. Okaaay, I can take a hint. I might be a little slow and a little stubborn, but I get it.
My goals for tonight: send my resume to change.org and start the application process for my social work licensure in the state of Minnesota. Only because you're allowed to be licensed in more than one state at a time. Life may be ironic but there's a big difference between irony and cruelty. Right?
This summer I spent quite a bit of time learning that I am not supposed to have a plan for my life right now. I then began my senior year and struggled to not worry about my future and what I was going to do. I started a Bible study that focused on discerning the voice of God. Last week through this Bible study I realized that by not planning my future, I was still making plans for in between graduation and planning the rest of my life. I nearly audibly heard God laughing at my plans on Thursday. Then began the "life is meaningless and I have no idea what I'm supposed to be doing" phase that brought us from Monday til this morning as I power walked five or six miles in frustration. Consider this the planning piece.
I attended class on Monday half asleep (10 hours of driving the day before will do that to you, I suppose) and we spent an hour and forty-five minutes talking about social work licensure. I'll spare you the infuriating details, but basically I have to get licensed, I have to start working on this ASAP, and I have to fork out quite a large amount of money to do so. Oh and I have to pick the state I'm going to live in for the rest of my life. This may not have been the exact lecture that was portrayed, but it's how my brain interpreted the message. I was not happy. I was also broke and refused to believe God would ever tell me I was going to live my life in Minnesota. Let's call this category social work and denial.
I started blogging this summer when I went to Spain. Blogging seemed like the thing to do when one travelled abroad, and I wanted to keep my friends and family updated with my trip while I was overseas. I liked it, and although I don't update this blog as much as I'd like, I have a few people tell me they enjoy reading it, too. This morning my mom sent me an email telling me how much she enjoys it. I realize she's my mom and it's part of her job to think I'm special, but it was encouraging. She said something about an alternative career in writing but hi, have you met my older sister? She's the writer. She's a really good writer. And I'm a social worker. I'm running out of names for these categories, so call this whatever you want.
I've had my internet home page MSN for years and I like it. It shows me my inbox, the forecast, major news headlines, recipes, and comics. I'm quite comfortable with it. Well MSN redesigned again in the last couple of weeks and I felt too lazy to apply all my settings again. So I changed my home page to change.org. I don't read change.org every day, but it has a wealth of articles, blogs and ideas for activists interested in social change. Today in little print under some recent headlines, there was a link proclaiming that change.org was hiring! I'm always looking at job openings just to see what's out there. To make a long story
I'm pretty sure your deductive skills have already begun to put these pieces together so I'm not going to spell it all out for you, but I got a little excited this afternoon. Even if change.org isn't interested in anything I have to say for now, it was a nice little reminder that there are more options out there than I had ever considered. I'm still pretty sure I'm not looking at a career in writing, but it's something I'm going to look into, especially just a few articles here and there for some extra gas money.
Right around this time itunes decides to serenade me with Augustana's Found My Place. Okaaay, I can take a hint. I might be a little slow and a little stubborn, but I get it.
My goals for tonight: send my resume to change.org and start the application process for my social work licensure in the state of Minnesota. Only because you're allowed to be licensed in more than one state at a time. Life may be ironic but there's a big difference between irony and cruelty. Right?
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Ending Slavery
We're currently working on a couple campus events for the fall! I need to figure out how to create some sweet promo flyers, but we will be showing a video produced by the International Justice Mission called At the End of Slavery in a few weeks. IJM is sponsoring the Weekend to End Slavery November 14-15, but that snuck up on us a little too fast. We're holding our event the 19th now, with a freedom store coming the first week in December. I'm no good at planning committees but all my policy and non-profit propoganda from class is making me think about politics. I'll let you know how that develops.
Til then, check out http://www.slaverymap.org/ - just in case you didn't realize there are slaves in your own backyard. There's even a reported case in Renton where I grew up.
Til then, check out http://www.slaverymap.org/ - just in case you didn't realize there are slaves in your own backyard. There's even a reported case in Renton where I grew up.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
I'll show you improvement
Most universities have fall break days. You know the type. A day or two off the beginning or end of a week to prolong a weekend and give students a chance to go home or just enjoy fall in general. Not ours. No, folks, we have a mysterious "University Improvement Day" on a Tuesday. Why a Tuesday, you ask? No one knows. Students don't know, Professors don't know, other faculty have no answers. We have no idea why it's a Tuesday, but you won't find me complaining. Tuesdays are my "long days" each week - three whole classes in one day.
I didn't have plans for this glorious day of freedom until I was heading home from work at 9am this morning. Pajamas, movies, and baking. All day.
Here's what's on the menu:
Whole wheat banana bread
Apple cranberry muffins, possibly coffee cake
Little Miss Sunshine
Patch Adams
The Breakup
Maybe a batch or two of chocolate chip cookies.
Thankyou, University, for improving my day.
I didn't have plans for this glorious day of freedom until I was heading home from work at 9am this morning. Pajamas, movies, and baking. All day.
Here's what's on the menu:
Whole wheat banana bread
Apple cranberry muffins, possibly coffee cake
Little Miss Sunshine
Patch Adams
The Breakup
Maybe a batch or two of chocolate chip cookies.
Thankyou, University, for improving my day.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Driving Music
Once upon a time it was my plan to be the CEO of a Fortune 500 Company. I may not have known the first thing about being a CEO or what a Fortune 500 Company actually was, but that was my goal. It may or may not have had anything to do with stilletos and cute business suits. Regardless, I went off to my first year of school as a business major and signed up for accounting and marketing in my first semester. Reality hit me somewhere between the long columns of accounts receivable and payable after hours of staring at meaningless numbers, erased multiple times to be shuffled to yet another column that made even less sense to my tired brain. I wasn't cut out for this.
I was currently a double major, and my other field of interest was psychology. I knew I wouldn't make it through 8 more years of school to be able to actually use psychology, so I was at a bit of a loss. Then my Grandma came to visit me in Iowa. My grandma is a social worker at Maryville Academy near Chicago. My Grandma and I are a lot alike, and she gets me. We had a couple talks over tiramisu that weekend and I decided social work sounded more like me. I took a bunch of gen eds (that didn't transfer) to finish out the year and then wound up in Winona as a social work major with fuzzy ideas about what social workers actually did.
Turns out we do some of everything, at half the cost.
And we're very liberal.
This all brings us up to Fall 2009, where I'm seven months away from holding a diploma and joining the real world. You may remember my quarter-life crisis a few weeks ago when I had no idea what next semester held. I knew I needed an (almost) fulltime practicum and it needed to off this list of a hundred approved agencies in a 150 mile radius of Winona. You may also remember I had "no clue" what I wanted to do. I'm interested in mental health, and homeless people. I'm also interested in nutrition, counseling, immigration, and human trafficking. And I feel strongly about women's issues. You pick one.
So I visited half a dozen agencies off the list. And I really really liked one. Two, actually. But one was working with immigrants and refugees in Rochester. The Intercultural Mutual Assistance Association builds bridges between cultures and provides services and resources to immigrants in the community. They connect people with translators and offer job training and life skill classes, and they connect people in the community to other services they need.
Last week I went to interview. I was told there was competition, but I had the placement as soon as I walked in. I'm going to be a minority there, which I think is sweet because I love learning about other cultures. I'm told the staff likes to cook together over lunch break and I'm pretty excited. I will be working with the program manager, learning how to work in a cultural social agency at the macro level. I'll be teaching job training classes, going to international fairs and workshops, representing IMAA in the community, and planning fundraisers and events. I won't have my own caseload since I don't speak another language, but will instead be learning how to manage all the programs. Which kind of sounds like exactly what I wanted to do before I could put it into words.
Did I mention it's in a business office, so stilletos are still applicable?
I'll be driving 110 miles to Rochester and back four days a week, so I'm on the hunt for good driving music. But I'm suddenly really looking forward to the rest of this year.
I was currently a double major, and my other field of interest was psychology. I knew I wouldn't make it through 8 more years of school to be able to actually use psychology, so I was at a bit of a loss. Then my Grandma came to visit me in Iowa. My grandma is a social worker at Maryville Academy near Chicago. My Grandma and I are a lot alike, and she gets me. We had a couple talks over tiramisu that weekend and I decided social work sounded more like me. I took a bunch of gen eds (that didn't transfer) to finish out the year and then wound up in Winona as a social work major with fuzzy ideas about what social workers actually did.
Turns out we do some of everything, at half the cost.
And we're very liberal.
This all brings us up to Fall 2009, where I'm seven months away from holding a diploma and joining the real world. You may remember my quarter-life crisis a few weeks ago when I had no idea what next semester held. I knew I needed an (almost) fulltime practicum and it needed to off this list of a hundred approved agencies in a 150 mile radius of Winona. You may also remember I had "no clue" what I wanted to do. I'm interested in mental health, and homeless people. I'm also interested in nutrition, counseling, immigration, and human trafficking. And I feel strongly about women's issues. You pick one.
So I visited half a dozen agencies off the list. And I really really liked one. Two, actually. But one was working with immigrants and refugees in Rochester. The Intercultural Mutual Assistance Association builds bridges between cultures and provides services and resources to immigrants in the community. They connect people with translators and offer job training and life skill classes, and they connect people in the community to other services they need.
Last week I went to interview. I was told there was competition, but I had the placement as soon as I walked in. I'm going to be a minority there, which I think is sweet because I love learning about other cultures. I'm told the staff likes to cook together over lunch break and I'm pretty excited. I will be working with the program manager, learning how to work in a cultural social agency at the macro level. I'll be teaching job training classes, going to international fairs and workshops, representing IMAA in the community, and planning fundraisers and events. I won't have my own caseload since I don't speak another language, but will instead be learning how to manage all the programs. Which kind of sounds like exactly what I wanted to do before I could put it into words.
Did I mention it's in a business office, so stilletos are still applicable?
I'll be driving 110 miles to Rochester and back four days a week, so I'm on the hunt for good driving music. But I'm suddenly really looking forward to the rest of this year.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
The Global Forum
A month or two ago my friend Nikki suggested we go to the Global Forum to end Human Trafficking in October. It sounded great and it's something we're both passionate about, but it was in San Diego, and we're in Winona. And we had school. And hotel and airfare would be expensive. And it would be mostly proffesionals/abolitionists.
Needless to say we decided to go.
It wasn't hard to convince my roommate Helen she also wanted to go, and then the school gave us $300 from some diversity fund we didn't know existed to help cover costs. The way our fantastic seniorslidesemester schedule worked out, I only missed one day of class. I happened to have an important presentation scheduled that day, but something about my sweet talking skills or the fact that I control my proffessors caffiene addiction paid off. (Oh the joys of working at a coffee shop in college!)
