The Life of Ashlyn

2008-08-29T11:14:00.000-04:00

2008-07-26T00:05:00.002-04:00

Can I just say that if I hear one more rap song about how male genitalia is like candy, I swear I will lose it.

It's freaking nasty. And the rappers are severely disillusioned about their parts.

On a steel horse I riiiideee...

2008-07-10T02:45:00.003-04:00

It's the last night here in Seattle. I am REALLY bummed. I don't think I have been this bummed to leave someplace since I came home from Italy. I don't really know how to explain it, but I just feel SO much better when I am here. I am seriously contemplating about moving here. Either for graduate school, after grad school, or just moving if I can't decide on grad school within a reasonable span of time. This place just feels like home to me more than NY ever has. No offense to the people in NY, I love you guys. With all the trees and stuff, it just is more comfortable. I don't even know how to put it. Seattle is, and always will be home, I guess.

I spent yesterday afternoon shopping with my cousin Megan and my Aunt Rhonda. It was a lot of fun. I got some super cute stuff, and it was fun being able to go out and do things with Megan. Last time I was out here, she was 5 or 6. She's 12 now, and all about the mall. We went to PF Changs for lunch, which was amazing. They have a gluten-free menu. It has been a long time since I had Chinese food, and it was just awesome to have it be GF. After that, I came back to my Grandma and Grandpa's and headed out with my dad to go out to dinner for his Aunt's 84th birthday. It was fun seeing his family and spending time with them. After that we stopped by Aunt Kathi's and just hung out and stuff. Read some stuff about Chuck Norris online. haha.
Today, we met Aunt Kathi out on her lunch break, and got lunch (duh!). We went to a used book store, which was amazing. My dad and I also hit up Whole Foods for hamburger buns and other GF goodies. We had a Brandt family BBQ (minus my mom and sis cuz they're back in NY) at Uncle Ernie's. It was fun getting picked on and just hanging out. Dad and I went back to Aunt Rhonda's and played Rock Band with her and Megan. I am TERRIBLE at the bass, guitar and drums. The only thing I was remotely good at was vocals. And even then, I wasn't that great. But it was a WHOLE lot of fun.

Right now, I am absolutely exhausted and I need to do a bunch more things before I can hit the sack. We are getting up at 530 tomorrow, leaving by 6 so we can be back in Sumner by 8. Then we get to wait around. It'll be a good time.

But it is time for goodnight. Or just prep for goodnight. :)

After a 70 hour week of travelling...

2008-07-08T04:00:00.000-04:00

So, I am here in Seattle spending time with my grandparents and all the family we have out here. I don’t have much updating to do at the moment because I don’t have any of the pictures I have taken over the past week or anything. We got here at about 7-ish. We are going to be here until Thursday morning. It is pretty exciting have a new place to be all the time.

We went from:

Liverpool to Rome
Rome to Carlisle, PA
Carlisle, PA to Baltimore, MD
Baltimore to Wheeling, VA
Wheeling to Wisconsin (I forget what city…)
Wisconsin to Portland, OR
Portland, OR to Woodland, WA
Woodland to Sumner, WA
Sumner to GRANDMA’S!

Those are just the runs my dad had (he is a trucker and he’s working while we travel. It’s fun.)

We did stop in Spokane, WA, where I was born. It was exciting to be back there after almost 12 years. We went to Riverfront Park (which is AMAZING) and just walked around a bit. I really want to move out here again. It was a surreal feeling being back there. I want to be there permanently.

That is all I really have for now. I am just hanging out before I go to bed. I am going to the mall with my Aunt Rhonda and my cousin, Megan. Grandma is getting me my graduation gift money (that I didn’t even know I was getting) and I am planning on getting some sweet camera gear with it. If I can. We have a pretty packed schedule for the few days we are here. It is fun being able to do all the stuff my friends get to do all the time. Sometimes it sucks living so far away from your family.

But for now, goodnight!

It's official!!

2008-06-27T14:07:00.000-04:00

I am officially a college graduate!

I love kids sometimes...

2008-06-24T01:36:00.002-04:00

My dad has been feeling under the weather for the past few days. Yesterday, my mom's friend Mindy came over and gave him some get well cards her kids had made. They were so sweet. Her son Ryan drew all this stuff that reminds him of my dad and wrote their names.

Normally, poor spelling would drive me nuts. But I thought that what he wrote was actually pretty impressive. He drew a picture of a submarine and wrote "summering." I think for a 7 year old, that is a pretty damn good phonetic spelling.

I'll tumble for yaaaa...

2008-06-17T16:06:00.002-04:00

So, I got a TUMBLR account.

It's pretty much the same as blogger but I can snatch things from the internerd and post it on my blog ridiculously easily. So, mine is pretty much random things I steal from websites. I think it's awesome.

Ooooooo!!!

2008-06-13T00:54:00.001-04:00

Omg I want one. They make it so you can wireless upload your photos. AND the Eye-Fi explore card, remembers WHERE you took your photos. Holy crap. Someone should love me a lot and get me one.

Sad Little Kitty

2008-06-11T00:27:00.001-04:00

This picture makes me inexplicably sad.

I know it is supposed to be funny, but I feel terrible for that cat.

I usually love ICanHasCheeseburger.com too. Ugh.

Moving.... a lot sooner than expected

2008-06-04T00:38:00.003-04:00

So, my road trip with my dad has been postponed. He is stuck doing runs for his normal schedule until Friday. I needed to be back by Thursday the 19th at the very latest. So, for the sake of having an awesome trip instead of a rushed, stressed one, we decided to postpone it. It isn't really too big of a deal, although it is throwing everything out of whack.

Instead of moving out the 21st, I'll be moving out of my apartment this weekend. I am pretty stressed about it, because it isn't what Kariann and I had planned out. There are things going on right now that have just changed when the right people are available to help me move. It's a little rough trying to get everything put together in such a short time. I am really stressed about it, to be perfectly honest. Everyone has their own ideas of what we should be doing and no one is sharing them in a way that is helpful. And I am definitely not an exemption. In the stress of getting everything set up, there are just a million different agendas at work. We have to work around the availability of my parents, my sister's plans, and I am just trying to shuffle things around so everyone is happy with the outcome. I need to call Kariann and let her know about the changes in plans so she doesn't freak out when there are no cats and all my stuff is gone. I feel terrible that I am leaving her in the apartment by herself, which wasn't the plan. I was supposed to move out AFTER her. So, I hope this is okay. I don't really have any choice in the matter, to be honest. It is just frustrating trying to balance everything.

Also, Alison's reception is at the end of the month. So I can't leave before then. I feel like I should really go to it. I think my dad is kind of upset about that because things just keep coming up that are postponing our trip.

It is also supposed to be 81 degrees in Buffalo on Saturday. UGH! In an apartment with no air conditioning. It's gonna be miserable. And I also have to deal with the cats and everything, so it should be RIDICULOUSLY stressful. I just can't stop thinking about how stressful this is all getting to be.

