|
 |
| |
|
Song du jour:
Not Pretty Enough
Kasey Chambers
Am I not pretty enough? Is my heart too broken
Do I cry too much? Am I too outspoken
Don't I make you laugh? Should I try it harder
Why do you see right through me?
I live, I breathe, I let it rain on me
I sleep, I wake, I try hard not to break
I crave, I love, I've waited long enough
I try as hard as I can
Am I not pretty enough? Is my heart too broken
Do I cry too much? Am I too outspoken
Don't I make you laugh? Should I try it harder
Why do you see right through me?
I laugh, I feel, I make believe it's real
I fall, I freeze, I pray down on my knees
I hope, I stand, I take it like a man
I try as hard as I can
Am I not pretty enough? Is my heart too broken
Do I cry too much? Am I too outspoken
Don't I make you laugh? Should I try it harder
Why do you see right through me?
Why do you see, why do you see?
Why do you see right through me?
|
|
|
|
|
And now for something uplifting: (via Idle Type)
The Dante's Inferno Test has banished you to the Eigth Level of Hell - the Malebolge!
Here is how you matched up against all the levels:
Take the Dante's Inferno Hell Test
|
|
|
|
|
See Becky take a break from writing her paper.
I've got Spring Fever, bad. I can't seem to make myself stay in my office for longer than 45 minutes at a time, writing. Ah well, I'll just be glad when it's finally all over.
Here's some fun distractions:
Political Quiz Show: How Liberal/Conservative are you?
Respondents with the most points (40) are 100 percent
conservative; those with the least (0) are 100 percent liberal.
Your Score: 11
That should make some people happy!
Sandals and Socks forever. Pretty scary pictures of fat men wearing socks and sandals. I couldn't find my uncle on there, he's infamous for black socks and brown sandals.
The Bush Dictionary -- Be sure to look up such terms as:
Arctic Wildlife Refuge -- former name of the 50,000,000 acre BP Industrial Park.
Eye-rack -- a country over there somewhere in the Middle East that has a bad habit of threatening global stability just before national elections.
misunderestimate (verb) -- to not overmisjudge.
nucular (adjective) -- Pertaining to a type of weapon that allows the world to sleep at night when we have them, but opens it up to all kinds of trouble when they get into places like North Korea.
Parisites -- residents of Paris
And finally: Google Fight
Canada beats America and United States -- but not USA
Luke Skywalker loses to Darth Vader
But writing beats procrastinating. I better get back to work.
|
|
|
|
|
Heh, so I guess I can now add South Africa to the list of coutries that have tried to proposition me! (you know, those "contact-us-and-we'll-put-$15,000-in-your-account" type emails)
Here's that site I meant to put up last night: Instant Religion Creator
Warning: This site is intended to produce light-hearted satire. No harm is intended! For your own safety and the safety of others, please do not operate Religion Creator if you have recently:
1. Used the words "heretic", "blasphemy", "Work of Satan", or any derivation thereof with any degree of seriousness.
2. Felt hate towards someone for not letting the love and mercy of your deity into their heart.
3. Received a bulk discount on a firearms purchase.
4. Built a bunker and/or bomb shelter with the intention of surviving an upcoming religious and/or race war.
5. Used a tinfoil hat to stop the mind control rays.
6. Nervously eyed your family pet in the suspicion of demonic possession.
Remember Mad Libs as a kid? I loved 'em. This site lets you create your own religion by adding adjectives, nouns, verbs and names. Too much fun, I should be writing my paper insteada doing this!
In the beginning God created the whale and the moon rock. The moon rock was without pages and splendid. Then God said let there be oreo and there was oreo. And God saw the oreo, that it was funky. On the 6th day God created the first man, Mojo Jo Jo. And God saw Mojo Jo Jo, that he was delicious. God then took one of Mojo Jo Jo's metacarpals and made the first woman, Carl Marx. And God said you shall not eat of the daffodil of port-o-potty for if you do you shall surely demonstrate. But unfortunately a wily three toed sloth tricked Carl Marx into eating of the daffodil of port-o-potty while God wasn't looking. He eventually found out and kicked them out of the garden. Mojo Jo Jo and Carl Marx then had two sons, Cane and Able. Cane was a kicker of doughnuts, while Able was a herder of sea lions. Cane then gave God an offering of supercilious burritos and Able gave Him an offering of swatch watches. But God really preferred the swatch watches so Cane mightily decaffinated Able in the fields. For that God cursed Cane to kick doughnuts forever.
|
|
|
|
|
Yay!