The conference was October 8-9, so we packed up the car and headed to the cities to stay with my parents Tuesday night. My mom's a great sport and brought us to the airport early Wednesday morning. Our flight got in early enough that we had almost a full day in San Diego. Being college students, we took about 3 modes of public transit to get to our hotel and that ate up most of the afternoon. But it was warm. It was sunny. It was fantastic. I texted my mom Thursday morning to tell her I swam laps outside in the warm sunshine. She texted me two days later saying it was snowing.
![]()
![]()
Thursday night we had a concert, too. Brant Christopher, the lead singer from Dispatch, Jon Foreman of Switchfoot, and the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club came and played a sweet acoustic set for us. They also showed some fantastic photographs that broke my heart.
![]()
Needless to say we decided to go.
It wasn't hard to convince my roommate Helen she also wanted to go, and then the school gave us $300 from some diversity fund we didn't know existed to help cover costs. The way our fantastic seniorslidesemester schedule worked out, I only missed one day of class. I happened to have an important presentation scheduled that day, but something about my sweet talking skills or the fact that I control my proffessors caffiene addiction paid off. (Oh the joys of working at a coffee shop in college!)
The conference was October 8-9, so we packed up the car and headed to the cities to stay with my parents Tuesday night. My mom's a great sport and brought us to the airport early Wednesday morning. Our flight got in early enough that we had almost a full day in San Diego. Being college students, we took about 3 modes of public transit to get to our hotel and that ate up most of the afternoon. But it was warm. It was sunny. It was fantastic. I texted my mom Thursday morning to tell her I swam laps outside in the warm sunshine. She texted me two days later saying it was snowing.
The conference was fantastic. There were about 700 professionals, volunteers, law enforcement officers, social workers, researchers, politicians, musicians, business owners, ambassadors, and lots more. I learned so much from everyone I talked to. It wasn't a conference to tell us statistics or what Human Trafficking is - these were all people who knew the facts and were actively doing something about it.
Thursday night we had a concert, too. Brant Christopher, the lead singer from Dispatch, Jon Foreman of Switchfoot, and the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club came and played a sweet acoustic set for us. They also showed some fantastic photographs that broke my heart.I became really interested in supply chains. The fact that so much of what we buy has been touched by a slave at some point along the line is sobering. We've all seen fair trade coffee and chocolate and that's fantastic, but what about cotton? What about pieces of our cell phones? What about the clothes I'm wearing right now? (http://www.stopuzbekchildlabor.org/)
It was encouraging to be around so many people with the same passions who could point us in the right direction. I have a stack of business cards and phone numbers of people all over North America (and the globe, actually) I'm saving for next year when I'm looking for a job. I have internship possibilities running around in my brain. I know that people are actively doing something to stop slavery. I am so inspired by the people we met and talked to. We brought back some new ideas for raising awareness, money, and new leaders in Winona. I got to hear messages from people like Francis Chan and David Arkless telling me "Don't let people calm you down!" and "We have to be on the absolute edge of our comfort zones." I don't think it's too niiave to say we can make a difference, and the movement has already started.
"Just because it's not my family doesn't mean that what's going on isn't an emergency." - Francis Chan
Saturday, October 10, 2009
San Diego for awhile longer
Last week when I joked about being stranded in San Diego, I meant the actual city, outside in the sunshine, not the stuffy, air-conditioned airport. Just thought I should clarify that, since, you know, this is where I've been sitting for the last 2+ hours. The flight to Denver is delayed because of ice (what?) and thus the connecting flight to Minneapolis is delayed about twenty minutes so hopefully we'll make it to our flight in that twenty minute window.
Our trip was fantastic. We met lots of sweet abolitionists, researchers, ambassadors, volunteers, students, rockstars, roadies, speakers and activists from around the world. We talked about legislation, supply chains, slavery, trafficking, and new ideas. We're leaving with new friends, information, and inspiration. More on that later - we're off to grab some starbucks and probably play another 7 games of banana grams.
Our trip was fantastic. We met lots of sweet abolitionists, researchers, ambassadors, volunteers, students, rockstars, roadies, speakers and activists from around the world. We talked about legislation, supply chains, slavery, trafficking, and new ideas. We're leaving with new friends, information, and inspiration. More on that later - we're off to grab some starbucks and probably play another 7 games of banana grams.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Everything, It Must Belong Somewhere
Leave the bright blue door on the whitewash wall
Leave the death ledger under city hall
Leave the joyful air in that rubber ball today
Leave the lilac print on the linen sheet
Leave the birds your killed at your father's feet
Let the sideways rain in the crooked street remain
Leave the wimpering dog in his cold kennel
Leave the dead starlet on her pedestal
Leave the acid kids in their green fishbowls today
Leave the sad guitar in its hardshell case
Leave the worried look on your lover's face
Let the orange embers in the fireplace remain
'Cause everything, it must belong somewhere
A train off in the distance, bicycle chained to the stairs
Everything must belong somewhere
I know that now, that's why I'm staying here
Leave the ocean's roar in the turquoise shell
Leave the widower in his private hell
Leave the liberty in that broken bell today
Leave the epic poem on its yellowed page
Leave the gray macaw in his covered cage
Let the traveling band on the interstate remain
'Cause everything, it must belong somewhere
Soundstage in California, televisions in Time Square
Everything must belong somewhere
I know that now, that's why I'm staying here
I know that now, that's why I'm staying here
Leave the secret talks on the trundle bed
Leave the garden tools in the rusted shed
Leave those bad ideas in your troubled head today
Leave the restless ghost in his old hotel
Leave the homeless man in his cardboard cell
Let the painted horse on the carousel remain
'Cause everything, it must belong somewhere
Just like the gold around her finger or the silver in his hair
Everything must belong somewhere
I know that now, that's why I'm staying here
I know that now, that's why I'm staying here
In truth, the forest hears each sound
Each blade of grass as it lies down
The world requires no audience
No witnesses, no witnesses
Leave the old town drunk on his wooden stool
Leave the autumn leaves in the swimming pool
Leave the poor black child in his crumbling school today
Leave the novelist in his daydream tomb
Leave the scientist in his Rubik's Cube
Let the true genius in the padded room remain
Leave the horse's hair on the slanted bow
Leave the slot machines on the river boat
Leave the cauliflower in the casserole today
Leave the hot, bright trash in the shopping malls
Leave the hawks of war in their capitals
Let the organ's moan in the cathedral remain
'Cause everything, it must belong somewhere
They locked the devil in the basement, threw God up into the air
Everything must belong somewhere
You know it's true, I wish you'd leave me here
You know it's true, why don't you leave me here?
-Bright Eyes
Leave the death ledger under city hall
Leave the joyful air in that rubber ball today
Leave the lilac print on the linen sheet
Leave the birds your killed at your father's feet
Let the sideways rain in the crooked street remain
Leave the wimpering dog in his cold kennel
Leave the dead starlet on her pedestal
Leave the acid kids in their green fishbowls today
Leave the sad guitar in its hardshell case
Leave the worried look on your lover's face
Let the orange embers in the fireplace remain
'Cause everything, it must belong somewhere
A train off in the distance, bicycle chained to the stairs
Everything must belong somewhere
I know that now, that's why I'm staying here
Leave the ocean's roar in the turquoise shell
Leave the widower in his private hell
Leave the liberty in that broken bell today
Leave the epic poem on its yellowed page
Leave the gray macaw in his covered cage
Let the traveling band on the interstate remain
'Cause everything, it must belong somewhere
Soundstage in California, televisions in Time Square
Everything must belong somewhere
I know that now, that's why I'm staying here
I know that now, that's why I'm staying here
Leave the secret talks on the trundle bed
Leave the garden tools in the rusted shed
Leave those bad ideas in your troubled head today
Leave the restless ghost in his old hotel
Leave the homeless man in his cardboard cell
Let the painted horse on the carousel remain
'Cause everything, it must belong somewhere
Just like the gold around her finger or the silver in his hair
Everything must belong somewhere
I know that now, that's why I'm staying here
I know that now, that's why I'm staying here
In truth, the forest hears each sound
Each blade of grass as it lies down
The world requires no audience
No witnesses, no witnesses
Leave the old town drunk on his wooden stool
Leave the autumn leaves in the swimming pool
Leave the poor black child in his crumbling school today
Leave the novelist in his daydream tomb
Leave the scientist in his Rubik's Cube
Let the true genius in the padded room remain
Leave the horse's hair on the slanted bow
Leave the slot machines on the river boat
Leave the cauliflower in the casserole today
Leave the hot, bright trash in the shopping malls
Leave the hawks of war in their capitals
Let the organ's moan in the cathedral remain
'Cause everything, it must belong somewhere
They locked the devil in the basement, threw God up into the air
Everything must belong somewhere
You know it's true, I wish you'd leave me here
You know it's true, why don't you leave me here?
-Bright Eyes
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Reflections and Reservations
My mind has been a jumbled mess the last few weeks. So have my emotions, come to think of it. I'm a rollercoaster of doubts, decisions, endorphins, disaster, and - more recently - drama. It's been a rough couple weeks for no one particular reason. I think the issue weighing most on my mind as of late is the whole I don't know what I'm doing with my future situation that moved itself up from the middle of next May to say January. I hate not having a plan. I need to be able to envision something to get excited about it. See it, think it through, plan it out. Control it. Type A, much?
It has helped to have some agency visits and narrow down my options to two really great placements in Rochester and possibly another in LaCrosse. Ofcourse I wouldn't pick a placement in Winona, that would make life much too simple. I entertained ideas of packing up and moving to a new place for said placement, but for now have decided to stick it out in Winona and fork over around $600 for gas to commute. I'm still researching options and hoping to find carpoolers for spring semester. Interviews are in a few weeks, and I would be more excited about that if I didn't totally freeze in role-playing interviews in class the other day. I know the real deal will go just fine, but it was just one more situation to add to my list of life fails this week. You know, right there before not waking up til after I was supposed to be at work this morning.
It's the little things these days that are really getting to me. I feel defeated. I suppose it would be really fantastic if I could choose to look at the good side of things (never have I gotten ready for work in less than five minutes before) but I don't have the energy to make it sincere. I've decided it's my quarter-life crisis (83 has always been my ideal life length anyway) and I need some time to figure out what I actually want to do. Again.
I think I got bored with the social work idea sometime last semester. The activist/protester/world-traveler-fighting-for-social-justice nametag sounds pretty appealing but I don't think it would pay the bills. Kind of like both my jobs now, put together. Which leads me to my main life question: how long is it acceptable to mooch off your parents?
Monday, September 21, 2009
Single and Fabulous, Exclamation Mark
In one of my favorite SATC episodes Carrie has a photo shoot with the title "Single and Fabulous". She ends up going out much too late the night before, sleeping through the shoot, and shows up late as an absolute mess. It's not until the magazine is published with her face plastered on the front that she realizes it's Single and Fabulous question mark instead of Single and Fabulous exclamation mark. One little symbol makes a world of difference, and can make or break the self-esteem.
