Physics class is awesome...I mean that.
I totally love my physics class, and not just because he lets us out an hour (or more) early each week. The professor is so amusing, and he knows it. For those that went to Ursuline with me, he's like Mr Neiman...for those that didn't go to UA...he's like all good science teachers...totally into his subject, with lots of self deprecating jokes, and a love of goofy ties...today was a snoopy print.
I'm settled in, I suppose...since I just celebrated my two week anniversary of being back...and it already seems like I've been back for a while. I am still really glad to be here, and it helps to have a friend that joins me for fun activities each week (so far...he's not only a student, but works in an accounting firm..so his year is about to get busier) Yesterday, we went to the Krohn Conservatory and I could have kicked myself for not bringing my camera (sorry Angela!). But there are some ok images on their website. Yesterday was downright frigid, a perfect day to go to the rainforest...even if it is just a simulated one. My favorite room was the "spring" room (as I called it, it's really the Floral Display Room...take the virtual tour)...full of tulips and daffodils and orange trees...the whole feeling was warm and joyful. Afterwards we retired to the former Rookwood Pottery Restaurant, which they have since re-named something stupid, which I will not print here...the inside of the restaurant looks pretty typical, except for the large brick kilns scattered all over the lounge...each big enough to hold a table for eight or so. For those of you that watch Antiques Roadshow, you may have seen Rookwood Pottery come up...it's a world famous pottery house that produced ceramics at the end of the 19th and into the 20th century...it has since been shut down, but pieces still surface. After a few bloody mary's (for me...I love bloody's!) I met the family for dinner and learned that my 17 year old brother is expected to grow another two inches at least...topping him off at 6'7"...the tallest Horan man ever to walk the earth!
Today I had a class and a resume critique and then physics, which starts at 6PM and is supposed to go until 10, but the professor let us go at 8:30...getting back to the subject of my entry...I'm off to change and go to a meeting of the Business Fraternity on campus...Phi Beta something greek...hey...free pizza.
Beating Dayton...a Xavier tradition
Tomorrow is the big game against the Dayton Flyers, and my dad and I are totally going and totally wearing matching t-shirts...it's going to be our first collegiate sporting event together since the 90's! My family are not sports fanatics by any means...but we do like games of all sorts, and especially when our team wins. With so many allegiances (sibling colleges are Clemson and Fordham and Xavier and UC, plus Ohio State by proximity)and local sports teams (Bengals, Reds)...nobody that I'm related to goes into any deep depression when anyone loses...and as Bengals fans, we DO lose. I've had boyfriends in the past that lived and died by the NCAA Men's basketball schedule...and for years after we broke up, I celebrated NOT caring about March Madness. But now, being back in a community of fans...I can find myself getting swept up into it again. I'm glad that I'm not being MADE to watch the games...and even if I am, basketball is a way shorter game than football...which cannot hold my attention at all. However, my friends Tanner and JB did give me a short list of football terms and phrases...I love going to a sporting event and looking stupid. I either get a bunch of eye rolling, and then change the subject (which is funny) or they try and explain the rules and THEN roll their eyes when they realize that I'm too far gone to bother with. Either way, it passes the time.
Speaking of time passing, my time with Norm has ended (sad) but it was so so much fun! Here are the pictures from last night's adventure...and if any of y'all visit me down south, you can expect the same good time, tempered with frequent visits to local restaurants...like
Home of the best burger and cheapest beer I've ever had...our meal consisted of two Zipburgers (one word) with cheese and "through the garden" (which means "with all the veggies") and fries and a bottle of Hudepohl, Cincinnati's distinctive brew.
Today was another day of classes and work...and my first paper for English is due Monday, and I'm getting it out of the way tonight...even though it's Friday night. Luckily, our student center has free laptops for checking out, and a 24 hour computer lab...and a bar...which one will I go to first? My paper is about defending one of four "traditions" described in my English text...and I'm drawing on my experience at City Market to write a narrative about expressive individualism within the structure of a republican tradition...not those kinds of republicans...I'm not that midwestern! I tried to visit my bar after work (Teller's is right down the street) but alas, it is Friday and the bar was already crowded at 5:30PM...full of suits.The other bar down the street was empty...but their whiskey is $5 more than Teller's...and since I'm really taking my econ class seriously, I opted for tea at the coffee shop...put my feet up and read until I had to catch the bus. Since Jinx has left, I am back to reading my book while I eat in the dining hall...but the solitary life is cool with me...I've a great deal on my mind.
Home of the best burger and cheapest beer I've ever had...our meal consisted of two Zipburgers (one word) with cheese and "through the garden" (which means "with all the veggies") and fries and a bottle of Hudepohl, Cincinnati's distinctive brew.
Today was another day of classes and work...and my first paper for English is due Monday, and I'm getting it out of the way tonight...even though it's Friday night. Luckily, our student center has free laptops for checking out, and a 24 hour computer lab...and a bar...which one will I go to first? My paper is about defending one of four "traditions" described in my English text...and I'm drawing on my experience at City Market to write a narrative about expressive individualism within the structure of a republican tradition...not those kinds of republicans...I'm not that midwestern! I tried to visit my bar after work (Teller's is right down the street) but alas, it is Friday and the bar was already crowded at 5:30PM...full of suits.The other bar down the street was empty...but their whiskey is $5 more than Teller's...and since I'm really taking my econ class seriously, I opted for tea at the coffee shop...put my feet up and read until I had to catch the bus. Since Jinx has left, I am back to reading my book while I eat in the dining hall...but the solitary life is cool with me...I've a great deal on my mind.