Good, good day today. I met with Dr. Jennifer MacLennan, my soon-to-be-research advisor for my MA thesis. She's not only very excited about me entering the program, but she's also very ready to get things moving so I can start sooner, not later. It looks like I'll definitely be transferring out of English and into Interdisciplinary Studies, in order to study Rhetoric and Communication. This is the first time that I'm really excited about the research and classes that await me. The English department here just was NOT a good fit -- and not only that, I'm definitely a rhetorician at heart.
In order to even apply to the Interdisciplinary program, you have to have your project, bibliography, and research committee already lined up. One of those is already filled, as of today! Jen called up some of her associates, so now I have a drama person, a civil engineer, and an English person on my committee (in addition to herself). As far as I can tell right now, my project is going to deal with rhetoric and film -- particularly focusing on how written texts are translated onto the visual medium of film. I'm not exactly sure which texts I'll focus on, but I've got most of the summer to figure that out.
It's just so nice (and may I add, rare) that I've found a prof here on campus that is 1. as excited about my research as I am, and 2. willing to go to extra lengths to help me get my degree. While I do love the academic world, many of its inhabitants are self-centered and damn mean -- and couldn't care less about helping a struggling graduate student. At least I'm in better shape now.
Speaking of shape, wow am I still sore from martial arts yesterday. I went to my gym this afternoon, did more weights, and was ready to go to another kickboxing class -- when it was cancelled. I was given an "E.D.O." (earned day off) -- of which, I eagerly accepted. I do love being able to get back and forth to work out and having that fun I'm-so-sore-but-it's-from-working-out feeling.
I'm at school right now, hammering out my last paper for my rhetoric class. 2 pages down, only 13 or so to go. This paper is such a breeze compared to the last one. Since the weather is so beautiful outside -- and it's supposed to be even warmer tomorrow -- I'm probably going to do most of my writing at night. It's just too hard to stay inside and type when it's warm and sunny out.
My laptop monitor is fried, it's gonna cost between $600-1000 bucks to repair. Note to self: spend the extra money and get the extended warranty next time!
I've got a great website to share, but I'll leave it for later tonight. Must escape to cell and type more paper!
|
|
|
|
|
I must be reflecting overtime tonight.
Maybe it was the martial arts, I don't know. I went to a session of Sun-Pa, a Filipino strand of martial arts. What a workout! I really liked it, though I must have looked awful trying to get my kicks and blocks right. I may join the Dojo after I get back in August, if only so I can learn how to (literally) kick ass.
Just got off the phone with my momma. After getting filled in on all the happenings back home, we somehow got started on religion, then politics -- both touchy subjects. I started describing my new disdain for my president and his actions (or should I say his justifications for his actions), and we must have talked for over an hour. I tried to describe for her how my move up here has given me new eyes for my country. Being 2000+ miles away from home has given me a distance not only measured in miles but in understanding of what my country stands for.
At times it's given me moments of pride, other times -- not.
Ultimately I think it's made me a better citizen. While I'm not willing to buy into everything my country (or President) says -- I am still proud of my roots. Which reminds me, when I go home this summer, I'm gonna buy an American flag patch and sew it on my bookbag. If Canadians can be proud of their country, so can I.
So it wasn't my talk about politics that started me thinking. Yeah, so we see two different perspectives on certain issues, that's okay. But my mom basically started talking about how much I've changed since moving up here.
"Changed" -- lots of implications in that word.
She sees me as more cynical and not as much fun as I was before. Now I'm not mad at her mused observation, but parts of me wonder how much of it really is true? Am I cynical or just more aware? I know that I'm definitely a different person now than I was, say 2 years ago. My life situation has completely changed -- moving from a settled, fundamental, secure life in my hometown to a life that's 2000 miles away from all comfort zones.
Not only that, but I no longer live under the labels I once had -- in some instances I've moved 180 degrees away from some of them.
I'm in uncharted territory -- which is both scary and yet addictingly exciting. I don't think it's a bad thing that I've "changed" -- it's worse to be the same for too long, I think. I'm just in this weird place in my life, where I feel like I'm being pulled in so many directions at once. Part of me misses the days where my choices and their implications only ranged as far as what to wear to school and what to pack in my lunch. Today many of my choices aren't so simple, and overwhelm me the more I think about their repercussions.
|
|
|
|
|
When I Fall
Barenaked Ladies
I look straight in the window, try not to look below
Pretend I'm not up here, I try counting sheep
The sheep seems to shower of this office tower
It's Nine-point-eight straight down I can't stop my
knees.
