Today is the kind of day that makes me sit up and realize that no matter what kinds of things are going on in my life, I need to be thankful for the people that have been along my life's path. I, along with the rest of the nation, have been watching the news updates come pouring in about the shooting in an elementary school in Connecticut. And my heart, along with the hearts of the rest of the nation, is breaking at the thought of what those families, and that community, must be going through.
Life is so short. For 26 people in Connecticut, 18 of them children under the age of 10, it ended today. So today, in addition to praying for their souls, their families, and their friends, I want to take a moment and let you know that I love you. You are important to me. Whether we speak on a regular basis or only every once in a while, you have touched my life in a way that has helped make me who I am today. I care about you. I probably haven't told you this often enough, but thank you. Thank you for your support, your love, and your encouragement.
Tell your family, tell your friends. Tell them how much they mean to you. Be a little gentler, be a little softer. Smile at a few strangers and be thankful that you have today to live.
Why Blog?
I'm a 22 year college graduate, documenting the things in my life that I want to always remember. The big things, the little things, the crazy things, the everyday things. It gets a bit random at times, and sometimes I like to ponder on the craziness of life. There's nothing earth-shattering here, but I like to think it's all fun to read. Read, leave me comments, ask questions, enjoy.
Friday, December 14, 2012
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Take a Moment
If you're facebook friends with me, you'll have seen this go up as my status moments ago, but I want to share it here, too. I actually want to shout it from the street corners. I want everyone I know to read this article and then pass it on to everyone they know.
Take a moment and read the blog post that I have linked to below. It's amazing. And the responses? They're even more amazing.
Today, tomorrow, and every day after that, take a moment to show the world some love.
http://www.danoah.com/2011/11/im-christian-unless-youre-gay.html
Take a moment and read the blog post that I have linked to below. It's amazing. And the responses? They're even more amazing.
Today, tomorrow, and every day after that, take a moment to show the world some love.
http://www.danoah.com/2011/11/im-christian-unless-youre-gay.html
Friday, December 7, 2012
Sick of It
I moved in to this apartment because it was really the only place my roommate would consider (which perhaps should have been a warning sign). While the apartment is beautiful - especially after we had three of the walls in our living room painted - I am so incredibly sick of living in a place where nothing seems to work right!! You'd think for the amount of money I spend each month I could expect my apartment to be pretty much perfect when it comes to the amenities.
But ooohh no. I feel like every week something new pops up that doesn't work like it should. The (teeny tiny) dishwasher doesn't clean our dishes, neither sink seals completely, using the oven is like Russian roulette - I never know when it's going to set off the fire alarm, the fireplace won't light (apparently it's never worked in the entire history of the building, but they've never bothered to fix it), the garbage disposal has been replaced twice, the ice maker throws ice all over the freezer... I feel like I could go on and on.
Someday, I will move into an apartment of my own choosing, and hope for better luck!
But ooohh no. I feel like every week something new pops up that doesn't work like it should. The (teeny tiny) dishwasher doesn't clean our dishes, neither sink seals completely, using the oven is like Russian roulette - I never know when it's going to set off the fire alarm, the fireplace won't light (apparently it's never worked in the entire history of the building, but they've never bothered to fix it), the garbage disposal has been replaced twice, the ice maker throws ice all over the freezer... I feel like I could go on and on.
Someday, I will move into an apartment of my own choosing, and hope for better luck!
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
I Wish...
I wish I could spend a few months in Tibet (or somewhere like that), practicing yoga every day in the mountains. Preferably overlooking a lake.
Anyone want to take on my school loans so I can do that?!?
Sunday, November 18, 2012
After All This Time?
Always.
Points to you if you can identify the origin of this quote!!
Although my generation has many traits that I am not proud of, there are certain things about being a Gen Y-er that I love. It's so fun to revisit things that have been part of my childhood and have all of the feelings rush back.
Points to you if you can identify the origin of this quote!!
Although my generation has many traits that I am not proud of, there are certain things about being a Gen Y-er that I love. It's so fun to revisit things that have been part of my childhood and have all of the feelings rush back.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Today, I am Proud
I am proud to call myself an alumna of this school. I am proud that my education came from people that care. I am proud that my school, my Catholic school, has members on the staff that are willing to stand up and say no.
This statement was signed by 140+ faculty and staff members of Saint Ben's and Saint John's - people who range in age from just graduated to having grandchildren older than myself. This is not just someone flying off the handle about the situation we are facing as a country, this is a well thought-out piece of work that makes proud to stand and say "That's my school." I have learned from some of the signees, gone to church with a number of them, attended classes with others, and am happy to call each and every one of them my CSBSJU family members.
A STATEMENT IN OPPOSITION TO THE MINNESOTA MARRIAGE AMENDMENT
We, the undersigned, are members of the teaching faculty and staff of the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University. We regard the proposed Minnesota Marriage Amendment on the November 6 ballot as an unjust attack on gay and lesbian people and at ...variance with our community’s best traditions and values.
We speak only for ourselves–not for any departments or institutions. We respect the neutral position on the amendment that the administrations of our two colleges have taken. They rightly encourage careful study of the issue, and so do we. We also respect the right of our students and other citizens to make their own informed choices on how to vote.
We speak as educators who have studied numerous aspects of same-sex marriage. The backers of the proposed amendment claim that a “No” vote will damage marriage, violate religious liberty, endanger children and generally lead to moral decline in society. We dispute such claims.
Current Minnesota law does not provide for same-sex marriage, and a “No” vote on the proposed amendment would not make same-sex marriage legal. A “No” vote would simply allow for a thoughtful public conversation about when and how to guarantee equal protection of the law to same-sex couples. A “Yes” vote will permanently make them second-class citizens. We believe this is wrong.
