Summer is Done

Well summer isn't really done...not technically. But it feels like it when I can't have as much fun as I did during the summer. Homework and lesson planning takes up a lot of time.

I haven't made any snap judgements about my classes yet. Well, no snap judgements about Modern Rhetorical Theory and Cultural Criticism, but I know my Document Design class is going to rock the casbah.

The tech writing class I am teaching feels to be off to a slow start, but this week we get into actual activities and assignments so hopefully it will get better.

Good to see some people after a summer away. Emphasis on some...

Per Murph - pictures from my trip to Oklahoma:

Here's a few of me being a bad-ass.

Ok, so this is a blurry one of Murph and K - but just know that Yahtzee was happening.

This is a tombstone from the Showman's section of a cemetery in Hugo, OK. Lots of people who performed in the circus are buried there and have some really elaborate stones. It was cool to see and a little sad. But mostly cool.

Summer is Coming to An End

Today is my last day working in the Writing Center. Then I have a little me time. Next week I head to Oklahoma to swim and shoot some guns with Murph and K. I return next Thursday and immediately the next day I have to attend a meeting and move cubicles. Then some in-service the following Monday and then school starts that Thursday. Which is two weeks from today. Damn.

Where did the summer go?

I do have a pretty solid draft of a syllabus and schedule (for six weeks) for my tech writing class. I am excited and nervous. I know the suck rate rises when you teach a class for the first time, but hopefully it won't suck too much and at the end of the semester I'll have learned just as much as my students.

And hopefully they don't a pull a mutiny on me, which is my greatest fear in teaching.

I'm in Mad Men!

I imagine this is the beginning of my torrid affair with Don Draper.

Get Outta Here...

...that is what you are going to tell me when I describe the soup I made last night. It is called African Chickpea and Spinach Soup. Now, if you click on the link and see the ingredients, you might be a little weirded out. Peanut butter blended with vegetable broth? Gross, right? Wrong. That mixture makes this soup the best thing ever. Delicious, delicious, delicious.

Another thing that I felt was blog-worthy today was the Safari 4. I started using Firefox a few months ago because everyone said it was awesome and the only web browser worth using. I actually hated Firefox when I first started using it. I grew slightly more fond of it, but only slightly, and I think that is really because I just got used to it.

But the new Safari is SWEET. I will never turn my back on it again.

Oh and I watched The Pirates of Silicone Valley. It is about the early days of Steve Jobs and Bill Gates. It was pretty interesting. They made Steve Jobs look like a real dick, but from everything I understand, he kind of is. They made Bill Gates seem exactly how I would imagine him. Anyhoo, all you computer fans might want to check it out if you haven't already.

I don't know about you all, but all this blogging is exhausting me.

Pictures!

As promised, pictures of the boys...

Here is Liam
















Logan













Liam, very close the camera





















Jack on the trampoline














Logan and Jack in the pool








Logan and Jack watching Weird Al videos

Wow, I Haven't Blogged This Much Since April

Back to the old grindstone, but it seems new too. I've been working my internship, which hasn't been very busy yet. I may work on a grant. I am working in the games lab helping participants navigate through games and help them with game concept ideas. It's cool. Yesterday I did DDR and Wii boxed. This morning I did a little Jillian Michael fitness. My arms are going to be sore from it. And I get lunch. So it is pretty awesome.

The grant I am writing isn't due until September, so I won't be following through with it. I am afraid they aren't going to like that, but I have to get back to school and teaching. That is my first priority.

The second job is in the Writing Center. It should be fairly laid-back.

It's hard to believe that I've only been home a few days, it already feels as though I have never left.

Next time I blog, I'll update with some pictures of my nephews. They are as awesome as ever.

Happy 5th of July

Wow, I am the suckiest blogger now. I am averaging a post per month. That's pretty weak. I should make an Independence Day resolution to be a better blogger. But then again, I think resolutions are problematic and actually make people less likely to do things. I'm at a loss as to what to do here.

California and Computers and Writing was awesome. It was fun to see old friends and hang out with new friends I haven't gotten to know as well outside of school. At first I was nervous that I wasn't going to be discussing anything new or cutting edge, but I quickly realized, everyone was talking about the same thing, just calling it something different. I saw people I actually read and cite in my papers. And then, when it was all said and done, I went to the Winchester Mystery House with Robin and Kaleb. It was awesome. San Jose was pretty awesome.

For the last two weeks I've been in MI. I actually leave today. It's been nice, a lot nicer than my trip at Christmas. I saw my nephews who were hilarious as always. I saw my friend Molly who is about to give birth to a boy in about 4 weeks. She asked me what I missed about MI and OH and I did manage to come up with a few things:
1. Panera. We don't have any in NM and I really miss the Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich
2. Good sushi. Well, I actually haven't had sushi in Las Cruces. There are sushi restaurants, but I don't know...it's the desert, where are they getting the fish? I did break down in Albuquerque and eat some, but it was the big city. Anyhoo, I had some sushi here and it was delicious.
3. My gym. I loved, loved, loved my gym. It was so clean and always had a machine open and everyone was friendly. My gym in Las Cruces gets the job done and it is fairly clean the people are friendly, it's just not the same.
4. My dr. She was very nice and the appointments were quick and she always was very encouraging about my weight loss.
5. Sunday Morning - the show, not the actual morning. It's on in Las Cruces, but at 7 am and I am never up at 7 on Sunday to watch it.

I may miss these things, but sunny, warm weather all year round and beauiful mountain scenery and a laid back atmosphere make up for this all.

Oh, and I read alot. I finished:
> Pigs in Heaven
> March

And I read from. start to finish:
> My Antonia
> Let the Northern Lights Erase Your Name

I have Then We Came to the End for the plane ride home.

Well, the next time you hear from me, I'll be back in the desert. Hopefully I'll remember to blog and it won't take too long. Until then...

Been a Long Time I Know

Yes, I've totally ignored this blog, but not on purpose. Life is some sort of busy right now. I only have time for 140 characters or so I guess...

I've been working 40 hours a week (or so, haha) and still trying to enjoy my summer and still try to exercise. And tomorrow I head to sunny CA for a conference that I am still only about half prepared for. I am not going to be able to go out and have any fun tomorrow night...I will have to stay in my motel room and finish my PowerPoint presentation. Oh well, it'll all get done...it has to.

