Wednesday, July 02, 2008
honeymooning
married life is amazing thus far, and i know it will only get better. chaz rented us a cabin in wisconsin, so we have been staying there since sunday. we're in spring valley, a nice little town near lots of fun places. we've gone to the house on the rock, saw wall*e, canoed for 10 miles on the wisconsin river, ate at small town restaurants, made our own breakfasts, and enjoyed paying $1 for five minutes in a shower...jerks. tonight we're going to an outdoor shakespearean theatre called the american players theatre. we're going to see "a midsummer night's dream," so i'm way stoked about that! apparently, this is why chaz chose this place...what a great man! tomorrow we head off to our next destination, which i think is either chicago or madison (but i think it's chicago). we'll be back in eastern iowa on sunday before heading west. i'll try to keep updated on the trip!
Monday, June 16, 2008
Life's Adventures
The purpose of this blog is for me to record the adventures I take in my everyday life. You see, in the book I'm reading for my pre-marital counseling, Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts, it talks about the importance of attitude for creating a good life, as well as a good marriage. You can choose your own attitude everyday, and you don't have to succumb to the negative surroundings that bombard us nonstop: people getting everything they ever dreamed of while you struggle with finances, world happenings such as war, genocide, famine, etc., dealing with bad people at work, etc. etc. etc. Let's face it...we could live every day more miserable than the one before. However, by choosing to let things not bother you, living life not comparing it to someone else's, and giving everyday a chance to be a good one, we can significantly improve the quality of our life.
I know all of this sounds like a bunch of cliché, spoon-fed, motivational crap, but I'm starting to believe it's true. My life is taking on an adventure that will change it forever. Planning for this adventure has been trying, and I've wanted to throw in the towel and just elope more times than I can count. I've been miserable and not looking forward to the celebration, which made me incredibly sad. I didn't want to dread my wedding day, or be miserable the entire day when the most exciting thing was happening to me. So a couple of days ago, God revealed to me that I was the one making myself miserable. Yes, things were happening that were out of my control, but I was the one obsessing over them and making myself miserable. I was being selfish, and realized that this was an opportunity to celebrate with friends and family and that was why we were doing the ceremony and reception. Chaz and I could get married much easier by eloping, yes, but then we would miss out on celebrating with friends and family. As soon as I realized this, I swallowed that pride and called and apologized to my parents. They had been enjoying this entire process, but I had been a wet blanket at every moment, so that's what I apologized for. Ever since, I have been looking forward to this day more and more. I'm excited for the fellowship, fun, friends, and family. Things that don't go quite as planned don't bug me, and I'm actually having fun deciding what to do and what not to do. Most of all, I'm excited to embark on this exciting adventure with the love of my life. The one of my life. My help-meet. My friend, and the one who will remind me of God's love for me every day of my life.
And that exciting adventure is beginning sooner than I can even believe.
I know all of this sounds like a bunch of cliché, spoon-fed, motivational crap, but I'm starting to believe it's true. My life is taking on an adventure that will change it forever. Planning for this adventure has been trying, and I've wanted to throw in the towel and just elope more times than I can count. I've been miserable and not looking forward to the celebration, which made me incredibly sad. I didn't want to dread my wedding day, or be miserable the entire day when the most exciting thing was happening to me. So a couple of days ago, God revealed to me that I was the one making myself miserable. Yes, things were happening that were out of my control, but I was the one obsessing over them and making myself miserable. I was being selfish, and realized that this was an opportunity to celebrate with friends and family and that was why we were doing the ceremony and reception. Chaz and I could get married much easier by eloping, yes, but then we would miss out on celebrating with friends and family. As soon as I realized this, I swallowed that pride and called and apologized to my parents. They had been enjoying this entire process, but I had been a wet blanket at every moment, so that's what I apologized for. Ever since, I have been looking forward to this day more and more. I'm excited for the fellowship, fun, friends, and family. Things that don't go quite as planned don't bug me, and I'm actually having fun deciding what to do and what not to do. Most of all, I'm excited to embark on this exciting adventure with the love of my life. The one of my life. My help-meet. My friend, and the one who will remind me of God's love for me every day of my life.
And that exciting adventure is beginning sooner than I can even believe.
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Speak to me
At my practicum yesterday, the students were buzzing about a speaker they had come in who talked about bullying. The thing they were most shocked about was that words truly hurt people. The speaker read a letter from a woman who is older who still remembers exact phrases people used to say to her in middle school. These were all told to get students thinking about how they affect people with what they say and do, and that those things can affect people in the future. My cooperating teacher shared that she remembered in the seventh grade a boy in her class (she was able to give his name) said she was fat. She still remembers that. But what she said was putting that aside, she was afraid to think about who she could have hurt with a slighting comment that she didn't even think about. Maybe she was that verbal abuser she remembered.
I have to agree that words do hurt. I definitely remember specific instances from my past when people have said things, probably not even thinking about them, that absolutely crushed me. My dad told me that I was annoying and no wonder I couldn't keep a boyfriend after a guy dumped me. In 10th grade, the guy I was dating at the time and one of my friends talked to each other about how I was annoying, and then they told me that. Yeah, I'm sure I was behaving stupidly at the time, but they talked about it behind my back, and then when I insisted, they told me to my face that I was annoying. To a girl who was going through major self-esteem issues at the time, this was world-shaking. And, crazy, I still remember it distinctly. Down to the place we were and the time of day.