This is a blog to celebrate really fabulous single women - exclamation mark!
My church has baby dedications from time to time. It's not exactly a baptism or specific ceremony, but it gives young parents a chance to stand up in front of the congregation with their babies - and usually a few adorable toddlers vying for attention - and proclaim their intentions to raise the child to glorify God to the best of their abilities. I think it also gives the church the opportunity to come alongside and support new parents.
Yesterday we had such a dedication. I don't know many people other than students at this church and I certainly didn't know this woman, but for the first time I can remember, a single mom stood up there by herself and dedicated her baby. Sidenote that this little boy had the biggest, most adorable dark eyes, round cheeks and curly hair. This particular service stood out to me, not only because I think it would take guts to stand infront of a big church by yourself, but also because this church was so supportive of a single mom - something I don't see a whole lot. They didn't explain why the baby and mom had different last names and I didn't expect them to, but this was the second woman I had met this last week that was clearly proud to be a single mother. I find this relevant because I think I want to adopt someday. And I will expect some static from people who believe that children need a mother and father figure in their lives - and I'm sure they have a point. But a key word here is figure, isn't it? Wouldn't it help to have a man around that you respect that your kid could also look up to? Isn't that what friends and family are for? Isn't it still better for that child to be in a loving home - one parent or two?
I'm clearly not planning this for years and years - I don't even know what I'm doing with my own life in four months. It's just something bouncing around in my mind lately. And I get excited to see other women living out my dreams.
I met another woman in the drive-through on Friday who is a professor at two colleges in town. She's a single mom who teaches English (and maybe Education) who is so gosh-darn passionate about social justice. She comes through all the time, but I loved her as soon as she started talking about justice and how excited her freshmen were becoming about their projects. I asked her what her favorite part of teaching was and she told me it's when the class as a whole can get excited about something and everyone's sharing and talking and pretty soon the hour is over and no one even realized the time dissappeared. Her class is currently talking about September 11 and how there's more to the story than terrorism. Maybe it's been a response to years and years of oppression since the crusades. I'm really not going to get into that since all I can offer is a relay of what she told me through a drive through window, but I respected her strength and passion.
You can probably expect similar posts about single, fabulous activist women after the global forum in two weeks. I'm so excited to network and meet these people and hear their stories.
This is a blog to celebrate really fabulous single women - exclamation mark!
My church has baby dedications from time to time. It's not exactly a baptism or specific ceremony, but it gives young parents a chance to stand up in front of the congregation with their babies - and usually a few adorable toddlers vying for attention - and proclaim their intentions to raise the child to glorify God to the best of their abilities. I think it also gives the church the opportunity to come alongside and support new parents.
Yesterday we had such a dedication. I don't know many people other than students at this church and I certainly didn't know this woman, but for the first time I can remember, a single mom stood up there by herself and dedicated her baby. Sidenote that this little boy had the biggest, most adorable dark eyes, round cheeks and curly hair. This particular service stood out to me, not only because I think it would take guts to stand infront of a big church by yourself, but also because this church was so supportive of a single mom - something I don't see a whole lot. They didn't explain why the baby and mom had different last names and I didn't expect them to, but this was the second woman I had met this last week that was clearly proud to be a single mother. I find this relevant because I think I want to adopt someday. And I will expect some static from people who believe that children need a mother and father figure in their lives - and I'm sure they have a point. But a key word here is figure, isn't it? Wouldn't it help to have a man around that you respect that your kid could also look up to? Isn't that what friends and family are for? Isn't it still better for that child to be in a loving home - one parent or two?
I'm clearly not planning this for years and years - I don't even know what I'm doing with my own life in four months. It's just something bouncing around in my mind lately. And I get excited to see other women living out my dreams.
I met another woman in the drive-through on Friday who is a professor at two colleges in town. She's a single mom who teaches English (and maybe Education) who is so gosh-darn passionate about social justice. She comes through all the time, but I loved her as soon as she started talking about justice and how excited her freshmen were becoming about their projects. I asked her what her favorite part of teaching was and she told me it's when the class as a whole can get excited about something and everyone's sharing and talking and pretty soon the hour is over and no one even realized the time dissappeared. Her class is currently talking about September 11 and how there's more to the story than terrorism. Maybe it's been a response to years and years of oppression since the crusades. I'm really not going to get into that since all I can offer is a relay of what she told me through a drive through window, but I respected her strength and passion.
You can probably expect similar posts about single, fabulous activist women after the global forum in two weeks. I'm so excited to network and meet these people and hear their stories.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Free Money
I realize that a mere seven days ago my school and I were not on the best of terms. I did not have kind words to send in their direction. And although I'm still waiting to get my reimbursment and did recieve a notice that the rest of tuition is due in two weeks (oh scholarship, hurry up), something wonderful happened today.
They decided to give me free money.
Two of my favorite people here at school and I decided to go to San Diego next month for a conference about Human Trafficking. We all happen to be social work majors (and psuedo-professional bakers, but that's another post for another day) and passionate about modern-day slavery. We had the opportunity to go to southern california for 4 days, go to the conference, meet other sweet activist people, gain tools and knowledge for abolitionist work, and did I mention go to San Diego, all while only missing one day of class. I couldn't sign up fast enough.
So Nikki and I approached our professor to let her know we would be missing one day of class in a few weeks. Not only was she fine with us being gone, but she told us about the Diversity Fund on campus that supports students in extra-curricular learning. Like going to Southern California with your two best friends.
Guys they approved us today. It wasn't a ton of money, but enough to pay for the hotel and put some money back in my bank account.
WSU, you are forgiven.
They decided to give me free money.
Two of my favorite people here at school and I decided to go to San Diego next month for a conference about Human Trafficking. We all happen to be social work majors (and psuedo-professional bakers, but that's another post for another day) and passionate about modern-day slavery. We had the opportunity to go to southern california for 4 days, go to the conference, meet other sweet activist people, gain tools and knowledge for abolitionist work, and did I mention go to San Diego, all while only missing one day of class. I couldn't sign up fast enough.
So Nikki and I approached our professor to let her know we would be missing one day of class in a few weeks. Not only was she fine with us being gone, but she told us about the Diversity Fund on campus that supports students in extra-curricular learning. Like going to Southern California with your two best friends.
Guys they approved us today. It wasn't a ton of money, but enough to pay for the hotel and put some money back in my bank account.
WSU, you are forgiven.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Didn't want to go to class, part two
Tuesday morning I awoke before 5am to work for a few hours at my favorite coffee shop. After falling asleep twice in class (no amount of caffeine can keep me awake anymore) I drug my sleepy self to the registrars/cashier/business office. Between talking to three different account service people four different times, running home to check my online bank account, running back to pay $300 I shouldn't have to pay (it will be refunded when the scholarship comes through) and re-registering for all my classes, I ran out of steam. I also figured that the people helping me fix this problem were not the same people who caused it, so I couldn't bring myself to yell at anyone. I would like to find the person who ignored my email last week and yell at him, but am choosing to overlook it til next time. I was promised the problem was resolved so I went on my merry way.
Then I got to class and tried to log into the student website. My fall 2009 classes were nolonger on there. Probably something to do with not being a student. Those same nasty thoughts from Monday all came right back. I emailed all my professors immediately (and got chastised infront of the whole class for emailing) to tell them I could not read or submit assignments. And previously submitted assignments were also deleted. Also found out that the one day I neeeed to be in Race Relations and Minority Groups is when I plan on being in San Diego. By planning I mean I have plane tickets, hotel reservations, and am registered for the conference there. I'm goin' to San Diego, people. Needless to say I was really unhappy with Winona State. I finished out my night class and went home outraged and determined to give I.T. a piece of my mind in the morning. Luckily for everyone, my student account was up and running again this morning and my submissions were even back in existence. WSU, consider yourself forgiven, but this experience will not be forgotten. I'm looking forward to doing this again for Spring semester.
On a somewhat related note, I was standing in line for my coffee at previously mentioned coffee shop when I realized the woman behind me has been in the majority of my social work classes. She's a single mom with a full class load and I cannot tell you how much I respect parents who are back in school. She has her hands full and doesn't get alot of respect from the professors. She told me about her frustrating experience in class this afternoon with a professor I mistakenly took my first year here. I assured her the prof was crazy and she was not in the wrong. He's mean, he's angry, he swears alot and doesn't listen to students. He also yells at students for things he tells them they are allowed to do. She shared with me what she always tells her kids: "There is NO circumstance that provides any excuse for bad behavior."
So simple, but a good reminder. Maybe it's good that for all the smack I talk, I didn't actually give the school a piece of my mind. There is no excuse for bad behavior.
Then I got to class and tried to log into the student website. My fall 2009 classes were nolonger on there. Probably something to do with not being a student. Those same nasty thoughts from Monday all came right back. I emailed all my professors immediately (and got chastised infront of the whole class for emailing) to tell them I could not read or submit assignments. And previously submitted assignments were also deleted. Also found out that the one day I neeeed to be in Race Relations and Minority Groups is when I plan on being in San Diego. By planning I mean I have plane tickets, hotel reservations, and am registered for the conference there. I'm goin' to San Diego, people. Needless to say I was really unhappy with Winona State. I finished out my night class and went home outraged and determined to give I.T. a piece of my mind in the morning. Luckily for everyone, my student account was up and running again this morning and my submissions were even back in existence. WSU, consider yourself forgiven, but this experience will not be forgotten. I'm looking forward to doing this again for Spring semester.
On a somewhat related note, I was standing in line for my coffee at previously mentioned coffee shop when I realized the woman behind me has been in the majority of my social work classes. She's a single mom with a full class load and I cannot tell you how much I respect parents who are back in school. She has her hands full and doesn't get alot of respect from the professors. She told me about her frustrating experience in class this afternoon with a professor I mistakenly took my first year here. I assured her the prof was crazy and she was not in the wrong. He's mean, he's angry, he swears alot and doesn't listen to students. He also yells at students for things he tells them they are allowed to do. She shared with me what she always tells her kids: "There is NO circumstance that provides any excuse for bad behavior."
So simple, but a good reminder. Maybe it's good that for all the smack I talk, I didn't actually give the school a piece of my mind. There is no excuse for bad behavior.
Monday, August 31, 2009
I didn't want to go to class anyway
Last week I was sitting in my kitchen talking to my friend and fellow senior about the last year of school. Really doesn't seem neccessary at this point. I vaguely remember saying I didn't want to finish this year. Apparently someone took me a little too seriously.
Every semester since coming to WSU I've received a scholarship that pays for most of school. Every semester this scholarship comes in right before the school deadline, so every semester I get a nasty email threatening to cancel my registration unless I pay in full. So I send back a polite email saying my scholarship is coming in, they can check my records, and then I will gladly pay the balance once all that is settled. Every semester the scholarship shows up, I pay, I go to class.
End of story.
