Right now, I am sitting in a computer lab on campus with a little over four hours to go until my last class of the semester; my first semester of graduate school. Sometimes it's strange to think that I'm getting a masters. And that a PHD, while not really on my mind right now, isn't that crazy of a posibility to think about.
After my first semester back in school, I'm feeling pretty good. I think I've gotten back into the swing of studying, homework, and test taking. Next semester will be the true test. I know that Winter semester was always hardest for me in undergrad and I'm a little worried about the statistics and research class I have to take next semester. I think Dad's excited, though. First time he'll really be able to help me with homework since early high school. :)
Next semester I only have two classes to go to, so I'll probably get some more hours at work, which will be good for my hungry bank account. Most of the other people in my program will be taking an effective teaching course, complete with a 200 hour student teaching experience out in the schools. However, I was able to talk with my program head and they are able to count my student teaching from my undergrad for this requirement. Yay! I just have to make up the four credits I'll miss from the class by taking two other classes at some other point in the program. They still have to be graduate courses, so no fun, easy dance classes or something like that. It will probably be some kind of elective course or an extra class with one of the other cohorts. Either way, it will be a fun switch up.
After the class tonight is over, a few of us from class are going out for a few drinks to celebrate surviving our first term as graduate students! Party! Not really... but a time to speculate about grades, next term, and toast to a bright future. Then the semester is over! Yay! All I need to worry about for the next few weeks is work, getting the house cleaned and ready, and playing with my baby sister when she gets here next Saturday (yay!!!). Looking forward to all that.
Not much else is going on right now. Just school, work, school, and work. Occasionally I'll watch tv before bed or take a break from homework and clean the kitchen (that REALLY needs to be done...).
To one term down! Ten more to go! :)
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Creepers of the world: LEAVE ME ALONE!!!
What is it with creepy old guys? Why must they be so creepy? And why do they need to find me? First there was the Creepy Shoe Guy that kissed me on the cheek when I was shopping with Tara. Then there was the Creepy Subway Romeo
who tried getting me to go eat with him even though we had maybe three
sentences of shared language between us (what did he hope to accomplish
on this date? Creeper...).
Well, now we can add Creepy Max Man to that list.
My graduate program is mostly made up of night classes. Yeah... it's annoying. I don't particularly enjoy having class from 4 to 9:30 at night, three days a week. Yuck! It's a good thing I like all my classes. My second and final class Monday nights is probably the best (the professor is HILARIOUS).
But, having classes at night has one particular draw back: taking the max (light rail) home at night. There's usually a fair amount of people out and about when I get out of class and onto the max. But it's still dark and, therefore, scary.
Last night, this Monday, I was standing waiting for the max at Pioneer Square when this old guy dressed like a 19 year old skate-boarder (honestly?) approached a woman who was eating out of a bag of chips. He tells her, "You know, you shouldn't eat carbs after 7."
Really? Do you know her? Is her eating chips at 9:30 any of your freaking business, man-child?
Apparently she felt the same way and laughed in his face. "F**k you! Does it LOOK like I f*****g care?!" And walked away. He was rather put out that she didn't immediately throw herself to her knees and worship his advice giving self. With all that, I was rather on edge, keeping an eye on him.
On edge as I was, I was NOT happy to see an old guy going around asking for money from everyone. UGH. Now, part of me feels bad and WANTS to give people money or food or something. But, you know what? My safety comes first and I prefer to have more control on situations where I am doing work for the homeless. Sorry if that doesn't seem perfectly Christlike, but I think it is needed in this world.
Anyways. So the guy is going around and I'm running through all the verbal self defense stuff that I've gone through with my sister's Taekwondo teacher and with my dad and I'm mildly freaking out inside but making sure my face is stony and my posture strong. BUTREALLYI'MFREAKINGOUT.
Finally he comes up to me and already he TOTALLY invades my little personal bubble with how close he is to me. He asks for money, I back up and tell him I don't carry any cash. Then he looks at me and says I look like I need a hug and he steps a little closer.
This is the point when beggar man became Creepy Max Man.
I put up my hands and say, "No," pretty dang clearly, making sure to keep eye contact though every instinct in me is wanting to look at the ground. But Creepy Max Man keeps talking and makes like he's going to move forward again so I hold my hands up more and say, loudly this time, "YOU NEED TO GO NOW."
Got a few stares and the look on the guy's face was pretty priceless. But he nodded, looked at the ground, and said, "Okay," before moving on to the couple a few feet away from me. I watched until he had talked to all the people and moved past Starbucks and then I pulled out my phone and texted my sister something like "HOLY CRAP!! I JUST TOTALLY USED VERBAL SELF DEFENSE AND I'M FREAKING OUT!!! DX"
My hands had stopped shaking by the time the max pulled up and I was done berating myself for shaking from such a minor encounter. I mean, Creepy Max Man probably wouldn't have done anything even if I HAD let him hug me. But I didn't know that. And I didn't know him. If you know me at all, you know I'm just a little big of a feminist (har har) and I could go on about the female public body etc but I won't. All you need to know is that you don't get to touch me if I don't want you to. END OF STORY.
Now, this story could have gone a bit differently if, say, this man had asked me for a hug:
Mmmm... Yes, Mr. Hemsworth. I DO need a hug.
I mean... LOOK AT THOSE ARMS!!!
Okay... one more.
Well, now we can add Creepy Max Man to that list.
My graduate program is mostly made up of night classes. Yeah... it's annoying. I don't particularly enjoy having class from 4 to 9:30 at night, three days a week. Yuck! It's a good thing I like all my classes. My second and final class Monday nights is probably the best (the professor is HILARIOUS).
But, having classes at night has one particular draw back: taking the max (light rail) home at night. There's usually a fair amount of people out and about when I get out of class and onto the max. But it's still dark and, therefore, scary.
Last night, this Monday, I was standing waiting for the max at Pioneer Square when this old guy dressed like a 19 year old skate-boarder (honestly?) approached a woman who was eating out of a bag of chips. He tells her, "You know, you shouldn't eat carbs after 7."
Really? Do you know her? Is her eating chips at 9:30 any of your freaking business, man-child?
Apparently she felt the same way and laughed in his face. "F**k you! Does it LOOK like I f*****g care?!" And walked away. He was rather put out that she didn't immediately throw herself to her knees and worship his advice giving self. With all that, I was rather on edge, keeping an eye on him.
On edge as I was, I was NOT happy to see an old guy going around asking for money from everyone. UGH. Now, part of me feels bad and WANTS to give people money or food or something. But, you know what? My safety comes first and I prefer to have more control on situations where I am doing work for the homeless. Sorry if that doesn't seem perfectly Christlike, but I think it is needed in this world.
Anyways. So the guy is going around and I'm running through all the verbal self defense stuff that I've gone through with my sister's Taekwondo teacher and with my dad and I'm mildly freaking out inside but making sure my face is stony and my posture strong. BUTREALLYI'MFREAKINGOUT.
Finally he comes up to me and already he TOTALLY invades my little personal bubble with how close he is to me. He asks for money, I back up and tell him I don't carry any cash. Then he looks at me and says I look like I need a hug and he steps a little closer.
This is the point when beggar man became Creepy Max Man.
I put up my hands and say, "No," pretty dang clearly, making sure to keep eye contact though every instinct in me is wanting to look at the ground. But Creepy Max Man keeps talking and makes like he's going to move forward again so I hold my hands up more and say, loudly this time, "YOU NEED TO GO NOW."
Got a few stares and the look on the guy's face was pretty priceless. But he nodded, looked at the ground, and said, "Okay," before moving on to the couple a few feet away from me. I watched until he had talked to all the people and moved past Starbucks and then I pulled out my phone and texted my sister something like "HOLY CRAP!! I JUST TOTALLY USED VERBAL SELF DEFENSE AND I'M FREAKING OUT!!! DX"
My hands had stopped shaking by the time the max pulled up and I was done berating myself for shaking from such a minor encounter. I mean, Creepy Max Man probably wouldn't have done anything even if I HAD let him hug me. But I didn't know that. And I didn't know him. If you know me at all, you know I'm just a little big of a feminist (har har) and I could go on about the female public body etc but I won't. All you need to know is that you don't get to touch me if I don't want you to. END OF STORY.