But just like my cooperating teacher, I wonder how many times I have said things to people that hurt them, and I didn't even realize it. I know that my dad didn't truly mean what he said about me. Heck, I'm getting married, and he thinks that I am deserving of Chaz, and that Chaz is so deserving of me. And I'm sure my friend and boyfriend in high school didn't think I would take what they said so severely. But both of those instances were major barriers in my life. So when have I said things to people? What have I said? What pain have I caused people to go through. The first part of Ephesians 5:20 says, "Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs." I know that I've hurt people in the past, and I know that I may not be able to do anything about that, but I really want to try to be conscious of what I say to people now.
I want to be uplifting with my speech.
I have to agree that words do hurt. I definitely remember specific instances from my past when people have said things, probably not even thinking about them, that absolutely crushed me. My dad told me that I was annoying and no wonder I couldn't keep a boyfriend after a guy dumped me. In 10th grade, the guy I was dating at the time and one of my friends talked to each other about how I was annoying, and then they told me that. Yeah, I'm sure I was behaving stupidly at the time, but they talked about it behind my back, and then when I insisted, they told me to my face that I was annoying. To a girl who was going through major self-esteem issues at the time, this was world-shaking. And, crazy, I still remember it distinctly. Down to the place we were and the time of day.
But just like my cooperating teacher, I wonder how many times I have said things to people that hurt them, and I didn't even realize it. I know that my dad didn't truly mean what he said about me. Heck, I'm getting married, and he thinks that I am deserving of Chaz, and that Chaz is so deserving of me. And I'm sure my friend and boyfriend in high school didn't think I would take what they said so severely. But both of those instances were major barriers in my life. So when have I said things to people? What have I said? What pain have I caused people to go through. The first part of Ephesians 5:20 says, "Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs." I know that I've hurt people in the past, and I know that I may not be able to do anything about that, but I really want to try to be conscious of what I say to people now.
I want to be uplifting with my speech.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Things I love Tonight
Eating Asian cuisine with chopsticks while listening to instrumental music with my future husband. Cupping tiny teacups in my hands and bringing them to my mouth to sip hot, jasmine tea while closing my eyes letting the world erase and my senses fill with the warmth of tea and music. Memories of China and breakfasts and lunches and dinners. Potstickers and Lo Mein and Green Onion Pancakes. Iowa wine and Across the Universe. Sleeping peacefully until morning.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Fellowship
Fellowship is good for the heart. Last night was amazing! Being in a house with 11 people, most of which I had yet to meet, eating, laughing, storytelling was intimidating initially, but wonderful. This is a group of people with which I look forward to continued interaction. We put down guards and brought our stories to the table. Worship was grand and broke down shyness and embarrassment. Stories were shared from the heart, and we all didn't want to part. Chaz and I had to be the first to break it up due to work, but I feel like we could have stayed there all night chatting. I'm so thankful that this opportunity has arisen. It's just what I've been desiring.
Oh, and for you fellow tech-nerds that read my blog, here's a little something for you to enjoy. This is the most recent blog on David Poague's blog...oh man, it's hysterical! (check out his blog: http://pogue.blogs.nytimes.com/)
March 6, 2008, 10:39 am
Tech Support Gets a Reprieve While Users Take a Hit
On my blog recently (nytimes.com/pogue), I’ve been making fun of bad tech-support reps. Actually, not just recently—they’ve been one of my favorite topics for years.
Deep inside, though, I have a lot of sympathy. By definition, the tech-support job entails talking all day to angry and unhappy people, which surely can’t make you feel like skipping home from work. Meanwhile, at most tech-support centers, you have to fulfill an hourly quota of calls processed—so the job is stressful, too. No wonder the burnout rate is so high (and so many of these jobs are moving overseas).
So today, equal time. It’s time to place half of the tech-support blame where it belongs: at the feet of Them. The Users.
Several years ago, I had the chance to visit a tech-support call center for one of the big computer companies. The technician gave me a second pair of headphones so I could listen in on his conversations with the hapless users.
I learned so much that day. I learned that all computer companies outsource tech support to dedicated call-center companies. I learned that the Users can be outrageously rude to these hapless tech-support reps, taking out their built-up frustration on somebody who had nothing to do with causing the problem.
And I learned that when they say, “Your call may be recorded for quality assurance purposes,” that’s only partly true. They also record your calls so they can pass around recordings of the funniest ones.
They actually gave me one of those “Best Of” disks at the end of my day in the call center. Herewith: a few actual calls from that disk or that I heard about from the agents themselves.
—
Caller: So, I’m having a problem with my mouse? It’s, like, squeaking?
Agent: I’m sorry, did you say squeaking?
Caller: That’s right. The faster I move it across the screen, the louder it squeaks.
Agent: I’m sorry—are you pressing your mouse up against the screen?
Caller: Well, sure! There’s a message that says, “Click here to continue!”
—-
Caller: Hey, can you help me? My computer has locked up, and no matter how many times I type eleven, it won’t unfreeze.
Agent: What do you mean, “type eleven?”
Caller: The message on my screen says, “Error Type 11!”
—
On one call, the caller seemed to be taking an inordinately long time to complete each instruction she was given.
Agent: Ma’am, I can’t help noticing that every time I give you an instruction, it takes a really long time before you get back to me. Is your computer that slow?
Caller: Oh, no, it’s just the stupid, stupid design of this computer. Every time I want to click something, I have to unplug the keyboard to plug in the mouse. And then every time I want to use the keyboard again, I have to unplug the mouse. Because there’s only one jack.
Agent: Ma’am, you do realize that there’s a jack on the keyboard itself? You’re supposed to plug the mouse into the keyboard, and the keyboard into the computer.
Caller: Are YOU KIDDING ME!? Oh, wait a minute—yes, I see it now! Oh, holy cow. That’s going to be so much easier!
Agent: Just out of curiosity, how long have you been using your computer that way?