I wish I could fly
From this building, from this wall
And if I should try,
would you catch me if I fall?
My hands clench the squeegee, my secular rosary
Hang on to your wallet, hang on to your rings
I Can't look below me, or something might throw me
I Curse at the windstorms that October brings.
I look straight in the boardroom; a modern Pharaoh's tomb
I'd gladly swap places, if they care to dive
They're lined up at the window, peer down into limbo
They're frightened of jumping, in case they survive.
I wish I could step from this scaffold
onto soft green pastures, shopping malls, or bed
With my family and my pastor and my grandfather
who's dead
Look straight in the mirror, watch it come clearer
I look like a painter, behind all the grease
But paintings creating, and I'm just erasing
A crystal-clear canvas is my masterpiece
I wish I could fly
From this building, from this wall
And if I should try,
would you catch me if I fall?
When I fall...
When I fall...
|
|
|
|
|
I've managed to squeeze 13 hours of transcription this weekend. Everywhere I look, I see long s's and v's as u's, and visa versa. While it's only half of the hours required of me, I've still got 2 weeks to squeeze the other half in.
Last night I went to my roommate's art show downtown. It was quite the surreal experience, walking around with my glass of red wine, looking at all the art for sale. Made me feel almost (gasp) grownup! Before that, we went downtown shopping -- note to self: don't go shopping after your hair is done. EVERYTHING looks good on you and you'll spend way too much. We had fun though. We also snagged some Thai for lunch, she's exposing me to all sorts of cuisine (I even had a bean drink -- yes, a drink with actual BEANS inside of it. 'twas good).
My hair looks pretty awesome. No matter how much of a tomboy is still inside of me, I still love going to the salon and being treated like a princess (even if it's only 3 or 4 times a year).
It's all gray and rainy out. But it could be worse -- Calgary got inches and inches of snow! No more snow! Well, not until October or November anyway.
Martial arts tonight!
|
|
|
|
|
Dream Deferred
Langston Hughes
What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
Like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore--
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over--
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?
|
|
|
|
|
Just got back from watching the new flick Identity. Eh, it was pretty good for a horror/jump-in-your-seat kinda movie I guess. I thought the ending was a bit contrived, but to rant about it here would totally ruin it for everyone else. I did like John Cusack in it.
I must be getting old, though. There were a buncha whippersnappers in front of us who kept talking the whole film. I hate to admit it, but I actually shushed them. I guess the last couple movies I've been to in theaters haven't been filled with younger audiences, so I got used to people actually being CONSIDERATE during the film. I'm only 25 and I'm already a grouch. Ah well.
Tomorrow at 11:15AM I'm off to get my hair officially whacked and colored at my salon here in town. I'm thinking that I wanna get it layered sorta like Meg Ryan's new movie:
Whatta think? The length would still be long, but it would have some funky layers. I leave my fate in Kim's (whose a guy, incidentally) nimble fingers that grasp horrendously expensive shears.
|
|
|
|
|
My laptop is dead again.
Could be the battery, could be a bulb inside of it, could be the motherboard, could be possessed by some inane demon that's out to get me.
I'll know more (hopefully) by Monday.
|
|
|
|
|
Heh.
New Fox reality TV show to determine ruler of Iraq
"Get ready, America, because you're about to choose the man or woman who will lead Iraq into an exciting democratic future," said Fox reality-programming chief Mike Darnell, introducing the show at a press conference. "Will it be Ahmed Chalabi, leader of the exiled Iraqi National Congress? Or General Tommy Franks, commander of the allied forces? Or maybe Roshumba Williams, the Macon, GA, waitress with big dreams and an even bigger voice? Tune in Tuesdays at 9 to see."
Describing the new show as "American Idol meets the reconstruction of Afghanistan," Darnell said Appointed By America will feature contestants squaring off in a variety of challenges, including a democracy quiz, a talent competition, and nation-building activities that will demonstrate their ability to lead a bombed-out, war-ravaged Mideast country.