Now, this story could have gone a bit differently if, say, this man had asked me for a hug:
Mmmm... Yes, Mr. Hemsworth. I DO need a hug.
I mean... LOOK AT THOSE ARMS!!!
Monday, November 12, 2012
I'm so OOOOOLLLDDD!!!!
Another birthday, another year closer to being OOOOLLLLDDD.
I do have to say that it's odd being 26, now, and having a mother who is "30." And, like my mom did before her "30th" birthday, I decided to do a list of things to do before my next big birthday, my "30 before I'm 30" list.
(it should be noted here that I hate balloons and all birthday wishes should be kept balloon free)
And here it is! 30 things that I want to do before I'm 30:
1. Graduate from the Portland State School Counseling graduate program
2. Sell a piece of my artwork
3. Go on a trip with my sister
4. Read the unabridged version of "Les Miserables"
5. Move out of my parents' house
6. Decorate a room the way that I really want to
7. Make something for my future home
8. Shoot a gun (that one actually scares me...)
9. Get a "real" job
10. Learn a new skill
11. Paint a piece of furniture
12. Have a theme party (perhaps "Nightmare Before Christmas"?)
13. Make and send holiday cards
14. Organize a recipe binder of things I can cook well
15. Take sister photos
16. Get a family portrait
17. Cosplay
18. Watch "Gone With the Wind" in one sitting
19. Practice my language skills (Spanish? Korean?)
20. Put fun color in my hair
21. Create a filing system for important documents
22. Take a fun class
23. Learn to sing Korean karaoke
24. Bake GOOD cookies (all by myself!!)
25. Write a letter to my future self
26. Go back to Korea (hopefully with a job there, but I'll settle for a vacation)
27. Tour Portland Shanghai Tunnels
28. Go to New York
29. Buy a car
30. Learn a new song on the piano
In several of my classes, we've talked about the importance of effort leading to success: teaching students that effort leads to success helps them take control of their life and see that success is not an innately born trait of the academically smart. Rather, success can often be the result of a choice to work hard, put in the time and effort needed to reach a goal. Part of this would be getting students to set their own goals and work towards them. This is something I also want to model for my students: continually setting goals and working towards attaining them.
Some of the things are life milestones (moving out), others more fun and silly (learning to sing Korean Karaoke), but all of the things on this list are things that I want to be able to accomplish before I turn 30 years old. Making and attaining goals is something I hope to continue to do throughout my entire life.
Wish me luck!!
I do have to say that it's odd being 26, now, and having a mother who is "30." And, like my mom did before her "30th" birthday, I decided to do a list of things to do before my next big birthday, my "30 before I'm 30" list.
And here it is! 30 things that I want to do before I'm 30:
2. Sell a piece of my artwork
3. Go on a trip with my sister
4. Read the unabridged version of "Les Miserables"
5. Move out of my parents' house
7. Make something for my future home
8. Shoot a gun (that one actually scares me...)
11. Paint a piece of furniture
12. Have a theme party (perhaps "Nightmare Before Christmas"?)
14. Organize a recipe binder of things I can cook well
16. Get a family portrait
17. Cosplay
18. Watch "Gone With the Wind" in one sitting
21. Create a filing system for important documents
25. Write a letter to my future self
27. Tour Portland Shanghai Tunnels
In several of my classes, we've talked about the importance of effort leading to success: teaching students that effort leads to success helps them take control of their life and see that success is not an innately born trait of the academically smart. Rather, success can often be the result of a choice to work hard, put in the time and effort needed to reach a goal. Part of this would be getting students to set their own goals and work towards them. This is something I also want to model for my students: continually setting goals and working towards attaining them.
Some of the things are life milestones (moving out), others more fun and silly (learning to sing Korean Karaoke), but all of the things on this list are things that I want to be able to accomplish before I turn 30 years old. Making and attaining goals is something I hope to continue to do throughout my entire life.
Wish me luck!!
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Dentist and Politics (I'm SORRY!!)
I spent my election day this year at the dentist and work. If it hadn't been that Obama had won, it would have completely ruined my week (sorry Romney fans...).
I am turning 26 on Monday (OH MY GOD I'M SO OOOOLLLDD!!!) and so I have been getting various appointments out of the way, seeing as I will be dropped from my parents' insurance as of this momentous day. This meant two trips to the dentist: one to have them yell at me about not flossing, and a second to shoot me up with copious amounts of novicane to then drill at three tiny cavities that we "would ordinarily just watch, but due to your insurance ending, we'll just take care of it now."
Gee, thanks Dr. Thompson.
It was an oddly bittersweet day at the dentist (mostly bitter). I have been going to Dr. Thompson since I was 10 years old. He has been the only person to treat my adult teeths (and find a cavity in nearly every freaking one, I think). This was my last time in his office, probably. My next appointment will be with a complete stranger that I find through the school insurance. And, knowing my teeth, it's important that I go at least every six months. Ick.
Anyways, half my face was numb for the following six hours, during which I attended work and couldn't really smile or talk. It was annoying.
Tuesday night I decided that I wasn't going to watch any of the coverage of the election. Instead I watched tv on my computer... until I got a text from a girl at school informing me of that Obama had won.
My personal feelings are, "Meh. I'm happy that Romney didn't win." But I'm not throwing a huge Obama-fan party. I personally think he's a very charismatic man who makes great speeches, but I personally don't see the president as having all that much power when it comes down to it.
I also don't really understand Obama haters or Romney haters. I dislike Romney, but I don't HATE HIM... he just kind of creeps me out and we disagree philosophically speaking (seriously... "Binder Full of Women?" Poor word choice, dude) but I don't HATE HIM. If he had become president, I would have been a little bummed, but I wouldn't be throwing the hissy fit that some of my more condervative friends have been throwing on Facebook and other various areas (mostly Facebook....).
Here is what I say to those of you whining so much about the Obama win (particularly those of you who seriously seem to think that the world is going to end):
CHILL. THE HECK. OUT.
Obama being reelected is not the end of the world. People are whining about how people want hand outs and aren't working and waah waah waah. It's out current culture in this country (and, well, many of the developed countries in the world), not the president. And, honestly? The problems are a lot bigger than some people make them out to be (beware the Straw Men!!). It's not just people who don't want to work that get help from the government. Who are we to judge who is the "deserving poor" who deserves monetary help from the government? (This has been the most consistant thing people whine about, which is why I address it.)
And if you want to change something, if you have great ideas for how things should be done, rather than bitching about them on Facebook, DO SOMETHING. Write to your senator, governor, or something. RUN FOR FREAKING OFFICE IF YOU THINK YOU CAN DO BETTER. Get your voice heard in a productive forum.
My personal way of trying to make things better is to become a school counselor and try to help people from that post. Maybe I won't make a huge difference, probably nothing will change, but to those people who I help find resources to keep their family healthy and happy, I think I will at least be doing something right.
So, honestly, people. The world isn't coming to an end. You'll be fine. Just do the best you can do, and, in the end of the end, it will be enough.
I am turning 26 on Monday (OH MY GOD I'M SO OOOOLLLDD!!!) and so I have been getting various appointments out of the way, seeing as I will be dropped from my parents' insurance as of this momentous day. This meant two trips to the dentist: one to have them yell at me about not flossing, and a second to shoot me up with copious amounts of novicane to then drill at three tiny cavities that we "would ordinarily just watch, but due to your insurance ending, we'll just take care of it now."
Gee, thanks Dr. Thompson.
It was an oddly bittersweet day at the dentist (mostly bitter). I have been going to Dr. Thompson since I was 10 years old. He has been the only person to treat my adult teeths (and find a cavity in nearly every freaking one, I think). This was my last time in his office, probably. My next appointment will be with a complete stranger that I find through the school insurance. And, knowing my teeth, it's important that I go at least every six months. Ick.
Anyways, half my face was numb for the following six hours, during which I attended work and couldn't really smile or talk. It was annoying.
Tuesday night I decided that I wasn't going to watch any of the coverage of the election. Instead I watched tv on my computer... until I got a text from a girl at school informing me of that Obama had won.