Caller: Six weeks!
—
A Canadian customer was calling to find out if there was a faster way to trigger menu commands than mousing up to the menus.
Agent: Certainly, sir. There are keyboard shortcuts for many of those commands. For example, suppose you want to trigger the Select All command…
Caller: Yes, I use that one all the time! How do I do it?
Agent: Well, you just press Control-A.
Caller (after a pause): Well, that’s not working for me.
Agent: Do you have a text document open in front of you?
Caller: Yes, I sure do.
Agent: OK, now press Control-A.
Caller: I am, but nothing happens.
Agent: The text isn’t highlighted?
Caller: No, there’s no change at all.
Agent: That’s odd. If you press Control-A, the whole document should be highlighted. Try it again. Press Control-A. Tell me exactly what’s happening.
Caller (nearing his Canadian breaking point): Listen. I’m pressing Control, eh? And nothing’s happening, eh?
—-
So there you have it, folks: a little equal time for the downtrodden reps on the other end of the line.
Oh, and for you fellow tech-nerds that read my blog, here's a little something for you to enjoy. This is the most recent blog on David Poague's blog...oh man, it's hysterical! (check out his blog: http://pogue.blogs.nytimes.com/)
March 6, 2008, 10:39 am
Tech Support Gets a Reprieve While Users Take a Hit
On my blog recently (nytimes.com/pogue), I’ve been making fun of bad tech-support reps. Actually, not just recently—they’ve been one of my favorite topics for years.
Deep inside, though, I have a lot of sympathy. By definition, the tech-support job entails talking all day to angry and unhappy people, which surely can’t make you feel like skipping home from work. Meanwhile, at most tech-support centers, you have to fulfill an hourly quota of calls processed—so the job is stressful, too. No wonder the burnout rate is so high (and so many of these jobs are moving overseas).
So today, equal time. It’s time to place half of the tech-support blame where it belongs: at the feet of Them. The Users.
Several years ago, I had the chance to visit a tech-support call center for one of the big computer companies. The technician gave me a second pair of headphones so I could listen in on his conversations with the hapless users.
I learned so much that day. I learned that all computer companies outsource tech support to dedicated call-center companies. I learned that the Users can be outrageously rude to these hapless tech-support reps, taking out their built-up frustration on somebody who had nothing to do with causing the problem.
And I learned that when they say, “Your call may be recorded for quality assurance purposes,” that’s only partly true. They also record your calls so they can pass around recordings of the funniest ones.
They actually gave me one of those “Best Of” disks at the end of my day in the call center. Herewith: a few actual calls from that disk or that I heard about from the agents themselves.
—
Caller: So, I’m having a problem with my mouse? It’s, like, squeaking?
Agent: I’m sorry, did you say squeaking?
Caller: That’s right. The faster I move it across the screen, the louder it squeaks.
Agent: I’m sorry—are you pressing your mouse up against the screen?
Caller: Well, sure! There’s a message that says, “Click here to continue!”
—-
Caller: Hey, can you help me? My computer has locked up, and no matter how many times I type eleven, it won’t unfreeze.
Agent: What do you mean, “type eleven?”
Caller: The message on my screen says, “Error Type 11!”
—
On one call, the caller seemed to be taking an inordinately long time to complete each instruction she was given.
Agent: Ma’am, I can’t help noticing that every time I give you an instruction, it takes a really long time before you get back to me. Is your computer that slow?
Caller: Oh, no, it’s just the stupid, stupid design of this computer. Every time I want to click something, I have to unplug the keyboard to plug in the mouse. And then every time I want to use the keyboard again, I have to unplug the mouse. Because there’s only one jack.
Agent: Ma’am, you do realize that there’s a jack on the keyboard itself? You’re supposed to plug the mouse into the keyboard, and the keyboard into the computer.
Caller: Are YOU KIDDING ME!? Oh, wait a minute—yes, I see it now! Oh, holy cow. That’s going to be so much easier!
Agent: Just out of curiosity, how long have you been using your computer that way?
Caller: Six weeks!
—
A Canadian customer was calling to find out if there was a faster way to trigger menu commands than mousing up to the menus.
Agent: Certainly, sir. There are keyboard shortcuts for many of those commands. For example, suppose you want to trigger the Select All command…
Caller: Yes, I use that one all the time! How do I do it?
Agent: Well, you just press Control-A.
Caller (after a pause): Well, that’s not working for me.
Agent: Do you have a text document open in front of you?
Caller: Yes, I sure do.
Agent: OK, now press Control-A.
Caller: I am, but nothing happens.
Agent: The text isn’t highlighted?
Caller: No, there’s no change at all.
Agent: That’s odd. If you press Control-A, the whole document should be highlighted. Try it again. Press Control-A. Tell me exactly what’s happening.
Caller (nearing his Canadian breaking point): Listen. I’m pressing Control, eh? And nothing’s happening, eh?
—-
So there you have it, folks: a little equal time for the downtrodden reps on the other end of the line.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
But I waaaaaant Oonnne!
I want a hedgehog.
Isn't he cuuuute?
But seriously, hedgehogs are adorable. My love for them goes back to elementary/middle school. Ms. Bredekamp had a hedgehog (I'm pretty sure Sonic was his name, but I'm probably mistaken). Anne and I went to her apartment a couple of times and got to play with him. Gosh, he was cute. I wanted one then, but my mom obviously turned that proposition down.
Then, last night, I got to see the second hedgehog of my life, and I was reminded of how cute they are. The little guy was all curled up in a stocking cap, trying to keep warm. He was pretty grumpy when we woke him up, but adorable all the same.
So, basically, I want a hedgehog. Not a dog. Not a cat. Not a fish. Not a bird. Not anything else....a hedgehog.