A panel of celebrity judges will help eliminate two contestants each week, leaving one lucky winner the undisputed leader of Iraq at the end of the season. Viewers can participate by casting phone-in votes, although Darnell noted that voting is restricted to calls originating from within the continental U.S.
|
|
|
|
|
Question of the night: Does anyone really have the phone number 867-5309? Question 2: How can I get that as my number?
p.s. I have great roommates.
|
|
|
|
|
My laptop is back! So apparently after they removed the battery, ran it overnight with the cord, and the monitor didn't flake out. They put the battery back in this morning, and it didn't do it all day. So, I dunno. They just told me to keep an eye on it and I may need to replace the battery soon. So, $40 down and lots of frustrations later, my computer is back. Now there's no avoiding the pending transcriptions! Dun-dun-dun!
I'm back from the gym with a lovely rosy complexion. I swear, I always look like I'm about to explode when I'm working out -- always have. Even when I'd play soccer, I'd come home all red-faced. This lovely hue will stick around for a couple hours -- ah well. I did weights and a step class. If the weather wasn't so cloudy out, I'd probably go for some rollerblading by the river. But without the sun, the wind feels a little cold.
I did some shopping today, bought some fun stuff. I went to Schmatta (my favorite teeshirt place here in town) and got a great shirt. I'll post a pic of it later. I also went to the metaphysical store Witch's Brew and bought a new jingly anklet. Every summer I get one, since my friend Kaytee gave me one at camp, years ago. She said it was a Native American tradition that whoever wore one would ward off evil spirits. Not that I think any are after me, but I like making little jingles with each step. No, I'm not 12.
At Schmatta they had lots of pictures of body piercings. Some were pretty scary, and a couple of the grrrls in there had some interesting things done to 'em. One grrrl had these round rings through her earlobes -- very National Geographic, if you ask me. I sorta want to get a little nose-stud -- not too big, just a little one. I think it's cute, but I'll probably have to wait til August . . . I don't think my country club employers will approve too much otherwise. I'm a little curious about a tattoo, too. I've wanted one since I was 18 (right, mom?). Anyway, I'm not getting one any time soon -- I'm giving myself til August to really figure which I want. One of my very favorite grrrls Angelina Jolie just got a really cool Thailand Khmer script tattoo. Granted, she did have to laser off half of the Billy-Bob tat, but as long as I stay away from proper nouns, I think I'll be okay.
Mmmm. My window is open and the whole apartment smells like spring. I just love that. It's the Hose and wings tonight with roomies and friends.
I love Spring!
|
|
|
|
|
And as an added bonus, after getting that awesome grade in my English class (hey, don't you know that English profs NEVER give out 90's or higher?):
Yes, I actually own a shirt that says that.
|
|
|
|
|
Oh ye of little faith.
Yup, so I started off today thinking it was awful and no-good. Yet it turned out pretty okay though, all things considered!
I heard from Future Shop. I was seriously worried it would take ages for my laptop to be repaired -- well, after waiting on hold for a frickin' 20 minutes, I finally got the computer geek. They noted the display prob and think it has to do with my battery, for some reason. They took out the battery and ran it with only the cord powering it, and it didn't happen again. As of 5pm, he was pretty sure that was the problem. But, he'd like to keep it overnight for observation, just to be sure. I thought that was hilarious, my computer under "observation" like some sick patient. Maybe I thought it was so funny because I'm sleep-deprived and stressed. Or maybe I just have a strange sense of humor. Perhaps the latter.
Anyway, that problem allievated, my research advisor generously lent me a laptop! A much better one than mine, even. I thought that was really nice of him, but then considering he wants me to do another 30 hours of research grunt-work, I guess that may lessen his generosity a bit.
Bad news is that I can't use the "I-have-no-laptop-so-I-can't-work-on-my-paper" ploy. Holy foiled procrastination excuse, Batman!
Other items from the good-news dept.: My parents finally sold their house and bought another one in Virginia. It's much smaller than our old house, moving from a 1700 sq. ft. to a 900 something. From 3 bedrooms, 2 baths to 2 bedrooms, 1 bath. Part of me is still sad that they won't be in Savannah any longer, but I'm glad they're moving on and far away from the dregs and hypocrites that held them there for so long.
~~~~
Anyway, lately I've been getting fired up about my country. I've been thinking about what I posted a month or so ago, when I thought it was a good thing that my country invaded Iraq. I'm not too sure of that, now. For lots of reasons that I'm too worn-out to get to right now -- but here's some "light" reading and other evidence that has been pointing me in that direction:
From the Washington Post: An Answer? Out of the Question --
It was, perhaps, inevitable, and it happened late last week: The White House went completely incommunicado.