Hip deep in the 'nati
I have forgotten my camera cord, so I cannot post pictures from tonight, but it was really really nice! Today was all about seeing people from the past. Today at work, I ran into my preschool reading teacher, who remembered me and my large family, as she had taught at least the first three of us to read and or write. I excitedly told her that I was an English major, before I had to run and catch the bus...but not before I went to the coffee shop to get a tea and ran into my old boss Brian (whom I called Jim). While waiting for the bus I saw my friends husband, who let me know that his wife was working...at Xavier! I went to see her after class got out, and we had a great time talking about the past few years. then, Norm and I went to dinner at Zip's, which has the best burgers in the city...and $2 local bottled beer...Hudepohl...soooo west side, but it can't be beat! Then it was off to Greater's the best iced cream on god's green earth. After the eats and the sweets, we piled into the car for a tour of the ninja's childhood...including first and last apartments, homes and grade school...as well as a walking tour of the location of my wedding...no, I don't even have a boy in my life, but I've already planned my reception, invitations and ceremony...Norm approved of the site very much, and let me tell you...bringing the two parts of my life together like that was a feeling I'd been looking for. It's like Dorothy said...even though I felt far away, I was home the whole time. I love you, my friends.
A buncha pictures from the last few days...
It's Thursday, and I've just finished for the day...at 3:45. My days seems short, but they are really packed with things to do. Today I worked at my new job, a home accessories store in the middle of Hyde Park Square (for those locals and familiar)...it's like April Cornell mixed with Kiss the Cook (for you Burlingtonians)...and almost everything is breakable, which makes me very nervous! Yesterday I was helping with a display, and I was carrying $2,000 ceramic urns from here to there...it was like holding a newborn baby. The manager of the store is a great merchandiser (I think) and mostly I've just been helping her make displays...business is not as brisk as we would like...yesterday, only seven people came in...and mostly just to look. this morning, however, a woman came in and bought almost our entire window display...she spent more than I made in two weeks working at City Market!
After work, I ran to catch the bus and then another fine meal from the Xavier cafe. (a veggie burger and fries, consumed in philosophy class.) I sat in the back row for the first time ever, with three kids typing their notes on laptops, while I scribbled away in my notebook...when I snuck a peak on their screens, I saw they were IM-ing and surfing the Reno 911 website. I considered passing the girl a note about my own devotion to Clemmy and Lt. Dangle...but I decided against it.
Oh yeah, I mentioned pictures, huh?
This is The Echo diner, in Hyde Park. My grandfather and I went here after church all the time...he attended church every morning...I love The Echo, simply because, like all great diners...it hasn't changed. Same with Arthur's, the bar next door to The Echo.
I'm not sure if you can see it, but the wall behind the sign has a mural with charactatures of all the old school regulars...when I was a kid, I used to try and find people that I knew...now I just want to be on the wall myself. I'm not (and I never was) a regular by any means...but I have a few fond memories of Arthur's. It's what I thought the Daily Planet was, to me...
The following pictures are the before and after of the snowmen on our front lawn. It's been snowing and cold all week...but there's no helping these snow creatures...they are past the point of no return. Does anyone remember Calvin and Hobbes building snowmen that represented their enemies, so that as they slowly melt, Calivin can feel superior? Melting snowmen are depressing to see...
Finally, a picture of the beloved Norm eating the beloved skyline...Clifton Skyline...not the original, which is in Price Hill...but I'm an Eastsider and I cannot navigate the West Side...ask anyone from Cincinnati.
Tonight, we are going to Zips or The Echo and then...and then...GREATER'S! My first Greater's in FOREVER...and Hyde Park Greater's, to boot! We could go to Clifton Greater's, it's more traditional Iced cream shop, with the marble tables and wrought iron chairs...but HP Greater's is MY HOUSE!
I'm out, yo...I have to go to my house and perhaps do laundry, or maybe just catch my breath.
This is The Echo diner, in Hyde Park. My grandfather and I went here after church all the time...he attended church every morning...I love The Echo, simply because, like all great diners...it hasn't changed. Same with Arthur's, the bar next door to The Echo.
I'm not sure if you can see it, but the wall behind the sign has a mural with charactatures of all the old school regulars...when I was a kid, I used to try and find people that I knew...now I just want to be on the wall myself. I'm not (and I never was) a regular by any means...but I have a few fond memories of Arthur's. It's what I thought the Daily Planet was, to me...
The following pictures are the before and after of the snowmen on our front lawn. It's been snowing and cold all week...but there's no helping these snow creatures...they are past the point of no return. Does anyone remember Calvin and Hobbes building snowmen that represented their enemies, so that as they slowly melt, Calivin can feel superior? Melting snowmen are depressing to see...
Finally, a picture of the beloved Norm eating the beloved skyline...Clifton Skyline...not the original, which is in Price Hill...but I'm an Eastsider and I cannot navigate the West Side...ask anyone from Cincinnati.
Tonight, we are going to Zips or The Echo and then...and then...GREATER'S! My first Greater's in FOREVER...and Hyde Park Greater's, to boot! We could go to Clifton Greater's, it's more traditional Iced cream shop, with the marble tables and wrought iron chairs...but HP Greater's is MY HOUSE!
I'm out, yo...I have to go to my house and perhaps do laundry, or maybe just catch my breath.