Pleeeeeaaaaaazzzzeee???
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Screw the System
I need a middle school placement.
But why?
I don't want to teach middle school. I all ready know this. And while yes, maybe someday I'll change my mind. Right now, I don't want to. I am choosing not to student teach in middle school, so why do I have to do a practicum in middle school? Everything would work out so much better if I could just do a practicum in the high school with the teacher who has all ready so graciously said, "YES! Yes, Kate! I want you to come and share with me the joy that is teaching!" Gah. So this is what I get for opening my mouth and speaking my desires. Why didn't I just sit idly by and let this university determine my fate as it always does? Then I wouldn't have to screw up the system as I apparently did by raising my hand and saying, "Uh, wait a minute....this doesn't work for me." I'm a burden. A hassle. That's exactly what this change has said to me. If people were more anonymous, then I wouldn't have a problem with this. But they aren't anonymous. I'm screwing up my classmates'semesters through this. Ugh.
A little melodramatic? Yes, I know. But it's Valentine's Day...I can do what I want.
But why?
I don't want to teach middle school. I all ready know this. And while yes, maybe someday I'll change my mind. Right now, I don't want to. I am choosing not to student teach in middle school, so why do I have to do a practicum in middle school? Everything would work out so much better if I could just do a practicum in the high school with the teacher who has all ready so graciously said, "YES! Yes, Kate! I want you to come and share with me the joy that is teaching!" Gah. So this is what I get for opening my mouth and speaking my desires. Why didn't I just sit idly by and let this university determine my fate as it always does? Then I wouldn't have to screw up the system as I apparently did by raising my hand and saying, "Uh, wait a minute....this doesn't work for me." I'm a burden. A hassle. That's exactly what this change has said to me. If people were more anonymous, then I wouldn't have a problem with this. But they aren't anonymous. I'm screwing up my classmates'semesters through this. Ugh.
A little melodramatic? Yes, I know. But it's Valentine's Day...I can do what I want.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Hungers
Man, I feel like getting a flying burrito. Doesn't that sound excellent? I know exactly what I'd get too:
Garden Tortilla
Wild Rice
Black Beans
Beef
Cilantro Lime Sour Cream
Chipotle Salsa
Lettuce
Cilantro
Black Olives
Mmmmmm.....my mouth is watering and my tummy is rumbling.
p.s. this is not a hint to anyone.
p.p.s. or is it?
Garden Tortilla
Wild Rice
Black Beans
Beef
Cilantro Lime Sour Cream
Chipotle Salsa
Lettuce
Cilantro
Black Olives
Mmmmmm.....my mouth is watering and my tummy is rumbling.
p.s. this is not a hint to anyone.
p.p.s. or is it?
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Grumbly Gus
I'm a Grumbly Gus. School sucks, people suck, period sucks. Gah! Why do I get in such a funk once a month? Thank you, nature.
Friday, January 18, 2008
My New Life
I have recently had some complaints that I have not blogged about the most recent news in my life. So, Anne, this one's for you.
December 24, 12:30 a.m. Chaz and I had just gotten back to my parents' house after Landers Family Christmas. We'd had a great time laughing, chatting, and playing games. Chaz and I lay on the couch dreaming of the future and acting like lovebirds at Christmastime. "Why don't you two go to bed so you can get up at a decent hour?" my dad grumbled. Instead of obeying, Chaz asks me to go on a walk with him like he had been trying to all weekend. We bundled up and headed out into the crisp, clean, Christmas Eve landscape. The nearly full moon shone brightly on the crystal landscape as we walked along the creek by my house. We talked about nature and Creation and the beauty of it all. We talked of our relationship and of how we made each other want to be better people. Love better, serve better, reflect God better. We walked hand in hand for awhile until reaching an old tree I had played around as a young girl. Here we stopped and used the trnk to shelter us from the wind. Chaz began to talk, "I like this place because here I can see the past, present, future here. In the past, you played here as a little girl, in the present, we're here together, and I want to see us together in the future as well." I merely shivered and agreed with him. He continued, "So Kate, on December 24th, I want to tell you something that I have never told any other girl. I love you." I began to cry, "I love you, too." You see, Chaz and I had never said that to each other. He always said that he only wanted to say that to his wife. At this point, Chaz went to get on his knee and slipped and fell on the ice. I'm talking face-first, flat on the ground. I helped him to his knee (metaphorical of our relationship? I don't know). He then pulled out a ring box, opened iit and asked that fateful question, "Kate, will you marry me?" "Yes!" I responded and we hugged and kissed and cried. Finally, very smoothly Chaz said, "Put this ring on, my hands are freezing!"
So that is the story of how my life is to change forever. On June 28, 2008, I am to bond forever with the love of my life. I'm his helpmeet, and he's my rescuer. I hope that we continue to adventure and live a life abundant.