On Monday I fly from Sacramento to Detroit to see mi familia. I am looking forward to that because I am not going to do anything for two weeks but read and watch television and movies and shop (because my mom will buy me clothes...YAY!) and I am going to exercise. Maybe this will be the vacation that I lose a little weight.

The books I am taking with me to read:
Pigs in Heaven
March
My Antonia

Anyhoo, just wanted to drop in and let you know I haven't fallen off the face of the earth. But you all probably guessed that anyway. Hope you all are having a great summer.

Ok, Now I Should Figure Out a Routine

I had an unexpectedly fun Memorial Day weekend. My friend Justin came into town and we went golfing and to the Wine Fest and to Chopes. It was a really good time. Just like old times; somethings don't change...even when you kind of want them to.

It's interesting how friends can be like family. People revert back to the roles they have in friendships, even if they haven't been in those roles in years. I find myself always in the role of the baby of my family and I fulfill a certain role with my oldest friends, although I don't know what the name of it is. And I don't really have that same role in my life now, so it is weird.

Anyhoo, today is the day I am going to start to get busy. I took a week off of exercise, so I gotta get back to that. I need to write some papers for Computers and Writing. I am not going anywhere for a month, so I have a month to get stuff done. Yay me.

Summer Job

So yeah, I have a summer job. Two actually. The bigger one has me working at the College of Agriculture working on a grant and whatever else needs writing. I've never written a grant before, so this is pretty exciting. I may also get some class credit for doing it. Or internship...whatever happens to work out. And if everything goes well, I could have this summer job, every summer.

The one downside is that it is full-time - 40 hours a week. I was kind of looking forward to some time off this summer. But now I am looking forward to an iPhone. I am going to get one in July when my current contract runs out and this job allows me to pay for that without worries. This job allows me to pay for everything without worries. Or eventually it will. University payroll systems suck. I have no idea when I will get paid.

It's been weird being out of school. I feel anxious over nothing. I probably feel anxious because I really have nothing to feel anxious about. A friend said that during the school year there is always so much drama that during the summer we probably have to create our own drama in our head. I hope I get over it.

Tomorrow I head to Phoenix to see Flight of the Conchords. Then when I get back, no effing around, I have to work on some conference papers. I also need to find flights to the conference and back to Michigan.

Ahh, summer time.

Summer is in Sight

By this time next week, I'll be free of school...kinda...for a little while.

One class is done. One is practically done - I have a draft of a final paper and I have to meet with someone to workshop it, but the hard part, I am going to believe is over. This weekend I have to do a final project for my third class. It shouldn't be hard, just time-consuming.

Then of course, the grading of my students final reflective essays, but that's easy too and I have a whole week to get that done.

Then once school is done, I can take maybe a week off and then I have to write up some papers for Computers and Writing. One is pretty much done, but the other one needs to start, and before I can start, I need to have an idea.

The rest of my summer...well...I have learned to not make plans until summer is actually here. I was going to take a class and decided not to. I didn't think I was going to have a job, but now I apparently do. I was asked to work in the Writing Center for the second summer session. I am pretty excited about it; the center is only open limitedly and they asked me to do it.

So it looks as though my summer may be planned before it even starts. But at least it'll be less stressful.

Dirty Feet

Yes, I have them. I have dirty feet all the time. I can spend as much time as I want in the shower washing them, SCRUBBING them actually, but as soon as I get out of the shower, they are dirty again.

The problem is that I live in the desert, which is dusty and dirty. Every surface out here is covered in dirt. I wear flip flops and they get covered in dirt. The other day I came home and even the tops of my feet were BLACK.

It's gross. I totally admit to that. But my choice is either dirty feet or cold feet in the snow.

I take dirty feet.

Feeling Guilty

I feel guilty all the time. Why, you ask? I feel like I never do enough work, like no matter how much I work, I could always do more.

This weekend for example. Friday, I ended up having to go to campus to get some paperwork for the Computers and Writing Conference signed. So I was there for a while. While I waited I got a letter written about working in the Design Center instead of the Writing Center. After I got home I got reading done and started a final paper...got about 3 pages written.

Saturday I was a little hung over from Friday night and was having lunch with Jen, and then I decided to work out and by the time that was done, it was pretty much ready for me to go to my friend Patti's for dinner. Short story, long...I didn't do any work on Saturday.

On Sunday I finished a draft of my online portfolio, revised the letter for the Design Center, did some reading and research for a paper. But I still feel like I should've done more and still feel a little bad that I didn't do anything on Saturday.

Deep down, I know I get a lot of stuff done and a day of not doing anything isn't the worst thing in the world, but I always feel so bad. I wish I could work past this. I'll have to put it on one of my lists of things to get done.

Check it...

I created my own ice cream flavor

You can do it to here

Uh-Uh-Uh

I've been experiencing some l'esprit d'escalier lately. I've been throwing up some words that make little sense and then later think of a much better comeback. It's not a hostile situation or anything; I actually really, really like this person who keeps teasing me. It's just, I which I could think on my feet and be really witty right away...not later as I am laying in bed trying to go to sleep.

Sleep, which has been alluding me a little this week. I think I am slightly stressed about all the things that have to be done in the next couple of weeks. I feel pretty on top of things, but maybe my lack of sleep is telling me that I am not and I should devote more time to work.  

I don't know...I can only work so much in a day.

55 mph winds today. Please keep your fingers crossed that I don't blow away.

Nearing the End

I am in a weird place right now. I have a ton of work to do, but none of it needs to been done immediately. So working a little bit on the big stuff doesn't seem like I've been really working, but I have. I've written two pages of a 15-18 page paper due during finals week and I started my template for my online portfolio. Could probably be doing more, but a little bit is better than nothing.

I'm just going to keep telling myself that to feel better. 

I've been eating like a crazy person. Today I am going to try to detox from shit food by making and then eating Tabouli. About the only thing saving my ass is the fact that I've been back to exercising nearly every day. 

Well, I am off to read about online pedagogy. 

I Know Why People Don't Want to Go to the Dr.

Miserable from a sinus infection, I went to the Dr. today to get some antibiotics so I can kick this thing. 