My personal feelings are, "Meh. I'm happy that Romney didn't win." But I'm not throwing a huge Obama-fan party. I personally think he's a very charismatic man who makes great speeches, but I personally don't see the president as having all that much power when it comes down to it.
I also don't really understand Obama haters or Romney haters. I dislike Romney, but I don't HATE HIM... he just kind of creeps me out and we disagree philosophically speaking (seriously... "Binder Full of Women?" Poor word choice, dude) but I don't HATE HIM. If he had become president, I would have been a little bummed, but I wouldn't be throwing the hissy fit that some of my more condervative friends have been throwing on Facebook and other various areas (mostly Facebook....).
Here is what I say to those of you whining so much about the Obama win (particularly those of you who seriously seem to think that the world is going to end):
CHILL. THE HECK. OUT.
Obama being reelected is not the end of the world. People are whining about how people want hand outs and aren't working and waah waah waah. It's out current culture in this country (and, well, many of the developed countries in the world), not the president. And, honestly? The problems are a lot bigger than some people make them out to be (beware the Straw Men!!). It's not just people who don't want to work that get help from the government. Who are we to judge who is the "deserving poor" who deserves monetary help from the government? (This has been the most consistant thing people whine about, which is why I address it.)
And if you want to change something, if you have great ideas for how things should be done, rather than bitching about them on Facebook, DO SOMETHING. Write to your senator, governor, or something. RUN FOR FREAKING OFFICE IF YOU THINK YOU CAN DO BETTER. Get your voice heard in a productive forum.
My personal way of trying to make things better is to become a school counselor and try to help people from that post. Maybe I won't make a huge difference, probably nothing will change, but to those people who I help find resources to keep their family healthy and happy, I think I will at least be doing something right.
So, honestly, people. The world isn't coming to an end. You'll be fine. Just do the best you can do, and, in the end of the end, it will be enough.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Halloween Party!
Happy Halloween, everyone! I hope everyone is having an enjoyable and spooky holiday. I have work and school today so not much fun for me. Oh well! I was able to quickly catch a buy one get one sweater sale at H&M. Two cozy sweaters to keep me toasty this winter. Yay! ^^
This last weekend I had a Halloween party with some of my friends. It was a lot of fun. My mom helped me fix up my costume. I was a dead doll. Apparently all of the close up shots of my makeup turned out fuzzy. But it's way cooler than it looks here.
There were some lots of great costumes show up: a cat, roadkill, Twilight vampire (she *SPARKLED*), a leprechaun, a Mexican, martial artist, mafia member, and Medusa (complete with scaley makeup and "snake" hair!).
An overall fabulous time was had and I'm glad I had a party. Jesi and I are wanting to have a Halloween/Christmas party next year. A "Nightmare Before Christmas" themed party: Christmas/Halloween decorations, scary costumes, a white elephant gift exchange, and holiday foods from both holidays! I'm excited about that one. I hope it works out. I think that could be even MORE awesome. ^^
Well, I'm off to class soon, now. Happy Halloween!!
This last weekend I had a Halloween party with some of my friends. It was a lot of fun. My mom helped me fix up my costume. I was a dead doll. Apparently all of the close up shots of my makeup turned out fuzzy. But it's way cooler than it looks here.
I put up a bunch of streamers and spiderwebs and bones and rats for decorations. Because I was also busy with school and work the week before, I decorated pretty early. There were a few times when some of my decorations (namely the rats) scared me a bit. Oops!
There was lots of food: pizza, candy, chips, and homemade cupcakes and cookies (decorated by moi). Michelle also brought homemade carrot cake (which is not pictured here but was SUPER cute and uber tastey!).
James described my cookies as "droll" which I thought was adorable. I haven't heard that word in ages!
We played a couple of games, but the most fun, I think at least, was the classic "eat the donut off a string game! There were, of course, prize bags handed out to the winners.
There were some lots of great costumes show up: a cat, roadkill, Twilight vampire (she *SPARKLED*), a leprechaun, a Mexican, martial artist, mafia member, and Medusa (complete with scaley makeup and "snake" hair!).
An overall fabulous time was had and I'm glad I had a party. Jesi and I are wanting to have a Halloween/Christmas party next year. A "Nightmare Before Christmas" themed party: Christmas/Halloween decorations, scary costumes, a white elephant gift exchange, and holiday foods from both holidays! I'm excited about that one. I hope it works out. I think that could be even MORE awesome. ^^
Well, I'm off to class soon, now. Happy Halloween!!
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Keep on keepin' on
Things keep going. And I'm doing pretty good. Classes and school are
keeping me busy, and it's only going to get busier. I got a look at the
first draft of the November schedule for work and things are going to
get pretty crazy busy.
And I say, "BRING IT ON!!!"
No, I mostly say, "Yaaay..." in a tired voice with a small smile.
Things have been especially crazy these past few weeks as, in between work, school, and homework, I've been getting ready to have a Halloween party! I am really excited for it. My mom helped me fix up a costume. We took an old dress from Goodwill, cut up the hem so my red crinoline skirt can peek out, added an awesome collar and a spider brooch, and then made some hair ties with extra lace. I'll add some awesome makeup and crazy hair and I'll be a dead doll. Pretty awesome. I'll post pictures after the party. :)
Dad helped me out this week as well. We had a self defense night for the women at church and he came and taught for us. It was a lot of fun. Everyone had a really great time. It's always fun to yell and hit stuff. And Dad is a really fun teacher. ^^
In other news.... I might be going to New York next summer (and maybe D.C. if my friend has her wedding around my New York trip)!! I have to take Multicultural Counseling next summer and there are two options. One, take the class as a ten week course in a classroom, normal normal style. Not as exciting but cheaper (not CHEAP: tuition is still expensive) Option TWO is to take a one week intensive course in New York where we go around to all the different neighborhoods and talk to leaders of the community. I've talked to several of the students who have gone and it sounds pretty freaking amazing. It is, however, expensive. In addition to tuition costs, I need to pay for hotel ($80 a night), airfare (anywhere from $700-$800 or so), a program fee ($380), plus food and transportation to and from the airport.
So I'm needing a bit of extra money. I've gotten about a quarter of the way there already, but if anyone wants to help, birthday and Christmas are both coming up and money is an easy and very much appreciated gift!
Here is a lovely video of a day spent in New York City. Isn't it lovely and fun? Wouldn't it be awesome to take a class there?
And I say, "BRING IT ON!!!"
No, I mostly say, "Yaaay..." in a tired voice with a small smile.
Things have been especially crazy these past few weeks as, in between work, school, and homework, I've been getting ready to have a Halloween party! I am really excited for it. My mom helped me fix up a costume. We took an old dress from Goodwill, cut up the hem so my red crinoline skirt can peek out, added an awesome collar and a spider brooch, and then made some hair ties with extra lace. I'll add some awesome makeup and crazy hair and I'll be a dead doll. Pretty awesome. I'll post pictures after the party. :)
Dad helped me out this week as well. We had a self defense night for the women at church and he came and taught for us. It was a lot of fun. Everyone had a really great time. It's always fun to yell and hit stuff. And Dad is a really fun teacher. ^^
In other news.... I might be going to New York next summer (and maybe D.C. if my friend has her wedding around my New York trip)!! I have to take Multicultural Counseling next summer and there are two options. One, take the class as a ten week course in a classroom, normal normal style. Not as exciting but cheaper (not CHEAP: tuition is still expensive) Option TWO is to take a one week intensive course in New York where we go around to all the different neighborhoods and talk to leaders of the community. I've talked to several of the students who have gone and it sounds pretty freaking amazing. It is, however, expensive. In addition to tuition costs, I need to pay for hotel ($80 a night), airfare (anywhere from $700-$800 or so), a program fee ($380), plus food and transportation to and from the airport.
So I'm needing a bit of extra money. I've gotten about a quarter of the way there already, but if anyone wants to help, birthday and Christmas are both coming up and money is an easy and very much appreciated gift!
Here is a lovely video of a day spent in New York City. Isn't it lovely and fun? Wouldn't it be awesome to take a class there?
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Maybe I'll sleep...