Last week I got the nasty, threatening email. Last week I responded politely promising the scholarship was going to show up. Have I mentioned that we do this every semester?
Apparently this year something changed. I have a suspicion school started even earlier this fall, and my scholarship goes by a set calendar. I'm pretty sure WSU moved up their deadline, cause I got an even nastier email this afternoon.
Hi, this email is to inform you that you are nolonger a student at WSU. Your registration has been cancelled and you nolonger have to pay for your classes, as you aren't enrolled and will not graduate. You can, however, pay $500 for that laptop you never wanted since you already owned one. Yes, we are sending this email out 30 minutes before the business office closes so there is very little chance you will be able to do anything about this until after work and class and various appointments tomorrow. Have a good day.
WSU account services and I are going to have a little chat tomorrow. I'm going in armed with printed emails and documentation of said scholarship. And a little red-head fury. This might not be pretty. Be forewarned, account services.
Every semester since coming to WSU I've received a scholarship that pays for most of school. Every semester this scholarship comes in right before the school deadline, so every semester I get a nasty email threatening to cancel my registration unless I pay in full. So I send back a polite email saying my scholarship is coming in, they can check my records, and then I will gladly pay the balance once all that is settled. Every semester the scholarship shows up, I pay, I go to class.
End of story.
Last week I got the nasty, threatening email. Last week I responded politely promising the scholarship was going to show up. Have I mentioned that we do this every semester?
Apparently this year something changed. I have a suspicion school started even earlier this fall, and my scholarship goes by a set calendar. I'm pretty sure WSU moved up their deadline, cause I got an even nastier email this afternoon.
Hi, this email is to inform you that you are nolonger a student at WSU. Your registration has been cancelled and you nolonger have to pay for your classes, as you aren't enrolled and will not graduate. You can, however, pay $500 for that laptop you never wanted since you already owned one. Yes, we are sending this email out 30 minutes before the business office closes so there is very little chance you will be able to do anything about this until after work and class and various appointments tomorrow. Have a good day.
WSU account services and I are going to have a little chat tomorrow. I'm going in armed with printed emails and documentation of said scholarship. And a little red-head fury. This might not be pretty. Be forewarned, account services.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
The Fourth Tenor
It turned out to be a dark, chilly evening. My house was quiet and I was sleepy and pensive. This combination is perfect for cuddling under blankets in sweatpants with an eclectic collection of opera on itunes with my leather bound journal and a lot of blank pages in front of me.
Even better with a soy latte, but I hope to be asleep soon. Journaling is always therapeutic for me, and there's been a lot on my mind about my future as of late. But the opera got the better of me tonight.
Andrea Bocelli made me cry. This man is amazing. If nothing else, just listen to Canto Della Terra once. If it doesn't touch your soul, please, carry on with your life as usual. But give the blind tuscan a chance. He was once called "the most beautiful voice in the world", and I believe it. According to my sources at itunes, Andrea was a disciple of Pavarotti and I don't know what else you could ask for from an Italian tenor.
I may be partial to tenors 'cause my Daddy is a tenor and he sang a lot of Pavarotti and John Denver in his pickup truck when I was little. I also happen to be partial to Italian because I once sang an Italian aria, and all the best things come from Italy. Espresso, leather shoes, opera. And now Andrea Bocelli.
Even better with a soy latte, but I hope to be asleep soon. Journaling is always therapeutic for me, and there's been a lot on my mind about my future as of late. But the opera got the better of me tonight.
Andrea Bocelli made me cry. This man is amazing. If nothing else, just listen to Canto Della Terra once. If it doesn't touch your soul, please, carry on with your life as usual. But give the blind tuscan a chance. He was once called "the most beautiful voice in the world", and I believe it. According to my sources at itunes, Andrea was a disciple of Pavarotti and I don't know what else you could ask for from an Italian tenor.
I may be partial to tenors 'cause my Daddy is a tenor and he sang a lot of Pavarotti and John Denver in his pickup truck when I was little. I also happen to be partial to Italian because I once sang an Italian aria, and all the best things come from Italy. Espresso, leather shoes, opera. And now Andrea Bocelli.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Here we are again
Tomorrow is the first day of class. My last first day of class, presumably. With this comes a variety of thoughts and feelings which are about to be puked up onto paper (or screen, in this case) for anyone who cares to read. Or maybe it's just for myself.
Don't be offended, it's not your blog.
Thought 1: my god I can't wait to be done with school.
Thought 2: holy crap what am I going to do with my life next year?
Thought 7: these 13 credits better all be slacker classes.
Thought 19: I probably won't go to class anyway.
Thought 6: I need to figure out my Spring semester internship.
Thought 4: good thing atleast one of my prof's is a regular at my coffee shop, I can bribe her with her 16oz skinny mocha with whip.
Thought 10: Working at 5:30am is going to get really old about 3 weeks into school.
Thought 22: I'm so sick of this town.
Thought 82: I'm almost ready to move back home to take advantage of that it's-still-okay-to-mooch-off-the-rents stage of life for a while longer.
Thought 54: I need to enjoy this last year of no real responsibilities or occupations.
Thought 3: I never want a real career.
Thought 72: Becoming an activist and waiting tables on the side to pay a couple bills sounds very appealing.
Thought 8: School starting = fall = colder weather coming. Move south ASAP.
Thought 15: There goes all my free time.
Thought 68: What's the best way to avoid all the drama this school year (returning students) are guaranteed to bring?
Thought 87: I have no books for this semester. I wonder if that will be a problem?
Thought 87.5: How did I ever end up on the Dean's list?
Thought 63: I really really hate class. Don't go.
But really, for as much as I don't enjoy school, there is something special about fall. It's nice to have a little more life in this town, even if the freshman are obnoxious. The rain is peaceful when you don't have to walk too far in it. The leaves are going to change and the bluffs will be beautiful. It makes me want to send you a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils.
Don't be offended, it's not your blog.
Thought 1: my god I can't wait to be done with school.
Thought 2: holy crap what am I going to do with my life next year?
Thought 7: these 13 credits better all be slacker classes.
Thought 19: I probably won't go to class anyway.
Thought 6: I need to figure out my Spring semester internship.
Thought 4: good thing atleast one of my prof's is a regular at my coffee shop, I can bribe her with her 16oz skinny mocha with whip.
Thought 10: Working at 5:30am is going to get really old about 3 weeks into school.
Thought 22: I'm so sick of this town.
Thought 82: I'm almost ready to move back home to take advantage of that it's-still-okay-to-mooch-off-the-rents stage of life for a while longer.
Thought 54: I need to enjoy this last year of no real responsibilities or occupations.
Thought 3: I never want a real career.
Thought 72: Becoming an activist and waiting tables on the side to pay a couple bills sounds very appealing.
Thought 8: School starting = fall = colder weather coming. Move south ASAP.
Thought 15: There goes all my free time.
Thought 68: What's the best way to avoid all the drama this school year (returning students) are guaranteed to bring?
Thought 87: I have no books for this semester. I wonder if that will be a problem?
Thought 87.5: How did I ever end up on the Dean's list?
Thought 63: I really really hate class. Don't go.
But really, for as much as I don't enjoy school, there is something special about fall. It's nice to have a little more life in this town, even if the freshman are obnoxious. The rain is peaceful when you don't have to walk too far in it. The leaves are going to change and the bluffs will be beautiful. It makes me want to send you a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Oh Freshmen
It's been said that you can get college students to do anything if you promise them a free t-shirt. My life is a pretty good example of that. I love free t-shirts. I also really like free food. This tempting combination led to me signing up to be on the Welcome Crew for incoming freshmen.
Turns out the majority of my friends do not find the free t-shirt idea as undeniably fantastic as I do. They thought I was crazy. My sceptical roommate went so far to suggest that I didn't seem the welcome crew type. Not that I was a mean person, per say, just not the bubbly welcome-to-campus-we're-so-excited-you're-here type. I said I could be when I wanted to be. I just usually don't want to be. But there was a free t-shirt involved, guys.
So yesterday we started the 8 hours of freshmen, freshmen's parents, freshmen's little siblings, and carloads and carloads of really pink dorm decorations streaming into town from every direction. I wound up being traffic control infront of the main girl's dorm. I have never seen so much hot pink in one place at a time. It was a little sickening. I could also direct you to West Campus in my sleep. No, the direction you're heading would be East. Turn around and find Broadway. And for God's sake, stop turning into the one-way at the exit.
But I got to wear a fluorescent yellow vest. It was sexy, you would have liked it. And I had a walkie-talkie, which made me feel pretty important. And don't forget the free t-shirt.
So I was pretty much a pro at the traffic control thing. Once in a while I helped move boxes upstairs. The elevator lines got pretty long (who builds a dorm with 13 floors? really, guys?) so I had some overly-eager girls hauling boxes up the stairs to the 7th and 10th floors. Good for them, but I only lasted a few trips up that many flights of stairs, and then returned to my true calling as traffic control.
I did have some interesting conversation with parents. Parents who were sad but excited to send off their only child to college, parents who wished all the kids were out of the house, parents who were nice and parents who yelled alot. Parents who brought three cars or rented U-hauls for all their kid's crap. The night before all this excitement I was remembering my own freshman move-in day. Granted it was a different school in a different state in a different universe, but I could remember how scary and crazy it all was. I found myself getting nervous for the freshmen. And then I had parents asking me about school and my experience. And if I was a sophomore. Nope, I'm a senior this year. Yes, I am graduating in the spring.
Wait, what?
Holy cow. Let's not think about that. I think I'll go back out to the street corner and point cars to Broadway and explain how to get to Target and show them where to park. Unloading only here, folks. I think I'll keep standing out here for 4 more hours and get really sunburnt so the next morning when I wake up my face will be more red than my hair. Awesome.
Did I mention I got a free t-shirt for all this excitement?
Turns out the majority of my friends do not find the free t-shirt idea as undeniably fantastic as I do. They thought I was crazy. My sceptical roommate went so far to suggest that I didn't seem the welcome crew type. Not that I was a mean person, per say, just not the bubbly welcome-to-campus-we're-so-excited-you're-here type. I said I could be when I wanted to be. I just usually don't want to be. But there was a free t-shirt involved, guys.
So yesterday we started the 8 hours of freshmen, freshmen's parents, freshmen's little siblings, and carloads and carloads of really pink dorm decorations streaming into town from every direction. I wound up being traffic control infront of the main girl's dorm. I have never seen so much hot pink in one place at a time. It was a little sickening. I could also direct you to West Campus in my sleep. No, the direction you're heading would be East. Turn around and find Broadway. And for God's sake, stop turning into the one-way at the exit.
But I got to wear a fluorescent yellow vest. It was sexy, you would have liked it. And I had a walkie-talkie, which made me feel pretty important. And don't forget the free t-shirt.
