Well, Casandra tagged anyone willing to fill this out and I am currently bored enough at work to muster the necessary willingness so here I go.
3 Joys
1. Reading. Yep, I am a huge book nerd. Books provide me with new thoughts, new ideas, and an oft-needed reprieve from all the craziness in my own head. They make me laugh and are one of the few things that can actually make me cry (George Bush being president and the death of a loved one are the other things.) Reading brings me true happiness.
2. Teaching. Watching a student finally "get it"... truly, there is nothing like it.
3. My friends and family. They amaze me. They are so insane but I love them in a way I couldn't explain.
3 Fears
1. Failure.
2. Losing a loved one.
3. Failure. (What can I say? I am a total type-A personality!)
3 Goals
1. To own my own bookstore.
2. To get a Master's degree.
3. To travel extensively. ( I realize I'll be trying to do that on a teacher's salary, but meh, I'll make it work.
3 Obsessions
1. New York City. I only lived there for a year, but during that year I fell deeply, madly in love. It is the most amazing place ever and it lights me up like nothing else. I miss my friends there, Ray's Pizza (the one at 6th and 11th, of course!) Union Square Park, taking the subway home at 4 in the morning, and falafels at Mamoun's.
2. Harry Potter. Yeah, that's right, I said it. I looooooove Harry Potter! I love talking about Hogwarts and Diagon Alley like they are places that actually exist, Severus Snape and Bellatrix Lestrange like real live people who you love to hate (though truly, I just love Bellatrix!) and cheering for the Golden Trio like the outcome in their battle versus Voldemort actually matters.
3. I had a tough time thinking of this third one, but I guess it would be my celebrity girl-crushes. I generally don't much care for celebrities and though I love Johnny Depp, nothing catches my eye like a photo or story about Idina Menzel, Megan Mullally, or Helena-Bonham Carter.
3 Random Surprise Facts
1. I have bipolar disorder. Fun stuff, eh?
2. I want to write a book.
3. I don't like peas.
I now tag everyone who, like me, is bored enough to fill this out.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Finally!!!
Well, I finally did it. On Friday I graduated from the University of Utah. YAY! The ceremony was long and hot and boring, but it was still nice.
Read on for a detailed account of my graduation and subsequent celebrations.
I sat with some of my friends from the teaching cohort which was great; it made the ceremony significantly less excruciating. The experience was sort of surreal; even as I sat in the Huntsman Center in my cap and gown I could not believe that I was graduating! When I finally went down on the floor to get my diploma (cover), that's when it kind of hit me. I looked up and waved at my family- I tipped my hat to my little brother (hehe) and laughed at my mom, who was of course crying- and then I thought to myself "Huh, I'm graduating. YAY!" It was pretty great. My mom, sister, younger brother, dad, stepmom, and grandma all came to the ceremony, which was nice. The U has a tradition where you wear a red stole with your cap and gown and then give it to someone who has inspired you or helped you through your college career. I gave mine to my grandma, because she is amazing. She got her degree and teaching certificate through balancing school, a full-time job, five kids, a husband, and a farm- absolutely insane. She has been so excited and supportive of me becoming a teacher and it was very nice to be able to acknowledge her by giving her my stole. She seemed very touched. My friend Staci and her husband Garrett also came which was great. They also attended our post-graduation lunch with my crazy family, and it was a lot of fun. My second dad, Brian Fast, also attended. His daughter, Nicole, was my best friend all through elementary school and I have remained close with the family ever since so I thought it was very touching that he made the effort to come see me graduate.
After the ceremony was when the real fun began. We hung around and took pictures for a bit then my mom, grandma, brothers, sister, Staci, Garrett, and I went to lunch at Johnny Carino's. After that I took a short nap (I was sooo exhausted!) then I went with my friend Erica to a graduation party for our friend Maria. We ate dinner, had a few drinks, danced, and just hung-out. After that I met with my friend Coby and his friends Tree and Lisa Marie for drinks at Club Sound. Good times, good times.
Then on Saturday I went to lunch at Chili's with Casandra, Sarah, and Chrissy. After that, Casandra took me on a tour of the model home for their new townhouse. It is very nice and I am very excited for her and Trent to have their own home.
Later that night I met my friends Jen, Julia, her boyfriend Aaron, Hollie, Todd, Kirsten, Ryan, and Emerson for drinks at The Spot. It was soooo fun. Crazy, but amazingly fun.
Tonight my dad, stepmom and grandma are taking me and my little brother (he turned 18 on Friday!) out to dinner, and Thursday my cohort is having a BBQ to celebrate graduation. Yeah, it's a busy time, but hey, graduating college is definitely worth celebrating.
Read on for a detailed account of my graduation and subsequent celebrations.