The proposed amendment is inconsistent with the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution, which states: “No state…shall deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.” Similarly, Minnesota’s constitution guarantees that “No member of this state shall be disenfranchised or deprived of any of the rights or privileges secured to any citizen thereof.” Though Minnesota law does not currently provide for same-sex marriage, the Minnesota Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in housing and employment on the basis of sexual orientation. Passage of the proposed Marriage Amendment would be an ominous move in the opposite direction.
Both the First Amendment of the United States Constitution and the Minnesota Constitution guarantee religious liberty and separation of church and state. Laws permitting same-sex marriage would violate no one’s religious liberty. All churches would be free to perform or not perform marriages according to their own beliefs.
Differences in race or class were once taken as insurmountable obstacles to marriage, but today most people recognize that mutual love and respect are the foundations of married love. In 1967 the U.S. Supreme Court struck down laws prohibiting interracial marriage because such laws denied “equal protection of the laws” to interracial couples. We believe that laws banning same-sex marriage are essentially no different from laws that once banned interracial marriages.
Though the Catholic Bishops of Minnesota are calling on Catholics to vote “Yes,” there is, in fact, significant disagreement in the Catholic Church on same-sex marriage. Numerous theologians believe that the Bible cannot properly be invoked in support of a ban on same-sex marriage. Catholic faith defends the sanctity of individual conscience, and Catholics are not obligated to vote “Yes” on this amendment. Moreover, Catholic teaching alone cannot form the basis of civil law in a republic of many faiths and traditions.
According to the Second Vatican Council (1962-65), Catholic theologians must take into account “new sciences and theories,” so that “morality may keep pace with scientific knowledge.” It is in light of this guidance that many theologians have allowed insights of psychology and sociology to inform their theology, and they have concluded that homosexuality is natural, and that same-sex unions are compatible with Catholic faith. Indeed, theologians long ago argued that pastors might appropriately bless same-sex unions.
Quality empirical research has shown that children raised by same-sex couples have similar outcomes to children raised by heterosexual couples. The research has consistently demonstrated that children’s well-being is most directly related to the quality of parenting, not the gender or sexual orientation of the parents. Research has also shown that discriminatory laws and attitudes are harmful to same-sex families and their children. So, while advocates for passing the Marriage Amendment claim it is needed to protect families and children, it would likely have the opposite impact on many families.
In states of the USA and in countries around the world where same-sex unions and marriages are legal marriage has not been destroyed. Men and women continue to marry and (sadly) to be divorced at approximately the same rate as in states and countries where same-sex unions and marriages are not permitted. There is no evidence in these places that same-sex unions and marriages have caused any moral decline in society.
Gay men and lesbians have long been suffering the sting of discrimination. Suicide among homosexual teenagers occurs at an alarming rate. The good news is that more and more people are recognizing that homosexuality is like left-handedness–in the minority, but perfectly natural. As in the days of the civil rights movement for African Americans, Minnesota can again lead the country on a civil rights issue, this time by being the first state to reject this kind of discriminatory amendment. We urge the citizens of Minnesota to do so.
Signers:
Vincent Smiles, Theology
Andy Holey, Computer Science
Michael Livingston, Psychology
John Merkle, Theology
Tony Cunningham, Philosophy
Lisa Platt, Psychology
Lindsay Anderson, Nursing
Mike Ross, Chemistry
Janet Grochowski, Education
Rodger Narloch, Psychology
Henry Jakubowski, Chemistry
Janelle Hinchley, First Year Seminar & Gender Studies
James Poff, Biology
Phil Chu, Biology
Gordon Brown, Biology
Parker Wheatley, Economics
Carol Brash, Fine Arts
Karyl Daughters, Communication
Gladys White, Hispanic Studies
Ernest Diedrich, Economics
Bruce Campbell, Hispanic Studies
Ozzie Mayers, English
Stephen Stelzner, Psychology
Derek Larson, History & Environmental Studies
Brian Campbell, Music
Pam Bacon, Psychology
Linda Tennison, Psychology
Carol Jansky, Biology
Clayton Gearhart, Physics (emeritus)
Jonathon Carlson, Library
Ingrid Smiles, CSB Campus Ministry
David Wuolu, Library
Wendy Klepetar, Global Business Leadership
Benjamin Faber, Psychology
William Lamberts, Biology
Scott Richardson, Modern and Classical Languagues
Samuel Johnson, Fine Arts
Bruce Thornton, Music
Jessica O’Reilly, Sociology
Jessica Harkins, English
Sigrid Hedman-Dennis, Nursing
Thomas Sibley, Mathematics
Matt Callahan, English
Patricia Bolanos, Hispanic Studies & Gender Studies
Kathleen Costello, First Year Seminar
Erica Stonestreet, Philosophy
Allison Spenader, Education
Kelly Kraemer, Peace Studies
Jennifer Galovich, Mathematics
Bret Benesh, Mathematics
Matthew Harkins, English
Yuko Shibata, Modern and Classical Languages & Asian Studies
Luann Reif, Nursing
Maureen McCarter, Modern and Classical Languages
Janna LaFountaine, Exercise Science and Sports Studies
Carrie Braun, Nursing
Marcus Webster, Biology
Cynthia Curran, History
James Schnepf, Computer Science
Martha Tomhave Blauvelt, Gender Studies
