It's been a while. Sorry about that.
I have many stories, among them walking on a fat kid's back for 15 minutes. Don't worry -- it doesn't make any more sense once you hear the story.
Maybe I'll post these stories sometime.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Friday, September 4, 2009
I am just waiting for the day ...
... when my cat headbutts me in the face so hard I get a nosebleed. It's pretty much bound to happen eventually, and on that day my life will have reached the Summit of Lameness. Hopefully after that I can get moving into the Valley of the Reasonably Cool.
Teenybopping
This is late, but what MK venture isn't? I am SO glad that Eve from Top Chef went home last week. I couldn't handle another episode of watching her mouth hang open. Shut your mouth, Eve! You may be the nicest person ever, and it seems like you might be, but you look stupid with your mouth flapping open. Gah. Add that to Jen and her GIANT gauged ears that went home in the first episode, and I can now handle watching Top Chef for the rest of the season without being unreasonably annoyed by aesthetics. If only I could get Padma to reconsider a few of her wardrobe choices ...
Speaking of ill-conceived clothing choices, I will be going to the Britney Spears concert tomorrow with my little. Big Brothers, Big Sisters was able to procure some tickets, so T and I are going to dinner and the show. Considering I also saw Hannah Montana: The Movie with her, I think I am turning into a teenybopper. Again. Didn't I have enough embarrassing Hanson and Backstreet Boys and MTV moments in middle school? Although I did secretly kind of enjoy the Hannah Montana movie (the guy was cute! Even though I looked him up later and he was 18 ... whoops. Just how I roll, I guess.) Maybe the Britney concert will be the same way -- not the way-too-young-for-me bit, but the enjoyable-in-a-guilty-pleasure-sort-of-way bit. What I really want to see, though, is a patented Britney shitshow, a la VMAs 2008. I will let you all know which one happens, or if it's secret option C) just annoying.
All right. It's late, I'm tired and I have to get lots of beauty sleep for Ms. Spears, or really in order to handle the swarms of screaming adolescents that will accompany Ms. Spears. Baby Jesus, grant me strength.
Speaking of ill-conceived clothing choices, I will be going to the Britney Spears concert tomorrow with my little. Big Brothers, Big Sisters was able to procure some tickets, so T and I are going to dinner and the show. Considering I also saw Hannah Montana: The Movie with her, I think I am turning into a teenybopper. Again. Didn't I have enough embarrassing Hanson and Backstreet Boys and MTV moments in middle school? Although I did secretly kind of enjoy the Hannah Montana movie (the guy was cute! Even though I looked him up later and he was 18 ... whoops. Just how I roll, I guess.) Maybe the Britney concert will be the same way -- not the way-too-young-for-me bit, but the enjoyable-in-a-guilty-pleasure-sort-of-way bit. What I really want to see, though, is a patented Britney shitshow, a la VMAs 2008. I will let you all know which one happens, or if it's secret option C) just annoying.
All right. It's late, I'm tired and I have to get lots of beauty sleep for Ms. Spears, or really in order to handle the swarms of screaming adolescents that will accompany Ms. Spears. Baby Jesus, grant me strength.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Never mind ...
I do have something to say. Even though I said nothing all of August, which is ironic considering August was the most eventful month of my life in quite some time.
But that aside, the something I have to say is this: it is good to be back at Emory, but I underestimated how empty Emory would feel without friends here. Not that I don't have younger friends, because I have a few, but without my close group, it really doesn't feel like the same place. It's almost like I am here for a job, and I have the advantage of already being familiar with the campus and the routine of school, but I still just have to slog through it. Maybe this feeling will fade, maybe it won't, but it's definitely here now and it's not fun. The good news is that is just regular not fun, not depressed not fun. Silver lining, right?
Oh yeah, and I have one more thing to say: I own the worst computer ever. I typed this post in between the screen flickering on and off, and it shut itself down for no reason during the middle of the previous paragraph. Anyone have donations to the MK's New Less Shitty Computer Fund (MKNLSCF)? Maybe I need to work on the acronym. It's not really as donatable as, say, UNICEF. Either way, though, I am currently working with a special-needs machine. Computarded is clever but not very PC (Ha, PC! Get it?), so maybe I'll say technologically challenged.
As my bro says, now it's time to make like a baby and head out. Good night, and thanks for stopping by. You stay classy, blogosphere.
But that aside, the something I have to say is this: it is good to be back at Emory, but I underestimated how empty Emory would feel without friends here. Not that I don't have younger friends, because I have a few, but without my close group, it really doesn't feel like the same place. It's almost like I am here for a job, and I have the advantage of already being familiar with the campus and the routine of school, but I still just have to slog through it. Maybe this feeling will fade, maybe it won't, but it's definitely here now and it's not fun. The good news is that is just regular not fun, not depressed not fun. Silver lining, right?
Oh yeah, and I have one more thing to say: I own the worst computer ever. I typed this post in between the screen flickering on and off, and it shut itself down for no reason during the middle of the previous paragraph. Anyone have donations to the MK's New Less Shitty Computer Fund (MKNLSCF)? Maybe I need to work on the acronym. It's not really as donatable as, say, UNICEF. Either way, though, I am currently working with a special-needs machine. Computarded is clever but not very PC (Ha, PC! Get it?), so maybe I'll say technologically challenged.
As my bro says, now it's time to make like a baby and head out. Good night, and thanks for stopping by. You stay classy, blogosphere.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
The Stealth Bomber
Today, my roommate asked me if her guy friend could use my bathroom. I was suspicious, especially when she laughed and said, "We had Willy's burritos for lunch." But, being a generally charitable person, I said yes.
I should have known.
