Dirigiblog

Solitaire (still building)

2009-04-07T22:01:00.000-05:00

Solitaire

from trees

Burnt orange floor
planked.
Cards spread,
rowed,
lined.
Looking out over
everything.
My Kingdom of wood
and leaf.

------------------------------

Flannel pajamas
wander to window--
frost covered.
Huddle under
blanket
over register.
Sleeves and legs fill
with warm breeze.
Fingernails scratch
first words on ice
on glass.

------------------------------

Silence, nearly
just a shuffle of adult stuff.
And darkness,
nearly
only slight strips from blinds
slice the rows of mats.

Maybe others sleep,

On this plot
journeys launch
for legendary treasures
and noble wars are fought.
It's here,
this placid restlessness begins.

--------------------------------

Ankle cast,
an anchor.
Dimmed classroom
emptied for lunch
open only to me,
weighted to this back row
Maps and books
out of reach.
Desks, windows, trees
doors and bookshelves
lessons
in line and wood.

--------------------------

Pitter-patter
pattern tapping
on panes.
Crack the window.
Wet air wafts
through wire mesh--
the soft sweet/sour scent
of mist and metal.

---------------------------

Silver maple seeds
helicopter down
to brick
to me
and anthills.
Under this shade tree
the closest to sun I'll get
bathing in the light of flutter.

---------------------------

run, launch and lift
let the line out
slack pulls in the breeze
the difference
between ground
and a slice of sky
above

Solitaire

2009-04-03T07:07:00.001-05:00

from trees

Burnt orange floor
planked.
Cards spread,
rowed,
lined.
Looking out over
everything.
My Kingdom of wood
and leaf.

------------------------------

Flannel pajamas
wander to window--
frost covered.
Huddle under
blanket
over register.
Sleeves and legs fill
with warm breeze.
Fingernails scratch
first words on ice
on glass.

------------------------------

Silence, nearly
just a shuffle of adult stuff.
And darkness,
nearly
only slight strips from blinds
slice the rows of mats.

Maybe others sleep,

On this plot
journeys launch
for legendary treasures
and noble wars are fought.
It's here,
this placid restlessness begins.

--------------------------------

Ankle cast,
an anchor.
Dimmed classroom
emptied for lunch
open only to me,
weighted to this back row
Maps and books
out of reach.
Desks, windows, trees
doors and bookshelves
lessons
in line and wood.

--------------------------

Pitter-patter
pattern tapping
on panes.
Crack the window.
Wet air wafts
through wire mesh--
the soft sweet/sour smell
of mist and metal.

Solitaire April 2

2009-04-02T15:22:00.000-05:00

SOLITAIRE

from trees

Burnt orange floor
planked.
Cards spread,
rowed,
lined.
Looking out over
everything.
My Kingdom of wood
and leaf.

------------------------------

Flannel pajamas
wander to window--
frost covered.
Huddle under
blanket
over register.
Sleeves and legs fill
with warm breeze.
Fingernails scratch
first words on ice
on glass.

Out of Retirement

2009-04-02T15:20:00.001-05:00

My husband has apparently also started writing poetry again.
Word.

Solitaire

2009-04-02T04:43:00.005-05:00

Tuesday evening I began a new class (as a student) in which I will be working with a group to write a research proposal that includes the first three chapters of a potential dissertation. It won't be my dissertation, I probably will not write one. While I appreciate the reason I have to take the class I was getting a little antsy and impatient, thinking "I friggin' teach inquiry, why do I have to take this class?" I'm not too upset about it as I realize there is value in it simply for the fact I will be learning the researched subject and I do love research. My frustration really came from how basic the class seemed at first. Sure, as someone who has always used MLA learning APA is kind of like taking on a new language--but I have the manual. That said, the instructor did an excellent job of getting us started and I will likely use some of her methods next time I teach inquiry.