Tess Kasling, Library
Karen Erickson, Modern and Classical Languages
David Malone, Library
Elizabeth Wurdak, Biology
Gary Prevost, Political Science
Juliann Heller, Theology
Susan Riley, History
Christi Siver, Political Science
Kathy Twohy, Nursing
Patricia Kennedy, Theology
Robert Hesse, Mathematics
Andrea Shaker, Fine Arts
John Miller, Computer Science
Elaine Rutherford, Fine Arts
Sarah Schaaf, Hispanic Studies
Manuel Campos, Biology
Luke Mancuso, English
Madhu Mitra, English
Charles Wright, Philosphy
Angela Erickson-Grussing, Hispanic Studies
David Mitchell, Biology
Jillian Hiscock, Admissions
Richard Bohannon, Environmental Studies
John Olson, Economics
Jacqueline Corral, Admissions
Joy Ruis, Office for Education Abroad
Sarah Pruett, ESC Coordinator
Eleonora Bertranou, Hispanic Studies
Jillian Rigg McKenzie, Admissions
Brooke Horejsi, Fine Arts Programing
Christina Shouse Tourino, English
Molly Ewing, Library
Edmund Sass, Education
Kaarin S. Johnston, Theater
Jeffrey Anderson, Peace Studies
Patricia Kent, Music
Tania Gomez, Hispanic Studies
Kathleen Parker, Library
Cindy Malone, English
Corey Shouse Tourino, Hispanic Studies
Shane Miller, Communication
Jean Keller, Philosophy
Rachelle Larson, Nursing
Nicholas Jones, Chemistry
Mark Mortrude, Education
Wendy Sterba, Modern and Classical Languages
Jean Ochu, Accounting and Finance
David Bennetts, History
Shannon Essler Petty, Education
Leigh Dillard, Theater
Diane Veale-Jones, Environmental Studies
Nelsy Echarvez-Solano, Hispanic Studies
Timothy Robinson, Philosophy
Matt Lindstrom, Political Science
Elena Sanchez Mora, Hispanic Studies
Jean Lavigne, Environmental Studies
Michael Opitz, English
Gregory Walker, Music
Jennifer Schaefer, Biology
Megan Vetsch, Fine Arts Programing
Angeline Dufner, English (Emeritus)
Joe Rogers, Global Education
Kenneth Jones, History
Janet Neuwirth, Nursing
Anna Mercedes, Theology
Bridget Sitzer, Admissions
Allan Bouley, Theology (Emeritus)
Michael Roske, Abbey Woodworking
Peggy Roske, CSB/SJU Archives
Philip Kronebusch, Political Science
Peggy Retka, Office for Education Abroad
Kevin Knodl, Fine Arts Programing
Manju Parikh, Political Science
J. Scott Johnson, Political Science
Elisabeth Wengler, History
Roy Ketchum, Hispanic Studies
Stephen Wagner, Philosophy
Beth Pettitt, Biology
Lisa Drontle, Music
Julie Davis, History
Todd Johnson, Physics
Robert Kachelski, Psychology
Gregory Schroeder, History
This statement was signed by 140+ faculty and staff members of Saint Ben's and Saint John's - people who range in age from just graduated to having grandchildren older than myself. This is not just someone flying off the handle about the situation we are facing as a country, this is a well thought-out piece of work that makes proud to stand and say "That's my school." I have learned from some of the signees, gone to church with a number of them, attended classes with others, and am happy to call each and every one of them my CSBSJU family members.
A STATEMENT IN OPPOSITION TO THE MINNESOTA MARRIAGE AMENDMENT
We, the undersigned, are members of the teaching faculty and staff of the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University. We regard the proposed Minnesota Marriage Amendment on the November 6 ballot as an unjust attack on gay and lesbian people and at ...variance with our community’s best traditions and values.
We speak only for ourselves–not for any departments or institutions. We respect the neutral position on the amendment that the administrations of our two colleges have taken. They rightly encourage careful study of the issue, and so do we. We also respect the right of our students and other citizens to make their own informed choices on how to vote.
We speak as educators who have studied numerous aspects of same-sex marriage. The backers of the proposed amendment claim that a “No” vote will damage marriage, violate religious liberty, endanger children and generally lead to moral decline in society. We dispute such claims.
Current Minnesota law does not provide for same-sex marriage, and a “No” vote on the proposed amendment would not make same-sex marriage legal. A “No” vote would simply allow for a thoughtful public conversation about when and how to guarantee equal protection of the law to same-sex couples. A “Yes” vote will permanently make them second-class citizens. We believe this is wrong.
The proposed amendment is inconsistent with the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution, which states: “No state…shall deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.” Similarly, Minnesota’s constitution guarantees that “No member of this state shall be disenfranchised or deprived of any of the rights or privileges secured to any citizen thereof.” Though Minnesota law does not currently provide for same-sex marriage, the Minnesota Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in housing and employment on the basis of sexual orientation. Passage of the proposed Marriage Amendment would be an ominous move in the opposite direction.
Both the First Amendment of the United States Constitution and the Minnesota Constitution guarantee religious liberty and separation of church and state. Laws permitting same-sex marriage would violate no one’s religious liberty. All churches would be free to perform or not perform marriages according to their own beliefs.
Differences in race or class were once taken as insurmountable obstacles to marriage, but today most people recognize that mutual love and respect are the foundations of married love. In 1967 the U.S. Supreme Court struck down laws prohibiting interracial marriage because such laws denied “equal protection of the laws” to interracial couples. We believe that laws banning same-sex marriage are essentially no different from laws that once banned interracial marriages.