I sat with some of my friends from the teaching cohort which was great; it made the ceremony significantly less excruciating. The experience was sort of surreal; even as I sat in the Huntsman Center in my cap and gown I could not believe that I was graduating! When I finally went down on the floor to get my diploma (cover), that's when it kind of hit me. I looked up and waved at my family- I tipped my hat to my little brother (hehe) and laughed at my mom, who was of course crying- and then I thought to myself "Huh, I'm graduating. YAY!" It was pretty great. My mom, sister, younger brother, dad, stepmom, and grandma all came to the ceremony, which was nice. The U has a tradition where you wear a red stole with your cap and gown and then give it to someone who has inspired you or helped you through your college career. I gave mine to my grandma, because she is amazing. She got her degree and teaching certificate through balancing school, a full-time job, five kids, a husband, and a farm- absolutely insane. She has been so excited and supportive of me becoming a teacher and it was very nice to be able to acknowledge her by giving her my stole. She seemed very touched. My friend Staci and her husband Garrett also came which was great. They also attended our post-graduation lunch with my crazy family, and it was a lot of fun. My second dad, Brian Fast, also attended. His daughter, Nicole, was my best friend all through elementary school and I have remained close with the family ever since so I thought it was very touching that he made the effort to come see me graduate.
After the ceremony was when the real fun began. We hung around and took pictures for a bit then my mom, grandma, brothers, sister, Staci, Garrett, and I went to lunch at Johnny Carino's. After that I took a short nap (I was sooo exhausted!) then I went with my friend Erica to a graduation party for our friend Maria. We ate dinner, had a few drinks, danced, and just hung-out. After that I met with my friend Coby and his friends Tree and Lisa Marie for drinks at Club Sound. Good times, good times.
Then on Saturday I went to lunch at Chili's with Casandra, Sarah, and Chrissy. After that, Casandra took me on a tour of the model home for their new townhouse. It is very nice and I am very excited for her and Trent to have their own home.
Later that night I met my friends Jen, Julia, her boyfriend Aaron, Hollie, Todd, Kirsten, Ryan, and Emerson for drinks at The Spot. It was soooo fun. Crazy, but amazingly fun.
Tonight my dad, stepmom and grandma are taking me and my little brother (he turned 18 on Friday!) out to dinner, and Thursday my cohort is having a BBQ to celebrate graduation. Yeah, it's a busy time, but hey, graduating college is definitely worth celebrating.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Meh
I am just sitting here, bored at work, and I thought I could occupy my time by updating my blog. Unfortunately, there is not much going on in my life right now. Well, there is actually a lot going on in my life, yet for some reason I feel that my life is stagnant.
-I am graduating on Friday, which is so exciting. It is a little weird to be done with school though. I have been a student for as long as I can remember, so it is strange now to just not be a student.
-I am still looking for a job. It is very nerve-wracking and I sometimes panic a little bit, but I am confident that will be able to find the right school for me. I am so looking forward to teaching. I am terrified, of course, but incredibly excited as well.
-I am going to Europe in about six weeks and I CAN"T WAIT! I am so excited. I have never been out of the country before and I just can't imagine a better first international experience than spending two weeks in Italy and Greece.
-My friend Amanda just had a beautiful baby boy. My friend Staci and I went and visited them yesterday which was great. I have been friends with Amanda since I was in 7th grade so it was neat to see her with her son. Great, but crazy. He really is a beautiful baby.
Yeah, that's life. Back to work, I guess.
-I am graduating on Friday, which is so exciting. It is a little weird to be done with school though. I have been a student for as long as I can remember, so it is strange now to just not be a student.
-I am still looking for a job. It is very nerve-wracking and I sometimes panic a little bit, but I am confident that will be able to find the right school for me. I am so looking forward to teaching. I am terrified, of course, but incredibly excited as well.
-I am going to Europe in about six weeks and I CAN"T WAIT! I am so excited. I have never been out of the country before and I just can't imagine a better first international experience than spending two weeks in Italy and Greece.
-My friend Amanda just had a beautiful baby boy. My friend Staci and I went and visited them yesterday which was great. I have been friends with Amanda since I was in 7th grade so it was neat to see her with her son. Great, but crazy. He really is a beautiful baby.
Yeah, that's life. Back to work, I guess.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Graduation!
I can't believe it- I am finally graduating from college! YAY! My graduation is at 11:15 at the Huntsman Center at the University of Utah. I am graduating from the College of Humanities with a B.A. in History Teaching and I could not be more excited. Just thought that I would let you all know!
Monday, April 14, 2008
I heart reading
One of my very favorite quotes comes from Alfred Lord Tennyson's poem Ulysses but I recently realized that I had not read the poem in its entirety in about five years. GASP! For all of you have have never read this- wow- you are missing out. I remember the first time that I read it, in my AP English class, the only thing that really stuck out to me was the line "As though to breathe were life." I just thought it was a beautiful, simple way to say a powerful thought. After reading it this time, having five years of college under my belt, I realize just how truly amazing the entire poem is. It is beautiful in its tragic reminiscence and longing for another adventure that the speaker is unlikely to ever take.
I am a part of all that I have met;
Yet all experience is an arch wherethro'
Gleams that untravell'd world, whose margin fades
For ever and for ever when I move.
