Paso por paso...

Just one of them days....

2009-07-02T17:07:00.008-04:00

Ugh, today was crappy; and I had such high hopes. It went down like this....

I woke up early this morning with all intentions of being productive. I came downstairs to have breakfast and met up with a Canadian couple and a British girl. They were chatting excitedly about how beautiful it was going to be today--- hot, sunny, slightly breezy--- perfect for going to the beach! I checked the forecast on my laptop and the high was 80F with nothing but rain and clouds in sight for the next 5 days, at least. All I can say is, their joy was infectious and I got the bug. They somehow managed to convince me that I should ditch work for one day and go with them. I quickly, and may I add stupidly agreed. I added, however, that I would only stay for a little while and then would come back, change and head to the archive to work during the late afternoon until it closed. Awesome plan, right?

We all got our swimsuits on and hopped on the first bus that said "Ipanema". We sped along for about 10 minutes then came to a screeching halt--- traffic. We crawled along for a while then, I noticed we were taking a different route than I was used to. Ok, I thought, it'll be okay; we might even miss some traffic this way. Wrong! We looped all around God-knows-where until, finally, after 40 minutes, we saw beach. My companions immediately hit the signal and we got out. I didn't recognize the beach but, whatever, we were somewhere. The Canadians said they wanted to look at some shops first and would meet us a little while later on the beach. The Brit chick and I agreed and got ourselves situated on the beach.

The beach was virtually deserted which, normally, I would dig but then the wind picked up. The sea was REALLY rough so she couldn't swim. The sun passed behind a massive cloud that was quickly followed by several massive clouds. It got to the point that it was so cold and windy that we had goosebumps. But, the Canadian couple was nowhere in sight; it was then that we realized that, between us, no one had a watch either. Shiznit. After much discussion, we decided to ditch that beach for what looked like a much sunnier area around the bend.

They say, "the grass is always greener"; in this case, "the beach is always sunnier". We hopped on a passing van, got to our destination, placed all our stuff and basked in the glow of the Brazilian sun.....for about 15 mins until the clouds caught up with us. Double shiznit. Time for lunch! Food never fails to cheer me up. We went on a quest to find some. After a frustrating amount of trekking (my companion is an exceptionally picky eater), we finally found a suitable place.

Upon learning the time (after we had already ordered, of course!), I quickly realized I was cutting things close. I hustled the poor girl through our meal and we grabbed the first bus that said "Botafogo"--- this time, I knew it was a good one. Unfortunately, we were already hitting rush hour traffic. Another 45 minutes later, we arrived at the hostel. I flew upstairs, changed and ran out to grab the metro (WAY faster) to Downtown and try and salvage the day. As I descended into the station.....the platform was PACKED with people. I swear, I have NEVER seen it like that and I've been around quite a lot. I had to push, shove and throw elbows to get on the first train. I was squished on the side of an elderly gentlemen who apparently didn't believe in deodorant (despite having both arms up on the ceiling handrail) and was transporting something rotten in a plastic bag that was dripping on the floor. On my other side, there was a teenage couple engrossed in an exceptionally intense make-out session (I guess the subway is a turn-on??).

Several torturous stations later, I arrived at my destination. I ran out and up the stairs to the archive. I practically slid into the reception desk (they had apparently waxed the floors right before I got there) and threw my info at them. The tallest of three girls at the desk (why they need three is beyond me) smugly told me that I couldn't go in.

Me: Why?

Bitchy Girl(BG): It's closed.

Me: Closed?? But it said it was open until 5:45 on the website!

BG: Only if you're already inside.

Me: What? I don't understand.

BG: (long, huffy sigh) You can only enter up until 4:30; if you're already in you can stay until 5:45.

Me: But it's 4:30 now....

BG: No, it's 4:32.

Me: Oh, come on, please?? All I need to do is fill out one form so I can look at things on Wednesday. Really quick, I swear....

BG: No.

Me: There's no way?

BG: No; there's no one in there to help you.

Me: How can that be? They're open until 5:45....surely they must have SOMEONE in there. Like (start dropping names of people who I know)....

BG: No....come back tomorrow morning.

Me: (red in the face) Ok, fine.

As I power-walked back the metro to use up my totally-useless round-trip ticket, I fought back the urge to kick something. I mean, come one, this is BRAZIL! The people who invented "jeitinho" and all forms of official and unofficial short-cuts. Two minutes!!! I was probably there at 4:30 on the dot and chatted with BG for those two oh-so-important minutes. The other side of my brain went into guilt-mode. Well, you know, you chose to go to the beach instead of working. This is your fault. She is just doing her job and enforcing the rules-- you know that. Yes, damnit, I know. I grumbled to myself all the way back to the hostel.

Right before getting there I passed the mall; oh, I thought, I need to get some cash from the ATM and see if they have hair gel somewhere. So, I went inside.

I decided to head to Lojas Americanas (The American Store) first, which is basically like a catch-all Wal-Martesque kind of place. Previously, I had literally been on, what had turned into, a quest for hair gel. Who knew? Brazilians do not use gel--- of any kind-- in their hair. The day before, I had tried virtually every pharmacy and grocery store in the surrounding 10 blocks to no avail. My bottle of spray gel was running dangerously low and I needed some kind of substitute. As I entered the hair products aisle I heard someone calling out "hey girl!". I, of course, turned around--- stupid! Immediately two girls come at me, speaking REALLY fast at the same time. Now, I consider myself pretty fluent but I had no frickin' idea what they were saying. I said "what?" a few times until just one girl spoke. I quickly realized they were trying to get me to sign up for a store credit card. I explained that I was not Brazilian and, therefore, could not sign up for it. Fast Talker, unfazed, launched into her schpeal.....

Fast Talker: Oh, but it's got a really low APR and you get points....

Me: I'm not a citizen. I can't. I don't have a permanent address or an ID number.

FT: Well, how long are you going to be here? A few months, right?

Me: No, about 2 weeks.

FT: Oh, that's ok! You can at least fill out the paper work and then you get this magazine here and if you sign up you get 10% off your purchase...

Me: But I'm only buying hair gel. That's not really worth it.

FT: Sure it is! This magazine here has....(blah, blah, blah)...

Me: Yeah, thanks, but I'm not really interested.

FT: But...

Me: No thanks.

(FT proceeds to follow me down the hair products aisle asking me questions about my stay in Brazil and explaining how great this magazine would be for me). Eventually, I said "no" enough times that she left. By this time, I'm highly annoyed. I get my damn hair gel (men's, incidentally, with a lovely musky fragrance--that's all they had) and head to the check-out. Long line....more annoyed...finally get up to pay. The checkout boy asks me credit or debit when I pull out my bankcard. "Credit". Ok, slide please. Ok. Your security code? What? I say. Suddenly, my annoyance has gotten the best of me and I can't think or speak straight in another language. This, of course, makes me nervous and I turn bright red. This makes me more self-conscious as the guy behind the counter begins to look at me like I'm an idiot savant trying to steal this damn hair gel. I finally mutter my code and he types it into the machine. BEEP! No go. DAMNIT!!!! After a few more tries, it went through and I power-walked back to the hostel. Annoyed, frustrated and feeling ridiculous and very guilty that it was after 5pm and I hadn't accomplished anything really....except for the damn hair gel.

Got to the hostel with one thing on my mind--dinner....I cooked some delicious pasta for myself and put on some music to cheer me up. As I drained the pasta, the lid came off the drainer....dinner a la dirty sink. Double damnit!! Now I have to go to the grocery store for more food....DAMN, I forgot to get money at the mall ATM....f*%@.....I give up..... :/

P'ed off!!!!!!!

2009-07-01T10:24:00.003-04:00

Ok, there are many things in this world that get to me; I admit it. I try to be patient and kind and understanding at all times but, let's face it, we're all just humans. However, there are only a few things in this world that make me enraged. And one of those things just happened.

I have a lot of sympathy for working people. Particularly in the service sector. Customers can be a-holes and the jobs generally just stink. Therefore, I'm always polite and I always leave a tip (even when I probably shouldn't or don't want to). The people working at this hostel (the Botafogo Easy Hostel in Rio) are FANTASTIC. Let me say that again, the people who WORK at this hostel are AWESOME! Unlike the owner, Carlos, who is a complete waste of space. He should be shipped off to Guantanamo, in my opinion.

Let me paint you a picture of life here at the hostel...

Me: Michelle (cleaning/housekeeping), could you please change the sheets on the bed and grab me a fresh towel.

Michelle: Sure...what color do you want? We've got blue, yellow...

(after I walk away)

Carlos: MICHELLE!! Why didn't you change her sheets already?? The customer shouldn't have to ask! What's the matter with you? Are you stupid?

(This morning at breakfast)

Me: Good morning, Michelle!

Michelle: Good morning, Nicolette! Where are you off to today? (chatting for 5 mins)

(after I go upstairs)

Carlos: MICHELLE!! (always yelled, never spoken) You need to do this, this and this...now!

Michelle: (silent with head down); she turns to walk away....

Carlos: Don't you DO that! Don't you turn your back to me! I'm talking to you! You are not a child, are you?-- so don't act like one!

Michelle: (silent)

Incidentally, Michelle is Afro-Brazilian. Would it be easy to explain this as simple, completely unacceptable racism? Nope. He also treats the front desk people (all of whom are white) in the same manner. One guy already left because he couldn't take it anymore--- after only one month working here! It's ridiculous.

Carlos is also a chauvinist pig. The weekend front desk girl, N, is leggy and really beautiful. He misses no opportunity to comment on how she looks to everyone-- behind her back and even sometimes to her face. It's sickening. I've asked around and there are no sexual harassment laws in place here so, our hands are tied.

I've been awful about keeping up with this blog during my time here but rage always inspires me to write. It also makes me want to act out. So, BOYCOTT THIS HOSTEL!!! Tell anyone you know that may consider traveling to Rio and staying here NOT to. This man deserves to starve. I would leave in protest but dick-boy has a "no refunds" policy here so, I can't afford to leave and stay anywhere else because I'm already paid up. Pisser for me. He's, of course, always friendly to me because I'm a customer but, since I speak Portuguese and most people who stay here don't, I hear the inside story from all the employees. I'm MAD damnit! Why must the world be this way?? Any suggestions on what I can do about this situation?

A Parallel Universe Called Brazil

2009-06-06T18:26:00.021-04:00

Friday night was my first encounter with my fiancee, R's, cousin F. We had emailed back and forth for a few days setting up our outing for the night. Her friend, Raul, was turning 60 and having a get together at a local restaurant, Salsa e Cebolinha-- owned by a mutual friend named Conceicao-- and I was invited to come along. The night began slow enough with just a few people there and a round of Skol beer at 7pm. F was sweet, fun and always worried about me having a good time. I think I had TOO good a time. An unknown amount of beers, about 3 full meals, 10 dances, 50+ people and 6 hours later I was rather buzzed and completely exhausted. A friend of F's gave me a ride home since Flavia wanted to keep partying (she left around 3am)!

During the course of the night, prior to becoming fuzzy over numerous glasses of beer, I told F about my plans to meet another cousin, D, the next afternoon and asked if she were going. She politely replied that she had not been invited. I quickly decided that changing the subject was in order. Being rather unfamiliar with the intimate details of Brazilian etiquette, I asked her what I should bring for the birthday of someone I didn't know-- wine, perhaps? She replied that, since he's older, retired and loaded, wine wouldn't be a good idea; considering he probably only drinks the most expensive kinds. Yipes, I thought. Ok....so, what would you suggest? I cautiously said. After thinking for a minute, she said, "Flowers. Pick a bouquet of whatever looks pretty. It will look sweet and thoughtful and flowers are pretty universal as a gift." Cool.

I decided it was okay that my weekend was getting a little out of control since, during the week, I never go out and it's all about work. So, Saturday afternoon I went to meet D. He was turning 87 that day and had invited a few friends and close family to have brunch at 1pm at his condo in Ipanema. D had kindly arranged for a taxi to pick me up at the hostel and bring me to his place. So, I waited....and waited....until 1:30pm when, even according to Brazilian standards, the taxi was late. The girl at the front desk called another one and I arrived, not so fashionably, late around 2pm. When I walked in, it was like a parallel universe. People were demurely chatting over cucumber finger sandwiches and red wine while sporting dock shoes and pearls. Not only was D's place enormous, it was very lavish. I suddenly felt hickish and sorely under-dressed. He greeted me at the door and, after wishing him a "happy birthday", I presented him with my flowers. As I explained that, since we hadn't met, I didn't know what to get him and had been advised that flowers might be nice, he signaled the maid to "take them". Damnit....a second major social mistake within 24 hrs. Oh well, I couldn't be offended. He was just the sweetest old man ever; he led me around the room and introduced me and kept checking to make sure I was doing okay and having a good time.

He led me down the hall into a small living room where he introduced me to all his kids and a few grandkids (friends were in the main living area at the entrance). Wow....he considers me family already? His sons I and P were wonderful and super-interesting. P makes documentaries about Brazilian social inequalities. Naturally, after hearing about what I do, we hit it off and got into a major discussion (with his wife as well) about race, class, etc. Nerd stuff. After about 4o mins of chatting, we were called by M.H. (D's wife) into the main area for brunch. I ended up at a table with a guy named P and his wife. The conversation was brilliant until they heard that I study race. They then began to tell me what a "social problem" black people are. WHAT?? How they don't want to work, study or do anything productive so things like the new affirmative action policies in Brazil are doomed to fail. These policies are also a form of reverse-racism against people who study hard, get good grades, are good workers and deserve that spot (i.e. white, elite people). The wife admitted openly that she was "a racist" but countered that, in Brazil, everyone is (ummm, no). For example, she said that she has no problem talking or interacting with people of color but, if one wanted to marry her daughter, "No way". During this Twilight Zone conversation, they continually asked me, "Don't you agree?" I constantly ignored the question. Ah, rich people; how you amaze me!

Sunday night was another beer-fest with F. For all her wild partying, I feel more like myself with her. She's very motherly and always open, which makes me comfortable to speak my mind. This time, she took me to a little hole-in-the-wall bar (literally) called "Tabuleiro da Baiana" for a samba party. I drank WAY too much again, danced samba all night and generally had a marvelous time. F and her best friend "A Baiana" (I can't remember her real name) took me to eat at the Cervantes Restaurant, which is apparently rather famous here. They make an awesome sandwich, I gotta say. After dropping me off at the hostel, they reminded me of more social events that I "must" attend on 10th, 19th and 20th of the month. I was exhausted and rather dehydrated all day at the archive. Thank God I have tonight to recover and sleep!

This weekend was truly like falling into some strange Brazilian vortex. Racism, dancing, 100 year-old red wine from France, roast beef sandwiches at 1am....how will I ever balance living in Rio and working here??

Samba de Aviao

2009-06-04T11:10:00.012-04:00

Hellooooo out there for anyone brave enough to continue to check for updates on this blog!! Yes, after a looooonng hiatus, I'm officially back in business. And back in Brazil! I've returned to sunny, scenic Rio this trip.

Just flew in this morning and I'm already overwhelmed, which probably doesn't bode well. Ok, maybe not overwhelmed....nervous is probably a better word. Rio is a HUGE city. It has a lot of beauty to offer but also plenty of danger. Lots of options but, for the inexperienced, non-carioca, it can seem like too many. Luckily, at least my flight went off without a hitch--- unlike the Air France flight that has been in the news for the last few days.

Right now, I'm basically moping in my little hostel room. I'm staying at the Botafogo Easy Hostel in the middle-class, residential neighborhood of Botafogo. It's rather far removed from the city center and the night life but it is very safe and quiet, which I appreciate. The prices are a bit high, I think-- especially for the off-season-- but it's clean and the staff seem helpful and nice. I miss my fiancee, R, a lot; mainly, that's on my mind. Other than that, I'm cowering at the prospect of my first real summer of research.

I'll be here in Rio for 6 weeks doing preliminary dissertation research. Make it or break it time! Hopefully, I'll find something worth pursuing and hopefully I won't come to hate my chosen career path in the process. I figured, to ease my pain and air my grievances, I'll document my research and life experiences here in Brazil for all those pondering a similar life-- or even those already in the trenches. I'm going to start small--- the Arquivo Publico do Estado do RJ (Public State Archive), which is about two blocks from where I'm staying. That's the agenda for tomorrow.

As for tonight, I'm tired, stinky from the over-night flight and hungry for lunch (it's about 12:30 in Brazil right now) but too lazy to do anything but type on my little laptop. Which, by the way, nearly gave me heart failure earlier. The main reason I chose this hostel, aside from location, was its offer of free WiFi (what grad student can survive without it??). To my horror, upon arrival and check-in (including payment in FULL) my computer wouldn't connect. I, of course, began to resort to freak-out mode in my head. SHIT-- my mother hasn't heard from me and will start to worry! SHIT--- my fiancee is expecting me to Skype with him while I'm here! SHIT-- I don't have a working cell phone or phone card here in Brazil yet! How am I going to communicate or do work without the internet??? SHIT SHIT SHIT I frantically asked several people here (EVERYONE is male except me, which is kinda weird) if they knew how to fix it since I'm not terribly computer savvy. People kept trying things but nothing worked. Pouty and panicky, I used one of their public computers to send an email out alerting family and loved ones that I was indeed fine and that I was simply having technical difficulties which were surely temporary. (Lie--- gotta protect people from worrying, right?)

In my head, I'm already contemplating how to ask for a refund, look for a new place to stay, move all my luggage, figure out alternative modes of contact and starting to sweat (which I tend to do....a lot...especially when nervous....very dainty, I know). Suddenly, my internet pops online and the heavens open up and the angels sing my redemption. Thus, I have spent the last hour and a half relishing my connectedness to civilization once again. I think I may have a slight addiction....hmm... anywho, that's all for now. I'm resolved to get clean in the VERY tiny and rather public bathroom here and go find some lunch....and probably get lost for a little while in the process. Hurray for Rio!!

Very Embarassed/ Just Plain Happy

2008-09-06T14:06:00.003-04:00

I've had some requests from blog followers (who shall remain nameless) that I "spice things up" and that my posts have been a bit dull recently, haha. Ok, this one is for you people....I didn't do this on purpose to add "spice" and it is a totally true story. However, it will go into the annals of history as one of the most embarassing moments of my natural life.

So, I asked my friend R to teach me how to play tennis. I've always loved the sport and wanted to learn. Being an academic usually means sitting inside all day long reading, writing or grading. The few opportunities I have to go outside and move around are very valuable. I had my first lesson Monday evening. It was a blazing night--- 90 degrees F with high humidity. After about an hour or so, we were both drenched in sweat and called it a night. (after a brief stop for some well-deserved but rather counter-productive ice cream at Maggie Moo's) I got home and felt so icky I couldn't wait to take a shower. I walked into my bedroom and immediately began to peel off my sweaty layers--- first the shirt over the head and my shorts were around my knees when I heard, "Woooooooo, yeah baby!!"