Though the Catholic Bishops of Minnesota are calling on Catholics to vote “Yes,” there is, in fact, significant disagreement in the Catholic Church on same-sex marriage. Numerous theologians believe that the Bible cannot properly be invoked in support of a ban on same-sex marriage. Catholic faith defends the sanctity of individual conscience, and Catholics are not obligated to vote “Yes” on this amendment. Moreover, Catholic teaching alone cannot form the basis of civil law in a republic of many faiths and traditions.
According to the Second Vatican Council (1962-65), Catholic theologians must take into account “new sciences and theories,” so that “morality may keep pace with scientific knowledge.” It is in light of this guidance that many theologians have allowed insights of psychology and sociology to inform their theology, and they have concluded that homosexuality is natural, and that same-sex unions are compatible with Catholic faith. Indeed, theologians long ago argued that pastors might appropriately bless same-sex unions.
Quality empirical research has shown that children raised by same-sex couples have similar outcomes to children raised by heterosexual couples. The research has consistently demonstrated that children’s well-being is most directly related to the quality of parenting, not the gender or sexual orientation of the parents. Research has also shown that discriminatory laws and attitudes are harmful to same-sex families and their children. So, while advocates for passing the Marriage Amendment claim it is needed to protect families and children, it would likely have the opposite impact on many families.
In states of the USA and in countries around the world where same-sex unions and marriages are legal marriage has not been destroyed. Men and women continue to marry and (sadly) to be divorced at approximately the same rate as in states and countries where same-sex unions and marriages are not permitted. There is no evidence in these places that same-sex unions and marriages have caused any moral decline in society.
Gay men and lesbians have long been suffering the sting of discrimination. Suicide among homosexual teenagers occurs at an alarming rate. The good news is that more and more people are recognizing that homosexuality is like left-handedness–in the minority, but perfectly natural. As in the days of the civil rights movement for African Americans, Minnesota can again lead the country on a civil rights issue, this time by being the first state to reject this kind of discriminatory amendment. We urge the citizens of Minnesota to do so.
Signers:
Vincent Smiles, Theology
Andy Holey, Computer Science
Michael Livingston, Psychology
John Merkle, Theology
Tony Cunningham, Philosophy
Lisa Platt, Psychology
Lindsay Anderson, Nursing
Mike Ross, Chemistry
Janet Grochowski, Education
Rodger Narloch, Psychology
Henry Jakubowski, Chemistry
Janelle Hinchley, First Year Seminar & Gender Studies
James Poff, Biology
Phil Chu, Biology
Gordon Brown, Biology
Parker Wheatley, Economics
Carol Brash, Fine Arts
Karyl Daughters, Communication
Gladys White, Hispanic Studies
Ernest Diedrich, Economics
Bruce Campbell, Hispanic Studies
Ozzie Mayers, English
Stephen Stelzner, Psychology
Derek Larson, History & Environmental Studies
Brian Campbell, Music
Pam Bacon, Psychology
Linda Tennison, Psychology
Carol Jansky, Biology
Clayton Gearhart, Physics (emeritus)
Jonathon Carlson, Library
Ingrid Smiles, CSB Campus Ministry
David Wuolu, Library
Wendy Klepetar, Global Business Leadership
Benjamin Faber, Psychology
William Lamberts, Biology
Scott Richardson, Modern and Classical Languagues
Samuel Johnson, Fine Arts
Bruce Thornton, Music
Jessica O’Reilly, Sociology
Jessica Harkins, English
Sigrid Hedman-Dennis, Nursing
Thomas Sibley, Mathematics
Matt Callahan, English
Patricia Bolanos, Hispanic Studies & Gender Studies
Kathleen Costello, First Year Seminar
Erica Stonestreet, Philosophy
Allison Spenader, Education
Kelly Kraemer, Peace Studies
Jennifer Galovich, Mathematics
Bret Benesh, Mathematics
Matthew Harkins, English
Yuko Shibata, Modern and Classical Languages & Asian Studies
Luann Reif, Nursing
Maureen McCarter, Modern and Classical Languages
Janna LaFountaine, Exercise Science and Sports Studies
Carrie Braun, Nursing
Marcus Webster, Biology
Cynthia Curran, History
James Schnepf, Computer Science
Martha Tomhave Blauvelt, Gender Studies
Tess Kasling, Library
Karen Erickson, Modern and Classical Languages
David Malone, Library
Elizabeth Wurdak, Biology
Gary Prevost, Political Science
Juliann Heller, Theology
Susan Riley, History
Christi Siver, Political Science
Kathy Twohy, Nursing
Patricia Kennedy, Theology
Robert Hesse, Mathematics
Andrea Shaker, Fine Arts
John Miller, Computer Science
Elaine Rutherford, Fine Arts
Sarah Schaaf, Hispanic Studies
Manuel Campos, Biology
Luke Mancuso, English
Madhu Mitra, English
Charles Wright, Philosphy
Angela Erickson-Grussing, Hispanic Studies
David Mitchell, Biology
Jillian Hiscock, Admissions
Richard Bohannon, Environmental Studies
John Olson, Economics
Jacqueline Corral, Admissions
Joy Ruis, Office for Education Abroad
Sarah Pruett, ESC Coordinator
Eleonora Bertranou, Hispanic Studies
Jillian Rigg McKenzie, Admissions
Brooke Horejsi, Fine Arts Programing
Christina Shouse Tourino, English
Molly Ewing, Library
Edmund Sass, Education
Kaarin S. Johnston, Theater
Jeffrey Anderson, Peace Studies
Patricia Kent, Music
Tania Gomez, Hispanic Studies
Kathleen Parker, Library
Cindy Malone, English
Corey Shouse Tourino, Hispanic Studies
Shane Miller, Communication
Jean Keller, Philosophy
Rachelle Larson, Nursing
Nicholas Jones, Chemistry
Mark Mortrude, Education
Wendy Sterba, Modern and Classical Languages
Jean Ochu, Accounting and Finance