I was told I drink too much and was then reminded that I am fat.

I am livid. I am not deluded and think I am skinny,  I know I need to lose weight. But they don't ever ask questions that lead them to find out that I have actually lost around 50 lbs in the past few years, that I exercise 3-4 times a week (way more than the average person), I drink a ton of water, and while I don't eat well all the time, I try to eat the right things. But I'm fat, so of course they assume I don't do these things. I could've told them I wear a smaller jean size than the average woman.

And I do drink a little too much. But I drink less than A LOT of people I know. Besides, I answered their questions honestly. People probably drink more, but lie about it. 

So I can see why people don't want to go the dr. A simple visit turns into a rundown of everything that is wrong with a person. This actually makes me want to eat and drink right now.

I want to tell you about the Grand Canyon, but I am too pissed right now. Just know that everything I saw was grand, amazing and looked fake because it was so beautiful.  If you haven't been, I suggest that you go, but don't get too close to the edge...people do fall to their deaths that way.

Hope you all had a better start to your day than I did.

You Can Always Rely on Post Secret

This week there was a small graduate school theme.

This one is not very me. I think adding uppers to theory would make me crazy.

This one I do get. I feel incompetent all the time now.

Semester

This semester is turning into quite possibly, the longest semester ever. It feels like we are in week 17, rather than nine. Thankfully spring break is right around the corner, although once it is done, I will have even more work than I could ever imagine.

Speaking of spring break, I am heading to the Grand Canyon. I have never been before so I am psyched. I am sure it is going to be the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. I will make sure to take a bunch of pictures so you can live the experience through me.

Don't say I never did anything for ya

Tomorrow night I am going to hear Salman Rushdie speak. I really have no expectations about it, but the little I know about Rushie, it's bound to be interesting.

My Love for Will Ferrell Never Fades...

BAT FIGHT with Will Ferrell from Will Ferrell

Today

Was the first great class I taught of the semester. It reminded me of why I liked teaching in the first place. Just remind of this moment when I go back to complaining about what jerks they are.

Pop Culture Conference

I want to give you all so many details about the conference, but I am feeling like a shit, and overloaded with annotated bibliography stuff, so my memories are blurry.

I know I did present a paper and I was told it went well. I was just happy to get it over with and not make a total ass out of myself.

I had a great time with Murph and Co. I drank way too much, but I wanted to, so it was worth it.

I saw some really great panels. A good one about Mad Men, a great one about teaching with Web 2.o, a great one about Twitter, an interesting one where I might find some interesting research possibilities to apply to new media.

I got to go to a Borders and a Trader Joe.

I went to Old Towne and the botanical gardens in order to feel touristy. 

But I ended up sick. Actually it started the morning I left, but I must have willed myself through it because as soon as I got home I felt like I wanted to die. 

Today, I feel a little less like dying. So it's all good I guess.

I am going to finish the Twilight series tonight. I don't know...I liked the first book, but these last two have been trying my patience. I am not happy that these books are teaching girls to be weak and stupid and that men will fall all over for them.

Until next time...

Celebrity Super Bowl

As many of you know, I am an awards show junkie. Tomorrow is the creme de la creme of award shows...the Academy Awards aka the Oscars. I love watching the Oscars. I love it when there are surprises, but then I get mad when people I hate (i.e. George Clooney) wins. 

This year there is a small snag though. I haven't really seen any of the movies and well, I just don't care who wins or loses. 

But I do love me some Hugh Jackman, who is hosting, and it's would feel weird to know the show is on, but not watch it.  I think it'll still be good.

I'll twitter as the festivities go on, in case you need any updates.

Facebook

I love Facebook. I really do. 

But sometimes I get requests from people that I went to high school with and I have no recollection of them. Sometimes I think they got married and have a new last name and if I saw a picture I would remember them. Nope, that is not always the case. I literally can't remember them. But I friend them anyway out of guilt.

And recently someone I know on Facebook used their status update as a place to help their children sell cookies or whatever. I thought, "Wow, I can't even come to Facebook without dealing with that." Our online spaces are giving our face-to-face spaces a run for their money.

Glad It's Thursday, Will Like Tomorrow Better

I am tired and a little hungover. I don't know why, I didn't drink that much last night. Maybe it's dealing with students. I kicked one of them out today for texting. The policy is in my syllabus.

Uh ... students.

So, Lost is on fire this season. Not one bad episode. I love the heartwarming reunion between Jin and Sawyer last night. I ALWAYS love it when Ben freaks out. It makes me so happy. I was surprised to see Charlotte die so quickly. I wasn't sad though. She managed to squeak out some good information in her final moments. But there goes my theory on Faraday being her father. I guess my new theory is that Ben is her father. But really, now that she's dead, does it really matter?

Who I really want to learn about is Miles. I think he is the guy from Dharma Iniative's videos son. Sometimes I think I am grasping at straws when I think about Lost. But I can't stop. What am I going to do when the show is over?

Everyone's been having crazy weather this week. Murph ... did you see a tornado? Laura and PTT... did you have some warm weather? We had really cold weather, for here anyway. And the windy season has started. I can't ride my bike when it is really windy. Someone I know saw a girl get literally blown off her bike the other day. I don't want that to be me. I am older now and my body doesn't heal like it used to.

Hence my hangover today.

Blah.

My Apologies

For being a sucky blogger at the moment. I am crazy busy right now. But I thought I would share a few things about what's going on...

I am totally digging Lost this season. It has been awesome. I knew Jin wasn't dead, but it never occurred to me that, of course, we would see Danielle again.

Speaking of Lost, I am in the process of writing my paper for Pop Culture conference. It feels as though it is going slow.

Speaking of writing papers, I also have to revise my qualifying portfolio.

Last night I had flipping awesome green chile cheeseburger.

Later today I am going to eat a chicken fajita burrito.

I loved the movie Man on Wire. It is a documentary about the guy who walked a tightrope between the twin towers. I can't say enough about it. You can watch it on Netflix. It is available to watch instantly.

And I don't understand why people on Post Secret want to hate on New Mexico. They should just leave. We all hate them anyway.

Ciao Bellas and Bellos!

Oh No

I just noticed my first defined wrinkle.

Someone Wants to Leave!?!?

