So I'm sitting in the library, occasionally working on the FIFTEEN journal article reviews/course connections I have to do, and I am finding it impossible to concentrate. I am SO finished with this semester. I decided to study with a friend, and he has vowed to never study with me again, mainly because not only am I terribly unfocused, but I seem to ooze a contagious slacker vibe. Oops.
I am excited for this week to be over! After Thursday's paper, I'm only a take home final and an in class final away from Christmas break. Also, the end of this semester marks the 1/4 point of grad school. Thank freaking God.
I think I'm going to really settle in tonight and finish these journal reviews and perhaps study for my law exam tomorrow. I am in need of a serious scholastic rejuvenation. Any refocusing advice is welcomed!
Ok, I'm going to convince Michael to go get food so I will, perhaps, begin to focus a bit.
LOOOOOOOOOVE,
Suz
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Whirlwind
The year is coming to a close, and along with it, the semester (thank GOD). Stats is officially over (Dr. W went back to Kenya a couple of weeks early, allowing his students to end the semester early for that class!). Econ is the absolute worst and most painful thing in the world except, perhaps, being kicked in the teeth with track spikes. Next week is out last week of classes, and after next Friday at 9:30ish am, I will forget an economy even exists.
Moving on to the good stuff:
My friend from undergrad, Matt, is flying in on Thursday to spend the weekend! Bloomington is great, and I'm excited to show him around. It's no Frostburg, that's for sure; but nothing will ever compare to that tiny little mountain town. The Burg will always be one of my homes.
Jason, my baby brother (ok, he's not quite a baby--he's 21) is coming to live with me after the New Year! He's spending New Year's eve partying it up with me, and he's tagging along back to B-Town for a while. I'm excited to be able to keep an eye on him--that kid worries me sometimes!
My apartment is all Christmasyyyy! Mom got me a small tree and some ornaments. and it is decorated beautifully! I put little candy canes on it for an extra festive flare. Christmas carols have been playing nonstop in my apartments! I finally sat down and learned Night of Silence (youtube Silent Night/Night of Silence if you've never heard of it), and I will be practicing regularly until SPEA Christmas caroling on Wednesday. We're taking over the Salvation Army's job and manning the red kettles at Marsh Wednesday evening. If you're in the Bloomington area, come to Marsh to hear some wonderful (but perhaps slightly off key) Christmas carols and donate some cash!
The VITAL Christmas party was yesterday. I got suckered into singing "Feliz Navidad"--cheesy snaps and hip shakes included. Everyone knows I'm terrified to sing in front of people, but quickly get over it when I realize I have a captive audience. So sad, lol. Everyone won a door prize, and I picked up this book called Mind Games. It seems pretty interesting. I was also given a poinsettia...my least favorite flower. They bleed this white goo and i think it's gross and alien-like. Oh well, it's sitting next to my Christmas tree. I was told it was a tropical plant (then who the heck decided to make it the Christmas flower?), so I set it near the heater on the floor. I'll either kill it or I'll have the happiest poinsettia Christmas has ever seen. We'll see.
Ok, econ calls (I wish I could ignore the calls like I do every other guy who annoys me to the point of true disdain). I have a case analysis due Monday, ten journal article review due Wednesday, a law exam on Wednesday, and a case analysis for Public Managemet due Thursday. I hate school...
A very Christmasy, but cranky until next weekend, Suz
Moving on to the good stuff:
My friend from undergrad, Matt, is flying in on Thursday to spend the weekend! Bloomington is great, and I'm excited to show him around. It's no Frostburg, that's for sure; but nothing will ever compare to that tiny little mountain town. The Burg will always be one of my homes.
Jason, my baby brother (ok, he's not quite a baby--he's 21) is coming to live with me after the New Year! He's spending New Year's eve partying it up with me, and he's tagging along back to B-Town for a while. I'm excited to be able to keep an eye on him--that kid worries me sometimes!
My apartment is all Christmasyyyy! Mom got me a small tree and some ornaments. and it is decorated beautifully! I put little candy canes on it for an extra festive flare. Christmas carols have been playing nonstop in my apartments! I finally sat down and learned Night of Silence (youtube Silent Night/Night of Silence if you've never heard of it), and I will be practicing regularly until SPEA Christmas caroling on Wednesday. We're taking over the Salvation Army's job and manning the red kettles at Marsh Wednesday evening. If you're in the Bloomington area, come to Marsh to hear some wonderful (but perhaps slightly off key) Christmas carols and donate some cash!
The VITAL Christmas party was yesterday. I got suckered into singing "Feliz Navidad"--cheesy snaps and hip shakes included. Everyone knows I'm terrified to sing in front of people, but quickly get over it when I realize I have a captive audience. So sad, lol. Everyone won a door prize, and I picked up this book called Mind Games. It seems pretty interesting. I was also given a poinsettia...my least favorite flower. They bleed this white goo and i think it's gross and alien-like. Oh well, it's sitting next to my Christmas tree. I was told it was a tropical plant (then who the heck decided to make it the Christmas flower?), so I set it near the heater on the floor. I'll either kill it or I'll have the happiest poinsettia Christmas has ever seen. We'll see.
Ok, econ calls (I wish I could ignore the calls like I do every other guy who annoys me to the point of true disdain). I have a case analysis due Monday, ten journal article review due Wednesday, a law exam on Wednesday, and a case analysis for Public Managemet due Thursday. I hate school...
A very Christmasy, but cranky until next weekend, Suz
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Gaining Perspective
A friend of a friend of a friend (take a moment to construct the mental flow chart) killed himself last night.
I need to get a grip and gain some perspective.
I complain about school all the time (I understand the value of it, but it is one of the hardest and most emotionally challenging things I've ever gone through), and that young man decided that his life was so bad that not living was the best option.
I'm keeping this post short, shutting off the TV, and praying for that kid and his family.
Sad.
I need to get a grip and gain some perspective.