What I really appreciated was my instructor's most important piece of advice: find something completely unrelated to go to throughout the research process. Her personal example was Tetris. Especially given my recent exposure to Compassion Fatigue and the idea of finding "sabbaths" to re-energize, this was welcome advice. I immediately thought of Solitaire (though my mind also briefly grazed over "poetry" then laughed and moved on). Solitaire has always been a sabbath for me, something about the peacefulness, patience-building and mind-engagement centers me every time I play a game. As a kid I played traditional Klondike for hours. Most of my life--since junior high at least--I've carried a deck of cards around stored in my backpack (also handy for the occasional game of War, Speed, and Gin with friends). I think I was taught by my Great Grandmother, if not a great deal of my appreciation for the game came from her. She played all the time, even when she was surrounded by other people, something I really loved about her--to find solitude amongst others is a beautiful thing. If I saw her working away at a deck, I would sometimes grab a deck myself and sit across from her at my Grandma Johnson's dining room table and start my own tableau. Once in a while she would even let me play Double Solitaire with her.

After getting my iPod touch one of the first apps I got was a free Solitaire game that featured four basic Solitaire games. I got a little bored with the limitations of four games and began yearning for the Book of Solitaire from which I learned many versions. After a couple of weeks I downloaded a paid app that includes 40 Solitaire games and I am very satisfied. I have been addicted to Scorpion for the last two days though I have yet to win a game. Best couple of bucks I've spent in a while.

There seemed to be a convergence of factors that brought about the next development.

It's spring and even though the highs are in the low 50's, it is April. April is my favorite month, always has been. Sure, sure it's my birth month, but I think there is more to it. I have a tendency to treat myself better every April. As most of my friends and family know I have a high tolerance and regular practice of driving myself into the ground, bordering on self-abuse at times and I get bogged down from all the responsibilities I take on. But in April I feel lighter and even though I rarely have less responsibility in April, I give myself a break, allow myself to have more fun, and generally take better care of myself. For instance, last quarter I had two classes and they killed me, I felt I was in survival mode from day one. This quarter, I have three classes, and I was really freaked out about that, until yesterday. I'm excited about them. When I leave class at night, I feel invigorated rather than exhausted.

Okay where was I?

Umm, April, Solitaire, oh yes, Poetry. I have not written anything new since Fall Semester 2006. I did a lot of editing/revision Spring of 2007, but I have not generated a single poem since December of 06. I have wanted to get back into it. But, I have also had a lot of other things going on, various part time jobs, new career path, second masters degree, marriage, new full-time position, etc. I have kept my creative side satiated in the mean time through crochet, but that's another story.

Yesterday my good friend Ryan posted a note on Facebook about National Poetry Month which included a poem about his daughter's name. It was very moving. I really have only been moved by the poetry of friends lately, which I am sure is part of the reason I was then motivated to take on the poem-a-day challenge Ryan mentioned in his note. I was playing a game of Scorpion Solitaire while waiting for my next student appointment when I saw the post. Though I never actually looked at the prompt I saw the word "origin" which somehow led to my childhood spent in tree(house)s or my bedroom (my two sanctuaries) and playing solitaire in those spaces. The results are below--a first draft. I don't normally post work, especially if it is drafty. But who cares, here goes. I think this is just a part of something larger, I have been writing in seriality since before I knew what it was. I also already know the line "Solitaire--my solitude" does not belong, but for the process, for now, is necessary to me--I am pretty sure Solitaire is the title of the series. I am hoping to continue to post my poems/pieces over the next 29 days. We'll see how this goes.

from trees

Burnt orange floor
Planked
Cards spread,
rowed,
lined.
Solitaire--My solitude
Looking out over
everything.
My Kingdom of wood
and leaf

Finally!

2008-12-04T07:11:00.004-06:00

Over the summer I was on my way to a Sox game, riding the train, fighting the urge to sleep because I had not slept much or very well the night before. I was not paying much attention to where I was when I looked out the window at a random stop and saw the words "I don't fall to sleep, I falter" painted on a column at the station. And I thought, yeah! that's exactly how I feel, I don't fall to sleep, I falter. Someone had captured my feeling precisely. This kind of woke me up and I thought, man those words are really familiar. Then I wondered, "why are there words painted on the columns." Then I realized the train had been stopped at the Harrison station and it clicked, those were my words. Duh!

