Monday, July 12, 2010
Jasper's New Haircut
Since the weather keeps hitting over 100 degrees each day, poor Jasper has found going outdoors to be a miserable experience. As a little snub-nosed dog, it's harder for him to cool himself down than it is for other breeds, so he can't take the high temperatures quite so well. I've been feeling pretty sorry for him, so the other day I sent him to the groomer to get a really short cut. Unlike the last time that he cut cut super short (in Korea), this time he does not look like he belongs in Fagan's hideout (read Oliver Twist if you don't know what I'm referring to). He seems quite happy with his new cut, and I'm happy that he still resembles a (healthy) dog.
Friday, July 9, 2010
And . . . It's Over!
Another semester completed! As of today, believe it or not, I am halfway finished with my M.A. Yup, 15 credits under the belt! It's a little hard for my mind to grasp at the moment. I just can't seem to adjust to the idea of not having any due dates (well, other than self-imposed) for the next month and a half. In a way, it almost feels a little bit sad. Whatever shall I do with myself?
Today marked an excellent end to the summer semester. My presentation, which I had a great deal of fun preparing, earned a grade of 100%. My research paper earned a solid A, and my instructor loved my argument (which, in light of the heavy dose of Freud in my paper, I was not anticipating). The 4.0 is solid and holding, another surprise. The most amazing part of all of it is that despite working harder than I have ever in my life imagined working, I am having more fun than I can ever recall having.
Between my interesting classes, my terrific roommate, Inklings (my writing group), and the skating rink at Liberty, where I have been spending a great deal of time ice-skating lately, this summer has been a blast so far. I occasionally get by on minimal sleep, but I've been loving every minute of it!
Of course, this summer is not all fun, games, and interesting papers. On Monday, I am retaking the GRE, attempting to put my prior score to shame (I did well the first time, but I think I can do even better). Facing that multiple fanged monster of a test again is an intimidating proposition, but it'll be worth it if the higher score gets me into the doctoral program of my choice. So, I'll be spending most of this weekend cramming and studying (and perhaps also offering up the occasional frantic prayer). If the math section of the GRE doesn't down me in one gluttonous mouthful, I'll be driving up to D.C. later next week to have my first scouting expedition in the National Archive, hunting down enticing primary sources for my thesis. The change from hunted to hunter will be quite pleasant, I'm sure.
Well, time to sign off. Jasper's due for a few shots at the vet (he's very excited).
Today marked an excellent end to the summer semester. My presentation, which I had a great deal of fun preparing, earned a grade of 100%. My research paper earned a solid A, and my instructor loved my argument (which, in light of the heavy dose of Freud in my paper, I was not anticipating). The 4.0 is solid and holding, another surprise. The most amazing part of all of it is that despite working harder than I have ever in my life imagined working, I am having more fun than I can ever recall having.
Between my interesting classes, my terrific roommate, Inklings (my writing group), and the skating rink at Liberty, where I have been spending a great deal of time ice-skating lately, this summer has been a blast so far. I occasionally get by on minimal sleep, but I've been loving every minute of it!
Of course, this summer is not all fun, games, and interesting papers. On Monday, I am retaking the GRE, attempting to put my prior score to shame (I did well the first time, but I think I can do even better). Facing that multiple fanged monster of a test again is an intimidating proposition, but it'll be worth it if the higher score gets me into the doctoral program of my choice. So, I'll be spending most of this weekend cramming and studying (and perhaps also offering up the occasional frantic prayer). If the math section of the GRE doesn't down me in one gluttonous mouthful, I'll be driving up to D.C. later next week to have my first scouting expedition in the National Archive, hunting down enticing primary sources for my thesis. The change from hunted to hunter will be quite pleasant, I'm sure.
Well, time to sign off. Jasper's due for a few shots at the vet (he's very excited).