What ensued will haunt me for many years to come: a horrifying, 15-minute digestive symphony, complete with percussion, vocals and an odor, as my classy Aunt Kris would say, that could knock a buzzard off a shitwagon. All the while, my roommate traipsed around the apartment, laughing and joking with the carefree bliss of someone whose bathroom was not being destroyed. I sat cringing on my bed as the carnage continued, wincing every so often at an especially loud or fragrant blast.
And then it got worse. I heard several flushes, a plunger, a few more flushes and the frantic spraying of air freshener. The whir of the fan, the click of the light switch, and then the door swung open and the offender tiptoed out. He did not meet my eyes.
Guess what I did not hear?
Did you catch it yet?
The sounds that were so terribly, terribly absent were the splash of water and the lathering of soap. The sounds of proper hygiene. That's right: HE DID NOT WASH HIS HANDS.
After assuaging my nausea and allowing the bathroom to air out for several hours, I approached the scene of the crime. The aftermath was gruesome. I will spare you the details, but suffice to say I Clorox-wiped every exposed surface of the bathroom and swabbed the toilet with pure bleach. I wiped down the air freshener, the plunger handle, the light and fan switches and the inner and outer doorknobs, all the while thanking the gods of decency that my toothbrush was in a drawer instead of the open air. When I finally finished, I washed my hands three times. I was taking no chances.
I never saw his face, which is probably for the best. I would hate to throw up in public if I ever run into him on the Emory campus. But I hope that, wherever he is, he is properly shamed by his actions. If that guilt will shield just one other person from the psychological trauma of the Stealth Bomber, then he will not have shat in vain.
FML.
I should have known.
What ensued will haunt me for many years to come: a horrifying, 15-minute digestive symphony, complete with percussion, vocals and an odor, as my classy Aunt Kris would say, that could knock a buzzard off a shitwagon. All the while, my roommate traipsed around the apartment, laughing and joking with the carefree bliss of someone whose bathroom was not being destroyed. I sat cringing on my bed as the carnage continued, wincing every so often at an especially loud or fragrant blast.
And then it got worse. I heard several flushes, a plunger, a few more flushes and the frantic spraying of air freshener. The whir of the fan, the click of the light switch, and then the door swung open and the offender tiptoed out. He did not meet my eyes.
Guess what I did not hear?
Did you catch it yet?
The sounds that were so terribly, terribly absent were the splash of water and the lathering of soap. The sounds of proper hygiene. That's right: HE DID NOT WASH HIS HANDS.
After assuaging my nausea and allowing the bathroom to air out for several hours, I approached the scene of the crime. The aftermath was gruesome. I will spare you the details, but suffice to say I Clorox-wiped every exposed surface of the bathroom and swabbed the toilet with pure bleach. I wiped down the air freshener, the plunger handle, the light and fan switches and the inner and outer doorknobs, all the while thanking the gods of decency that my toothbrush was in a drawer instead of the open air. When I finally finished, I washed my hands three times. I was taking no chances.
I never saw his face, which is probably for the best. I would hate to throw up in public if I ever run into him on the Emory campus. But I hope that, wherever he is, he is properly shamed by his actions. If that guilt will shield just one other person from the psychological trauma of the Stealth Bomber, then he will not have shat in vain.
FML.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Spam blog?
So the other blog I write for on occasion, the SAS blog, has been locked and flagged as a Spam blog. Maybe because there were so many posts from so many different people? I really have no idea, but hopefully it will be unlocked soon.
In other news, I have a great many inappropriate crushes, none of them with any chance of going anywhere: the UPS guy, a tutor at work, etc. I guess to crush from afar is easier than to pick someone with a chance of working out? At any rate, it's fun to look.
Also, to create something of a running narrative (gasp), I almost told TWO people on my list of "things I wish I could tell you but I can't." However, they both said things during the conversation that made me change my mind at the last minute. Damn.
In other news, I have a great many inappropriate crushes, none of them with any chance of going anywhere: the UPS guy, a tutor at work, etc. I guess to crush from afar is easier than to pick someone with a chance of working out? At any rate, it's fun to look.
Also, to create something of a running narrative (gasp), I almost told TWO people on my list of "things I wish I could tell you but I can't." However, they both said things during the conversation that made me change my mind at the last minute. Damn.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Back from oblivion
Hey, world. I'm back.
Just got home from, well, home (the OP version). The wedding was lovely, and it was fun to see people I haven't seen in a while. Before that, it was July 4, and before that, I was in Wisconsin. The exhausting life of a Midwestern traveler, I suppose.
Anyway, I'm back in the ATL now, at least for the next few weeks. Further updates as events warrant.
Just got home from, well, home (the OP version). The wedding was lovely, and it was fun to see people I haven't seen in a while. Before that, it was July 4, and before that, I was in Wisconsin. The exhausting life of a Midwestern traveler, I suppose.
Anyway, I'm back in the ATL now, at least for the next few weeks. Further updates as events warrant.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Another day, another dollar
Kind of. Not really the same with a volunteer position.
In some ways, I REALLY need to get my shit together. In other ways, my shit is more together than it's ever been. Make sense?
I made a list recently of things I wish I could say to people in my life, but can't for various reasons. Remember when people used to post that kind of stuff to their blog, but cleverly leave out names so no one knew which one applied to them? That was really stupid. If you have something to say publicly (or privately) to someone, do it. Otherwise, keep it for your journal.
Then again, I probably shouldn't have written it in the journal at all. I probably should have just said it to the people themselves. There goes that soapbox.
Many, many things can be fixed by: 1) Turning it off and on; 2) making sure it's plugged in; 3) duct tape; and/or 4) a Sharpie. For everything else, there's Mastercard.
Talent doesn't matter if you don't show up. That was a big realization I had this week -- seems basic, but it was kind of a breakthrough for me.