For two years, lawmakers, journalists and watchdog groups have complained that the Bush administration has been stingy with information on everything from energy policy to Iraq rebuilding. But the less-is-more communications approach reached its logical extreme in a pair of briefings in Texas on Thursday and Friday by deputy White House press secretary Claire Buchan. In an exchange of nearly 3,800 words, the spokeswoman managed not to answer about 75 questions.
When the matter is inconsequential, such as what the president is eating for dinner, the White House's determination not to answer the question is harmless, and often amusing. But it is indicative of something larger. In a study of communications in the Bush White House, to be published in the June issue of Presidential Studies Quarterly, academic Martha Joynt Kumar writes that the administration's intense control over information has the benefit of keeping the message simple and unified. But it also leaves presidential policies unexplained and White House responses inflexible.
It's worth answering the tiny survey before the article, in order to read the whole thing -- believe me. The article also states:
That trouble was clear in the briefing Friday, when Buchan was asked no fewer than 16 times about how North Korea's statement that it had begun reprocessing nuclear fuel would affect diplomacy. Buchan had only one talking point: "We're consulting with others; we're reviewing the facts." Again and again, the reporters inquired. Again and again, Buchan spoke of reviewing and consulting.
Muslims were upset that Franklin Graham, who had condemned Islam as evil, preached at the Pentagon last week. Now comes word that the White House held a private briefing for 141 evangelical Christian leaders March 27 to discuss the Iraq war and other subjects.
Those invited included Jerry Falwell, who apologized last year for calling the prophet Muhammad a "terrorist," and broadcaster Marlin Maddoux, who has proclaimed an "irrefutable connection" between Islam and terror. Also invited were the president of the Southern Baptist Convention, which is sending food to Iraq labeled "grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ," and Albert Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, who said Iraqis are "desperately in need of the gospel." Invited, too, was D. James Kennedy, whose ministry published an article calling Islam "one of the greatest challenges to Christianity."
Now that is troubling on many fronts. No matter what you believe, I've never thought it wise to mix politics and religion. While I may have a lot of respect for Billy Graham, I don't have much for his son -- especially regarding his ignorant statements following September 11. And don't even get me started on Falwell, of which I've had the "pleasure" of actually meeting.
It really, really bothers me with ignorant leaders of the Christian church stereotypically label and place acts of terror with Islam. It's like they can't separate the extremists from the pious. Um, don't fundamentalist Christians bomb abortion doctors, in acts of being "Pro-life?" -- yet you'll never hear someone from the West label Christianity as a religion of "terror". That's another rant altogether, though.
The other news item I heard recently regarding Bush: From N.Y. Times via Yahoo:
WASHINGTON, April 21 President Bush's advisers have drafted a re-election strategy built around staging the latest nominating convention in the party's history, allowing Mr. Bush to begin his formal campaign near the third anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks to enhance his fund-raising advantage, Republicans close to the White House say.
That is just wrong on so many levels.
Hmm. It would appear that I'm ranting. I think I'm going to stop before it gets too out-of-hand.
|
|
|
|
|
p.s. I've got a few more minutes to say this -- Happy Birthday today, Shakespeare!
Our revels now are ended. These our actors
As I foretold you were all spirits and
Are melted into air, into thin air;
And like the baseless fabric of this vision,
The cloud-capped tow'rs, the gorgeous palaces,
The solemn temples, the great globe itself,
Yea, all which it inherit, shall dissolve,
And, like this insubstantial pageant faded,
Leave not a rack behind. We are such stuff
As dreams are made on, and our little life
Is rounded with a sleep.
The Tempest IV,i,148-158.
|
|
|
|
|
Day officially a little better: I received an 86% (A) in my English grad class. He liked my paper!
|
|
|
|
|
Becky and the horrible, no good, very bad day. 
My laptop is in the shop -- if it needs a part, it could take up to 2 weeks just for the part to be shipped up here (hey, maybe it'll be fixed by the time I leave!). They probably won't be able to even look at it today. Why it decided to do this to me now is beyond me. I really need to start on my paper.
I emailed my research advisor and asked if he could give away 10-15 hours of the 35 I have left to do for him, especially since I don't have my computer. No can do. So, I have to fit another 30 hours of transcribing poetry in addition to my paper, without my own computer. He did offer to loan me a laptop -- maybe I'll take him up on it.
So right now, instead of working, I'm sitting in the student cafe, drinking Starbucks coffee. I'm meeting a bunch of fellow "rhetoric heads" for coffee in about 15 minutes. That'll cheer me up some. |
|
|
|
|
Do laptops have a timer to quit right when they're *most* needed?