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Almost Gone
As you can see, the black eye is finally on its way off of my face. Good riddance! I'm tired of people looking at me as if convinced that I ought to be checking into a women's shelter. Oh, and for those who may be wondering, no, I did not get another perm. I got a hair cut today, and my hair decided that it was going to curl on its own. So, rather than attack it with a hair straightener, I gave in to its whim.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
An Overdose of Freud
Oh, woe is me! Never have I felt so mentally unclean! I wish I could shower my entire brain in scalding water.
I have been working on perhaps one of the oddest papers I have ever written. Back in the spring, I was able to acquire a number of primary documents (about 2,000+ pages worth) on the psychological profiling that the OSS (Office of Strategic Services) did on Hitler. From perusing the documents and also reading several books on OSS psychological operations, I noticed an interesting blend of Freudianism and Realpolitik in the OSS mindset. This, then, led me to my present paper.
In order to prove my thesis, I had to not only give considerable focus to the writings of several psychoanalysts on Hitler; I also had to read a heck of a lot of Freud. Ohhhhhh...... Let's just say, Freud was a very, very, very, very, very, VERY dirty man. I have no idea how he ever came to be taken seriously. The man's mind never strayed farther than an inch from his crotch! Ugh. Is it possible for a brain to vomit? Mine certainly wants to.
Lest my complaints mislead anyone, let me assure one and all that, despite my distaste for Freud, I have found this to be a thoroughly interesting and intriguing paper. While learning about the sexual peculiarities of Hitler was, shall we say, disturbing to the utmost, it was also quite enlightening, since I understand some of his actions a bit better (understand, not condone or empathize with). Mixing psychology with history has its dangers, but analyzing psychology's impact on history is quite fascinating. I realized only yesterday that although my major focus in my work is military history, I have yet to approach any topic in the same way as military historians. I am repeatedly coming at my topics from social, cultural, psychological, and even literary (without straying into lit-crit) angles. I may just be carving out a unique niche for myself in this field after all!
This present class ends on Thursday. After I turn in this research paper later today, I'll have only a short film analysis paper and a presentation to prepare. The film analysis paper will be a fun diversion for me; I'm using a classic film (of course) and analyzing it using two excellent books (which both specifically mention that film), plus the first-hand experiences that I had when visiting the exact locations where the storyline takes place. How neat it that! My film is So Proudly We Hail!, an account of the nurses who served first in Manilla and later on Corregidor. The film was supposed to be an accurate depiction, but Hollywood even back in the 1940s never let the truth stand in the way of a good (or bad) story. The nurses who survived wrote two accounts of the events, which gives me primary sources with which to analyze the film. In the summer of 2008, I myself went to both Manilla and Corregidor, where I retraced the steps of the nurses who served over there (for pictures and details of my experience, look in my blog archive for August 2008). I think this may be the most direct personal involvement I have ever had in a history paper. It's too bad that it has to be such a short little paper.
After this class concludes on Thursday, I'm planning to take a few days off from any history research at all, and shall just enjoy a bit of summer fun here in lovely (and HOT!) Virginia. I may take a few daytrips out to a few historic sites for fun (okay, so maybe the no research thing might not work out). After a break for a few days, I'll be leaping into my thesis research, which will mean considerable time spent up in Washington, D.C., digging through dusty archives. Because I'm a complete history nerd, I'm really looking forward to the archival research. It's fun to look at primary documents that only a select few people have ever before seen. Maybe I should consider a career as an archivist.
I have been working on perhaps one of the oddest papers I have ever written. Back in the spring, I was able to acquire a number of primary documents (about 2,000+ pages worth) on the psychological profiling that the OSS (Office of Strategic Services) did on Hitler. From perusing the documents and also reading several books on OSS psychological operations, I noticed an interesting blend of Freudianism and Realpolitik in the OSS mindset. This, then, led me to my present paper.
In order to prove my thesis, I had to not only give considerable focus to the writings of several psychoanalysts on Hitler; I also had to read a heck of a lot of Freud. Ohhhhhh...... Let's just say, Freud was a very, very, very, very, very, VERY dirty man. I have no idea how he ever came to be taken seriously. The man's mind never strayed farther than an inch from his crotch! Ugh. Is it possible for a brain to vomit? Mine certainly wants to.