The PedEgg is amazing and really does work. However, and trust me on this one, it is one of the most disgusting beauty products you can possibly buy.
It's incredible how unaware I can be of the poverty all around me. You never know someone's situation until you are in it.
I've said it before, and I will definitely say it again, but laundry is THE WORST.
A little boy read the word "stripper" today instead of "stopping." It was an awkward moment for me, but he didn't seem to care at all. Kids are funny about that stuff.
I'm glad I'm back to being a curly. It was sad to have straight (well, kind of) hair these past two weeks. Bad haircuts are really hard to deal with when you have naturally wavy hair.
I duct-taped my cat last week.
Yes, you read that right. Long story.
This has been an episode of "things MK is thinking at the moment." Tune in next week for a new list of completely random and unrelated topics!
In some ways, I REALLY need to get my shit together. In other ways, my shit is more together than it's ever been. Make sense?
I made a list recently of things I wish I could say to people in my life, but can't for various reasons. Remember when people used to post that kind of stuff to their blog, but cleverly leave out names so no one knew which one applied to them? That was really stupid. If you have something to say publicly (or privately) to someone, do it. Otherwise, keep it for your journal.
Then again, I probably shouldn't have written it in the journal at all. I probably should have just said it to the people themselves. There goes that soapbox.
Many, many things can be fixed by: 1) Turning it off and on; 2) making sure it's plugged in; 3) duct tape; and/or 4) a Sharpie. For everything else, there's Mastercard.
Talent doesn't matter if you don't show up. That was a big realization I had this week -- seems basic, but it was kind of a breakthrough for me.
The PedEgg is amazing and really does work. However, and trust me on this one, it is one of the most disgusting beauty products you can possibly buy.
It's incredible how unaware I can be of the poverty all around me. You never know someone's situation until you are in it.
I've said it before, and I will definitely say it again, but laundry is THE WORST.
A little boy read the word "stripper" today instead of "stopping." It was an awkward moment for me, but he didn't seem to care at all. Kids are funny about that stuff.
I'm glad I'm back to being a curly. It was sad to have straight (well, kind of) hair these past two weeks. Bad haircuts are really hard to deal with when you have naturally wavy hair.
I duct-taped my cat last week.
Yes, you read that right. Long story.
This has been an episode of "things MK is thinking at the moment." Tune in next week for a new list of completely random and unrelated topics!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Reminiscing...
...is dangerous. One minute, you're flipping through old journals, and suddenly you find yourself with bleary eyes and cramped legs after spending 3 hours reading your entire Facebook message history. Hm.
In only very tenuously related news, my grandpa used to get a magazine for old people called Reminisce. It was mainly about the 30s-50s, and I would read it and wonder if someday people would write so fondly of the 90s. I'd like to think that someone, somewhere, will be able to wax rhapsodic about Vanilla Ice and Y2K and the dot-com bubble and Titanic and Monica Lewinsky.
Well, maybe not Monica.
In only very tenuously related news, my grandpa used to get a magazine for old people called Reminisce. It was mainly about the 30s-50s, and I would read it and wonder if someday people would write so fondly of the 90s. I'd like to think that someone, somewhere, will be able to wax rhapsodic about Vanilla Ice and Y2K and the dot-com bubble and Titanic and Monica Lewinsky.
Well, maybe not Monica.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Oh hai
Sorry to go all emo on you in the last post. I think I was just up late and in one of those weird introspective moods. Anyway, life is busy as ever, and it is a life full of copies, stapling and writing curriculum. More copies than anything else, though. I am working at Refugee Family Services as a literacy program coordinator for the summer elementary program. It has been going well so far, but the days always feel way longer than they actually are. I should probably start taking a lunch break. I am working with a bunch of people who have done the Peace Corps and are now in Americorps, so I feel a little inadequate. They're all out saving the world while I'm writing papers no one will ever read and figuring out how to stretch 3 chicken tenders into a week's worth of meals. I guess I'm conserving chicken, so that's a plus -- still can't put it on a resume, but it's there. I really have considered doing the Peace Corps, though. I still might do it, except there's that pesky problem of having a cat. Eh, I'll figure it out at some point.
I am also playing in the Emory brass quintet for the summer, which is really exciting and a little bit scary. I've always wanted to play in a brass quintet, really THE brass quintet, but it has never worked out for whatever reason. Hopefully I will do well enough this summer to merit consideration for the fall quintet.
I wonder if you can bring a French horn with you if you go into the Peace Corps.
In other news, my troubled computer life of the past few years continues with the latest model. It is sufficient for checking e-mail but can't handle web-surfing without long waits, and it definitely won't be up to research papers this fall. However, I have no money with which to buy a new computer. Suggestions, blogosphere? Slash Diana? Maybe if I can stretch that chicken into just a few more meals ...
All right, kiddos. It's late. I think it's about time to make like a tree and get the ef out of here.
MK out.
I am also playing in the Emory brass quintet for the summer, which is really exciting and a little bit scary. I've always wanted to play in a brass quintet, really THE brass quintet, but it has never worked out for whatever reason. Hopefully I will do well enough this summer to merit consideration for the fall quintet.
I wonder if you can bring a French horn with you if you go into the Peace Corps.
In other news, my troubled computer life of the past few years continues with the latest model. It is sufficient for checking e-mail but can't handle web-surfing without long waits, and it definitely won't be up to research papers this fall. However, I have no money with which to buy a new computer. Suggestions, blogosphere? Slash Diana? Maybe if I can stretch that chicken into just a few more meals ...
All right, kiddos. It's late. I think it's about time to make like a tree and get the ef out of here.