Well the past few weeks have been interesting to say the least. Life has been hectic since classes started. I'm loving my classes, by the way. They are all really interesting and I love how everything I am learning is applicable to what I'll be doing. We're not wasting any time with "broadening our horizons," but rather diving right into the good stuff. That makes me really happy because my time is precious.
Not to mention that this is costing A LOT of money.
First let me fill you in on what my schedule looks like until December:
Mondays I leave for the light rail around 2pm or so to head downtown. Human Development starts at 4 and goes until 6:30. We are learning about human cognitive, emotional, and physical development which comes in super handy in my next class. From 6:40 to 9:20 I have Theory Fundamentals where we are learning about the basic psychological theories. This week we discussed Freud and Psychoanalysis. Next week we will delve into the realms of Psychodynamics. It's all very interesting and I love seeing the theories put to use in the DVD's we watch of actual counseling sessions where the therapists use the theory we are discussing.
After class, I take the light rail back and get home around 10:30 or so.
Tuesdays I might have a day "off" to catch up on homework and chores or I might work if we have a session (usually only once a month).
Wednesdays I will usually work from 8:30 until 2 at the latest so I can take the light rail downtown again, this time for Parents, Schools, and Community Communication from 4 to 6:30. Here we learn about the various responsibilities of school counselors when it comes to community involvement. After that I have group therapy from 7 to 9. This is probably the high light of my week right now. It's actual group therapy with other members of my cohort (though I am the only School Counselor out of the bunch... it's mostly Clinical and Rehabilitation). It's a great experience.
Thursdays I usually have work in the morning and then I head downtown again for my last class of the week: Effective Teaching from 6:40 to 8:30. I'll have this class through June. It is essentially a class to complete a 200 hour student teaching experience. It shouldn't be too difficult. Hopefully it's mostly review, considering I got my BA in English Teaching!
Some Fridays I work, but mostly I have them off to do more homework, hopefully some dishes, and possible go out and have some fun (Mom and I went shopping yesterday).
I work every Saturday morning. I'll probably be Dina's lead for most Saturdays. Today was my first time being lead on a Saturday. I think it went fairly well, considering we were having a few crises in the back. I don't think the guests had a clue that we almost ran out of alfredo sauce! ^_^
Then Sundays I got church. This weekend is Conference which means church at home in bed in pajamas!
Tomorrow I also have to head downtown for a "Town-hall Meeting" for the school counselors where we will be matched up with a mentor as well as get other information about program things, I'm sure. It will also be a nice time to just hang out and talk with some of the fun people in the program.
Speaking of fun people in the program. I was talking with one of the other girls the other night, and we discovered that we attended the same high school. And were in the same graduating class. Small world, eh?
Also this week, Mom and I made a pretty promotional piece for work. Well, I designed it and cut things out. Mom's the one that stayed up late and glued, glittered, and ribboned everything into perfection. It looks beautiful! Exactly how I pictured it when I made the design. I stopped at St. Cupcake on Thursday and got Mom one of her favorite coconut cupcakes as a thank you gift (I'm eating mine right now).
The only other thing going on right now that I can think of is that I'm having a Halloween party! Yay! It will be awesome! I practice my makeup tonight for my dead doll costume and it looks AWESOME. Mom is helping me with my costume and it is going to look so cool! I am way stoked. I'd show you some pictures, but right now finishing up this post quick and spending some time watching TV before going to Wal Mart is looking more appealing than getting photos off my camera and onto here. Sorry. I'll have to show you another time. Possibly when my amazing costume is ready!!
I hope everyone out there is enjoying themselves. Jesi is off at BYU and Dad is in Vietnam so it's just Mom and me right now. And tomorrow we're making cookies! For my party! Yay! ^_^
Not to mention that this is costing A LOT of money.
First let me fill you in on what my schedule looks like until December:
Mondays I leave for the light rail around 2pm or so to head downtown. Human Development starts at 4 and goes until 6:30. We are learning about human cognitive, emotional, and physical development which comes in super handy in my next class. From 6:40 to 9:20 I have Theory Fundamentals where we are learning about the basic psychological theories. This week we discussed Freud and Psychoanalysis. Next week we will delve into the realms of Psychodynamics. It's all very interesting and I love seeing the theories put to use in the DVD's we watch of actual counseling sessions where the therapists use the theory we are discussing.
After class, I take the light rail back and get home around 10:30 or so.
Tuesdays I might have a day "off" to catch up on homework and chores or I might work if we have a session (usually only once a month).
Wednesdays I will usually work from 8:30 until 2 at the latest so I can take the light rail downtown again, this time for Parents, Schools, and Community Communication from 4 to 6:30. Here we learn about the various responsibilities of school counselors when it comes to community involvement. After that I have group therapy from 7 to 9. This is probably the high light of my week right now. It's actual group therapy with other members of my cohort (though I am the only School Counselor out of the bunch... it's mostly Clinical and Rehabilitation). It's a great experience.
Thursdays I usually have work in the morning and then I head downtown again for my last class of the week: Effective Teaching from 6:40 to 8:30. I'll have this class through June. It is essentially a class to complete a 200 hour student teaching experience. It shouldn't be too difficult. Hopefully it's mostly review, considering I got my BA in English Teaching!
Some Fridays I work, but mostly I have them off to do more homework, hopefully some dishes, and possible go out and have some fun (Mom and I went shopping yesterday).
I work every Saturday morning. I'll probably be Dina's lead for most Saturdays. Today was my first time being lead on a Saturday. I think it went fairly well, considering we were having a few crises in the back. I don't think the guests had a clue that we almost ran out of alfredo sauce! ^_^
Then Sundays I got church. This weekend is Conference which means church at home in bed in pajamas!
Tomorrow I also have to head downtown for a "Town-hall Meeting" for the school counselors where we will be matched up with a mentor as well as get other information about program things, I'm sure. It will also be a nice time to just hang out and talk with some of the fun people in the program.
Speaking of fun people in the program. I was talking with one of the other girls the other night, and we discovered that we attended the same high school. And were in the same graduating class. Small world, eh?
Also this week, Mom and I made a pretty promotional piece for work. Well, I designed it and cut things out. Mom's the one that stayed up late and glued, glittered, and ribboned everything into perfection. It looks beautiful! Exactly how I pictured it when I made the design. I stopped at St. Cupcake on Thursday and got Mom one of her favorite coconut cupcakes as a thank you gift (I'm eating mine right now).
The only other thing going on right now that I can think of is that I'm having a Halloween party! Yay! It will be awesome! I practice my makeup tonight for my dead doll costume and it looks AWESOME. Mom is helping me with my costume and it is going to look so cool! I am way stoked. I'd show you some pictures, but right now finishing up this post quick and spending some time watching TV before going to Wal Mart is looking more appealing than getting photos off my camera and onto here. Sorry. I'll have to show you another time. Possibly when my amazing costume is ready!!
I hope everyone out there is enjoying themselves. Jesi is off at BYU and Dad is in Vietnam so it's just Mom and me right now. And tomorrow we're making cookies! For my party! Yay! ^_^
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Grad School Orientation
Tomorrow is my first day of graduate school. It's becoming real. I'm getting a little freaked. I blame orientation.
Thursday I spent all day on campus with the other people in my cohort (which consists of everyone going into rehabilitation, clinical mental health, marriage and family, and school counseling). The professors spent the day spending half the time congratulating us on getting into the program and the other half of the time telling us the next three years are going to be Hell. I exaggerate, of course, but it was still a lot of information in a short amount of time and a lot of us were a bit overwhelmed. I met some fun people who I hope to get to know well over the next three years.
I've spent the majority of my free time since then getting organized for next week. Picked up my room some, got some online things done for school, cleaned up my bookmarks so that they are a little more organized. All I need to do now is get my books, figure out how to put my school email on Thunderbird (it's being a big pain), and finish organizing my room.
Aside from school, I have work which is going as well as can be expected. We are trying to find some new people to hire on, but that is proving a little more difficult than the owner could hope. We have a new dishwasher who turned out to be from my parents' ward and was friends with my sister. Funny how things work out.
So with school, work, and my limited social life, life is pretty good. Things are going to be insanely busy for the next three years. My first year is supposed to be the "easiest" and I plan on getting as much fun things as possible fit into that span of time. Hoping to have a Halloween party and we'll see how that works out.