Over two years ago I made a post announcing that a haiku of mine had been chosen to be included in the Harrison Haiku project. Well last Spring they began putting the poems up. About six or so were put up on the walls in the entrance area, with no word of when the rest would go up. I had pretty much forgotten all about it since I just figured they decided to downsize the project, after all, where else would they put the other poems? On the columns. . . so, here is the best I could do with a picture, I present "Impelled."

a few words of hope

2008-11-08T07:10:00.005-06:00

As much as I want to go on and on about how happy I am right now about the outcome of Tuesday's election I will refrain so as not to offend certain members of my family. I do not consider myself either republican or democrat, I vote for those I feel I can trust to make the best decisions and those who represent my values.

However, I just want to point out how stupid some alleged republicans are--the same people complaining about the possibility of higher taxes and socialized health care (and they say socialism as though it is a dirty word) are saying they are going to pack their bags for Canada. WTF? You're a bunch of idiots, I'm not even going to tell you why because you obviously have no grasp on reality and have about as much sense of the world as a certain hockey mom from Alaska.

I grew up with and maintained republican sensibilities most of my life although I always sympathized when it came to social issues because I have a hard time leaving fellow man and woman out in the cold. (And quite honestly, I feel the values I was raised with fall under liberalism.) Through my education and experience I have come to realize there are major systemic flaws in this country, a country which I love. I do not fault either republicans or democrats alone for these flaws. I have come to understand that I am not antiwar but I am for avoiding war at all cost. I am certainly not anti-military and I hold a deep respect for the men and women who devote and risk their lives for this country and know that they deserve way more than what they are given. My father was a Marine (joined by choice, not drafted), fought in Vietnam, underwent experiences I'm sure most of us could never imagine and I love and respect him with all my heart and soul for his decisions. To me, he, like all military members, is a true hero. I have always felt the two party society was necessary for checks and balances in our government, but hey I'm all for a third party to create an even greater sense of balance because at this point, neither party is working well in my mind. I've also come to understand why urban society swings more to the left and rural areas more to the right, and that it isn't just about good wholesome values.

I don't agree with the lack of regulation on large companies or the concessions allowed to them. In the mid 90's I watched as my parents' small business fell victim to a company that monopolized the flower business in Des Moines by buying out wholesalers and controlling prices and product. With the evolution of technology, economy and globalization in business and culture our government needs to keep up. Such lack of regulation is simply outdated. Our government was designed to evolve with us and we need a breath of fresh air to get that going.

One thing that I can't understand and cannot stand is when people are hypocrites. When people shame one man for straying from his wife, but ignore the same fault in another because he happens to be on their side. John Edwards strayed when his wife was ill. That's disgusting to me. But so did John McCain. His wife suffered catastrophic injuries while he was a POW, she did not tell him or want this to be public knowledge for fear it could worsen his conditions as a prisoner. When he returned he had extramarital affairs. That disgusts me too.

Another thing I can't understand and cannot stand is when people accept the usual rhetoric and do nothing to investigate on their own. (I don't care who you're voting for as long as you are educated on what and who you vote for). I feel the same annoyance with those who voted for Obama simply for his "cool" factor but have no idea what his ideals and views on policy are.

But the one thing I truly cannot understand or stand for is the disgust I have seen in those who did not want Obama elected. I do not expect them to be happy or be celebratory. But I do expect them to respect our new president. I was taught growing up to respect my president even if I did not agree with him because he is the leader of my nation. I admit, I have not agreed with W. I do not believe in the war we are currently "fighting," I have no idea why it is being fought or toward whom, it is a war that makes no sense to me. I do not believe in W's no child left behind policy, it has further stagnated our children, some of our nation's greatest assets. While I don't agree with W, I do not mock him and I certainly do not discount his efforts and I do recognize he has done a few good things. I feel he misdirected a lot of energy and did not use opportunities well. But I do not make him out to be a fool, (though I readily laugh and shake my head as I do at any human when he makes a fool of himself). What I have already seen though in the last three days is degenerate mockery of our president elect and it saddens me that all Americans cannot recognize this historic moment in our nation's history. It saddens me that there is such hate in people's hearts. That is sad. Very sad. All I can say is that I will do my best to hold on to my hope that this moment's significance is not lost on those who need it most.