I also have to get my car checked out. The wheel bearings on my car are making a very lovely vibrating, humming noise. It is up in the air if I will even be able to drive it out to Buffalo for the move. This is a problem because we were counting on my car to move some stuff back, and it provides an extra 2 seats for people. With the van we are renting, only two people can fit. So it would be just my mom and me. We are not the brawn of our family. We have to move my bed-frame and my mattress and just a lot of stuff. My car is really necessary. I really hope I can get things taken care of quickly so that my car will be available on Friday. I need to go out before my parents so I can get stuff organized and clean a little.

I am going to try and get some sleep before my head explodes.

I hate Windows...

2008-05-30T13:12:00.003-04:00

So, an update of sorts. Right now, I am in Syracuse. I got in Wednesday night. And today, Kristyn and I are going to Buffalo until Sunday. She has an audition in Buffalo, and I need some help getting at least a little bit of packing underway. Then Sunday night, we'll be back here in Syracuse. And then Tuesday/Wednesday, I leave with my dad for two weeks of roadtripping. I am sure he is going to be driving me nuts a lot, but I think it is going to be fun. I don't really know what to expect, but I am trying to be brave.

My degree is a bit up in the air. I have different people telling me different things about the requirements for a B.A. in English. Some people say that you have to have at least a C (I had a D & a D+ last semester) and then I cannot find anything anywhere in the college's handbook that says anything about it. I think that the people who are saying the no less than C are thinking of the English Education major, because they have stricter guidelines. So, I guess I will wait until I get a letter saying I didn't complete the requirements, or I get my degree in the mail. I would really like to get a REAL job here in Syracuse and not have to worry about whether or not I am going to have to go back to Buffalo. I also really don't want to go back to Buffalo. I'd have to live in the dorms, and it would just be annoying.

That's all I really have for now. I do have a twitter account (http://twitter.com/ashlynmarie) if anyone else has one. I believe that is the only way I'll be able to update while I am on the road with my dad. Also, if anyone wants a postcard or anything, let me know your address! :)

2008-05-18T16:22:00.003-04:00

I have had a kind of crazy past few days.

I'll be heading back to Buffalo for the 2008-2009 school year to complete my Bachelor's degree. It's a bit of a bummer, but I have to do what needs to be done. Whether I will be back for the Fall or Spring semester is still a little up in the air. I need two courses to finish my degree, and there is only one of those courses available in the Fall. I didn't get as good of a grade in 2 courses this past semester, and need to get a higher grade on them in order to receive my degree. I feel a little like a jackass because I was in commencement and everything and everyone gave me such awesome congratulations about it. But, for now, I am just trying to gauge what I am going to do and how to do it.

The fam stopped by last night after moving my sister out of her dorm. We went to dinner. It was kinda nice.

I am heading home sometime in the next couple weeks. My dad and I are going on a road trip and I am moving a bunch of stuff home too. The cats are probably gonna stay here in Buffalo until the big move out, much to my sister's opposition. haha. The big move is happening June 20-22. I'll get about a week to relax here beforehand. It does make me a little sad. I like this little apartment, as much as I dislike the landlord. I guess I have gotten used to and a little fond of it.

Also, in case any one was concerned, I am feeling infinitely better. My meds are finally in my possession and I am not going to do anything crazy. It was probably the WORST time to not have all the things I needed. But, I'm okay.

So, I think that's it. I guess that is everything that needed to be updated. I am gonna go watch a movie now. <3

Descent

2008-05-14T00:40:00.002-04:00

I watched Descent today. I don't really know what to think about it, but I know that I can't sleep because I keep thinking about it.

I don't recommend anyone seeing it. I can't say that it is really that bad, I just don't recommend it at all. To me, it kind of goes along with Thirteen. Movies that I don't think anyone should see, or watch for any kind of enjoyment whatsoever. I think Descent goes much further than Thirteen. I just really don't know what to say about it. I guess I didn't like it. It is hard to say or elaborate on much more. I don't think it is possibly to like it, because it deals with HIGHLY graphic and sensitive subject matter. There isn't any entertaining value. During the final scene, I was so sick from watching, I had to turn away until it was over. I think that is a typical response, and an acceptable response. I think anyone with half a heart would want to turn away. It's odd when a movie makes me think to this degree. I tend to enjoy dramas, but I wouldn't even consider this a drama.

I think there must be a better way to discuss upsetting but important issues like rape than this film. I understand the objective of creating a film like this, but I don't understand how this helps discuss and end rape. This feels like a perpetuation of this rape culture we live in. I watched the extra features, hoping to get some kind of insight into why this film was even made. Nothing. I got nothing from watching interviews with the actors and the director. I guess the NC-17 rating should have given me a hint even before I slid the disc into my computer. I don't understand the point of the film. I don't understand how including graphic scenes of rape can do anything more than be graphic.

So, I guess that's the point. I don't understand the point. I get that rape and revenge are important things to discuss, but I don't understand how this film helps that discussion.

Gimme your paws

2008-05-13T23:04:00.001-04:00

I miss Pushing Daisies. All my shows now are so depressing. :(

So, it's kinda official

2008-05-12T16:23:00.005-04:00

I graduated from college this past weekend. The whole fam came up on Saturday for the ceremony, which was incredibly boring. But I guess that is required when planning a commencement ceremony. We had the assistant executive casting director for HBO as our speaker. We also randomly had Charles Schumer, make remarks after everyone got their relay batons (also known as the replacement for actual degrees). I was very impressed with one of the guys they had read the degree recipients' names, he was awesome. Well, he was until he mispronounced my name and called me "Ashlyn Christman-McCarthy." Such a bummer. My family got me some awesome gifts for graduation. I got an external flash for my camera, diamond earrings, Julie Andrews' autobiography, and some gift cards. It was a pretty awesome day. I enjoy my family. Especially the "Myspace" picture we took after the ceremony. We're awesome.

This my friend Janelle and me while we waited in the ice rink for the ceremony to start. Forgive the cellphone picture, please. It was the only camera I had that would fit in my bra. haha.

During the ceremony. I was really freaking bored.

I love her stinky face

2008-05-08T15:04:00.002-04:00

This is my little sister, Krisyn. She is amazing because she just got cast in her school's opera (among other obvious things)!! THERE IS ONLY ONE MEZZO SOPRANO ROLE IN THE WHOLE THING!! (they double cast, but whatevs)

She is awesome and I LOVE HER BUNCHES!!!

From far away, my face just looks a little flushed...

2008-05-08T09:42:00.004-04:00

So. My semester is officially over.

Sure, I spent last night puking my brains out, but wasn't it all worth it?

(not really, but I am trying to be more positive and my face is covered in broken blood vessels. SO AWESOME. not.)

I dropped the cats off at the vet this morning to be neutered. I don't like the fact the apartment will be catless until 4ish. Bah.

I got through this week of finals without too much damage, so I guess that's good. And I didn't break out TOO bad, so the million photographs that will be taken on Saturday won't have to be retouched before they see the light of day. I am kind of excited, kind of not for this weekend. I kind of would like to sleep for the next week straight, to be perfectly honest. I should check the weather for this weekend so I can choose my graduation outfit appropriately. (If it is going to be rainy and cold, panttttsssss will be worn. I am not freezing my butt off in the intended summery graduation dress.)