So I was pretty much a pro at the traffic control thing. Once in a while I helped move boxes upstairs. The elevator lines got pretty long (who builds a dorm with 13 floors? really, guys?) so I had some overly-eager girls hauling boxes up the stairs to the 7th and 10th floors. Good for them, but I only lasted a few trips up that many flights of stairs, and then returned to my true calling as traffic control.
I did have some interesting conversation with parents. Parents who were sad but excited to send off their only child to college, parents who wished all the kids were out of the house, parents who were nice and parents who yelled alot. Parents who brought three cars or rented U-hauls for all their kid's crap. The night before all this excitement I was remembering my own freshman move-in day. Granted it was a different school in a different state in a different universe, but I could remember how scary and crazy it all was. I found myself getting nervous for the freshmen. And then I had parents asking me about school and my experience. And if I was a sophomore. Nope, I'm a senior this year. Yes, I am graduating in the spring.
Wait, what?
Holy cow. Let's not think about that. I think I'll go back out to the street corner and point cars to Broadway and explain how to get to Target and show them where to park. Unloading only here, folks. I think I'll keep standing out here for 4 more hours and get really sunburnt so the next morning when I wake up my face will be more red than my hair. Awesome.
Did I mention I got a free t-shirt for all this excitement?
Thursday, August 6, 2009
I Left my Heart....
It's back, folks, and it's bad. Maybe it has something to do with moving 6 times in 10 years, maybe it's inherited from a Dad who really loves roadtrips, or maybe I just always want to be somewhere I'm not, but I've got the travel bug.
It's not like I haven't gone anywhere in awhile. In March I was in Nashville, May was Seattle, June was Spain, and tomorrow I'm headed off to Chicago. Sidetrips like Duluth last week and Madison next month hardly count, though I suppose an amateur might consider them roadtrips.
Where I really want to go is San Francisco. I search for cheap flights every couple weeks and it doesn't help that they aren't too expensive next month. I went once in 2004 and and went back in 2008, and I've never recovered. It's true what they say. I left my heart there. I love everything about the City. The diversity, the history, the cultures, the pacific coast, the bridge, the trolley cars, the hippies and hipsters and homeless people, the art scene, the hills, Philz coffee, the activists, the stories, and all the social movements that stem from this city. It's incredible. Throw in a couple hundred songs about the city, burn a cd and get in your car. Let's go.
It's not like I haven't gone anywhere in awhile. In March I was in Nashville, May was Seattle, June was Spain, and tomorrow I'm headed off to Chicago. Sidetrips like Duluth last week and Madison next month hardly count, though I suppose an amateur might consider them roadtrips.
Where I really want to go is San Francisco. I search for cheap flights every couple weeks and it doesn't help that they aren't too expensive next month. I went once in 2004 and and went back in 2008, and I've never recovered. It's true what they say. I left my heart there. I love everything about the City. The diversity, the history, the cultures, the pacific coast, the bridge, the trolley cars, the hippies and hipsters and homeless people, the art scene, the hills, Philz coffee, the activists, the stories, and all the social movements that stem from this city. It's incredible. Throw in a couple hundred songs about the city, burn a cd and get in your car. Let's go.
Monday, August 3, 2009
A week in my life
Isn't summer glorious? The sunshine, the free time, the reunions and sunny drives. The only reason I'm looking forward to fall and school is the fact that other people will actually reside in Winona and not just be here for a few days at a time.
We figured the most recent family photos were all centered around lovey-dovey couples in poofy white dresses and tuxes. Even those are dated and God knows I'm not about to create that cause for celebration anytime soon. Thanks, Jorgen, for putting up with my family for the evening and taking some great photos.
Let me take a moment to fill you in on the last ten days of my life:
The day after we returned from the cabin retreat my family got some new family pictures taken. Aren't we fabulous?
We figured the most recent family photos were all centered around lovey-dovey couples in poofy white dresses and tuxes. Even those are dated and God knows I'm not about to create that cause for celebration anytime soon. Thanks, Jorgen, for putting up with my family for the evening and taking some great photos.Two days after my weekend at the cabin I jumped in the car with my two favorite travel buddies and headed up to Duluth to meet up with two more of my favorite people.
Let me introduce you to the Library Club!Five best friends from highschool, some from long before, (six when Cindy can get off work and join us) who live miles apart but still have way too much fun when we get together. We've changed quite a bit since we used to escape to the church library to talk and cry and be typical highschoolers, but I swear we love eachother more every time we get together.
This particular reunion involved picnics, exploring the shore of Lake Superior, illegal bonfires, Scary Mary, movies, and ending up on the wrong side of the fence.
And what would a Library Club reunion be without Scattergories?
Thursday launched three days of wedding prep/celebration. Beth and I have been best friends since middle school and college roomies for two years. Her wedding was gorgeous and so was she. I didn't take many pictures since I had other responsibilities that day, but it was lots of fun. Congrats you two!
Lots of hairspray and bobby pins have served me well for the last two days, but I'm starting to feel like I have dreds, so I think it's about time to wash these curls right outa my hair.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Summer winding down
The weekend at the cabin was a success. Lots of great food, wonderful people, sunshine, rainy mornings, yoga, canoeing, bonfires, yard games, card games and staying up late laughing. I recommend one too many games of monopoly hours after your bedtime.
Can't say that I got too much rest but it was fun to spend so much time with my family - all seven of us - and I won't be around much the rest of this week/summer.
Tomorrow morning the girls and I are headed out to Duluth for a much needed reunion. We've been all over the world/state this year and haven't seen eachother in much too long. I can garauntee there will be scattergories and lots of coffee involved. Then again when do I not involve coffee?
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Headed out
Dear Friends,
I am half a load of laundry, a batch of banana bread, dozens of cookies, an empty suitcase and a couple hours on the road away from home. Where I am promptly jumping in the car with sisters and brothers-in-law and headed to a cabin for a long, relaxing weekend of really great food, really special people, and hours and hours of sunshine. Sunshine, you guys, with no 5:30 mornings at work but plenty of coffee to stand in for my Mugby cravings.
Also on the schedule for the next ten days: roadtrip with some girls I've missed alot, marry off a best friend, and hopefully catch up with some people I haven't seen in much too long. It's bound to be a good week.
I am half a load of laundry, a batch of banana bread, dozens of cookies, an empty suitcase and a couple hours on the road away from home. Where I am promptly jumping in the car with sisters and brothers-in-law and headed to a cabin for a long, relaxing weekend of really great food, really special people, and hours and hours of sunshine. Sunshine, you guys, with no 5:30 mornings at work but plenty of coffee to stand in for my Mugby cravings.
Also on the schedule for the next ten days: roadtrip with some girls I've missed alot, marry off a best friend, and hopefully catch up with some people I haven't seen in much too long. It's bound to be a good week.
Friday, July 17, 2009
"I love my car, I love my car...."
My first set of wheels may have sounded like a train and made me feel like a soccer mom, but I could fit a lot of people inside. Yes, friends, I drove a minivan. Not just any minivan. This was a 1997 ford windstar that existed in a color you have never seen before. Imagine this:
It was also made with every specialty part Ford could possibly come up with. The window motors, the oil filters, the tires and alloy wheels, the battery, the engine cooling thing, and that one thermastat housing unit deal. Every mechanic has a recording they play directly to me every time something goes wrong with my car "I'm sorry ma'am, normally this would cost ___ amount, but the Focus requires a specialty part so it will cost 2 x ___ amount."
but in a cross between salmon, copper, champagne or pink. It also revved the engine by itself at stop signs, sped up in reverse, and constantly sounded the alarm for door ajar when driving under 30mph.
Needless to say, my parents were itching to get rid of the thing, so I drove it for a year or two and then we sold/gave it to somebody to get rid of. After highschool I went to school in Iowa for a year, where they don't own cars.
A year later I moved back to real life and bought my very own 2002 ZTS Ford Focus. It was beautiful. It was black. It was mine.
It was also made with every specialty part Ford could possibly come up with. The window motors, the oil filters, the tires and alloy wheels, the battery, the engine cooling thing, and that one thermastat housing unit deal. Every mechanic has a recording they play directly to me every time something goes wrong with my car "I'm sorry ma'am, normally this would cost ___ amount, but the Focus requires a specialty part so it will cost 2 x ___ amount."I realize I am a female, and I also realize that I don't look like I know much about cars. You may realize I know nothing about cars. But no one is going to fall for $300 to fix a rear window motor. Especially the second time around. Which may or may not be why my car looks like this today:
Disclaimer: the tape used to be straight before it rained and thus tore my fantastic plastic window. I never realize how much pride I have in my car until I am forced to drive around town in something as ridiculous as a tape and saran wrap window. Yes that's right. Masking tape and saran wrap.
And this is what it's going to look like until I go home next week and have my brother-in-law force the window shut. Forever. Cause that's the price of having a Ford Focus made with 100% American-made specialty parts.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Send me Sunshine
My soundtrack for this summer up until two days ago was completely Bright Eyes. I listened to selections from Cassadaga all the way to Spain and back, around every 3-5 mile walk around the lakes, and everywhere inbetween. How could I not? If you can appreciate some quiet acoustic with somewhat obscure but meaningful lyrics, you might enjoy them. It's alot about searching and finding your place - connecting dots, if you will.
All your friends and sedatives mean well but make it worse / Every reassurance just magnifies the doubt / Better find yourself a place to level out
Then I graduated to pandora's Bright Eyes radio, which includes bands in the same genre. That's where I discovered Band of Horses and The 88. Band of Horses is this great indie band from Seattle that once toured with Iron & Wine (another new favorite band).I don't know what else The 88 sings, but there is one song that my itunes tells me I have listened to twentyfour times since Monday.
Because you need a place to stay / And I’ve been feeling dead since you went away / You better believe what I tell you cause you’re coming home.
All your friends and sedatives mean well but make it worse / Every reassurance just magnifies the doubt / Better find yourself a place to level out
Then I graduated to pandora's Bright Eyes radio, which includes bands in the same genre. That's where I discovered Band of Horses and The 88. Band of Horses is this great indie band from Seattle that once toured with Iron & Wine (another new favorite band).I don't know what else The 88 sings, but there is one song that my itunes tells me I have listened to twentyfour times since Monday.
Because you need a place to stay / And I’ve been feeling dead since you went away / You better believe what I tell you cause you’re coming home.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
My Life is Brilliant
I've been lately thinking about my life's time.... and maybe it's just a combination of lazy summer days, spending the majority of my time at a coffee shop and getting paid for it, and lots of free time with friends, but I'm happier than I've been in a long time. Maybe content is a better word. It's been a good summer.
I miss Spain like crazy. If I spoke better Spanish I could probably live there. It's a very laid-back place, which is something I'm working on becoming myself. I'm working on a lot of things these days. If you and I have spoken for more than ten minutes in the past four months, you've probably heard the word "independence".