Hmph. . .

2008-09-08T20:45:00.001-05:00

Wow, it's been a long time since I posted. Huh...

2008-07-29T18:43:00.002-05:00

Your result for Tarot Card Guide Test...

YOUR GUIDE IS THE EMPRESS

“And Behold, here she stands, Mother Nature.”

YOUR GUIDE IS THE EMPRESS

The Empress card is one of the easier trumps to read. She's Mother. Generally, she is Mother in a good sense, patient, loving, giving, and generous. If she is your guide, you can say that you are currently feeling like a mother hen, worried about your children, a new business, a new creation, or a new romance. Male or female, you want to dote and hover and fret over every little sneeze and problem.

Of course, the Empress can also be the worst aspects of an attentive Mom; she can smother, not know when to let go, be possessive and jealous of those who would take away her "baby." It is important that you realize that plants can die from over-watering as easily as neglect.

This card tells you that if you want this new romance, new career, new business, new creation to grow into all it can be you have to pay attention to it, baby it and be willing to let it take those first steps when it is ready. Most of all, like any pregnant mother or good gardener, you have to be patient. All things need time to gestate and sprout.

The Empress is the creator. She creates life, romance, art, or business. Think of her as the mother of us all, and the mother of things to be. The word that comes to mind in regards to the Empress is patience. Being the bearer of new life, she knows that it is fragile. She knows that for things to grow one needs to be patient and nurturing. One must provide love and attention, if they are to see the fruit of their efforts. She is telling you that your future will take time to build and create.

The Empress is the womb where your future gestates and grows till it is ready to be born. She is telling you to be patient, and to watch what happens. She wants you to truly experience the “now” and be prepared for the “then.”

Just Married!

2008-06-10T10:46:00.003-05:00

(photo by Evonne & Leif)

Some pix from the weekend are here. We will be posting the formal photos and more candids soon, so check again in another week or so.

Bye Bye 30

2008-04-23T20:24:00.003-05:00

So in two days I turn the big 3-1. It's hard to believe and a few months ago when it hit me I kinda freaked, until I realized how much I have done in the last year. I got to see the launch of Columbia Poetry Review 20 which I co-edited, I completed my MFA, I had work published in MiPoesias and Buffalo Carp, I began teaching in the Hands on Stanzas program, I went on two Caribbean cruises, went to Door County, went snorkeling for the first time, went kayaking for the first time (both in Lake Michigan and the Gulf of Mexico), I've done a lot of wine tasting (a lot), went skiing for the first time, ate some amazing meals, finally saw a lunar eclipse, got a ds and a wii (totally hooked on video games again), took a bookmaking class which was incredible, learned a lot of new crochet stitches and made a lot of stuff, figured out what I want to be when I grow up, applied to grad school all over again and got accepted by both programs, joined a gym, bought a home, got engaged, and along with my amazing fiance, have almost completely planned a wedding. I gotta say it's been a damn good year for this girl and I'm looking forward to everything 31's gonna bring.

I was the girl in the stall between them!

2008-04-22T10:32:00.003-05:00

A couple of weeks ago we went to see the Blackhawks kick some Detroit butt. After the game I used the washroom and here's what I heard.

Graduate School, part 2

2008-04-19T15:31:00.002-05:00

So, I got the news today. I have been accepted to DePaul's graduate program in Student Affairs. I'm hoping this time around I will be able to get a job that will pay for the degree, I'm pretty sure it will.

Weathering the whether

2008-04-08T21:30:00.003-05:00

It's been a long winter, and April being my birthmonth, I'm determined to see and feel spring. I have pulled the pedal pushers from the bottoms of my drawers and started packing up the sweaters for summer storage. We've been working through the cold months planning the wedding and thinking long and hard about our collective future, you know, the ever-pressing question of what we want to be when we grow up. A few months ago I finally figured it all out (for myself at least, the better half is still working it all out on his end). For my part I have been setting up the pieces to put my plan in motion, more on that later. The biggest variable remains how to support this endeavor, both with experience and money. Unfortunately, people who have no idea what I am working for (and quite frankly don't care) have had too much say in my future, and it has been hard trying to figure out where I can go from here. But I've done a rare thing for me and decided to stand up for myself and say something to someone.