December 24, 12:30 a.m. Chaz and I had just gotten back to my parents' house after Landers Family Christmas. We'd had a great time laughing, chatting, and playing games. Chaz and I lay on the couch dreaming of the future and acting like lovebirds at Christmastime. "Why don't you two go to bed so you can get up at a decent hour?" my dad grumbled. Instead of obeying, Chaz asks me to go on a walk with him like he had been trying to all weekend. We bundled up and headed out into the crisp, clean, Christmas Eve landscape. The nearly full moon shone brightly on the crystal landscape as we walked along the creek by my house. We talked about nature and Creation and the beauty of it all. We talked of our relationship and of how we made each other want to be better people. Love better, serve better, reflect God better. We walked hand in hand for awhile until reaching an old tree I had played around as a young girl. Here we stopped and used the trnk to shelter us from the wind. Chaz began to talk, "I like this place because here I can see the past, present, future here. In the past, you played here as a little girl, in the present, we're here together, and I want to see us together in the future as well." I merely shivered and agreed with him. He continued, "So Kate, on December 24th, I want to tell you something that I have never told any other girl. I love you." I began to cry, "I love you, too." You see, Chaz and I had never said that to each other. He always said that he only wanted to say that to his wife. At this point, Chaz went to get on his knee and slipped and fell on the ice. I'm talking face-first, flat on the ground. I helped him to his knee (metaphorical of our relationship? I don't know). He then pulled out a ring box, opened iit and asked that fateful question, "Kate, will you marry me?" "Yes!" I responded and we hugged and kissed and cried. Finally, very smoothly Chaz said, "Put this ring on, my hands are freezing!"
So that is the story of how my life is to change forever. On June 28, 2008, I am to bond forever with the love of my life. I'm his helpmeet, and he's my rescuer. I hope that we continue to adventure and live a life abundant.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
It's the Most Miserable Time of the Year...
Sooooo....Dead Week sucks. I've been exhausted, I have a headache, and I'm stressed. I don't have a lot of school work to do, which is nice, but I've just had a lot of other stuff going on that distracts me from the work I need to do.
Monday my car was towed, and that was bad enough. Once I got to the towing place, they revealed that my car was damaged. I'm pretty sure that it wasn't me, even though they blamed me. In fact, I'm very very sure it wasn't me. So now it's either I try to fight it and get compensation, or I spend money fixing my car on top of the ridiculous towing fee. Money that I don't have. Money that I needed for Christmas presents.
So now I am stuck gathering evidence and going through a process that I don't want to go through. This on top of the bit of school work I have left to do for the semester. Needless to say, I'm stressed, miserable, and tired. And unable to go anywhere with my car out of commission.
Where's the joy?
Monday my car was towed, and that was bad enough. Once I got to the towing place, they revealed that my car was damaged. I'm pretty sure that it wasn't me, even though they blamed me. In fact, I'm very very sure it wasn't me. So now it's either I try to fight it and get compensation, or I spend money fixing my car on top of the ridiculous towing fee. Money that I don't have. Money that I needed for Christmas presents.
So now I am stuck gathering evidence and going through a process that I don't want to go through. This on top of the bit of school work I have left to do for the semester. Needless to say, I'm stressed, miserable, and tired. And unable to go anywhere with my car out of commission.
Where's the joy?
Monday, November 26, 2007
Thursday, November 15, 2007
The Birds and the Bees
I was watching Tyra today (ugh....daytime television is definitely lacking in quality. Why can't I just turn off the tv??). She had an interesting show, however. She had around 10 teenagers and their parents on to talk about sex. These young'ens all had sex at an incredibly young age. One girl was in 5th grade! According to my calculations, that means she was like 10 or 11 years old. Oh my. Her mom couldn't believe it! I was appalled too. The students had all sat down earlier and talked about issues with sex, as well as if their parents had talked to them, knew they had sex, or if they wanted to talk to their parents about sex. Most of them said their parents knew they had sex, but all of them said they wished they could talk to their parents about it. The parents responded with shock that their teenagers wanted to talk to them about sex, as well as shocked that they did not know much about sex (especially STDs). When talking about STDs, the students knew virtually NOTHING about them and how to contract them.
HELLOOOOOOO parents!!!! Who's going to talk about sex with your kids if you don't? Who do you WANT talking about sex with your kids if you don't? Do you expect schools to do this? Let me tell you from experience, they won't get all of the facts from most schools. Plus, students don't listen anyway. Do you want their friends telling them about sex? This isn't the most reliable source for your kids to get information. Do you want a boy/girl pressuring your kids to have sex and THAT'S how they learn? Parents, talk to your kids! Seeing this kind of show and hearing how parents are neglecting to talk with their kids about facts of life makes me cry! And we wonder why we have so many young boys and girls with STDs, young pregnancies, etc. etc.
So, I actually learned a lesson from Tyra today. Parents: talk to your kids.
I was intrigued by the show until they got to a portion where Tyra and a sex-ed professor started role playing as a father/daughter talking about what sex is. Theeeeen I had to change the channel. TMI, Tyra. TMI.
HELLOOOOOOO parents!!!! Who's going to talk about sex with your kids if you don't? Who do you WANT talking about sex with your kids if you don't? Do you expect schools to do this? Let me tell you from experience, they won't get all of the facts from most schools. Plus, students don't listen anyway. Do you want their friends telling them about sex? This isn't the most reliable source for your kids to get information. Do you want a boy/girl pressuring your kids to have sex and THAT'S how they learn? Parents, talk to your kids! Seeing this kind of show and hearing how parents are neglecting to talk with their kids about facts of life makes me cry! And we wonder why we have so many young boys and girls with STDs, young pregnancies, etc. etc.
So, I actually learned a lesson from Tyra today. Parents: talk to your kids.
I was intrigued by the show until they got to a portion where Tyra and a sex-ed professor started role playing as a father/daughter talking about what sex is. Theeeeen I had to change the channel. TMI, Tyra. TMI.
Monday, November 05, 2007
Patience
"I am extraordinarily patient, provided I get my own way in the end."
—Margaret Thatcher
I have realized lately that I have been too impatient with life. I am constantly thinking and worrying about the future. I guess senior year of college makes you do that because I have talked to many other peers who are having the same issues. Scenarios run through my head constantly:
"Okay, so if I go to China and teach right away for two years, what's going to happen to my teaching license? If I stay and teach for two years until I get my full license, and then I go to China and teach for two years, that's a large chunk of my 20s gone. Do I really want to go teach overseas for two years? I have so many ideas for teaching right now, shouldn't I stay and teach here while my ideas are fresh?....."