I complain about school all the time (I understand the value of it, but it is one of the hardest and most emotionally challenging things I've ever gone through), and that young man decided that his life was so bad that not living was the best option.
I'm keeping this post short, shutting off the TV, and praying for that kid and his family.
Sad.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Things That Make Me Happy
A brief list of things I love today:
Is it next semester yet?
SuzzyQ
- My new knee cap stabilizer strap. Oh, goodness it feels great.
- Election fever. It's so exciting! If only people were this excited about our government in non-election years.
- The library. Anyone can go, stay as long as they want (pretty much), and learn anything they want from a collection of the world's knowledge.
- Saved By the Bell reruns. I just love them.
- Apple cider. It's tangy, sweet, and freaking delicious. I'm drinking the last glass of the gallon. Yikes!
- $2 Tuesdays at Kilroy's. You can buy a cheeseburger (and such a delicious one) with a side of chips for $2. Pair that with the giant beer pitcher of water they give you, and you've got a meal for two for less that a value meal at McDonald's, and WAY yummier!
- Fall leaves. Rachael and I walked all around campus and downtown (quite a long walk) for a couple of hours today and took pictures of all the gorgeous leaves. We should have done that a week or so ago, but the colors are still beautiful.
- Intervention. It's a heart-wrenching TV show that makes me cry nearly every time, but to see the addicts so happy and finally clean makes my heart fill up to the point that I feel like I could burst.
- Sexy joggers. Anyone who knows me well knows that I go for the beefier sort of men; a little chub is just hot. But when I see a trim man with broad shoulders and flexing muscles glisten in the sun as he jogs by me...oh, yes...I do stare...yum.
- Kids. I just love 'em--all of them. They rock.
- Chase, Chanler, Chalsie, Anthony, Lucy, and Phoebe. Those baseball playing, Cub Scouting, imagination using, chubby cheeked, red haired, womb living little ones are the GREATEST kids in the universe.
- Giant sweatshirts. They just feel like a hug. Since I live alone, it's the only hug I regularly get, haha.
- My Aunt Laura. She and I have always been very close, and she's a second mom to me. She's amazing.
- My cousin, the rep...repub...oh, I just can't bring myself to say it (heehee)...voting for Barack Obama!
- Teaching. I've always loved to teach kids, and I'm really enjoying teaching adults. I must say that teaching kids is easier and more fun, but teaching adults is making me really think about how to communicate (I had a very serious conversation with a woman who knows perhaps 15 words of English), how to connect with people on a level other than words, and how to gain confidence in myself and help other find it in themselves, too.
- Halloween. I like to wear my tutu around the house all the time anyway, so it was nice to be able to wear it in public without people thinking I'm strange. yes, I do fake ballet around my apartment. it's quite a spectacle.
Is it next semester yet?
SuzzyQ
Monday, October 27, 2008
ESL Class Update
The library called...I now have 17 students enrolled. I have rarely felt this inadequate and ill prepared. Eff. Advice is welcomed.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Salvar al Mundo
Translation (according to some translation website I Googled): saving the world.
The VITAL (Volunteers in Tutoring Adult Learners) program at the library needed an ESL (English as a Second Language, for those who don't know) teacher for a class of ten(ish) adults who are native Spanish speakers. Classes are for two hours every Monday, and it's only for six weeks to start with. I'm not sure what level the learners are, so I'm a bit in the dark. I'm quite nervous. I can walk into a classroom full of kids from all sorts of backgrounds, with all sorts of problems, and rock it. I have no idea how to teach adults. I've been through some training, but it's never enough without real experience. I hardly feel like a real adult myself. Let's not even begin to consider the fact that they've probably had a life that's a hundred times more difficult than mine. Crap. I better get it together before tomorrow evening. :o\
I just spent three hours making worksheets and planning activities for the first class.
ANNNNND I have a midterm on Tuesday and one on Wednesday. SHOOT MEEEEEEE.
I don't want you to think I'm complaining about it...well...I am complaining, but I really want to do it. School this semester is really getting me down, and being able to teach and help other people, I get my spirit back. It helps remind me why I'm working my ass off right now. It may take up a little extra time and energy, but it's what's keeping me going right now.
I scheduled my classes for next semester, and they seem SO exciting! I'm taking:
Public Organizations
Intergovernmental System Management
Public Management and Contracting
The Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector
After I finish with Stats and Econ, I can finally get into coursework I enjoy. The first semester at SPEA is kind of like basic training and hazing all mixed into one. It sucks, but everyone goes through it, and we're all going through it together. It's quite a bonding experience.
*sigh* I need to get to sleep early tonight. I'm listening to Disney tunes like a weirdo, and singing loud enough for people two floors up to hear (whatever--they should just enjoy the free concert). I will leave you with a little taste of my Disney concert.
I can show you world
Shining, shimmering, splendid.
Tell me, Princess, now when did you last let your heart decide.
I can open your eyes
Take you wonder by wonder
Over, sideways, and under on a magic carpet ride
A WHOLE NEW WOOOOOOOOORLD
A new fantastic point of view
No one to tell us no
Or where to go
Or say we're only dreaming.
A WHOLE NEW WOOOOOOOOORLD
A dazzling place I never knew
But when I'm WAAAY up here,
It's crystal clear
That now I'm in a whole new world with youuuuuuuu.
Hope you enjoyed that as much as the person in Apt. 3C did. HAHA!
Goodnight!
Suzeriffic.
The VITAL (Volunteers in Tutoring Adult Learners) program at the library needed an ESL (English as a Second Language, for those who don't know) teacher for a class of ten(ish) adults who are native Spanish speakers. Classes are for two hours every Monday, and it's only for six weeks to start with. I'm not sure what level the learners are, so I'm a bit in the dark. I'm quite nervous. I can walk into a classroom full of kids from all sorts of backgrounds, with all sorts of problems, and rock it. I have no idea how to teach adults. I've been through some training, but it's never enough without real experience. I hardly feel like a real adult myself. Let's not even begin to consider the fact that they've probably had a life that's a hundred times more difficult than mine. Crap. I better get it together before tomorrow evening. :o\
I just spent three hours making worksheets and planning activities for the first class.
