The lead singer of an indie rock band e-mailed my prof. They went to school together.
In elementary school.
There was a show in town tonight, so she invited me to come along with some of the other professors from the department. The other one who showed up I haven't seen since middle of my junior year.
It was fun to catch up. Fun to people-watch. I got an A for ability to try to make sense of the drunken dancing women's story. (Her friend hooks up with someone in the band on an annual basis. And when they're together the world stops. But they can't work it out....) And the one prof got to talk with the band. I didn't because they were at dinner when we showed up and we snuck out before the show was over. Long drive. And we're not night owls.
*Yawn* Actually, think it is time for me to retire. Just needed to write this where I could remember in the future. And figured it was worth sharing with you.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
True Notebooks
...we would assume that what it was we meant
would have been listed in some book set down
beyond the sky's far reaches, if at all
there was a purpose here. but now I think
the purpose lives in us and that we fall
into an error if we do not keep
our own true notebook of the way we came,
how the sleet stung, or how a wandering bird
cried at the window ...
~Loren Eiseley
(Found at the beginning of True Notebooks by Mark Salzman)
I want to reread True Notebooks. Don't think I actually want to buy it to keep it, but after teaching here, think it'd be refreshing.
I wonder how much I keep my true notebook. I keep my notebooks. What I put in them is true. But I also leave out stories. Hopefully they get caught somewhere so that I can remember the full expierence of life here.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Variations on Pizza Night
A quick log so I can remember what I've tried this year. Making two pizzas a week does greatly increase my experimentation. If it bombs, then I won't try it again.
That said, I haven't had a bomb yet.
Always love the comfort of marina sauce with spinach, onion, garlic, and cheese on wheat crust.
Pumpkin sauce, caramelized onion, and walnuts (recommended for Allison).
Sourdough crust (thanks to Carl and Friends).
Sourdough bread broiled with toppings. (The dough kneaded beautifully, but the dough was super wet to make crust. Added more flour, let it rise again. Still too wet. Just baked into bread.)
Quesadilla pizza (cheese between tortillas) with whatever toppings. On those days when I can't get it together to make enough crust.
That said, I haven't had a bomb yet.
Always love the comfort of marina sauce with spinach, onion, garlic, and cheese on wheat crust.
Pumpkin sauce, caramelized onion, and walnuts (recommended for Allison).
Sourdough crust (thanks to Carl and Friends).
Sourdough bread broiled with toppings. (The dough kneaded beautifully, but the dough was super wet to make crust. Added more flour, let it rise again. Still too wet. Just baked into bread.)
Quesadilla pizza (cheese between tortillas) with whatever toppings. On those days when I can't get it together to make enough crust.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Some days
Some days take more out of you than they should.
Yesterday was one of those days. And I haven't gotten back to myself yet today. Still just exhausted, without being sure what's draining me.
Lots of work left to do and a fear that it won't get done. Eeep. Apologies to everyone who I haven't talked to the way we'd planned. Soon, I hope. Soon.
Yesterday was one of those days. And I haven't gotten back to myself yet today. Still just exhausted, without being sure what's draining me.
Lots of work left to do and a fear that it won't get done. Eeep. Apologies to everyone who I haven't talked to the way we'd planned. Soon, I hope. Soon.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Musings on music and memories
I like making playlists in iTunes.
Some are time specific--Middle School Dance.
Or genre specific--Popular phase rockness.
Some are mood specific--Calming.
Remind me of a place--Camp associations.
Or a general idea of a life situation--Cheesy Lovely.
Sometimes I pick a word for a theme--Mail call.
Or my general mood--Nonsense syllables.
There are over 50 lists (after that I stopped counting).
Exactly two are named after people. Created to remind me of our relationship.
Two friends who never met each other. At one point I'm sure they knew of each other.
The two friends who attended camp with me for years (different camps). The ones who my college friends heard stories about when I talked about my childhood.
The two friends from my life before high school who I have any semblance of contact with now. Though it's pretty scarce.
One of them got married a few weeks ago. I went to the wedding because I needed that connection with my past. It's selfish, but made sense. Processing my emotions from her wedding has made me think more about the other one.
During tenth grade we e-mailed daily. In addition to frequent IM conversations. When I wrote him last weekend my subject, "Want more than an annual check-in," sums up our current communication.
Hearing back from him brightened my day. He's engaged now, to a girl I only know of from college away messages. And I'm happy for him. And happy that I'm happy. (I really was a mix of emotions after the wedding.)
I'm listening to my mix named after him. It must sound random to my housemate, but it makes me smile. Screaming summer. And dancing. And laughing at ourselves. Songs that became the subjects of our e-mails to each other. (I attribute my country music playlist to him.) Songs from away messages. Smiling in the comfort that while these songs don't describe either of us in our current lives they capture a snapshot of my past. It's nice to know that no matter how out of touch we are, some things don't change.