David Bennetts, History
Shannon Essler Petty, Education
Leigh Dillard, Theater
Diane Veale-Jones, Environmental Studies
Nelsy Echarvez-Solano, Hispanic Studies
Timothy Robinson, Philosophy
Matt Lindstrom, Political Science
Elena Sanchez Mora, Hispanic Studies
Jean Lavigne, Environmental Studies
Michael Opitz, English
Gregory Walker, Music
Jennifer Schaefer, Biology
Megan Vetsch, Fine Arts Programing
Angeline Dufner, English (Emeritus)
Joe Rogers, Global Education
Kenneth Jones, History
Janet Neuwirth, Nursing
Anna Mercedes, Theology
Bridget Sitzer, Admissions
Allan Bouley, Theology (Emeritus)
Michael Roske, Abbey Woodworking
Peggy Roske, CSB/SJU Archives
Philip Kronebusch, Political Science
Peggy Retka, Office for Education Abroad
Kevin Knodl, Fine Arts Programing
Manju Parikh, Political Science
J. Scott Johnson, Political Science
Elisabeth Wengler, History
Roy Ketchum, Hispanic Studies
Stephen Wagner, Philosophy
Beth Pettitt, Biology
Lisa Drontle, Music
Julie Davis, History
Todd Johnson, Physics
Robert Kachelski, Psychology
Gregory Schroeder, History
Thursday, October 18, 2012
30 Things
When life starts looking glum, I suppose it's time to count your blessings. These are my 30 blessings for today.
1. It's my battery, not my alternator!
2. My awesome parents
3. The beautiful tree outside my bedroom window
4. Good books to read
5. Chocolate chunk mint ice cream
6. A gorgeous apartment to live in
7. Pretty candles to light
8. Hearing from an old friend
9. Cuddling with my cat
10. Finding reminders of how blessed I am in unexpected places
11. Brain teasers
12. Discovering one of my favorite characters from my all time favorite show in a different show
13. Heartwarming stories that prove it'll all be okay
14. Sweatpants
15. Knowing I've got some solid support in corners I never would have imagined
16. A newfound ability to create beautiful art
17. The quiet that comes when everyone but me is gone
18. Slippers
19. My great grandma's quilt to wrap up in
20. Freedom to eat what I choose - even if that ends up being pancakes for dinner at 8:30 pm
21. Music
22. Christmas is approaching
23. Hot baths
24. Cookies and cream popcorn
25. Jacket wearing weather - I have a strange love for my jackets
26. The website makesmethink.com
27. Memories of wonderful times with family and friends
28. A best friend that loves me literally no matter what
29. Watching the cats wrestle through paper bags
30. The fact that when I wake up tomorrow I have a brand new day to experience
I hope y'all are counting your blessings!!
1. It's my battery, not my alternator!
2. My awesome parents
3. The beautiful tree outside my bedroom window
4. Good books to read
5. Chocolate chunk mint ice cream
6. A gorgeous apartment to live in
7. Pretty candles to light
8. Hearing from an old friend
9. Cuddling with my cat
10. Finding reminders of how blessed I am in unexpected places
11. Brain teasers
12. Discovering one of my favorite characters from my all time favorite show in a different show
13. Heartwarming stories that prove it'll all be okay
14. Sweatpants
15. Knowing I've got some solid support in corners I never would have imagined
16. A newfound ability to create beautiful art
17. The quiet that comes when everyone but me is gone
18. Slippers
19. My great grandma's quilt to wrap up in
20. Freedom to eat what I choose - even if that ends up being pancakes for dinner at 8:30 pm
21. Music
22. Christmas is approaching
23. Hot baths
24. Cookies and cream popcorn
25. Jacket wearing weather - I have a strange love for my jackets
26. The website makesmethink.com
27. Memories of wonderful times with family and friends
28. A best friend that loves me literally no matter what
29. Watching the cats wrestle through paper bags
30. The fact that when I wake up tomorrow I have a brand new day to experience
I hope y'all are counting your blessings!!
Friday, September 7, 2012
Groan
Man oh man do I hate being sick. The white spots at the back of my throat are starting to connect and my tonsils are swelling... one has a lump on it. My head is pounding, my stomach hurts, my ears are ringing and achy, and obviously my throat is not my favorite part of my body right now. All I want to do is sleep, but there's only so much sleeping one can do with a cat that enjoys being on top of peoples' faces.
The rapid strep test came back negative this morning, but the doctor I saw prescribed antibiotics anyway after looking at my throat. I took the first set of pills about three hours ago, and I'm impatiently waiting for something, anything, to start helping me feel better. More rest, lots of fluid, and cuddling with my cat while I watch Bones are the only things on my agenda for the evening, and hopefully that'll help me make it until morning!
The rapid strep test came back negative this morning, but the doctor I saw prescribed antibiotics anyway after looking at my throat. I took the first set of pills about three hours ago, and I'm impatiently waiting for something, anything, to start helping me feel better. More rest, lots of fluid, and cuddling with my cat while I watch Bones are the only things on my agenda for the evening, and hopefully that'll help me make it until morning!
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Mastering the Cover Letter
It's crunch time people - I need to find a job. Not only am I bored out of my mind, but I'm also running out of money.
Now, in my opinion, the worst part of job searching is not the actual searching part, but the act of writing a cover letter. I have to find a way to stand out as an individual as well as convince the person reading it that I am the individual most suited to the position I am applying for. That whole bit about only having five seconds to impress someone is daunting!