ANNNNND I have a midterm on Tuesday and one on Wednesday. SHOOT MEEEEEEE.
I don't want you to think I'm complaining about it...well...I am complaining, but I really want to do it. School this semester is really getting me down, and being able to teach and help other people, I get my spirit back. It helps remind me why I'm working my ass off right now. It may take up a little extra time and energy, but it's what's keeping me going right now.
I scheduled my classes for next semester, and they seem SO exciting! I'm taking:
Public Organizations
Intergovernmental System Management
Public Management and Contracting
The Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector
After I finish with Stats and Econ, I can finally get into coursework I enjoy. The first semester at SPEA is kind of like basic training and hazing all mixed into one. It sucks, but everyone goes through it, and we're all going through it together. It's quite a bonding experience.
*sigh* I need to get to sleep early tonight. I'm listening to Disney tunes like a weirdo, and singing loud enough for people two floors up to hear (whatever--they should just enjoy the free concert). I will leave you with a little taste of my Disney concert.
I can show you world
Shining, shimmering, splendid.
Tell me, Princess, now when did you last let your heart decide.
I can open your eyes
Take you wonder by wonder
Over, sideways, and under on a magic carpet ride
A WHOLE NEW WOOOOOOOOORLD
A new fantastic point of view
No one to tell us no
Or where to go
Or say we're only dreaming.
A WHOLE NEW WOOOOOOOOORLD
A dazzling place I never knew
But when I'm WAAAY up here,
It's crystal clear
That now I'm in a whole new world with youuuuuuuu.
Hope you enjoyed that as much as the person in Apt. 3C did. HAHA!
Goodnight!
Suzeriffic.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Culinary Mastermind/Domestic Goddess in Training
My life is filled with strong, beautiful domestic goddesses. Between my grandmothers, my mother, and Laura, I have a lot of people to seek advice and wisdom from, and a lot to live up to! Women, be proud: I made my first crock pot meal. Yes, it's a bit "Honey, I'm home," Mrs. Cleaver, whitewash the fence, but I am very proud of myself.
In case you'd like to know my not-so-secret, but oh-so-yummy chili recipe, here it is:
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
1 can white corn*
1 can black beans*
1 can chili beans*
2 cans fire roasted tomatoes* (I love tomatoes. Feel free to use 1 can)
*pour all the juices in the crock pot
hot sauce
cilantro (add a few minutes before serving)
cayenne pepper
pepper
Old Bay (This is the spice that gives the chili a unique and freaking delicious flavor)
Regarding the spices, add however much you like. I have an iron tongue and LIVE for cayenne pepper, and I just cook for myself, so i use a few tablespoons of it.
I created this throw together recipe because this was all I had in my poor grad student pantry. I encourage you to add all sorts of things. If it's gross, you're out 56cents (I get my Koger canned veggies on sale!), and you've eliminated one more ingredient from you PERFECT chili recipe. Why stick with what your great grandmother/grandmother/mother made? Learn from their wisdom, be bold, and create your own culinary adventure! OH! It's like the Choose Your Own Adventure book othe kitchen. Oh, I feel a new recipe book concept forming... :o)
I'm in a much better mood than last post, by the way. I took my Econ quiz (ehh...we'll see how that went), and I'm going to pretend I don't have a Public Management midterm on Tuesday and a Stats midterm on Wednesday until AFTER I hang out at Yogi's the Speons tonight. I think that after a few minipitchers of Killian's, I will feel much better about spending my weekend canoodling with my textbooks.
Well, I'm wrapping up. I am quite skuzzy, and a shower is next on the agenda.
Miss and love you all!
Suz
In case you'd like to know my not-so-secret, but oh-so-yummy chili recipe, here it is:
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
1 can white corn*
1 can black beans*
1 can chili beans*
2 cans fire roasted tomatoes* (I love tomatoes. Feel free to use 1 can)
*pour all the juices in the crock pot
hot sauce
cilantro (add a few minutes before serving)
cayenne pepper
pepper
Old Bay (This is the spice that gives the chili a unique and freaking delicious flavor)
Regarding the spices, add however much you like. I have an iron tongue and LIVE for cayenne pepper, and I just cook for myself, so i use a few tablespoons of it.
I created this throw together recipe because this was all I had in my poor grad student pantry. I encourage you to add all sorts of things. If it's gross, you're out 56cents (I get my Koger canned veggies on sale!), and you've eliminated one more ingredient from you PERFECT chili recipe. Why stick with what your great grandmother/grandmother/mother made? Learn from their wisdom, be bold, and create your own culinary adventure! OH! It's like the Choose Your Own Adventure book othe kitchen. Oh, I feel a new recipe book concept forming... :o)
I'm in a much better mood than last post, by the way. I took my Econ quiz (ehh...we'll see how that went), and I'm going to pretend I don't have a Public Management midterm on Tuesday and a Stats midterm on Wednesday until AFTER I hang out at Yogi's the Speons tonight. I think that after a few minipitchers of Killian's, I will feel much better about spending my weekend canoodling with my textbooks.
Well, I'm wrapping up. I am quite skuzzy, and a shower is next on the agenda.
Miss and love you all!
Suz
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Discouraged
I hate life right now.
Let me correct myself: I have my life regarding all things mathematical. Stats and Econ have not only taken over nearly every waking thought, but have destroyed my morale to the point that I sometimes reconsider whether I will survive this semester. I know things will be MUCH better next semester when I'm enrolled in classes which are in my concentrations and I will actually enjoy. Right now, I'm getting buy on a smile and a prayer. I HATE anything mathematical. Shoot me.
I'm going back to studying for my econ quiz tomorrow. I am beginning to hate life.