I guess that is it for now. My bedroom is desperately in need of a good cleaning. I plan on vacuuming like whoa since the cats aren't here and they HATE the vacuum. I probably will head up to campus and sell back some books so I can have the cash. I normally hate selling books back to the bookstore, but some of this stuff I would be happy to never read or even see again.

I am questioning if I should sell back my women's studies books. The textbook is kind of sucky. I'll probably keep the Feminist Thought one because it has all the theories and stuff. Eh.

I love books too much.

Now I am going to get some more sleep. (Being sleep deprived leaves me in a rather unpleasant state.)

<3!

It's okay, I gave him some Valium

2008-05-04T16:06:00.003-04:00

I am listening to a new Jason Mraz song that I have never heard before. I am enjoying it greatly.

I decide to blog before I head out to campus so I can get some studying and paper writing done. I can't get anything done when there are cats around, and all they want to do is be on my lap while I do things.

I have an exam tomorrow morning, so I need to bust out my 10 page paper and study so I don't fail at life.

I graduate from college on Saturday!!

It is a truth universally acknowledged...

2008-05-03T01:41:00.004-04:00

yes. please!

I just realized why I love Jane Austen novels so much.

They don't make me feel like I need a man in order to be happy. Sure, all her heroines end up with the guys they have longed for. But, they pretty much do it on their own terms.

I just watched Pride and Prejudice for the millionth time, and I don't feel like I wish I had someone. I love the fact that despite the fact she kind of has to get married, and Darcy is rich, she is still witty and sarcastic and doesn't let Darcy get away with things (and Elizabeth isn't supposed to look like Keira Knightley. She's supposed to be normal looking and be attractive because of her mind and wit not because she is some weird hot girl that all the dudes wanna see naked). She changes when she realizes that she was wrong to be so quick to judge, but she doesn't run around like Lydia trying to impress every man on the earth.

Maybe I'll get some smart, rich, handsome man too. So I'll stay witty and awesome and wait for someone to realize my awesomeness.

Wud Up

2008-04-30T00:21:00.003-04:00

It is official.

My senior seminar last semester has made me into a lover of all things Jane Austen. Okay, except Becoming Jane. But, it did have James McAvoy in it. Yum.

I just sat through Persuasion (the 2007 version with Anthony Head as Sir Eliot I almost died) and Northanger Abbey. And I watched The Jane Austen Book Club yesterday.

And I'll be getting Sense and Sensibility and a different version of Persuasion by the end of the week. I hide behind the idea that I am writing extra credit papers on these movies. It is just an added bonus that I actually enjoy them as well.

I guess I should update on school. This week is the last week of classes. I have been trying to keep myself on track with makeup assignments and the real assignments I have to do. I am actually just having some freakouts and breakouts, but it just comes along with the end of a semester and the end of my undergrad career.

I am moving back to Syracuse sometime towards the end of June. I am trying to get in more time with volunteering with the Girl Scouts before I go home. And Kari has a summer class that is in the first session, so she won't be moving out until then too. I'm thinking that I might go up to the Falls sometime. I'd like to just take some vacation time. Maybe I'll see if there are some cool things to do in the area. Maybe I'll even see if Kristyn wants to come out and hang out since I'm sure I'll get lonely.

I am also moving back home with some extra baggage. Two cats and everything that goes along with them. It's kind of exciting. Kristyn is thrilled. And my mom is actually pretty excited. My dad even said if for some reason I couldn't bring them home, he'd take me out to get my own cats. haha. I think pets will be a good thing for my family.

I'd like to do something big to end the semester. I was thinking about doing something Thursday or Friday, but the cats are getting neutered on Thursday and then my parents might be coming out on Friday night.

For Meredith...

2008-04-20T01:56:00.001-04:00

My Spring Awakening set-up. Everyone is jealous.

Is it SUMMER yet?

2008-04-20T00:53:00.002-04:00

This is the current state of my desk. Normally it is completely clean except for some notebooks on the far right edge. Just looking at it depresses me.

Ah. I feel better. Chuck is so cute.

"But what does it meeeannnn?"

2008-04-19T22:24:00.003-04:00

It got up to 86 degrees here in Buffalo today.

I'm not made for this hot weather crap. I mean, I'd rather it be warm than it snowing.

If I never had to do anything, and could just lay around and do whatever I wanted, it would be just peachy keen. Unfortunately, life doesn't work that way.

I am working on my Existentialist Feminism project for Monday. I made a powerpoint and have added a couple handouts to the stuff I had already done.

I also made a "Assignment Priority" list so I make sure I keep up on the 11 papers, 2 projects and 4 final exams. Yes, that is in the next 3 weeks. Some of it is my own damn fault for being such a lame procrastinator, but GEEZ! Both of the projects are for my Women in Society course and they include that Existentialist Feminism project. The final project is stressing me out. I also have to finish up 19 of my 20 volunteer hours. haha. I am AMAZING. I have 8 hours for my training next weekend, and then another 7 or so for a volunteer work day to prep the camp for the summer. So that leave 3 hours to work out. I will probably start working with my troop next week. I am so excited to get everything taken care of!

I spent most of the weekend working on projects and cleaning the apartment. When its hot like this, I just want to do stuff inside. I sweat like no one else I know, so I prefer wearing tank tops and shorts and not doing my hair or makeup. I cleaned the living room and kitchen. I did all my laundry, but haven't had the motivation to clean my room. I need to do it because I know that I won't do again until after finals. And it can only get worse.

So for the things I have to do tomorrow; clean room, vacuum, get newspapers, write some papers, make copies of handouts for Monday.

GAH!

AMAZZZZING

2008-04-18T13:14:00.004-04:00

I just got the new Weepies album.

It's awesome.

EDIT: I ended up listening to Mandy Moore's latest album, Wild Hope. She worked with The Weepies and one of their songs is on both discs. The song is "All Good Things". Both versions are AMAZING.

I see you, you see me, differently

2008-04-15T00:22:00.002-04:00

So my mama came out this past weekend. I miss her a lot when I am out here at school. She's pretty much my best friend, so it's pretty awesome when we get to hang out.

We went to Book Outlet. I swear, I should never be allowed to set foot in a store that has all books 70% off. It just isn't good for my wallet, or my mother's. I ended up getting a bunch of books and my mom got a few books on scrapbooking.

I shall list my purchases:

Edith Wharton, The House of Mirth
Margaret Atwood, Power Politics
Edna St. Vincent Millay, Collected Sonnets
John Tyerman Williams, Pooh and the Philosophies
& a couple cat books because I have no life

I need to go out tomorrow and track down a copy of Simone de Beauvoir's The Second Sex. Maybe, by some miracle, reading some of it may clarify this existentialist feminism I have to present on in my Women in Society class. Even Sparknotes didn't help in explaining it. I am a little frustrated, but I'll just have to sit down tomorrow and knock the thing out. I don't really have much choice. But hopefully they have a copy at Book Outlet. (Yes Meredith, I checked at the library and the only copy they have printed in English is out already. haha)

I really cannot wait to have free time to read all the stuff I want to read. I have a ton of books that I really want to get into and I have no time to do it. It is partly my own fault, but oh well.