I looked to my right where the sound had come from and realized with dismay that the blinds in my bedroom were up. A group of three guys (my neighbors in the next building) were on their deck having an evening beer and got about half of a free peep-show from me! They raised their beers to me and cheered. I was so mortified I had no idea what to do. I'm not sure why I reacted the way I did, perhaps it was the fire drill training I had in elementary school or all the war movies I've watched with my boyfriend but....I hit the dirt. I literally dove on the floor and Vietnam War-style crawled over to the window, crouched in the corner and managed to close the blinds from there. After which I heard, "Awwwww..." neighbor-side. Sorry fellas, nothin' more to see here! How's that for spice, right?

Other than that brief, shining moment of complete idiocy on my part, things have been pretty great so far. The weather is currently gray, overcast, cool and rainy---- aka the BEST weather ever. I love days like this. God bless hurricanes! My classes are going well (both teaching and taking). I really feel like I'm hitting my stride here or, at least, getting very comfortable and confident. My health is perfectly fine now, thank goodness--though I do have a rather awesome scar on my neck now (I just tell people I got into a knife fight in Brazil). As boring and cheesy as it may sound, I'm just plain happy :)

Back in the saddle again

2008-08-21T23:00:00.004-04:00

It's the start of yet another school year and I'm so excited! I'm entering the 2nd year of my Ph.D. and I feel good about my new role. This year, I get to be a TA; I will be in charge of two discussion sections of Western Civ. Woo! I was hoping to get that class because some of the other options were either bleak, boring or embarassing (i.e. Survey of U.S. History, History of Medicine, History of Business and Enterprise, History of Pornography and Prostitution). Granted, I think I could handle the Porn and Prostitution class but, I think I'd be blushing consistently for about the first month. Maybe next year ;)

This year brings about a few more changes, mainly in the personnel area. One member of my cohort is currently spending a year abroad in Germany teaching and doing research. We're all very happy for him but, I think we all miss him pretty terribly. There are undeniably certain people in life that leave a hole in the universe when they're not around; this guy is one of those. Another member of my cohort decided not to return for his second year. This was a shock to all of us. He was very much the silent type so, no one knew anything was wrong. All efforts at communication with him have been unsuccessful so, if you're reading K, we all wish you the best and would like to hear how you're doing!

It is amazing to me that, as a 2nd year, some of the new grads have been asking for my opinion and advice. Ha! Like I know anything. Truthfully, I only feel slightly less lost than I did last year (at least I can find most buildings on campus and locate food, when necessary). I'm still not anywhere near the kind of researcher/writer I want to be; my only consolation is that I think I have a better idea of what I should be. In any case, the new batch of newbies seem very friendly, intelligent and down-to-earth. The last thing we need in the department is a flood of people on an ego trip. Academia in general has enough of that.

TA orientation was this week and for the next two weekends we will be having departmental social events. This is all part of the"welcome-back-from-summer-death" adjustment period. "Summer death" being defined as the total and complete lapse in social contact or interaction that occurs during the summer months. No one knows if you are dead or alive, no one asks and you don't give any signs of life until the week before classes start. It's a time of quiet reflection, procrastination, beautifying, weight loss and general self-transformation. Extreme Makeover-- Academic Edition. We are never as tan, thin, rested, happy or energetic as in those first few weeks. Personally, I'm going to try to enjoy it while it lasts...this year's gonna be rough...

Ehhh....what's up Doc?

2008-08-06T15:20:00.006-04:00

Well, in case anyone has been wondering, it's been a very busy and interesting month for me. I got back from Brazil and immediately began the medical ball rolling. I had a rather enormous lump on the left side of my neck (as you can see) that had started causing me pain and a lot of discomfort. By the time I got state-side, the left side of my face was puffy and swollen; my jawline was almost indistinguishable from my neck due to the inflammation. I quickly got an appointment with my family physician in Hagerstown, Md and she referred me to an ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) specialist named Dr. A. Chris Manilla. He was awful. When I was trying to explain what the specialist in Brazil told me, he interrupted and rudely interjected, "Well, I'm a specialist too, ya know." Yeah, buddy, I know. And real professional too. Then, I asked him about the timeline for my surgery. He said, "If you think you're gonna be scheduled for surgery in the next week or so, you're crazy. We're looking at at least a month." He then asked me what I do. When I told him I was a Ph.D. student at a rather prestigious Southeastern university he said, "Why would you do this here, then? They have one of the best programs in the country for this. You'd be crazy to do it here. It's just me and it's just Hagerstown." Not the best vote of confidence for your skills or your facilities, my friend. I'm sure the rest of the medical staff where he works would be interested to know his thoughts on the hospital there. In any case, I did follow his advice and had the surgery done at my home university. They scheduled me immediately for surgery (this past Monday). I was treated wonderfully by all the doctors, nurses and staff here. VUMC is a fantastic medical facility. I would recommend them to anyone for anything. (Recently voted "Best of the Best" by Newsweek!). Dr. Wendell Yarbrough was the one to actually do my surgery and he was wonderful! Very patient, answered all my questions, was extremely friendly and did an excellent job; I have no complaints whatsoever.

Basically, I had a cyst removed from my neck which was about the size of a medium egg. It was a congenital, branchial cleft cyst. This means that, as an embryo, I developed with the end of a branchial tube in my neck left open (cleft). This allows bacteria to enter and infect the area, which forms the cyst (a collection of fluid), and needs to be removed. Only about 2-3% of the population has this occur and recurrence is rare (thank goodness). The surgery doesn't take very long, about 2 hours, but the area around the neck is very sensitive and delicate (lots of arteries, nerves, etc). Luckily, my situation wasn't terribly complicated and so my recovery has been rather easy. Right now, I'm hooked up to a drainage tube (as seen below). I go in tomorrow to have it removed. After that, I will have a small scar under my jawline which should fade with time and proper care. All in all, things were very easy and I'm happy to have it all over with. I'm still hopped up on pain-killers and a virtual cocktail of other medications but, I'm feeling okay. It's a bit like getting kicked in the neck....really hard. My parents came down to care for me and my boyfriend is here too so, that helps a lot. I look forward to the start of classes and getting back to normal life again.....whew....

Officially a Cyst-er

2008-06-27T15:08:00.005-04:00

Oh, so much news....I´ll start with the good stuff...

I went this past weekend to Mucuge, a little city in the interior of the state of Bahia, for the festival of São João. This festival is a huge deal here in the Northeast...kinda like Carnaval is for the Southeast of Brazil. Basically, it´s a redneck festival. People wear straw hats, dress in plaid shirts, jeans and cowboy boots and dance to Brazilian country music (called "forró" here). It is also a festival that includes many different traditional foods and drinks of the Northeast. It´s really my cup of tea-- the whole idea is to eat, drink (and get drunk), be merry and dance all night long. Awesomeness! I went with a tour group so, there were 23 of us in a tour bus. Everyone except myself and two Germans were Brazilians so, it was great to see the dynamic of Brazilian tourists for a change. They were hilarious! Everyone was trading stories, jokes and food. Our tour guide was a riot and very energetic. He was also very into spiritualism so, every time something went wrong (and plenty of things did), he would say, " Ok everyone, let´s just think positive shall we? Let´s take 3 deep breaths now....ok, one for you, one for the group and one for the universe." haha Part of the tour package was a series of small trips to neighboring cities where we went rock climbing, swam in grottoes, got drenched in waterfalls, went hiking in the mountains and then, every night, partied for São João. It was easily the highlight of my time here.

Ok, so now the bad stuff. Having said all the above, the highlight of my trip has surely passed. I spent all day Wednesday in the emergency room of a local hospital. Why, you ask? Well, before leaving for Brazil I noticed a lump on my neck. It was small, right below my jawline and wasn´t causing any problems for me. However, I went to a doctor in TN (who shall remain nameless....the bitch) who told me it was probably nothing....some kind of allergy...and it would pass. So, I came here. As the weeks went by, I noticed that this lump was starting to enlarge. After returning from the trip this weekend, this lump began hurting. My host family got scared and took me to the hospital. After a whole day there, a battery of tests and R$2,000, it was finally determined that I have a branchial cyst (more or less like the one in the photo, except on the left side). I was referred to a specialist, who I met yesterday. He was very nice and explained to me that it´s not cancer, just fluid. However, I will need surgery to remove it; otherwise, there is a very real risk of infection which, around the head and neck area, is serious business. So, as a result, I am in the process of changing my flight to this Sunday. My parents have already called my doctor there and are scheduling things. More bad news-- I didn´t get to finish my research here. In fact, I barely got started. Today was going to be my last day of language classes and then I had interviews and meetings scheduled for the next two weeks, in addition to trips to libraries and museums here. No research, no more fun and no more Brazil.....

So, America, I´m on my way home....but I´m not happy about it.... :(

Misadventures at the Morro de São Paulo

2008-06-16T13:18:00.003-04:00

This weekend was crazy! Got to tell everyone this story...

A group of American students and I decided to visit the Morro de São Paulo (a tropical island off the coast, photo above) for a weekend get-away. We almost missed the last boat on Friday afternoon because traffic was bad, one friend was late and the line at the ticket counter was rather long. Luckily, we got there in time and got on board. We opted to take a catamará (very fast motorboat) to the island instead of the slower (and cheaper) ferryboat. We had been warned by the language school not to eat lunch before leaving. I heeded this warning, and for good reason. The motorboat was so fast that it cut the waves which meant that everyone inside moved both up and down and side to side. Virtually half the boat got intensely seasick, including myself. This suprised me considering I´ve been on lots of boats before and I don´t really have motion-sickness issues. The beginning of the trip had been full of laughing, talking and jokes about how rough the sea was; after about half an hour, no one thought it was very funny anymore.

Two hours later, we landed at the island. It was incredible. It looked like something from Gilligan´s Island mixed with Jurassic Park-- wild, craggy, and fantastic in the setting sun. Giddy as school girls, the four of us settled into our pousada (little hotel). We had a great steak dinner on the beach by the light of tiki torches and drank ourselves silly. About 2am, our friend A wakes us up in a panic. "What the hell?? There´s something in the bed! Guys, get up!" Naturally, we all leap out of bed and flip on the lights. A´s back and chest were covered with large, red welts. We frantically checked his bed but there was nothing there. As the others discussed a possible case of hives, I took a closer look at A´s back. "Hey guys, these look like mosquito bites, not hives." As we all looked around, it became apparent that little black dots were buzzing from every corner of the room. Stupidly, we had left the window of the room open for fresh, cool air during the night and invited a dozen or so buggy-friends in from the rain. Strangely, they only went for A. Another friend had some Off! wipes which we all used on A and ourselves rather generously before tenuously falling back asleep.

The next day, we all basked in the glory of the equatorial sun and thought our troubles had ended. Eh, not so much. By dinner-time, I started to notice that my cash was running low, as was everyone else´s. Despite having little VISA and Mastercard plaques in their windows, virtually every place on the island did not take a card--of any kind (not even the hotel!!!) There was an ATM near our hotel that had the proper insignia so, I went to get some cash. It kept saying it couldn´t read my card. Damn. So, I went to ask at the hotel where there was another one. The closest one was further in-town so, my friend B and I went on a quest to get money. We went for the national bank of Brazil but, that ATM was out of order. The last one left on the island was the same brand as the one near our hotel that hadn´t been able to read my card. Shit, shit, shit, I kept thinking. If this doesn´t work we´ll have to wash dishes or pimp ourselves out or something to eat and get back. Thanks be to Jesus, the ATM worked on my card. So, I took out a ton just to be safe. Ironically, no one else could get it to work. I became the sugar-momma of the group.

That night, our group went out to celebrate our new problem-free existence. A dinner and a few drinks later and my buddy A was down for the count--- food poisoning. We suspect that the ice or perhaps lime in one of his drinks was dirty. He was vomiting all night long in our hotel bathroom. We didn´t have the heart to leave him there alone and we were tired anyway so, we went to bed early. The next morning we ate and did as little as possible to not tempt fate, got on the return boat and made it back to the mainland intact. Ahhhh.....world travel!!!

Attitude Adjustment

2008-06-11T13:26:00.003-04:00

I can´t believe it´s already week two!! Time is definitely flying down here. I feel like I´m just now starting to feel comfortable and well-adjusted. Maybe too comfortable; you can blame it on the heat, the intensive language courses, the laundry list of things to buy, do and see but, the truth is that I haven´t gotten any work done yet. It´s driving me crazy! I have been trying...honestly, I have. I tried emailing a few professors/grad students here in Salvador that do the same kind of research but, they either pass me off to other people or simply don´t reply to my emails. I´m not exactly sure what to do about this. Be persistent and kick down the door (figuratively speaking, of course)? Leave well enough alone and forget about talking with anyone local? Social mores are rather different here and I know that but, I don´t know what the alternative is. Clearly, I need an attitude adjustment of some kind.

So, what have I been doing instead of work? Lots of stuff. I´ve visited the Mercado Modelo (local artisan fair in the historic city center), which is where everyone´s gifts are going to come from. I love this place. The area around it is a bit dodgy but, the stuff they sell is awesome. Anything you can imagine made from wood, leather or stone is there (musical instruments, jewelry, clothing, shoes, artwork, etc.). Way too much fun.

Yesterday, a few of us went uptown to the Museu de Arte da Bahia (Bahia Museum of Art). I wasn´t allowed to take any pictures (at least from the inside) but, let me tell you, it was fantastic! To be totally honest, most museums in Latin America (at least in my personal experience) are not all that great. However, this one made up for all the rest. It is a beautifully restored colonial house converted into a museum of all varieties of art relating to the history of Salvador, Bahia. Royal furniture, portraits, dishware, sketches, maps, etc. It was wonderful-- worth way more than the R$2.50 (roughly USD $1.20) that I paid to get in. There is also a Museum of Modern Art here that I hope to get to some time soon.

There´s more but I´m running out of blog space and time (gotta pay to get on the internet here). So, I´ll have to wait until next time to give more info....Bye for now!

P.S. Family & Friends-- You guys can leave comments on my blog if you want to; I´d love to hear back from you! Just click [comments] below the entry.

Rain, rain go away....

2008-06-06T10:32:00.002-04:00

Well, I´ve made it through my first week here in Salvador, Brazil. The first few days were rather rough for me. My Portuguese was rusty, I didn´t know anyone and I had nothing to do. Thankfully, I know my way around now so, there are plenty of things to do. My language skills have improved to the point that even taxi drivers compliment my Portuguese. One even thought I was from São Paulo, haha. I´ve also made some friends here. As an internationally-oriented language school, there are people here from all over. It is a constant flux of foreigners in and out but, as of now, there is: a Spanish girl, a guy from NY, a guy from Minneasota, a guy from Montreal, Canada, a couple from Slovakia, two German girls, a Russian girl, a guy from South Africa, a British guy, and a few that I haven´t been introduced to yet. It´s pretty awesome.

I´ve seen a bit of the city so far, but only a small bit. The weather here has been really tempermental. It pours rain one minute and then it´s hot, humid and sunny the next. This weekend, a group of us had plans to visit the Morro de São Paulo, which is an island off the coast of Brazil. It has a nature preserve, a resort and some of the best beaches in the area. Unfortunately, the forecast is for rain and thunderstorms all weekend long so, those plans will have to wait. I did get to see some of the historic center of the city, Pelourinho, at night. A group of us watched a drum corp and dance troupe as they moved through the streets. It was awesome! Everyone was joining in, dancing and singing-- even tourists. Then, we went to a reggae club and I learned how to dance forró, which is a typical dance of the Northeast of Brazil. The picture here is actually not Pelourinho, but Barra-- the area where I spend most of my time. This is a photo of the fárol (lighthouse) there at night. I have pictures of it during the day but, uploading photos here would be impossible. You get the idea...

Not sure what I´m going to do this weekend. A few students here were going to go out again and the school is throwing a party for us on Sunday night. Still trying to get my research started. I´ve emailed a few people and am waiting on responses. I´ll keep everyone posted!

News from Brazil

2008-05-30T11:18:00.002-04:00

Well, I'm here! After roughly 24 hours traveling (lay-overs, flights, blah, blah), I'm here in sunny Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. It's not very hot today (roughly 80 degrees F) but the humidity---my god. Killer. My hair has lots of extra volume (aka frizz), haha. Oh, and no air conditioning...anywhere... except the shopping malls. Oh well, I'll survive.

I've learned quickly that maintaining a blog with photos will be nearly impossible here. Internet is very hard to come by and rather expensive so, infrequent amounts of descriptive words will have to suffice.

Salvador is beautiful, I have to say. Flying in gave me a really great view of the ocean, the white-washed buildings and the snake-like little streets everywhere. The people here are very friendly though I stick out quite clearly as a foreigner. Here, I'm blond and blue-eyed--- rather unusual for these parts. Plus, my wardrobe is rather American--- too casual. Brazilians love to dress up when going anywhere, even the grocery store. The women wear intensely high sandals on pavements that look like someone took a jack-hammer to them. I don't know how they don't break their legs every day. I know I don't have the balance to do it, nor do I want to risk it to try.

My host family consists of Carla (40ish kindergarten teacher) and her daughter Larissa (21 year old law student). They both work and go to school so, it appears that I'll be on my own most of the time. A bit of a disappointment but, hey, that's life. They're both very nice and extremely welcoming. Their apartment is rather big and very airy--- though without air conditioning. It gets a bit steamy at night, especially when it rains which, apparently happens rather often in the winter (their seasons are the opposite of the U.S.).

Well, gotta run. My first Portuguese class is today. Then I have to attempt to find my way home....wish me luck!

Waiting stinks but boyfriends and Brazil are awesome....

2008-05-21T14:58:00.003-04:00

It's been a little while since I've blogged and for good reason. My life has been a bit frustrating lately but, hopefully, things are looking up. Quick re-cap/ gripe-fest.....

--- classes ended almost three weeks ago and I STILL have not received all my final grades (no fault of mine)

--- weather has been stinky for May; rain, gray skies, wind and rather cool temperatures have dampened my mood (and I stupidly packed for the much-warmer Southern climate I've grown accustomed to)

--- I left town and STILL have not received my summer research funding checks; I'm rather upset about this. I had to either foot the bill upfront and see my loved ones before flying out or wait around indefinitely and watch as airfares went through the roof. I chose the former....

However, life is not all bad....

---I'm back in lovely WV enjoying the company of my most excellent boyfriend. He's working and I'm reading like crazy but, at least we're together.

--- I've been hanging out with some of my old WVU friends. So good to catch up...

--- I get to see my family this weekend. I miss them a lot and haven't been home since Christmas.

--- I'm going back to BRAZIL this summer!!! I'm so excited. In 7 days, I'll be heading to Salvador (for 6 weeks) in the Northeastern state of Bahia this time. Tropical climate, beautiful beaches, samba, famous cuisine and my very own research project...what more could I ask for??

I'll do my best to blog about my Brazilian adventure this summer but, internet access might be a bit spotty. We'll see...

A New Way to Get Dressed in the Morning?

2008-05-07T12:14:00.003-04:00

Check these guys out...