MK out.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Legibility
It is usually easy to tell when someone is feeling a certain way, especially if you are close to that person, skilled at reading people or both. Yet, even knowing how readily we discern emotion in others, we all believe we are adept at hiding our own thoughts and feelings -- everyone thinks of himself as the exception. In reality, there are very few people who can truly conceal their emotions, especially to people who know them well. I used to think I was one of them, that I had an indecipherable poker face, but I am realizing my legibility more and more. Is it such a bad thing to be vulnerable, to be open?
No -- but it is terrifying.
No -- but it is terrifying.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
Star Trek
Go see it! I really enjoyed it, even though I am in no way a Trekkie and normally not even a science fiction fan.
That's all I got.
That's all I got.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
25 things you may or may not know about me
Sorry for my prolonged absence. Life got in the way of blogging. I could promise never to let it happen again, but I would be lying.
I am obviously late in the game for this 25 things list, but what's an MK venture without a little delay? It's a tad egocentric to assume people want to read all about me, so instead of posting on Facebook, I am writing on this blog that nobody but Diana reads. Hi, Diana! Anyway, here goes.
1. I have a running commentary going on constantly in my head, often in the style of a novel (like I am writing a book about my life as it happens.) I know it's weird, but I've done it since at least kindergarten and probably before that.
2. I didn't know I had curly hair until my senior year of high school. I just thought my hair was poofy and annoying, and I thus had a terminal case of wedge-head for many years.
3. When I was little, I wanted to be a whale when I grew up. Really badly. When I found out humans couldn't turn into animals by choice, I settled for wanting to be a ballerina and a singer (at the same time) like every other girl in my preschool.
4. Speaking of preschool, I was once suspended from that fine institution. I told the other kids the wall tasted salty and that they should lick it, not thinking anyone would believe me. They all immediately lined up and started licking the wall -- I found this hilarious, so I walked up and down encouraging everyone. The teacher couldn't get them off the wall and sent me home for the day for misbehaving.
5. If I didn't play the horn, I would play the cello or the flute. I still may try to learn flute someday.
6. This one is probably a surprise to no one, but I am terrible about returning texts, calls and e-mails. I see the message, mentally respond to it and never get around to actually writing out my response. It's not that I don't care, it's just that I'm completely absent-minded.
7. I loved being an Army brat and moving all the time when I was younger. However, it makes the question, "Where are you from?" difficult to answer.
8. I hate being late. I know most of you just fell out of your chairs, but bear with me. I basically live my life in a constant state of guilt and shame. The obvious solution, of course, is to not be late -- I am working on it, but it is harder than you may think. I just have absolutely no concept of time.
9. I am in love with the English language, and it pains me to hear/read poor grammar or to see misspelled words. I compulsively check my e-mails and even text messages for errors, so it's rare for me to send something with a typo. However, I find it really annoying when people correct other people's grammar in conversation, so I apologize if I have ever done that to you.
10. In the same vein, I receive word-of-the-day e-mails. I started it in high school as preparation for the SAT, and I loved it so much I kept renewing my subscription. Dictionary.com, baby!
11. I want to learn as many languages as possible. For starters, I'd like to know Spanish, German, Italian, Latin and Hindi, but the full list is even longer (Russian, Japanese, Portuguese, etc.) I'm not sure how many of these I will be able to master in my lifetime, but I'm going to try for as many as I can manage. So far, I've got French and English down pat.
12. I love making "surprise" friends, the ones I meet when I wasn't expecting anything and who are outside of my main group. Some examples of these people: Diana (thank goodness we had JAG together!) and the Paris crew (Jules, Lizzie, Josh, Sarah). I didn't realize I was missing anything before I met you, but my life is richer for having you in it. Sappy, but true.
13. I can and often do read the New York Times and Wikipedia for hours. I love to be well-informed about as many topics as possible, and I will often have 15+ articles open in my browser tabs as I click on links that interest me. Some that are open now: Wikipedia articles on China one-child policy and cognitive biases and NY Times articles on Roman France, Catholic stance on homosexuality and RNA as the starting point for life, among several others.
14. I am an extremely easy crier, tearing up for everything from anger to happiness to pure emotion. I get this from my mother's side of the family, for sure. I am almost guaranteed to cry if I see someone else crying, even if I don't know them or the reason they're upset. However, I really don't like crying in front of people.
15. I could never, ever be a dermatologist. Skin conditions disgust me, and I hate going to dermatology offices where there are posters of misshapen moles and pustules and boils and rashes. Ew, ew, ew.
16. I get irrationally angry every time it rains in Atlanta, because I think the lack of a decent sewer/gutter system is ridiculous. This is probably because I am the daughter of a civil engineer.
17. Nerd alert, but I miss marching band. I kind of wish I had joined a drum corps for at least one summer. Marching was the one semi-athletic thing I was good at, with the possible exception of swimming.
18. I think I would make a really good journalist except for having to meet deadlines all the time.
19. I once accidentally sent a kid to the hospital after smacking him in the face with a seat belt buckle. In my defense, he called my bus driver 47 penises and 52 vaginas, and I really liked my bus driver. Ms. Prelow never knew all I did to defend her honor.
20. I LOVE to shop online, and I do extensive research about the best product before buying almost anything. This includes trivial things like tweezers and hair products.
21. I was an extremely mischievous kid, but mostly because I never thought anyone would believe my practical jokes. The wall-licking incident is an example of this, as well as the time I convinced my brother he was about to drink hot lemonade. Mom was not happy when he spit it out across her new carpet.
22. I played Sandy the dog in the Pleasant Ridge Middle School production of Annie. I had to bark, sing/howl and dance on stage, and there is a video to prove it. It is my finest role to date.
23. I used to entertain my friends on the playground with stories about a character I made up named Mondo Fat Guy. One of the stories involved him tripping and falling on a glue factory, and then sitting on a city and getting people stuck to his butt. I am not sure if I should be impressed with my creativity and storytelling ability or ashamed of my obvious prejudice against fat people.