Right now, I have the beginnings of a migraine, so I am going to take something for it and lay down. :)

I'm not jealous, but I'm not going to lie

2008-04-11T15:15:00.003-04:00

1. Alright, so have you ever actually sat down and thought about why you like the person you like? yeah. and it is probably why i don't like them anymore
2. When people say, "Honestly, I don't think I've ever talked shit about anyone" do you think its possible? haha no way.
3. How do you feel about gay marriage? I think the only reason it has been brought up as a potential issue is to detract from the clusterf**k known as "The War on Terror." I think that it is a nonissue. People are trying to push religion on others, there is SUPPOSED to be a separation between church and state. Being allowed to marry according to the government should be about commitment to each other, not if God thinks homosexuality is wrong or not.
4. Is there someone you'd really like to hang out with and just talk about stuff? I'm always down with that. There are a few people I would like to just have conversations with.
5. Is there something that has happened in your past that you really hate talking about? sure. I think everyone has something they really don't like talking about.
6. Do you think a lot of people think bad things about you? I'm sure there are. It would really suck if I cared at all.
7. Give me a random lyric from the song you're listening to? "I never read your letter cuz I knew what it would say. Give me that Sunday School answer"
10. Do you regret doing anything this week? I regret NOT doing things.
11. Name something you wouldn’t want to buy used. Underwear
12. When did you last cry? last week sometime.
13. How late did you stay up last night? 330am, involuntarily
14. Has someone of the opposite sex ever told you they loved you? yeah.
15. What do you think of the most when you are alone? how I am going to survive the next month or so.
16. Suppose you see your crush kissing another person? I don't have a crush, so that doesn't really work.
17. What would you do if a teacher of the opposite sex hit on you? be totally weirded out.
18. Would you ever become a vegetarian or even vegan? hahaha no.
19. Do you like your school? nope. I really don't like it. But it's a bit late to transfer.
20. What do you think of people who hate vegetarians? who cares what someone else eats?
21. Are you a flirt? apparently I am.
22. Would you rather have jet black hair or cherry red hair? cherry red. I make anything sexxay.
23. Do you make sexual innuendos about everything? hahahhaha. when i am in the right mood. yes.
24. Who sits behind you in science? last time i was in science, i sat in the back row.
25. What song are you listening to? One Minute by Kelly Clarkson
26. Have you ever held hands? yeah.
27. When was the last time that you went swimming, where, and what color was your swim suit? Swimming Class at OCC, black and white
29. If you need a new pair of jeans, what store do you go to first? Old Navy
30. Does talking about sex make you uncomfortable? not really. it depends on who i am talking with too.
32. Did you ever lose a best friend? sure have.
33. Have you ever gotten mad because somebody said they'd call you and they didn't? It depends on my preexisting mental condition. If I have my period, then it is pretty much guaranteed.
34. Have you ever met a real life prostitute? i don't think so.
35. Have you ever kissed in the rain? no
36. Can you do push-ups? yes.
37. How old will you be in 7 months? still 23.
38. Do you have a car? yes
39. Where's your dad right now? in his truck, haulin' stuff.
40. Are you single? singular.
41. What's your favorite animal? Chuck Norris. haha.
42. What's on your mind? I have a lot of stuff to do today, and this Kelly Clarkson album is a little angsty.
43. Favorite football team? I don't really have one. I would go with Seahawks just cuz they are from where I am from.
44. Who is the last person that texted you? Laura telling me that we need to sign up for the 10am commencement.
45. What color are your eyes? hazel
46. Where is your phone? good question. it was on my desk.
47. What is your 15th message in your inbox? a message from twitter saying that someone is following me
48. What were you thinking about when you fell asleep last night? how much i wanted to be asleep already. i have a touch of insomnia.
49. What are you excited for? my mama is coming out tomorrow!!
50. What are you doing for spring break? I spent spring break hanging out with the fam, and cleaning up after kitties.
51. What's your biggest fear? not being able to support myself.
52. Does your family get family portraits done? not really. we did a collage a la the brady bunch. haha.
53. What did you do today? woke up repeatedly because of Chuckles, had a pb&j sandwich
54. Are you mad at anyone? not really.
55. Annoyed with anyone? always. haha.
56. How old are your parents? uh. 45 & 46.
57. How many kids do you want? I don't know.
58. What color is your room? white
59. Who was the last person you talked to out loud? Kariann
60. What's your favorite color? blue
61. What's the closest thing to you thats orange? honestly, it's a tie between the orange tabby cat, my deodorant and a highlighter.
62. What are you wearing right now? blue sweatpants, an old camp tshirt under a sweatshirt
63. Do you like this survey? when I am bored, I like them all.
63. What's the next holiday? MY GRADUATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! on May 10th.
64. Are you excited? heck yeah!
65. How many computers are in your house? 2.
66. Do you like the person who did this before you? uh.
67. Do your parents own businesses? nope.
68. What should you be doing? laundry, cleaning, baking cupcakes
69. Would you rather have a gf/bf, or friends with benefits? none of the above.
70. Do you tell your best friends everything? Each of my friends is better with somethings than with others.
71. How do you feel today? a little meh.
72. When was the last time you had butterflies? uh. a long time ago.
73. Who's a celebrity you find extremely attractive? Brad Pitt is pretty sexxxay. And George Clooney. umm, there are plenty more. haha.
74. When was the last time you talked to your #2? what? huh.
75. And why might that be? ‘i don't know.
76. Something you say often? seriously?
77. Have you ever cried and didn't know why? yes
78. What are you wearing on your feet? nooothing!
79. Last person you talked to on IM? Meredith McG.
80. Do you like your name? damn straight.
81. What color are your fingernails? nibbled.
82. Whats your favorite song? ever? I don't know. My most played song on Itunes is Love Song by Sara Bareilles.
83. What phone do you have? a motorola rzr with verizon
84. Do you have feelings for anyone, and if so, do they know? no. thanks.
85. Things you first notice about the opposite sex? smile.
86. Last person you sat next to? the crazy people in my 312 class.
87. Last time you were disappointed? Wednesday
88. Do you like being in pictures? sometimes.
89. Have you ever been more attracted to a significant other's sibling more than them? no.
90. Are you happy at the moment? i guess so.
91. Do you tend to fall for people easily? no
92. Is your bedroom window open? one of them is. the other is painted shut thanks to my douchebag landlord.
93. Do you have any tattoos, if so which hurt the most? i don't have any.
94. Where is your heart? where i left it last.
96. Who was the last person to call you? my mama to talk about American Idol.
97. What were you doing at 10 am? turning off my alarm clock
98. Last person who drove you somewhere? um. no one. i usually do the driving. but i guess my mom.
99. What do you hear right now? same angsty Kelly Clarkson album
100. Who was the last person to wear your clothes? me. what kind of question is that?
101. What woke you up? chuck wanting attention
102. Do you like fire? candles. i prefer for my stuff not to be engulfed in flames, but maybe that's just me.
103. Do you wish on stars? sometimes.
104. Do you have a job? nooope!
105. What's the greatest thing that happened to you today? my roomie cleaned the kitchen
106. How many TRUE best friends do you have? a couple
107. Would you rather get up early or sleep in? sleep in.
108. What would you do if you were getting attacked by a bear? uh. probably run like whoa.
109. What would you change about your life right now? i would like to be able to go to grad school straight out of the gate.
110. Who do you want to win the presidential election? I don't have an opinion. But as long as John McCain doesn't become president, I would be absolutely thrilled.