A Family Visit

2008-05-06T14:16:00.008-04:00

So, since the end of classes and finals I have achieved almost everything on my "To Do" list. My cousin J from Philly came to visit this past weekend and we had a blast. He's quite a country fan so, we went to the CMA Hall of Fame, the Historic Ryman Auditorium and the famous Pancake Pantry (breakfast nook to the stars). We also did karaoke at Lonnie's (THE place to get discovered). Here are some highlights from the weekend... more news to come....

Hay muchos tacos en Mexico!!!

2008-04-22T19:40:00.002-04:00

OMG...laughed so hard when I saw this...needed a good belly laugh...thanks to Lorena for showing this to me...

...and I'm sure half the world has seen this one...

Love it! Reminds me of being a Spanish TA.... :)

When this semester is over....

2008-04-15T17:11:00.002-04:00

I will:

1) Get a full night's sleep
2) Eat 3 real meals a day-- stuffing my face during each one
3) Read for pleasure
4) Have contact with humans again (preferably friends)
5) Go have a drink (preferably something strong)
6) Get a massage
7) Go out dancing all night long
8) Call all the people who probably think I've died or been abducted by aliens because it's been so long
9) Go outside again and get some color
10) Visit my family and loving boyfriend

2 weeks left to go!!!! Barely hangin' on.....whew....

More of NOLA....

2008-04-09T23:59:00.009-04:00

Here are those pictures I've been promising....

<-- My hotel/ bed & breakfast

The streetcar---->

<---Entrance to Audubon Park, next
to my hotel; reminded me a lot of
Brazil

<---Samba group that performed on the last day of the conference; SO good

Conference Craziness and Bourbon St.

2008-04-01T13:15:00.008-04:00

There comes a time in the life of every grad student when they must attend a conference. However, if they are really lucky, they will at some point have the unique experience of helping run a conference, which is exactly what I did last week. For practically the entire week (Tues. to Sat.) I was a certificate-printing, badge-making, question-answering, Portuguese-speaking, trouble-shooting machine. It was a conference specifically in my geographical area of interest so there were people from that country and scholars from all over the world with that focus; almost all areas of academia were represented: history, language, sociology, anthropology, political science, literature, geography, etc. It was THE biggest conference the hosting organization had ever undertaken--- roughly 700 people total (with a staff of about 10 people). It was so incredibly stressful, hectic, frustrating and exhausting that the week was practically a blur. I had just enough energy at the end of the day to eat and fall asleep.

The location for the conference was festive New Orleans, LA on the Tulane University campus (which was gorgeous). I had never been there before and was looking forward to getting acquainted with the city. No such luck. I managed to run to the French Quarter Saturday night with some friends after the closing ceremony. I rode the streetcar downtown, which was a lot of fun, then we had some dinner. This was accompanied by a desire to hear some live music at a little hole-in-the-wall bar. Following the advice of our waiter (a local), we proceeded to walk through Bourbon St. to get to the intersection that would lead us to the local hangouts. We got lost. Suddenly, there were no street lights, no people and no signs.

We got a bit freaked out and turned around-- too tired to press on after walking so far. So, we had to walk back through Bourbon St. and then catch a cab back to the hotel. May I say, Bourbon St. is one of the most disgusting, chaotic, ridiculous places I've ever seen (way worse than Vegas--at least Vegas was relatively clean). The streets stunk like piss and puke (which there was a lot of), everyone was completely trashed and staggering around, and people on balconies overhead were chucking beads at my head at every turn (and they hurt). Frankly, I don't know what anyone sees in it. It's like hanging out in a gigantic public bathroom--- bodily fluids, dirt, stench and lots of booze. Yuck. The rest of the French Quarter seemed really pleasant and very pretty; too bad I didn't get to explore more during daylight hours.

All in all, it was a very good learning experience, on several levels. I got a free trip to a place I'd never been and I got to meet and rub elbows with lots of important people (prominent scholars, the Brazilian Ambassador to the U.S. (left), Brazilian composer Jose Miguel Wisnik, etc.). Meeting some of these intellectuals was, for me, like meeting rockstars. I was totally star-struck at times, in my very nerdy way. I have to say, though, I'm really happy to be home. (Pictures to come!)

Peanut gallery: have you ever had a trial-by-fire experience? How did it change you? What did you learn?

Rocker Chicks, Random Celebrities and Fresh Faces

2008-03-17T22:23:00.004-04:00

I LOVE THIS WOMAN!!! I saw her in concert Friday night and she frickin' rocks! Seriously, Ani DiFranco is one of the best live performances I've ever seen. She's got so much energy it's amazing; plus, she's a great live act (and so few people are anymore). I thought she managed to balance a fair amount of old, classic stuff with some songs from her newest album. I was so moved, I even bought a T-shirt :) Not only is she super talented, she's very politically outspoken, which I respect a lot. Ani is the epitomy of a rocker chick with lasting power. I'll admit it, I've got a bit of a girl-crush. I can't help it--- she's just so cool. She also seems like the kind of person that fame has not ruined; I'd totally be up for having a beer and chatting with her.

Ok, enough gushing. I recently had my first random celebrity sighting and I'm pretty excited about it. I was out for a beer with my cohort and a few guests (that I'll talk about in a minute) and, as we were leaving, I spotted Lou Diamond Phillips (you know, the "La Bamba" guy) standing by the bar. How did I know it was Lou Diamond Phillips, you ask? Well, he kind of did a double-take as our group walked by (not sure why or because of whom) so, I got a good look at his face. I recognized him immediately; his hair was shaggy and that made me remember an ad I saw on TV for the musical "Camelot" (starring him) that is currently playing in town. So, I would bet the farm that I've had a genuine celebrity encounter (brief and impersonal as it may be). Woo hoo!

In other news, my department has recently brought in a group 0f prospective Ph.D. candidates for the upcoming year. I believe there were about ten people here, if I'm not mistaken. Diverse areas of interest as well as geographical origins were represented, which made for interesting conversation. There was also a new "homestay" policy put into place this year. Candidates were housed with current students and there were several social events so everyone could get acquainted. I think it turned out really well and I'm really excited about the incoming class. There were a few people that were still trying to decided between here and other universities so, we all did our best to woo them our way. I guess we'll find out soon who's in and who's out.

So, peanut gallery, have you ever had a celebrity sighting? Who did you see?

Growing Old & Life in General (a short re-cap)

2008-03-10T20:32:00.007-04:00

I recently had a birthday (3/8). Hit the big 2-5....my quarter-life crisis, as I like to call it. It was a good day; not the day I had planned but, good nonetheless. Being born in March, it snowed on my birthday this year--- as it has done for the last 25 years of my life. In fact, I was born during a blizzard. Perhaps that explains my utter aversion to snow and cold climates...

Anyway, I had this big gathering planned and invited all my good friends (those still in Motown) but, it snowed so long and so hard that the roads were darn near impassable. Since I didn't want anyone I cared about to get into an accident, the party was called off. I was bummed but, my honey and I decided to improvise. We did everything fun we could think of, despite the weather: dined at Solera (my fav place to eat in Morgantown since it opened in '06), went to the mall, took crazy pictures of each other, took a walk in the snow, went laser bowling, played pool, had a few drinks and came home to watch a late movie. All in all, this birthday was a good lesson in growing older, and life in general, I think. Sometimes your plans go completely to hell but, you can still make the best of it and have fun in the process.

In other news, I'm back in the Southeast and loving it! It was in the 60's today and sunny with a slight breeze. It was so warm at noon I opened all the windows in my apartment. It apparently snowed here while I was away on Spring Break (in the snow) but, it thankfully melted before I got back. That would've just been way too depressing--- leaving snow and arriving to see more snow...ugh. The semester is RAPIDLY coming to a close and I've reached critical freak-out point. Prior to the break, I went to a Gipsy Kings concert with my good friends J and M. We had a blast! Only at a Latin music concert do people kick off their shoes, push away the chairs and start dancing in the aisles, which is exactly what happened. When they played "Volare" as the closing song, it brought the house down; people went nuts....and jumped on stage (as you can see here)--->

So, peanut gallery, what life lessons have you learned as you've gotten older?

Spring Breaking in Exotic WV...oooh....ahhhh.....

2008-03-04T11:08:00.008-05:00

Greetings from good 'ole Motown, WV where it's cold, rainy, snowy and gray! Yay! Who needs Cancun, right? I'm here gettin' my Spring Break on, which is less break than work, really. There is no break in the life of a Ph.D.-- I'm learning that quickly; there's always something I can be doing. So, I'm spending time with my honey and trying to get some research and writing done so I don't arrive back at school looking like a total bum.

It's kinda weird to be back in Motown. Egocentric human that I am, there's a part of me that feels like the world stops revolving when I leave a place--- like here, for example. After two degrees and six years, I feel like I know this place and it's people pretty well. However, seeing old friends isn't quite the same. We can't complain about the classes, students and teachers we have in common. We can't have a ritual lunch, coffee or beer gathering every week at the same place. I miss out on all the little day-to-day dramas that make up life. People still know me but, it seems there is less and less to talk about. Even the town has physically changed--- a lot. There are new buildings, old buildings have been renovated and new apartment buildings are popping up everywhere. Nothing is exactly as I remember it. This is a sad realization for me. I enjoyed my time here tremendously and I miss it so, moving on and letting it go is hard. Coming back to visit my honey and my baby bro only rubs salt in the wound. I come back here multiple times a year and get to see this place slowly morphing into something I don't recognize.

In any case, I'm trying to enjoy myself as much as possible. There are favorite restaurants to eat in, friends to chat with and familiar streets to walk on that make me remember what it was like to be an undergrad. Sometimes a bit of nostalgia is nice; it makes you see how far you've come and how you got there. It's kinda like rubbing a bruise--- slightly achy but pleasant at the same time.

So, peanut gallery, what is it that takes you back to by-gone days? Music? Places? Smells? What do you miss from your past?

A pretty, little, green story....

2008-02-26T14:09:00.003-05:00

It happens to the best of us, I guess. I'm a big enough person to admit it...so, yeah, I've basically morphed the green-eyed monster lately. But let me explain...

Here's the story-- Little girl grows up in little town and, through lots of hard work, becomes a big deal in this little town. She's on top of the world and gets a great offer to go to a big town. Then, she moves to that big town where she's really not even a little deal anymore. But, she's okay with that because at least there is no one around quite like her. Suddenly, one day, there is the possibility that somone may be moving into her town who is not only exactly like her, they are better. Not even just a little. This potential new person is and has done virtually everything this little girl has always aspired to....and she is pretty to boot! This is just too much for the little girl to take so she starts imagining all kinds of crazy scenarios where she runs away, makes the pretty girl not want to come to her big town, sucks up to get in the good graces of the pretty girl or just disappears because everyone in the big town forgets her. Either way you cut it, the little girl is more than a little insecure about pretty girl's arrival and not quite sure how she will feel/react when and if pretty girl comes to town. She, of course, realizes that logically the pretty girl is probably pretty nice but, she can't help but wonder if she's good enough to compete and stand out against such a special person.

So, peanut gallery, what advice would you give the little girl? Have you ever faced a situation that made you feel like her?

Ok, gotta gush a little bit....

2008-02-14T13:25:00.004-05:00

I got these from my honey today at work for Valentine's Day! Sooo sweet and they're so beautiful. He sent yellow roses because he knows I think red ones are too cliche. Yellow roses signify friendship which is what we feel is the most important part of our relationship-- we're best friends first. There are also carnations (popular in Brazil for Valentine's), tulips, irises (one of my absolute favorites), lavender (another fav) and daisies. What makes it even more romantic is that he's currently 600 miles away so, he had to coordinate the long-distance send, look up my work address and confirm that I was going to be there at that time all without me knowing.

How awesome is that?? He's just the best and I'm so lucky to have him. It's crazy to think that a little over 3 years ago we were both feeling so trapped and hopelessly unhappy with our ex's. It was like we both had never felt love before we met eachother. When we first met it was like a lightbulb went off and we knew it was right. It hasn't always been easy and we've gone through some tough times but, we're still really in love. Nowadays, being apart, it's hard trying to maintain romance over a long distance but, I think we manage it. I sent him a special package for Valentine's Day filled with his favorite imported foods and treats from Brazil to give him a taste of home. Love is hard to navigate and it is always a challenge to keep eachother happy but, it is definitely worth it....

So, peanut gallery, how did you tell the special people in your life that you love them today?

Number One reason not to live in the Southeast United States....

2008-02-06T18:03:00.000-05:00

...tornadoes like this one last night in the county next to mine....

...that do things like this...

...and this...

The storm passed right over my building and went right down my street toward the downtown area. The wind was howling so loud (no train sound, though) that I could still hear it through the walls and closed door of my bathroom (as I was sitting in the tub, my "safe zone"). The sirens went off and I freaked out, basically. The radio and TV announcers were telling everyone to take shelter immediately. We had golf ball-sized hail fall on the university; luckily, there was no damage to my building or my car. Being a WV girl, where natural disasters like this don't happen, it was really scary to go through this for the first time. As the locals tell me, it only gets worse in the spring-- particularly May and June. Peachy. So far, this is the only real down-side to living where I do. I love this area in all other aspects but, tornadoes are a tough pill to swallow. One guy in my first-year cohort is from Kansas. He told me today that he was actually walking around outside to see "how big it was" and only went back inside when he determined that it wasn't worth worrying about. Sheesh, and here I was huddled on my bathmat with a flashlight, radio and cell phone waiting for the Apocalypse! Silly me. It wasn't so bad in my county but, in the next county to the north something like 30 people were killed. They said on the local news that it was the highest human loss in one night from a tornado since the 1930s. It's scary to experience that, even with all the comforts and protections of modern technology, we as humans are still so small in comparison to the forces of nature. It's a lesson I'm sure not to forget any time soon. Here are video and photos of yesterday's tornado if you're interested---> CNN I-Report

Black Magic Green Pills

2008-02-01T18:32:00.000-05:00

I tell ya, people. God bless drugs (legal ones, that is--don't start thinking things). F*#$ drug companies but, my goodness are drugs wonderful. Let me tell you about this little wonder known as Alka Seltzer Plus Night Cold...

Before I get into that--- so, yeah, I'm sick. It's rather pitiful that that is the big news lately in my life but, there you have it. Frankly, I'm a bit miffed at my body for being so weak and wimpy. I hardly ever get sick but, when almost everyone around you is sick, it's nearly impossible to dodge the bullet. I think I jinxed myself, actually. On Wednesday I was in class with my first-year cohort bragging, yes bragging, how I never get sick. Well, I guess my sinuses wanted to teach me a lesson and, here I am.

So, I'm whining on the phone to my honey-- as I'm prone to do-- and he recommends these liquid gel Alka Seltzer Night Cold pills. I thought, okay, it's worth a shot. I drove over to the local pharmacy and purchased said drug. I took the pills at 9:30pm last night and woke up...11:30am this morning; that's 14 hours for those of you good at math. I was out, and I mean out, unconscious, for 14 hours without even so much as a 2am bathroom break. Crazy. Not only that but, these pills gave me strange dreams. Like Salvador Dali-painting kinda weird, where things are attacking me and my body is melting away.

When I finally do wake up with a start (for no apparent reason), I'm completely disoriented. I don't know where I am or that I've been asleep for an ungodly amount of time. However, I do feel better. I still feel like I got hit by a concrete truck and I'm sporting a if-Britney-Spears-were-smart-and-short-but-still-screwed-up look but, I can function...basically. I stumbled through today in a veritable drunken fog of medical bliss and only now am I starting to wonder what the hell I did all day. Needless to say, this is not a cold remedy for the faint of heart (or mind). I've never been in a coma or drunk or high but, I imagine that my experience with this drug must be vaguely similar to what people feel in those situations-- combined. I would definitely recommend this product for people who want to knock the shit out of their flu but, be warned, it will do the same to you!

So, peanut gallery, what do you do to feel better when you're sick?

Ahh...The Oregon Trail....

2008-01-29T13:14:00.000-05:00

Remember when THIS was the coolest computer game around? I gotta say, I'm not much of a gamer because, frankly, I don't have that kinda free time. However, I recently "acquired" this game and, I gotta say, I feel like I'm in elementary school all over again. Remember the old Macs this game ran on? With the little rainbow apple sticker on them. Remember back when you could practically count the pixels on the screen?

I was an Oregon Trail maniac back in the day. Being able to play on the school computers, even for a few minutes, was the reward everyone worked hard to earn. I remember that computers were so "new" and expensive that my elementary school only had about a dozen at first. That meant that in kindergarten and first grade we had to play in pairs. I was a master of shooting buffalo (still am) so, I was always designated "the hunter". I loved to hold down the arrow keys and spin while shooting all around. (Prolly why I don't own any firearms at the present....) My partner always got mad because we'd run out of bullets halfway through and then die of starvation.

Lately, I find myself gravitating toward The Oregon Trail when I'm stressed, busy, tired, bored....just about any time I don't want to be an adult. There's something oddly comforting in entering the DOS prompt, looking at the cartoony graffics super-imposed on the black screen and hearing the tinny themes of my childhood. Even though it's cheesy and ridiculous, as I totally admit to, it's somehow a lot more fun than DDR or Guitar Hero could ever be for me. I know all the gamers out there are cursing me but, whatever.

Games like this really make me think in a way that the new ones don't. These were the originals and, for that, they will always be special. The new stuff is all great and, therefore, all pretty much the same. It's funny to think that our generation is the very first to have had computers practically from birth. We've never known a world without computer games and the internet. It's amazing to think about how far it's gone in a VERY short time span; in a quarter of a century we went from black screens with yellow (or green) text and manual DOS prompting for programs to DSL, online social networks, live streaming video, chat rooms, and, of course, BLOGS! Amazing stuff...perhaps, when I'm 80 years old, all you out there will just be able to read my mind...scary, eh? :)

So, all you techno-boomers out there, do you remember when you first rode The Oregon Trail?

New Year, New Life...

2008-01-16T10:43:00.000-05:00

...or, as the Spanish say, "Año Nuevo, Vida Nueva”. So, even though I wouldn't call it a 'resolution', that's my new plan for 2008. Live a new life. What do I mean by that? Well, here's the thing, I'm not perfect (not much of a shock) so, there are lots of things that I have the opportunity to change and make better. For example, I'm terrible at keeping in touch with old friends. Why? I always feel too busy to handle my present life and keep up on things from my past. But, as a beloved high school teacher used to say, "People make time for what they want to do". No more excuses.

Also, I plan to take better care of myself. I don't get enough sleep, drink too much coffee, don't exercise regularly enough and stress out all the time. If I want to live to be 100 years old, I'm gonna need some routine maintenance. According to the "Living to 100 Life Expectancy Calculator", I'm about 13 years off my goal.

I want to pay more attention. Not just in class (which would help) but, in my day to day existence. Instead of always waiting for the "best moment" for things, I need to let go and enjoy the imperfection of the present. When we look back, the simple, uninteresting moments of life can sometimes be the most important.

I want to be more humble. I've had many accomplishments in my life and I'm proud of myself for that but, they're over now. Sad, but true. Resting on one's laurels is never productive. Sometimes being quiet and listening, taking good advice, recognizing your ignorance, feeling your smallness and thinking more of others is hard to do. We're all wonderful and it's easy to get caught up in that but, taking time to recognize the good in others pays off in a big way.