I saw this on Post Secret today.

I wanted to come back, hard to believe there are those who want to leave.

Lost is Back

I kind of don't even know where to start about Lost. So much happened in those two hours.

Basically I have decided I trust no one off the island. I obviously don't trust Ben, but I am not trusting Jack so much. I don't trust Cheech. And I really don't trust Sun. I am 98% sure she is up to something.

I was sad when Sawyer found a shirt to wear. And I am pretty sure he is going to hooking up with Juliet soon (I do trust Juliet now. For many seasons I didn't, but I do now).

When Richard told Locke that he had to die to save the island or his people (I can't remember), it made me wonder if Locke is really dead forever. Half the scene where Jack and Ben were in the funeral home, I half expected him to open his eyes.

Oh wait, I don't trust someone on the island...Faraday. Why is he not trying to help Charlotte? And is it important to us that she remembers her mother's maiden name?

How does Richard know where the island is traveling in time?

When Faraday told Desmond to find his mother, I thought it was going to be Mrs. Hawking, but then she showed up at the end. She might still be though.

I loved Ben's honest fear in that end scene.

I loved Hurley's wicked smile at Ben after he was arrested. But didn't Ana Lucia tell him NOT to get arrested?

I kind of enjoyed seeing dead characters like Ana Lucia and Ethan, but I hope they don't having a parade of former stars every week.

Basically Lost did what is always does...gives me more questions that I will never be able to answer on my own. I am totally looking forward to next week.

It's (Finally) Time to Get Lost

Happy Days! Lost is back again.

At first I thought I wasn't going to be able to watch Lost on Lost night. I work at the Writing Center until 7 and I thought it started at 7. Turns out, tonight an hour recap episode is on at 7 and the TWO HOUR episode starts at 8, which it will continue to do for the rest of the season. Hooray!

I will be turning my phone off this evening, so please, don't try to contact me.

I am hoping actually watching an episode will get me in the mood to write my presentation for the Pop Culture Conference.

PS. I know I said I would come back and show some photos of my nephews from Christmas...and I will, but I feel as though Lost deserves and post all its own.

Nose Back to the Grind

School starts tomorrow. I've managed to do the tiniest bit of preparation...just enough to get me though the first day. 

I finally unpacked my suitcase. 

I bought a notebook (unlike last semester).

Oh and I got a crockpot. It's pretty awesome. If anyone has some delicious crockpot recipes, they should forward them my way.

Next posting I will get around to posting pictures of the boys. Logan and I watched the following clip of the Peanuts gang dancing to "Hey Ya," and thought it was awesome. So enjoy.

Only a Few More Days...

...to deal with the cold

...to be completely lazy

...to sleep in a single bed (I miss a big bed)

...to be away from most of my friends

...to not exercise regularly and hard enough (I am tired of these extra holiday pounds)

In other news, I think I am going to get that new Wally Lamb book to read on the trip home. And my new favorite song is the Madcom remix of "Beggin." It rocks. 

I will return with more posts from the desert.

Happy New Years

Last night I watched, Surfwise, a really great documentary about a family of surfers who all lived together in a 24 foot trailer. Watching that, combined with staying with my family the last couple of weeks, made me dream that I moved back in with my parents and it was awful. I think I would rather live in a box (in a warm place of course) than move back in with my family.

But you should check out the documentary if you get a chance.

I have no resolutions for the new year. I never do because I personally feel like all new year's resolutions are bound to fail. Too much expectation.

But I do hope that all of you have a happy and safe new years eve. We'll talk again in 2009.

A Little Bit of the Dark Side of Christmas

Did you know that Santa has a sidekick? He goes with him on Christmas and whips child who have misbehaved.

His name is Krampus - The Christmas Devil

So go ahead everyone, scare all the children you know. It's officially within the limits of Christmas Spirit.

Baby It's Cold Outside

I am back in MI for the holidays. It is cold. And wet. I had to get boots, my feet are having a hard time handling the weather. And of course because tomorrow I was supposed to head to BG for fun, it is supposed to have freezing rain. So unfair I say.

It's been nice seeing the family again. I'll see the boys this weekend.

A student of mine who got a C emailed me for the final percentage. It certainly wasn't a 79.5% which of course I would've bumped up to a B. I am not a monster.

I know I already posted the following on Facebook, but I want to spread Flight of the Conchords everywhere. Think of it as an early Christmas present or an enticement to treat yourself with season 1. It is such an awesome show.

Season 2 Online Premiere - Flight of the Conchords (US Only) - watch more funny videos

Home For the Holidays

Tomorrow I head back to Michigan for Christmas. It'll be a long day of travel. In order to get a ride to the airport, I have to leave here at 7 am, even though my flight isn't until almost 11. And then if all goes well, I'll arrive in Detroit at 8:50 pm.

I'll be twittering; you can follow my progress here or right here on my blog.

Talk to you again from the cold.

I Love Peyton Manning!

New Pet Peeve

I cannot stand it when people wear jeans to the gym. I know it is a small and petty thing to hate, but I do. So there.

In about 5 hours I will be all done being a student for the semester. I'll still have to be a teacher until I finish grading. Hopefully I can get that done tomorrow.

I am also less than a week from being back in Michigan. It's been cold here (yesterday it never got above 45 degrees), so it must be getting me ready for that.

Just to Keep Myself from Doing Real Work

You can make your own here

Mall Parking Lots...

...are one of the most dangerous places. There is no order. It's a dog eat dog world, especially during the holiday season. Today I was almost run over by two old ladies in their big cars. 

I guess the lesson here is to put your defensive gear when you go to the mall.

My semester is technically done. Finals week is next week. I still have to finish my teaching philosophy (which is harder than I thought it was going to be) and a research paper. Oh, and I have to grade 24 reflective essays next week. I can't believe my first semester of grad school is almost done. I can't believe that I go home for Christmas in 11 days. Time went by so fast. Someone mentioned the other day that he felt as though the time moved fast because we've been in an almost never ending summer. That might be true.

I don't look forward to the snow.

Santa's So High Tech

Santa's In Box

(via Evan Williams twitter)

Uh

I managed to go all semester without getting sick, but here I am, the last two days and I have a cold. A nasty, gross one that is really snotty and coughy. I am going to go to the writer's center for two hours (because I don't really care if I infect students. They probably are the ones that got me sick), and then I think I am going to miss two of my classes. The first classes I've missed all semester.