But yeah, it's been a long winter. The last few weeks, snow and wind have managed to wedge themselves between a few nice days and seem to just be a reminder of how heavy some things can feel. Right now though, this is my favorite kind of weather. Flashes of lightning are breaking the darkness of the evening at home and thunder's pounding. Soon a steady tapping will splash the windows. I love the energy of a good storm, the feel of a spring shower and the smell of wet concrete. There is truly no greater relief. Perhaps I've been looking at things all wrong, maybe a few nice days have managed to wedge themselves between the snow and wind. Maybe, but all I know is right now I have the rain and I am going to bask in it.

TV meme, blar

2008-04-04T21:24:00.002-05:00

Empire Magazine has revealed its list of the "50 Greatest TV Shows" ever. Below is the list and here be the rules.

1. Italicize the shows of which you've watched every episode
2. Bold the shows of which you've seen at least one episode
2a. Star the shows you consider "top 50"
3. Post your answers

50. Quantum Leap*
49. Prison Break
48. Veronica Mars
47. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
46. Sex & The City

45. Farscape
44. Cracker
43. Star Trek *
42. Only Fools and Horses
41. Band of Brothers

40. Life on Mars
39. Monty Python's Flying Circus *
38. Curb Your Enthusiasm *
37. Star Trek: The Next Generation *
36. Father Ted

35. Alias
34. Frasier *
33. CSI: Las Vegas
32. Babylon 5
31. Deadwood

30. Dexter
29. ER
28. Fawlty Towers
27. Six Feet Under *
26. Red Dwarf

25. Futurama
24. Twin Peaks
23. The Office UK *
22. The Shield
21. Angel

20. Blackadder *
19. Scrubs *
18. Arrested Development *
17. South Park *
16.Doctor Who *

15. Heroes
14. Firefly
13. Battlestar Galactica
12. Family Guy *
11. Seinfeld *

10. Spaced
09. The X-Files
08. The Wire
07. Friends
06. 24

05. Lost
04. The West Wing
03. The Sopranos
02. Buffy the Vampire Slayer
01. The Simpsons *

Wiiii, oh wheeeeeee!

2008-03-05T18:34:00.017-06:00

Until a few weeks ago I never thought I would be on skis. It was then that in passing Sean mentioned he'd like to try it sometime and the thought had recently crossed my mind as well. So, I said, yeah we should look into doing that next year. This of course led to Sean (the activities director) coordinating a ski weekend. He managed to drag Kelly and Christina into the plans (much to Kelly's chagrin). But after realizing that there is no way we could justify spending money on an entire weekend on such a trip, I thought I was safe from this inevitable fiasco. I could just imagine the two of us being wheeled down the aisle in full body casts (his painted to look like a tux, mine with flowing lace).

But, at this point both Christina and Sean were determined to put something together (freaking Scorpios). After some research Christina found a cheap spot just over the border near Milwaukee. So this past weekend we headed out for Crystal Ridge. On our way I gave in to Sean's inexplicable obsession for Cracker Barrel and we stopped to load up on complex carbohydrates. I hoped he would forget where we were going and we could just turn around and go back home.

The sign said "cheese" so Christina took its picture.

Once we got to the ski lodge we all geared up, and by then I actually was looking forward to it, but I had trouble finding boots that would fit without cutting off my legs at the calves. Finally the equipment folks fitted me with a snazzy pair that reminded us all of LA GEAR. All fashion woes aside we were finally ready to ski. Christina has skied before and even owns her own gear, so Kelly, Sean and I went in together and got semiprivate lessons from Jana (pronounced Yana). Jana was awesome, she spent at least 3 hours with us. Totally worth the money (only 20 bucks each). Because I was busy learning, Christina was responsible for the pix (between her hundreds of times down the hill).