MIDNIIIIIGHHHHHHTTTTTT!!!! NOT A SOUND FROM THE PAAAAVVVEEMMMMEEENNNTTTT!!!

2008-04-10T17:35:00.003-04:00

What in the world possessed American Idol to choose the songs of Andrew Lloyd Webber as a theme?
No one needs to be subjected to the warbling of the contestants singing some godawful song from Cats or Phantom of the Opera. I know that I certainly don't.

An entry of excessive complaining

2008-04-09T23:02:00.012-04:00

I had my big presidential candidate presentation today in my Sociology class. I thought the presentation itself went pretty well. I did a lot of the work, including the powerpoint, paper and the handouts. No one else was taking any kind of initiative to get anything done, so I took it upon myself to do the things that were needed. Then at the end of class, the professor starts critiquing the presentations and basically says that my group didn't do what we were supposed to. Which is a load of crap. We were supposed to focus on issues that are relevant to women. Which is freaking everything. And that is what I told her. What isn't a women's issue? She specifically had a problem with the fact we chose gun control as an issue to focus on. We had 5 people and you can only talk about abortion for so long. It isn't MY fault that the other group members didn't discuss why the issue affected women. But I was stuck defending our choices. I did some research about women and guns, and wow, IT IS A FRIGGIN ISSUE THAT CONCERNS WOMEN!

American women who are killed by their intimate partners are more likely to be killed with guns than by all other methods combined. (Rothman E. F., Hemenway D, Miller M, and Azael D. Batterers' Use of Guns to Threaten Intimate Partners. Journal of the American Medical Women's Association, 2005. 60 (1): p. 62- 68.)
A recent study shows that access to firearms increases the risk of intimate partner homicide more than five times compared to instances where there are no weapons. In addition, abusers who possess guns tend to inflict the most severe abuse on their partners. (J.C. Campbell, Webster J, Koziol-McLain, CR, et al. 2003. Risk Factors For Femicide in Abusive Relationships: Results From A Multi-Site Case Control Study. American Journal of Public Health. 93 (7).)
Women are twice as likely to be shot and killed by intimate partners as they are to be murdered by strangers using any type of weapon. (Tjaden P., Thoennes N. Full Report of the Prevalence, Incidence and Consequences of Violence Against Women: Findings from the National Violence Against Women Survey. Washington, DC: US Department of Justice: 2000. NCJ 18781.) (Rothman E. F., Hemenway D, Miller M, and Azael D. Batterers' Use of Guns to Threaten Intimate Partners. Journal of the American Medical Women's Association, 2005. 60 (1): p. 62- 68.)
Firearms- especially handguns- were the most common weapon used by males to murder females in 2003. (When Men Murder Women: An Analysis of 2003 Homicide Data: Females Murdered by Males in Single Victim/ Single Offender Incidents. September 2005. Violence Policy Center. Washington, DC. Available at: http://www.vpc.org/studies/wmmw2005.pdf.)
In homicides where males used firearms to kill females, handguns were clearly the weapon of choice over rifles and shotguns. In 2003, 77 percent of female firearm homicide victims were killed with handguns. (When Men Murder Women: An Analysis of 2003 Homicide Data: Females Murdered by Males in Single Victim/ Single Offender Incidents. September 2005. Violence Policy Center. Washington, DC. Available at: http://www.vpc.org/studies/wmmw2005.pdf.)
Approximately 700 American women are shot and killed by intimate partners each year. (Homicide trends in the U.S Intimate homicide and Homicides by relationships and weapon type. Washington D.C.: U.S Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics; 2002.)
The cost of domestic violence is nearly $67 billion per year, roughly 15% of total U.S crime costs. (Miller T, Cohen M, Wiersema B. Victim costs and consequences: a new look. Washington, D.C.: U.S Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice; 1996.NCJ 155282)
In 2002, background checks noting domestic violence misdemeanor convictions and restraining orders kept 22,000 abusers from purchasing firearms. (Background Checks for Firearm Transfers, 2002, BOJS; Disarming Domestic Violence Abusers, Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, September 2003.)

Source: Women Against Gun Violence Website, http://www.wagv.org

Thank you VERY much.
Also a couple of my group members got into an argument because one girl wrote on her group evaluation that I did most of the work and the other thought that she should have brought that up before we were writing the evals. I could care less. My goal was to get a good grade and to be as productive as possible. I organized everything, badgered people for their parts of the paper, and spent money making hand outs. I only really wanted to be sure that at least, we had the CHANCE of getting a good grade. I bombed the two quizzes that we had, so I needed it. I did also absorb the work of one girl who dropped the course. I wrote an extra paper and did extra on the presentation for it. I dunno, I just don't need to get 100% of the credit. I think the thing about the argument that pissed me off was that they did it during another group's presentation. They were being loud and disrespectful. The evaluations are confidential, so no one should have been discussing them anyway. I went up to the group members of the presentation that was presenting when they were being rude. I apologized for my group members' rude behavior and complimented them on their presentation. I also apologized to the professor. I know that it isn't my fault that they were being rude and inconsiderate to the presenting group, but I felt that I needed to at least explain what was going on since I was kind of the source of the problem. I have a sinking feeling that I may need to discuss the distribution of work with her. I knew that things needed to be done, people didn't volunteer for anything, and I didn't want my grade in someone else's hands. I can't force people to participate.
Anyway. My mom is coming out to Buffalo this weekend. I am super excited. I miss my mom. I have another presentation for that class next week. Yuck.
I found Idol Gives Back to be rather boring. I thought that Kelly Clarkson's performance last year made the whole show. I understand that the show is about raising money, but I expect to be entertained as well. I liked Robin Williams. He was funny and he grabbed Simon's butt.
Oh and I wore my new dress pants today. LOVE THEM!

Weird Dream

2008-04-07T09:46:00.001-04:00

I was on America's Next Top Model while 6 months pregnant.

And then I was hanging out in a pool with Harry Connick Jr.

Weird.

I have covered my arm in neosporin....

2008-04-05T03:15:00.003-04:00

Chuck got a little overzealous, again.

They look a lot redder and worse in real life.

Stupid iCamera.

(He also caught the side of my head the other night. I think he and I need to have a talk.)

Is it May 10th yet?