Wish me luck!
Thursday I spent all day on campus with the other people in my cohort (which consists of everyone going into rehabilitation, clinical mental health, marriage and family, and school counseling). The professors spent the day spending half the time congratulating us on getting into the program and the other half of the time telling us the next three years are going to be Hell. I exaggerate, of course, but it was still a lot of information in a short amount of time and a lot of us were a bit overwhelmed. I met some fun people who I hope to get to know well over the next three years.
I've spent the majority of my free time since then getting organized for next week. Picked up my room some, got some online things done for school, cleaned up my bookmarks so that they are a little more organized. All I need to do now is get my books, figure out how to put my school email on Thunderbird (it's being a big pain), and finish organizing my room.
Aside from school, I have work which is going as well as can be expected. We are trying to find some new people to hire on, but that is proving a little more difficult than the owner could hope. We have a new dishwasher who turned out to be from my parents' ward and was friends with my sister. Funny how things work out.
So with school, work, and my limited social life, life is pretty good. Things are going to be insanely busy for the next three years. My first year is supposed to be the "easiest" and I plan on getting as much fun things as possible fit into that span of time. Hoping to have a Halloween party and we'll see how that works out.
Wish me luck!
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Salt Lake
After hanging with my chicky, I headed up with my friend Mindy for a
long weekend of fun in Salt Lake. I spent Thursday all alone in her
house while Mindy went to work to make some monies. She took Friday off
so we could spend some more time together.
On Friday we went to a little area with a Korean gift shop, Korean bakery, and Korean grocery store! We got all the makings for kimbop (Korean sushi (kind of) ), Chapaghetti (a ramen with black bean sauce and veggies... one of my favorites!), chocopies (like moon pies, I've been told), and tasty treats from the bakery.
That night we went to visit with Mindy's Russian friends from church and Anya made Korean chicken and rice porridge. It tasted like really good chicken and rice soup from Cambells. With whole cloves of tasty tasty garlic in it. I am making it. While we waited for it to cook, we watched an episode of a new Korean drama that looks very promising.
The next day, Mindy and I got up and made bulgogi kimbop! Sooo good! We took a piece of seaweed, spread some rice, then added pickled radish, spinach, carrot, and bulgogi before rolling it all up.
Isn't it pretty? Mindy does such a good job. Here's one that I rolled up! It got a little rice on the outside, though. Sad. :(
More tasty shots of kimbop.
While we (meaning Mindy...) sliced it all up and rolled it into foil for when the Russians came over, I said hello to an old friend of mine from college.
It no longer smells like marshmallows, which is sad, but it still always makes me really happy to see because I remember when Mindy would accidentally set things on fire. Cookbooks, eggs, beans... Good times, good times....
I didn't take any pictures (which is a real tragedy), but we headed down to European Tastees, a Russian bakery and grocery store to buy candy (which I am still working through...) and meet up with my friend Nasa. She is currently going to grad school at BYU and had an internship at the Mongolian embassy in D.C. (did I mention she is from Mongolia? And super adorable? And that my parents almost adopted her? True story.). We caught up and talked about the crazy happenings in our lives since we saw each other at Halloween. I started per-requisites for grad school, she got engaged. Same old same old. Yep, my Nasa is getting married in D.C. next July and wants me to be a bridesmaid and help plan her wedding. I am so happy and feel so special. ^^
Diane came up and brought her baby Emily (who had surgery a few days prior, so she was a little clingy to Mama, though she did walk a little for us!). I had seen her and Anna (with baby Noah), a few days earlier, but it was fun getting to see her again and talk some more.
After Diane headed out, Nasa, Mindy, and I went to another Korean restaurant and had some more tasty Korean food: bibimbop in a hot stone pot (veggies and meat with egg and chili sauce over rice), japjae (glass noodles and veggies), and clear soup (I think it was a kind of miso?). I always taste the kimchi and usually hate it, but the kind there was pretty mild and not as sour as some places. I actually kind of enjoyed it and ate several more pieces.
Man... I want bibimbop so much right now. Mmmm....
Sunday we went to church (P.S. Mindy's ward has some pretty adorable boys in it) and then headed over to The Russian's house to make and eat tradition Cuban food: ropa vieja (shredded delicious beef), black beans, and rice. It took SOOOO LONG to make! We didn't get to eat until, like, 8pm. But it was SO worth the wait!
Then we sat down on the couch with our tasty food and watched an episode of a Korean drama. It was a multicultural evening. :)
Monday was my last day in Utah. Sad day. But we made the most of it by making panda cookies! You might have noticed that we made/ate a lot of food. This is absolutely true. I think I was hungry all of ONCE while I was in Utah.
When I say that "we" made panda cookies, I kind of really mean Mindy. I did a little mixing, but I mostly took pictures.
I am not the most adept cook, and I felt that my lack of skills would only be detrimental to our, er, already sad looking cookies.
We found that our cookies might have smooshed a little before they made it too the pan. They look better than the bread we made last time I was there... but still not all that great.
We used raspberry Jello to make the pink parts, so it tasted really good. However, the poor pandas look really sad. And by sad I mean smooshed.
Then it was time to go home. I took my suitcases, my poster (Van Gogh Tardis!!), and headed back to Oregon where I get to take care of the animals and clean the house and go to work. Utah is way more fun.
Also, I am now currently obsessed with several new Korean songs: Gangnam Style (you might have heard of it), Sexy Free and Single (BIG BANG!! I'm sorry I won't see you in L.A. in November! I have to go to D.C. next summer and I can't afford both of you! I'm sorry! D: )...
And Marshmallow. It is SOO CUTE. And soooo very deep. *snicker* The song raises several deep philosophical questions: What is the significance of the giant marshmallow man? Why does she cook a fish in her bedroom? Why does a shark chase the marshmallow man across the stage at the end?
You know you want to watch it! Do it!
And that's it for now! I went back to work today and it was pretty good. We got four new ladies in. I hope they stick around longer than the last few. Come on! It's a fun store! With food! And awesome people! Come PLAY!!
P.S. I start up grad school FOR REALS at the end of the month. Can you believe it? It's kind of surreal for me. We'll have to see how that goes soon.
On Friday we went to a little area with a Korean gift shop, Korean bakery, and Korean grocery store! We got all the makings for kimbop (Korean sushi (kind of) ), Chapaghetti (a ramen with black bean sauce and veggies... one of my favorites!), chocopies (like moon pies, I've been told), and tasty treats from the bakery.
That night we went to visit with Mindy's Russian friends from church and Anya made Korean chicken and rice porridge. It tasted like really good chicken and rice soup from Cambells. With whole cloves of tasty tasty garlic in it. I am making it. While we waited for it to cook, we watched an episode of a new Korean drama that looks very promising.
The next day, Mindy and I got up and made bulgogi kimbop! Sooo good! We took a piece of seaweed, spread some rice, then added pickled radish, spinach, carrot, and bulgogi before rolling it all up.
Isn't it pretty? Mindy does such a good job. Here's one that I rolled up! It got a little rice on the outside, though. Sad. :(
More tasty shots of kimbop.
It no longer smells like marshmallows, which is sad, but it still always makes me really happy to see because I remember when Mindy would accidentally set things on fire. Cookbooks, eggs, beans... Good times, good times....
I didn't take any pictures (which is a real tragedy), but we headed down to European Tastees, a Russian bakery and grocery store to buy candy (which I am still working through...) and meet up with my friend Nasa. She is currently going to grad school at BYU and had an internship at the Mongolian embassy in D.C. (did I mention she is from Mongolia? And super adorable? And that my parents almost adopted her? True story.). We caught up and talked about the crazy happenings in our lives since we saw each other at Halloween. I started per-requisites for grad school, she got engaged. Same old same old. Yep, my Nasa is getting married in D.C. next July and wants me to be a bridesmaid and help plan her wedding. I am so happy and feel so special. ^^
Diane came up and brought her baby Emily (who had surgery a few days prior, so she was a little clingy to Mama, though she did walk a little for us!). I had seen her and Anna (with baby Noah), a few days earlier, but it was fun getting to see her again and talk some more.