Some are time specific--Middle School Dance.
Or genre specific--Popular phase rockness.
Some are mood specific--Calming.
Remind me of a place--Camp associations.
Or a general idea of a life situation--Cheesy Lovely.
Sometimes I pick a word for a theme--Mail call.
Or my general mood--Nonsense syllables.
There are over 50 lists (after that I stopped counting).
Exactly two are named after people. Created to remind me of our relationship.
Two friends who never met each other. At one point I'm sure they knew of each other.
The two friends who attended camp with me for years (different camps). The ones who my college friends heard stories about when I talked about my childhood.
The two friends from my life before high school who I have any semblance of contact with now. Though it's pretty scarce.
One of them got married a few weeks ago. I went to the wedding because I needed that connection with my past. It's selfish, but made sense. Processing my emotions from her wedding has made me think more about the other one.
During tenth grade we e-mailed daily. In addition to frequent IM conversations. When I wrote him last weekend my subject, "Want more than an annual check-in," sums up our current communication.
Hearing back from him brightened my day. He's engaged now, to a girl I only know of from college away messages. And I'm happy for him. And happy that I'm happy. (I really was a mix of emotions after the wedding.)
I'm listening to my mix named after him. It must sound random to my housemate, but it makes me smile. Screaming summer. And dancing. And laughing at ourselves. Songs that became the subjects of our e-mails to each other. (I attribute my country music playlist to him.) Songs from away messages. Smiling in the comfort that while these songs don't describe either of us in our current lives they capture a snapshot of my past. It's nice to know that no matter how out of touch we are, some things don't change.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
The List
Late night discussions led to me being asked to describe my ideal mate. (And comments on how strange that sounds.)
I didn't have it then. It's been too long since I've updated my list. Normally this stays hidden in my journal, but I feel like I owe people an answer and I don't feel like passing my journal around. (Who knows what secrets are hidden in there.)
7 things I'm looking For*
Trust--In a serious relationship, I have to be comfortable with you and want you to be comfortable with me.
Religion/Spirituality--Doesn't have to be mine. Does need to be open to mine.
Low-key--I get stressed out enough for us all some days. Also, I'm not looking for a super-intense relationship right now. That said, if I do find myself in one, I hope it will be serious. Just able to be chill about everything at the same time.
Other friends--In college I had multiple social circles, to the point where some of my best friends still do not know each other. (Though they do hear stories about each other.) At least in a new relationship I'll want to maintain some separateness to our spheres.
Patient--Based on my record so far, you better believe I'll redefine taking it slow.
Nerdy--Apparently I like nerds. Knowing me, this should not surprise you. I am one.
Not Desperate--Ummm....yeah. I mean, if you are desperate that's fine. Just don't be painfully obvious about it.
*Disclaimers.
This list may not be the top 7 things I'm looking for.
Obviously the list evolves over time. For instance, most days not desperate would not be included. Normally there'd be more reference to shared values, life goals, or something.
I don't foresee telling anyone, "You match my list! We're meant to be!" Nor do I plan on rejecting anyone because they don't match the list. I mean, the list is a guide to remind me what I think I'm prioritizing, nothing formal.
I didn't have it then. It's been too long since I've updated my list. Normally this stays hidden in my journal, but I feel like I owe people an answer and I don't feel like passing my journal around. (Who knows what secrets are hidden in there.)
7 things I'm looking For*
Trust--In a serious relationship, I have to be comfortable with you and want you to be comfortable with me.
Religion/Spirituality--Doesn't have to be mine. Does need to be open to mine.
Low-key--I get stressed out enough for us all some days. Also, I'm not looking for a super-intense relationship right now. That said, if I do find myself in one, I hope it will be serious. Just able to be chill about everything at the same time.
Other friends--In college I had multiple social circles, to the point where some of my best friends still do not know each other. (Though they do hear stories about each other.) At least in a new relationship I'll want to maintain some separateness to our spheres.
Patient--Based on my record so far, you better believe I'll redefine taking it slow.
Nerdy--Apparently I like nerds. Knowing me, this should not surprise you. I am one.
Not Desperate--Ummm....yeah. I mean, if you are desperate that's fine. Just don't be painfully obvious about it.
*Disclaimers.
This list may not be the top 7 things I'm looking for.
Obviously the list evolves over time. For instance, most days not desperate would not be included. Normally there'd be more reference to shared values, life goals, or something.
I don't foresee telling anyone, "You match my list! We're meant to be!" Nor do I plan on rejecting anyone because they don't match the list. I mean, the list is a guide to remind me what I think I'm prioritizing, nothing formal.
Snowday Babble
Snow days are even better when you're a teacher. I guess being an adult with kids will add another perspective, but at this stage in life, absolutely love them.