Anyhow, I've decided that my efforts to find a job need to be multiplied exponentially, which means it's time to master the dreaded cover letter. Wish me luck...
Now, in my opinion, the worst part of job searching is not the actual searching part, but the act of writing a cover letter. I have to find a way to stand out as an individual as well as convince the person reading it that I am the individual most suited to the position I am applying for. That whole bit about only having five seconds to impress someone is daunting!
Anyhow, I've decided that my efforts to find a job need to be multiplied exponentially, which means it's time to master the dreaded cover letter. Wish me luck...
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Sailing
Yesterday was one of my favorite days spent in Madison thus far. A group of us from work went out sailing on Lake Mendota for the entire, beautiful, sunny, amazing afternoon and it was better than words can describe. I have so missed being on the water since I moved away from home and easy access to the lakes at school and the cabin, and I don't think I stopped smiling once all afternoon. The weather was hot, the lake was cool, and it was an all around perfect day. I came home exhausted and sunburnt and wouldn't have changed a minute of the day.
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Unpacking
Well, we've finally got all of our stuff in our new apartment (except my piano; that's coming this afternoon) and now we're starting to get things organized. Our kitchen is a complete disaster area, but both of our bathrooms are put together! I'm in desperate need of a few bookshelves to house my many books, but other than that it should just be a matter of unpacking boxes/bags and putting things where they belong.
We've also moved both of our cats in, and it's been an interesting hour since I got back with Callie. She and Mikey have met several times, but given the fact that this is a completely new place for both of them, things are a little tense between them at this point.
It's going to be interesting, this whole living with another person again, but I'm looking forward to the year to come. Our apartment is beautiful, the weather is turning gorgeous, and I'm sleeping in a bed again for the first time in two and a half weeks - gotta love it :)
We've also moved both of our cats in, and it's been an interesting hour since I got back with Callie. She and Mikey have met several times, but given the fact that this is a completely new place for both of them, things are a little tense between them at this point.
It's going to be interesting, this whole living with another person again, but I'm looking forward to the year to come. Our apartment is beautiful, the weather is turning gorgeous, and I'm sleeping in a bed again for the first time in two and a half weeks - gotta love it :)
Friday, August 17, 2012
Today's the Day!
We finally get to move in to our new apartment today!! The woman who lived here before us had lived here as a shut in - that smoked - for six years, so we had to wait an extra couple of weeks to allow for extensive cleaning before we could get in. It's still not perfect, as we have no blinds, but we're excited to get moved out of the boxes that we packed last month and into our new place. I'm here alone right now because I came over to meet the Charter guy and Michelle's parents hadn't shown up yet. The weather is beautiful and we're hoping to get everything done by the end of the day....
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Nostalgia
I just finished helping my mom create Karen's CSB quilt square, and it brought back tons of memories. The CSB quilt is a tradition that has been carried on for many years, and I had my own square four years ago. To the family of each incoming Saint Ben's student is sent a linen square that the family then decorates. When the squares are sent back to CSB, they are put in to one of five large frames, each of which is sectioned off to hold a number of the first year squares. The frames stretch down a long hallway in our campus rec center, facing a wall of windows so that everyone who walks by can see them, and they stay up all year. It's a fun tradition, and most new Bennies know where their square is by memory within a couple of weeks. In the first month or so of school, walking by the quilt and touching my square was a nice connection with home... I'm hoping the same will hold true with Karen.
Friday, August 10, 2012
I Think I'm Allergic... to Minnesota
I came home on Tuesday night to spend about a week with my family, and ever since I got here my nose has been running and my head and body have been aching. I recognize these symptoms as symptoms of allergies, and they didn't show up until I got home earlier this week! I guess it's something different growing around here or something in the air that's doing this to me, but the week has not been quite as good as I anticipated. Hopefully this will all clear up when I head back home, because trying to move in to my new apartment with this would suck.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Decision Time
So the interviewing is going well... I have a couple of follow-up interviews and one firm job offer. The problem is that I have no clue what I want to do with the next few years of my life and therefore have no clue what I'm going to do. I'm positive that one of the jobs shall not be in my future. However, I need to decide if I want to be in the commission-based world of employment because both of the other jobs are commission based. Any advice? What do you think about working on commission? Is it miserable? Can I make it that world?
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Let The Fun Begin
Today I started packing up my place and moving everything over to the house where I'm temporarily storing it all... You'd think that I would have remembered how much I hate trying to pack everything neatly, leaving the stuff that I need out and putting away everything that doesn't play a vital role in my life, but I conveniently pushed the memory of moving out here from my mind. It doesn't help that it's 100+ degrees again, and that I have no one to help me this time. I managed one car-ful of things before I quit for the morning; this afternoon has to see at least two more trips over or I'll never get all of my stuff taken care of before I come home to MN for a little while!
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Interviews, Interviews
Today I walked back in to my apartment after spending some time at the pool and my phone rang. I was dripping wet and my cat desperately wanted my attention, but I answered the phone anyway. Twenty minutes later, I had completed a phone interview and scheduled a face-to-face interview for next Monday morning. In the middle of my call to a friend to share the news, I got another phone call from a number that I didn't recognize. Twenty minutes later... yup, another phone interview completed and another face-to-face interview set up for tomorrow. Tomorrow. That's kind of quick.
I haven't done a job interview in well over a year and a half, and I'm slightly apprehensive about the whole situation. The jobs I'm interviewing for are both commission based, which is a totally different ball game than any other professional field I've been in thus far. My heart is not necessarily set on getting either of the positions, but I care enough that I want to make a good impression and walk away knowing that I'd done the best I could. Offers for the jobs wouldn't be bad either...