Lest my complaints mislead anyone, let me assure one and all that, despite my distaste for Freud, I have found this to be a thoroughly interesting and intriguing paper. While learning about the sexual peculiarities of Hitler was, shall we say, disturbing to the utmost, it was also quite enlightening, since I understand some of his actions a bit better (understand, not condone or empathize with). Mixing psychology with history has its dangers, but analyzing psychology's impact on history is quite fascinating. I realized only yesterday that although my major focus in my work is military history, I have yet to approach any topic in the same way as military historians. I am repeatedly coming at my topics from social, cultural, psychological, and even literary (without straying into lit-crit) angles. I may just be carving out a unique niche for myself in this field after all!
This present class ends on Thursday. After I turn in this research paper later today, I'll have only a short film analysis paper and a presentation to prepare. The film analysis paper will be a fun diversion for me; I'm using a classic film (of course) and analyzing it using two excellent books (which both specifically mention that film), plus the first-hand experiences that I had when visiting the exact locations where the storyline takes place. How neat it that! My film is So Proudly We Hail!, an account of the nurses who served first in Manilla and later on Corregidor. The film was supposed to be an accurate depiction, but Hollywood even back in the 1940s never let the truth stand in the way of a good (or bad) story. The nurses who survived wrote two accounts of the events, which gives me primary sources with which to analyze the film. In the summer of 2008, I myself went to both Manilla and Corregidor, where I retraced the steps of the nurses who served over there (for pictures and details of my experience, look in my blog archive for August 2008). I think this may be the most direct personal involvement I have ever had in a history paper. It's too bad that it has to be such a short little paper.
After this class concludes on Thursday, I'm planning to take a few days off from any history research at all, and shall just enjoy a bit of summer fun here in lovely (and HOT!) Virginia. I may take a few daytrips out to a few historic sites for fun (okay, so maybe the no research thing might not work out). After a break for a few days, I'll be leaping into my thesis research, which will mean considerable time spent up in Washington, D.C., digging through dusty archives. Because I'm a complete history nerd, I'm really looking forward to the archival research. It's fun to look at primary documents that only a select few people have ever before seen. Maybe I should consider a career as an archivist.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Jasper's Second Birthday (June 28)
Yes, I celebrated my dog's birthday. Yes, he got presents.
Crazy? Well, let's consider why before anyone begins to judge me:
Jasper has been with me since my days in Korea. He kept me from going crazy when I lived alone. Now that I have a roommate, he keeps us both in stitches, makes us takes breaks from studying when we ought to but are inclined not to, and keeps us both company while we read. He offers me his favorite toys (and himself) whenever I don't feel well. He licks my sore, sweaty feet when I come home, exhausted, after a day full of classes or errands. He rests his head on my arm or the side of my computer when I type. He greets every visitor as though they were his long-lost best friend. He treats my coming home as if it were a holiday each time. Jasper makes me go out and enjoy the sunny weather, and keeps me active when I'd rather be lazy. He alleviates any desire for cable with his numerous antics. He dutifully serves in the roles of vacuum sweeper, court jester, psychologist, nurse, companion, personal trainer, foot warmer, masseuse, night guard, doorman, food taster, garbage disposal, and alarm clock -- and asks for nothing in return.
Yes, Jasper deserved to have his birthday celebrated. It was the least I could do.
A Brief Foray into Interior Design
The other night, I got very itchy to move furniture, and decided that the time was ripe to redo the way I had my bedroom setup (maybe I did get some of my mother's genes after all). My roommate, smelling calamity in the idea of me moving furniture alone with a broken hand, immediately leapt to my aid. After about an hour of shoving, pulling, and muttering, followed by the recollection that I own furniture sliders, and then more shoving (but with far less energy expended), my room looked like the haven I have long desired. I finished reorganizing it yesterday, gave the place a thorough (and needed) dusting and vacuuming, and now it is ready for "Show & Tell":
I am quite happy with the results. And yes, I thanked my dear roommate accordingly: I made her "Eggs Stephadict" for breakfast this morning.