Here's what feels good...finishing my homework
Sorry I have been so remiss about posting the updates to the blog...it turns out that college life makes me busy, and I am just now sitting down to rest after what feels like many days of going from place to place and learning about things. I am not complaining...no way...I am so beyond happy to be back in school...except when I am in Theology class and the children in the back row refuse to shut the hell up so that I can hear Professor Tan. I swear, I didn't even realize that I was shooting them dirty looks until halfway through class...oh yeah, I'm that girl. To be fair, we were answering questions about religious experiences, and one kid said that eating mushrooms was the most awesome experience he'd ever had. I roll my eyes.
My fellow Dagger Deb Norm is here from Vermont with a car full of things (thank you Norm!) and lots of nice warm friendship feelings. Oh, our time together has not been without it's trials...today, I had issues with the cell phone, which I also dropped and cracked...and the bank machine ATE the card we were using, sending both of us into a tizzy for the rest of the afternoon. Luckily, we ended the evening with a trip to Beelistics studio for Norm's ohio tattoo, our state flower, the scarlet carnation.
and it was an awesome experience. The artist (Tony) could not have been nicer...even if he is from the West Side...represent!
I also took the beloved Norm to the beloved skyline, where she got a 4-way (onion...nice) and appropriately enjoyed the hell out of it. Oh yes, and the whole time she's been here, I've either been in class or at work (I got a job! I started today!) or doing my homework, and she has been reading or hanging out in my so so hot apartment. Really...the apartment is fucking tropical in temperature...and one of my roommates thinks that it's cold all the time, so she turns up the heat once I turn it down. the apartment is so very hot that my other roommates actually turned on the AIR CONDITIONER...true story. But Norm is a trooper, even eating two meals with me in the dining hall...now that's friendship! I'm just glad she's here!
It has snowed a bit more since I last posted, and there appeared on our lawn a three person snowman family, complete with a mustache on the "dad" and even a snow-dog...the next day, they looked a bit worse for the wear, and I gave Norm the final directions to my house by saying "it's the one with the dilapidated snowmen in the front." She found it ASAP.
Blogger is not allowing me to post anymore pictures tonight, so I shall leave you with these images...plus, I am tired and I must rest before work and school tomorrow. I have finished my homework for the week, however, and nothing more is due from me until next Wednesday...a feeling that makes my heart flutter. Last night I was doing my economics homework (Econ, Mia!) and when I saw that I was on the last problem of the chapter, I could not help the smile that flitted across my face...I feel like a nerd a little bit...but it a really good way.
Oh yeah...I've also had my first physics class, which was much less scary than I thought...and my professor is pretty funny, actually...I mean, the jokes that he makes are mostly physics or science related...but he's super. He kept doing things (like staring directly into the laser) and then telling us not to do that...but he kept doing it because he said he was already too "far gone for it to matter". I love geeks. There is also a crucifix in our Physics lab, a fact I think is so funny...even though this is a religious school, the Jesuits have a healthy view of science...but "everything under God" I suppose. I wonder if I can answer any of my physics questions with "Because of Jesus!"
and it was an awesome experience. The artist (Tony) could not have been nicer...even if he is from the West Side...represent!
I also took the beloved Norm to the beloved skyline, where she got a 4-way (onion...nice) and appropriately enjoyed the hell out of it. Oh yes, and the whole time she's been here, I've either been in class or at work (I got a job! I started today!) or doing my homework, and she has been reading or hanging out in my so so hot apartment. Really...the apartment is fucking tropical in temperature...and one of my roommates thinks that it's cold all the time, so she turns up the heat once I turn it down. the apartment is so very hot that my other roommates actually turned on the AIR CONDITIONER...true story. But Norm is a trooper, even eating two meals with me in the dining hall...now that's friendship! I'm just glad she's here!
It has snowed a bit more since I last posted, and there appeared on our lawn a three person snowman family, complete with a mustache on the "dad" and even a snow-dog...the next day, they looked a bit worse for the wear, and I gave Norm the final directions to my house by saying "it's the one with the dilapidated snowmen in the front." She found it ASAP.
Blogger is not allowing me to post anymore pictures tonight, so I shall leave you with these images...plus, I am tired and I must rest before work and school tomorrow. I have finished my homework for the week, however, and nothing more is due from me until next Wednesday...a feeling that makes my heart flutter. Last night I was doing my economics homework (Econ, Mia!) and when I saw that I was on the last problem of the chapter, I could not help the smile that flitted across my face...I feel like a nerd a little bit...but it a really good way.
Oh yeah...I've also had my first physics class, which was much less scary than I thought...and my professor is pretty funny, actually...I mean, the jokes that he makes are mostly physics or science related...but he's super. He kept doing things (like staring directly into the laser) and then telling us not to do that...but he kept doing it because he said he was already too "far gone for it to matter". I love geeks. There is also a crucifix in our Physics lab, a fact I think is so funny...even though this is a religious school, the Jesuits have a healthy view of science...but "everything under God" I suppose. I wonder if I can answer any of my physics questions with "Because of Jesus!"