After Diane headed out, Nasa, Mindy, and I went to another Korean restaurant and had some more tasty Korean food: bibimbop in a hot stone pot (veggies and meat with egg and chili sauce over rice), japjae (glass noodles and veggies), and clear soup (I think it was a kind of miso?). I always taste the kimchi and usually hate it, but the kind there was pretty mild and not as sour as some places. I actually kind of enjoyed it and ate several more pieces.
Man... I want bibimbop so much right now. Mmmm....
Sunday we went to church (P.S. Mindy's ward has some pretty adorable boys in it) and then headed over to The Russian's house to make and eat tradition Cuban food: ropa vieja (shredded delicious beef), black beans, and rice. It took SOOOO LONG to make! We didn't get to eat until, like, 8pm. But it was SO worth the wait!
Then we sat down on the couch with our tasty food and watched an episode of a Korean drama. It was a multicultural evening. :)
When I say that "we" made panda cookies, I kind of really mean Mindy. I did a little mixing, but I mostly took pictures.
We found that our cookies might have smooshed a little before they made it too the pan. They look better than the bread we made last time I was there... but still not all that great.
We used raspberry Jello to make the pink parts, so it tasted really good. However, the poor pandas look really sad. And by sad I mean smooshed.
Then it was time to go home. I took my suitcases, my poster (Van Gogh Tardis!!), and headed back to Oregon where I get to take care of the animals and clean the house and go to work. Utah is way more fun.
Also, I am now currently obsessed with several new Korean songs: Gangnam Style (you might have heard of it), Sexy Free and Single (BIG BANG!! I'm sorry I won't see you in L.A. in November! I have to go to D.C. next summer and I can't afford both of you! I'm sorry! D: )...
And Marshmallow. It is SOO CUTE. And soooo very deep. *snicker* The song raises several deep philosophical questions: What is the significance of the giant marshmallow man? Why does she cook a fish in her bedroom? Why does a shark chase the marshmallow man across the stage at the end?
You know you want to watch it! Do it!
And that's it for now! I went back to work today and it was pretty good. We got four new ladies in. I hope they stick around longer than the last few. Come on! It's a fun store! With food! And awesome people! Come PLAY!!
P.S. I start up grad school FOR REALS at the end of the month. Can you believe it? It's kind of surreal for me. We'll have to see how that goes soon.
Hanging with my Chicky
Well, friends, after two weeks in Utah, I am back in Oregon. A little bittersweet. My Chicky is having an awesome time at college (we've been texting back and forth), Mindy is back to work as usual, and I'm home procrastinating cleaning my room (as usual).
So, funny story, our first full day in Utah, we went to California Pizza Kitchen and the waiter dumped soda all over Jesi's back and into Mom's two new purses. All electronics, clothing, and purses were saved and lunch was on the manager.
Then, the Saturday the parents were leaving, we went out and ate lunch first with my old college roommate, Mindy, at Red Robins. And, what do you know, the waiter dumped water all over me and MY purse! Once again, all electronics were saved and the purse is now dry and happy now. But STILL! Twice in one week?! What the heck!
After the parents left, I stayed at Jesi's apartment and we had a fantastic time. There are only three people in her apartment so I was able to sleep in a bed while I was there instead of the couch. Pretty nice. My original plan was to go up everyday and eat lunch with Jesi on campus, but after the first day, I decided it was SO not worth the effort! Ugh, WAY too hot! Bleck! >.<
We did have a good time hanging out. One night, we made Korean style pizza! Well, not so much. One of my favorite pizzas in Korea was Pizza School's Goguma Pizza (Sweet Potato Pizza). Soooo good! Well, Jesi didn't like the sauce they had on it and so we nixed the sauce and instead brushed the dough with olive oil and minced garlic. That part was good. We then added corn and onions (a MUST on any Korean style pizza). I honestly don't know why we don't get to have corn on our pizza in America. It's SO GOOD!! Anyways, then we couldn't find any sweet potatoes at Wal Mart so we used yams (there IS a difference!). We realized that if we cut them up chunky like they did on the Pizza School version, then the potatoes probably wouldn't cook all the way, so we instead sliced them really thin and put them on top. In hindsight, we probably should have also rubbed the potatoes with olive oil. Oops. And cooked the onions as well. Double oops.
It was still okay... but definitely not what I wanted when I was thinking KOREAN PIZZA!!! Oh well. Better luck next time, eh?
We got some of Jesi's room fixed up: a nice bookshelf, a side table, a fancy desk topper shelf thing, cute pillows on the bed, and a cute sticker on the wall that says, "Grow Wise Little Chicky" That I got for her at the mall. We also got her two (well, three... Mr. Grumpy Gills jumped out of the bowl his first night with us) fishies to keep her company in her room. ^^
Wednesday night, Mindy came down from Salt Lake and we all went out for Korea foods. I love Korean food SO MUCH. You would think that a place like Beaverton, with such a huge Korean population, would have some good restaurants, but I am sad to have found that most just aren't that fabulous. Sad day. We did enjoy some great dukboki (spicy rice cakes), bulgogi (kind of like teriyaki beef), japjae (glass noodles with veggies), and all the potato banchan (side dishes) we could eat. Then I said goodbye to my beautiful baby and headed up to Salt Lake for a long weekend of fun.
So, funny story, our first full day in Utah, we went to California Pizza Kitchen and the waiter dumped soda all over Jesi's back and into Mom's two new purses. All electronics, clothing, and purses were saved and lunch was on the manager.
Then, the Saturday the parents were leaving, we went out and ate lunch first with my old college roommate, Mindy, at Red Robins. And, what do you know, the waiter dumped water all over me and MY purse! Once again, all electronics were saved and the purse is now dry and happy now. But STILL! Twice in one week?! What the heck!
After the parents left, I stayed at Jesi's apartment and we had a fantastic time. There are only three people in her apartment so I was able to sleep in a bed while I was there instead of the couch. Pretty nice. My original plan was to go up everyday and eat lunch with Jesi on campus, but after the first day, I decided it was SO not worth the effort! Ugh, WAY too hot! Bleck! >.<
We did have a good time hanging out. One night, we made Korean style pizza! Well, not so much. One of my favorite pizzas in Korea was Pizza School's Goguma Pizza (Sweet Potato Pizza). Soooo good! Well, Jesi didn't like the sauce they had on it and so we nixed the sauce and instead brushed the dough with olive oil and minced garlic. That part was good. We then added corn and onions (a MUST on any Korean style pizza). I honestly don't know why we don't get to have corn on our pizza in America. It's SO GOOD!! Anyways, then we couldn't find any sweet potatoes at Wal Mart so we used yams (there IS a difference!). We realized that if we cut them up chunky like they did on the Pizza School version, then the potatoes probably wouldn't cook all the way, so we instead sliced them really thin and put them on top. In hindsight, we probably should have also rubbed the potatoes with olive oil. Oops. And cooked the onions as well. Double oops.
It was still okay... but definitely not what I wanted when I was thinking KOREAN PIZZA!!! Oh well. Better luck next time, eh?
We got some of Jesi's room fixed up: a nice bookshelf, a side table, a fancy desk topper shelf thing, cute pillows on the bed, and a cute sticker on the wall that says, "Grow Wise Little Chicky" That I got for her at the mall. We also got her two (well, three... Mr. Grumpy Gills jumped out of the bowl his first night with us) fishies to keep her company in her room. ^^
Wednesday night, Mindy came down from Salt Lake and we all went out for Korea foods. I love Korean food SO MUCH. You would think that a place like Beaverton, with such a huge Korean population, would have some good restaurants, but I am sad to have found that most just aren't that fabulous. Sad day. We did enjoy some great dukboki (spicy rice cakes), bulgogi (kind of like teriyaki beef), japjae (glass noodles with veggies), and all the potato banchan (side dishes) we could eat. Then I said goodbye to my beautiful baby and headed up to Salt Lake for a long weekend of fun.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Photoshoot Edited!
A while back I mentioned that Jesi and I did a photoshoot. We spent THREE HOURS doing our makeup and hair, etc. We then spent about an hour taking pictures. It was LOADS of fun and we had a fabulous time.
Here is Jesi putting on her makeups.