Ugh. My laptop display is so screwed. I'm taking it to Future Shop today to get fixed -- here's hoping that it'll get fixed in time for my papers and work to be done.
Sigh.
|
|
|
|
|
"I'm crazy because I love you"
Okay, I may be in graduate school, and I may love watching and analyzing movies -- but my mind is still working over Divine Intervention. I had wanted to see it ever since I saw a preview for it when watching Bowling for Columbine. I was attracted to it mainly for the odd sequences it showed in the preview. It's hard to explain what I just watched for 90 minutes or so. Here's what one website said (and in more articulate terms than I could give):
Palestinian director and performer Elia Suleiman delivers a darkly comic masterpiece. Suleiman utilizes irreverence, wit, mysticism and insight to craft an intense, hallucinogenic and extremely adept exploration of the dreams and nightmares of Palestinians and Israelis living in uncertain times. 
Subtitled, "A Chronicle of Love and Pain," Divine Intervention follows ES, is a character played by and clearly based upon the filmmaker himself. ES is burdened with a sick father, a stalled screenplay and an unrequited love affair with a beautiful Palestinian woman (Manal Khader) living in Ramallah. An Israeli checkpoint on the Nazareth-Ramallah road forces the couple to rendezvous in an adjacent parking lot. Their relationship and the absurd situations around them serve as metaphors for the lunacy of larger cultural problems, and the result is palpable, bottled personal and political rage.
Suleiman's wry chronicle sketches his hometown of Nazareth as a place consumed by ferocious absurdity, where residents harbor feuds, dump garbage into neighbors' yards, and surreptitiously block access roads. Characters transgress rules with abandon - stealing forbidden cigarette breaks in a hospital corridor, for example. Yet the film's acerbic, absurdist sense of humor (earning comparisons to Jacques Tati and Nanni Moretti), in a situation where death seems to lurk at every corner, and Suleiman's own eye-popping directorial interventions, are what earned him the Grand Jury Prize at Cannes.
The guy pictured above is the main character -- and incidentally the writer and director of the film, as well. The longer the movie ran, the more I was attracted to him. He's got this patch of grey hair, right above his left eye. I've always thought those grey patches were cool (a la Bonnie Raitt). I just wished he would have talked at some point in the film. Most of the movie is highly symbolic -- almost to the point it's overwhelming.
But there are some very funny Middle-East Monty Python-esque moments in the film, and the girl love interest is absolutely beautiful. Her eyebrows and eyes were amazing.
I can't imagine what it's like to live in a country that's surrounded by checkpoints and tensions so strong that I'd be afraid to get on a bus or go to a cafe. The movie seemed to be romantic, hilarious, sad, introspective, and hopeful -- all wrapped up in one. I'm still sorting through some of the images and symbols projected at me.
So, overall -- I'm glad I went, though I don't feel very much smarter as result of sitting through it. I just keep thinking, "how strange." But, I guess I'm more "cultural" now. I have wanted to see more foreign films.
Other news: I rollerbladed to school this morning, and survived. I was initially worried about the traffic, but I should have been more worried about the road conditions. Rollerblades + gravel + rocks + big cracks in the road = not very much fun. I'm sure I gave the drivers passing by me some entertainment as I flailed on the gravel. Ah well. There's that and not to forget the lovely cow-patty smell that surrounds the University's outskirts.
But I still have this goofy grin, because it's SPRING!
|
|
|
|
|
A Work Of Artifice
Marge Piercy
The bonsai tree
in the attractive pot
could have grown eighty feet tall
on the side of a mountain
till split by lightning.
But a gardener
carefully pruned it.
It is nine inches high.
Every day as he
whittles back the branches
the gardener croons,
It is your nature
to be small and cozy,
domestic and weak;
how lucky, little tree,
to have a pot to grow in.
With living creatures
one must begin very early
to dwarf their growth:
the bound feet,
the crippled brain,
the hair in curlers,
the hands you
love to touch.
|
|
|
|
|
"Turn off the TV, turn on your life?"
Do you spend more time watching nature programs than experiencing the real thing?
More time laughing at TV jokes than joking around yourself?
More time watching TV sex than making love yourself?
Then there's something you're missing...
Television isn't real -- but the addiction is.