The girl from the north country
Last night/this morning I went to bed at 5AM after reading my book AND watching "V for Vendetta" (which was wonderful)...and there was no snow on the ground. I woke up 5.5 hours later to a call from my Dad "You know this is all your fault" he said (sarcastically) into the phone. I pulled my head off the pillow and saw the fresh three inches of snow that had fallen in the time I was dreaming. Sure, the snow just followed me here. It's nice to see, thought...familiar. Last night was kind of a trip. I was in my pj's watching the movie when two girls (friends of the roomies) came in asking if there were any boys in the girls room. Confused, I said no, and they proceeded to push past me and barge into the bedroom, rousing one of the girls out of bed and screaming about a fight with a boyfriend or ex-boyfriend. Tears and sreaming and traded cell phone calls went on for all of 10 minutes, until I (in the words of Scissorfight) "Put the Hammer Down"...demanding that anyone that didn't live in my house was to "...vacate the house before I get super pissed." It pays to be older sometimes. These girls were just wasted and after fighting with their boyfriends, decided to come over and find my roommates to fight with. I'm sure that's not the whole story, but I don't give a fuck...get out of my house when I'm trying to watch a movie. I'm not sure if this girl will remember what she did last night, but I'm not into drama in the casa. Speaking of which, here's a blurry-ish (sorry) picture of my new digs. I'm on the first floor, with three girls, and three more girls live upstairs from us.
I'm in the student center again, blogging before I catch the bus to Hyde Park and hang in the bookstore, reading magazines...or I'll clean the bathroom...hmmm, which sounds more appealing?
I'm in the student center again, blogging before I catch the bus to Hyde Park and hang in the bookstore, reading magazines...or I'll clean the bathroom...hmmm, which sounds more appealing?
A day of art...an evening with an adult
Today was really enjoyable. I woke up late and cleaned up after my roommates party. It's not going to become a habit, hope...the cleaning I mean, not the party...but it did give me the excuse to vacuum the place. Running the vacuum is like shaving my legs...soooooo enjoyable, especially when there's lots to get rid of. After enjoying another glorious meal courtesy of Xavier, I caught the bus for a quick ride into the city to meet the boy for an afternoon of art.I wasn't allowed to take pictures in the museum itself, but the show that we went to see was really wonderful (I thought)...albeit short and sweet....one of the things I liked best about the Charley Harper show was the actual way the pieces were displayed. Next to that show was a room of video and assemblage pieces from performance artists, piquing many conversations between the boy and I about what art really was. Surprisingly, he responded to the pieces that I thought were a bit passe...there were whole corners of the room piled high with discarded furniture...as we turned the corner, he said "now, I like this." and I stifled a giggle thinking that I could have saved time and just taken him to ReCycle North, or my apartment. As for the rest of the museum...well...there wasn't much to the rest of the museum. The CAC doesn't have a permanent gallery, and I guess the winter is not the time that the museum packs them in. I did drag him down to the basement to see a few moments of Warhol's film "Empire"...an eight hour single shot of the Empire State Building. We came in during the evening shot, so the only thing visible were the lights...and then every so often some random flashes, like satellites or something. I had heard so much about the film, I was, at first sort of let down by the screening...but then I found myself thinking about what the random lights meant...where were they coming from...and why did Warhol do this in the first place...all the questions Andy wanted me to think about. I wanted to stay longer. I also thought a lot about Tyrone and the rest of the sardines and remembered the Green Door Art Hop installation they did a few years ago. I miss those kids. After the movie, we went to the top floor to the UnMuseum...the interactive kids area, which actually had the coolest piece (I thought)...an elephant made of cloth with all sorts of drawers fit into the side...each drawer housing a unique diorama...right up Martha's alley! Once we had exhausted the contemporary art (it took all of 30 minutes) he suggested that we go to the top of the Carew Tower, the tallest building in Cincinnati, where the following pictures were taken.
I used to work in the brown and black striped building...on the 19th floor.
We stayed up on the roof for a while, sharing memories of downtown and talking about the past few years...and asking random questions of each other. Actually, he was asking lots of the questions...I was feeling a bit selfish, talking about myself and my past more that I was giving back to him. I must work on that. As we spoke, I noticed that my name had been scratched into the paint on the guardrail
(click to enlarge...it's there, I swear.)
Once the sun went down, the beautiful day became a beautiful but frosty evening, and we retired to the Palm Court for drinks...
and then to a new chinese restaurant for dinner. Over drinks, he and I finally had a conversation about what had gone down between us in the last few months, which (I hope) cleared the air between us...I'm not going into details or anything...nor will I name names...but I think that after tonight, things will be a little easier between us. The thing I like best about this one is that he likes to talk and not just about himself or his feelings...he asks thoughtful questions and random ones as well. Should nuns and priests be allowed to marry? I'm not sure...but it's fun to debate. I suggested to him that we meet weekly just to hang out and talk...he seemed amenable to the suggestion, and we have tentative plans to go to the "regular" art museum next time. I got the feeling that Contemporary Art wasn't really his thing, but that's cool...classic artwork isn't my thing, but it beats sitting on my ass watching TV, which I am about to do tonight. My roommates and I still don't have cable, but they have a great movie selection and tonight I'm screening "V for Vendetta"...or I'll retire to my room and read my Econ. book. It's not as boring as it sounds! We're reading "Nickel and Dimed (On (not) Getting by in America)" and it's really enjoyable. I suggest that y'all read it, although it's depressing...in that it deals with the struggle of the working poor, which I related to, coming from my background in Burlington...no degree and working in high-stress minimum wage jobs...scraping by from paycheck to paycheck. Ugh. One of the other boys from the past just called me (at 12:30 AM) and demanded I come out with them...why couldn't they have called me earlier...when the goddamn bus is running? I can already hear Werner thinking "This is why you should be driving a car!" yeah yeah yeah...but parking is $13 and that's a bitch.
I used to work in the brown and black striped building...on the 19th floor.