All I want for Christmas is an easier schedule...and, if anyone who wants to buy me a Christmas present is reading, I also want gift cards to Express or money for rent. Those would be nice, too.
:o( Cheer ups are welcomed.
Let me correct myself: I have my life regarding all things mathematical. Stats and Econ have not only taken over nearly every waking thought, but have destroyed my morale to the point that I sometimes reconsider whether I will survive this semester. I know things will be MUCH better next semester when I'm enrolled in classes which are in my concentrations and I will actually enjoy. Right now, I'm getting buy on a smile and a prayer. I HATE anything mathematical. Shoot me.
I'm going back to studying for my econ quiz tomorrow. I am beginning to hate life.
All I want for Christmas is an easier schedule...and, if anyone who wants to buy me a Christmas present is reading, I also want gift cards to Express or money for rent. Those would be nice, too.
:o( Cheer ups are welcomed.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
United Way Video
DUM dum dum DUM dum dum DUMMMMMMM (the presentation song...)
The 2008 United Way Campaign Video is finished, and yours truly is on there!
Check it out!
They used mostly Cyril's words, because he is just a fabulous orator, but I'm still on there! I never realized how droopy my eyelids are, lol.
Anyway, enjoy the video, donate, volunteer, etc.
This is how I live united!
Suzzy
The 2008 United Way Campaign Video is finished, and yours truly is on there!
Check it out!
They used mostly Cyril's words, because he is just a fabulous orator, but I'm still on there! I never realized how droopy my eyelids are, lol.
Anyway, enjoy the video, donate, volunteer, etc.
This is how I live united!
Suzzy
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Grad School...So Far
I LOVE grad school. Ok, I haven't actually started classes yet, but the socializing part is fantastic. :o) I was forced into math camp, this awful 5-day refresher course on everything I never wanted to know about math. Math camp helped a little, but I am certainly not where I should be after 17 years of schooling--I thought an asymptote was a new type of handbag. I have made several friends, including one pretty good one named Rachael. She Facebooked me in the spring because we were both going to SPEA, and we had been talking ever since. It turns out that she lives half a block away from me! We walk to school together every morning, which is very first grade. I love it. I have met a couple of 2nd year students, and they are full of essential knowledge and great advice. The professor I am a GA for, Dr. Gronbjerg, is the name in nonprofit research in the world. I plan to work my ass off for her. I believe in her project (making a searchable, comprehensive database of Indiana nonprofits, their growth, progress, and needs), and a reference from her pretty much makes my resume dipped in gold.
On another note, I also LOVE my apartment. It's not too big to feel empty and lonely, but it's not too small that I feel cramped. It's a little...um...well, it's a good starter apartment. The maintenance guy is very nice, and he comes within a couple of hours of an online request. After a full week of math camp, napping, and consuming a bottle of wine nearly every night (Rachael and I are winos), my apartment has thrown up on itself. I have shoes in the living room, dirty dishes in the sink, and I haven't made my bed in four days. I will be cleaning today.
If anyone would like to donate to the "Suz can barely afford rent until her refund check comes through in three weeks" fund, it would be greatly appreciated. Honestly, I can pay bills, but I really want to experience B-town these first couple of weeks. I'm hoping to wear low-cut shirts and smile at some young undergrads so they will buy me drinks. It may sound mildly trashy, but c'mon...I'm being financially responsible, utilizing my strengths, and honing a skill which will only be available to me for the next 5 years or so. ;o)
Ok, I'm going to pop in a movie and get scrubbing on this place...it's driving me NUTS!
Love you all, and don't forget to call or write!
Suz
On another note, I also LOVE my apartment. It's not too big to feel empty and lonely, but it's not too small that I feel cramped. It's a little...um...well, it's a good starter apartment. The maintenance guy is very nice, and he comes within a couple of hours of an online request. After a full week of math camp, napping, and consuming a bottle of wine nearly every night (Rachael and I are winos), my apartment has thrown up on itself. I have shoes in the living room, dirty dishes in the sink, and I haven't made my bed in four days. I will be cleaning today.
If anyone would like to donate to the "Suz can barely afford rent until her refund check comes through in three weeks" fund, it would be greatly appreciated. Honestly, I can pay bills, but I really want to experience B-town these first couple of weeks. I'm hoping to wear low-cut shirts and smile at some young undergrads so they will buy me drinks. It may sound mildly trashy, but c'mon...I'm being financially responsible, utilizing my strengths, and honing a skill which will only be available to me for the next 5 years or so. ;o)
Ok, I'm going to pop in a movie and get scrubbing on this place...it's driving me NUTS!
Love you all, and don't forget to call or write!
Suz
Thursday, August 7, 2008
The Blogging Hiatus is OVER!
I move into my new big girl apartment (by myself...yikes!) tomorrow, so the no blogging streak can finally end. Hooray! I like to take the summers off from blogging, mostly because I want to be with friends and family much more than sit in front of a computer. Bleh.
So, my step-brother, Mike, married Jenny, this tiny little blond thing who is quite possibly the most adorable woman I've ever seen. She's as sweet as pie. The wedding was in a botanical garden, and only had about 50 people (I'm terrible at estimations, but I think it around that number). It was the most beautiful wedding I've ever been to. It makes me want to have a small wedding! I brought Bradton, one of my very good friend with whom I work, and we had a blast. He caught the garter and I caught the bouquet...that was the source of much amusement for my family. Sorry fam, he's just a friend! The motel we stayed at was...an adventure. Oh gosh...it deserves its own paragraph.