2008-04-02T00:57:00.006-04:00

So quick post-Spring Break update.

I have my orientation for the Girl Scouts on Thursday. My training is on the 26th. I am taking part in prepping the Girl Scout camp for the summer on May 3rd.

I am pretty stoked.

I just filled out an application to volunteer at Vera House when I am back in Syracuse. It was probably one of the most difficult applications.

I have 34 days until I am no longer an undergrad. The end of the semester push of assignments and projects is ALREADY getting to me. I have decided that I will stay in Buffalo until the beginning of June. I need to get in as much time at t

he Girl Scouts before I move to Syracuse. I am such a loser, I haven't had a job since I came here to Buff State. I tried tutoring when I was sick, but that obviously didn't last because I felt sick ALL the time.

I discovered the best gluten free bread. It is Against the Grain Gourmet and it tastes like real bread. I haven't had good toast or a bagel since I was diagnosed. I had garlic bread last night with dinner. I was just amazed. I went out tonight and bought another set of baguettes, bagels and rolls. I plan on having spaghetti and garlic bread again tomorrow night. YUM!

My DVR didn't record American Idol tonight. I wasn't really pissed though. The songs of Dolly Parton? Not really my cup of tea. Country night just isn't where my interest lies. Another week of Kristy Lee, might cause an aneurysm. I would have loved to see what David Cook did. But then again, that IS what YouTube is for. :)

Time for bed. (It's only 1am. haha)

Moo and Chuck as kittens. I could die, they are so cute.

New hair again. I think this is with the new color. Who knows. haha.

This week is going by too fast...

2008-03-27T13:20:00.004-04:00

This will probably be my only Spring Break post.

The cats are doing really well at the house. They run up and down the stairs like no one's business. It is kind of sucky being in charge of them though. I am constantly on poop duty. It's gross. There haven't been any pee problems. We think that one of them peed on the rug where we keep our shoes. I think it is a matter of, whichever cat it is, them getting scared when someone opens the front door. But I cleaned it up and took care of everything.

I spent Tuesday out and about with my mama and sister. I got my graduation shoes! They are super cute. I also got some bootleg converse. They are both awesome. I got a new shirt at Lane Bryant. My mom and I are going out to Old Navy tomorrow. I need clothes that make me look like a grown up. I need to find some dress pants, asap. All I have are cropped dress pants.

We all got our hair cut on Tuesday too. It was actually pretty fun. I dyed my hair last night, but it didn't come out quite the way I wanted it to.

New hair cut without new hair color.

I spent yesterday doing some serious cleaning and rearranging of my bedroom. I haven't really cleaned it, ever. Haha. I vacuumed and dusted and all that crap. I am pretty happy with the way everything turned out. I wanted to get it done before I have to move back in May. My room in Buffalo is so clean. So it was important that I get this room clean before I head back. The cats are happy because my desk is up in front of the window now, so they can sit and watch all the people and the birds outside.

Today, I am taking Kristyn to a Dr.'s appointment and then stopping out to get some stuff to keep the random crap from my room in. I am going to make dinner tonight too. I need to figure out what would be good, but I am determined. I think I might try my hand at GF Meatloaf.

Spring Break? not yet.

2008-03-20T13:19:00.003-04:00

I have a gigantic list of things that I need to get done/pack before tomorrow when I leave for Spring Break. I probably shouldn't even be sitting here blogging about it. It isn't on my list. haha.

I'll make a list of things to do today, so I feel more productive...

laundry. clothes. sheets. pillowcases.
clean out fridge
figure out which cats are coming home with me (my life is last minute)
pack up some stuff
class (ugh!) 430 - 700
read the articles for aforementioned class
dinner
clean my room & the living room.
oh, and check the oil in my car.

Oh, thank goodness this is my last semester as an undergrad!!

2008-03-18T12:00:00.002-04:00

I survived my midterms yesterday. I had a bit of a meltdown last night, but I feel 100 times better today.

Really? Because it smells a lot more like pee than that...

2008-03-17T07:01:00.002-04:00

Moo just peed. On my Soc 312 notes.

Then proceeded to scratch in the litter box over the teaspoon that he peed IN the box, after the fact.

I never knew how a cat could slap you in the face, now I understand.

"I'm not cute! I'm Collin"

2008-03-14T16:13:00.001-04:00

Uhhhhh, being sick sucks.

2008-03-13T18:51:00.003-04:00

So, I think I have come down with the flu. If it isn't the flu, some sickness is kicking my butt. I've been downing liquids and trying to rest up as much as possible. I watched Across the Universe & Atonement. I really hope I feel better tomorrow, cuz it is the last classes I have before the horrendous day of midterms on Monday.

I'm actually going to go back to bed.

Umm... no?

2008-03-08T17:27:00.002-05:00

I watched Good Luck Chuck last night. I had been trying to keep away from the movie because I found one of the posters rather offensive. But, my roommate got it on her netflix, and so I figured... what the hell.

I will make a list of reasons I disliked it.

Gratuitous sex and boobs: It did nothing to move along the storyline, it was just a reason to have ton of girls naked, and include way too many sex scenes. '
Jessica Alba: I don't like her. I do not find her attractive, but then again, I am not one of the sex-driven males that the movie was obviously targeted towards.
Marriage Obsessed Women: Am I to believe that women will throw themselves at some guy because they think he is a good luck charm that will guarantee them to meet their future husband faster? & it seemed rather out of character for Charlie to just screw every girl who throws themselves at him.
Charlie's friend: If anyone wants to see what a complete tool acts like, this movie will enlighten you.
The advertisements are CRAP!: The storyline presented in previews and the actual storyline are completely different. Or maybe it was just me. I get that the girl is accident-prone, but I don't get what it has to do with ANYTHING. I really don't. It just seemed like a reason to throw Jessica Alba against various hard surfaces. Normally, being accident-prone is kind of endearing, but I found it contrived and obnoxious.

I gave it a chance because I generally enjoy Dane Cook. Not so much his new stuff, but I think he is really a funny guy. Every once a while in the progression of the movie, there are, what I call, "Dane-isms." There are bits of his stand up that make their way into the actions of his character, and that is the only thing that even remotely made the movie interesting, or even bearable.

It basically confirmed that I do not like college humor.

On the other hand, I also watched The Painted Veil which I got on my Netflix account. I know, how much more opposite could I get from Good Luck Chuck?

I adored the movie. Edward Norton is absolutely amazing as Walter Fane. There are so many dimensions to his character, you can't help but alter your feelings throughout the film. Naomi Watts is also exceptional as Kitty. Although I don't really see her as the main character of the film, she portrays her character exceptionally. And then, there is Liev Schreiber. I find him incredibly attractive, but his character is a total douchebag womanizer. And he has an English accent. yum. haha.

The storyline is amazing. I loved every moment of it. I am more a drama kind of person when it comes to movies. I want it to make me feel something. I cried at the end of the movie. It was just moving and the whole storyline prior to it leads you straight to feeling emotionally drained at the end.