On and on and on. Riding the bus, working, sitting in class. Scenarios go through my mind constantly. And that's just one of the things I'm contemplating. I'm also anxious for other unmentionable happenings in my life that I shouldn't be worrying about yet. So basically, I need to have patience. I need to just enjoy my time right now. Enjoy my friends. Enjoy my family. Enjoy this season of life that I can never get back, and not worry about the near or far future. That will eventually take care of itself. *Sigh* I feel better.
—Margaret Thatcher
I have realized lately that I have been too impatient with life. I am constantly thinking and worrying about the future. I guess senior year of college makes you do that because I have talked to many other peers who are having the same issues. Scenarios run through my head constantly:
"Okay, so if I go to China and teach right away for two years, what's going to happen to my teaching license? If I stay and teach for two years until I get my full license, and then I go to China and teach for two years, that's a large chunk of my 20s gone. Do I really want to go teach overseas for two years? I have so many ideas for teaching right now, shouldn't I stay and teach here while my ideas are fresh?....."
On and on and on. Riding the bus, working, sitting in class. Scenarios go through my mind constantly. And that's just one of the things I'm contemplating. I'm also anxious for other unmentionable happenings in my life that I shouldn't be worrying about yet. So basically, I need to have patience. I need to just enjoy my time right now. Enjoy my friends. Enjoy my family. Enjoy this season of life that I can never get back, and not worry about the near or far future. That will eventually take care of itself. *Sigh* I feel better.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
No Ordinary Driver
I wait impatiently at the bus stop. Where is the stupid bus? It was supposed to be here at 9:31! It's 9:36....grrrrrrrrr. I had looked up the bus schedule earlier, so I would know when it was to be at Kildee, so I could get home after class and relax. You see, my bike, my way of transport, my love, is broken. My tire got a hole in it after class last week, and it has not been fixed as of yet. So I am forced to take the dependable Cyride bus system. Cyride is good, don't get me wrong, but my bus is less frequent, and it takes about twice as long as a bike ride, so I would prefer to not wait hours for a way home. But this morning, I wait at the bust stop. I wait, and wait, and get more and more frustrated. I text Chaz my frustration at my late bus. I watch person after person board their buses and take off, but still not Blue 3.
Finally, at 9:41, my bus ambles up to Kildee and comes to a screeching halt. I board the bus, and at this point, the bus drivers change stations. Up the steps comes this smiling, bespectacled, older woman. However, this morning she is attired in a white wig, skull police cap, and skeleton gloves along with her Cyride coat and pants. This, I think, is no ordinary bus driver. As the bus takes off and heads home, I still am grumbling in my head. Man, I could've been home half an hour ago. Each screeching halt makes me more and more impatient for home. The bus driver, however, is sweet. She wishes everyone "Have a good day!" in a bright voice as they get off the bus. Most ignore her. I just continue to pout. At one stop, however, a woman on the street peaks into our bus, and tells our bus driver, "Lookin' good!" The driver replies, "Yup! From biker to bones!" It's at this point that I smile and realize what a jerk I'm being. This is a driver who has fun with her job. No matter the mood of others, she is true to her self and tries to cheer everyone. I am thankful for this woman.
As I approach my stop, I pull the chord, the bus stops, and I start to head down the steps. She tells me, "Have a great day!" And I reply, "Thank you very much. You have a wonderful day."
Finally, at 9:41, my bus ambles up to Kildee and comes to a screeching halt. I board the bus, and at this point, the bus drivers change stations. Up the steps comes this smiling, bespectacled, older woman. However, this morning she is attired in a white wig, skull police cap, and skeleton gloves along with her Cyride coat and pants. This, I think, is no ordinary bus driver. As the bus takes off and heads home, I still am grumbling in my head. Man, I could've been home half an hour ago. Each screeching halt makes me more and more impatient for home. The bus driver, however, is sweet. She wishes everyone "Have a good day!" in a bright voice as they get off the bus. Most ignore her. I just continue to pout. At one stop, however, a woman on the street peaks into our bus, and tells our bus driver, "Lookin' good!" The driver replies, "Yup! From biker to bones!" It's at this point that I smile and realize what a jerk I'm being. This is a driver who has fun with her job. No matter the mood of others, she is true to her self and tries to cheer everyone. I am thankful for this woman.
As I approach my stop, I pull the chord, the bus stops, and I start to head down the steps. She tells me, "Have a great day!" And I reply, "Thank you very much. You have a wonderful day."
Thursday, October 25, 2007
I Wanna Dance With Somebody...
I spent a morning last week watching television and doing Engl 420 homework. While watching a completely worthwhile show on fox (HAH!), there was a sitcom episode on about dancing at weddings. It was funny and entertaining, but the end particularly caught my eye. The large husband started dancing with his skinny, beautiful wife, revealing to her that he actually was a good dancer. He spun her around the room, seducing her with his fluid dancing movements. I was jealous. I want that. As a woman, I have no idea what the appeal is, but there is something sexy about dancing with a man. I don't mean grinding, dancing to hiphop, anything like that. I mean, dancing to old, big-band slow music, or a slow jazz, or some of that other good, old-timey music. Gliding as one body across a room, being only aware of each other and no one else. I don't know why, but I found that part of the show just, well, sexy. And it made the big, bumbling husband seem incredibly attractive and desirable.
What I'm saying is, I'd like to know how to dance like that. Not that I'm giving suggestions to anyone or anything, but it'd be nice.