We stayed up on the roof for a while, sharing memories of downtown and talking about the past few years...and asking random questions of each other. Actually, he was asking lots of the questions...I was feeling a bit selfish, talking about myself and my past more that I was giving back to him. I must work on that. As we spoke, I noticed that my name had been scratched into the paint on the guardrail
(click to enlarge...it's there, I swear.)
Once the sun went down, the beautiful day became a beautiful but frosty evening, and we retired to the Palm Court for drinks...
and then to a new chinese restaurant for dinner. Over drinks, he and I finally had a conversation about what had gone down between us in the last few months, which (I hope) cleared the air between us...I'm not going into details or anything...nor will I name names...but I think that after tonight, things will be a little easier between us. The thing I like best about this one is that he likes to talk and not just about himself or his feelings...he asks thoughtful questions and random ones as well. Should nuns and priests be allowed to marry? I'm not sure...but it's fun to debate. I suggested to him that we meet weekly just to hang out and talk...he seemed amenable to the suggestion, and we have tentative plans to go to the "regular" art museum next time. I got the feeling that Contemporary Art wasn't really his thing, but that's cool...classic artwork isn't my thing, but it beats sitting on my ass watching TV, which I am about to do tonight. My roommates and I still don't have cable, but they have a great movie selection and tonight I'm screening "V for Vendetta"...or I'll retire to my room and read my Econ. book. It's not as boring as it sounds! We're reading "Nickel and Dimed (On (not) Getting by in America)" and it's really enjoyable. I suggest that y'all read it, although it's depressing...in that it deals with the struggle of the working poor, which I related to, coming from my background in Burlington...no degree and working in high-stress minimum wage jobs...scraping by from paycheck to paycheck. Ugh. One of the other boys from the past just called me (at 12:30 AM) and demanded I come out with them...why couldn't they have called me earlier...when the goddamn bus is running? I can already hear Werner thinking "This is why you should be driving a car!" yeah yeah yeah...but parking is $13 and that's a bitch.
you've gotta be kidding me...it's only 10pm?
I succumbed to my desire for napping and took a two hour siesta this afternoon...only to be awakened by a call from the art museum rendez-vous boy. We spoke for a while, me a bit groggy and he full of questions about my past at City Market...did I feel that I was valued...was I part of a team? My answers were all nap-induced, and I found myself (predictably) making weird analogies about the problems with City Market...likening the management to a paint splatter. He and I have decided to meet at the "new" Cincinnati Contemporary Art Center tomorrow which has an exhibit by Charley Harper, whom I love. Perhaps after, we'll go out to dinner or something. I want to hang out with people so badly that I'm going out with a boy that told me I was a poor investment over Christmas. Granted, he has since made amends...awkwardly...but he does keep calling and the others just promise to call and then leave me hanging. What's a girl to think? Especially when she walks home...to her only safe haven, and there's five girls screaming and getting drunk. I feel displaced.
Now, I'm in front of the TV at the student center, watching "The Mexican" on TBS and blogging. My bar was too crowded for me to hang out with a book and Jameson, so I went directly to Awakenings and had a boozy coffee...I kind of just want to sleep now, but I can't go home yet.
Living with people is weird...not even because of the roommates...more due to the fact that I have no control over who comes over. Last night, in my PJ's and watching crappy TV, I had to get up and answer the door twice for random people...none of which my roomies even remembered came over the next day. I think these girls are alright...we're just from a different generation. I want to relax in my home and party outside, they only have the apartment.
Now I'm getting all wrapped up in "The Mexican" a movie I believe is the illustration of the inherent problem with the American Economy. If you have never seen it, the movie itself is pretty cute, with nice dialogue and original story. The secondary character casting is unique...some predictable (James Gandolfini as the gangster) and other lesser know people (like the child-psychologist from tv's Law and Order) but, in my opinion...the entire thing is ruined by the casting of Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts. The whole movie, I can't stop concentrating on the "star power", which completely overshadows the story aspect. It's like seeing a Hummer being driven by a soccer mom...sure it gets you to you kids soccer game...but so would a Prius. Plus, what could they have spent the extra $$ on, if they didn't have to give Julia $40 million and points on the gross?
horank@xavier.edu...no spam!
After much consternation and a few calls to the ISS department on campus, I finally have a computer profile set up, meaning I have a new e-mail address (horank@xavier.edu) in addition to the hotmail personal account at which I can still be reached. The first week of class has just come to a close for me, ending with my MicroEconomics class, whose homework nearly brought me to tears. I mean really. I was sitting in the cafeteria reading and getting ready to tackle the problems at the end of the chapter, when this table full of girls sits next to me, one with a huge hickey and the others loudly making fun of her and talking about their drunken escapades the night before. I was seething with rage, not just because I was having a hard time finding the percentage of national income that North Korea spends on the military in comparison to South Korea...but also, I jut don't think that getting so drunk you don't remember how you got home or who sucked on your neck is appealing anymore. I remember when it used to be my M.O. (I just put a stick up my ass in the last two years)...but these girls made me want to stab (In the words of Positive Tamsen.)
I have the camera back in action, and I am including a few pictures
This is the gorgeous day we are having (a few flurries in the morning...but in the sunshine it is positively warm) The building on the right is the Gallagher Student Center, which is where I am now and where I spend lots of time. There are four floors and free pool tables and video games as well as lots of big windows and small rooms to hang out in and do homework. Plus, there is a bar and a Subway and all the club offices. I'm trying to find a few organizations to join, and I am thinking that I want to start a crafting collective or at least begin to host a game night. If there's one thing I want to take from the seamonsters it's the priority of the gathering together.
and here I am, listening to a group meet to talk about a Valetine's Date auction. Damn, we should have done that at artsPROJECT, yo! Could you imagine a date auction at the Waiting Room...or in Burlington, for that matter. Come to think of it, we should have done a mock Laguna Beach reality show about B-town...so many good ideas
this is my lunch...salad with ranch dressing and (not pictured) a side of fries. there is something about eating fries and a salad that is like the ultimate in freedom...thank you Gloria Steinem for fighting for my right to eat veggies and fried starch without getting a complex. I have not found my Cincinnati shiner equivalent yet...speaking of which...