The Ashley Motel is...um...sort of like a brothel and a crack den mixed together with a toothless, racist staff, dirty bathtubs, no air conditioning (dirty fans graciously provided), and seedy neighbors who told Bradton to "get that" and complimented me on my "badonk." Yes. Quality folks. I think think there was a meth lab on one side of us and heroin-addicted ex-convicts on the other. I feared for my life, and feared for Bradton's even more (he's Black, and according to the nice bartender at Applebee's, the Ashley motel is known for its less-than-open-minded owners and guests.) Jeez. We left at 7am. I had to ring the doorbell of the house next door, nearly get attacked by a schnauzer, and inhale enough cigarette smoke to cause emphysema for the entire county population just to drop the key off. I said "thank you" and she said "yeah *COUGH COUGH HAAAACK COUGH COUGH* ok." I think I did 85 out of the parking lot and continued until we hit Richmond and rewarded ourselves for surviving with pancakes at IHOP.
I lost my digital camera (I think it was stolen at Freedom Schools nationals, actually), and so I have no pictures of the wedding, Freedom Schools this year, or my new apartment. I think I'm going to use some of my student loans refund to buy a new one. Ugh, I don't want to have to do that. Crap. Everything is moved out to the garage, with the exception of my computer and one load of laundry. Hooray! Any advice or helpful hints about anything related to living on my own are greatly appreciated. Leave some comments.
I spent the past few days at the Cookes' in the 'Burg. It was delightful! Lucy seemed to remember me right away, which was a relief. Laura and I picked up right where we left off, and I think we began driving Andrew nuts again within the first few hours. :o) I also got to see Carlie, another friend from school, which was very nice. It sometimes just takes one post-school visit to solidify a friendship for life. You just have to put in that extra effort to say "yes, I want to continue this friendship after college"--at least I hope that's all it really takes. Mr. Bill, a professor who has always been my mentor and, that last semester, my savior with a mercy B so I could keep my 3.5 GPA, took some time out of his busier-than-God schedule to hang out and chat with me. He always has such great words of wisdom for me.
I need to finish up a bit of laundry, head to the bank, and do a few other last minute things, so I'll say goodbye for now. Since this is a public blog, I won't post my new address here, but comment that you want it, with your email address, and I will send it to you!
Lots of love,
Suz
So, my step-brother, Mike, married Jenny, this tiny little blond thing who is quite possibly the most adorable woman I've ever seen. She's as sweet as pie. The wedding was in a botanical garden, and only had about 50 people (I'm terrible at estimations, but I think it around that number). It was the most beautiful wedding I've ever been to. It makes me want to have a small wedding! I brought Bradton, one of my very good friend with whom I work, and we had a blast. He caught the garter and I caught the bouquet...that was the source of much amusement for my family. Sorry fam, he's just a friend! The motel we stayed at was...an adventure. Oh gosh...it deserves its own paragraph.
The Ashley Motel is...um...sort of like a brothel and a crack den mixed together with a toothless, racist staff, dirty bathtubs, no air conditioning (dirty fans graciously provided), and seedy neighbors who told Bradton to "get that" and complimented me on my "badonk." Yes. Quality folks. I think think there was a meth lab on one side of us and heroin-addicted ex-convicts on the other. I feared for my life, and feared for Bradton's even more (he's Black, and according to the nice bartender at Applebee's, the Ashley motel is known for its less-than-open-minded owners and guests.) Jeez. We left at 7am. I had to ring the doorbell of the house next door, nearly get attacked by a schnauzer, and inhale enough cigarette smoke to cause emphysema for the entire county population just to drop the key off. I said "thank you" and she said "yeah *COUGH COUGH HAAAACK COUGH COUGH* ok." I think I did 85 out of the parking lot and continued until we hit Richmond and rewarded ourselves for surviving with pancakes at IHOP.
I lost my digital camera (I think it was stolen at Freedom Schools nationals, actually), and so I have no pictures of the wedding, Freedom Schools this year, or my new apartment. I think I'm going to use some of my student loans refund to buy a new one. Ugh, I don't want to have to do that. Crap. Everything is moved out to the garage, with the exception of my computer and one load of laundry. Hooray! Any advice or helpful hints about anything related to living on my own are greatly appreciated. Leave some comments.
I spent the past few days at the Cookes' in the 'Burg. It was delightful! Lucy seemed to remember me right away, which was a relief. Laura and I picked up right where we left off, and I think we began driving Andrew nuts again within the first few hours. :o) I also got to see Carlie, another friend from school, which was very nice. It sometimes just takes one post-school visit to solidify a friendship for life. You just have to put in that extra effort to say "yes, I want to continue this friendship after college"--at least I hope that's all it really takes. Mr. Bill, a professor who has always been my mentor and, that last semester, my savior with a mercy B so I could keep my 3.5 GPA, took some time out of his busier-than-God schedule to hang out and chat with me. He always has such great words of wisdom for me.
I need to finish up a bit of laundry, head to the bank, and do a few other last minute things, so I'll say goodbye for now. Since this is a public blog, I won't post my new address here, but comment that you want it, with your email address, and I will send it to you!
Lots of love,
Suz
Monday, May 26, 2008
mini update
Graduation went well. It was boring, as expected, but wasn't as long as I had anticipated. I got the babysitting job for a darling three year old named Glenn. She's jut adorable, and oh-so-smart! It should be tons of fun. It's only on Saturdays, so it'll be just enough for some extra cash through the week, but not enough to constitute complaining about having two jobs.
Freedom Schools officially starts for servant-leaders tomorrow. We have pre-training for a couple of hours, which isn't really a big deal. Lots of paperwork and scheduling of classes (child abuse prevention/recognition, first aid, cpr/aed, communicable diseases, etc.). I leave for Tennessee on Sunday, which should be just as fun and exhausting as last year. Spending a week with coworkers (we even live together during that week) in a high-stress environment can really break a person down. Our days are usually from 7:30am to 11pm, and I set aside one night to go out on the town with my friend, Andi, whom I met at the Idealist conference I went to last year. She lives just a few minutes from the University of Tennessee, so she's picks me up and we go have some fun!
I have tried to call the Cookes for a few days now. I haven't heard back--I hope everything's ok. If you're reading this, Laura, give me a call!