Anyway, I don't want to get preachy so, I'll quit while I'm ahead. I'm just a bit pensive, if you haven't noticed. I've got big expectations for 2008; I'll probably let myself down in lots of ways--- procrastinating too much, talking too much, being ingrateful--- but, it doesn't hurt to hope, right?

So, peanut gallery, what fine-tuning do you have planned for yourself in 2008?

Overdose of Christmas

2007-12-15T18:30:00.000-05:00

I'm feeling dizzy, nauseous, disoriented and suspiciously jolly.....I should not operate large machinery or attempt to cross busy streets unassisted. Why? I am feeling the effects of a Christmas overdose. Let me explain...

In the last week I have:

1) Attended a Christmas party at work.

2) Attended a Christmas party with fellow Ph.D. candidates (pictures to come!).
3) Attended the Radio City Rockettes Christmas show here in town.

4) Attended a showing of the Nutcracker Ballet (my first time at a ballet) with none other than Scott Hamilton as the "special guest", appearing as Mother Ginger (yup, in drag-- real shock, right?).

Not to mention Christmas shopping, songs on the radio, holiday commercials on TV, lights and wreaths everywhere--- it's almost enough to give a person a seizure. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy celebrating holidays as much as the next person but, is it just me or has Christmas become a virtual juggernaut of joy? A cascade of cheer? A pile-drive of peace? A hornet's nest of hallelujahs? I could go on and on.

The point is, no wonder everyone I meet is stressed out and suffering from serious bouts of insecurity! We're all being pushed to the sonic boom of Christmas. Why? Because people have forgotten the point of it all. Regardless of your religious affiliations, December and January are supposed to be a time of thankfulness, reflection and remembering the value of family.

In any case, I'm tired of Christmas and it isn't even here yet. I'm over-stimulated and practically strung out on it. I think we could all use a little detox. Happy Rehab to all and to all a good night!

Isn't it ironic?

2007-12-10T16:20:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I just gotta laugh at the irony in my life. Today has been a good case for demonstration. First of all, it is the middle of December and I wore flip-flops to class this morning. Am I really that hearty, you ask? Thick-skinned? Nope....it was a balmy 71 degrees today with a slight spring-smelling breeze. Ironic? Oh yeah....considering that I'll be flying home for Christmas and will be greeted by 2 inches of snow and blustery 30 degree weather (not including windchill). I love the South!

Oh yeah, remember that Regina Spektor concert my little heart has been yearning for? Well, it was supposed to happen Dec. 6th (after being re-scheduled from Nov.) but, I was called by the theater and informed that it had been postponed yet again--indefinitely. Bummer. So, a few days later, I found awesome tickets to see the Gipsy Kings (another act I am dying to see) on Feb. 27th at 7pm so, I rally a few friends and we buy them before they sell out. Hurray! Then....

This morning, I check my email and rejoice to see that they have finally set a new date for the Regina Spektor concert. Guess when? Yup, Feb. 27th at 7pm. Grrrrrrrr.....so, if anyone out there can make it into town, I'm willing to sell you my ticket to see Regina; otherwise, I'm just going to get a refund. Ah well, the Gipsy Kings will probably put on a better show anyway.

Made me think of this song....an oldie but a goodie....Anyone else out there got a little irony in their lives?

The poopy-flavored lollypop that is my life....

2007-12-05T16:03:00.000-05:00

Ok, so things around the 'ville have been a little crummy for me lately. I know I have no right to complain; there are FAR worse things happening in many, many other places in the world (I study them daily) but, I think we all need to indulge ourselves in some good, old-fashioned bitching/venting every once in a while, right? Here goes...

Things That Make Me Go "Arg":

1) I have sweet tickets to see Regina Spektor live and the show has been postponed twice now. They are currently re-setting the date and if they place it smack in the middle of Christmas break I will hurt someone.

2) My "girlie" issues have turned me into a raging lunatic this month. Things are pissing me off that never piss me off. For example, my job ran out of coffee the other day and there was only (dun-dun-dun) decaf. I was outrageously annoyed for the remainder of the day and huffed all the way home. Only when relaying this unjust incident to my significant other did I realize that I had totally lost my mind. Go figure...

3) My arranged ride home for Christmas had some complications (which aren't their fault at all) but, now I have to buy a one-way ticket and then pan-handle for a ride back. Or drive my heap home and back---eh, not such a good idea. The last thing I need is to break down in "Godforsaken City, KY" and try to find a mechanic. So much for planning in advance.

4) The weather here is so fickle it's driving me insane. I wake up in the morning and it's sunny and crisp. By the the time I come home it's very cold and very windy. I'm always freezing my butt off or sweating like a pig no matter what I wear in preparation.

5) Finals week is rapidly approaching and I feel completely overwhelmed. I have one exam to study for, two books to read, and three papers to write before I'm outta here. Makes me wanna take a shot and then a nap....

6) I had a huge paper to turn in this week for a class and, for extra input, I decided to email it to my advisor. They almost immediately emailed me back wanting to meet and talk about the paper. Ugh....doesn't bode well for me. And I thought I did a decent job on this one--- arg, guess I'll get mine handed to me tomorrow.

7) I am a complete failure as a Christmas shopper/ gift giver. I simply have no idea what to get anyone this year. No one needs anything or wants anything and, when asked, says "Ah, you don't have to get me anything." Well, damnit people, you keep telling me that and I'm going to believe you! Plus, I hate malls---hate, hate, hate them. All the people, noise, canned music, bad perfume---ugh, too much. I shop like a soldier on a mission--- get in and get the hell out before something gets shot off.

Two pleasant things that help me forget my troubles are good books and good music, both of which I have encountered lately. I highly recommend these...

Three Cups of Tea by: Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin--- Amazing book, trust me, you'll walk away feeling inspired.

The Weepies---LOVE this band; every song I've heard by them is fun and catchy. This is the video for "Nobody Knows Me At All".

So, peanut gallery--- what makes you stressed and grumpy? What do you do to unwind and get happy again?

All Americans MUST see this movie....

2007-12-01T15:25:00.000-05:00

Ok, so lots of people hate Michael Moore. When I saw him speak in Fairmont, WV for the 2004 elections, I wasn't exactly impressed myself. But, who cares? Aside from a less than attractive personality, this guy is smart and he's doing a great thing by making the movies he does. SiCKO, in particular, is a movie everyone in this country needs to see . I was shocked and really saddened by what I saw. Frankly, it made me want to move to another country---any other country. It amazes me what we let our government get away with. Then, on top of that, we have this ridiculous attitude of "America is the best, man. We're the best country in the world. That's why everyone comes here." Eh, not so much. People come here to make money, not to have the best life possible anymore. The really frustrating part is that we have the power to change it and yet we don't so, it doesn't get changed. However, bill H.R. 676 was an important turning point in this battle. It was a bill that proposed the creation of a new nationalized health care system. Michael Moore's webpage links to information on this piece of legislation--> http://www.michaelmoore.com/sicko/what-can-i-do/. Although it already went to a vote on Nov. 14th (and was defeated), it is still important that we write to our congressional representatives, or even the presidential candidates, and demand that they make national healthcare a top priority in 2008. And then, perhaps, there will be another proposed version (that will actually pass) of this landmark bill in the future. This is a bipartisan issue and it benefits us all; it is time that we finally take control of our health and get what we need from our government!

Music City, USA

2007-11-26T21:16:00.000-05:00

Guess who's going to see Regina Spektor live in concert?? Yup, that's right---Dec. 6th, baby! Actually, I was supposed to see her two weeks ago but, the show got cancelled because she was sick. So, they re-scheduled for December, which is actually better for me. I'm so pumped! That's the beauty of living in the music capital of the U.S.--- everyone comes here! I will be seeing the Rockettes right before Christmas break and then, hopefully, the Gipsy Kings in February. Gotta love it...

My hair is not my friend...

2007-11-11T12:00:00.000-05:00

I know for a fact that each and every person (especially women) have something about their body that they don't like. Some of us are able to hide that better than others. For example, internal medical or psychological issues can remain virtually unknown to everyone your entire life. However, physical things are harder to disguise. Even then, there is wiggle-room. If you have ugly feet, you never have to wear sandals. If you have a small chest, Victoria's Secret push-up/padded bras are your best friend. Every now and then, a woman has a physical difficulty, let's say, that is quite impossible to hide.

In my case, it's my hair. I have struggled with my hair my entire life. I have thin, fine hair that is, at the same time, quite curly. Naturally, this is a rather unusual combination (thanks Mom and Dad). This limits the kind of hairstyles that physically work on me (not to mention my unusual face shape). So, in my entire life, I think I've had a total of about 5 distinct haircuts--- two of which were disastrous.

As a result, I have developed an unnatural fear of the hair salon; this fear is comparable to what some people have of doctors, dentists, needles, or the bubonic plague. I HATE getting my hair cut. It is, unfortunately, a necessary evil in my life (unless I want to look like Cousin It). This fear is born of the fact that I have NEVER encountered a hair stylist out there that has even the most remote clue as to what to do with my hair and how to do it. The biggest tip-off is when they come at me with a brush and/or blow-dryer. Uh-uh, honey-- you just lost the game (and a tip). So, yesterday I was feeling sadomasochistic and decided to give the hair-dressers of the Southeast a turn at my freak-hair. What can I say, I'm just a glutton for punishment?

After almost an hour of intense cutting and primping, I walked out of that salon looking like a cross between little orphan Annie and Phil Spector--- needless to say, I was not the prettiest girl at the ball. I paid $45, including the tip because I'm too much of a wuss to stiff someone, to look like a miniature poodle. Sad? yes--- Surprising? Not so much. Why do hair-dressers not understand that teasing is never the answer??? Is that really the only thing they know how to do? I really had hope, though. I even brought a picture (after intense research about hair type and face shape) because I thought perhaps it was my inadequate verbal articulation of what I wanted that made for my failing track-record. Ah well. I got home and immediately took a shower to wash out all the Aqua-Net-like product that had been used to make my hair a virtual Tower of Babel. After playing with it on my own, it isn't half-bad. I've learned to have a sense of humor about it all (so that I don't cry) but it still sucks when your own body seems to be rebelling against you.

So, for all of you out there, what aspect of your physical appearance do you wish you could change? Have you tried to change it several times with little or no success? How do you deal with not looking the way you want to (or feel you should)?

Hockey, Halloween and Tornadoes

2007-11-06T21:44:00.000-05:00

Yet again I find myself way behind in my blogging and life in general. There just don't seem to be enough hours in the day (particularly after the time change) to get everything done.

So, what have I been up to you ask? Well, I've been to two hockey games in the last month-- pro games for the local team-- which was pretty awesome 'cause I love me some hockey. The first game, my seats were toward the middle of the area but, the second game, oh my. I got two BOX seat tickets...for FREE-- courtesy of my part-time job. How great is that? They pay me and they give me free stuff. It was seriously one of the highlights of my year; I went with my buddy Adam, who is a major hockey fan and now swears that I am the coolest person alive. Get this, we got: free food, free drinks, free alcoholic drinks, free t-shirts, free programs and...a free dessert. About halfway through the game a dessert cart passed by all the boxes and we could choose from things like NY-style cheesecake with fresh strawberries, Bavarian chocolate cake, Snickers pie, 7-layer carrot cake or we could get a shot of a liqueur like Bailey's or Kahlua. Heaven, heaven....it just doesn't get any better than free entertainment AND free food. God bless them, God bless them all.

Also, as you can see by the photo, I went to a rockin' Halloween party with the other first-years. Everyone dressed up, we made total fools of ourselves and it was a lovely night. In case anyone is wondering, I was "Trailer Park Barbie"--- not Britney Spears, which was the popular guess. I went all out, I'm not ashamed to say; right down to the Marlboro permanently on hand (I gave the rest of the pack away) or in the mouth (with beer bottle), baby doll, prego belly, fake tattoos and blacked-out teeth. How sweet it is...

Yesterday evening I got my first experience with southeastern USA weather-- tornadoes. Yeah, being a WV girl made it virtually impossible for me to wrap my brain around the idea of a tornado being a real possibility until the sirens started going off. Natural disasters just don't happen in WV. Not fun at all, let me tell you. Luckily, even though some were sighted, nothing touched down or did serious damage. It was a very sobering experience-- in a few minutes you could lose everything and you're completely powerless. I just kept thinking how I wished my boy was there and I wished I could talk with him. Anyone out there experienced a natural disaster? What kind was it? What were your thoughts when it happened?

For all cat lovers out there...

2007-10-27T15:45:00.000-04:00

Thought this might give you a giggle...

The Do's and Don'ts of Tying the Knot

2007-10-23T19:00:00.000-04:00

This past weekend I had the pleasure of seeing my two good friends Alex and Allison seal the deal in a lovely autumn in WV wedding. I was a bridesmaid (yet again) and did my part so that their big day went exactly according to plans--- and if you know Allison, you also know how VERY important that is. My boy and I had the chance to see eachother again after a bit of a hiatus so, that was definitely nice. It's amazing how much you can miss a person's physical presence even though you talk to them virtually every day.

As I have reached the end of my long list of to-go-to weddings for this year, I feel I have garnered a bit of knowledge that may be valuable to some of you out there who are (as yet) unmarried. Here's a top 10 list of advice from a decidedly un-experienced and non-authoritative, (yet)professional wedding attendee....

------------------------------------------------------------------------

10- Forget the stupid little details!! No one notices or remembers them anyway (i.e. the color of the napkins, the centerpiece, the favors, etc.). People waste way too much time and money on the minute details and miss the big picture in the process.

9- Do NOT, I repeat, Do NOT play: the chicken dance, the electric slide, the macarena, the hussle or any other cheesy dance song at the reception...it gets old real fast.

8- Pick a good cake. Nothing ruins a good wedding meal quicker than a cheap (more icing than cake) or overly rich, wedding cake. The cake is more than likely the last thing the guests will eat so, you should try to leave a good taste in their mouth (literally).

7- For the love of God, no performers. No sappy poets, no droning speakers and no warbling singers. The wedding is the show, we don't need any more.

6- Be kind to your bridesmaids/groomsmen. Do not make them wear anything you wouldn't (or something that wouldn't flatter you). And, just as a word of style advice, classic is always better. Trendy color combinations involving browns or oranges are better left inside Modern Bride magazine and off the bodies of real people.

5- Do NOT have a deejay. They always, always, always suck....no affordable one will have any kind of skills and they will never match your taste in music, no matter how much they promise to stick to your request list. A live band is preferable but expensive. Even a laptop hooked up to a stereo system on a random shuffle of your Windows Media Player playlist is better--- at least you can censor what is played.

4- You do not need a wedding planner. They are pushy, expensive, bitter old maids who want to control your special day and live vicariously through your checkbook. Do your own thing and make it reflect the two of you! If you plan far enough ahead and keep it simple, you can do it yourself. Nothing is sadder than a standard, cookie-cutter wedding. Just be sure to delegate--- the man should share equally in the planning; weddings are not solely the responsibility of the bride.

3- Do NOT videotape your wedding. It is a huge waste of money and I have never in my life known of anyone who actually sat down and watched the tape---ever. Videographers are pirates; if you have pictures, that's enough. Plus, even if you are self-absorbed enough to sit down and watch 2 hours of yourself on film, no one else will ever want to; so, please, don't tempt yourself to smother the rest of us with your blissful film festivals.

2- Make sure, regardless of who will be toasting you, that you know what they are going to say and how long they plan to ramble on (and how much they have had to drink prior to taking over the microphone). Most people think they are witty and profound but few actually are and the guests are always the uncomfortable victims in this scenario.

1- Enjoy the day! I've been to WAY too many weddings where the bride and groom spend the entire reception meeting and greeting. Forget that--- dance like an idiot, stuff your face and have fun because the day will pass quickly and you should squeeze as much joy out of it as possible; after all, you paid for it!

No nuts for the little lady....she's allergic....

2007-10-15T17:15:00.001-04:00

Can you frickin' believe this?? Home Depot has decided to create a 'female friendly' version of its stores and, get this, they're calling it Her Depot. Whoever does their marketing research needs to be fired and branded on the forehead with the word "idiot". It is a store where,

"You won't find any lumber yards, contractor-grade tools or commercial building supplies. What you will find are flower bouquets, well-lit athroom and kitchen displays, stylish home furnishings and stacks of floral-print storage bins."

Gee, what I've always wanted--- another place that sells totally useless, decorative, over-priced shit. Hmmm...don't we already have a few of those around? (i.e. Crate and Barrel) Women will clearly never need nails, nuts, bolts, hammers, a wrench or, god-forbid, a piece of wood; we all just have our darling little hubby do all the heavy-lifting, fixing and logical thinking. As we all know, ovaries are like kryptonite to handiness.

I just don't understand how they think this is an new and appealing prospect for women (maybe cerca 1950). It will have "softer lighting", "lower shelves" and will be "neater and cleaner" than the typical warehouse style found at Home Depot and Lowe's but will have less stock (25% less). So, essentially, it will be a place with mood lighting and elevator music where women can buy fake flowers and call it home improvement--- ridiculous. All they have to do now is paint the exterior bright pink and the insult will be complete.....grrrr. Screw you, Home Depot! Oops, can't use 'screw'...that's manly hardware....POTPOURRI YOU, HOME DEPOT! (much better)

Must remember to eat and sleep....

2007-10-10T14:51:00.000-04:00

My life has been so crazy lately I'm going to give the bulleted version (with explanatory photos)....

* saw "Elizabeth: The Golden Age" for free courtesy of my lovely department (since it's a semi-historical film); my verdict was B-.....pretty and engaging but ridiculously inaccurate and hopelessly cliche at times

* saw "Lady in the Water" courtesy of Blockbuster online; awesome film, I give it an A

* sang karaoke with the other newbies in my department Friday night at a local western bar; very intimidating when everyone there is an aspiring country singer but we had a blast making total fools of ourselves.... Exhibit A----- >

* spent the rest of the weekend reading an excellent book, Intimate Ironies: Modernity and the Making of Middle-Class Lives in Brazil and writing a review....potential dissertation topic? perhaps...

* got invited to a baby shower for one of my best friends from "way back in high school", always wanted to be able to say that; spent some time looking for good gift ideas.... anyone have a suggestion???

* tweaked my final itinerary for my trip to WV for one of my gal-friend's wedding....coming up oh-so-soon; spent time looking for a second gift to give....any ideas???

* struggled make a final decision on where I'll be traveling to this summer....and with what program....to do what? arg....sometimes lots of options makes things harder...

* I've been attending both the Spanish and Portuguese conversation tables religiously....can't tell you how confused that has made me....sometimes I speak and then have to pause to consider if I'm speaking the right language with the right group...