I'm learning Independence is a little different than I thought it was. I'm learning you don't need a plan all the time - and there is freedom in that. I'm learning to need other people, and I'm learning to pay attention. I have a professor that likes to say "Everything matters" and the more I think about that, the more it's true. I'm rediscovering my love for people and hearing their stories. Let's go get coffee sometime and talk about life.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Aisle Gliding
I happen to own this fab little book called "How to Walk in High Heels" by Camilla Morton. It's the girl's guide to everything. You need to buy this book. It's 421 pages of fashion, beauty, quotes, advice, travel, how to be socially adept, and how to flourish independently in a man's world. And it talks about shoes alot. I'm fairly certain that Ms Morton and I would be BFF's if we ever met.
Chapter one includes a section on how to fit everything in your handbag. I compared my bag the first time I read this. 14 out of 19 essentials isn't bad.
There are also chapters on how to play poker, create your own soundtrack, pick the perfect shoe, look like you just stepped out of a salon, and how to be a green-fingered goddess.
27 pages in I discovered one of the greatest concepts I have ever heard. Let me introduce you to the art of Aisle Gliding.
"When a very stylish lady sweeps into the room, as if she were walking on air - like Ginger Rogers herself - remember that they all started somewhere. Practice, practice, practice.
Once you've got the heel, tried it on, and know the basics it's time to take your new shoes to the nearest supermarket.
Fact: supermarket aisles are the perfect place to practice your glide. Not only do you get to stock up on all your groceries and wow the locals, but you can get up to twenty-four aisles' worth of runway-smooth surface to practice on, while being supported by a shopping cart, the ultimate stabilizer for the novice stiletto wearer.
Ignore any funny looks, they are either jealous they didn't think of this idea, or mystifid why someone so glamorous doesn't have "hired help" to do their shopping.
Sneakers off - heels on. Clutch the cart handle bars and you're off! Right foot, left foot, right foot, left.... a natural rhythm should be devoloping regardless of the tinny Muzak.
Use aisles as follows:
1-5: Establish your walk and your rhythm. Get comfortable and confident. If you put any relevant produce into your trolley, this is a real bonus.
6-10: Start to vary speeds, stops, and starts, perhaps even a corner - but NEVER let go of the trolley. Careful, let's not rush things.
11-16: Now you can practice developing wiggle and character steps, such as bends and turns and perhaps little heel kicks.
Final aisles: Be creative, and do a total routine, showcasing your new found stiletto confidence. Queuing at the checkout can be a time to rest on the hips.
Packing your bags and getting them to the car? I would be very surprised if by now you didn't have a handful of drooling helpers on hand. But if not, don't worry, the bending will be good practice, too.
If things are going really well you could even try to walk to vehicle sans cart, using the bags as balance weights."
There you have it. If you happen to see my roommates and I in really fabulous stilettos around HyVee some night this week, you know what we're up to.
Morton, Camilla. How to Walk in High Heels. First. New York: Hyperion, 2006. Print.
Chapter one includes a section on how to fit everything in your handbag. I compared my bag the first time I read this. 14 out of 19 essentials isn't bad.
There are also chapters on how to play poker, create your own soundtrack, pick the perfect shoe, look like you just stepped out of a salon, and how to be a green-fingered goddess.
27 pages in I discovered one of the greatest concepts I have ever heard. Let me introduce you to the art of Aisle Gliding.
"When a very stylish lady sweeps into the room, as if she were walking on air - like Ginger Rogers herself - remember that they all started somewhere. Practice, practice, practice.
Once you've got the heel, tried it on, and know the basics it's time to take your new shoes to the nearest supermarket.
Fact: supermarket aisles are the perfect place to practice your glide. Not only do you get to stock up on all your groceries and wow the locals, but you can get up to twenty-four aisles' worth of runway-smooth surface to practice on, while being supported by a shopping cart, the ultimate stabilizer for the novice stiletto wearer.
Ignore any funny looks, they are either jealous they didn't think of this idea, or mystifid why someone so glamorous doesn't have "hired help" to do their shopping.
Sneakers off - heels on. Clutch the cart handle bars and you're off! Right foot, left foot, right foot, left.... a natural rhythm should be devoloping regardless of the tinny Muzak.
Use aisles as follows:
1-5: Establish your walk and your rhythm. Get comfortable and confident. If you put any relevant produce into your trolley, this is a real bonus.
6-10: Start to vary speeds, stops, and starts, perhaps even a corner - but NEVER let go of the trolley. Careful, let's not rush things.
11-16: Now you can practice developing wiggle and character steps, such as bends and turns and perhaps little heel kicks.
Final aisles: Be creative, and do a total routine, showcasing your new found stiletto confidence. Queuing at the checkout can be a time to rest on the hips.
Packing your bags and getting them to the car? I would be very surprised if by now you didn't have a handful of drooling helpers on hand. But if not, don't worry, the bending will be good practice, too.
If things are going really well you could even try to walk to vehicle sans cart, using the bags as balance weights."
There you have it. If you happen to see my roommates and I in really fabulous stilettos around HyVee some night this week, you know what we're up to.
Morton, Camilla. How to Walk in High Heels. First. New York: Hyperion, 2006. Print.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
The Beginning of my Lazy Summer
I've been back in Winona for less than two hours and I've already been to the library, the wholesale fruit store, and my favorite Mugby (on Mankato). I've been accused of never staying in one place long, which is probably accurate since I've been in the country a week and this morning I was already throwing everything in the ridiculous suitcase (see first post) to head back to the little blue house in Winona.
Being home was nice, too. I saw the fam, went to the beach, painted some ceilings, saw a few BFFs in the cities and at home, and worked at Karl's. Yes, the same Karl's Red Rock Cafe I said I was never going back to. It was a long weekend and I made alot of money, and since I only come back for a few days inbetween long months of absence, they miss me and think I can do no wrong when I'm there. Works for me.
I don't start work til Thursday and have no other responsibilities in Winona, so my plans for the next two days pretty much include cleaning, unpacking, and watching an unhealthy amount of Friends. And murdering all the ants that seem to think it's ok to put up residence in my kitchen.
Being home was nice, too. I saw the fam, went to the beach, painted some ceilings, saw a few BFFs in the cities and at home, and worked at Karl's. Yes, the same Karl's Red Rock Cafe I said I was never going back to. It was a long weekend and I made alot of money, and since I only come back for a few days inbetween long months of absence, they miss me and think I can do no wrong when I'm there. Works for me.
I don't start work til Thursday and have no other responsibilities in Winona, so my plans for the next two days pretty much include cleaning, unpacking, and watching an unhealthy amount of Friends. And murdering all the ants that seem to think it's ok to put up residence in my kitchen.
Monday, June 22, 2009
I´m leavin on a jet plane
My flight leaves tomorrow. If I happen to greet you with a kiss on both cheeks, speak with a lisp or in spanglish, wear funny things, or own a ridiculous amount of prada bags, don´t judge me.
I´ve been in Europe.
I´ve been in Europe.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
I suppose it´s been awhile
You might be happy to know that after a big scare Tuesday night that all my pictures were permanently deleted, the first two or three weeks´worth are currently being uploaded to facebook. My camera is really struggling though and I don´t know what´s wrong with it. Surprising, I know, since my camera knowledge is so complete. We´re just hoping it hangs in there long enough to document the last few days in Spain and deliver the pictures to my computer at home.
So, what have we been up to this week?
Monday morning our cooking class was cancelled for a Moroccan party for the women that come to and work at the center. We had a great turnout and lots of wonderful sweets and Moroccan tea. I love Moroccan tea and am hoping to discover a teteria in the cities when I return. But the party was a great experience to hear the women chatting and singing. Some girls we had spent time with last week explained some different Muslim songs, foods and traditions, like the five-day wedding ceremony. Yikes.
Tuesday there are no classes at the center but we get a huge supply of fruits and vegetables to give to the immigrant families. Most of these families came from Morocco to make a better life for themselves, but the job market is not great right now and it´s been really difficult. The fruits and vegetables help the women put food on the table for their families. The shipment came really late so Katrina and I ran to the market and picked up a few ingredients and made cookies while we waited. Katrina´s baking reputation far outshines my own, but my roommates will be glad to know we use the same recipe and everyone loved them.
Wednesday we also cancelled classes and went to Gilbraltar, which is owned by England. We were hoping to get our passports stamped, but they hardly glanced at my closed passport when we walked through, and the wait getting out was nearly 2 hours, so again they hardly glanced at them. Really? I mean seriously, I could have smuggled so many things in or out of that country. I don´t know what one would smuggle from Gibraltar, but I could have. When we arrived at Gilbralter is was cloudy and foggy, so even the view from the top of the mountain wasn´t spectacular. As the day went on, the clouds burned off some, so we did catch a glimpse of Morocco across the strait. By the time we got OFF the mountain, the clouds disappeared so I´m sure the view then would have been amazing. Gilbraltar is very touristy, which I think is unfortunate, but still very cool. It has a sweet history of conquests and such which I need to learn more about, but it´s basically a huge rock (mountain) at the southernmost tip of Europe which is owned by England but pretty much in Spain. The narrowest part of the strait (of Gibraltar) is also here, so you can see Africa across the Meditteranean Sea. We took a cable car up the mountain and saw the monkeys. There´s all these apes running around on the mountain that the locals almost see as sacred, and while they are wild animals they are very used to tourists and will jump on the cars and look through your bags if left unattended. To be honest they made me a little nervous, especially with all the signs that say DON´T FEED THE APES, APES WILL BITE. But it was fun and there were lots of baby apes too. My camera was on the fritz at this point but I know Katrina got some good shots. We had a classic british lunch of fish and chips before we left and did some shopping as well. I almost bought a thimble just because it was so ironic - I used to collect thimbles and while I saw nothing dutch about this place, all the thimbles had windmills on them. I hate windmills. Joanna was like "you hate windmills?" as if that was odd, and I told her it was a long story. If you lived somewhere in which all the people around you thought it was Holland, but you knew to be Iowa, you would hate windmills too. Think about it. Anyway, I digress. It was too cold to enjoy the beach that day, but we stopped at a British store so Katrina and Ab & Habiba could get some English groceries. Spain sells very different groceries and while you can find most substitutes, some things you just can´t get in another country. I think Katrina bought six cans of rhubarb. She was like a kid in a candy store.
By the end of the day I had a migraine and the long ride back home didn´t help (one good thing about MN would have to be flat, straight roads) so I´m laying low this morning. Feeling better though, so we plan on trying to find salsa dancing lessons one more time tonight!
So, what have we been up to this week?
Monday morning our cooking class was cancelled for a Moroccan party for the women that come to and work at the center. We had a great turnout and lots of wonderful sweets and Moroccan tea. I love Moroccan tea and am hoping to discover a teteria in the cities when I return. But the party was a great experience to hear the women chatting and singing. Some girls we had spent time with last week explained some different Muslim songs, foods and traditions, like the five-day wedding ceremony. Yikes.