I feel kind of bad. 

But I also feel like shit and would like to just lay on my couch. 

A Whole Week Off

And the strange thing is that I don't feel like I accomplished anything. Here it is, 10 am on the Sunday before I have to go back to school and I have two papers I need to majorly revise and 5 more papers left to grade. Oh well, it'll get done. Here is what did happen:

I got to see two old friends, Justin and Ryan. They were in town for Thanksgiving, so we hung out, drank, smoked,  just like old times. I finally got to Chope's for the first time since I've been here. It was really great to see them. I haven't seen Ryan in four years. 

I had an awesome Thanksgiving with my friend Patti and some of her family and friends. Someone brought mashed potatoes that were white and sweet potatoes mixed. They were delicious. Everything was delicious. We all played Yahtzee and drank beer.

I found out that I got into another conference, Computers and Writing. Not only did my individual proposal get in, but a panel I am a part of was accepted as well. I am feeling really good, almost like I am impressive.

I ate way too much. Not only did I overdo it with Thanksgiving and leftovers, but I ate out a lot this week and I BAKED. I did a pretty good job of exercising, but I just need to stop eating ... and drinking. 

Well, it's time to get back to the grindstone. I think I can kick out one of my revisions within the hour.

Thanksgiving Break

At NMSU, we get a whole week off for Thanksgiving. It's kind of weird and not really a break at all because I have a ton of work to do. But at least I don't have to go to school, although I probably will tomorrow. I might do a little more research on my game paper by going to the games lab. Yes, a graduate student's work is never done.

But I did take yesterday and today off from doing any work. I didn't really mean to per se, but I just decided to say, "Fuck it, I'll get it all done starting Tuesday."

Today I baked chocolate chip banana bread and some chocolate chip pumpkin cookies. They're delish!

I have a Twitter account now. I got my cell phone to work with it and everything so I am super excited. So check it out and see what piddly little things I have going on in my life. You know, a few years ago I would've never had all this stuff all over the internet, but now that I study it, I think it is really worthwhile. I mean, if I am going to talk, I need to walk right.

Oh...whoa....gots to go, Little People, Big World just came on and I have to find the remote to change the channel.

Sunday

I really miss Mad Men on Sundays. It used to give me something to look forward to so I could get my homework done early. Now I just think, whatever. Now I am going to keep reading about interculturalism research in rhetoric and professional communication until I fall asleep. Actually, I take that back. I will stop before the night is over. 

I missed Paul Rudd hosting SNL last night to go to an ok party. I enjoy hanging out with people, but I also really enjoy Paul Rudd.

And in case you haven't heard, Murph, this other guy I know and I got our Lost panel into the 

Southwest Texas PCA/ACA conference. It is the first conference I have been accepted to, so I am really excited. It's close, and I'll get to see a dear friend. And blow people's minds.

The Blog is Dead

I've been doing a lot of reading lately and apparently the blog is dead. People are moving towards Facebook and Twitter and blogs just aren't fast enough to keep people up. Blogs are archaic?

I would totally be on board with Twitter if I could get it to work with my cell phone. But I like my little blog. I've spent a lot of time here and I would feel like a traitor.

What do you all think? Is the blog dead? If not, should it be murdered?

January 21, 2009

That's when Lost comes back.

A little more than 2 months away. I have goosebumps already.

The Next President

It needs to be addressed, but it is hard to put into words. I am so excited that Obama won. I was overwhelmed last night with how much emotion I actually felt. I was overwhelmed by how so many Republican states voted Democrat (Go Ohio!). I think I could literally feel the change in the air last night.

Of course Obama's not going to be perfect. It's a complicated job. He's inheriting the country at the worst possible time. But hey, at least he's not George W. Bush (and that might possibly be one my of last Bush bashings).

Vivre L'Obama!

I'm Not Always the Safest Person

On Friday, I was riding my bike to school and my phone vibrated which I meant I had a text message and I had to check it. It was a friend inviting me to lunch and I had to text her back about it.

All while riding my bike. 

And listening to my iPod.

It's Official...

...I'm a real life New Mexican now. I have the license plate to prove it. And a license. It was a very exciting day.

I am dressing up as Marge from Fargo. I watched it earlier for inspiration and it is such an awesome movie.

Hope everyone has a Happy Halloween!

Small Town Living as a Teacher

There's this great store here called Toucans. It's kind of organic/gourmet grocery store. The best reason to go is for the 3 bottles of wine for $10 deal. You get $20 wines for super cheap. So, since it is Thursday, which is my Friday, I decided to stop by and pick some up. 

I didn't know that a student of mine worked there and he totally saw me buying 3 bottles of wine. He didn't give me any shit though, but I can imagine him telling his classmates. But whatever...I'm human.

In other news, I voted today. It was exciting. 

This Is Why I Love Living in New Mexico

Because last night I went to a dive bar in the historical section of town (Billy the Kid was in jail down the street), to see a friend of mine play the banjo in a blue grass band. A woman came in with a ton of cool Obama buttons that her super-delegate friend sent her. She was giving them away.

Then, while outside smoking a cigarette, a group gathered down the block to watch a fire dancer. She had a hula hoop filled with flames and she circled them around her neck, her waist, her arms and her legs. It was awesome. And it would only happen here.

Then today I went on an awesome hike to the dripping springs.

Life is so different here. So wonderfully different.

A Work of Audio Art

Here's the audio project I did for my multimedia class.

Powered by Podbean.com

Can You Already Feel the Excitement?

It's the Lost season preview!

Cool Stuff

This is a cool flickr set for all us cool English people, via work/space.

BIrthdays

Tomorrow I turn 31. Today I feel 81 because I celebrated way too much this weekend.

I think that tomorrow, I will start acting 31 and not 21.

I'm actually kind of glad that the weekend is over.

Avoiding Work

I have a short article critique due Thursday and I am having a hard time getting to it. I have about a page and a quarter, but it just feels like I should have more done. Especially since I have known about it for weeks. Oh well, there is always tomorrow to get a kick ass draft together. That's not really procrastinating. Procrastinating would be writing this blog on Wednesday night.