My graduation party went well--it was a blast, and if you weren't there, you missed out! I got lots of money, which is exactly what I need being on such a tight budget next year (groceries might not have to be considered a "luxury expense" afterall!)
I won't be blogging very much this summer because the computer here is just...*sigh*...so just check back every couple of weeks and you shouldn't have too much to catch up on.
I have lots and lots of thank you cards to write, so I'm going to get on that.
Love,
The Suz.
Freedom Schools officially starts for servant-leaders tomorrow. We have pre-training for a couple of hours, which isn't really a big deal. Lots of paperwork and scheduling of classes (child abuse prevention/recognition, first aid, cpr/aed, communicable diseases, etc.). I leave for Tennessee on Sunday, which should be just as fun and exhausting as last year. Spending a week with coworkers (we even live together during that week) in a high-stress environment can really break a person down. Our days are usually from 7:30am to 11pm, and I set aside one night to go out on the town with my friend, Andi, whom I met at the Idealist conference I went to last year. She lives just a few minutes from the University of Tennessee, so she's picks me up and we go have some fun!
I have tried to call the Cookes for a few days now. I haven't heard back--I hope everything's ok. If you're reading this, Laura, give me a call!
My graduation party went well--it was a blast, and if you weren't there, you missed out! I got lots of money, which is exactly what I need being on such a tight budget next year (groceries might not have to be considered a "luxury expense" afterall!)
I won't be blogging very much this summer because the computer here is just...*sigh*...so just check back every couple of weeks and you shouldn't have too much to catch up on.
I have lots and lots of thank you cards to write, so I'm going to get on that.
Love,
The Suz.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Tribute to the Cookes
I graduate in six days. I have come to terms with leaving undergrad and my friends, but I have yet to be able to handle the thought of leaving my Frostburg family, the Cookes. This post is dedicated to them.
Andrew was my boss in Westminster Hall, where I was a Resident Assistant last year. He was the best boss I have ever had, and one of the best friends I have ever had, too. He made sure to give me the freedom to be the kind of RA I wanted to be, but never hesitated to say "Suuuuuz," purse his lips, tilt his head to the side, and give me that look of you know what you need to do, so you better do it. Andrew has always supported me. He has revised my resumes, bought me food when I had none, driven me home when I was too drunk to stumble three blocks, and given me advice on everything from school to dating. I have had so much fun scheming with him about events and presents for Laura. I love the giddy, sneaky look he gets when he frantically waves me into a corner of the apartment, says, "Alright, Suz... " (or occasionally, "Listen, Gus..."), and tells me about his latest genius plan to show Laura how much he loves her. Andrew is the greatest man I've ever known, and is the standard against whom I will compare every other man I ever meet. I am so lucky to call him a friend.
Laura is truly my best friend. I am so lucky to have a couple of those. Laura is my best friend, sister, mother, partner in crime, teacher, counselor, comedienne, and source of most things wonderful in my life. I can't believe I haven't even know her for two years. She has become such an integral part of my life. Laura always supports me when I'm right, always tells me when I'm wrong, and always helps me consider all sides of an issue when neither of us are sure what to do. Before I took my GRE, and had resigned to a painful failure, she promised to make me an "eat away your pain" dinner of my favorite foods. When I surprised myself and did well on the GRE, she changed the name to "Suz's celebratory dinner." When I got into grad school, she squealed like a preteen at a Hannah Montana concert, and made me another congratulatory dinner. We always work together as a team to tackle things which would be too much for one person to handle. When she has to clean the apartment (and perhaps keep a shred of sanity), I hang out with Lucy for a few hours and explore Frostburg. When she had five bajillion cookies to decorate for Nina's baby shower, we piped and piped and piped until our muscles ached. When I was so stressed out about school and relationships and everything else in the world, she told me a funny story...then poured me several glasses of wine. Laura makes me laugh constantly. She bathes my entire world in sunshine. Laura and I communicate via eye contact and secret words (hey Laura: "touche" hahahaha). I make time each day to sexually harass her; she loves it. A booty grab a day keeps a friendship strong. She is my role model. She is my example of a strong, faithful, family-oriented woman, and I'm not sure she realizes how amazing she is, despite how often I tell her. I hope I can be half as great as she is one day.
LuGoose is my niece. I am absolutely nuts about her. I love to scream and blow raspberries with her, especially when it drives her Mama crazy. I love to feed her crunchies, yogurt drops, puffs and other strange, crispy toddler foods (and steal a few for myself). I love to help her learn. I love to hear "Lucy, whoooo's here?" before Laura opens the door and see Lucy scream with delight and immediately launch herself into my arms. I love when she carries my shoes to me. I love to give her those very small, auntly things which Mama just can't allow her to do for fear of creating a routine: playing with my cell phone (and usually calling people or sending texts which say: "7#xj555#"), screaming very loudly for no reason at all, feeding me squishy pieces of slobber-soaked dinner, and learning new words which Mama hopes she will soon forget (like "whack" as in "Mama is whack"). I do NOT love changing poopy diapers, wrestling her into sleepers, cleaning up after the Hiroshima of cold spaghettios and shredded cheese that is left in her highchair, not being able to console her after a fall (that is something that only Mama can do), and saying "goodbye". I do, however, love being able to do all of those things, no matter how much I may complain about them. Putting that wiggly little ball of cuteness into a sleeper is like wrestling a greased piglet into a tube sock, but I love to blow in her face and eat her feet to make her giggly and still for just a few seconds (enough time to get an arm in).
The Cookes are so wonderful. I know we will be very close friends for the rest of our lives. It hurts so much to know that, after this week, I won't be able to walk to the Cookes' for dinner, a movie, baked goods, and drinks.