Tuesday there are no classes at the center but we get a huge supply of fruits and vegetables to give to the immigrant families. Most of these families came from Morocco to make a better life for themselves, but the job market is not great right now and it´s been really difficult. The fruits and vegetables help the women put food on the table for their families. The shipment came really late so Katrina and I ran to the market and picked up a few ingredients and made cookies while we waited. Katrina´s baking reputation far outshines my own, but my roommates will be glad to know we use the same recipe and everyone loved them.
Wednesday we also cancelled classes and went to Gilbraltar, which is owned by England. We were hoping to get our passports stamped, but they hardly glanced at my closed passport when we walked through, and the wait getting out was nearly 2 hours, so again they hardly glanced at them. Really? I mean seriously, I could have smuggled so many things in or out of that country. I don´t know what one would smuggle from Gibraltar, but I could have. When we arrived at Gilbralter is was cloudy and foggy, so even the view from the top of the mountain wasn´t spectacular. As the day went on, the clouds burned off some, so we did catch a glimpse of Morocco across the strait. By the time we got OFF the mountain, the clouds disappeared so I´m sure the view then would have been amazing. Gilbraltar is very touristy, which I think is unfortunate, but still very cool. It has a sweet history of conquests and such which I need to learn more about, but it´s basically a huge rock (mountain) at the southernmost tip of Europe which is owned by England but pretty much in Spain. The narrowest part of the strait (of Gibraltar) is also here, so you can see Africa across the Meditteranean Sea. We took a cable car up the mountain and saw the monkeys. There´s all these apes running around on the mountain that the locals almost see as sacred, and while they are wild animals they are very used to tourists and will jump on the cars and look through your bags if left unattended. To be honest they made me a little nervous, especially with all the signs that say DON´T FEED THE APES, APES WILL BITE. But it was fun and there were lots of baby apes too. My camera was on the fritz at this point but I know Katrina got some good shots. We had a classic british lunch of fish and chips before we left and did some shopping as well. I almost bought a thimble just because it was so ironic - I used to collect thimbles and while I saw nothing dutch about this place, all the thimbles had windmills on them. I hate windmills. Joanna was like "you hate windmills?" as if that was odd, and I told her it was a long story. If you lived somewhere in which all the people around you thought it was Holland, but you knew to be Iowa, you would hate windmills too. Think about it. Anyway, I digress. It was too cold to enjoy the beach that day, but we stopped at a British store so Katrina and Ab & Habiba could get some English groceries. Spain sells very different groceries and while you can find most substitutes, some things you just can´t get in another country. I think Katrina bought six cans of rhubarb. She was like a kid in a candy store.
By the end of the day I had a migraine and the long ride back home didn´t help (one good thing about MN would have to be flat, straight roads) so I´m laying low this morning. Feeling better though, so we plan on trying to find salsa dancing lessons one more time tonight!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
A Few More Things
Some things I forgot to add:
Openair windows, mountains and ocean and tropical flowers. When you order coffee in Europe they bring you shots of espresso. How incredible is that? Almost makes me wonder why they have afternoon siestas!
Tonight we are going Salsa dancing! Apparently there is a place downtown that gives free lessons on Wednesday and Thursday nights in downtown Malaga and Katrina´s friend says its lots of fun and is going to bring us. We´re pretty excited.
Before we head out today Katrina and I need to learn aerobics. I started an exercise class on Fridays for the Muslim women at the community center, and last week we did mostly pilates since I´ve done alot of pilates over the last couple years. The women were glad for the class but asked if next week (tomorrow) we could do dance aerobics with music. Being the agreeable pushovers we are, Katrina and I said yes. We keep putting it off because we have no idea what we´re doing but I think the new plan is to make it up as we go along. And no there will be no pictures. Ha.
Openair windows, mountains and ocean and tropical flowers. When you order coffee in Europe they bring you shots of espresso. How incredible is that? Almost makes me wonder why they have afternoon siestas!
Tonight we are going Salsa dancing! Apparently there is a place downtown that gives free lessons on Wednesday and Thursday nights in downtown Malaga and Katrina´s friend says its lots of fun and is going to bring us. We´re pretty excited.
Before we head out today Katrina and I need to learn aerobics. I started an exercise class on Fridays for the Muslim women at the community center, and last week we did mostly pilates since I´ve done alot of pilates over the last couple years. The women were glad for the class but asked if next week (tomorrow) we could do dance aerobics with music. Being the agreeable pushovers we are, Katrina and I said yes. We keep putting it off because we have no idea what we´re doing but I think the new plan is to make it up as we go along. And no there will be no pictures. Ha.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
A Taste of Spain
A few things I really love about Spain:
Their sense of time is much more laid back. People generally get up in the morning, go to work, then go home from 2-4 to eat a big lunch and take a nap. It´s like a nation-wide nap time for adults. This, my friends, is a fabulous idea. Then dinner is at about 9pm and people stay up late. I feel like this was my schedule last year too, and I approve.
People aren´t glued to their phones. Mine is currently sitting on a dresser in Minnesota and I don´t miss it a bit. But it´s nice that people walking down the street (not to mention driving) are actually paying attention and not yelling into their mobile phones.
The fashion is incredible. Anything goes. Some key words for you: manpris. fannypacks. overalls. skinny jeans. scrunchies. scarves. something we´ve lovingly dubbed "genie pants" and are wondering if this trend will ever make it back to the states. I doubt it. Then I´m not even going to start on the shoes cause i could get carried away, but they are beautiful.
And por supuesta, it´s hot, and I love that. My freckles also love that. You might even be able to call it a tan.
Let´s see.. what else. It´s close to the rest of Europe so everyone has been everywhere and speaks every language and I´m kind of in awe of that and really jealous. Katrina and I were looking for a cheap weekend trip to Italy but we´re not good at finding those 99cent flights to other countries.
But our other plans for the week include salsa dancing on Thursday and lots of afternoons on the beach and pool. Eventually we also have great dreams of having a working refridgerator and possibly internet. It´s been an interesting couple days.
On another note, some of you may be interested that I´ve been doing great and only had one headache in the whole two weeks. Most of you probably know the headache saga and the years and years of doctors, tests, diets, medication and nothing really helps. Who knew I just needed to move to Europe? I´m sure my Mom will be sooo excited to hear that news. ;)
Their sense of time is much more laid back. People generally get up in the morning, go to work, then go home from 2-4 to eat a big lunch and take a nap. It´s like a nation-wide nap time for adults. This, my friends, is a fabulous idea. Then dinner is at about 9pm and people stay up late. I feel like this was my schedule last year too, and I approve.
People aren´t glued to their phones. Mine is currently sitting on a dresser in Minnesota and I don´t miss it a bit. But it´s nice that people walking down the street (not to mention driving) are actually paying attention and not yelling into their mobile phones.
The fashion is incredible. Anything goes. Some key words for you: manpris. fannypacks. overalls. skinny jeans. scrunchies. scarves. something we´ve lovingly dubbed "genie pants" and are wondering if this trend will ever make it back to the states. I doubt it. Then I´m not even going to start on the shoes cause i could get carried away, but they are beautiful.
And por supuesta, it´s hot, and I love that. My freckles also love that. You might even be able to call it a tan.
Let´s see.. what else. It´s close to the rest of Europe so everyone has been everywhere and speaks every language and I´m kind of in awe of that and really jealous. Katrina and I were looking for a cheap weekend trip to Italy but we´re not good at finding those 99cent flights to other countries.
But our other plans for the week include salsa dancing on Thursday and lots of afternoons on the beach and pool. Eventually we also have great dreams of having a working refridgerator and possibly internet. It´s been an interesting couple days.
On another note, some of you may be interested that I´ve been doing great and only had one headache in the whole two weeks. Most of you probably know the headache saga and the years and years of doctors, tests, diets, medication and nothing really helps. Who knew I just needed to move to Europe? I´m sure my Mom will be sooo excited to hear that news. ;)
Friday, June 5, 2009
I am the Special One
It didn´t take Katrina all that long to decide that I was "the special one". This could have something to do with the fact that we repeatedly say the some thing at the same moment (in multiple languages, even) or the fact that I just have a knack for finding myself in interesting situations.
Scenario one: my swimsuit broke the second day I wore it.Granted, it was just the clasp keeping it together in the back, but this still made it unwearable. After many laughs and attempts to use random hooks and pins, I discovered a keychain is pretty much better than the plastic clasp that keeps your swimsuit together in the back. You can imagine the time it took to come across this genius discovery, much less the time it takes to put fabric loops through a keychain before discovering you´ve twisted your swimsuit while doing so, making half of it inside out. This may have been the point at which Katrina first broke into the "you are the special one" song.
Another moment came about last night at the Morrocan tettaria (tea house) last night when we all ordered our tea. Morrocan tea is a fantastic experience that I greatly reccomend. The couches and colors and sweet lighting and decorations all add to the experience - and the way they make tea is sometimes quite the process. Anyway we all ordered our tea and they bring out sugar (they LOVE their sugar) and glass tea cups and individual teapots and tea cozies and a Morrocan version of biscotti. Everything was beautiful and wonderful minus the fact that I had everything but the hot water. Katrina started singing again. There are pictures to go along with each story probably but we still don´t have working internet unless we are at the center, which is where we are currently.
There are more stories but my first exercise class has finished and we are going with the couple Katrina works with for lunch.
Scenario one: my swimsuit broke the second day I wore it.
Another moment came about last night at the Morrocan tettaria (tea house) last night when we all ordered our tea. Morrocan tea is a fantastic experience that I greatly reccomend. The couches and colors and sweet lighting and decorations all add to the experience - and the way they make tea is sometimes quite the process. Anyway we all ordered our tea and they bring out sugar (they LOVE their sugar) and glass tea cups and individual teapots and tea cozies and a Morrocan version of biscotti. Everything was beautiful and wonderful minus the fact that I had everything but the hot water. Katrina started singing again. There are pictures to go along with each story probably but we still don´t have working internet unless we are at the center, which is where we are currently.
There are more stories but my first exercise class has finished and we are going with the couple Katrina works with for lunch.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Centro Cultural de Luz
This week we are at the center each morning. Yesterday was food distribution day, so we put together bags of donated food for the women to pick up for their families. It was a little crazy and busy but fun to see some of the same women again and some new ones, too.
In the evening we met up with two girls who occasionally attend the center with their mother. Their mom is one of the most enthusiastic of the women that go to the cooking classes. She´s always there with a huge smile ready to jump right in and help us with whatever we´re making. Today we made gazpacho, a cold spanish soup. It was pretty good - there are lots of different variations so we decided the one we made might need some tweaking. Bec and I are still working on understanding the conversations going on around us. We could talk to the women a little today. They tend to break out in arabic and then ofcourse we don´t stand a chance, but the Spanish we can comprehend. The girls we met were very sweet and pretty fluent in English. (as well as french, arabic, spanish, and italian, maybe a few others. sheesh). They showed us around some of their favorite parts of the city. They just moved here from Tanger this winter so it´s been hard for them to meet new friends. Their mom told us today they really enjoyed our time last night, so that was cool. We wound up walking about 12 or 13 miles yesterday between going to the center and back twice and around town with the girls. Thats half a marathon if you´re keeping track. Typical for us this trip, too.