Learning to go uphill sideways

After about two and a half hours of trudging around on single skis, making herringbone marks uphill and having our arms yanked out of their sockets by the tow rope by the bunny slope, Jana managed to trick Kelly and I to make our way down to the actual ski lift. Sean's knee had given out on him by then so he was warming up in the lodge.
Getting down to the skilift from the bunny slope was no problem, it felt great in fact. However, once we got off of the skilift and were at the tip-top of the highest hill we were faced with a new challenge, getting back down to the lodge.
Hmmm, luckily Jana was still with us and she did a good job of helping us navigate our way down this steep steep icy hill. I made it down only falling twice and I was able to get back up on my own and without removing my skis both times (a big feat for me).

I wasn't the only one to wipe out a couple times that time down, here's Kelly praying I don't run over him.

In fact I was feeling pretty confident by the time I was halfway down the hill and Christina snapped this shot.

At that point it was already after 2, the lessons were over and we needed a break. So we found Sean in the lodge and got some horribly unhealthy food. After lunch we decided to get back out there. Our first goal was to get Sean down to the lift. He went down, again and again. Poor thing, between the hole in his left foot and his backwards right knee, skiing was probably not in his better judgement. Fortunately Kelly and I (the skeptics) were having a great time. I waited probably 15 minutes at the bottom of the hill to help Sean get on the lift, when I saw him walking around the bend with the ski patrol. Uh-oh. They accompanied him to the top of the hill on the lift then after convincing him trying to ski back to the lodge was not such a good idea Sean got to live out his NFL fantasy of being driven off the field.

After watching Sean being carted away Kelly, Christina and I started back down the slopes. By this time the steep slope from the lift was even icier and seemingly even steeper. I wiped out twice, kept getting back up, but somehow my nerves got the better of me and it took me forever to get back up after the third fall. But I did, and then I started going once more, and going and going, trying to slow down using the "pizza" stance Jana had taught us. But I didn't slow down, not even after my legs were over my head, then under me and over my head again. When I finally stopped my skis were about ten feet away from me. I quickly gathered my senses and my skis and called it a day. As I got up, another ski patrol dude came walking up behind me to make sure I was ok. After assuring him I'm durable he mentioned what a hectic day they were having, and that another guy just twisted his knee. I told him that was my fiance and explained it was our first time skiing. He was shocked and said he has been learning to ski, but that he is still on the bunny hill. He asked what in the world we were doing going up and down the lift hill. I explained Jana had been our instructor and she's tough teacher.

All in all it was a great time, I had a lot of fun and I now understand the value of thick powdery snow. And the best part is on the way home, I found Waldo.

Brainnnnsss

2008-02-15T16:14:00.002-06:00

If Mr. Peaches Wigglebottom could walk, he would be shambling off to see Diary of the Dead right now.

Wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-02-11T07:43:00.000-06:00

Finally.

tagged again!

2008-01-17T18:02:00.000-06:00

So, I have once again been tagged to list odd/weird/little known facts about me, my life and goals. I listed seven not too long ago, but this meme demands 10. Well, let me try to list some new things.

1. I currently have five jobs. Six if you include the one week gig I just finished working today.

2. I won 100 bucks at Bingo last week, as well as a mechanical stuffed pig that walks and oinks.

3. I used to play the saxophone. (Saxomophone . . . saxomophone).

4. Though I already have two degrees, I am pondering another, soon, very soon.

5. I love Nintendo.

6. More specifically, I love Legend of Zelda games.

7. I invented a drink I call Tropicalia. It's delicious.

8. I have keloids.

9. I have started making monster hats, crocheted and felted.

10. I am currently planning my wedding and going insane doing it. If anyone wants to help, wonderful, but we will ask when we need it. If anyone has advice, please save it until we ask. If anyone wants to know how it's going, it's going really great, but please don't ask about it. If I have to go over where we stand right now, I will take Sean up on his suggestion to go to vegas. Don't mean to be a bitch, but we are at the stage where we are getting info/details worked out. And people trying to "help" are only adding to the stress of it all. A bit ranty I know, but I have had to repeat the same things a million times over the past couple of weeks and I just can't take it anymore.