* I met the ex-President of Brazil!!! Mr. Fernando Henrique Cardoso. How cool is that? He came and spoke on campus....it was quite the to-do...Exhibit B---- >

* tonight I'm going to a Cuban timba music concert with "Tiempo Libre"-- Grammy award-winners....if I go to the reception before the concert I might get to meet them.....I love my life :)

"Satanic Verses" and Bad Tango

2007-10-01T14:30:00.000-04:00

I got to hear Salman Rushdie speak on Friday evening!! How awesome is that? I love his books and he's a wonderful public speaker-- very dry, witty and highly opinionated. He spoke not so much about his books but, rather what the role of the author is in modern society. Based on his own reputation, he is clearly a writer in favor of "shaking things up" and using writing to make the public think critically. He poked fun at: Bush, Dan Brown, the Ayatollah Khomeini (who put out a fatwa, or death threat out on him for Satanic Verses), Republicans, J.K. Rowling, etc. There is an obvious attraction for him to the controversial. I must say, his treatment of the Q&A section was rather light (joking about the questions more than answering them) but, he did seem to be responding as honestly and bluntly as possible. I wish I had been able to meet him personally (he was signing autographs and chatting at the reception prior to the lecture) but I thoroughly enjoyed his speech. I highly recommend his work to anyone out there that likes mysticism, religion, history and a heavy dose of political incorrectness.

Later that evening, I went with a few friends to a tango demonstration at a local park. I really like tango music so, I was really looking forward to seeing a dance troupe perform it. However, I was rather disappointed. Most of the time was spent on instructing participants on the basic steps of tango--- which took forever. Then, they made a laundry list of announcements about the group...blah, blah, blah. FINALLY, they got to the tango performances....and, frankly, they weren't very good. I know, I know, who am I to judge? I am by no means a tango dancer nor a professional dancer in any capacity. However, one doesn't have to be able to draw to recognize a good rendering of a landscape--- you just know how it should look. I've watched the film Tango from Argentina so, I'm rather well-acquainted with how the dance should look....and it didn't look like that, at all. Oh well, it was a tantalizing prospect anyway.

So, I have two questions for everyone this time: What is your favorite "bad" book? A book that crosses the line, so to speak, and pushes the limits of polite literary society-- perhaps a banned book? Secondly, have you ever experienced something that received lots of hype only to be sorely disappointed at the actual results?

My 15 minutes....

2007-09-26T17:25:00.000-04:00

Check it out, I've been blurbified....cool....

http://www.vanderbilt.edu/historydept/graduate/students

Lots of fun = No work done

2007-09-24T15:20:00.000-04:00

I had such a great weekend!! This city is too fun to resist, even when there is a pile of work waiting for you. This, of course, translates to, "I got virtually nothing done worth mentioning." Oh well, I'll just have to play catch-up this week. The good thing is, in speaking with other grads, I'm not alone in my "behind schedule" status. (Above: Myself and my new friend Margarita, from Spain at the jazz club).So, my weekend consisted of:

Friday- leaving work early with crushing headache (girlie stuff); a short nap and lots of aspirin later, I was good to go; cleaned my house quickly and baked some brownies; the Newbies arrived for our weekly "Movie Night" that I was hosting; ended up not watching a movie but eating, chatting and playing Apples to Apples until about 2am

Fun category: Very chill, squeaky clean, getting-to-know-you kind of fun with close friends.

Saturday- woke up very late due to 2am bedtime; made vain attempt to read for upcoming week; couldn't concentrate-- watched movie instead; cleaned up after Friday night gathering; called some friends; went salsa dancing with some Latin friends at a downtown bar (with AWESOME live salsa band); went to bed around 3am

Fun category: Wild, fast-paced, sweaty, work-your-body-til-it-hurts kind of fun.

Sunday- woke up very late, again; made vain attempt to read; couldn't concentrate-- cooked full Brazilian meal instead; nursed my aching and blistered feet; called some friends; went to local bar (pictured above) with some fellow grads to see professional jazz band playing (retired studio musicians); went to bed about midnight thinking, "Oh my god, the weekend is officially over already."

Fun category: Sophisticated, adult, too-cool-for-all-you-other-cats kind of fun.

My question to the peanut gallery is: how do you balance what you HAVE to do with what you WANT to do? Are there times when letting work go on the back burner is necessary? What do you do to unwind after a rough week?

Ode to Teva

2007-09-17T16:49:00.001-04:00

These are THE BEST flip-flops I have ever owned (and I'm quite the connoisseur). The Olowahu by Teva is incredibly comfortable and very durable. It is truly a walker-friendly shoe, which can't be said of most flip-flops, or even sandals for that matter. Being a poor grad student, I walk a mile to campus and a mile back each day. I have, in just a month, reduced my feet to ugly blister and callous-laden versions of their original selves and utterly destroyed one pair of flip-flops. This shoe by Teva is really spongy so your feet don't get blisters and the straps are soft enough not to cause callouses. I'm a believer. Go buy Teva!!

Gore Vidal and giggling like a school girl

2007-09-13T23:23:00.000-04:00

On Tuesday evening I had the opportunity to see a living legend speak--- Gore Vidal. He's a huge figure in history, politics, American culture and a rather prolific novelist and playwright. Needless to say, I was excited to have brush with greatness. Unfortunately, it didn't quite work out that way.

Two other grad students from my dept. attended with me and we all came to the same conclusion---
Gore Vidal is just a rude, bitter, cantankerous old man. First of all, he didn't answer any of the questions the moderator posed to him; he simply made catty little comments and joked around everything, only pausing to speak about whatever suited his inexplicable fancy. Those rambling speeches consisted of: 1) insults for Southerns (of which, by heritage, he is--ironically enough) 2) insults for GW Bush, which I honestly didn't mind, and 3) lamentations about how perfect everything was in 1945 after WWII when America "had the world by the balls" and how we are now going to hell in an emperialist-shaped basket. Basically, our country sucks, we screwed it up and there's absolutely no hope of fixing it. Niiice.

Then, he proceeded to insult and/or avoid every question put to him by the audience. One woman innocently asked him why he had decided to sell his long-time Italian residence and move back to the U.S. He then answered her, "Did it ever occur to you that I never really moved away? That I was just a temporary resident? That I've always lived in the U.S?" What a jerk, right? I mean, seriously, he couldn't have done more that evening to insult and belittle people who were practically kissing his feet. It was ridiculous. I've never seen a more self-absorbed, ungrateful prat in my whole life. Aren't we supposed to get wiser and kinder as we age? Or, at least, more understanding and tolerant? In the end, I find myself still searching for that great American figure to look up to--- with nothing but disappointment to show for it.

On the upside, last night was the very first "Newbie History Geek Movie Night". Our first film--- Monty Python and the Holy Grail, of course (my personal, VHS copy 'cause I'm just that cool). It was a really fun evening. I like my fellow classmates more and more as time goes on. They are just smart, humble, funny, down-to-earth people which, in grad school, is exceptionally rare. I didn't get home until about 2am, much to my surprise. We were all enjoying ourselves so much with the movie, chatting, eating and drinking that we didn't notice at all how late it was. I found myself giggling like a little school girl seeing Monty Python again after such a long time; that good, hearty, I'm-a-dork-and-don't-care-who-knows-it kind of laughter that comes so rarely after age 12. Thank God for small miracles and good conversations....

Who knew Mowgli was so talented??

2007-09-09T10:20:00.000-04:00

This just made me giggle...especially the parts I understood..."Que un par de locos! Que cancion mas tonta!"...."E aqui mesmo! Que bom!"...

Work stinks but the mangoes are juicy...

2007-09-05T22:36:00.000-04:00

Boo-hiss:

-- For the last two weeks, my job has been made virtually intolerable by an intense and overwhelming stench. The cause? VU is asphalting around our building AND re-tarring the roof. The result? I have come to associate my job with mind-numbing headaches triggered by the ever-present burning smell. Anyone else particularly effected by smells? Which ones? I seem to be rather sensitive...

-- Since I walk the mile to and from campus along the busiest street in town, being noticed by motorists is inevitable. However, I had a recent incident in which a woman (I maintain she was high or otherwise out of her mind) insisted on yelling nasty things I won't repeat at me which I, of course ignored. She then proceeded to slow to a stop beside me and yell out the window at me to, I suppose, make sure I heard her. Never saw this person before in my life and hope I never do again. What is with some people? How is the sight of a pedestrian so offensive?

-- A second meeting with my advisor resulted in a stack of 5 books of at least 300 pgs. each that must be read (roughly) within the next month; in addition to my regular coursework....ugh....

-- A recent grad party ended badly as some of the "upperclassmen" proceeded to get extremely drunk, rude and virtually ignore all first-years. Not the best way to make a first impression...

Redemption:

--My honey came to visit me here in Nashville for Labor Day weekend. We cooked up a storm, went all over town, he sat in on some of my classes (since we had class on Labor Day, go figure) and just generally basked in the enjoyment of the other's presence. It was perfect :)

-- I received my very first stipend check Friday. CHA-CHING! My bank account is smiling.

-- I have not gotten lost around town for 7 days now!!

-- The discovery of a Latin mercado a few minutes from my house has revived my love of cooking and filled my kitchen with all kinds of wonderful things-- yucca, coconut milk, guava paste, ripe mangoes and huge avocados. Hurray for cheap imports!!

Ode to Joy

2007-08-30T07:54:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was my first day of class here and I'm completely in love with this place. Granted, that will probably change as soon as the first round of exams and papers arrives but, for now, I'm completely infatuated. Not only is it a gorgeous campus full of trees, thousands of squirrels and flowers but, it is full of brilliant people. The morning of the first day of class was so silent it was eerie. There were hundreds of people on campus but you could hear nothing but the birds in the trees. I was shocked. At WVU on the first day, you can barely hear yourself think for all the cars, talking, laughter, music, etc. There is a sort of excitement in that, though. Here, you would think that every student is in med school or law school they are so incredibly serious.

My first class was an Iberian Empire history course. It's mainly an undergrad course but, it counts for me also (I just get a longer syllabus). What I'm used to on the first day is: hello my name is, you are, here's the syllabus, this is the book, goodbye. Oh no, we went the full time and then some discussing some erudite point of historical value relating to the status of English-speaking islands as part of Latin America. I think I was literally drooling on my desk. YES!! THIS is what I've always wanted-- to be surrounded by my people--- the nerds. In that moment I realized, I am no longer in the minority; never again will I be the ONLY person in the library on a Saturday afternoon. I was so happy, I could've cried.

Then, my second class was a cherry-on-top. Intermediate Portuguese-- I have longed to take this class for 2 years now but it never before existed in my world. Finally! The teacher is from Minas Gerais, Brazil and she's beautiful. She looks like a very classy mom-type figure (she's probably in her 40's). I was so nervous I started making really stupid grammatical mistakes that I knew were wrong but couldn't help it. I was just too excited to control myself. I could just tell that this class would challenge me and I was going to look forward to it every day.

Later, I met with my advisor which, for any grad student, is THE most important person in your world-- they make you or break you. Even parents shy in comparison to the influence of the graduate advisor. Dr. E is wonderful. He's very much a dad (literally and figuratively) so, being his advisee feels a lot like what an adopted child must feel. You feel like you don't really deserve their attention but you still enjoy it tremendously. He's so smart--- SO smart. Sometimes, when he looks at me, I think that he's envisioning me playing with Barbies and sucking my thumb because I'm so green. He's already semi-planned a trip to Brazil for me this summer, which I'm happy to go along with.

The job is going well too. It's so different that what I'm used to and what I'm studying. It's nice to be back into journalism, in a way. It's an exciting field, though with lots of pressure related to time. It's the perfect job for anyone who likes gossip or "dirt"....whenever anything at all happens on campus, we are inevitably the first people to hear about it. The best part is, we are then "obligated" to record and report it. Also, the people who work there--- geez! These are Emmy Award-winning journalists and producers; it's crazy. I feel powerful to make calls and label myself "from the VU News Room". I'm not sure how long I'll be able to balance this job with my other responsibilities but, for now, I'm having a ball!

(In case anyone is wondering, that is a "Happy Scone" picture; don't get any ideas...)

I should be at a party right now...

2007-08-26T00:53:00.000-04:00

...but I feel yucky; girl stuff-- I'll leave it at that and spare you all the details. Suffice it to say that my head is pounding and my mid-section feels like a pretzel looks. As a result, I can't sleep, which really stinks. Hopefully, the party-givers will forgive me.

Last night was a really great time, though. Our grad director invited all the newbies over to his house for a cook-out/pool party. Yes, I did say pool party--as in bearing skin and getting rather wet in front of superiors. These Southerners are VERY friendly, like I said. Luckily (and rather ironically), it was just too hot to swim and we were all too shy so, we just ate and chatted all night.

I am SOOO relieved now that I've met everyone. No weirdos, no psychos and no cling-ons. Everyone is nice, normal and a lot of fun. Not to knock my field or those who many inhabit it but, let's face it, academics (especially in the grad student gestation period) tend to be....shall we say...eccentric. Many of them seem to live in their own little world where nuclear war can be caused by incorrect margins, Communist theory is still an acceptable discussion topic at a bar and a copy of Foucalt is most likely the only thing to ever accompany them to bed. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with being passionate about what you do-- in fact, it's a very necessary component--- BUT having an active, normal social life that doesn't involve any kind of citation is too. That kind of full-time obsession only leads to isolationism, burn-outs, break-downs and far too many cats.

I was also pleased that my group of newbies represents several states and countries. We have: Miss Jamaica who is absolutely beautiful and so charming, Mr. Canada who is hilarious, Mr. Missouri who seems very sweet, Mrs. Pennsylvania who is the "baby" of the group, Mr. New York who is reserved but not anti-social, Miss Poland who seems exceptionally nice and eager to experience everything, Miss Scotland who has a lovely accent and is SO smart, and Mr. Kansas who is still adjusting to city life. There are a few others but, unfortunately, I didn't get to talk to them during the course of the night so, their stats are a bit fuzzy for me. All in all, it was a wonderful night and I look forward to getting to know everyone much better. More to come very soon...classes start on Wednesday!

Buried under boxes and melting in the heat....

2007-08-20T11:16:00.000-04:00

...is basically how I would describe my life currently. I had the incredible luck to move into my new apartment (last Monday) on a record-setting day....for heat. The temperature reached 105F, which beat the previous record of 102 set in 1954. Global-warming? Yeah, not such a theoretical thing to me anymore...

Anyway, yes, I'm alive and well here in Nashville. I'm currently writing from the university library public-access section (since I don't have an ID card yet). Internet access around here is apparently hard to find and my DSL hasn't been set up yet so, I'm going through some serious cyber-withdrawal. Pretty much everything is out of it's prospective box and in it's rightful place in the house, which is nice, though the pile of empty boxes is still covering a corner of my dining room. It's actually an attractive place-- I think I did okay for myself. I'm enjoying living alone for the first time in my life. No offense to roomates-past but, there's something to be said for solitude, quiet, privacy and....let's face it...the fact that I can walk around naked all day long if I really want to (and the blinds are drawn)! It's rather awesome. I'm sure the loneliness bug will bite me soon but, since classes start in about a week, I'll be able to drown myself in work-- as usual.

So...the South. Well, it's a different world down here, that's for sure. People are VERY friendly...sometimes to the point of being a bit invasive and a bit more touchy-feeling than I'm used to but, I guess that's just the "Yankee bitch" in me talking, haha. Living here for 5+ years will surely be a sociological experiment. My family and friends are already taking bets on how soon I'll absorb the "southern drawl" that is oh-so-prevalent here. The answer is...NEVER! That's one accent I've never taken to...I prefer to have a boring, non-descript, news anchor kind of speech that can't really be identified with a particular region. I know, I know...very snobby of me, but I just don't enjoy the way the southern accent sounds....or any other North American accent, actually. Anyway, I'm babbling now so, I'll get off this computer and head back out onto the surface of the sun....more to come! Hope all is well with everyone! I miss you guys...

$$"Money...(ching, ching)...it's a drag..."$$

2007-08-10T14:20:00.000-04:00

As the old (and rather cliche) saying goes, money does not grow on trees. This I know personally to be a fact. If it were true, I would definitely convert to hugging trees on a regular basis. However, like most people in this world, I have to work for a living. Even as a doctoral candidate (which comes with a stipend), I find myself running a bit short on cash. Moving to a new, bigger (& more expensive) city requires a lot of money-- rent, utilities, food, furniture, etc. So, I've decided that I'll continue to work part-time while I work on my Ph.D. (at least for the first year, since I won't be a TA).

Part of this is necessity but, part of it is just who I am. I realized that I have consistently held a job (of some kind) for almost a decade now. For all you non-math majors, that means I've been working since I was about 15, which is technically illegal. However, it was only "under the table" for a few months until I turned 16. In any case, I just like working. I like feeling as though I'm accomplishing something. Plus, nothing feels better than financial independence; if I want it or need it, I can pay for myself. One of my fondest memories of high school was when I paid for my very first car in full (and in cash!) much to my parents' surprise. It made me feel like an adult for the very first time.

I also get bored VERY easily so, working has always been a way for me to keep myself occupied. It puts me into contact with lots of different kinds of people, which then gives me fodder for fiction in my writing. What can I say? I'm a workaholic in every sense of the word.

Money is also my Achille's heal, though. Nothing gets me panicky, nervous and depressed like money (mainly the lack thereof). I know it shouldn't get to me so much; it comes and goes like anything else. I shouldn't let it control me but I'm still not at a stable point in my life with a steady job and benefits so, my inability to plan ahead freaks the hell out of me.

Speaking of a steady job, I have 3 interviews for a part-time gig in Nashville. One at Morgan Stanley, one at the VU Division of Public Affairs and one at Brentwood Realty. I scheduled them all for this coming Friday so, I'll post and let everyone know how they went. Each one has it's +'s and -'s so, for me it's really a toss-up.

So, here are my questions to the peanut gallery: What is your relationship with money? Do you love it/hate it or remain apathetic? Are you a spender or saver? Do you like to work or do it just to pay the bills? If money doesn't get to you, what is your Achilles heal?

New Life

2007-08-07T09:12:00.000-04:00

(drum roll) Introducing my newest cousin/nephew... Lucas Braden...he's such a cutie. My cousin Stephani is doing just fine and her labor went well. He was born 8/3/07 at 7.5 lbs. I'm sure they're still just in shock and awe right now....I'm really happy for them....they're going to be great parents...

Newsweek and Kaplan have spoken....

2007-08-06T16:12:00.000-04:00

...and Vanderbilt University has been chosen as one of the 25 "New Ivies" out of all American colleges and universities. I'm so proud! I can't wait to get there and dive head-first into the library stacks....

I could sure go for a pumpkin right now...

2007-07-31T10:13:00.000-04:00

How random is this?? Poor guy...it's funny yet so wrong...I'm sure he's wondering what the hell is going on. One thing is certain, he will have the very first squirrel hang-0ver in the history of the animal kingdom (and a bad one at that)...

"There was once an old man named Armand..."

2007-07-24T08:35:00.000-04:00

After checking my WVU email, which I hadn't done in awhile, I learned that Dr. Armand Singer had died after a rather long struggle. He was a retired professor who enjoyed dropping in at Chitwood Hall to share stories and send emails. He was 93 years old when he passed away on July 12th but, he had the most amazing life--- traveling to every continent on earth, visiting both Poles, making it to base camp on Everest, sky-diving (as you can see), white water rafting, etc.--- and all while well past retirement age. He was a truly unique individual; always cheerful, funny, outgoing and full of crazy stories.