I also made a change to the living room, by finally getting new lamps (on sale at Lowes, of course). I think these lamps are a huge improvement over the old ones (which are cute, but just not big enough to give sufficient light).
I am quite happy with the results. And yes, I thanked my dear roommate accordingly: I made her "Eggs Stephadict" for breakfast this morning.
I also made a change to the living room, by finally getting new lamps (on sale at Lowes, of course). I think these lamps are a huge improvement over the old ones (which are cute, but just not big enough to give sufficient light).
Eye, Eye, Eye!
As you can see, my black eye has now entered into the stage scientifically known as the Supremis Uglias, or, as it is more commonly referred to, the "Ugly as Sin" stage. Apparently, my eye is at last indulging in its lifelong goal to invade and conquer the right side of my face. The picture captures some of the ugliness, but owing to the lighting, you are missing out on seeing the full impact of the green and yellow spreading throughout my visage.
(sigh)
Well, there goes my chance of making my fortune with my face! (Unless Hollywood is looking for someone to play a hideous monster in an upcoming feature film.) It occurred to me yesterday that if I got a black eye on the other side, dyed my hair blonde, stole some clothes from a bag-lady, and went without showering or eating for three months, I could look like an Olsen twin!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Yes, Stephanie Still Lives Here!
New look, new name, same address, same writer. In light of how my life has shifted and evolved since I first started this blog, I felt that a new name was in order, as well as a bit of a makeover for this ole blog.
What's a history gypsy?
Why, I'm so delighted that you asked (and if you didn't, just roll along with me)! As my regular readers are well aware, I am neck-deep in a history M.A. program and I'm about as big a history nut as one can physically be while still functioning. I plan to make my living out of history -- whether by researching it, writing it, teaching it, etc. is yet to be determined. Hence, the history part. And as for the gypsy bit, well, I certainly do move around enough to qualify for gypsy status! In 2009 alone, I moved four times. For someone who's not in the military, that's quite a feat! And I get to do it again in a year (yuck)!
What's a history gypsy?
Why, I'm so delighted that you asked (and if you didn't, just roll along with me)! As my regular readers are well aware, I am neck-deep in a history M.A. program and I'm about as big a history nut as one can physically be while still functioning. I plan to make my living out of history -- whether by researching it, writing it, teaching it, etc. is yet to be determined. Hence, the history part. And as for the gypsy bit, well, I certainly do move around enough to qualify for gypsy status! In 2009 alone, I moved four times. For someone who's not in the military, that's quite a feat! And I get to do it again in a year (yuck)!
A Note of Explanation . . .
For those who may have been confused, no I did not blacken both eyes. I am an awkward, unlucky klutz, but I do not quite have the "skills" necessary to get both eyes at once. I just have one exceedingly ugly black eye, on the right side (sorta balances out the broken hand on the left). The pictures turned out misleading owing to the fact that I took one shot with my webcam (on my Macbook) and the other shot with my digital camera.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Shiner!
In light of the recent news that my hand has a stress fracture, I was pretty certain that I had had enough injuries to last me for a while. Nope. Today, while cleaning my room (it got a little "tornado-ish" in the stress of finishing a summer class and packing to visit MI), I had the bright idea of also rearranging my closet and organizing it a bit better. Naturally, in the process, a box fell off a shelf and hit me in the eye.
Close-up of the result:
Yes, it hurts. It really, really hurts.