24. I watch dog shows on ESPN for fun. I know almost every dog breed there is -- go ahead and ask me. I also have a working knowledge of cat and horse breeds. On a related note, I went through a phase when I was little where I asked strangers what breed they were. I meant religion, but I am not sure why I thought that was an appropriate question to ask.
25. Paris is my favorite city, even though it smells like pee and is very touristy and strange men grab your bum. Actually, it may be because strange men grab your bum. If you ever go there, ask me for my GIANT list of things to do. It's seriously like a master's thesis.
There you have it, ladies and gentlemen (or really one lady, Diana.) I hope you enjoyed this ridiculous list of things you never needed to know about me.
I am obviously late in the game for this 25 things list, but what's an MK venture without a little delay? It's a tad egocentric to assume people want to read all about me, so instead of posting on Facebook, I am writing on this blog that nobody but Diana reads. Hi, Diana! Anyway, here goes.
1. I have a running commentary going on constantly in my head, often in the style of a novel (like I am writing a book about my life as it happens.) I know it's weird, but I've done it since at least kindergarten and probably before that.
2. I didn't know I had curly hair until my senior year of high school. I just thought my hair was poofy and annoying, and I thus had a terminal case of wedge-head for many years.
3. When I was little, I wanted to be a whale when I grew up. Really badly. When I found out humans couldn't turn into animals by choice, I settled for wanting to be a ballerina and a singer (at the same time) like every other girl in my preschool.
4. Speaking of preschool, I was once suspended from that fine institution. I told the other kids the wall tasted salty and that they should lick it, not thinking anyone would believe me. They all immediately lined up and started licking the wall -- I found this hilarious, so I walked up and down encouraging everyone. The teacher couldn't get them off the wall and sent me home for the day for misbehaving.
5. If I didn't play the horn, I would play the cello or the flute. I still may try to learn flute someday.
6. This one is probably a surprise to no one, but I am terrible about returning texts, calls and e-mails. I see the message, mentally respond to it and never get around to actually writing out my response. It's not that I don't care, it's just that I'm completely absent-minded.
7. I loved being an Army brat and moving all the time when I was younger. However, it makes the question, "Where are you from?" difficult to answer.
8. I hate being late. I know most of you just fell out of your chairs, but bear with me. I basically live my life in a constant state of guilt and shame. The obvious solution, of course, is to not be late -- I am working on it, but it is harder than you may think. I just have absolutely no concept of time.
9. I am in love with the English language, and it pains me to hear/read poor grammar or to see misspelled words. I compulsively check my e-mails and even text messages for errors, so it's rare for me to send something with a typo. However, I find it really annoying when people correct other people's grammar in conversation, so I apologize if I have ever done that to you.
10. In the same vein, I receive word-of-the-day e-mails. I started it in high school as preparation for the SAT, and I loved it so much I kept renewing my subscription. Dictionary.com, baby!
11. I want to learn as many languages as possible. For starters, I'd like to know Spanish, German, Italian, Latin and Hindi, but the full list is even longer (Russian, Japanese, Portuguese, etc.) I'm not sure how many of these I will be able to master in my lifetime, but I'm going to try for as many as I can manage. So far, I've got French and English down pat.
12. I love making "surprise" friends, the ones I meet when I wasn't expecting anything and who are outside of my main group. Some examples of these people: Diana (thank goodness we had JAG together!) and the Paris crew (Jules, Lizzie, Josh, Sarah). I didn't realize I was missing anything before I met you, but my life is richer for having you in it. Sappy, but true.
13. I can and often do read the New York Times and Wikipedia for hours. I love to be well-informed about as many topics as possible, and I will often have 15+ articles open in my browser tabs as I click on links that interest me. Some that are open now: Wikipedia articles on China one-child policy and cognitive biases and NY Times articles on Roman France, Catholic stance on homosexuality and RNA as the starting point for life, among several others.
14. I am an extremely easy crier, tearing up for everything from anger to happiness to pure emotion. I get this from my mother's side of the family, for sure. I am almost guaranteed to cry if I see someone else crying, even if I don't know them or the reason they're upset. However, I really don't like crying in front of people.
15. I could never, ever be a dermatologist. Skin conditions disgust me, and I hate going to dermatology offices where there are posters of misshapen moles and pustules and boils and rashes. Ew, ew, ew.
16. I get irrationally angry every time it rains in Atlanta, because I think the lack of a decent sewer/gutter system is ridiculous. This is probably because I am the daughter of a civil engineer.
17. Nerd alert, but I miss marching band. I kind of wish I had joined a drum corps for at least one summer. Marching was the one semi-athletic thing I was good at, with the possible exception of swimming.
18. I think I would make a really good journalist except for having to meet deadlines all the time.
19. I once accidentally sent a kid to the hospital after smacking him in the face with a seat belt buckle. In my defense, he called my bus driver 47 penises and 52 vaginas, and I really liked my bus driver. Ms. Prelow never knew all I did to defend her honor.
20. I LOVE to shop online, and I do extensive research about the best product before buying almost anything. This includes trivial things like tweezers and hair products.
21. I was an extremely mischievous kid, but mostly because I never thought anyone would believe my practical jokes. The wall-licking incident is an example of this, as well as the time I convinced my brother he was about to drink hot lemonade. Mom was not happy when he spit it out across her new carpet.
22. I played Sandy the dog in the Pleasant Ridge Middle School production of Annie. I had to bark, sing/howl and dance on stage, and there is a video to prove it. It is my finest role to date.
23. I used to entertain my friends on the playground with stories about a character I made up named Mondo Fat Guy. One of the stories involved him tripping and falling on a glue factory, and then sitting on a city and getting people stuck to his butt. I am not sure if I should be impressed with my creativity and storytelling ability or ashamed of my obvious prejudice against fat people.