Though my encounters with Dr. Singer were brief, I will never forget him. He happened to attend a conference in Las Vegas, NV that I attended and he made quite a splash. He was part of the panel in a poetry reading and opted to go last. Each person that got up read some depressing, dark, angst-ridden, super-metaphoric poem that no one understood but clapped for anyway. Then it was Armand's turn. He couldn't stand but managed to demand the complete attention of the audience from his chair. He began by apologizing for any "grimaces" he might make as he read, as this was because he had broken "a rib or two" the night before and they were bothering him. Then, off he went into the material as if what he had just said were of absolutely no consequence. He proceeded to then read several selections of the dirtiest limericks in the history of the style--- while pausing only to giggle between each one. Things came out of that old man's mouth that would make a drunk frat boy blush; at first, the audience was shocked and utterly silent. Slowly, younger people began to snicker (I think I was probably the first one to laugh) and then the stuffy poets began to laugh and then the entire room erupted into uncontrolled laughter.

Armand finished to thunderous applause and several people stayed afterwards to talk with him--- while the other panel members looked on, rather displeased. It was wonderful! It was easily the highlight of an otherwise very calculated, self-absorbed conference. The best part was that I knew what was coming but no one else did. I was crying by the end because I couldn't laugh any harder. That is how I will always remember him--- as the giggling little old man with his lude limericks shocking the hell out of everyone. He was never a person afraid to say what he thought. And he used the guise of his age to get away with virtually everything! But he was also a very intelligent and cultured individual. Personally, I think Armand did it the right way--- life, that is. I sincerely hope that he died happily, knowing that he made the world just a little bit better with his joyful attitude and his zest for life. He was an inspiration to everyone that met him. Here's to you, Armand, we will all miss you!

Does anyone know someone like Armand?-- A person that squeezed every ounce out of life and never let anyone tell them they were "too old" to do something. How will you be when you retire? What will you have accomplished? How do you want to be remembered?

Rusty Wedding Bells

2007-07-18T16:31:00.000-04:00

Today in History: July 18, 1981 my parents tied the knot in a little country church in central Pennsylvania (I was born roughly two years later).

So, today is my parents anniversary and, I tell ya, I couldn't be happier. They seriously have one of the best marriages I have ever seen and I'm not just saying that because they're mine. They genuinely enjoy each other, they laugh all the time, and they are clearly the best of friends; you couldn't picture one without the other. I've always looked up to the way they defined marriage. Now, as virtually every friend and acquaintance I have is getting married or engaged, it really makes me think about what marriage means.

In today's world where slightly over 1/2 of all marriages end in divorce, it seems like, somehow, most people are not going into this thing with both eyes open. I can see how it's easy to get caught up in the ceremony of it all--- the dress, the music, the flowers, the rings, the honeymoon, etc. Plus, it's seen as a status symbol to be married--- you've reached adulthood, you've settled down, you're normal. But, at the same time, all that stuff in the moment doesn't really mean anything when you have to spend every waking moment with this person for the rest of your life. Personally, I've never been one of these girls that dreams about her wedding all her life. I really couldn't care less how it happens or, honestly, if it happens. I just want to be with someone that makes me happy and I can do the same for them; that's the really important part, all the rest is just details (and very expensive ones at that).

Which is why, I suppose, I've never understood why people are so radically against same-sex marriage. Marriage is a committment of one's life to another and anyone can do that so, legally, anyone should be able to do that, in my opinion. I've met several gay/lesbian couples who have just as functional/disfunctional relationships as any other straight couple-- including when children are added into the mix. What it comes down to is that human relationships of all kinds and levels are hard work because they require a certain level of selflessness, which is rather rare in today's society. If you can find that with anyone-- regardless of gender, race, religion, etc.-- you've really discovered something great.

My question to all of you is: what is marriage? What makes it work? What causes it to end? How necessary is that "little piece of paper"? Is it a right for all or a privilege for some?

"Memories, like the corners of my mind...."

2007-07-17T12:59:00.000-04:00

Awww....my alma mater is still going strong....congratulations to all the great teachers at HHS! You guys deserve it!

Lost in Translation

2007-07-16T18:31:00.000-04:00

Sheesh...I'm exhausted. I had my very first full-blown, 8 hour interpretation job today. It was for an environmental engineering company (from Spain) at their plant in Northern PA. Needless to say, it was quite a commute; that alone is enough to wear a person out. In addition to that, I had to do bilingual translation (sometimes simultaneous) from English to Spanish and Spanish to English. I was REALLY nervous because it was a job that required technical language that I'm not particularly familiar with and it was my first really important translation job so, I had to prove myself in order to set myself up for future assignments.

As soon as I got there I realized it was not going to be nearly as complicated as I had imagined. For one thing, my contracting agency told me that I was going to be translating a presentation to a group of employees which would involved highly technical engineering lingo. However, it quickly became apparent that what I really had to do was simply shadow a logistics expert from Spain (who spoke no English whatsoever) as he tried to get this new branch of the company in order. At times, it was rather uncomfortable because he was basically chewing out several employees and office managers for their (to be totally frank) incompetence. These people had mis-labeled, mis-sent, and mis-counted just about everything possible in the warehouse. It was really quite ridiculous.

There were definitely moments where there was the need for a specific, technical term but I managed to be able to talk around pretty much everything I didn't know how to say (i.e. When would I ever encounter/need/use the word "skid"--as in a pallet-- in Spanish??) So, overall, I think I did great given my lack of a mechanical vocabulary. I really enjoyed working with the logistics expert (named Emilio) and I think that the company itself is excellent; I would be over-joyed to get the opportunity to work with them again either here or in Spain (especially there). Who knows, maybe I can maintain some connections?

I still can't get over the fact that I'm getting paid (REALLY well this time) for just talking. It honestly blows my mind sometimes. It really makes me think---- communication is so incredibly complicated and, therefore, so important in every aspect of life. Not being able to communicate properly because of language barriers, cultural differences, education level, etc. is not only vital to the essence of who we are, but also how others perceive us. What do you tell people about you based on the way you speak? The words you choose? The things you like or don't like to talk about? Is the old adage wrong--- are we not what we eat but, rather, what we say?

"She works (too) hard for the money..."

2007-07-11T15:03:00.000-04:00

Something has recently come to my attention that is rather disappointing. I have been working at my current 40hr/wk summer job for about 2 months now. When I arrived, my boss seemed really enthusiastic to make a positive change in the workplace and I appeared to be an integral part of that. However, as time has gone on, I've been told several times that I "work too fast". This means that I complete assignments faster than my boss expects or would like. I never thought of it as a negative thing, really--- it's just who I am. Tell me what to do and I will get it done-- period. No messing around, just do it.

Unfortunately, every time I enter into the workforce I am told the same thing. I have come to realize that my bosses don't ACTUALLY want me to finish what I'm doing-- especially not in record time. The more I do, the more they need to do to keep me occupied. I've talked to a few people about this; in particular, my Dad, who is a supervising manager for a local manufacturing company. His take on it was this, "I'd like all my employees to work like that but, the fact is, none do. And when they do, co-workers give them such a hard time for "making everyone else look bad" that they eventually learn to play the game too." And what is this "game"? It is pretending to work and be busy when you are really just wasting time and milking a job for all it's worth. The longer you take, the less people expect of you and if no one expects anything of you, you don't get asked to do much. It really is the perfect strategy.

So, what should I do about this? Well, I guess I'll just go to the bathroom a lot, take longer lunches, take smoke breaks (even though I don't smoke) and play card games on my computer all day long because, frankly, I don't want to lose my job. If I keep the pace I've had, I'll finish my job before I'm actually scheduled to leave. It makes me sad to learn that being a part of the "adult", working world translates to such little actual productivity.

Anyone else encountered this phenomena? How do you deal with it? How much should we all just "go with the flow"?

Top 10

2007-07-02T10:31:00.000-04:00

Ok, well, I've tried to avoid it for a bit but, I've been tagged by my buddy Ryan to list the "Top 10" things that most people don't know about me. So, here it goes....

1) As a kid, I had really severe ear problems and could've gone deaf had I not undergone surgery.

2) I hate cleaning kitchens...with a passion. I would MUCH rather clean a bathroom (including toilets) than do dishes; for me, rotting food is the ultimate in grossness.

3) I'm a musical freak. I am constantly humming, singing or whistling. I wake up every morning with a song stuck in my head for no apparent reason.

4) I have a talent for remembering names and numbers. If I met you once 8 years ago and you told me your name, I'll still know it (though I probably won't recognize your face). I can read a phone number once and remember it for days...not sure why.

5) I spent my childhood in rural PA; so rural, in fact, that practically all our neighbors owned farms and were Mennonite. As a result, I was brought up in the Mennonite church (complete with hair to my knees).

6) I have been tested at a 132 IQ ("gifted") but failed the test for the gifted program in WV schools in 6th grade (though I had passed in PA) because I was extremely nervous and my tester was so eccentric it actually distracted me.

7) I distinctly remember (on more than one occasion) having dreamt in color and, a few times, in Spanish though they say it is not possible.

8) I cannot give blood because I don't weigh enough.

9) I missed being in the "Top 10" of my graduating class in high school by .01 points--- damn calculus.

10) I have only ever broken one bone--- my tailbone, which is the one bone that cannot be re-aligned. Ironic, huh?

I now tag: Amber, Alison, Rose, Daniel, Erica, Alyssa, and Becky....

Babies, babies everywhere...

2007-06-25T08:37:00.000-04:00

I swear, there must be something in the water in my family. Everyone is getting pregnant and having babies! My cousin, Stephani (a CPA), and her husband, Brad (an engineer), live in Ohio and are expecting their first--- a baby boy (as yet unnamed)-- very, very soon. My grandmother keeps teasing me that I'm next (Steph is the oldest cousin and I'm the 2nd oldest) but I'm certainly in no hurry....

Hahahaha....

2007-06-21T12:50:00.000-04:00

Yup, we're about 2 years old when we're together...he's just too cute...this is what a simple walk in the woods turned into last weekend....

¿Hablas español?

2007-06-21T09:08:00.000-04:00

I was officially hired yesterday for my second job!!! I will be working for this summer (at least)as an independent contractor for translating and interpreting. I will do: Spanish to English, English to Spanish, English to Portuguese and Portuguese to English. Yeah!!!!! I'm really excited and rather nervous. This will be my first experience doing this kind of work professionally. The money isn't bad at all and I can do a lot of it from home, which means I can continue even after I move to Nashville-- very nice. The company I'm working for is Spanish Translation and it is owned by Charlotte Hernandez, with whom I had a really great interview yesterday afternoon. She's great. If anyone out there needs this kind of work in the Eastern Panhandle/Tri-State area, she's the one you should call. I hope to become certified through the ATA (American Translators Association) soon.

I've also been trying to write some this summer and get some work sent out--- which I'm failing miserably at. I'm just so tired at the end of the day. It's all I can do to eat, work out and get enough sleep to do it all the next day. I haven't written a story in months, despite a lovely postcard of encouragement from one of my favorite writer-gals, Sara Pritchard. (Which consequently I lost somewhere in all the boxes that now contain my life so, I don't have her address to write back and thank her; if anyone has it let me know, or if she is reading this blog, THANK YOU!). So, in lieu of my failed attempts at being an on-the-side writer, I have a question to all the writer-people out there: How do you stay motivated and inspired? What do you do to "get the juices flowing", so to speak? Any suggestions?

Babies and Puppies...

2007-06-12T14:37:00.000-04:00

...who can resist them? Happily for me, I have actually had something of a life in the past few days. My family had a high school graduation party for my cousin, Kara. While there, I got to meet my new cousin/niece (my cousin Amanda's new daughter), Emmalyn. I must say, she's pretty dern cute for something that poops and cries so much. My family also welcomed the newest set of chihuahua puppies (courtesy of my cousin, Matt). Again, lots of pooping and crying but oh so adorable.

Saturday night was spent at another Roma Renegade concert with my favorite accordianist and gypsy-swinger, Gabby & Co. Not really any pooping or crying going on, but still lots of fun. Marian and I are obsessive picture-takers so, here are just a few...

...the night would not have been complete without the midnight run to Wal-Mart and the trying on of the elephant-sized ugly-pants!

...and the cheap-ass breakfast at Wafflehouse at 12:30, which is what all established musicians do after a show--- eat crappy food and look cool. And, in case you can't tell from the photos, I got a hair-cut, which I desperately needed for oh, 6 months now.

Two Giant Scoops of Nuthin'

2007-06-08T12:44:00.000-04:00

I'm blogging out of the sheer annoyance that I have nothing remotely interesting to blog about. How crummy is that? Basically, my life at this moment consists of:

1) Work from 8am to whenever I'm done (usually almost 5pm)
2) Eating-- trying to get 3 square ones a day, sometimes at the desk
3) Sleeping-- cannot seem to catch up; I'm sleepy at 7pm but then can't actually get to sleep until after 11pm and must wake up at 6:30AM
4) Driving-- my family and I have been driving back and forth from Philly almost every weekend so, my Saturdays are completely spent within an SUV
5) Planning-- got my fall classes picked out, trying to develop an interior design scheme for my new apartment (on a miniscule budget), dreaming about where I'll be next summer (I'm thinkin' Spain and Portugual)

The only wild thing that has happened lately didn't even actually happen to me-- it happened to my boss. She got a wicked case of poison ivy over Memorial Day weekend and, since then, has been highly medicated. Nothing seemed to be working so, her doctor gave her a steroid shot. She had a severely allergic reaction to this shot (while at work with me), broke out into hives, started throwing up and ran a tremendously high fever. Her husband took her to the ER where they promptly diagnosed her and gave her MORE drugs to knock her out and let her body fix itself. That said, she has been working 1/2 days for most of this week which really sucks for me because--- without a boss I have no work to do; thus, I've been working 1/2 days, which I really can't afford right now. Major bummer all around but, luckily, she's doing much better now. Hopefully, next week will be a full-time week.

SO jealous...

2007-05-25T08:29:00.000-04:00

If anyone is interested, my buddy Joey Garcia is now in Brazil with the WVU Law School. He and his fellow law students are blogging about their experiences in Brazil (right now they are in Manaus-- the Amazon region). It's an interesting read....and it REALLY makes me want to go back....

http://lawinbrazil.blogs.wvu.edu/bios/bio_joe_garcia

Dripping with sweat...and not in a sexy way

2007-05-22T12:11:00.000-04:00

Ugh...I'm really gross right now. When I get really nervous or stressed out I sweat like a maniac. The last few days have been rather trying. I've been dealing with my car insurance company due to a incident in a Kmart parking lot. I honestly don't know whose fault it was but I'm nervous as hell that either way is going to cost me a bunch (though the only damage was a few scratches to the respective bumpers). Lately I just start to perspire as soon as my cell phone rings. I feel like a Pavlovian dog--- minus the treat.

Some relatively good news is that I have an apartment in Nashville--finally. The trip to find a place turned into a roller-coaster of intense freak-outs and total contentment. It was weird. Originally, Felipe and I were going to fly out Monday morning and return Tuesday evening. However, we missed the flight on Monday (due to a 1/2hr. technicality--by one minute, literally). So, we had to re-schedule the same flight for Tuesday morning but couldn't get a return flight until Thursday morning. In the end, it worked out better that we had the extra day. Let me tell you, finding a suitable place to live at a REASONABLE price in Nashville is like asking for a white Christmas in Miami--ain't gonna happen. There were some ONE bedroom/STUDIO places that were going for $1,000/mo. Who can afford that?? Certainly not me, even on my newly augmented stipend. Needless to say, it was rather frustrating. Then, when the gods shone on me and I managed to find something cheaper, still clean and within walking distance, my old landlord decided to be a total butt-munch. He knew that the new place needed his recommendation to accept me and he made a point of saying on the phone to me, "Well, you know, your place still looked kinda dirty to me. Are you sure you steam-cleaned the carpets? How about in the closets? You know, I don't think your roommate gave me all the keys..." etc, etc. AGHHHH!! What a punk!!! He rents to some total losers that trash his place (one even set the place on FIRE a few years ago--no kidding) then he has the audacity to give me the third degree. He should've kissed my feet when I left and thanked me for being the responsible, clean tenant that I am. So ungrateful---especially when he knew that I was relying on his help at that moment. I suppose he said something nice, or at least ambiguous, because I got the apartment I wanted. Although the people running the place seem a bit shady and rude, it is the price and location I wanted so, I'm ok with it.

Today, I have a job interview at 2pm for an Asst. HR Manager summer position at Fuji Film. It isn't a dream job but, hey, the pay is good and it's about 10 mins. from my parent's house. So, here I am typing away and sweating profusely. I really need this job. The lease on my new apartment starts June 1st so, I'll being paying rent all summer long, even though I won't be living there; it kinda sucks but, there was no negotiating with those people. They knew that if I didn't like it, there were 10 more people right behind me willing to do anything to get the place. I just really hope that this summer can be relaxing and restorative; I could really use some time to decompress-- if not, by the time August rolls around there'll be nothing left of me but a stinky puddle on the floor.

If I never see another cardboard box again in my life...

2007-05-09T12:29:00.000-04:00

...I'll be very happy. I'd forgotten what a major pain in the ass moving can be. And how did I end up with all this crap?? Sometimes I think being a baglady isn't such a bad idea--- just live with what you can carry on your back. None of this renting a U-Haul to tote around crap that you never use and rarely think about until you have to pick it up and carry it up/down stairs. Ugh. The worst part is that the majority of the housewares here are mine (dishes, living room furniture, cooking utensils, etc.) So, my roommate is already finishing moving out (plus her parents live 1/2hr. away) and I'm left standing in a half-full apartment with the realization that all this shit is MINE. I've learned my lesson well, though. In Nashville, I will be the poster-child for minimalist living. No longer will I give in to the thought, "Well, it could come in handy someday." If I don't need it to live until tomorrow, it goes to someone else. My Achille's heal is paper--- I have a frickin' library of books, old notebooks and loose papers that have some kind of sentimental value. I never took up smoking because I knew, if I didn't take care, my place would light up like a Christmas tree. *Sigh* Just when I thought the stress was over...pardon me while I go jump in a dumpster for more boxes....

"Master of the Universe" feels good...

2007-04-30T14:40:00.000-04:00

I passed!!! Woo-hoo!! I have successfully defended my thesis and I am now a MASTER of the universe! Whew, what a load off. I'm so relieved. I have a few corrections and changes to make before it must be submitted electronically on Friday but, that isn't too big a deal. I only have one final exam to take, which will be cake so, I'm pretty much set. All I have left to do is graduate. Now I must begin hunting large, cardboard boxes....

On Saturday night I went out with some of my girlfriends and had dinner and drinks. It was great to catch up, see where everyone will be next year and, of course, talk about boys :) I guess, as a female, you never really outgrow that, huh?