This is a commemorative picture of my second-to-last shiner...you know who calls me Ninja these days...yeah, nobody. I actually introduced myself to a cute boy the other day using my real name...how will he remember be now?!
Also included here is a random picture from my Econ. class.
I'm feeling behind, as many of my class notes and presentations and even homework are all online...and most of the lectures are from the professors home page. While I love this system and the paper-free lifestyle we're getting used to...I'm not as computer savvy as I thought, and reading 68 pages of theology on the computer doesn't seems as stimulating as turning the pages...maybe I'm just being crabby after getting confused by my economic principles. Plus, as always, I want to take a nap.
The boy from the past that was supposed to call me tonight still hasn't called, even to apologize...what the heck do I care for? Because I'm bored and I want to talk to someone face to face for a while, even if it is just about Jackass II, The Movie. My roommates are really sweet...kind of wild...the younger ones anyways (jb, you'll be jealous to note than last night they were drunk and kept showing me their "cute underpants" and asking me to go to the strip club with them.) I told them to get in the car and go to Kentucky...but they passed out about 5 minutes later, and this morning had little recollection of their requests.
How weird that I have an actual weekend...nothing planned and nothing to gt ready for except homework. I already have a few papers due next week, so I actually do have things I should do...but...my bed is so comfy!
This is the gorgeous day we are having (a few flurries in the morning...but in the sunshine it is positively warm) The building on the right is the Gallagher Student Center, which is where I am now and where I spend lots of time. There are four floors and free pool tables and video games as well as lots of big windows and small rooms to hang out in and do homework. Plus, there is a bar and a Subway and all the club offices. I'm trying to find a few organizations to join, and I am thinking that I want to start a crafting collective or at least begin to host a game night. If there's one thing I want to take from the seamonsters it's the priority of the gathering together.
and here I am, listening to a group meet to talk about a Valetine's Date auction. Damn, we should have done that at artsPROJECT, yo! Could you imagine a date auction at the Waiting Room...or in Burlington, for that matter. Come to think of it, we should have done a mock Laguna Beach reality show about B-town...so many good ideas
this is my lunch...salad with ranch dressing and (not pictured) a side of fries. there is something about eating fries and a salad that is like the ultimate in freedom...thank you Gloria Steinem for fighting for my right to eat veggies and fried starch without getting a complex. I have not found my Cincinnati shiner equivalent yet...speaking of which...
This is a commemorative picture of my second-to-last shiner...you know who calls me Ninja these days...yeah, nobody. I actually introduced myself to a cute boy the other day using my real name...how will he remember be now?!
Also included here is a random picture from my Econ. class.
I'm feeling behind, as many of my class notes and presentations and even homework are all online...and most of the lectures are from the professors home page. While I love this system and the paper-free lifestyle we're getting used to...I'm not as computer savvy as I thought, and reading 68 pages of theology on the computer doesn't seems as stimulating as turning the pages...maybe I'm just being crabby after getting confused by my economic principles. Plus, as always, I want to take a nap.
The boy from the past that was supposed to call me tonight still hasn't called, even to apologize...what the heck do I care for? Because I'm bored and I want to talk to someone face to face for a while, even if it is just about Jackass II, The Movie. My roommates are really sweet...kind of wild...the younger ones anyways (jb, you'll be jealous to note than last night they were drunk and kept showing me their "cute underpants" and asking me to go to the strip club with them.) I told them to get in the car and go to Kentucky...but they passed out about 5 minutes later, and this morning had little recollection of their requests.
How weird that I have an actual weekend...nothing planned and nothing to gt ready for except homework. I already have a few papers due next week, so I actually do have things I should do...but...my bed is so comfy!
outside the box
As I mentioned before, I go to the bar after class for a cocktail, and then to the coffee shop (Awakenings in Hyde Park, Gavin!) to have a shot of caffeine before boarding the bus back to school. I'm not sure if it was the whiskey or the fact that I am getting more comfortable...but this is turning out to be a fun adventure (note to self, read this entry when you are sad) Tonight I went to the bar to read my Lit. book and accidentally ran into someone that was supposed to call me tonight...oops for him...ah well. I ended up sitting next to the same guy I sat next to last night...a 25 year-old lawyer who likes movies and goes to the bar (Teller's) by himself after work...he's not a potential crush, but he does like the Jackass movies (Tamsen, take note...he loves Pontius) and didn't seem to mind when I broke into his conversation with the bartender. After speaking with him and watching the XU game (thank goodness, as it staved off the boredom and the task of reading the Lit. book I had originally intended to read...plus, a win for Xavier!!) I went to the coffee shop and was recognized by the barista (Jimmy), who spoke with me for a while before I had to catch the bus, and informed me that there is another bar in Cincinnati that serves Jameson for $3 a glass...what the fuck am I doing at Teller's?! After getting my tea for the evening, I got on the bus and couldn't help the smile that crept across my face...could it be that I am finding my own community?