What I'm saying is, I'd like to know how to dance like that. Not that I'm giving suggestions to anyone or anything, but it'd be nice.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Rocky Mountain High
Once again...I love road trips.
We drove 16 hours to Durango, CO Thursday night, and arrived at our hotel at 5:30 am their time. Then we got up for a 10:30 am wedding on Friday. I was completely paranoid driving through the mountains because I was exhausted, the road was curvy, and there were numerous signs warning of deer, moose, and mountain sheep. Not to mention the various blood stains and skid marks on the road from unfortunate animals. Oh my.
The wedding was gorgeous. Pale yellow leaves and brown grassy fields leading up to the majestic Rocky Mountains provided a beautiful backdrop for the wedding. The bride was gorgeous in her white gown with a white, 3/4 sleeve dress jacket overtop (for lack of better words). The men all were dashing in brown vests and vans. It was fantastic to meet a lot of Chaz's friends that have moved from Iowa to the wilderness of the West. It was even more fantastic to get to spend with weekend with Titus and Jolene. They are absolutely delightful.
After the wedding, we headed back to Denver to spend the night and spend the rest of the weekend with Titus and Jolene. That took off a large chunk of our driving for Sunday, which was really nice. Denver was fantastic...I really like that city. We were able to hike in the mountains at Red Rocks State Park, and then head to downtown for the evening to check out what the city had to offer. The perfect combination of outdoors and culture. We found an amazing little locally-owned café where we sat and had some Fat Tires...mmmmmm. This made me seriously think about moving to Denver. It would be a good place to have life adventures (after China, of course...which Jolene and Titus are going to come with us for...haha!).
Sunday brought a surprise. We had just been hiking in 80 degree weather the day before, but upon awakening at 9 on Sunday, we found a completely white world awaiting us, and more huge, wet flakes coming down. The drive home provided us opportunity for singing, dancing, faking paralysis, arguing, and seeing dads that haven't been seen in too long (Chaz got to see his dad in Omaha).
I love the mountains.
We drove 16 hours to Durango, CO Thursday night, and arrived at our hotel at 5:30 am their time. Then we got up for a 10:30 am wedding on Friday. I was completely paranoid driving through the mountains because I was exhausted, the road was curvy, and there were numerous signs warning of deer, moose, and mountain sheep. Not to mention the various blood stains and skid marks on the road from unfortunate animals. Oh my.
The wedding was gorgeous. Pale yellow leaves and brown grassy fields leading up to the majestic Rocky Mountains provided a beautiful backdrop for the wedding. The bride was gorgeous in her white gown with a white, 3/4 sleeve dress jacket overtop (for lack of better words). The men all were dashing in brown vests and vans. It was fantastic to meet a lot of Chaz's friends that have moved from Iowa to the wilderness of the West. It was even more fantastic to get to spend with weekend with Titus and Jolene. They are absolutely delightful.
After the wedding, we headed back to Denver to spend the night and spend the rest of the weekend with Titus and Jolene. That took off a large chunk of our driving for Sunday, which was really nice. Denver was fantastic...I really like that city. We were able to hike in the mountains at Red Rocks State Park, and then head to downtown for the evening to check out what the city had to offer. The perfect combination of outdoors and culture. We found an amazing little locally-owned café where we sat and had some Fat Tires...mmmmmm. This made me seriously think about moving to Denver. It would be a good place to have life adventures (after China, of course...which Jolene and Titus are going to come with us for...haha!).
Sunday brought a surprise. We had just been hiking in 80 degree weather the day before, but upon awakening at 9 on Sunday, we found a completely white world awaiting us, and more huge, wet flakes coming down. The drive home provided us opportunity for singing, dancing, faking paralysis, arguing, and seeing dads that haven't been seen in too long (Chaz got to see his dad in Omaha).
I love the mountains.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Wakelessness
Wakelessness. This is my word for the period when you are between sleep and being awake. The fog you feel after staying up until 1 in the morning doing laundry, and awaking for class at 6:30 in the morning, after a pumpkin spice latté, and walking into class to sit in your seat. The weird point in the day when you're aware of what is going on around you, but you still feel as if you're in bed and need sleep.
I was definitely in wakelessness this morning. It was so surreal because I was definitely tired, but I had sucked down that pumpkin spice latté so I was also awake from the caffeine. The result? I was antsy. Antsy in a way that I haven't been for a long time. I could not concentrate in class, and time was moving slower than it ever has in the history of time. Check out my notes from class....all doodles. Mostly attributed to antsiness. So yes, wakelessness=misery for morning classes.
On another note...I'm off to CO!!
I was definitely in wakelessness this morning. It was so surreal because I was definitely tired, but I had sucked down that pumpkin spice latté so I was also awake from the caffeine. The result? I was antsy. Antsy in a way that I haven't been for a long time. I could not concentrate in class, and time was moving slower than it ever has in the history of time. Check out my notes from class....all doodles. Mostly attributed to antsiness. So yes, wakelessness=misery for morning classes.
On another note...I'm off to CO!!
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Road Trippin' Once Again
I can't wait. Chaz, Josh, and I are headed to Colorado this weekend. That's right! Who goes to Colorado for the weekend? I do. I have so much to do before we leave, but the trip is in sight. We leave Thursday. Ah! I love it!
I love the anticipation of a road trip. Getting everything done and preparing to leave. Making sure you have everything you will possibly need in any situation on the trip. Awaiting the long stretch of road, uncomfortable sleep, hours of music, laughter, and stories. There is nothing like it. There is nothing like the chance to escape reality for a weekend, leave worries and life standing still, and drive away to lands unknown and unexplored. A blank space in the map waiting for you to fill it with memories and stories...which I will inevitably come back with.