To Andrew, Laura, and Lucy, I love you. I will miss you more than Britney Spears misses sobriety, class, and fame. Touche, Douches. xoxo
Andrew was my boss in Westminster Hall, where I was a Resident Assistant last year. He was the best boss I have ever had, and one of the best friends I have ever had, too. He made sure to give me the freedom to be the kind of RA I wanted to be, but never hesitated to say "Suuuuuz," purse his lips, tilt his head to the side, and give me that look of you know what you need to do, so you better do it. Andrew has always supported me. He has revised my resumes, bought me food when I had none, driven me home when I was too drunk to stumble three blocks, and given me advice on everything from school to dating. I have had so much fun scheming with him about events and presents for Laura. I love the giddy, sneaky look he gets when he frantically waves me into a corner of the apartment, says, "Alright, Suz... " (or occasionally, "Listen, Gus..."), and tells me about his latest genius plan to show Laura how much he loves her. Andrew is the greatest man I've ever known, and is the standard against whom I will compare every other man I ever meet. I am so lucky to call him a friend.
Laura is truly my best friend. I am so lucky to have a couple of those. Laura is my best friend, sister, mother, partner in crime, teacher, counselor, comedienne, and source of most things wonderful in my life. I can't believe I haven't even know her for two years. She has become such an integral part of my life. Laura always supports me when I'm right, always tells me when I'm wrong, and always helps me consider all sides of an issue when neither of us are sure what to do. Before I took my GRE, and had resigned to a painful failure, she promised to make me an "eat away your pain" dinner of my favorite foods. When I surprised myself and did well on the GRE, she changed the name to "Suz's celebratory dinner." When I got into grad school, she squealed like a preteen at a Hannah Montana concert, and made me another congratulatory dinner. We always work together as a team to tackle things which would be too much for one person to handle. When she has to clean the apartment (and perhaps keep a shred of sanity), I hang out with Lucy for a few hours and explore Frostburg. When she had five bajillion cookies to decorate for Nina's baby shower, we piped and piped and piped until our muscles ached. When I was so stressed out about school and relationships and everything else in the world, she told me a funny story...then poured me several glasses of wine. Laura makes me laugh constantly. She bathes my entire world in sunshine. Laura and I communicate via eye contact and secret words (hey Laura: "touche" hahahaha). I make time each day to sexually harass her; she loves it. A booty grab a day keeps a friendship strong. She is my role model. She is my example of a strong, faithful, family-oriented woman, and I'm not sure she realizes how amazing she is, despite how often I tell her. I hope I can be half as great as she is one day.
LuGoose is my niece. I am absolutely nuts about her. I love to scream and blow raspberries with her, especially when it drives her Mama crazy. I love to feed her crunchies, yogurt drops, puffs and other strange, crispy toddler foods (and steal a few for myself). I love to help her learn. I love to hear "Lucy, whoooo's here?" before Laura opens the door and see Lucy scream with delight and immediately launch herself into my arms. I love when she carries my shoes to me. I love to give her those very small, auntly things which Mama just can't allow her to do for fear of creating a routine: playing with my cell phone (and usually calling people or sending texts which say: "7#xj555#"), screaming very loudly for no reason at all, feeding me squishy pieces of slobber-soaked dinner, and learning new words which Mama hopes she will soon forget (like "whack" as in "Mama is whack"). I do NOT love changing poopy diapers, wrestling her into sleepers, cleaning up after the Hiroshima of cold spaghettios and shredded cheese that is left in her highchair, not being able to console her after a fall (that is something that only Mama can do), and saying "goodbye". I do, however, love being able to do all of those things, no matter how much I may complain about them. Putting that wiggly little ball of cuteness into a sleeper is like wrestling a greased piglet into a tube sock, but I love to blow in her face and eat her feet to make her giggly and still for just a few seconds (enough time to get an arm in).
The Cookes are so wonderful. I know we will be very close friends for the rest of our lives. It hurts so much to know that, after this week, I won't be able to walk to the Cookes' for dinner, a movie, baked goods, and drinks.To Andrew, Laura, and Lucy, I love you. I will miss you more than Britney Spears misses sobriety, class, and fame. Touche, Douches. xoxo
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Cult Love
Graduation is approaching quickly. Yikes. I'm still freaked out about losing my entire social life and comfort zone, but I feel much better because....
I GOT INTO GRAD SCHOOL!
I will be starting my Master of Public Affairs degree this fall at Indiana University in Bloomington. I will duel concentrate in Nonprofit Management and Policy Analysis. I am STOKED! I'm trying to find a place to live and come to terms with taking out more loans than I can imagine.
On another note, I went on a field trip with my Sociology of Religion class on Friday. We went to Hillsboro, Virginia to visit the Twelve Tribes community. Google them. We all had a blast! They're a religion that combines Christianity, Judaism, and the 1960s hippie movement. They seemed liberal at first, but after speaking with them, I decided that they are ultra-conservative. The grow all their own food and are certified organic to sell their surpluses to others. They sang and danced, and we really got into it. It was a group of loving, accepting people. Many of us were nearly ready to convert after just a few hours with them! Of course, our professor was terrified that we'd get caught up in it all and insisted we couldn't convert that same day, haha. After researching them more, I am convinced they really are a cult. Many of the distinctions of a cult are part of the TT, and I didn't really see it until I got back home. I can see how so many people join cults. It's a group of wonderful people who all seem so happy. I'm glad that I have the strength to see the group for what it is; so many people don't.
Of course, I fell madly and completely in love with a 23-year old member named Chaiyim (or Kiam, which is the easier spelling/pronunciation). I'm sure I'm being silly, but we really connected. He told me half of his life story, which was certainly interesting being raised in a cult...er, community. He was born in a community (there are several around the world), and his family left when he was 15. I didn't ask why because he was on a roll, but I really wonder. He came back to the TT when he was 22. After speaking with me for a while he smiled and said "you wouldn't like it here." When I asked why, he said, "because everyone here is angry and disillusioned with the outside world." I guess I have too much faith in humanity. We talked about religion, politics, past relationships, philosophy, and social reform. *sigh* Wow, he's so...wow. He hugged me, walked me back to the car, hugged me again, and made me promise to email him and come back to visit. I'm going to try to go back in the summer. I'm on a mission to show him that the outside world still has hope, and that God is still present outside of the TT. I emailed him yesterday and am still waiting on his reply. I'm not sure how much internet time he gets there. We'll see how this goes.