TV Turnoff Week April 21-27
I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book. -Groucho Marx
The remarkable thing about television is that it permits several million people to laugh at the same joke and still feel lonely. -T.S. Eliot
A whole week without TV? I can do that. Granted, means that I'll miss my American Idol and CSI and racing for the week, but there are definitely other things I could do with my time.
Now, if there ever was a "give up the Internet" for a week, then I might run into problems. But TV, no problem.
Will you give up TV for this week? |
|
|
|
|
Ha! No wonder I loved Holes so much. The author (and screenwriter) also wrote one of my very favorite books of fifth grade:
Sideways Stories from Wayside School
I must have read that book 5 times through, sitting in a corner of the Largo-Tibet Elementary School library. Yes, even though I'm 25 (and officially an "adult?") now, I find that very cool -- with a part of me wanting to curl up in my bed and read it again.
|
|
|
|
|
I had a great Easter.
I was afraid that it would be kind of a drag, especially being so far away from home -- I knew my parents were headed up to my sister's, and part of me really wished I could have come along, too.
I still had a great day, though. I went to go see the movie I mentioned earlier, Holes. It was a magical experience for me. Maybe it's because I'm such a huge movie fan -- some films just totally engage me. This was one of them. Yes, it's supposedly a "kids" movie -- but it was so good on many levels! I think one of the reasons I was so attracted to it was because it reminded me of when I was little, reading books that completely enraptured me. There is much to love in the film -- and you know they completely won me over when parts of "Annabel Lee" were quoted.
Here's some of what Ebert said about the film (giving it 3 and a half stars):
"Holes," which tells their story, is a movie so strange that it escapes entirely from the family genre and moves into fantasy. Like "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," it has fearsome depths and secrets. Based on the much-honored young adult's novel by Louis Sachar, it has been given the top-shelf treatment: The director is Andrew Davis ("The Fugitive") and the cast includes not only talented young stars but also weirdness from adults such as Jon Voight, Sigourney Weaver, Tim Blake Nelson and Patricia Arquette.
In a time when mainstream action is rigidly contained within formulas, maybe there's more freedom to be found in a young people's adventure. "Holes" jumps the rails, leaves all expectations behind, and tells a story that's not funny ha-ha but funny peculiar. I found it original and intriguing. It'll be a change after dumbed-down, one-level family stories, but a lot of kids in the upper grades will have read the book, and no doubt their younger brothers and sisters have had it explained to them. (If you doubt the novel's Harry Potter-like penetration into the youth culture, ask a seventh-grader who Armpit is.)
The whole movie generates a surprising conviction. No wonder young readers have embraced it so eagerly: It doesn't condescend, and it founds its story on recognizable human nature. There are all sorts of undercurrents, such as the edgy tension between the Warden and Mr. Sir, that add depth and intrigue; Voight and Weaver don't simply play caricatures.
Davis has always been a director with a strong visual sense, and the look of "Holes" has a noble, dusty loneliness. We feel we are actually in a limitless desert. The cinematographer, Stephen St. John, thinks big, and frames his shots for an epic feel that adds weight to the story. I walked in expecting a movie for thirteensomethings, and walked out feeling challenged and satisfied. Curious, how much more grown up and sophisticated "Holes" is than "Anger Management."
I left the film wanting to turn around and watch it again! And I probably will, if I can find someone else to go with me.
The rest of my day was spent with my surrogate Saskatoon family. I ate a huge Easter dinner and even got to sit at the adult table! I played outside with the nieces and neph, running around in my bare feet and soaking up the warm sun. It was a great day to be outside.
Now -- I'm mostly exhausted and a little pink-faced from being out in the sun for so long. Bed sounds like a good idea.
|
|
|
|
|
Interesting night tonight.
First off, they mentioned Savannah on the Sopranos. Not only that, but the actor that played the part of Samir on Office Space was one of the actors. Very cool, but alas, not nearly as funny.
When I walked out to the car tonight, I saw Northern lights! I was really excited, I've been hoping to catch some more before I head home for the summer. I was able to lay back on the trunk of the car and soak in the huge, huge sky of stars and swirling light. Yeah, it probably wasn't the most dramatic of natural phenomenon, but I really love it. I may go back outside in a little bit to see if they're still out there.
Looks like I'll be roommate-less for the rest of the weekend. I'm glad to have the place to myself, though it is just a little creepy.
Here's some of the latest search terms that helped people find my page:
grrrl
wash n slosh
procrastination
trading spaces andy dick
who got kicked off american idol tonight
is vern yip gay
The Rhetorical Situation Bitzer
BOWLING FOR COLUMBINE free research paper
Nothing like having quality posts that point people this way.