Jasper's Hair Cut Photos
I meant to post these much earlier, but here (finally) are some shots of Jasper's haircut. He honestly wanted to wear the outfit. Honest! He's a quirky little dog!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Last Night, Part II
It just was not my night last night. After recovering from the shocking shellfish allergic reaction, I was a bit dizzy and lightheaded. So, naturally, it occurred to me that this would be the perfect time to do the dishes. A short while later, my unfortunate roommate walked in to find me on the kitchen floor, surrounded by broken glass, with both the floor and me rather bloody. No, I didn't faint; I just got lightheaded and then dropped a glass, then picked up the glass with my bare hands (remember, I had just been through a trauma AND I had a lot of benedryl on board). So, now I have two injured hands! And, my roommate has decided not to leave me unattended anymore.
Today was much better. I had a fun time in my film history class, then went out to dinner and a baseball game with friends. Our team won, I got hit on by the mascot, and we met so really nice people from all of our home states. Good times in Virginia!
Today was much better. I had a fun time in my film history class, then went out to dinner and a baseball game with friends. Our team won, I got hit on by the mascot, and we met so really nice people from all of our home states. Good times in Virginia!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
So . . . Apparently I'm Allergic to Shellfish
It is the best of times, it is the worst of times.
Good news first:
I found out on Friday that I got the job that I wanted, which means that my final year of grad school is paid for. I will be working 25 hours per week starting next semester, doing work that involves data compiling and web design, among other duties. It's with a very friendly department (Institutional Effectiveness), and I'll be sharing an office with a very good friend. On Monday, I took advantage of a spectacular Memorial Day sale and finally purchased one of those netbooks that I've been drooling over for quite some time. Lest you think me extravagant, let me hasten to explain this purchase: my Macbook is wonderful beyond wonderful, but the battery life is a little under three hours and it tends to get heavy when I lug it around all day. Also, I worry a great deal about carrying around a computer that almost literally contains my entire life. So, I now have a cute little mini-laptop that weighs under two pounds and is smaller than most of my books, which I can use for taking notes in my classes (both now and when I am in my doctoral program).
Bad news:
About a week ago, I re-injured my left hand by smacking it quite hard on a doorknob. Since then, it has been a painful, swollen, ugly mess of a hand. I managed to sleep on it wrong last night, with the result that it is quite swollen today and in nearly constant pain. Despite the hand, I had a great day today, which I decided to cap off by finally experimenting with the scallops I've been saving. I cooked them using a delicious recipe that involves quite a bit of white wine, and thoroughly enjoyed eating them . . . until I started to itch and felt dizzy. I watched in horror as the red hives began to spread across my body. I took some benedryl after a hurried phone consultation with my mother, then threw up, then took more benedryl and drank lots of water. Eventually, the hives and the dizziness/nausea went away.
What a life!
Good news first:
I found out on Friday that I got the job that I wanted, which means that my final year of grad school is paid for. I will be working 25 hours per week starting next semester, doing work that involves data compiling and web design, among other duties. It's with a very friendly department (Institutional Effectiveness), and I'll be sharing an office with a very good friend. On Monday, I took advantage of a spectacular Memorial Day sale and finally purchased one of those netbooks that I've been drooling over for quite some time. Lest you think me extravagant, let me hasten to explain this purchase: my Macbook is wonderful beyond wonderful, but the battery life is a little under three hours and it tends to get heavy when I lug it around all day. Also, I worry a great deal about carrying around a computer that almost literally contains my entire life. So, I now have a cute little mini-laptop that weighs under two pounds and is smaller than most of my books, which I can use for taking notes in my classes (both now and when I am in my doctoral program).
Bad news:
About a week ago, I re-injured my left hand by smacking it quite hard on a doorknob. Since then, it has been a painful, swollen, ugly mess of a hand. I managed to sleep on it wrong last night, with the result that it is quite swollen today and in nearly constant pain. Despite the hand, I had a great day today, which I decided to cap off by finally experimenting with the scallops I've been saving. I cooked them using a delicious recipe that involves quite a bit of white wine, and thoroughly enjoyed eating them . . . until I started to itch and felt dizzy. I watched in horror as the red hives began to spread across my body. I took some benedryl after a hurried phone consultation with my mother, then threw up, then took more benedryl and drank lots of water. Eventually, the hives and the dizziness/nausea went away.