Well, here's hoping tomorrow ends up being a good day!
I haven't done a job interview in well over a year and a half, and I'm slightly apprehensive about the whole situation. The jobs I'm interviewing for are both commission based, which is a totally different ball game than any other professional field I've been in thus far. My heart is not necessarily set on getting either of the positions, but I care enough that I want to make a good impression and walk away knowing that I'd done the best I could. Offers for the jobs wouldn't be bad either...
Well, here's hoping tomorrow ends up being a good day!
Friday, July 6, 2012
One More Day...
After more than a week of 100+ degree weather, I am more than ready for a cool down. It looks like we're in for one more day of this gross, sticky, hotter than necessary weather and then - hallelujah! - it's supposed to drop back down to the low-to-mid-eighties. On days like these, I can't even process how lucky I am to have an air conditioner and a place to stay...
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Boston Pops Firework Spectacular
Fourth of July... the day that we celebrate our amazing country and the men and women that have fought for it, and us, for hundreds of years. This is the first year that I can remember that I have spent the fourth away from the lake, away from my family. We always spend the week surrounding the fourth up at the cabin and on the fourth, we head down to "the circle" and watch Dad and some of the other guys shoot off a fabulous display of fireworks.
When I was younger, we'd start celebrating before those fireworks with sparklers, a fire, and s'mores at our place. The mosquitoes were typically out in full force, which meant that Grandpa would watch us from inside the cabin, so after I had my fill of s'mores, I'd head inside to hang out with him and we'd watch the Boston Pops on television. It was strange watching the show tonight, not only not with him, but also not at my cabin.
My grandpa was an amazing man, and I miss him all the time. The fourth of July is just one day that I miss him a little extra!
May your days be filled with fireworks and admiration for the men and women that fight for us.
When I was younger, we'd start celebrating before those fireworks with sparklers, a fire, and s'mores at our place. The mosquitoes were typically out in full force, which meant that Grandpa would watch us from inside the cabin, so after I had my fill of s'mores, I'd head inside to hang out with him and we'd watch the Boston Pops on television. It was strange watching the show tonight, not only not with him, but also not at my cabin.
My grandpa was an amazing man, and I miss him all the time. The fourth of July is just one day that I miss him a little extra!
May your days be filled with fireworks and admiration for the men and women that fight for us.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Pineapple Tops
I bought a pineapple a while back and promptly forgot it at the back of my refrigerator... whoops! While I was hanging out at the pool this morning, I remembered that it was in there and decided to chop it up for some fresh fruit and a smoothie. Unfortunately, I let it go a little too long in the fridge, and I didn't get any yummy fruit out of it.
However, my lovely little Callie (who has been quite the little shit lately) discovered the greens while I was chopping it up and she's been chomping on them ever since. I can't find anything that says pineapple greens are bad for cats, so I guess she's got a delicious new toy for a while!!
Hope your summer days are filled with sweet summer fruit :)
However, my lovely little Callie (who has been quite the little shit lately) discovered the greens while I was chopping it up and she's been chomping on them ever since. I can't find anything that says pineapple greens are bad for cats, so I guess she's got a delicious new toy for a while!!
Hope your summer days are filled with sweet summer fruit :)
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
My Next Job Will NOT Be Housekeeping!!
That is one thing I can tell you right now! Two of my friends recently signed a lease on their new "apartment" (it's actually two floors of a house) and are working on moving in right away. Since I don't have a job right now, and I rather enjoy cleaning, I volunteered to help one of my other friends - the one that I'll be living with come August - clean the place up. We cleaned our butts off for close to three hours, and I have no desire to see any cleaning supplies any time soon. All I can say is, thank goodness we're moving into a place that will be spotless!! I'm not looking forward to waking up tomorrow with the sore muscles today will have created....
Monday, June 25, 2012
Back to Joblessness
Today is my first day post-Epic, and it feels strange. I made the decision a little while ago to leave my job at Epic and look for something a little more people oriented. While my time at Epic was a great learning experience, I just wasn't happy sitting behind a desk all day and felt strongly about moving into a new position. While I don't have a job lined up yet, the timing worked out really well for me to leave now, so last Friday was my last day there.
I'm taking the opportunity now to look for something that will be more satisfying and make a better use of the skills that I possess and although it's scary to not have a job right now, I'm excited about the possibilities that the future holds for me. I will be staying in Madison for the time being; I just signed a lease with my best friend that starts in August and I'm looking forward to that.
Let the job hunting begin!
I'm taking the opportunity now to look for something that will be more satisfying and make a better use of the skills that I possess and although it's scary to not have a job right now, I'm excited about the possibilities that the future holds for me. I will be staying in Madison for the time being; I just signed a lease with my best friend that starts in August and I'm looking forward to that.
Let the job hunting begin!
Friday, June 1, 2012
Stepping Into the World
Today my baby sister graduates from high school! I am so incredibly proud of her, and I can't wait to get home and celebrate this great occasion with her :)
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Simple Blessings
I was blessed with the opportunity to hang out with my best friend and her boyfriend (who also happens to be a friend of mine) tonight, just reading and drinking beer on her porch while her cat basked in all of the loving he was getting from us. It was a warm evening, the overhang protected us from the rain that eventually started falling, and it was all in all one of the best evenings I've had in a very long time.
Evenings like today's make me stop and remember all of the things that I have to be grateful for.
xo
Evenings like today's make me stop and remember all of the things that I have to be grateful for.
xo
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Peeling Sunburn...