Confession time...the only thing open on campus (as far as late night eats) is Subway...and I'm about to retire with a 6" turkey on whole wheat bread and mayo...I'm so mid-west.
No pictures...just words...like a really boring novel
I'm fighting the urge to nap every afternoon. Today I walked all over everywhere, forgetting for a while that I had my schoolbag and all my books with me. "Why does my back hurt?!" I kept wondering, as I slung the overstuffed bag this way and that in an attempt to ease the burden. I forgot about being a school gypsy...taking everything I need with me at all times. Luckily, the books are not awfully heavy...but can someone please explain to me why a 200 page economics book costs $119.50?? I'd sooner steal the book and photocopy the pages...I may just try that, anyway. Speaking of expensive, I had to purchase my individual insurance plan today. There's no going uninsured in college...or when your father sells insurance, like mine. Want to meet him? www.horanassoc.com. That's him on the welcome video. Nothing makes me miss City Market like paying for my own health insurance.
Today in Theology class we were discussing Young Adults and Religion, and the professor said: "I really want the young part of the class to lead this discussion...so Kelly and Joan can just keep quiet." Any illusion that I looked young dissolved with my classmates laughter...I'll get them back somehow!
I've been trading phone calls with a boy from the past and he and I and some others are supposed to get together tonight...but so far there has been no follow up call. Can I cut him off and go to the bar, or should I wait another half hour? Being in Cincy has made me impatient. Another boy from the past just called, and against my better judement, I made plans to see him this weekend. I'm making him take me to the art museum for a Georgia O'Keefe exhibit...no undertones there. Actually, this is the boy that told me I made a poor investment...why am I going to see him again?
This is the face of cheddar cheese people...
So...after a few days of getting acclimated and finally buying more batteries for the camera...I ventured into the dining hall to take a few shots of the local fare available to me. I literally laughed out loud when I saw the bin of cheddar cheese...ORANGE cheddar, of course...
(a small aside...there are three extremely enthusiastic D&D GM's having a debate at the table next to me...talking about hiring wizards to cast spells, and discussing the new idea of unlimited character concepts. oh, and they HATE Magic, The Gathering)
Getting back to the food. Unfortunately, I didn't get a shot of the "Veggie Saute" that was served Tuesday night for dinner...let's just say the prevailing flavor was the cream of mushroom soup that covered the brightly (?) colored veggies on the plate. I ate some out of pity for making the "chef" list the ingredients and methods, without getting a glimpse of the dish. Live and learn.
One thing that is awesome...
Unlimited amounts of Jello with whipped topping...it may be gelatin...but it's so tasty!
So my new routine is to leave the house in the morning and not go back until after my classes are over. I try and hang in the student center during the downtime, and then after classes are over for the day, I get on the bus and go to a lounge to read and do homework.
I've tried a few places and found that my favorite drink (Irish Whiskey on the rocks) is only $4 at my new favorite bar! Score! After the lounge, it's off to Awakenings...a sort of Uncommon Grounds style place...no overstuffed couches or booths...and lots of students my age tapping on their computers and listening to headphones. Last night I walked in and saw a boy I had met a month before I moved to Burlington 6 years ago...wild. He and I remembered each other well enough to keep talking, and then he was nice enough to drive me home.
It's not that I don't like where I live or anything...but it's still weird to think that it's not just my apartment; the three other ladies can have it in the afternoon...plus I miss my kitty so much, it's kind of wierd to hang out in "my room" without the Green Monster to keep me company.
Tonight is the XU/Mass. basketball game, and I am totally going. The word on campus is that ESPN will be there to capture our "school spirit" for some contest. We've been encouraged to paint our faces and dress up...I think I'll wear a blue sweater and sit in the back. Look for me.
The D&D kids have broken up, but their conversations were hilarious. I'm jealous of people with campus buddies...I still haven't found a boy to crush on or a few people to eat lunch with...I'm still the old lady that eats by herself...reading the paper and taking pictures of the cereal bar.
Peter...unlimited cereal...it's a dream come true!
Some dude is walking near me right now...he is wearing an Axl Rose t-shirt (which is awesome) and cut off shorts (ummm...) but the best part is that the kid looks just like Axl's picture...they both have their dirty blonde hair tied back with the same color bandana, and a scowl on their face. If I hadn't seen the kid in my Econ. class yeasterday, I would rush up and thank him for "Use your Illusion II"
I'm here, it's queer...I'll get used to it
Well, the sun has just broken though the clouds for the first time since I arrived. We've had lots of rain in Ohio lately, and the temps are in the low 30's, making everyone comment on the "fierce winter" we're having...I chuckle.
I left Burlington Sunday Morning at 6AM (after consuming my final shiner as a resident of VT) and snagged a window seat to say farewell to my beloved state. Unfortunately, it was too dark to see the mountains or the lake, but I took pictures regardless.
I could tell that the ultra-trendy couple behind me on the plane were giggling at my attempts to "take a cool picture for her blog" but whatever...I've learned to take it in stride...and then make sure my seat goes alllllll the way back for the duration of the flight.
After getting to Ohio, I went right to campus and moved into the apt, which is wicked hot and also inhabited by three other women. Luckily, they are all easygoing (so far) and there is one girl that is obviously "The Boss". I'm fine with that, as long as I can watch TV and don't have to clean up any one's barf.
Who says barf anymore? I do.
Today was the first day of class, and unfortunately, my camera is out of juice, otherwise I would have more to show you. I had philosophy and theology and I got a great laugh from the class when the professor posed the following scenario:
"Some say that Pigs are as intelligent as a 4 year old child. If that is true, and we kill pigs...why not kill children under four too?"