What a life!
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Oh May . . . You Are Crammed!
Sorry about the lack of posts lately; May has been one heck of a busy month! Between getting Brandi (my new roommate) moved in, the end of the semester, the starting of summer semester, and all the other odds and ends, I have been one busy (and tired) girl! A lot has happened in a very short space of time, but here's my best attempt to summarize:
1. New Roommate: Brandi is awesome! We get along famously. In fact, I wonder now how I'll ever go back to living alone when grad school is over! We have similar tastes in just about everything, so living together is going far better than we ever imagined. Jasper is besotted by his new human friend; every morning, he has to see Brandi before he is willing to go outside. It is a blast having someone else who is taking the same class, since Brandi and I are able to discuss our reading together and prepare together. So, it was a very wise idea going ahead and getting a roommate!
2. End of My First Semester of Grad School: I finished with a solid 4.0!
3. Summer Semester: I am insane and masochistic, therefore I am taking two summer intensives simultaneously. Modern American Military History is fascinating but absolutely overflowing with work, to the point where I worry about how I'll get it all done. The professor is also my thesis advisor. Film and Television History is fun, taught by a very humorous and engaging professor, and is actually proving to be the easiest class ever, since I have already seen all of the films on the required viewing list.
4. Military History Conference: Beyond epic! I met the authors of three of my books from last semester, all of whom are really nice in real life. I also met four fascinating historians from the CIA (one of whom helped me with my thesis), another author whose book I enjoyed, and a very friendly British historian who offered me some thesis help. The sessions were quite interesting, and many of the papers presented actually pertain to one of the classes that I'm taking now, which gives me a little extra insight.
5. My Hand: I smacked my left hand on a doorknob the other night, in the EXACT spot where I hit it back in the winter. So, I now have an exceedingly painful hand that is twice the size it ought to be.
6. My Novel: I apparently didn't have enough on my plate already, so I started writing a fantasy novel. The hilarious part is that I never write fantasy! I guess I was inspired by my friends in my writing club. So far, my story is heavily influenced by Celtic and Welsh mythology and is about fifty pages long. I am planning to do some significant work on it this week, since I have a lot less classwork to worry about this week.
7. Jasper: He had a session of pampering and grooming at Petsmart about two weeks ago, where they gave him an adorable haircut. He loved it! He is still as quirky and funny as ever, perhaps even more so now that he has another human living with him. He loves my roommate. He insists on seeing her every morning before going outside (he's going to be bummed when he learns that she's leaving for a few days to go home and see her family).
8. My Bedroom: I finally finished decorating and arranging it. I got rid of the beanbag and added two bookcases and a desk to the room, so it is now much more functional and more attractive. I promise to post photos soon, to satisfy the curious relatives.
9. LU's "Controversial" Graduation: I went in order to show support to Brandi, and because I was curious to hear Glenn Beck. He did a great job. I read a few articles where some of the liberal media attempted to completely take his speech out of context AND significantly alter it. Those poor-excuses-for-journalists completely (deliberately) missed the fact that Beck gave a warm, inspiring speech that actually meant something to not only the graduates, but the rest of us students as well. He made only a brief reference to politics, instead focusing on good advice for how to live a life that matters, with strong focus on how best to serve other people. It was well done and was the right speech for the right time.
10. The Evil Final Paper: Remember that paper that the instructor assigned a week after class ended? Well, apparently he didn't feel like grading it (or just procrastinated for too long). Final grades are done, and that paper never received any credit at all. So, my classmates and I stressed out writing for absolutely no reason. I am more than a little bit annoyed over that whole business.
11. 26th Birthday: Slightly traumatizing realizing that I'm now closer to thirty than to twenty, but it was still a fun day. Brandi had put a little sign on the microwave and there were some very nice presents from some very sweet people. That evening, Brandi and I made a delicious stir-fry, I met friends for dessert for a little while, and then Brandi and I went to see How to Train Your Dragon (her first time seeing it, my second). Any birthday that involves dragons is a good birthday!