It's only been 5 and a half months since our last blizzard, but this one felt more...blizzardy. I actually got out in the wind and snow a little bit. The power went out. Cell phone towers were down. My car needs significantly more digging out. Growing up in the south, shoveling snow is not a skill I learned as a kid. That said I moved a bunch today.
But what really made this blizzard better than last year is the people I've spent it with. (No offense to the person who drove out to spend the last one with me.) I think we've struck a good balance between being together and being at our own places. Or maybe it's just that this is a group that's low-key enough that even when we're in the same space, I can take time to myself and have it be cool.
Regardless, I loved the impromptu slumber party last night. Dinner and a movie and a dance and then we're just huddled under blankets talking. I don't want to venture into the cold (especially after feeling lost in the storm the previous night). When I woke up in the morning, I found my backpack, pulled out my book and read lazily.
Cozy. Comfortable. A whole lot happier than a week ago.
Breaks are good. Unexpected breaks with friends are fabulous.
It's only been 5 and a half months since our last blizzard, but this one felt more...blizzardy. I actually got out in the wind and snow a little bit. The power went out. Cell phone towers were down. My car needs significantly more digging out. Growing up in the south, shoveling snow is not a skill I learned as a kid. That said I moved a bunch today.
But what really made this blizzard better than last year is the people I've spent it with. (No offense to the person who drove out to spend the last one with me.) I think we've struck a good balance between being together and being at our own places. Or maybe it's just that this is a group that's low-key enough that even when we're in the same space, I can take time to myself and have it be cool.
Regardless, I loved the impromptu slumber party last night. Dinner and a movie and a dance and then we're just huddled under blankets talking. I don't want to venture into the cold (especially after feeling lost in the storm the previous night). When I woke up in the morning, I found my backpack, pulled out my book and read lazily.
Cozy. Comfortable. A whole lot happier than a week ago.
Breaks are good. Unexpected breaks with friends are fabulous.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Prohibiting cows
Apologies if this post is incoherent. It's late and has been a bizarre day. This is my attempt at preserving a few memories from this evening.
A party I was at got busted by the cops. (I told you it was bizarre. I was at a party? And one that had reason to get busted?)
People had to dump remaining alcohol down the drain. No one from my room was arrested*--at least not before my car left. It's Halloween and Friday night to boot. It's not even 11 pm local time, but partying isn't allowed here. And I guess we're being loud. Maybe?
An hour later we're still driving home. We made it past at least one speed trap and who knows what else. Haven't seen anyone else on the road for 15 minutes. Just singing along with the 90's mix CD, driver's sipping coffee to help stay alert. A car in coming toward us in the other lane, so she turns off her brights. Then the car pulls a U-turn in front of us. We're slowing down trying to figure out what's going on while it turns on flashing lights.
More cops.
Can they pull us over if they're in front of us? What's going on?
He pulls into the other lane, that's the left hand side of the road for anyone keeping track.
Ummm...what do we do? Pull over to the right?
Finally we see them.
Cows. Outside of their pasture. Illuminated by headlights and accessorized with red and blue flashes.
He didn't turn on the waaahn-siren, but did have the beeping one going for a bit.
I'm sorry I don't have a picture of cows being pulled over. I fumbled for the camera, but didn't even try to take it. It really is as strange as it sounds.
And I'm relieved to be home where there should be no reason for police to visit.
*No one at said party was underage. However the party was being held in a dry county. I think we're all glad not to be having a lesson in dealing with legal paperwork.
A party I was at got busted by the cops. (I told you it was bizarre. I was at a party? And one that had reason to get busted?)
People had to dump remaining alcohol down the drain. No one from my room was arrested*--at least not before my car left. It's Halloween and Friday night to boot. It's not even 11 pm local time, but partying isn't allowed here. And I guess we're being loud. Maybe?
An hour later we're still driving home. We made it past at least one speed trap and who knows what else. Haven't seen anyone else on the road for 15 minutes. Just singing along with the 90's mix CD, driver's sipping coffee to help stay alert. A car in coming toward us in the other lane, so she turns off her brights. Then the car pulls a U-turn in front of us. We're slowing down trying to figure out what's going on while it turns on flashing lights.
More cops.
Can they pull us over if they're in front of us? What's going on?
He pulls into the other lane, that's the left hand side of the road for anyone keeping track.
Ummm...what do we do? Pull over to the right?
Finally we see them.
Cows. Outside of their pasture. Illuminated by headlights and accessorized with red and blue flashes.
He didn't turn on the waaahn-siren, but did have the beeping one going for a bit.
I'm sorry I don't have a picture of cows being pulled over. I fumbled for the camera, but didn't even try to take it. It really is as strange as it sounds.
And I'm relieved to be home where there should be no reason for police to visit.
*No one at said party was underage. However the party was being held in a dry county. I think we're all glad not to be having a lesson in dealing with legal paperwork.
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