I am actually going to order the novella that it was based on, The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham. I love it when an excellent movie is based on a book!

V to the Tenth

2008-03-05T23:21:00.005-05:00

I know I already posted today.

But I have had the most amazing experience.

I went to Eve Ensler's lecture at UB tonight. She is absolutely one of the most inspiring women, and all the women she talked about just amazed me to no end. I don't even know if there are words to describe how moving and inspirational she is. Her passion, is absolutely infectious.

I cried. I mean, that is how moving of a speaker she is. The horrible stories of women being raped and assaulted... I don't know how you could sit there are not feel anything. And all the amazing things that people are doing to change all of that. It is just so inspiring that all these people are doing all this amazing work, just so someday, women don't have to worry about being raped or assaulted.

I have so much to say, and no words to express my thoughts.

Srsly?

2008-03-05T16:07:00.013-05:00

My updated face.
I have been switched from the Huckabee group to the McCain group for my class project since, you know, Huckabee got his butt whooped last night and dropped out.
I did all this research (yes, in 2 days) and now I have to look up information on some other weird Republican douchebag. BAH!
(McCain is a douchebag independent of his political affiliations.)

YEAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!

2008-03-04T13:57:00.003-05:00

My new Ani DiFranco t-shirt!!

(yeah, sure my sister and I have the same shirt now, but she'll get over it)

But a quick update in the form of a bulleted list:

I am attending a lecture by Eve Ensler tomorrow at UB. I am so excited.
I have a midterm, 2 papers, 4 chapters of a book, all of The Portrait of Dorian Gray & ~~two sets~~ ONE set of reading questions to have completely done by Friday.
Kristyn and I are beginning to plan a trip to the Philly area over the summer. We would get Mer time, Natty time, & ANI DIFRANCO time. We're pretty stoked.
One of the cats decided to poop in the bathtub the other day. It was pretty gross.
I started working on the presentation on Huckabee for my Women in Society course. He is just as annoying as I thought he was before.
I have found the joy that is Book Outlet. 70% off list price? I think heaven is a place on earth. I got Jane Eyre, Bachelor Girl, Everything is Illuminated & Franny and Zooey. All for 14 dollars. LOVE!
The lightbulb on my reading lamp blew out the other night. I purchased a replacement bulb at Target yesterday. I read the stupid specifications on my lamp, and the new bulb doesn't fit. Stupid, stupid, stupid. I use the lamp every night, and now I have to use my regular lamp. I don't like it. And now I have to haul my cookies all the way back out to Target, return the light bulb, then figure out which ones will actually fit. GRRR!!

My current celebrity obsession/crush/whatever...

2008-03-02T01:12:00.006-05:00

James McAvoy

For some reason, every movie I have been in the past week or so has had him in it. I watched Atonement then Becoming Jane. I also have The Last King of Scotland to watch and I really want to see Penelope.

He's so handsome. Geez.

Hucka-what? Hucka-who?

2008-02-27T16:45:00.005-05:00

This is my recreation of the face I made when I found out that I have to do a presentation on Mike Huckabee for my Women in Society course.

edit: We have to do presentations on presidential candidates (I really wanted to say "preeeezidential flashcards?"). I just read this entry and decided it needed further explanation.

What's up, Chuck?

2008-02-25T13:23:00.003-05:00

I got home from class about 10 minutes ago. I walk in my room, and who is anxiously awaiting my arrival, but the incredibly awesome cat also known as Chuck.

He's so cute, I can't handle it.

Chuck's Photoshoot...

2008-02-24T14:57:00.004-05:00

Chuck likes BUST!

& sleeping on my clean clothes

& being in the bathroom

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KRISTYN!!!

2008-02-24T01:06:00.002-05:00

Happy 20th birthday stinkyface!!!

also known as the best sisdurr in the whole world!!

Awful sweet to be a little butterfly

2008-02-21T23:01:00.005-05:00

I am going to work for the Girl Scouts.

I am quite excited. I am not quite sure what I am going to be doing, but I am excited to actually have something to do! haha.

I also received my dvds from Netflix today. I already watched Born into Brothels. It's a documentary about the children of prostitutes in the red light district of Calcutta. It was really moving and I enjoyed it as much as one can enjoy a documentary like that.

I also got ...But I'm a Cheerleader. I remember hearing a lot about it, and figured... it seemed interesting enough.

I already am in love with Netflix. I have a bunch of documentaries and weird movies that I never would have been able to find at Blockbuster. I still get one free rental there each month, so I might still take advantage of that.

Kariann adopted then returned a cat. She brought over a 12 year old cat named Socks last night. No one got any sleep last night, including Chuck & Moo because Socks just spent the whole night hissing and growling at Moo & Chuck whenever they were in the same room. I don't know if we went about the introduction process correctly, but it was really tiring. I had the two kittens in my room as often as I could to keep the noisy territorial noises to a minimum, but I don't have a litter box or food in my room, so I couldn't shut the door at all. It was a sweet old cat, but didn't enjoy the Chuckman or Moo. I am a little sad, because Socks was getting beat up at his old house, and now they are probably going to have to get rid of him and put him to sleep. That always makes me sad, even when they are old and especially when they are fine otherwise. I think he may have just beens scared because he was getting his butt whooped at his house before by a cat and a dog. So, now I am bummed.

I just realized that I have a lot of work I need to get done in the next couple of weeks. I need to complete my textual analysis of a work by Edgar Allen Poe, write a literary analysis paper, and write a paper for my stupid survey of British Lit course. BAH!

Until The Violence Stops....

2008-02-18T23:20:00.006-05:00

I went and saw The Vagina Monologues with my mom on Saturday. My sister was performing in it, she did "The Flood". It was amazing. Not just because my sister was absolutely fantastic as a Jewish woman from the Bronx, but because the whole production and all the monologues are amazing. We saw A Memory, a Monologue, a Rant, and a Prayer earlier in the day, but it just doesn't have the same, I don't know... it is a lot more depressing. There are no humorous parts to offset the poignant ones. It is just all so serious. That and none of my favorite stories from the book of MMR&P were performed. Except for "My House is Wallpapered With Lies." Even then, I wasn't all that impressed with it. I don't know. Maybe because when it is performed, it just lacks the energy of The Vagina Monologues. I still strongly recommend that everyone should read BOTH The Vagina Monologues and A Memory, a Monologue, a Rant, and a Prayer. Just because the latter didn't translate into a production very well, doesn't mean that the stories are lacking in anyway. Some of my favorite stories are in there, so go read them!!

While I am on the subject of Eve Ensler... she is going to be at UB in April. I am so excited to go, I can barely contain myself.

In other news... actually there isn't much more going on. I am looking into a Grad program at UB. But nothing official because I won't be going to Grad school until at least Fall of 2009.

Here are a couple funny pictures of one of the kitties, Moo-Cow.

The first is Moo asleep in our linen closet. On my towels. Which she DID NOT pee on. The second is her trying to get comfortable in a shoebox.

In honor of Valentine's Day...

2008-02-14T02:18:00.003-05:00

Law & Order: SVU are my Valentines.