There's lots of silence in a class full of 19 year olds...so I blurt out "Because they don't taste as delicious?"
I'm eating in a cafeteria...probably the biggest shock to the system. Sodexo food...nothing is from anywhere around here...unless you count the trucking company that distributes the food. Hmmm...
Again, I should have pictures, and in fact, I am now motivated to get off the chair in the lounge and go to the bookstore and buy some batteries...some of this stuff is too good to be true...like the girls that came over last night to hang out, both with two 40oz. of Bud Light (each) TAPED to their hands.
Crap...I need to get a video camera.
I could tell that the ultra-trendy couple behind me on the plane were giggling at my attempts to "take a cool picture for her blog" but whatever...I've learned to take it in stride...and then make sure my seat goes alllllll the way back for the duration of the flight.
After getting to Ohio, I went right to campus and moved into the apt, which is wicked hot and also inhabited by three other women. Luckily, they are all easygoing (so far) and there is one girl that is obviously "The Boss". I'm fine with that, as long as I can watch TV and don't have to clean up any one's barf.
Who says barf anymore? I do.
Today was the first day of class, and unfortunately, my camera is out of juice, otherwise I would have more to show you. I had philosophy and theology and I got a great laugh from the class when the professor posed the following scenario:
"Some say that Pigs are as intelligent as a 4 year old child. If that is true, and we kill pigs...why not kill children under four too?"
There's lots of silence in a class full of 19 year olds...so I blurt out "Because they don't taste as delicious?"
I'm eating in a cafeteria...probably the biggest shock to the system. Sodexo food...nothing is from anywhere around here...unless you count the trucking company that distributes the food. Hmmm...
Again, I should have pictures, and in fact, I am now motivated to get off the chair in the lounge and go to the bookstore and buy some batteries...some of this stuff is too good to be true...like the girls that came over last night to hang out, both with two 40oz. of Bud Light (each) TAPED to their hands.
Crap...I need to get a video camera.
Ninja's "Last Chance to Make Out" Tour Dates 2007
The countdown to the last day in Burlington continues. Today is my last day at the famed City Market...and I am getting excited about moving on to school...the fear and sadness have pretty much waned, although when I see the view of New York from South Union Street, or the full moon lights my walk home...some sadness returns.
I'm leaving Burlington on a Jet plane at 6AM Sunday January 14thm, but until then...
THURSDAY- Brett Hughes will play at 1/2 Lounge and I will watch from 10pm-midnight...join me for a whiskey and some mighty fine tunes.
SATURDAY- Brunch at Sneakers in Winooski, 10AM...let's take over the restaurant...it's the best Brunch in all of Vermont!
Until the, I'll be cleaning and giving items away to the Possibility Shop and ReCycle North. I'm available for last minute making-out by appointment only.
Holy Crap, Batman! Where did the time go!
Well, here are some quick pictures of how I've spent the last three weeks...
I went home for the holidays, and attended a night of drinking at the Hoffbrau Hous in Newport Kentucky. As I'm sure I will point out in the future, Cincinnati has a very Germona heritage...and most things "in Cinncinnati" are actually located in Kentucky...like the Cincinnati International Airport...in Kentucky.
The Hoffbrau House is a place the my siblings (three pictured here) go each time they are home.
I had never been, and didn't really want to go, but they made me and it was a great idea. Lot's of drinking and dancing on tables...and lots of Ohio pride. After all the drinking, we went to Skyline...
The KKD of Cincinnati, except there's one everywhere.
Christmas was wonderful...it was nearly tropical weather...and there was definately no white chrsitmas.
I attended a formal dance with a lovely escort named Steve...he is a Rocket Scientist, likes Rum and Coke and pizza bagels and has an extremely dry humor...we had a lovely time that evening, and stayed out until 7AM!
After getting home, the reality of the move really set in...and of course, I put off the job of packing and cleaing in favor of seeing friends on New Year's and indulging in the malted hops beverage delight...
And now, the job of cleaning and packing continues...I won't post a picture of my messy apartment...it's too depressing...instead, I'll post a piture of the Beauty Queen/Zen Baby of 2006...and the best reason to stop and take a deep breath...
I went home for the holidays, and attended a night of drinking at the Hoffbrau Hous in Newport Kentucky. As I'm sure I will point out in the future, Cincinnati has a very Germona heritage...and most things "in Cinncinnati" are actually located in Kentucky...like the Cincinnati International Airport...in Kentucky.
The Hoffbrau House is a place the my siblings (three pictured here) go each time they are home.
I had never been, and didn't really want to go, but they made me and it was a great idea. Lot's of drinking and dancing on tables...and lots of Ohio pride. After all the drinking, we went to Skyline...
The KKD of Cincinnati, except there's one everywhere.
Christmas was wonderful...it was nearly tropical weather...and there was definately no white chrsitmas.
I attended a formal dance with a lovely escort named Steve...he is a Rocket Scientist, likes Rum and Coke and pizza bagels and has an extremely dry humor...we had a lovely time that evening, and stayed out until 7AM!
After getting home, the reality of the move really set in...and of course, I put off the job of packing and cleaing in favor of seeing friends on New Year's and indulging in the malted hops beverage delight...
And now, the job of cleaning and packing continues...I won't post a picture of my messy apartment...it's too depressing...instead, I'll post a piture of the Beauty Queen/Zen Baby of 2006...and the best reason to stop and take a deep breath...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)