Wrapping Up and Moving Out

2007-04-25T14:26:00.000-04:00

In a few hours, I will have finished my very last final exam in literature...ever. Woo-hoo!! I'm so excited. I only have one more final exam next Wednesday (in Applied Spanish Linguistics for Second Language Acquisition), which shouldn't be too bad. I'm SO happy to be done. I'm sick to death of linguistics, Spanish lit. and literary criticism. I miss history...and facts... and objectivism...and reality. I guess I'm a bit too realistic to exist permanently in the literary realm. I need to get out before I start to hate to read, which would be an absolute shame.

I defend my thesis this Friday afternoon and I'm extremely nervous. Two of my committee members are totally laid-back, whatever kinda people but, my chair is really hard-line. All of the cross-exs with her will be in Spanish and she has pretty high expectations of me. My thesis is a big mixture of Latin American culture, history and political science (to accomodate the areas of interest of each of my committee members). The title is, "NGOs as Agents of Historical Change: A Comparative Study of Violence against Women in Argentina and Brazil". I know, I know, it's a mouthfull. I didn't want it to be so long and pretentious but, it just somehow morphed into that. I was really jazzed about it at first, then the newness wore off (especially when I had a hell of a time doing research in Brazil) so, by the time I got back I almost hated it. I've been struggling with this love-hate relationship I have toward my thesis; now that it's almost done, it feels like an old friend that I have to say goodbye to. I'm very excited to start my Ph.D. I feel like the world is opening up to me...finally.

I'll be traveling to Nashville in the next 2 weeks to try and find an apartment (at a reasonable distance/price). I'll be living alone for the very first time, which is the way I want it. I've dealt with way too many crazy, weird, lazy, dead-beat roommates. I'm ready for a break; I want to be alone, enjoy the peace and get to know myself a little bit. I just don't know what I'm going to do with all the crap in my current apartment....I'm certainly not hefting it to TN...any takers???

Going to HE (double hockey stick) in a Garrison-shaped basket

2007-04-16T14:49:00.000-04:00

I was supremely irritated to read the DA (university newspaper) this morning due to the outcome of an election. You see, WVU has recently seen the retirement of President Hardesty (who served for 12 years). So, the search has been on in the last few months to find his replacement. Several extremely qualified candidates were given a crack at the interviewing process. However, strange things began to happen and people began to murmur their discontent, and continue to do so--some are doing more than murmuring. The fact of the matter is this: the BOG (Board of Governors) on campus, which functions much like the U.S. Electoral College, decided that Mr. Garrison was to be the next president by a vote of 16-1 over Mr. Nellis (who is a former Dean of the WVU College of Arts&Sciences). I'm sorry, I just gotta call a big 'ole BULL SHIT on the BOG for this one. Come on! You people couldn't have made this whole charade more obvious if you tried. The fact that Garrison has NO experience in university administration AND the fact that he used to be the HEAD of the BOG AND the fact that he's in bed with practically every major political player in the state (not to mention being Hardesty's pet project) is clearly representative of outrageous personal preference. There were actually candidates who dropped out in mid-process because even THEY could feel that this was a fixed job. Dr. Nellis has done so much for WVU in the past, not to mention the fact that he has a great reputation with students, faculty and administration alike, and he's so incredibly qualified for the job (ex- Dean, ex-University Proctor, etc.) that only an idiot would opt for someone else. Wait, let me correct myself---only a BOARD of idiots would chose another person. It's just so totally asinine I'm overwhelmed. They even went so far as to call an "emergency" faculty senate to have professors vote and give feedback on who would be the best candidate (after some publicly complained). WHERE ARE THOSE RESULTS??? Because you can bet that the faculty didn't vote overwhelmingly for Garrison; clearly, this "emergency" meeting was just a nice, politically-correct way to make everyone feel as though their opinion had been heard when, in reality, it didn't mean anything at all. Screw you, BOG; stop pretending you give a shit what anyone else thinks. Stop wasting our time and energy trying to make you listen to what we really WANT and NEED here at WVU. Obviously, nothing can or will get in the way of your agenda so, good job, you got what you set out to get from the very beginning. Congrats to you, Garrison; you're set for life while everyone who works their ass off at WVU can suffer from your incompetence, continual rises in tuition (5.5% already scheduled for this fall), and stagnate employee salaries. You can piss around and call yourself "president" while always knowing that you BOUGHT yourself the most important position on campus. Let's give them all a round of applause for their magnificent satire...(curtain falls and lights fade out).

Goin' down to Nashville...

2007-03-29T13:16:00.000-04:00

I love Vanderbilt!! I had such a great time while I was there. The professors were so incredibly nice and the campus is gorgeous. It is a registered arboreum and there are about a million squirrels per square foot. Pitt made a sort of last-ditch effort to reel me in-- offering me more money and a fellowship (for only 4 years, what is that??)-- but, when I went to visit I was treated, not rudely but, rather coldly. So, I'm making it official--- I'm doing my Ph.D. at Vanderbilt! I'm so excited. There are lots of apartments right beside campus, the TA offices are AMAZING (recently renovated, all glass and wood, with unlimited printing!!!) and, right across the street from the History Department they have a Panera, Ben&Jerry's and Starbucks. Honestly, what more could I ask for? It is a very quiet, private campus right smack in the middle of downtown Nashville. It has the seclusion of a small university with the bustling night-life of a major city, with ethnic food and diversity out the wazoo. And money, sheesh, this place has money like I've never seen...only dreamed of...they told me, point-blank, I am expected to never be in Nashville for the summer; I will always be abroad somewhere. YEAHHH!!! I can definitely deal with that-- Brazil every summer with FULL FUNDING. It's just mind-boggling. Plus, these professors publish like crazy and let their advisees co-publish with them. Plus, any conference in the world I want to go to, I can. AND, if I want to, in my last year I have the choice to completely design a course and teach it that Spring semester--- that's huge, a major resume-builder. It was certainly a whirlwind day and they had every minute of it planned and packed with activities, I barely had dinner before I flew back, but it was awesome. If you can't tell, I'm REALLY excited. This really is the perfect place for me and I can't wait to start. All I have to do is finish up this damn thesis, defend it, pass all my finals and I'm the hell outta here!! Woo-hoo!!!

Drowning in Babies...ugh...

2007-03-19T07:48:00.000-04:00

What a weekend...oy, I'm so tired I don't know how I'm going to coherently teach this morning. It seems like all I've been doing is driving. I took my boy down to Elkins so we could eat at one of our favorite restaurants for his birthday then, I was supposed to leave Friday night to go to my parent's but, the weather had other plans. Everyone got a dumping of snow and nothing gets my parents into a tizzy quicker than bad driving conditions. So, I left Saturday morning--early. The West Virginia roads were awful...AWFUL...shame on our road crews. It was an absolute mess. Miraculously, after crossing the stateline into Maryland, things cleared up.....interesting, huh? We even followed the snow plow until he pulled over beside the "Welcome to Maryland" sign along I-68 and forced us to pass.

Then, on Saturday we had a big St. Patrick's Day dinner at my grandmother's house-- complete with corned beef, cabbage, potatoes and green beer; ok, just kidding on the beer-- I suggested it for next year as a "new and improved" menu option. Grandma just giggled and said I was bad. What's St. Patty's without green beer?? Even though we aren't really Irish--well, maybe just a little in the way that every American is a little Irish. When your family's been here over 200 years, something's gotta give, you know?

Then, Sunday afternoon was the *bum, bum bum* double baby shower that I had been summoned home to attend. Two, yes two, of my cousins are currently pregnant; one is about 5 months along and the other is about ready to burst any day now. So, it was an afternoon of pale colors, crazy contraptions that vibration and make sounds like rain, and lots and lots of family gossip (with coffee). Don't get me wrong, I'm happy for both of them. I guess I've just never been the kind of girl to get too excited over breast pumps and maternity clothes. Someday I'll have children, and I'll be very excited, but I don't ever think I'll be "baby crazy". I think that if having kids is the only thing you ever have on your mind, you need a hobby!

T-minus 3 and counting...

2007-03-12T15:02:00.000-04:00

Got a "No" from UTX-Austin, not a huge surprise there-- they're more Mexico-centered so, Brazilian studies probably seemed offbase. I did, however, get a "Yes" from UNM, which I'm rather pleased about; though, again, it is not the offer of my dreams. Three left to go so, it's still up in the air...sort of...

Don't go toward the light!!!!

2007-03-07T07:40:00.000-05:00

Weeelll....got some good news from Pitt! Guess I won't be taking that leap after all....hahaha....I can't say that it's the offer of my dreams or anything but, hey, it is another option. So, now I've got what I wanted-- a choice. Kinda feels like (and I can only imagine this) two burly men fighting for my hand...I know, I know, it's totally archaic and anti-feminist but, who doesn't want to be wanted? Anyway, the count is officially down to 5 more schools....hopefully, I'll hear from the rest very soon. I'm scheduled to fly down and visit Vanderbilt during Spring Break so, it would be nice to know for sure if I should be looking at apartment possibilities or not; so that would give the remaining schools about 2 weeks to get back to me....that's not unreasonable, right?

I've also been debating about the writing contest coming up; a few people have told me I should enter but...eh, I don't know. I love to write and I'd say I'm a good writer but, since I'm a grad student, I have to compete on the M.F.A. level. Yeah, not so crazy about that. I mean, I have good ideas but I'm definitely not as polished as someone who does this all the time...and plans to do it for the rest of their lives. Granted, some people with M.F.A.s are still crappy writers but, it significantly reduces the odds. Plus, entering a contest makes me a competitive writer....a quasi-professional, which I have no intentions of being. I do it because I enjoy it, not for any gain. So, eh...not sure about that one.

My birthday is coming up...not sure what I'm gonna do for this one. Not such a big deal to turn 24, really. After 21, I just stopped paying attention. Perhaps go out to dinner with my honey, get a massage, skip all my classes, etc---the usual fair. We'll see....any ideas from the peanut gallery? What should I do for my 24th birthday?

Ok, now I'm officially devastated....

2007-03-02T17:21:00.000-05:00

No!! Not you too?! You're breaking my heart....I'm not going to be a Wolverine?....Say it ain't so!! Two in one day....this is too harsh for words...we could've made such beautiful history together...(sniff, sniff)...

"(Not) my home in Indiana...."

2007-03-02T11:18:00.000-05:00

You know, as I'm racking up so much experience with rejection, I've noticed a few things. Primarily, if the envelope I receive in the mail is super-thin (containing only one sheet of paper), this usually indicates a quick, crushing blow aimed directly at the stomach area (or, as I like to call it, blitzkrieg denial). Secondly, without fail, each rejection letter starts something like this, "As you know, (University Name Here) receives a large number of applicants every year. Due to limited resources, our admissions committee is required to reject highly qualified students, like yourself, that have the ability to succeed in a doctoral program, blah, blah, blah...." I get what they're doing but, seriously, does it make any sense to build someone up just to then, in the next breath, tell them "NO"? It's the equivalent of saying to some poor rebound guy, "It's not you it's me" or "You're just too good for me" or "I just need to be alone and get to know myself" or "I need some space" or just about any other lame-o excuse for not wanting the person. Why can't they just be honest and say, "We're just not that into you." (sigh) I've almost reached the halfway mark in possible grad schools and I find myself very discouraged. Granted, I know the process is rigorous and there are infinite numbers of qualified applicants but, come on, how many women apply for a Ph.D. in the first place? Especially in History? Where's my damn affirmative action when I really need it???

Ode to Sara Pritchard....

2007-02-28T11:12:00.000-05:00

I love this woman!!! (In a platonic admiration sort of way...) She's just the best. I devoured Lately and I've begun reading Crackpots. I attended her reading the other night in the WVU Library with a slew of MFAs, professors and other beaming supporters. (She is a former WVU MFA--gotta support the team, right?) Her novel is good so far but I ADORED her collection of short stories; they're all so real, quirky and funny, not to mention surprising. She's the kind of writer I want to be. She read a new story last night, which made me kind of nervous because 9 times out of 10 when a writer makes that announcement, the piece stinks. However, it was great--- an engaging, rolling narrative that took the listener on a rambuctuous ride through her head. It took a lot of--excuse the expression-- balls to read something new and have the confidence that it was quality work. So, ALL HAIL SARA PRITCHARD!!! We are so not worthy :)

Again????

2007-02-27T10:01:00.000-05:00

I'm starting to see a disturbing trend..."no" pouring in from all over the country...this is rapidly turning into an old fashioned ass-kicking...in case anyone is keeping score it is:

Smug-Picky-Over-Priced Graduate-Institutions-That-Wouldn't-Know-a-Good-Thing-If-It-Hit-Them-Upside-the-Head= 3

Little 'Ole Me=1

UCLA...Poo-C-L-A...

2007-02-22T12:06:00.000-05:00

Yup, you guessed it, another "no". Grrr...a pox upon UCLA!! I really liked that one...well, 9 more left to go...I've already begun to sweat...

Random assortment...

2007-02-16T11:29:00.000-05:00

--- I wanna give a big shout out (and thank you) to Dr. Samyn, Dr. Gail Adams and multiple MFAs for their Valentine's Day "Love" reading. Very enjoyable...I particularly enjoyed the various takes on "love" and what it represents for different people.

---My second Arabic lesson was the other day. I can now write my name (first and last), ask others their name, recognize (more or less) distinct letters within the context of words and say "yes/no/please/thank you". Just as a side-note to all linguaphiles out there: Arabic does not have a verb for "to be" or "to have"; they just skip it--- that totally blew my mind. Anyone who has studied linguistics will understand what I mean...

---I had an awesome dream the other night and thought to myself, "What a great story this would make!" and then I forgot it. Hate that...

---No news from any other schools yet...I'm starting to get anxious. The lightening acceptance/rejection from the first two schools has ruined me. I was totally non-chalant and now I'm checking all forms of mail like a maniac.

---Filled out all my paperwork for graduation...how weird. This semester is flying by...half of my thesis is done...we're rapidly approaching mid-terms...sheesh...I'll be packing before I know it!

---I'm looking for a new artist/band. I tend to be rather obsessive about music...always playing it and always searching for that new sound. If you know of a group/singer that tickles your fancy, pisses you off or just makes your toes tap, lemme know!!!!

Duke....eh, not feeling so much love from that corner...

2007-02-13T14:59:00.000-05:00

Just got a big, fat, juicy "NO" from Duke...ah well, they only admit like 3 people a year to the program anyway...it was worth a shot...who wants to be a Blue Devil anyway? Poo on you guys...10 more to go...

Vanderbilt loves me, really loves me...

2007-02-12T14:40:00.000-05:00

Guess who just got accepted to Vanderbilt's Ph.D. program??? (doing happy dance) Oh yeah, oh yeah...feels good!!!! With: a 5 year fellowship, no teaching obligations, tuition waiver and, may I say, a lovely stipend...more money than I've ever made in my life. How awesome is that?! The first one I hear from, I get into--sweetness. One down, 11 more to go! Yee-haw for Nashville :)

Putting a hit out on Old Man Winter

2007-02-08T13:45:00.000-05:00

I freakin' HATE the cold! It makes me cranky. The worst is the wind...no matter how many layers I wear, the cold just goes straight through me. I think whales have the right idea--maybe I should put on a few pounds for insulation. I can't handle it much longer. I'd MUCH rather be in Brazil right now, sweating my brains out. It only makes it worse that our area has been hit by an arctic front; we've had snow nearly every day for the last week and a half. Temperatures have been in the negative digits---not including the wind chill. I'm not trying to bore everyone with my Weather Channel talk, I'm just fed up with winter. This is WV, not Minnesota...it's just not right, we didn't sign up for this. Our little buddy, Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow which, as we all know, means spring should come early this year. I can't wait...
I've been trying to keep myself busy to forget how utterly miserable it is outside. My friend Sam has been helping me learn Arabic, which I'm really excited about. I know what you're thinking---Arabic? Why? How? What about Portuguese? What can I say? I'm just a linguaphile. Plus, I think once you've learned one language it makes you more impatient for the next one, and the next one and so on. I certainly haven't abandoned Portuguese. I just figured it wouldn't hurt to start working with a language that has nothing at all to do with the other two I've learned.
Arabic was the perfect choice in that. It is in no way related to Romance languages so, it won't trip me up in terms of vocab or grammar. I'm really jazzed about it. It just such a pretty language. The calligraphy is amazing-- the writing is both literature and art. The sound is very exotic too-- but very hard to pronounce. I've already made a mix CD of music by Nancy Ajram and Najwa Karam. Pretty awesome, especially the duet with Nancy and the Gypsy Kings, "Ya Habibi Yalla" ---totally makes me dance around in the car. Sometime soon I'd like to visit the local mosque. All I'll be able to say is: "hello", "my name is", "No, I don't speak Arabic--only a few words." and "Where are you from?" but, hey, you gotta start somewhere...

Video Art

2007-02-06T09:12:00.000-05:00

This guy Rob Dougan is just too cool... it's almost video art...big shout out to Ryan for telling me about him...I'm gonna have this song stuck in my head for days...

East Coast Girl in a West Coast World

2007-01-29T22:07:00.000-05:00

Well, I did it. I got through this weekend and today (on 4 hours sleep thanks to a plane delay and icy highways all along I-79 South) so, I am officially back in the "real world". Las Vegas is definitely like a parallel universe. Even the trip there, flying over the Grand Canyon and deserts, was like landing on an alien planet. The conference was good, pretty much as I expected it to be. I was happy to discover that I was WAY over-prepared and had thought out my presentation a lot more than most--especially the seasoned professionals. My talk went well and people responded with lots of questions so, that made me feel like I at least piqued their attention. I didn't know anyone at the conference but people were nice and talked with me quite a bit. My touring of the city was alone, which was sad and made me miss my honey-- especially when practically everyone there was part of a couple-- but I liked it; it was like taking myself on a rather extended date. I don't understand women who can't be alone. If you can't stand to be around just yourself, how can you expect anyone else to enjoy it? I wined and dined myself, took myself on long, romantic walks and even *gasp* took myself to bed; I'm really quite shameless ;)

These are just a few of my favorite shots from The Venetian (above), Caesar's Palace (right), the Paris (bottom left) and the desert outside the Las Vegas city limits from the airplane(bottom right). There are some rather impressive sites in Vegas, though there is also a lot of tacky crap. "Sin City" is just Disney World for American adults. Americans too narrow-minded and/or classless to go to these places in the real world (i.e. Italy, France, Greece, etc.) because, God forbid, they have to actually learn to speak another language, eat unfamiliar food and accept the value in other cultures. And gambling, don't get me started. Any kind of lottery or gambling is just a way for businesses to take advantage of the poor and uneducated. These people would spend money on slot machines, card games and jackpot tickets (I worked at a convenience store for a bit, I saw it happen), then use food stamps or welfare for food. Tell me that makes sense. Wanna get rich? GET A JOB AND WORK!