(courtesy of Miss Meredith)

ADELE: Hometown Glory

2008-02-13T23:00:00.004-05:00

Please go and do yourself a favor, and download the iTunes free single of the week,

"Hometown Glory" by ADELE.

If you like Amy Winehouse, minus the crack, rehab, and husband in jail... check it out. She's a little less throwback-y. She is amazing.

Nathanael!!

2008-02-12T14:37:00.001-05:00

This is one of my favorite shots EVER!

It is Nathanael (Kristyn's bestest friend & my adoptive little brother).

The Grammys were on tonight?

2008-02-11T00:43:00.001-05:00

So I caught the last hour of the Grammys. BORING. I hate award shows, they are merely an excuse to show 95% more commercials. But some quick thoughts on the show tonight...

Andrea Boccelli and Josh Groban. Was this necessary? I think not.
Amy Winehouse making multiple references to her husband who is in prison in her songs. Weird.
Is it me or are the musical performances becoming more and more contrived. What was with the Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis and John Fogarty trio? Maybe I just don't understand the significance, but it was a big snoozefest for me.
I was a bit bummed that Amy Winehouse won Best New Artist. It tends to be a kiss of death. I was hoping that someone I had never heard of would win it so I could get more albums out of the people I did like.
Michael Buble won Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for Call Me Irresistible. I would call him anything he wanted. RAWR. haha. I do find it slightly amusing because this is probably my least favorite record of his. But it does have some absolutely fantastic tracks.
I liked the fact that Justin Timberlake was a no-show. At least I think he was. They panned to every other nominee except him. What a tool.
"Before He Cheats" even won a couple awards. I LOVE THAT SONG! There is nothing I love more than an angsty woman getting back at her cheating bum of a man by vandalizing his vehicle!!

That's all I got for now. Maybe I'll think of something clever tomorrow.

Chuckers

2008-02-10T01:44:00.000-05:00

I kind of resolved myself to limit writing in here. But I just can't seem to keep away or keep busy enough. So, I figure I will post a picture a day.

So, this is a picture of my roommate's kitty, Chuck. He sleeps all the time. Usually he is ready to swat at my camera, but he doesn't get disturbed from sleep very easily. So, I got this super cute shot of him. Oh, I love him. haha.

CONGRATS!!!!

2008-02-09T13:00:00.000-05:00

Congratulations on your engagement, Alison & Joseph!!

NO MORE MITT!!!

2008-02-08T20:03:00.000-05:00

Yeay. Romney suspended his campaign. Not that McCain is any better, but whatever.

Obama. Clinton. I am very interested to see how this pans out.

For the most part, the world is stupid

2008-02-05T13:47:00.000-05:00

So, an update of sorts.

My classes are going well. I am fighting a nasty case of senioritis. Anyone who ever thought that it only happens in high school, is totally wrong. It is kind of sad that it is only 3 weeks into the semester though. Oh well.

I am excited to do my required service-learning for my Women in Society course.

Life-wise, there just isn't much going on. Sometimes I feel like my life is just breaks in-between doctor's appointments. I am feeling better, but it just going to take a lot of time before I feel like I can function normally. Let's hope it is sooner rather than later!

It is Super Tuesday today. I'm not voting. Amazing. It's weird not even being able to vote, but even if I wanted to I couldn't. I didn't request an absentee ballot (since I am registered at home, not here in Buffalo). Since I don't have a party affiliation, I am pretty much sitting pretty. I really only want to vote when it actually matters. When we are down to people who are eligible to be voted President. I don't think I phrased that correctly, but whatever. Okay, and voting always matters. I just don't think voting for who to vote for is THAT important. I just want them to figure it out already.

I will die if Mitt Romney gets the Republican ticket. I don't think it will happen, he has two really crazy idiots to fight to the death against. But I would die. Not literally of course, but metaphorically.... I'll die. It mostly has to do with him being Mormon, and it isn't because I don't know what they believe in... I just would want to jump out of a window. I dislike all the Republican candidates, but Romney just gets under my skin. (I have a thing about men who try to take away my reproductive rights. Call me old fashioned, but get the hell away from my uterus.)

Speaking of election nonsense, I found this website; Vote-Smart. It has all sorts of information on people who are candidates for any government office. I found the site because I have to do a presentation on one of the candidates and compare their voting records with what they claim their position on certain issues are. So, the site has voting records. I found it interesting how often, government officials don't vote on issues. There are lots of NV (No Vote... Absent, Abstain) next to some politicians names. It seems like since they hold an office and the people who elect them are expecting them to do their jobs.... they don't get to be absent or abstain from a vote. I don't get to abstain from class assignments or be absent from work, why do they?

Anyway. Enough of my political ramblings. Right now, I am going to go do something productive. I don't know what, but I am going to go do it.

Buffalo Pictures (1)

2008-02-03T14:09:00.000-05:00

This is Chuck Norris. He lives with my roomie & me in our apartment.

This is Moo Cow. Chuck's brother.

Kitty Cage Fight!!

This is from when I went and saw Ani DiFranco here in Buffalo.

September 11th, 2007

This is Hanson. Yes, Mmmbop Hanson. I saw them in December.

Me & Mom having fun with my Mac. <3

In January, I went out to NYC and hung out with my friend, Meredith.

We saw Spring Awakening!!

This is Meredith with Jonathan Groff. He plays Melchior. & is amazing.

This is me with him too!

Presidential Commentary (1)

2008-01-30T08:53:00.001-05:00

I know the last thing anyone needs is another person giving some commentary on the Presidential primaries. But since, I don't care that much what people complain about... here we go.

I guess I should make the point that I really have no say in the primaries. I am not registered as anything in particular, so I am pretty much waiting around until we are electing the president.

I have been going crazy trying to keep myself from ripping some people apart. I cannot stand when people are going to vote for someone based on religion (I was raised Mormon) or their stand on something that isn't really THAT important. I am constantly bombarded on Facebook with the groups with titles like "One Million Strong for Mitt" or "I'd rather die before I voted for Hillary Clinton". I don't mind people have opinions, the world would be boring without them. I have a problem with people making uninformed decisions. My roommate actually refuses to vote because she doesn't know anything about anyone who is running. She is registered though. I can respect that reason for not voting (though she will be voting in November). I have a problem with Mormons who feel that Mitt Romney is the perfect candidate for President based solely on the fact they share religion. Don't be an ass and vote for someone for something superficial. I want to know what they are going to do that is going to get my generation out of Iraq, not attempt to distract me from it by trying to pass legislation to keep gays & lesbians from marrying. Things that are important versus things that are not.

Because of my non-involvement in the primaries, I don't really have much to say in the way of who I like or not. I just don't get to have an opinion. It doesn't matter if I like anyone because if they don't get on the ticket, who really cares?

For my Women in Society course, one of the projects we are doing is an in-depth look at all the candidates voting records and stance on women's issues, such as reproductive health and sex education. I am pretty excited for it. I like researching things that actually matter instead of the symbolic use of water in Uncle Tom's Cabin.