I was very bad last night. I got drunk and smoked in my car. It felt so right when I was doing it, but I when I thought about it again this morning, I felt bad. So I vacuumed my car out to treat it. I also really need to wash it, but it rained today and it's dusty out here, so it'll just get dirty again.

Speaking of cars, I tried to register my car and get a NM drivers license yesterday. I was trying to become a real New Mexican. But I didn't have nearly enough paper work required, so while the process is started, I have to go back again.

I am glad there is still another day in the weekend, I didn't get enough done today.

I Wonder if Miidgets Creep Them Out Too

Found this over at Post Secret this morning. 

You know what I thought about the other day; I may have to teach a dwarve or midget someday.

Like a Peach

I have four pretty, major bruises on my body.

I only know how I got one of them.

My New Life

I find that I do a lot more work in coffee shops than I did in BG. In fact, I am writing this from a coffee shop. I think I just need to get out of my apartment sometimes. Also, my internet service is a little spotty, so I need to go where the internet is strong. This coffee shop is called International Delights. It is also a restaurant with a flippin delicious Mediterranean Veggie sandwich. I am going to be eating this today. I need some power food for hike later.

Yes, I am going hiking. I am also going to try snowboarding. It's weird that I have to move to the desert to learn to snowboard, but whatever, I'm flexible.

I went to a keg party the night of the debates. I am too old to be living the life I am currently.

But I feel like an adult when I am at the coffee shop doing work on my laptop.

Bleh

I have a class. I should like it more. It's a seminar class. We talk. About stuff that I feel stupid about. When I do talk, I stumble over words and I feel stupid. I feel like everyone thinks I am stupid. I really worry that one person in particular thinks I am really stupid.

I suppose it's not that I feel stupid, it's that I don't really care. I mean I do, but not as much as maybe I should. And, yes, I feel kind of stupid. Probably because I just can't make myself sound intelligent at all.

Getting a Ph.D. does not make me feel smarter.

I Don't Really Care for Football...

...but I love me some Manning Brothers. This commercial is pretty great.

"It's on like Donkey Kong"

This Friday, I am NOT Going to Campus

But I do have 27 papers to grade. And I have to get my haircut, and take my bike to get fixed, and pick up green chile to send to my dad.

I submitted my first paper to a conference today. It's pretty exciting. It makes up for a day like yesterday when I wanted to run away from home. 

The desert is warming back up. It's been cooler this week.

I hope you all have a good weekend.

Full Disclosure

I am a total smoker again. 

Post Burrito Reflection

I have been studying blogs in my multimedia class. It's really fascinating, but it has me thinking about this blog and I decided to do it so willy-nilly. I didn't think of purpose and goals and audience. Ok, I did think about audience; I thought of all of you, my faithful readers. I mean, mine is mostly a public journal, a good way to keep in touch with friends. But I try to inform you of weird or interesting things I find. So what's the goal of my blog? I guess to keep a discussion going with all of you from a far. And if anyone else wants to add to the conversation, then so be it.

Graduate school makes me think constantly. It is a blessing and a curse. 

Last night I went to an "Ever Clear and Game Night." And that means I drank Ever Clear Punch and played games. And drank beer. And smoked way too many cigarettes. And stayed out until 4 am. Sometimes I feel like I moved back to Las Cruces and stepped right back into my old life. Except now I am 30 and my liver doesn't bounce back like it used to.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend.

Tuesday Tidbits

Has anyone else noticed that looks as though Sarah Palin is running for President and John McCain is staying in the background looking as though he is running for Vice-President?

It's finally starting to cool down a little in the desert. It's in the high 80's.

And I've discovered a good diet. It includes eating all the Mexican food and drinking all the beer you want. First, you join a PhD program, somewhere hot. Then you get completely stressed out over whether you're good in enough to be in a PhD program and if they think you aren't smart enough and that they made a huge mistake asking you to come. I'm not going to lie, you do have to exercise every day, but after the days you have, you'll want to get rid of some energy. And voila, you'll lose 10 lbs. in a month. 

Oh, I've got another blog on this account. It's for my multimedia class. If you click on my profile you should be able to find it. All you get from it is that I don't really know what I'm talking about. 

I Had a Completely Unproductive Saturday, But I Did See This

Yeah, I didn't do shit today. Which means, I have a ton of shit to do tomorrow.

But courtesy of Johndan Johnson Eiola, (which Murph turned me onto) is why English is dumb

Keep watching to the end of the end note.

Hope you all are having a great weekend and that you are all as unproductive as I am.

Happy Birthday Harry Potter

Ten years ago today, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone was released. Hard to believe that it was only 10 years ago.

So pull out your copy and give it a squeeze. Could you imagine a world without Harry Potter?

Duck Races

Instead of the Duck Races, today I went to a wine festival. And strangely, I didn't buy any wine. I just tasted, tasted, tasted. I thought I was a tad too tipsy to get any work done after, but I almost got this burst of energy. It's actually slightly annoying.

Anyhoo, I thought I would post a few pics of my and my duck, whom I named Jiminy Crickets. Enjoy!

Sunday in the Desert

Well folks, it's 9:30 am here in Las Cruces, NM and it is gray and wet outside. It's only around 68 degrees. 

It's weird. 

Yesterday I went to the farmers market (where, in addition to fruits, vegetables and a loaf of green chile bread, I got a plant...the first vegetation in my apartment), had a flipping awesome brunch, and got a lot of reading done. Today I have to apply that reading to actual work, but that's cool, I should be able to do that. 

I think I have some ideas about the kind of research I want to do. It has to do with the green movement and either looking at online communities working in the movement (like Tree Hugger or Ideal Bite) or looking at personal narrative and how it is taking the science and creating more accessible ways to become more environmentally friendly (see, "Living with Ed," Doug Fine, etc.) And of course, because I am who I am, anything I look at will be pop culture in nature. But of course, I've only been in school for a little over a week, so this all may change. But I like thinking.

It's been an oddly productive weekend.

A Photo Essay

Here's my bathtub. Doesn't it look fancy?

Here is the first meal I made in my kitchen. It's some pasta and spinach...and it was ok. I realize I cook with a lot of pasta and I think I am going to cut back on that.