This afternoon now that class is over we are going to a Tanger restaurant that the same woman and her family own. Katrina raves about couscous, and I´m not really sure what it is, but we´re about to go eat some. The internet was working for about an hour yesterday but we have to call our friend the tech guy again and get it fixed at her apartment again. It was quite the ordeal yesterday. Spain is very laid back and they come when they want, regardless of our schedule or if we plan to be home or not.
In the evening we met up with two girls who occasionally attend the center with their mother. Their mom is one of the most enthusiastic of the women that go to the cooking classes. She´s always there with a huge smile ready to jump right in and help us with whatever we´re making. Today we made gazpacho, a cold spanish soup. It was pretty good - there are lots of different variations so we decided the one we made might need some tweaking. Bec and I are still working on understanding the conversations going on around us. We could talk to the women a little today. They tend to break out in arabic and then ofcourse we don´t stand a chance, but the Spanish we can comprehend. The girls we met were very sweet and pretty fluent in English. (as well as french, arabic, spanish, and italian, maybe a few others. sheesh). They showed us around some of their favorite parts of the city. They just moved here from Tanger this winter so it´s been hard for them to meet new friends. Their mom told us today they really enjoyed our time last night, so that was cool. We wound up walking about 12 or 13 miles yesterday between going to the center and back twice and around town with the girls. Thats half a marathon if you´re keeping track. Typical for us this trip, too.
This afternoon now that class is over we are going to a Tanger restaurant that the same woman and her family own. Katrina raves about couscous, and I´m not really sure what it is, but we´re about to go eat some. The internet was working for about an hour yesterday but we have to call our friend the tech guy again and get it fixed at her apartment again. It was quite the ordeal yesterday. Spain is very laid back and they come when they want, regardless of our schedule or if we plan to be home or not.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Malaga
The cathedral in Seville was unbelievable. Katrina hasn´t been able to get her internet fixed since we´re always gone during the day, so pictures will still have to wait. We spent a few hours gawking at the domed ceilings, intricate carvings, the gargoyles, the relics, and the beautiful statues and colors. Katrina and Bec know a lot more about history and art, so we were able to appreciate the significance of alot of the art. Unfortunately the bell tower was closed that day, but Katrina promised to show us her pictures later. Kind of like I keep promising you pictures of our adventures.
Our next adventure was going to be Gilbraltar on Saturday, but the bus schedule did not coincide with ours, so we went to the beach instead. I can say that I was in the Mediteranian! The water was gorgeous and the sun was HOT! I probably wore more sunscreen than I ever have but still have a nice tan. Be jealous. Katrina practically looks like a Spaniard. I think the fact that the three of us kept both parts of our swimsuits on may have put us in the minority on the beach. Oh Europe. Anything goes.
Yesterday we went to church with Katrina. The songs were fun but since everything is in Spanish and the pastor spoke muy rapido, I was completely lost during the rest of the service. Katrina said he was one of the hardest to understand. The rest of the time I can usually follow a spanish conversation well enough to understand what´s going on, but not neccesarily contribute. I´m still working on it. After lunch we went to some Muslim ruins in Malaga (Sundays are free tour days - we are the queens of free tours by now) which were also pretty sweet. We started out in the lower part of the fortress and worked our way through. I believe it used to be the city walls to protect the Muslims from the Christians during war. Seems as though the two groups were always on one conquest or another. Part of the ruins were fenced off, which we thought should connect to the upper part of the city. Being the curious, adventurous women that we are, and not wanting to walk all the way around, we climbed a wall, jumped a fence and got the other side. Ofcourse by the time both Bec and Katrina jumped the fence, I´m pretty sure a lot of people saw me. But we explored for a while and once I was convinced we would get kicked out of the country, we climbed back unnoticed by the crowds. We rock. And we have yet to get in trouble, even though the whole week we were traveling Bec didn´t have her passport.
This morning was our first day at the center. Katrina taught her cooking class and we made Pasteles de chocolate y queso untar or cream cheese chocolate cupcakes. It´s getting easier to understand the women, but half the time they speak Arabic, and then I don´t stand a chance. Add that to the list of things I need to learn. It was the first day when the classes were moved back to the morning time, so lots of women came to bake and chat and go to spanish class.
We are off for more adventures this afternoon! Katrina has a women´s Bible study at her apartment tonight so we´ll get a chance to meet more of her friends.
Our next adventure was going to be Gilbraltar on Saturday, but the bus schedule did not coincide with ours, so we went to the beach instead. I can say that I was in the Mediteranian! The water was gorgeous and the sun was HOT! I probably wore more sunscreen than I ever have but still have a nice tan. Be jealous. Katrina practically looks like a Spaniard. I think the fact that the three of us kept both parts of our swimsuits on may have put us in the minority on the beach. Oh Europe. Anything goes.
Yesterday we went to church with Katrina. The songs were fun but since everything is in Spanish and the pastor spoke muy rapido, I was completely lost during the rest of the service. Katrina said he was one of the hardest to understand. The rest of the time I can usually follow a spanish conversation well enough to understand what´s going on, but not neccesarily contribute. I´m still working on it. After lunch we went to some Muslim ruins in Malaga (Sundays are free tour days - we are the queens of free tours by now) which were also pretty sweet. We started out in the lower part of the fortress and worked our way through. I believe it used to be the city walls to protect the Muslims from the Christians during war. Seems as though the two groups were always on one conquest or another. Part of the ruins were fenced off, which we thought should connect to the upper part of the city. Being the curious, adventurous women that we are, and not wanting to walk all the way around, we climbed a wall, jumped a fence and got the other side. Ofcourse by the time both Bec and Katrina jumped the fence, I´m pretty sure a lot of people saw me. But we explored for a while and once I was convinced we would get kicked out of the country, we climbed back unnoticed by the crowds. We rock. And we have yet to get in trouble, even though the whole week we were traveling Bec didn´t have her passport.
This morning was our first day at the center. Katrina taught her cooking class and we made Pasteles de chocolate y queso untar or cream cheese chocolate cupcakes. It´s getting easier to understand the women, but half the time they speak Arabic, and then I don´t stand a chance. Add that to the list of things I need to learn. It was the first day when the classes were moved back to the morning time, so lots of women came to bake and chat and go to spanish class.
We are off for more adventures this afternoon! Katrina has a women´s Bible study at her apartment tonight so we´ll get a chance to meet more of her friends.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Seville
Tonight we are at another hostel, this time in Seville. I have been impressed and surprised by how sweet hostels are. Colorful, cultural, curvy staircases, open terraces, free internet, interesting people, staff that like to flirt with young American women... Both nights we´ve shared rooms with other travelers from all over. Last night there were two girls from Quebec, a guy from France, and another girl from South Korea. They all spoke Spanish, English, French, and of course atleast one spoke Korean. Needless to say, my lack of language skills was impressed.
So far we are two-for-two on finding sweet tours of free days. Yesterday we hit the palace of the christian kings and today it was the mosque which was built as a muslim mosque but later converted to a Catholic Cathedral. Took lots of pictures but won´t post those til Katrina´s internet is back up and running. Tomorrow we are going to visit the largest gothic structure in Europe - the Cathedral here in Seville. Our hostel is only a block or two away so we´ve seen the outside at night and it is incredible. Can´t wait to see it in the morning. Speaking of which, it´s late here so I´m off. We´re 7 or 9 hours ahead of you, depending on where you´re tuning in from, but no worries, I won´t tell you what happens.
So far we are two-for-two on finding sweet tours of free days. Yesterday we hit the palace of the christian kings and today it was the mosque which was built as a muslim mosque but later converted to a Catholic Cathedral. Took lots of pictures but won´t post those til Katrina´s internet is back up and running. Tomorrow we are going to visit the largest gothic structure in Europe - the Cathedral here in Seville. Our hostel is only a block or two away so we´ve seen the outside at night and it is incredible. Can´t wait to see it in the morning. Speaking of which, it´s late here so I´m off. We´re 7 or 9 hours ahead of you, depending on where you´re tuning in from, but no worries, I won´t tell you what happens.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
¿Do we look like tourists yet?
Since my internship at the center doesn´t start til June 1, we decided to take advantage of our first three or four free days and we´re doing some traveling around España. This morning Bec, Katrina and I got on a bus (thank God greyhound doesn´t exist here) and went to Cordoba. There is a Spanish fair here, we toured the Palace of the Kings (think: Queen Isabel and King Ferdinand that sent Columbus off to disover America) and ate at a tapas bar tonight. I love European fashion, I think most of it is really fabulous. I just wish I had paid more attention in Spanish class(es) so I would know what was being said around me. The only thing I remember from a semester of 8am religious spanish is "una cerveza!" - you can imagine where that gets me. Anyway. Tonight we´re staying at a colorful little hostel in Cordoba. Our plans for tomorrow include touring a Mosque here and then heading off to Seville in the afternoon. The weather is goreous and the sun is hot - my freckles will be in their full glory in a few days.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
And here we are
I´ve arrived in Spain! Bec and I have had one hour of sleep since yesterday morning but we´re starting a new day. I love the landscape, the flowers, the architecture, everything. We´re off to climb a mountain and walk around the city!
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Take a Holiday in Spain...
My bags are packed and I'm ready to go.... atleast they were yesterday. I had finally decided to be the girl with the ridiculous suitcase, even if it means packing and pulling a bag that's nearly half my size. But the bag was a mere three pounds under the 50lb limit, so I'm guessing I might have to vote a few sorry tops, accessories, or books off the island. I may love shoes but I refuse to pay extra fees for a heavy bag. Insert disclaimer here: there will only be four pairs of shoes in my bag, and three of those are flipflops, which mean they don't count as real shoes and therefore I am only packing one pair of shoes. Be impressed.
My sister is coming over this afternoon for a glorious Memorial Day bbq that I'm really looking forward to. I'm also planning on taking a portion of her closet with me while making her help me weed out unnecessaries. My other sister is out of town, as she has been the last two or three times I've come home. I'm starting to sense a pattern, but have decided to follow by example and up and leave the country.
Becky and I leave early tomorrow afternoon. More updates to come!
My sister is coming over this afternoon for a glorious Memorial Day bbq that I'm really looking forward to. I'm also planning on taking a portion of her closet with me while making her help me weed out unnecessaries. My other sister is out of town, as she has been the last two or three times I've come home. I'm starting to sense a pattern, but have decided to follow by example and up and leave the country.
Becky and I leave early tomorrow afternoon. More updates to come!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)