Well, hope this post satisfies those who wondered what on earth was going on and where I had gone. I will try to get some pictures up later today or tomorrow.
1. New Roommate: Brandi is awesome! We get along famously. In fact, I wonder now how I'll ever go back to living alone when grad school is over! We have similar tastes in just about everything, so living together is going far better than we ever imagined. Jasper is besotted by his new human friend; every morning, he has to see Brandi before he is willing to go outside. It is a blast having someone else who is taking the same class, since Brandi and I are able to discuss our reading together and prepare together. So, it was a very wise idea going ahead and getting a roommate!
2. End of My First Semester of Grad School: I finished with a solid 4.0!
3. Summer Semester: I am insane and masochistic, therefore I am taking two summer intensives simultaneously. Modern American Military History is fascinating but absolutely overflowing with work, to the point where I worry about how I'll get it all done. The professor is also my thesis advisor. Film and Television History is fun, taught by a very humorous and engaging professor, and is actually proving to be the easiest class ever, since I have already seen all of the films on the required viewing list.
4. Military History Conference: Beyond epic! I met the authors of three of my books from last semester, all of whom are really nice in real life. I also met four fascinating historians from the CIA (one of whom helped me with my thesis), another author whose book I enjoyed, and a very friendly British historian who offered me some thesis help. The sessions were quite interesting, and many of the papers presented actually pertain to one of the classes that I'm taking now, which gives me a little extra insight.
5. My Hand: I smacked my left hand on a doorknob the other night, in the EXACT spot where I hit it back in the winter. So, I now have an exceedingly painful hand that is twice the size it ought to be.
6. My Novel: I apparently didn't have enough on my plate already, so I started writing a fantasy novel. The hilarious part is that I never write fantasy! I guess I was inspired by my friends in my writing club. So far, my story is heavily influenced by Celtic and Welsh mythology and is about fifty pages long. I am planning to do some significant work on it this week, since I have a lot less classwork to worry about this week.
7. Jasper: He had a session of pampering and grooming at Petsmart about two weeks ago, where they gave him an adorable haircut. He loved it! He is still as quirky and funny as ever, perhaps even more so now that he has another human living with him. He loves my roommate. He insists on seeing her every morning before going outside (he's going to be bummed when he learns that she's leaving for a few days to go home and see her family).
8. My Bedroom: I finally finished decorating and arranging it. I got rid of the beanbag and added two bookcases and a desk to the room, so it is now much more functional and more attractive. I promise to post photos soon, to satisfy the curious relatives.
9. LU's "Controversial" Graduation: I went in order to show support to Brandi, and because I was curious to hear Glenn Beck. He did a great job. I read a few articles where some of the liberal media attempted to completely take his speech out of context AND significantly alter it. Those poor-excuses-for-journalists completely (deliberately) missed the fact that Beck gave a warm, inspiring speech that actually meant something to not only the graduates, but the rest of us students as well. He made only a brief reference to politics, instead focusing on good advice for how to live a life that matters, with strong focus on how best to serve other people. It was well done and was the right speech for the right time.
10. The Evil Final Paper: Remember that paper that the instructor assigned a week after class ended? Well, apparently he didn't feel like grading it (or just procrastinated for too long). Final grades are done, and that paper never received any credit at all. So, my classmates and I stressed out writing for absolutely no reason. I am more than a little bit annoyed over that whole business.
11. 26th Birthday: Slightly traumatizing realizing that I'm now closer to thirty than to twenty, but it was still a fun day. Brandi had put a little sign on the microwave and there were some very nice presents from some very sweet people. That evening, Brandi and I made a delicious stir-fry, I met friends for dessert for a little while, and then Brandi and I went to see How to Train Your Dragon (her first time seeing it, my second). Any birthday that involves dragons is a good birthday!
Well, hope this post satisfies those who wondered what on earth was going on and where I had gone. I will try to get some pictures up later today or tomorrow.
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