Christmas Questionnaire

2007-12-24T21:57:00.000-06:00

I got tagged by Aaron because I read his blog first, and I am going to use the same rules as he did, read on:

1. Link to the person that tagged you, and post the rules on your blog.
2. Share Christmas facts about yourself.
3. Tag seven random people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs.
4. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Welcome to the Christmas edition of "Getting to Know Your Friends."

1. Wrapping or gift bags?

Both

2. Real or artificial tree?

Artificial

3. When do you put up the tree?

I have always tried to put it up soon after Thanksgiving, and usually manage to get it up at least two weeks before Christmas.

4. When do you take the tree down?

Shortly after New Years

5. Do you like egg nog?

Sometimes, but much like Pumpkin Pie, it is one of those things I have to really be craving to want at all.

6. Favorite gift received as a child?

No question, my Schwinn Pixie at age 4 from Santa.

7. Do you have a nativity scene?

Somewhere I have a little nativity scene made from popsicle sticks by my college band director. He made over a hundred of them and gave one to each band member.

8. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?

The same year Aaron got a muffin splitter I got napkin rings. I was about 15 at the time and I had no idea what to do with them.

9. Mail or email Christmas cards?

No, I used to want to do them, but since my career path has been so academically driven I have pretty much given up. I suppose if I did them in August before school started I could send them out.

10. Favorite Christmas Movie?

Toss up between Nightmare Before Christmas and Love Actually.

11. When do you start shopping for Christmas?

I try to do as little shopping as possible. I suppose I usually start halfway between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

12. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?

I love too many things. Potato Baloney, Gramma's Spritz Cookies, and anything my future mother-in-law makes.

13. Clear lights or colored on the tree?

Multi-colored

14. Favorite Christmas song(s)?

I would say almost all of the contemporary Christmas songs Sean has turned me on to. Most of all, the album Snow Angels by Over the Rhine.

15. Travel at Christmas or stay home?

It looks like the new tradition will be Christmas eve in the burbs with Sean's folks. Christmas day at home. And the weekend after Christmas in Des Moines with the Johnsons.

16. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?

Yes.

17. Angel on the tree top or a star?

Star

18. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Christmas Morning?

both and then some.

19. Most annoying thing about this time of year?

The shitty attitudes of people. I hate going out to do any errands this time of year. I have had to deal with too many ass faces in the last two weeks.

20. Do you decorate your tree in any specific theme or color?

Nope, just all the miscellany I have collected over the years.

21. What do you leave for Santa?

Nothing, he doesn't come here.

22. Least favorite holiday song?

I don't know for sure.

23. Favorite ornament?

I love all of the ornaments people have made for me, and my favorite one is a blue star with swirly coils and glitter that Theresa made for me a few years ago. While each ornament has a story and is special to me, that one is definitely one of the best.

24. Family tradition?

not any more/not yet

25. Ever been to Midnight Mass or late-night Christmas Eve services?

Yes.

Now, I am to tag seven people. I hereby tag the first seven people that read this. After you have read this post, say so in comments and do your duty. We're working on the honor system here people, so no cheating, it's Christmas after all.

Another day, another blog

2007-11-07T19:59:00.000-06:00

I started my residency with Hands on Stanzas a few weeks ago. You can follow the progress of the year and see selected works of my students on the new blog:
Burbank Blog/

Enjoy!

Movies!

2007-09-25T07:05:00.000-05:00

1. Name a movie that you have seen more than 10 times.

Star Wars

2. Name a movie that you've seen multiple times in the theater.

Kill Bill vol. 1

3. Name an actor that would make you more inclined to see a movie.

Christian Bale

4. Name an actor that would make you less likely to see a movie.

I'm with Sean and Kelly on this one (and hopefully all intelligent life-forms)
Dane Cook

5. Name a movie that you can and do quote from.

As big a geek that I am, I don't really quote movies. I can quote them, I just don't do it. But the one I probably have quoted the most in my life is The Princess Bride

6. Name a movie musical that you know all of the lyrics to all of the songs.

Annie

7. Name a movie that you have been known to sing along with.

I don't know if I've been known to do so, but when I was little I would sing along to Annie

8. Name a movie that you would recommend everyone see.

Little Miss Sunshine

9. Name a movie that you own.

Undercover Brother

10. Name an actor that launched his/her entertainment career in another medium but who has surprised you with his/her acting chops.