We used a lot of makeup. This is a shot of all the tools we used to make ourselves beautimous. Each of us ended up wearing two sets of false eyelashes!
From beginning to end, we had a great time. Here is what it looked like putting our makeup on from beginning to end.
Jesi:
Me:
With all the makeup, hair, clothes, and posing done, I got the pictures into photoshop and played with the colors a bit to make them super gorgeous.
It was a lot of fun, but in the end (after we had each gone our separate ways and stripped off the itchy false eyelashes and wiped the gobs of makeup from our face), we realized that we hadn't taken any pictures together! Oh noes!! So, rather than putting the makeup on again and taking more pictures (HA! Yeah, right!), I just photoshopped us together with a fancy background. I personally think we still look adorable.
Here is Jesi putting on her makeups.
We used a lot of makeup. This is a shot of all the tools we used to make ourselves beautimous. Each of us ended up wearing two sets of false eyelashes!
From beginning to end, we had a great time. Here is what it looked like putting our makeup on from beginning to end.
Jesi:
Me:
With all the makeup, hair, clothes, and posing done, I got the pictures into photoshop and played with the colors a bit to make them super gorgeous.
It was a lot of fun, but in the end (after we had each gone our separate ways and stripped off the itchy false eyelashes and wiped the gobs of makeup from our face), we realized that we hadn't taken any pictures together! Oh noes!! So, rather than putting the makeup on again and taking more pictures (HA! Yeah, right!), I just photoshopped us together with a fancy background. I personally think we still look adorable.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Blickenstaff's!
Well, friends, after a grueling day on the road (ugh), we are finally in Utah. We spent all day Wednesday moving Jesi's stuff up into her apartment, choosing the best room/cabinets/mattress (because Jesi was the first one there!), and making the rounds at Costco and Walmart. We got her a bookcase and a few other pieces of furniture to fix up the little place. She's living at an old complex that I lived in when I went to school. It's a decent little place, if a bit old and dirty (seriously, we're talknig to the manager about that tub... it's pretty gross) and the wi-fi doesn't really work (another thing we need to talk to him about), but other than that it's a fun place. We met her roommates today and they seem pretty nice. She also only has two other roommates which means, as of right now, Jesi gets her own room! Sweet! It also means that I get to sleep in a bed while I stay at her apartment this next week! Double yes!! :D
While Jesi was at her new student orientation thing, Mom, Dad, and I went over to Blickenstaff's. Now, Mom had kept talking about how we were going to go to Hobby Lobby and Blickenstaff's while we were in Utah and for some reason we thought that both were craft places. We were pleasantly surprised when we got to Blickenstaff's and found it was a really cute candy and toy store! Lots of fun little toys to see and play with. My particular favorite was this adorable sock monkey umbrella. I was a little tempted, but decided that I didn't need a little kids umbrella (no matter how cute).
We also got some delicious candy. They had some of my favorites: peach gummies and grapefruit slices. Unfortunately, they got left in the car while we were in the BYU Bookstore and totally melted into a bag of one giant peach-grapefruit flavored gummy. It was very sad.
Sad, and really gross looking. But still really delicious. We have learned a lesson today: gummies melt in high heat. I'll have to remember that in the future.
Tomorrow we plan on hanging out again while Jesi goes to orientation, eating dinner with Anna, Dante, Mike, and Katie, and doing those last minute errands that will need to get done before Mom and Dad leave for Oregon.
While Jesi was at her new student orientation thing, Mom, Dad, and I went over to Blickenstaff's. Now, Mom had kept talking about how we were going to go to Hobby Lobby and Blickenstaff's while we were in Utah and for some reason we thought that both were craft places. We were pleasantly surprised when we got to Blickenstaff's and found it was a really cute candy and toy store! Lots of fun little toys to see and play with. My particular favorite was this adorable sock monkey umbrella. I was a little tempted, but decided that I didn't need a little kids umbrella (no matter how cute).
We also got some delicious candy. They had some of my favorites: peach gummies and grapefruit slices. Unfortunately, they got left in the car while we were in the BYU Bookstore and totally melted into a bag of one giant peach-grapefruit flavored gummy. It was very sad.
Sad, and really gross looking. But still really delicious. We have learned a lesson today: gummies melt in high heat. I'll have to remember that in the future.
Tomorrow we plan on hanging out again while Jesi goes to orientation, eating dinner with Anna, Dante, Mike, and Katie, and doing those last minute errands that will need to get done before Mom and Dad leave for Oregon.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Political straw man memes and how they anger me
I hate this election season. When people find out I'm LDS (Mormon, for those of you new to this), they often smile knowingly, tilt their head back a little and say something along the lines of, "Oh, I bet you're excited Mitt Romney's running, aren't you?"
No. No, I'm not. I strongly dislike Mitt Romney. He and his wife might be the nicest people in the world. I don't know; I've never personally met them. But, I'm liberal and, well, he's really, REALLY not. And for some reason people sometimes have a hard time getting it through their heads that I am LDS, have a strong testimony of the Church, and I'm not conservative.
Crazy, huh? Apparently there are a lot of us Christian liberals, but people are still surprised when they find out I'm liberal. Not that I'm quiet about it... bring up touchy subjects like women's health issues and gay marriage around me and we'll have a fun chat. ^^
But my liberal-ness not really what I came to talk about. I wanted to tell you about Facebook.
Yes, Facebook. That wonderful political platform where Liberals and Conservatives, Green Party's and Libertarians alike can get together in a safe, online environment to debate rationally about political issues.
Wait, no? Facebook ISN'T a platform for political debate?
I understand that your political opinion is an important part of your life and, thus, something you would want to express on your Facebook profile. However, my fabulous friends (some more than other, well ONE more than others...) don't often post links to articles with well researched articles exploring issues, opinions, and plans of candidates. No, they post things like this:
LAWL!! Dats 2 Funi! Herp derp derpy herp...
Friends, this is what we in the educated world call a "straw man argument," one of the many (and it seems like the most popular) logical fallacies that make political debate so much "fun" to watch. Don't get me wrong, these things can be hilarious. The Unimpressed Willy Wonka meme is one of my personal favorites. However, the problem I have with memes such as these is that they seem to be all people use to demonstrate their political beliefs. When I only see these memes on your Facebook, I start thinking that these straw man memes are the only place you are getting your information for the up and coming election. Which makes me sad. And a little angry.
It's doubly aggravating that most of my friends who decide to post pictures like these on their Facebook are usually Conservative, so, yeah. There's that.
For those of you who don't know what a straw man argument is, allow me to explain. Basically, it's when you oversimplify an opponent's argument, then attack this oversimplified version. For example:
This picture oversimplifies two issues and then attacks them by comparing them to Cuba, hopefully invoking bad feelings about fascist regimes. I could get into why this argument sucks (most developed countries of the world have something close to universal health care and, whoa! They aren't ruled over by crazy fascists! How do they do it!?! *sarcasm sign*), but I'm trying REALLY hard not to turn this post into a rant about my own political opinions. Failing pretty hard on that one, I know, but I really am holding back, I promise.
Conservatives aren't the only ones that utilize the straw man argument to piss people off. Us liberals do it, too. Take this picture comparing Rick Santorum to Osama Bin Laden.
So, lovely people, this is what I would like to ask of you: If you are going to post political whatever on Facebook, please, PLEASE let it be a link to an article of some sort. Those are so much easier to ignore than horrible memes such as these. If you feel the burning need to SHARE ALL THE MEMES!!!!!!!11, then please do it on sites meant to share fun little things like straw man memes. I personally like Tumblr.
Otherwise, please forgive me if one day I finally break down and send one of those comments on your memes that I usually delete before sending. Most likely this will never happen, though I might post a link to this post to show you how I feel. ^^
And now a cat video because any "serious" post should have a kittens at the end to make people feel happy.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Quick review of the last few weeks...
I know that I said that I was going to post more of those pictures Jesi and I took, but you'll just have to wait to see them until after I get back from Utah because that's where I'm going to edit them up. That means you'll get to see them in about 3 weeks or so. Sorry if that's what you were looking forward to, but, not really my problem. ^_^
These last few weeks have been a ton of fun around here. My two cousins, Amanda and Alex, came for a three week visit. Two of those weeks I wasn't really able to spend any time with them because of work, school, and this MASSIVE paper I had to write. I even took the paper with me on our camping trip with the kids!