How dull it is to pause, to make an end,
To rust unburnish'd, not to shine in use!
As tho' to breathe were life. Life pil'd on life
Were all too little, and of one to me
Little remains: but every hour is sav'd
From that eternal silence, something more,
A bringer of new things; and vile it were
For some three suns to store and hoard myself,
And this gray spirit yearning in desire
To follow knowledge like a sinking star,
Beyond the utmost bound of human thought.
It discusses the need to continue, to move forward, yet when I read it, I feel that the speaker will never have the chance to actually do that and is perhaps speaking to those who may still have a chance.
Tho' much is taken, much abides; and tho'
We are not now that strength which in old days
Mov'd earth and heaven, that which we are, we are:
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.
Guh. I just love it.
Along with this return to high school poetry assignments, I have also read a few novels. Five, in fact, since I finished with my student teaching on March 24th. Four of them were Harry Potter books, however, so I am not sure that they really count. Hehe, it was sort of an odd selection of the HP books though. I read the 5th, then the 2nd, then the 6th and the 7th. I love Harry Potter. I really do.
I also read "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy. It was very intriguing, to say the least. It took me quite a while to really get into it (I started it, read three HP books, then finally finished it up) but by the end I was almost in tears. It is the story of a man and his son and their struggle for survival in a world that has been completely decimated. Apparently I have been in a dark mood lately because I was really drawn to the beauty and the sheer hopelessness of the book. The drive of the father to continue to live for his son is captivating. McCarthy states, "He knew only that the child was his warrant. He said: If he is not the word of God, God never spoke." It really is a brilliant work. Depressing, beautiful, brilliant.
I am currently reading "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" by John Berendt and I am quite enjoying it. I love the characters and how well Berendt develops the local color of Savannah. I am only about a hundred pages in, but I have had a hard time putting it down so far.
I also just started reading "Without You" which is a memoir written by Anthony Rapp that discusses his life during the formation of the musical Rent. I have loved Rent for a long time and it is great to read an insiders perspective on the love and loss that the musical depicts.
I should be ready to start another book within the next week or so, so let me know if you have any suggestions!
I am a part of all that I have met;
Yet all experience is an arch wherethro'
Gleams that untravell'd world, whose margin fades
For ever and for ever when I move.
How dull it is to pause, to make an end,
To rust unburnish'd, not to shine in use!
As tho' to breathe were life. Life pil'd on life
Were all too little, and of one to me
Little remains: but every hour is sav'd
From that eternal silence, something more,
A bringer of new things; and vile it were
For some three suns to store and hoard myself,
And this gray spirit yearning in desire
To follow knowledge like a sinking star,
Beyond the utmost bound of human thought.
It discusses the need to continue, to move forward, yet when I read it, I feel that the speaker will never have the chance to actually do that and is perhaps speaking to those who may still have a chance.
Tho' much is taken, much abides; and tho'
We are not now that strength which in old days
Mov'd earth and heaven, that which we are, we are:
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.
Guh. I just love it.
Along with this return to high school poetry assignments, I have also read a few novels. Five, in fact, since I finished with my student teaching on March 24th. Four of them were Harry Potter books, however, so I am not sure that they really count. Hehe, it was sort of an odd selection of the HP books though. I read the 5th, then the 2nd, then the 6th and the 7th. I love Harry Potter. I really do.
I also read "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy. It was very intriguing, to say the least. It took me quite a while to really get into it (I started it, read three HP books, then finally finished it up) but by the end I was almost in tears. It is the story of a man and his son and their struggle for survival in a world that has been completely decimated. Apparently I have been in a dark mood lately because I was really drawn to the beauty and the sheer hopelessness of the book. The drive of the father to continue to live for his son is captivating. McCarthy states, "He knew only that the child was his warrant. He said: If he is not the word of God, God never spoke." It really is a brilliant work. Depressing, beautiful, brilliant.
I am currently reading "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" by John Berendt and I am quite enjoying it. I love the characters and how well Berendt develops the local color of Savannah. I am only about a hundred pages in, but I have had a hard time putting it down so far.
I also just started reading "Without You" which is a memoir written by Anthony Rapp that discusses his life during the formation of the musical Rent. I have loved Rent for a long time and it is great to read an insiders perspective on the love and loss that the musical depicts.
I should be ready to start another book within the next week or so, so let me know if you have any suggestions!
Monday, April 7, 2008
New blogs
So lately I have had the pleasure of coming across the blogs of a few old friends of mine and it has been fantastic. I love getting the chance to see where everyone's lives have taken them. It is so great to see them with their husbands and their kids...it's so great how life changes.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
I Just Bought...
Sweeney Todd! Yay! Just in case I haven't said this enough- I LOVE THIS MOVIE!! It is such a beautiful, dark, and yet funny, tragedy. Now that I own it I can't wait to get some of my friends (most of whom don't normally watch rated R movies) to watch it with me. MWAH HA HA HA HA!!! (Yes, Casandra, that means you!)
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