On the positive side, I saw and met lots of characters. I have enough "fodder for fiction" to last me a whole collection of short stories. West Coast people are a different breed from East Coast people-- the way they talk, dress, think, etc. It's very interesting how the same country can produce such distinct representatives. I think I'd like to live on the West Coast for a bit in the future. I met the coolest women from Seattle; I could totally live there. Biodiesel cars, eco-friendly highways, Birkenstocks, coffee, rainy weather...what more could I ask for? Plus, on the West Coast my language affinities are seen as an asset, not a oddity. Here in WV, loving to speak Spanish and Portuguese and a fascination with those cultures is met with, "Where did that come from? When will you use it? What kind of job can you get with that?", whereas on the West Coast people say, "Oh, really? That's great. I have been studying it myself for __ years. It's really harder than people think. You know, you could get a job in 5 seconds where I live in California." (sigh) I guess I was just born on the wrong side of the country...or the world, maybe both. All in all, it was a valuable learning experience: I practiced a lot of Spanish, watched a few telenovelas and a Mexican soccer game, gave my first professional paper presentation, got to see a new city and traveled utterly alone for the very first time. Now that I know that I can do it, I feel secure that--no matter where I end up for my Ph.D.-- I'll be just fine.

El fin del mundo??

2007-01-24T11:33:00.000-05:00

arg...what is up with my life lately? All my best-laid plans seem to be fallin apart. Yesterday, I get an email from another university I recently applied to saying they never received my transcripts...my transcripts?! I sent those in October. What the hell, man? Every time I involve another office with other people, things fall into chaos. So, I had to run around today like crazy printing things off and faxing them around.

This morning, I informed my classes that I wouldn't be there on Friday due to my conference in NV. The first class threw a little tantrum-- "That's not fair! Why do we have to be here when you aren't? Just cancel class." Wah, wah, wah. The second class heard the same news in the same way in the same lesson plan and their response was, "Ok, have a good time. See you Monday." Go figure. It just goes to show how different every class truly is. I guess I understand their annoyance but, hey, I have to go and my department doesn't let me cancel classes---ever. Unless I die pretty much, I have to be there or a fill-in must be. I'm just a peon. Only full professors have the right to cancel classes and throw it all to the wind. It's a shame. They could be a really fun class-- they surely have a lot of spunk. We'll see. Until then, cry me a river...life isn't fair, get used to it-- I sure have.

Close calls

2007-01-20T15:04:00.000-05:00

So much to tell! For starters, I had a very close-call with one of my graduate applications. One of my safety schools, which shall remain nameless, contacted me not too long ago regarding a missing recommendation letter. I was rather surprised given the fact that I kept in regular contact with my recommenders and they told me everything was done. So, I go back and forth with the graduate secretary about what format, who it was, etc. I ask my recommender to send an electronic copy of the letter through email, which she does, a fax copy, which she does, and another hardcopy, which she does. However, I am repeatedly told by the university that nothing has come through and time is running out. I, of course, start to freak out because of all the time and money I've invested in all this and fate just seems to be working against me---all the sent materials are just drifting in space somewhere. Luckily, my recommender happens to know the graduate director at the university and starts to converse with him directly. Magically, the letter is found (in what form I still don't know) and my application is now complete. Guess it pays to know people...or at least know people who do. This episode has made me really nervous about the last 4 schools that have yet to confirm that all materials have been received. I know for a fact that I sent everything to everyone on time but, there are certain aspects that are out of my control. The sweating portion of the program has yet to end.

In other news, last night my honey and I attended a "Black and White" themed birthday party for a friend of ours. It was a great time until, suddenly, an ambulance shows up at the party. Everyone had noticed a rather intoxicated young man being carried around by his two friends but, since he was the only drunk one, people let it go. Apparently, his friends got scared and called an ambulance...and, as soon as the EMTs discover the kid was only 20, they called the cops. Craziness. As it turns out, NO ONE invited these guys and NO ONE knew them. They just randomly showed up at the party (brought their own vodka) and proceeded to get totally smashed in a stranger's house. What is up with people?? So, of course, the cops start asking who lives here, etc. My friends ended up getting a citation for providing alcohol to a minor that they A) don't know B) didn't invite C) didn't know he was under-aged and D) didn't really provide alcohol to since he brought his own. Needless to say, they were royally pissed and very scared because, as international students these things can have much bigger implications. I helped to translate things for them and explain that things weren't as they seemed but, the law is the law. I immediately found the two friends (also 20), hiding in a corner of the house and told them they needed to apologize to my friends, give their contact information and pay for the citation they caused. They agreed and, hopefully, they will honor their word but, people that do things like that aren't necessarily the most honorable to begin with. Phew...what a crazy week...

In the aftermath of fun

2007-01-13T20:09:00.000-05:00

I think I woke up this morning with a hangover...not sure, never had one before. Although, it wasn't a hangover in the traditional sense--- I only had one drink last night so, it wasn't from alcohol. My belief is that it was a combination of factors. The major one being the dinner party my roomie and I threw last night.

We ended up with about 20 people in our little apartment...it was rather hot and crowded but there was plenty of food (thank God, I was really worried) and playing games distracted us all from the heat. "Apples to Apples" and "Guesstures" were the chosen games of the night, which was as much fun to watch as it was to play. It was a great mixture of friends: high school, college, grad school, mine, hers, Felipe's, etc. Since it was also a potluck, the mixture of food was really interesting: vegan pizza, Brazilian meatloaf, Spanish tortilla de patatas, cornbread, pasta salad, pineapple casserole, etc. Somehow, it all just worked.

After the party, we all decided the night was just too young so, we went out for drinks and more conversation. I had one drink--an orange mojito (pronounced "moe-hee-toe", though all my American friends insisted in calling it a "moe-gy-toe" which sounded rather naughty to me, haha). It was just a fun night, all around. People seemed to have a good time, eat enough and enjoy conversing with one another. What more can a hostess ask for? I'm just bummed that I forgot to take pictures.

So, this morning...not sure what happened with that. I just woke up feeling heavy, tired, grumpy and with a serious headache. Maybe it was the smoke from the bar last night. It does have a tendency to get to me rather easily. Maybe I was just plain tired (I slept until noon today--yipes!). It could be the stress of cleaning and planning for a party. In any case, today was practically useless in terms of getting work done. I managed to get a little reading in this evening but nada for my thesis. So glad this is a 3-day weekend; I'm gonna need it....

The Office Hour Blues

2007-01-10T10:38:00.000-05:00

(set to typical blues riff)

Sittin' alone in my office

DA-DAHH-DA-DA

Got nothin' to do

DA-DAHH-DA-DA

My classes are finished

And my lesson plans are too

I got the blues,

Alone with a wondering mind

I got the blues,

The Office Hour Blues.

My baby he loves me

DA-DAHH-DA-DA

But he's in class

DA-DAHH-DA-DA

So I'm watching the snow fall

And sittin' on my ass

I got the blues,

Bored with no one to talk to

I got the blues,

The Office Hour Blues.

The life of a teacher

DA-DAHH-DA-DA

Is full of stress

DA-DAHH-DA-DA

But the days that ain't busy

Make me like it less

I got the blues,

Need to keep myself on the move

I got the blues,

The Office Hour Blues.

I can totally relate...

2007-01-03T07:34:00.000-05:00

...to this picture. Anyone who calls themselves a writer knows that terrible feeling known as "writer's block" and the inevitable crap it produces in moments of scholastic desperation. I can see it from both sides now (hail Joni Mitchell!!)-- as a teacher and as a student. Just thought it might give someone else a giggle...

A fun way to waste 5 minutes...

2006-12-22T00:00:00.000-05:00

This is cute and totally pointless, which makes it darn near irresistible to try at least once...especially if you like socks...

Folding Socks Online

How bored am I...sheesh...

Why am I still awake??

2006-12-21T01:46:00.000-05:00

That is certainly the question of the hour...well, of the last 3 hours, actually. I am not a person that suffers from insomnia. Usually, I'm the first guy to crash in bed after 30 minutes of T.V. So, this is a first for me.

I guess I can't sleep because I'm thinking too much right now. I hate it when that happens. You'd assume that I think more than enough during regular business hours so, my brain would want a break. But, here I am. I'm thinking about the past. The funeral this last weekend will forever be ingrained in my psyche. I feel old and tired and sad. It's selfish, I guess. My Pop-pop is at peace now but I really miss him. I'm just really blue lately. I sometimes cry at the drop of a hat--- a sad song on the radio, any old man who walks by, a traffic jam, burnt toast...just about anything.

At the same time, I'm relieved. I finished my last Ph.D. application today and sent it off; I'm rather proud of myself for finishing it all up 2 months early. Now, I play the waiting game. Hopefully, there will be at least one "yes" out of a dozen. I can't stand being unsure about the future; especially when it is as fast as next year. I've been looking at a few "Plan B's"---working at an American Embassy overseas, applying for the FBI and/or CIA as a "Linguistic Specialist", substitute teaching (please God, no), getting certified as a massage therapist/yoga instructor, and an unending list of other "fillers". Truth is, all I want to do is exactly what I'm applying for now. I'll be pretty crushed if it doesn't work out so, of course, I'm worrying about it at 2am.

I gotta get up early and drive home tomorrow for Christmas break-- and because I have a dentist appointment. Unfortunately, it won't be much of a break. I'll be writing my thesis while I'm there and trying to garner some bit of the holiday spirit while attempting in vain to not think about the one person in the family who's missing. After, I'll come right back to Motown to use the library and get ridiculously drunk for New Year's Eve because I deserve to lose control for a few minutes. All in all, I'll be glad to see 2006 go-- it's time to move on.

Not so good...

2006-12-04T11:48:00.000-05:00

...is how I'm doing lately. Thanksgiving was fine until we found out that my Pop-pop is dying. Since then, my mother has been going back and forth to Philadelphia to help my aunt take care of him. Things have been getting progressively worse. I have been expecting "the call" for about a week now, though the doctors only gave him four days. It's been really hard on all of us. He's a very special person and we all love him a lot. I am very close to him so, it's hard to know I'll never see him again. Felipe has really supported me through this last week, even though it's a sad time for him too-- they really liked each other. On top of that, we're coming rapidly into finals week. Stress levels are rather high at the moment. In so many ways, I just want this semester to end so I can re-group and recover during Christmas. It has been and will be a bitter-sweet holiday season this year. I will miss him a lot. Losing a grandparent is hard because, usually, it's your first experience with death and it is a sort of signal that your youth/childhood is ending. I don't feel ready to grow up yet. Maybe no one ever does...you just have to.

"Fat and Lazy" looks good on me

2006-11-21T11:54:00.000-05:00

Ahhhhh.....I'm so glad to be home. I needed this mini-vacation thing. I'm more relaxed then I have been in weeks. Emergency TA meeting? Cat up a tree? House on fire? Sorry, I just don't care; and it's nice.

Plus, I sent out the final materials for the first 4 Ph.D. programs. That's all done and in fate's hands now. Though one of my recommenders hasn't turned in their stuff yet, but I'm not gonna stress-- it'll get done. So, I've turned my attention to the next three schools, which seem significantly less picky and bitchy than the first group.

In happier news, I have been sleeping until noon, watching lots of Mexican soap-operas and eating seconds of everything my mother makes. If I'm lucky I'll gain a token pound to remember the week by. All in all, I'm good. Their new dog, well puppy, is driving me nuts. She's still in the "play with me forever!!!" stage. You can't walk in the door or, God forbid, take off a shoe without the dog going into crazy mode. I know it wears off and it's pretty typical of Goldens but, not having pets has made me gradually less tolerant. Cats are still awesome but dogs are rapidly going on my shit list.

I'm excited for Thanksgiving. It's my favorite holiday, by far. None of the stress of Christmas with all of the same side-dishes. No drama, just good old-fashioned gluttony. As a person inclined to view the world through creative writing-colored glasses, holidays are the perfect opportunity to beef up on some story ideas. Holiday get-togethers are like little soundbites of huge fights, personal tragedies, long-standing feuds and new dramas. The whole thing never comes out but, if you know what to look for, the flags are there. I will be ready and waiting when the bell chimes for round one; kinda like Harriet the Spy, except not hidden, with my little notebook, pencil and half a smile stained by cranberry sauce.

Sometimes, I wish I smoked pot...

2006-11-16T14:37:00.000-05:00

What a week from hell...geez. Is the semester over yet? Times like these make me almost wish I smoked pot or something. I could definitely use some chill out time.

I know, I know everyone is tired of hearing about how stressful my Ph.D. application process has been but, hey, tough bananas. I'm losing my mind with this stuff!! Can't a girl whine a little sometimes? It just feels like a never-ending ordeal. Just when I think I've got it all together and ready to go, I check the webpage and *poof* another magical requirement seems to pop up from nowhere. arg. I feel like I have NOTHING left to say. Why do I have to project what my dissertation (of at least 2 years down the road) will be?? How the hell should I know? I thought the whole idea of a doctoral education was to figure out exactly that-- what I will do with the rest of my life. It's so nerve-racking. I worry that it's all going to be a gigantic waste of time and money; every one of these places will just say, "Sorry, you're not what we're really looking for right now." Then what? I haven't even had time to imagine what Plan B would be. I literally have all my little eggs packed into the Ph.D. basket.

I guess I'll do that over Christmas break. Thanksgiving is already taken-- two term papers and more thesis research/writing. Not that I'll get any of that done-- I never do when I go home. All I want to do is let my mother cook and fuss over me, go shopping with her, watch too many movies and sleep late every day. Just be a total bum, in other words, since I never get to do that during the year.

I'm gonna have a girls' potluck with my roomie and some friends Friday night. They don't know it yet, but we're gonna have a major "Apples to Apples" match. I can't get enough of that game. Way too much fun-- and so wacky it always makes me laugh, which I need right now.

Saw "Cars" last night and ate too much. It was just what I needed. What a funny movie. I loved it so much, I would consider buying it. I sometimes just get overloaded with the "adult" world and a good kids flick is exactly what I need; a little thoughtless fantasy and humor never hurt anyone.

Wild West...Yeehaaw!

2006-11-10T07:55:00.000-05:00

This is usually WAY too early for me to be doing anything...well, except teaching impressionable young minds. However, I'm pretty nervous about the committee meeting today.

I just don't know what to expect and I am a person that really likes to know what to expect. I have to rush back after class this morning to fix up my bibliography and pay ridiculous amounts of money to print off 4 hard copies of the sucker. I did find out that some of my profs have already submitted their recommendations; phew, one less thing to worry about.

Anyway, enough about work. Let's talk about play! Tonight my Spanish girls are throwing a Wild West party. How awesome is that? Not the most common theme, granted, but interesting nonetheless. I'm going to be an indian (how un-p.c. of me) and my boy will be a cowboy. I drove them around last night to get the groceries, which was fun. I think I learned about 5 new ways to say "shit" in Spanish. God bless hands-on education.

Saturday is hockey!!! I'm dragging two friends and my boy along to see the WVU Hockey team play...someone, I forget. In any case, it will be fun. Worse comes to worse, I huddle and absorb myself in my hot chocolate. I've never seen a hockey game before and I'm all about doing things "I've never done before". My brother thinks I'm a weirdo sometimes, but I like to think of myself as eclectic and, slightly, eccentric.

Viva Las Vegas!

2006-11-08T18:59:00.000-05:00

I'm goin' to Vegas, baby!! Not for the usual stuff: gambling, prostitutes, crack, quickie marriages, etc. I have a conference there---how ironic is that? Academia meets the Sodom and Gomorrah of the West, perfect! I have been accepted to present a paper at the Far-West Popular Culture Conference (given by the English Dept. at the University of NV-LV). My presentation is about an aspect of techno-pop culture in Brazil that I was savvy to when I was there this summer. I'm pretty jazzed about it, actually. Even though I've never even remotely wanted to go to Las Vegas. I don't gamble so, I'll mostly just be rubber-necking the whole time. Only problem is I have to apply for all kinds of grants from WVU because my lovely department only gives $250 per person for conferences. Needless to say, that won't cover 3 days with hotel, food, registration fees and airfare. I'll have to make sure and buy a fanny pack and something gold with rhinestones so I don't stick out too much.

In other news, I have been making satisfactory progress on my thesis. I think so, at least. I have a committee meeting Friday evening so, hopefully, their opinion will jive with mine. I need to polish what I have pronto so I can send it off as my writing sample. I swear, these Ph.D. apps are going to kill me. It seems like every waking moment is consumed by them. I'll be deliriously happy when it's all said and done; and I fully intend to get completely and utterly drunk in celebration (something I never do). I'm updating my blog right now to avoid: a) my thesis b) my applications and c) my assignments due tomorrow for creative writing. I can't think creatively right now-- reality is way too strong. I guess I can't put off the unavoidable for too long. Hi-ho, hi-ho, it's off to work I go...

Passage to India via Diwali

2006-10-29T16:15:00.000-05:00

I had such a great time last night at the Diwali celebration! It makes me wish I had gone every year in the past. I just love Indian culture so, it was a thrill for me. The ISA (Indian Student Assoc.) did an excellent job organizing and preparing everything. They had a nice dinner with: tandoori chicken, basmatic rice, vegetable marsala, naan, and a dessert of mango mousse and rice pudding. I used to be quite a frequent customer at the Cafe of India here in Morgantown until, sadly, they closed about this time last year. I was and am heart-broken over that. I wish (HINT, HINT BUSINESS PEOPLE OUT THERE) that someone would come to fill that hole because they were the only game in town. After the dinner, the ISA had a show of traditional dances, humorous skits, and fashion from India---so fun to watch. Finally, they cleared all the chairs out of the ballroom and had a open floor for dancing. And dance they did---for hours and hours while sweating incredibly without taking a single break. I was impressed. In American culture, men pretty much don't dance but, Indian men are truly the lifeblood of the dance floor. They are damn good and know it. I did ok, for a little white girl trained in Latin dancing. Some kind people took me under their wing and taught me some moves; by the end of the night, I fit right in. Along with Latin music, Indian music has got to be the most infectious, not to mention an expression of pure, unadulterated joy; hips wiggle, hands shake, arms flail, shoulders bounce, heads swivel and feet fly. By the end of the night, I was seriously wondering how much a ticket to India was (about $1,300.00) because any culture this fun is worth looking more into. People who know me understand I've always had a mild obsession with India and last night only added fuel to the fire. I woke up this morning sore and still exhausted but stupidly happy. So, who out there wants to go with me to India?? :)

Hurray for Dove! Death to the GREs!

2006-10-25T14:05:00.000-04:00

Saw this on Erica's friend, Billy's blog and just had to have it for mine. I love Dove! It's oh-so-true. Makes me proud to use their shampoo...

Tomorrow morning I re-take the GREs...dun, dun, dun! I took them two years ago but, I figured that it would beef-up my PhD applications to improve my score a bit. So, hopefully, that's exactly what I'll end up doing; as opposed to wasting $130. Unfortunately, I don't believe I'll get my scores back in time from the practice test I took this past Saturday. Oh well, practice is practice, I guess. Wish me luck!!!

Total horse puckey but....

2006-10-22T18:05:00.000-04:00

...it inflates my ego so, here it is:

Give it a try...you know you want to...My Heritage.com--Celebrity Look-Alikes