The paper was actually a lot of fun to do, just a lot of work as well. I took Abnormal Psychology and, along with our normal class reading, we had to diagnose a "public figure" and then research the current literature on our diagnosis. I decided to diagnose Hyun Bin's character from the Korean drama "Secret Garden" with a diagnosis of Narcissistic Personality Disorder and Situation Specific Phobia: claustrophobia. It was a lot of fun to analyze his character and read some of the research. Well, some of the research was horrendous. I had several articles that were based in neuroscience which is not my forte. I was looking up at least one word per paragraph. I though I was done with that after college Spanish...
After the paper was done, I was able to spend a little more time with the kids, sewing, crafting, shopping. Good times.
The parents took the kids back to San Diego and then headed off to spend a week and a half in Arizona for an art retreat for Mom and work for Dad. This left Jesi and I alone with full run of the house! Woo hoo! We crafted to our little hearts' content, did a little cleaning, and overall had a grand old time.
Parents got home Wednesday night (more like REALLY EARLY Thursday). I worked Thursday and then I started my awesome FIVE DAY WEEKEND!!
This five day weekend was pretty random. I usually work every Saturday, but my boss gave me this Saturday off. With no sessions Friday, Monday, or Tuesday, I ended up with a five day weekend. I spent Friday hanging out with Jesi at a movie. Saturday we went with Dad out to Saturday Market.
Jesi and I had a fabulous time, but were a little sad. Usually Saturday Market is SUPER fun. But this time it just seemed like the same old stuff. I wish they would change things up a bit. They've had the same vendors for years. And a little variety, please! All the jewelry looks the same, the handicrafts all have the same feel to it. There were very few booths that really stood out from the rest. After a while they just kind of all blended together. Jesi compared it to shopping at markets when we were in Vietnam and Korea. I personally think shopping at those places is way more fun because 1) it's always a game to try and buy ANYTHING because of bargaining and language barrier (more fun on some days than others), 2) every once in a while you find really cool stuff that you would never see in the States.
I kind of miss being able to go to Namdaemun and Myung Dong...
Now it's Sunday and I think I'm going to try and get a little more picking up done in my room, maybe get some things ready for our trip to Utah. We're all taking Jesi down to start up at BYU and then I'm staying with her for a few days before heading up to Salt Lake to stay and visit with my old roommate Mindy (whom you might remember from my trip to New York). I'm super excited for visiting Mindy and playing with Jesi, but really sad that Jesi is going to be gone at college. TT^TT She'll have tons of fun, though, and I'll be getting really busy with grad school soon.
Good times, good times.
These last few weeks have been a ton of fun around here. My two cousins, Amanda and Alex, came for a three week visit. Two of those weeks I wasn't really able to spend any time with them because of work, school, and this MASSIVE paper I had to write. I even took the paper with me on our camping trip with the kids!
The paper was actually a lot of fun to do, just a lot of work as well. I took Abnormal Psychology and, along with our normal class reading, we had to diagnose a "public figure" and then research the current literature on our diagnosis. I decided to diagnose Hyun Bin's character from the Korean drama "Secret Garden" with a diagnosis of Narcissistic Personality Disorder and Situation Specific Phobia: claustrophobia. It was a lot of fun to analyze his character and read some of the research. Well, some of the research was horrendous. I had several articles that were based in neuroscience which is not my forte. I was looking up at least one word per paragraph. I though I was done with that after college Spanish...
After the paper was done, I was able to spend a little more time with the kids, sewing, crafting, shopping. Good times.
The parents took the kids back to San Diego and then headed off to spend a week and a half in Arizona for an art retreat for Mom and work for Dad. This left Jesi and I alone with full run of the house! Woo hoo! We crafted to our little hearts' content, did a little cleaning, and overall had a grand old time.
Parents got home Wednesday night (more like REALLY EARLY Thursday). I worked Thursday and then I started my awesome FIVE DAY WEEKEND!!
This five day weekend was pretty random. I usually work every Saturday, but my boss gave me this Saturday off. With no sessions Friday, Monday, or Tuesday, I ended up with a five day weekend. I spent Friday hanging out with Jesi at a movie. Saturday we went with Dad out to Saturday Market.
Jesi and I had a fabulous time, but were a little sad. Usually Saturday Market is SUPER fun. But this time it just seemed like the same old stuff. I wish they would change things up a bit. They've had the same vendors for years. And a little variety, please! All the jewelry looks the same, the handicrafts all have the same feel to it. There were very few booths that really stood out from the rest. After a while they just kind of all blended together. Jesi compared it to shopping at markets when we were in Vietnam and Korea. I personally think shopping at those places is way more fun because 1) it's always a game to try and buy ANYTHING because of bargaining and language barrier (more fun on some days than others), 2) every once in a while you find really cool stuff that you would never see in the States.
I kind of miss being able to go to Namdaemun and Myung Dong...
Now it's Sunday and I think I'm going to try and get a little more picking up done in my room, maybe get some things ready for our trip to Utah. We're all taking Jesi down to start up at BYU and then I'm staying with her for a few days before heading up to Salt Lake to stay and visit with my old roommate Mindy (whom you might remember from my trip to New York). I'm super excited for visiting Mindy and playing with Jesi, but really sad that Jesi is going to be gone at college. TT^TT She'll have tons of fun, though, and I'll be getting really busy with grad school soon.
Good times, good times.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
The fun continues!
Jesi and I had a bit of fun yesterday. We put on a TON of make up, two sets of false eyelashes, cute clothes, and took pictures! We were trying to go for a porcelain doll look, and I think the make up worked, though our poses and expressions ended up more cutesy than doll like.
Here's a quick preview of our pictures. I'll post more later.
Here's a quick preview of our pictures. I'll post more later.
Friday, August 3, 2012
Back and Blogging!
Welcome!! My name is Jennifer and this is my brand spanking new blog. If you've known me for a while, you've probably seen my old blog from high school and college or my blog from teaching English in South Korea. I've been back from Korea now for almost a year and a lot has happened since then.
For one, I got into graduate school! Starting at the end of September this year, I will be starting up full time at Portland State in the School Counseling program. I am really excited and a little nervous (for various reasons).
I've also got a part time job working for a local franchise of Dream Dinners. It's not super fancy, but everyone there is really nice and I get to do a little bit of design work for the owner so that's always fun.
I'm living with my parents to save on grad school costs. This is both a good and bad thing, through no real fault of my parents. Just, you know... being 25 and living with your parents can be a little stressful. Most of the time we're good, though.
Currently, I am having a really awesome week hanging out with my baby sister while our parents are in Arizona.. This super awesome fun time week follows a pretty sucky week where I hit a deer (car, deer, and me are okay) and a parked car (their car is not so much okay). I then ate myself into a mild tummy ache at a pizza arcade place before going to work with a crappy attitude and a fake smile. So, this week is most appreciated.
One thing you need to understand is that my baby sister, Jesi, aka Chicky, is my best friend. There are seven and a half years separating us, but we are still super close.
She just graduated high school and is leaving for college in less than three weeks! We've spent this week doing very little that is productive, but lots of fun has been had.
I took Jesi downtown to Powell's City of Books, a giant new and used bookstore. We spent about two hours roaming around before deciding we'd spent enough money this week (did I mention we went to Old Navy as well this week?)
Much of the rest of our time was spent playing with the sewing machine. Jesi made me an awesome, beautiful pillow with a favorite quote from Doctor Who: "Bowties are Cool." I made her a pillow to match the quilt for her new apartment that has her nickname on it: "Chicky."
Jesi still hasn't quite gotten a handle on how to work her quilt through the sewing machine to finish off the edges. We might have to take it over to LaFawn and beg her to let us use her stronger machine to punch through the thick edges.
We made a few other things as well this week. Jesi made a couple of adorable stuffed animals and I
hemmed some pants and made a few lace underskirts to add length to some of my shorter dresses.
At some point we are supposed to clean the house. We have plans to get this done, so hopefully the house will look 100% better by the time parents get back next week.
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