I am not going to cut back on the breakfast burritos though. These fucking rock my mouth.

And finally, for Laura, my tornado tattoo. 

Sunday Tidbits

Today I went to a duck race. Further explanation you ask? I paid five dollars to hold a duck in my hands, gently toss it into some water and splash it as it swam to the end of the lane.

My duck talked a lot of shit, but couldn't live up to it. He lost. So I ate a a green chile corn dog, some butterfly fries, registered to vote in New Mexico and got a silk-screened tattoo of a tornado on my foot. 

God, I LOVE being back in New Mexico.

In other news, I recently watched the mini-series, John Adams, which was about, John Adams and a portion of it obviously focused on his friendship with Thomas Jefferson. The mini-series failed to mention any of this though. Dirty politicking has been around a LOOOONG time.

Hope you all had a great weekend.

Question Of the Day

Can someone develop dyslexia as they get older? I used to never get heartburn or indigestion, but about two years ago I started getting it more frequently. I've noticed lately that I have been inverting letters and numbers. 

This isn't a good time for me to get dyslexia.

Sometimes I Don't Know About Me

A lot has happened in the past month. I mean, a month ago, I was still a midwesterner, had a great-paying job, had worries like, will everything go ok when I move.

Well everything went well. The apartment was not a shit-hole (I swear pictures are coming soon), the people I will be spending the next three to four years don't seem so bad, Mexican food is still delicious.

But now the real work begins and I am sooooo nervous about being a student again. I want to do well, but insecurities are rearing their ugly heads. It's probably just the night-before-the-first-day jitters. Maybe it's my allergies that is making me cough and my throat hurt.

I'm tired. Everyone wish me luck on my first semester.

Oh and I'm Meg. I've decided to go ahead and own myself. 

Bummed the F Out

I am sure by now you have all heard this. I was so, so looking forward to seeing the new Harry Potter movie THIS fall. It seems so unfair that I have to wait until NEXT summer. In the mean time, you read this for an interesting look at the making of the movie.

In other news, I am officially done with any and all orientation. Last night I got drunk with a couple of guys that are other first years. That has a story too, but maybe on a different day.

I Usually Just Think, Wow That Was Awesome.

I found this on Post Secret a couple of weeks ago.

TA Camp

I've spent a day and a half out of 5 learning about my new grad student duties and like everything, it has it's pros and it's cons.

Cons (Let's get the bad stuff out of the way):

• It's slightly more work in some areas - I have to do two office hours, it's a four credit class with one hour being completely online, and I have to work 4 hours a week in the Writer's Lab.
  

• There is no 112 equivalent. We teach basic writing, argument and research in one semester. So I have a lot to prepare for my first semester out. Next semester though, I won't have to prepare a whole new class already. So this actually borders between pros and cons.
  

• I think I still have to grade rough drafts.
  

• I don't get a whole office, I get a cubicle (although I knew that BGSU was good in that regards and a lot of grad programs don't give you that luxury). I haven't actually seen it yet, so I will describe more later.
  

Pros:

• No portfolio system; what I say goes.
  

• Speaking of which, I get to grade the mothereffers. 
  

• It's less rigid, which at first scared me, but they also give you enough information that you aren't going completely off the cuff.
  

• They don't stress MLA, just good source documentation. While I find this slightly confusing, at least it gets rid of MLA Nazi's, which I guess with no portfolio systems, doesn't matter. I just hate MLA Nazi's.
  

That's all I've got after a day and a half. The people seem nice so far. 

When I am not doing HOMEWORK in the evening, I am watching Lost season 2 online. 

Oh, and I must've misplaced all my teaching exercises I used. Could some of my awesome people out there send me a few of their favorites? Thanks.

Wait, So Does Dracula Still Exist?

38 Die of Vampire Bat Attacks

My Life in Boxes Part II

My place currently looks a little better than this, but not by much. I realized I HATE unpacking. I go through one box and think, I really don't want to unpack any more. So I don't. I like unpacking boxes with things I don't have to do anything with. In one box I found the box my computer came in. I just put that in the closet and done.

Anyhoo, here are pictures of the boxes. The first picture is obviously my beloved Butter. The second is the second bedroom and the third are boxes leading into my kitchen.

I promise to post pictures of the final results. But I can't promise it soon.

Have a good weekend ya'll.

New Mexico Update

Been in Las Cruces for a little over day.

Furniture arrives tomorrow!

Pictures to soon follow!

Harry Potter Fever Begins Again

Looks dark and awesome. I can't wait.

PS. This is my 400th post.

My Life in Boxes

This is my life right now and it is driving me crazy. Three days until the movers come. One week from today I won't be anywhere near here.

Totally freaking out!

Cake Wreckers

I love cake. I love pretty much any cake but carrot cake, and I have to admit that I've had a piece of carrot cake I didn't hate. This blog featured some cakes that not only look unappetizing, but make me kind of nauseous looking at them.

I don't know if I should hate some of these bakers forever for ruining the purity of cake or if I should thank them for assuring me that there are just some cakes I won't eat, therefor saving me a few calories.

I think I am going to hate them, because cake should ALWAYS be loved.

PS. If I ever have a baby or have to give a baby shower, I am going to serve pie.

Search Alert

The following search led to Some of This Might Not Be True:
midget women thumbs

I wouldn't necessarily think of those words in sexual terms. But apparently I am in the minority.

Suzy in the Kitchen

This will be the last Suzy in the Kitchen for a while. The next one will be from New Mexico. Weird.

This is what I call, leftover pasta salad. I had a little shell macaroni left, a tomato, and some artichokes. I mixed with oil and balsamic vinegar, added some mozzarella cheese and voila. A few less things to throw out when it is time to move.

This is a Greek vegetable wrap. Eggplant, onions, tomatoes, feta cheese, kalamata olives (one more item I don't have to throw out), marinate and throw on a tortilla. This was good. Really, really good.

Been busy packing and it seems I have so much more left to do. My apartment is a mess. Moving sucks. Two weeks from today I will be on my way. 

iPod Shuffle

In honor of my new, free-after-rebate iPod, the iPod shuffle game.