While I'm so excited for this road trip, the best road trips are with girlfriends (which will be lacking until I get to Colorado). Oh my: Scorty on the hill, East Dubuque debauchery, Scorty roadtrips period, Tourist Trap Tour of Iowa, To Hell and Back, C-stone, various trips to Ames/home/CF/D-port/etc.etc....Good memories.
I hold dear memories of hundreds of road trips, and I look forward to the memories from this roadtrip as well. Colorado...here I come!
I love the anticipation of a road trip. Getting everything done and preparing to leave. Making sure you have everything you will possibly need in any situation on the trip. Awaiting the long stretch of road, uncomfortable sleep, hours of music, laughter, and stories. There is nothing like it. There is nothing like the chance to escape reality for a weekend, leave worries and life standing still, and drive away to lands unknown and unexplored. A blank space in the map waiting for you to fill it with memories and stories...which I will inevitably come back with.
While I'm so excited for this road trip, the best road trips are with girlfriends (which will be lacking until I get to Colorado). Oh my: Scorty on the hill, East Dubuque debauchery, Scorty roadtrips period, Tourist Trap Tour of Iowa, To Hell and Back, C-stone, various trips to Ames/home/CF/D-port/etc.etc....Good memories.
I hold dear memories of hundreds of road trips, and I look forward to the memories from this roadtrip as well. Colorado...here I come!
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Giving In
It's indescribable.
The way how I know for certain that this is the way God meant for a relationship to look. To work. To breathe. To function as an organism. The way He wants me to be cared for. I will never settle for less than this because this is what I know God wants for me. What I don't deserve, but He says I do anyway. I can feel it everyday. In the way he wants to provide for me. In the way he listens to my pointless stories, and actually says he cares about them. And I can tell that he does. In the way he never complains when I talk too much, when I know I'm talking too much.
It's not perfect, but I know this is right. We fight, yes. We argue. We're stubborn, and we miscommunicate. But then we reconcile. We talk through issues and speak our needs. Knowing that we need to hash them out before they take root in our selves and our relationship.
I'm probably the most stubborn of the two of us. I so love to hold on to the hurt and pain I've experienced in the past. To grasp hold of the anger and bitterness and harbor it in my body to fester, silently letting it eat me up until I'm mute and emotionless. But he doesn't let me. He comes after me, never forcing, but always willing. Pursuing me in a way that I can't resist. Gently and silently persuading me to give up my urge to deal with things myself (when I know I never will), the way Jesus pursues me daily to give up my sins and my issues.
It's hard. It's hard to be honest and it hurts. To have to tell someone what is wrong and what is hurting you. To let them know that they've done something to cause this pain. The initial yelling and the silent treatment are easy. They're just buffers I know I put up to avoid dealing with the real issues. I expect him to give up and let me be mad until my silence passes and then the issues blow over. But that never happens. He waits, yes, but then he wants to talk. He comes to me when I'm not ready to unmask the wound, but he waits anyway. And after my initial blunderings and excuses, I eventually give up my burden. And he accepts it. And he truly listens. Will things change immediately? Probably not. I can't see anytime soon that he'll stop falling asleep every moment he can. BUT he listens, and I know he cares and desires to change. And as we hash out problems, I realize that I need to change too. And this means everything.
Is he perfect? Not a chance. But am I? Not even close. But there is one who is perfect, and He's the one who holds us together. He makes up for the imperfections in the both of us, and no matter what road our relationship takes us on, He will be the one guiding us. He'll be the one gently persuading the both of us to give in more to each other and to Him.
The way how I know for certain that this is the way God meant for a relationship to look. To work. To breathe. To function as an organism. The way He wants me to be cared for. I will never settle for less than this because this is what I know God wants for me. What I don't deserve, but He says I do anyway. I can feel it everyday. In the way he wants to provide for me. In the way he listens to my pointless stories, and actually says he cares about them. And I can tell that he does. In the way he never complains when I talk too much, when I know I'm talking too much.
It's not perfect, but I know this is right. We fight, yes. We argue. We're stubborn, and we miscommunicate. But then we reconcile. We talk through issues and speak our needs. Knowing that we need to hash them out before they take root in our selves and our relationship.
I'm probably the most stubborn of the two of us. I so love to hold on to the hurt and pain I've experienced in the past. To grasp hold of the anger and bitterness and harbor it in my body to fester, silently letting it eat me up until I'm mute and emotionless. But he doesn't let me. He comes after me, never forcing, but always willing. Pursuing me in a way that I can't resist. Gently and silently persuading me to give up my urge to deal with things myself (when I know I never will), the way Jesus pursues me daily to give up my sins and my issues.
It's hard. It's hard to be honest and it hurts. To have to tell someone what is wrong and what is hurting you. To let them know that they've done something to cause this pain. The initial yelling and the silent treatment are easy. They're just buffers I know I put up to avoid dealing with the real issues. I expect him to give up and let me be mad until my silence passes and then the issues blow over. But that never happens. He waits, yes, but then he wants to talk. He comes to me when I'm not ready to unmask the wound, but he waits anyway. And after my initial blunderings and excuses, I eventually give up my burden. And he accepts it. And he truly listens. Will things change immediately? Probably not. I can't see anytime soon that he'll stop falling asleep every moment he can. BUT he listens, and I know he cares and desires to change. And as we hash out problems, I realize that I need to change too. And this means everything.
Is he perfect? Not a chance. But am I? Not even close. But there is one who is perfect, and He's the one who holds us together. He makes up for the imperfections in the both of us, and no matter what road our relationship takes us on, He will be the one guiding us. He'll be the one gently persuading the both of us to give in more to each other and to Him.
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