24. I watch dog shows on ESPN for fun. I know almost every dog breed there is -- go ahead and ask me. I also have a working knowledge of cat and horse breeds. On a related note, I went through a phase when I was little where I asked strangers what breed they were. I meant religion, but I am not sure why I thought that was an appropriate question to ask.
25. Paris is my favorite city, even though it smells like pee and is very touristy and strange men grab your bum. Actually, it may be because strange men grab your bum. If you ever go there, ask me for my GIANT list of things to do. It's seriously like a master's thesis.
There you have it, ladies and gentlemen (or really one lady, Diana.) I hope you enjoyed this ridiculous list of things you never needed to know about me.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Octuplet lady
I was going to post a rant earlier on how nuts this woman is, but now I think the whole thing has been entirely too discussed already. She's crazy and irresponsible; let's all move on now.
In other news, I am no longer (as) sick. The flu is gone, which is fabulous, but it has left a sinus infection and an asthma flare-up in its wake. TMI? Oh well. I am quite used to this stuff as it happens every time I have a cold, so I'm just submitting to the antibiotics and steroids as usual. No biggie.
I am trying to do massive amounts of laundry this week in preparation for New York on Thursday with the orchestra and Napa Valley next Friday for spring break. I am not sure how much of it I will get done between rehearsals, working and my wind ensemble concert on Wednesday, but we'll see. It must be said that I HATE doing laundry. I am really not sure why this is, but anyone who knows me even marginally can probably tell you that I often go WAY longer than I should between loads. It just seems like such a hassle, and I put it off and put it off until it becomes an emergency situation where I have no pants and am forced to wear dresses for a week. Not that dresses are a bad thing, but still. It seems that underwear is really the limiting factor for my laundry, but luckily that is easily purchased in a pinch. Or you can go the Sarika route and just wear bikini bottoms as undies. :)
I am really excited about all the upcoming trips, and I only hope I have enough money to really enjoy them. I'm a poor lady these days! I think I will be picking up another job in the evenings soon, so that is promising. I need to make bank this summer, but somehow I foresee that not really happening. Ah, the trials and tribulations of college students.
I went to an Oscar party at Casey and Natalie's apartment tonight. It was fun to watch the ceremony and try to predict who would win. I came in second place with 14 correct predictions (the winners were Sharon and Lizzie, tied at 15 each). I am glad Slumdog Millionaire won Best Picture -- I really did think it was a lovely film. I do still want to see Milk and possibly Frost-Nixon, so I guess I can't really speak for the quality of those movies. I am just always glad to see Indian-themed movies do well here in the States. The best part of the Oscars ceremony by far was the video with James Franco (yum) and Seth Rogen. Hilarious, and a great way to showcase some of the comedies of the past year. Overall, though, the ceremony was a little draggy in parts, although that's kind of inevitable with an awards show of this length. I like Hugh Jackman, but I was not a huge fan of him hosting. Bring back John Stewart! Who can forget Gaydolf Titler from last year, now apparently the middle name of my cat according to the ladies with whom I watched.
Now it is time for me to go shower and get ready for today. Catch you cats on the flip side.
In other news, I am no longer (as) sick. The flu is gone, which is fabulous, but it has left a sinus infection and an asthma flare-up in its wake. TMI? Oh well. I am quite used to this stuff as it happens every time I have a cold, so I'm just submitting to the antibiotics and steroids as usual. No biggie.
I am trying to do massive amounts of laundry this week in preparation for New York on Thursday with the orchestra and Napa Valley next Friday for spring break. I am not sure how much of it I will get done between rehearsals, working and my wind ensemble concert on Wednesday, but we'll see. It must be said that I HATE doing laundry. I am really not sure why this is, but anyone who knows me even marginally can probably tell you that I often go WAY longer than I should between loads. It just seems like such a hassle, and I put it off and put it off until it becomes an emergency situation where I have no pants and am forced to wear dresses for a week. Not that dresses are a bad thing, but still. It seems that underwear is really the limiting factor for my laundry, but luckily that is easily purchased in a pinch. Or you can go the Sarika route and just wear bikini bottoms as undies. :)
I am really excited about all the upcoming trips, and I only hope I have enough money to really enjoy them. I'm a poor lady these days! I think I will be picking up another job in the evenings soon, so that is promising. I need to make bank this summer, but somehow I foresee that not really happening. Ah, the trials and tribulations of college students.
I went to an Oscar party at Casey and Natalie's apartment tonight. It was fun to watch the ceremony and try to predict who would win. I came in second place with 14 correct predictions (the winners were Sharon and Lizzie, tied at 15 each). I am glad Slumdog Millionaire won Best Picture -- I really did think it was a lovely film. I do still want to see Milk and possibly Frost-Nixon, so I guess I can't really speak for the quality of those movies. I am just always glad to see Indian-themed movies do well here in the States. The best part of the Oscars ceremony by far was the video with James Franco (yum) and Seth Rogen. Hilarious, and a great way to showcase some of the comedies of the past year. Overall, though, the ceremony was a little draggy in parts, although that's kind of inevitable with an awards show of this length. I like Hugh Jackman, but I was not a huge fan of him hosting. Bring back John Stewart! Who can forget Gaydolf Titler from last year, now apparently the middle name of my cat according to the ladies with whom I watched.
Now it is time for me to go shower and get ready for today. Catch you cats on the flip side.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
The fluuuuuuu
I'm pretty sure I have it. Bleah. The worst part is that I am super tired but can't sleep -- not sure if that's because of the meds, the symptoms or what, but it's annoying. I thought I was doing so well avoiding all the winter viruses, too. The other excellent part is that I have gotten a flu shot every year for the past 10 years, but this one year I did not get one. Damn.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Cats
There is a large black and white cat named Nightlight that keeps sleeping on my bed/pillow. She does not belong to me, nor does she particularly like me, but she insists on sleeping on my bed. Every time I kick her out, she somehow sneaks back in. She's like a cute, fat, furry fungus.