Ten random songs to get to know me better:

1. Intuition - Feist
2. Ebin - Sublime
3. 2 Cool 2 Be 4 Gotten - Lucinda Williams
4. On Top - The Killers
5. Pump It - Black Eye Peas
6. Born Secular - Jenny Lewis with The Watson Twins
7. Independent Women Part 1 - Destiny's Child
8. Ticket to Ride - The Beatles
9. Twin Cinema - The New Pornographers
10. Let's Face It - The Mighty, Mighty Bosstones

I am taking my last vacation day tomorrow. Hells yeah! My fist is ferociously pumping in the air.

The Yin and Yang of Media Pleasures

I recently discovered Hulu and it is super awesome. I've been spending my remaining days at work watching Late Night with Conan O'Brien and the second season of 30 Rock. And I don't even care if people see me watching it. Anyhoo, there are a lot of cool shows and movies at Hulu and they add more all the time, so if you ever have a few spare moments, check it out.

On the flip side, I had the mini-series, John Adams on my Netflix list and the first disc was only available in Las Vegas, so they had to ship it from there. Disc 2 and 3 were available at my location, so I have them at home, but have to wait until Friday for disc 1. What is the logic in that?

In other news, I have given two-weeks notice at both my jobs. Owens thinks I am going to New Mexico for an actual teaching job and I haven't corrected them. I think I am just going to let them believe that. I don't really care. A week from today, I will never see them again.

Tata for now.

Matthew Fox, Whether I Want Him or Not

I couldn't get away from Matthew Fox (AKA Dr. Jack Shepard) recently. On Sunday I watched Vantage Point, which MF was in. Then Monday morning, I was watching Wings, as I always do while I eat breakfast before work, and there MF was, a very, very young man. Also yesterday, I was reading the paper and I saw that it was MF's 42nd birthday.

So, Happy Birthday Matthew Fox. Now, unless you are in a brand new episode of Lost, would you kindly leave me alone?

Happy Bastille Day!

Happy Bastille Day Ya'll!

Bastille Day has the cops crazy today. I literally saw seven people pulled over today. And it's not even the end of the month.

Anyhoo, eat a french fry or something to celebrate.

New Classic Books

EW recently listed 100 new classic books. New classics meaning published after 1983 (I linked to 1-25, but clicking on the link should get you to parts 1, 2 and 3).

When I began reading the list, I didn't think I would have covered many books, but as I actually read through the list, I was surprised at how many I haven't read. I read 15 on the list. 15 of 100. And I consider myself a well-read person. I've heard of many on the list. I've seen the movie version of ALOT on the list.

Here is what I have read, in EW ratings:

2. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - JK Rowling

12. Blindness - Jose Saramago

13. Watchman - Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons

20. Bridget Jones' Diary - Helen Fielding

25. Joy Luck Club - Amy Tan

28. Naked - David Sedaris

34. The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold

41. The House on Mango Street - Sandra Cisneros

48. The Poisonwood Bible - Barbara Kingsolver

50. The Corrections - Jonathan Franzen

65. The Giver - Lois Lowry

69. The Secret History - Donna Tartt (one of my favoritest books ever. I highly, highly recommend this).

78. Eat Pray Love - Elizabeth Gilbert

93. A Thousand Acres - Jane Smiley

96. The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown

97. Jesus' Son - Denis Johnson

100 books. Some of them I have no desire to ever read. I have started a list though. Perhaps someday I will make to almost half the list.

Happy Reading Ya'll.

Warning

If you were planning on going to Beijing for the Olympics and wanted to eat some authentic, local cuisine, you won't be able to.

Thumbs Up of the Week

Yisss...It's Jemaine from the Flight of the Conchords.

In the Kitchen With Suzy

These are salmon patties. They were very, very good. 

This was a tasty version of a caprese salad, Laura's contribution to...

...the Venetian Macaroni and Cheese. This wasn't bad, but I don't think I will ever make it again.

Happy 4th of July folks! Enjoy some fireworks. I will be. 

Recently: A Suzy Photo Essay

Laura came to visit a couple of weeks ago, just as the ol' Dell took a final pooper, so I wasn't able to post some of the fun that she, PTT and I had. So without further ado:

PTT gets nervous when I refer to him as Chris, so we made his Yahtzee score sheet officially PTT.

Here we are, taking a quick break from an intense Yahtzee game. See that ring on my finger? That is a gift from PTT; a Drive Shaft ring, now one of my prized possessions.

This is me and PTT enjoying our beer frame beers (because we rocked that frame).

This is Laura, without a beer frame beer (because she really fucked that frame up*)

*To be fair, I would later have to buy a beer frame as well. After Laura had to buy a second beer frame. HA!

Mad About Mad Men

I can't even begin to tell you how much I enjoyed Mad Men last summer. It is about an advertising agency in the 1960's, but that is just skimming the surface. I think it showed a lot about a certain time in history. It is a cool-looking show. And all the smoking will either make you want a cigarette or make you sick (sometimes both at the same time). 

The reason I bring it up now is because season one is out on DVD and season two starts at the end of the month. And the best thing? It's on AMC, not HBO or Showtime or any of those crazy pay extra channels. 

So, all you Netflixers out there, put it in your queue and catch up before season 2 starts. I dare you not to fall a little for lead character Don Draper, no matter how much of a self-absorbed asshole he can be. 

Happy "Mad Men"ing all!

Back in the Saddle

I am back online at home. Hooray! I am now the proud owner of a little, white Apple notebook. It's pretty slick. I have forgotten what it was like to have a computer that started up quickly and didn't have to have it's Ethernet chord jimmy-rigged to even be online. As with everything I do, I'll take a picture and post it soon!

One of the reasons I chose the Mac was that as a student I get an educational discount, but I am freaking out a little because becoming a student is hard. My paperwork hasn't been fully processed yet (their words) so I can't register for classes like they told me I should. I also can't get my student loans (which I need). I have also made all the necessary arrangements to move; given notice at my current apartment, found a new apartment, hired movers. About the only thing I haven't done is given two-weeks notice at work. This may be a good thing. I might need my job.

I am freaking out a little. I am convinced something is going to go wrong and everything is going to fall through. I am going to call someone tomorrow. I don't want to nag these people, but I also want to make sure I am not moving and changing my life for nothing. 

At least it's a four day work week. Hooray.