Peeps who smoke and drink: a case study on marshmallow candy gone bad. Intriguing, no?
Take out your frustrations by Poking the Bunny.
Happy Easter. |
|
|
|
|
I don't think I've ever enjoyed Spring so much!!
It's so totally beautiful outside right now. When I woke up this morning, my roommate had the porch door open, so the whole apartment smells like Spring. The sky is blue with puffy white clouds -- the effect of which only makes the sky seem all the more bigger. Sigh. I just want to take a blanket and go read by the River all day, letting the sun warm my face. I've never been so appreciative of being able to wear shorts and sandals!
I'm famous -- I'm finally listed in the infamous Mandarin Daily bloglist. Here's what she posted yesterday:
Becky is not "B-i-t-c-h-y"
We added Becky to the icon quilt. The name Becky makes us pay attention. We had a customer named Becky and the spell checker always wanted to change it.
Change Becky to bitchy?
Run the spell checker here. Good. This one knows that Becky is not bitchy.
Funny how accurate the spellchecker can be, no? :) Well, this Becky isn't bitchy, not on days like these.
So last night I started season 2 of the Sopranos. I wasn't that impressed, really. Definitely not like the episodes from the first season -- but hey, for 2.80, it's not that big of a deal.
Tonight I wanna go see a movie -- I'm thinking I'll watch the new film, Holes. I've read the first half of the book, and Roger Ebert in his review compared it with the likes of Willy Wonka.
Out driving today, a song came on that I must have sung thousands of times before, but for some reason -- I finally listened to the lyrics. I found them strangely applicable:
What's Up
4 Non-Blondes
Twenty-five years and my life is still
Trying to get up that great big hill of hope
For a destination
And I realized quickly when I knew I should
That the world was made up of this brotherhood of man
For whatever that means
And so I cry sometimes
When I'm lying in bed
Just to get it all out
What's in my head
And I am feeling a little peculiar
And so I wake in the morning
And I step outside
And I take a deep breath and I get real high
And I scream at the top of my lungs
What's going on?
And I say, hey hey hey hey
I said hey, what's going on?
and I try, oh my god do I try
I try all the time, in this institution
And I pray, oh my god do I pray
I pray every single day
For a revolution
And so I cry sometimes
When I'm lying in bed
Just to get it all out
What's in my head
And I am feeling a little peculiar
And so I wake in the morning
And I step outside
And I take a deep breath and I get real high
And I scream at the top of my lungs
What's going on?
And I say, hey hey hey hey
I said hey, what's going on?
Twenty-five years and my life is still
Trying to get up that great big hill of hope
For a destination
It's wild how you can hear a song for so long, without really hearing it.
Well, it's way too beautiful for me to stay here, I'm going back outside where I belong.
|
|
|
|
|
Yikes. I just got home from school and noticed that my neighbor's car window has been smashed out -- she parks right behind me. I don't know if it was like that before I left this morning or not.
Hmmm. What would Michael Moore say, if he knew crime really did take place in Canada?!
(makes me worried for my car now, too)
|
|
|
|
|
Thanks to an early-morning phone call (two hours time difference between here and East coast, dad), I'm awake and rearin' to go. It's SO GORGEOUS outside right now. Almost makes me wanna forget the other 360 days of weather treachery. Driving to school this morning made me want to take a long road trip, to anywhere, right now.
I just dropped off my paper. It's such a good feeling to have a project like that finally (and literally!) out of your hands.
Now all that's left for the term is a 15-20 pager on rhetoric in the classroom + designing a syllabus of my own choosing (I'm gonna do rhetoric and film I think). The end is in sight!
I had posted earlier last night that I had a pretty big announcement regarding my future here in Saskatchewan. After talking it over, with both myself and some close friends, I've decided that I'm gonna stick it out here and finish my MA. I sorta already laid out many of the reasons for me staying here in my post yesterday -- but ultimately the real reason for me to stay: I need to finish what I started. I think it would really stink to make it this far and not at least have a degree in hand -- I mean, why else should I endure a Saskatchewan winter, if I don't have at least *some* type of incentive!
I feel lots better about my situation now -- though I still have those nagging insecurities about being so far away, I know that this is the best decision. And sometimes what is best for us involves a harder choice.
I will be back in Savannah for the summer, though. I've got a really good summer job, NASCAR races, and a tan all waiting for me to return.
< | | | | | |