Here goes removal attempt #3.
Here goes removal attempt #3.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Ratatouille
What a great movie. It makes me want to eat food. And be in Paris. Good times.
In other news, I will be playing in a wind ensemble concert and then packing to leave for NYC with the orchestra in TWO weeks. Crazytown.
In other news, I will be playing in a wind ensemble concert and then packing to leave for NYC with the orchestra in TWO weeks. Crazytown.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Brace yourself: you're about to be hit with three in one day.*
I was just re-reading some of my earlier entries. It was nice to actually have readers back in the day. Thanks, Diana, for reppin' this blog. I think you're the only one!
I do enjoy, however, not having to preface every entry with apologies about how long it's been since I've posted.
*That's what she said.**
**I'm not going to keep doing this. I just figured I had started a motif with the last post.
I do enjoy, however, not having to preface every entry with apologies about how long it's been since I've posted.
*That's what she said.**
**I'm not going to keep doing this. I just figured I had started a motif with the last post.
A meditation on goat cheese
That's right, goat cheese.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again, but I'm seriously lame. Like, really lame. Like, have nothing better to write about on my blog than my personal feelings on goat cheese lame. I quote John McCain when I say: my friends, if you can't handle the lame, get out of the blog.*
On to the cheese.
I am slowly coming to (and stubbornly resisting) the realization that I don't really like goat cheese. I keep trying to like it; I often order things with it in restaurants with the idea that if I just keep eating it, I will somehow grow to love it. However, this does not seem to be the case. My taste buds could morph into goatherds, and I still would not like this cheese. It just tastes so ... goat-y. I think some delusional part of my brain thinks that because I like being cultured** in general and eating fancy cheese in particular, I should like this specific type of cheese, and I only have to try harder next time to make it work.
I am ashamed of this confession. If you were ever to ask me about this in public, I would say you made it all up; that's how deep my denial is. So the next time we are eating together in a restaurant or at a fancy dinner party, and you see me eating goat cheese (which will happen with more frequency than you probably even realize right now -- that shiznit is everywhere), you can smile with the sweet Schadenfreude of knowing my internal conflict.
Weird, right?
*That may be more of an approximation than an actual quote.
**Ha! Cultured! Cheese! Get it? See, LAME.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again, but I'm seriously lame. Like, really lame. Like, have nothing better to write about on my blog than my personal feelings on goat cheese lame. I quote John McCain when I say: my friends, if you can't handle the lame, get out of the blog.*
On to the cheese.
I am slowly coming to (and stubbornly resisting) the realization that I don't really like goat cheese. I keep trying to like it; I often order things with it in restaurants with the idea that if I just keep eating it, I will somehow grow to love it. However, this does not seem to be the case. My taste buds could morph into goatherds, and I still would not like this cheese. It just tastes so ... goat-y. I think some delusional part of my brain thinks that because I like being cultured** in general and eating fancy cheese in particular, I should like this specific type of cheese, and I only have to try harder next time to make it work.
I am ashamed of this confession. If you were ever to ask me about this in public, I would say you made it all up; that's how deep my denial is. So the next time we are eating together in a restaurant or at a fancy dinner party, and you see me eating goat cheese (which will happen with more frequency than you probably even realize right now -- that shiznit is everywhere), you can smile with the sweet Schadenfreude of knowing my internal conflict.
Weird, right?
*That may be more of an approximation than an actual quote.
**Ha! Cultured! Cheese! Get it? See, LAME.
Hot damn ... here comes five.
I can't sleep, as usual, and therefore I am up surfing Facebook and the Interweb. Everybody's doing this 25 Facts thing, and as much as I like reading other peoples' notes even if they didn't tag me -- I'm really nosy and also kind of a creeper -- I am not sure if I want to publish my own. Maybe I'll do it here so I don't have to force my facts on unsuspecting passersby on Facebook. It's way better to force my facts on the empty silence of the Internet (and Diana).
Today was a fail of a day -- forgot a meeting, got chewed out by someone I respect a great deal, called out in rehearsal for being out of tune (twice) ... just bad news all around. I tend to lose my mojo when something really bothers me, and I think the stuff in orchestra all stemmed from me feeling deflated after this chewing out (which was completely deserved, by the way, so don't feel bad for me). I was later able to eat my feelings in the form of creme brulee, so that was nice.
I've also been poking around on Facebook, as previously mentioned, and I am in a bit of a funk about how things went down this summer. To recap: I was a teacher for a middle school enrichment program, and although I loved the program and the experience, I never dove into the program headfirst like I should have. Thus, I did not get to know many of the teachers very well, and I sincerely regret that. I know it was my own doing, and it stemmed from a lot of personal issues I was trying to work through. However, it still bothers me that A) there are these awesome people with whom I spent an entire summer who are practically strangers to me; B) they are all close to each other, and I'm kind of out of the loop; and C) they have this terrible impression of me I don't think I'll ever be able to erase. There is no way to show them the person they met this summer is not the real me -- or at least, is a part of me, but not the whole picture. I know I shouldn't care what these people think, considering I will probably never see most of them again, but I genuinely respected all of them (well ... most) and would love to have their good opinion. Needy? Self-absorbed? Maybe, but it's the truth. I am thinking of teaching in the program again this summer, and the idea of a do-over is very appealing.
Sorry to go all introspective on you. I'm not always angsty, I swear. Here's to tomorrow being a better day, starting with me trying to go to sleep for real.