... it's making me look like the pigmentation on my face is going crazy! I know I shouldn't pick at it, but I just can't help it, so I have a face that is nice and pretty tan in some spots and pink in others. Gotta love the aftermath of a fantastic vacation :)
Friday, April 20, 2012
Monday, April 2, 2012
Deep Breath
Some days all you can do is breathe and believe.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmUDDxflt6o
xo Rachel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmUDDxflt6o
xo Rachel
Monday, February 6, 2012
Remember the Important Things
In a lifestyle that is fairly repetitive each day it can be easy to forget the simple pleasures in life. Tonight I had the chance to catch up with an old friend of mine, someone that I've been friends with for the past 13 years, and I am sitting here after hanging up with a big smile on my face. No matter how amazing I find my new friends, there are people out there that actually know me, people that have watched me grow up, remember my Harry Potter glasses and bangs, and have been there for me through all the ups and downs that the past 13 years have brought.
Do you have someone that used to be a big part of your life but you haven't talked to in a while? Call them up! Even if it's been years, it'll still be great to catch up. Maybe you'll talk for half an hour and then not talk again for many many years, but it's still fun to remember the way things used to be. Don't let the people that used to mean everything to you slip into your past without making it into your future.
Do you have someone that used to be a big part of your life but you haven't talked to in a while? Call them up! Even if it's been years, it'll still be great to catch up. Maybe you'll talk for half an hour and then not talk again for many many years, but it's still fun to remember the way things used to be. Don't let the people that used to mean everything to you slip into your past without making it into your future.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Snowboarding
Turns out I'm not the best snowboarder... A group of us went tonight and I think I may be the worst snowboarder that hill has ever seen!
At least it was a good couple of hours outside :)
At least it was a good couple of hours outside :)
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Clipboards
I don't know what it is about clipboards, but they just make one feel so official. I kind of wish that I had a job at which I walked around with my clipboard all day. Might be kinda cool. At least for a little while.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
For My Mom
I am one of those lucky lucky people that has good relationships with both of their parents. I have always been a daddy's girl, but I've always been exactly like my mom. In my younger days (haha I say that like they were soooo long ago!) our similarities caused us to struggle with getting along with each other. Since I moved out of my home into my first college dorm, however, my mom and I have been steadily growing closer.
My mom is one of my best friends. She is an amazing woman, and I am so proud to be able to look at her and know that I am a part of her. My mom is always there for me, supporting my decisions even when she doesn't fully agree with them, always being my number one cheerleader, always having faith that I will be able to pull off whatever shenanigans I'm currently up to. She gets excited about each new venture I undertake, and is there to talk to and cry to when those ventures turn out to be harder than I anticipated. She encourages me to look at life through new perspectives each time I see her, and walks beside me as I learn more and more about this crazy world we call home. I am who I am today in large part due to my mother. She instilled a love of music in me through the painful process of fighting with me about practicing my piano, she showed me how to love the outdoors, she gave me her weird sense of humor and her sensitivity towards others, she taught me that everything will not always be fine but that things do always work out, she taught me the value of working hard for what I want in life, and she taught me never to give up.
Most of you out there that are reading this are lucky enough to know my mom, and I hope that you can see how special she is. Even with these words that I have written, I have been unable to convey the awe that I feel of my mother. She is so incredibly strong and brave, and I look forward to many more years of learning from her.
I love you mama.
My mom is one of my best friends. She is an amazing woman, and I am so proud to be able to look at her and know that I am a part of her. My mom is always there for me, supporting my decisions even when she doesn't fully agree with them, always being my number one cheerleader, always having faith that I will be able to pull off whatever shenanigans I'm currently up to. She gets excited about each new venture I undertake, and is there to talk to and cry to when those ventures turn out to be harder than I anticipated. She encourages me to look at life through new perspectives each time I see her, and walks beside me as I learn more and more about this crazy world we call home. I am who I am today in large part due to my mother. She instilled a love of music in me through the painful process of fighting with me about practicing my piano, she showed me how to love the outdoors, she gave me her weird sense of humor and her sensitivity towards others, she taught me that everything will not always be fine but that things do always work out, she taught me the value of working hard for what I want in life, and she taught me never to give up.
Most of you out there that are reading this are lucky enough to know my mom, and I hope that you can see how special she is. Even with these words that I have written, I have been unable to convey the awe that I feel of my mother. She is so incredibly strong and brave, and I look forward to many more years of learning from her.
I love you mama.
Thinking Out Loud (Through Typing)
I'm a little bored today, and I have lots of random thoughts that are running through my mind. Every time this happens, I end up posting a bunch of times, about nothing overly exciting, but about the odd things my mind gets hung up on. I love living alone, really I do, but the problem is that there's no one to share my thoughts with... which is where youall come in!
Anyway, thought of the moment: I find it very odd that the word grateful isn't spelled "greatful." Because, I mean, it really should be. First of all, because when you have something to be grateful for, it's usually great. Secondly, what a way to torture kids as they're learning to spell!! "No honey, I know it sounds like it should be spelled the same way great is, but it just isn't."
Anyway, thought of the moment: I find it very odd that the word grateful isn't spelled "greatful." Because, I mean, it really should be. First of all, because when you have something to be grateful for, it's usually great. Secondly, what a way to torture kids as they're learning to spell!! "No honey, I know it sounds like it should be spelled the same way great is, but it just isn't."
Snow Emergency
Apparently I have a lot to learn about parking in a city where they observe different parking rules when there's a snow emergency.... I parked on the wrong side of the road last night and woke up to a ticket this morning.
Boo.
Boo.
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