Marky Mark, He has done some decent roles

11. Have you ever seen a movie in a drive-in? If so, what?

Nope

12. Name a movie that you keep meaning to see but just haven't yet gotten around to it.
Rashomon, I have had it out from Netflix for two months, I think I am going to show it to my students next week, just so I can see it.

13. Ever walked out of a movie?

No, but I remember going to see the sneak of Species with Adam and Mark and afterwards we all expressed our desire to leave, but not wanting to abandon the others.

14. Name a movie that made you cry...

Iris, I sobbed the whole time (in the theater) but I did watch it while I was taking care of my grandma.

15. Popcorn?

yes please! Can I have cookie dough bites too?

16. How often do you go to the movies (as opposed to renting them or watching them at home)?

I used to go a couple times a week cause it was free, but now that I have to pay Chicago prices it's very rare. Maybe once every two or three months, but like Sean, more in the summertime.

17. What's the last movie you saw in the theater?

Transformers

18. What's your favorite/preferred genre of movie?

Comedy

19. What's the first movie you remember seeing in the theater?

Pete's Dragon

20. What movie do you wish you had never seen?

Frailty

21. What is the weirdest movie you enjoyed?

Sasquatch hunters, it was hilarious

22. What is the scariest movie you've seen?

I'm easily scared, so I don't do scary movies. So this might be a weird answer, but I found Signs to be quite scary.

23. What is the funniest movie you've seen?

Hmmm, that is tough. I can't answer this one because as soon as I say one, someone will remind me of something better.

pay it forward thingy

2007-09-22T20:36:00.000-05:00

So, I just saw this post on a friend's livejournal. I agree to send a gift (handmade or not) to the first three people who respond to this post (it will be sent in the next 365 days). BUT you have to do the same (post the promise to a blog and keep it going). Make sure you tell me who you are too, if you're anonymous I won't know who to send it too.

Tagged! I'm it.

2007-09-22T17:51:00.000-05:00

So quite a while ago my big brother tagged me for this meme, but being both very busy and lazy in my free time I am just now getting around to it.

I'm supposed to list seven random/interesting facts about myself, then, tag seven people to do the same.

I tag Sean, John, and I don't have any other friends with blogs, so you're it!
Now on to the interesting bits:

1. I have seen all 4 copies of the Magna Carta in their various locations with no intent of ever doing such a thing. On school related trips I usually wandered off by myself and just kind of came upon them at different times and would say to myself, "hey, it's the Magna Carta...cool."

2. I can make a pig noise. (That's much more interesting if you can hear it in person, but it also freaks a lot of people out).

3. I know how to crochet, and I love to do it. I made my first afghan this summer and now I am making rag rugs. If I could crochet for a living I would totally do it.

4. I got my English degree through the aid of a Math scholarship.

5. I won a pony when I was 15.

6. I won a cruise when I was 30. (despite what Sean may tell people, it's MY cruise!)

7. I was Valedictorian of my high school class, even though I wasn't recognized for it (they forgot to award the academic medals at our class day, which is the one day that our school recognizes academic achievement, oops!). By the way mom and dad, I'm still waiting for the car I was promised.

Oh. Okay.

2007-08-30T11:14:00.000-05:00

Well, that explains the dozens of cops that passed me and the 4 helicopters hovering over me as I left my old apartment this morning. I know that shit happens all over the city, but these sorts of things seem to be happening a lot more near there lately, which makes me a little sad because I have always defended Rogers Park against other's negative opinions. Still, considering the shooting that happened right outside my front door two months ago and the other similar incidents since then, AND the overwhelmingly growing presence of weirdos in my building, I am glad more and more every day about leaving my old place.