Today was a fail of a day -- forgot a meeting, got chewed out by someone I respect a great deal, called out in rehearsal for being out of tune (twice) ... just bad news all around. I tend to lose my mojo when something really bothers me, and I think the stuff in orchestra all stemmed from me feeling deflated after this chewing out (which was completely deserved, by the way, so don't feel bad for me). I was later able to eat my feelings in the form of creme brulee, so that was nice.
I've also been poking around on Facebook, as previously mentioned, and I am in a bit of a funk about how things went down this summer. To recap: I was a teacher for a middle school enrichment program, and although I loved the program and the experience, I never dove into the program headfirst like I should have. Thus, I did not get to know many of the teachers very well, and I sincerely regret that. I know it was my own doing, and it stemmed from a lot of personal issues I was trying to work through. However, it still bothers me that A) there are these awesome people with whom I spent an entire summer who are practically strangers to me; B) they are all close to each other, and I'm kind of out of the loop; and C) they have this terrible impression of me I don't think I'll ever be able to erase. There is no way to show them the person they met this summer is not the real me -- or at least, is a part of me, but not the whole picture. I know I shouldn't care what these people think, considering I will probably never see most of them again, but I genuinely respected all of them (well ... most) and would love to have their good opinion. Needy? Self-absorbed? Maybe, but it's the truth. I am thinking of teaching in the program again this summer, and the idea of a do-over is very appealing.
Sorry to go all introspective on you. I'm not always angsty, I swear. Here's to tomorrow being a better day, starting with me trying to go to sleep for real.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Four!
I made a delicious dinner tonight. It's a little weird to cook for one, but I do enjoy cooking. I should do it much more often. I think I have been inspired by Top Chef.
Hey, look, three in a row.
I don't really have anything to say today, except for the fact that I am in need of some major cash monies. If you owe me money and forgot about it, now would be a good time to remind me.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
LOLz
I just realized I wrote one post in all of 2008 ... best blogger ever. I'll take my Webby award via mail, thanks.
Damn, I suck at this blogging thing.
Yep, didn't happen. Again. Oh well. I'll just say don't hold your breath for updates, and we'll see where things go from here.
I just got back from Savannah, where I have been for the past few days playing in the GMEA All-College ensemble. It was equal parts fun, awkwardness, gossip and slight boredom, but all in all a good trip. It was nice to get to know some of my fellow wind ensemblers better.
So I guess an update is in order about other things that are going on chez MK. I am taking a fifth year to finish a French major in order to do Teach for America after graduation. I thought I would be OK without an official French major because I am already fluent, but apparently I need the major for certification to teach high school French. I don't want to teach high school forever, but for the 2 years of TFA I would prefer high or maybe middle school to elementary. Thus, I had to switch from a music major with a minor in French to a French major with a minor in music. I still feel like I am class of '09 even though I am now officially graduating in '10 (that doesn't even look right -- no zero in front?!). If I get a class ring, it will definitely say '09. I just consider 2010 to be my victory lap.
It's weird to be a second-semester senior, even though I know I will be here for another year. All my friends are deciding where to go and what to do for the next chapter of their lives, and it's very strange to think about all of us being scattered across the country and potentially even internationally next year. It's the kind of thing that hits you in certain moments when you're least expecting it -- you forget about it until some little thing jars the thought, and WHAM. Finality. Of course, I know I will keep in touch with my close friends, but it's obviously going to be quite different than it has been. Forgive me for this little nostalgia trip, but I couldn't sleep last night and got to looking through photos on Facebook. College has had some majorly fun times, and I'm sure there are many fun times still to come.
To wrap up this post, I will show a photo of another thing that has happened since I last wrote: Mowgli the cat. I know, I know, it's really lame to post pictures of my cat, but A) I'm lame, so deal with it, and B) ... well, that's it, really. Just deal. He mostly looks like he's stoned all the time, but I have managed to catch him actually alert once or twice.
Stoned:
Marginally less stoned:
Somewhat alert:
I just got back from Savannah, where I have been for the past few days playing in the GMEA All-College ensemble. It was equal parts fun, awkwardness, gossip and slight boredom, but all in all a good trip. It was nice to get to know some of my fellow wind ensemblers better.
So I guess an update is in order about other things that are going on chez MK. I am taking a fifth year to finish a French major in order to do Teach for America after graduation. I thought I would be OK without an official French major because I am already fluent, but apparently I need the major for certification to teach high school French. I don't want to teach high school forever, but for the 2 years of TFA I would prefer high or maybe middle school to elementary. Thus, I had to switch from a music major with a minor in French to a French major with a minor in music. I still feel like I am class of '09 even though I am now officially graduating in '10 (that doesn't even look right -- no zero in front?!). If I get a class ring, it will definitely say '09. I just consider 2010 to be my victory lap.
It's weird to be a second-semester senior, even though I know I will be here for another year. All my friends are deciding where to go and what to do for the next chapter of their lives, and it's very strange to think about all of us being scattered across the country and potentially even internationally next year. It's the kind of thing that hits you in certain moments when you're least expecting it -- you forget about it until some little thing jars the thought, and WHAM. Finality. Of course, I know I will keep in touch with my close friends, but it's obviously going to be quite different than it has been. Forgive me for this little nostalgia trip, but I couldn't sleep last night and got to looking through photos on Facebook. College has had some majorly fun times, and I'm sure there are many fun times still to come.
To wrap up this post, I will show a photo of another thing that has happened since I last wrote: Mowgli the cat. I know, I know, it's really lame to post pictures of my cat, but A) I'm lame, so deal with it, and B) ... well, that's it, really. Just deal. He mostly looks like he's stoned all the time, but I have managed to catch him actually alert once or twice.
Stoned:
Marginally less stoned:
Somewhat alert:
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