On a much lighter (or, heehee, darker) note, I'm going tanning and re-dying my hair this week so that I'm gorgeous for graduation! My hair lightened up so much after I dyed it that I want it to have time to lighten up just a couple of shades before the big day.
Ok, those are really the only big news stories I have for you since the last update (which I understand was forever ago...sorrrrrry!). Momma called today and asked when I was going to update. I've been quite busy, but also a little lazy (oops!).
Until next time (which, let's be honest, will probably be in a couple of weeks),
Suzanne (which is what Kiam prefers to call me. *swoooooon* heehee)
I GOT INTO GRAD SCHOOL!
I will be starting my Master of Public Affairs degree this fall at Indiana University in Bloomington. I will duel concentrate in Nonprofit Management and Policy Analysis. I am STOKED! I'm trying to find a place to live and come to terms with taking out more loans than I can imagine.
On another note, I went on a field trip with my Sociology of Religion class on Friday. We went to Hillsboro, Virginia to visit the Twelve Tribes community. Google them. We all had a blast! They're a religion that combines Christianity, Judaism, and the 1960s hippie movement. They seemed liberal at first, but after speaking with them, I decided that they are ultra-conservative. The grow all their own food and are certified organic to sell their surpluses to others. They sang and danced, and we really got into it. It was a group of loving, accepting people. Many of us were nearly ready to convert after just a few hours with them! Of course, our professor was terrified that we'd get caught up in it all and insisted we couldn't convert that same day, haha. After researching them more, I am convinced they really are a cult. Many of the distinctions of a cult are part of the TT, and I didn't really see it until I got back home. I can see how so many people join cults. It's a group of wonderful people who all seem so happy. I'm glad that I have the strength to see the group for what it is; so many people don't.
Of course, I fell madly and completely in love with a 23-year old member named Chaiyim (or Kiam, which is the easier spelling/pronunciation). I'm sure I'm being silly, but we really connected. He told me half of his life story, which was certainly interesting being raised in a cult...er, community. He was born in a community (there are several around the world), and his family left when he was 15. I didn't ask why because he was on a roll, but I really wonder. He came back to the TT when he was 22. After speaking with me for a while he smiled and said "you wouldn't like it here." When I asked why, he said, "because everyone here is angry and disillusioned with the outside world." I guess I have too much faith in humanity. We talked about religion, politics, past relationships, philosophy, and social reform. *sigh* Wow, he's so...wow. He hugged me, walked me back to the car, hugged me again, and made me promise to email him and come back to visit. I'm going to try to go back in the summer. I'm on a mission to show him that the outside world still has hope, and that God is still present outside of the TT. I emailed him yesterday and am still waiting on his reply. I'm not sure how much internet time he gets there. We'll see how this goes.
On a much lighter (or, heehee, darker) note, I'm going tanning and re-dying my hair this week so that I'm gorgeous for graduation! My hair lightened up so much after I dyed it that I want it to have time to lighten up just a couple of shades before the big day.
Ok, those are really the only big news stories I have for you since the last update (which I understand was forever ago...sorrrrrry!). Momma called today and asked when I was going to update. I've been quite busy, but also a little lazy (oops!).
Until next time (which, let's be honest, will probably be in a couple of weeks),
Suzanne (which is what Kiam prefers to call me. *swoooooon* heehee)
Friday, March 7, 2008
All Sorts of Things
I am no longer a blonde. I was absolutely terrified (especially after Xander, the hair-god extraordinaire said he was also very nervous), but it turned out beautifully! It's starting to lighten up now, so I bought the darker Brilliant Brunette. I hope it gets me back to the original color! I feel like I was born to be a brunette. It changes people's perceptions of me from ditzy to witty. Finally these bitches understand how much I freaking rock! Sheesh! :o)
I have also decided that I like my messy room. I always say I will clean it, but I never really want to. It's sloppy and cluttered and very lived-in. I keep the rest of the house quite clean, but I enjoy my small space of personal disorder.
I found out that Indiana University is ranked #1 in the nation for their Nonprofit Management master's degree program and is half the cost of Case Western. I told Mom, she freaked out, and now she's over it. I swear, that woman would handle me being an unwed mother with a raging meth addiction a lot better than me choosing to improve my life unexpectedly (my grad school decision wasn't unexpected in the slightest, she just never really expected me to follow through. Note to Momma: I will eventually get my PhD...start to prepare now so that you don't have a heart attack later when I remind you, haha). I have a visit to Case during the first part of spring break and a visit to IU the second part. I'm so exciteddddd! Luckily, a couple of the wonderful men in my life support my codependency and are accompanying me on both visits. Ivani will go with me to Case (and even attending a 2 hour Nonprofit Finance class on his spring break - what a trooper!), and Michael will go with me to IU (he needs to attend a class - all this co-op every other semester in school crap is so unfair!). I love them sooooo much! They're the absolute best. Those 2 guys, along with Mr. Andrew Cooke, are the 3 greatest men I've ever known. Good folks.
Miss Donna, my old boss from Freedom Schools, called me the other day. She wants me to return this summer! WOO HOOOOO! If you haven't had the pleasure (or misfortune, perhaps lol) of listening to me go on and on and on about how amazing FS is, let me enlighten you on my feelings: FS is the absolute best program in the entire world. I suggest everyone research it. Click here to see the site. You'll love it. I also got my FS swimsuit (must be a one-piece). It is fantastic! It's navy blue and is cut exactly like a 1950s bombshell pinup girl suit. H-O-T! It also has the added benefit of serious fat-sucker-inners, big-booby-boosters, and chubby-hip-slimmers. Excellent. I'll be looking hot and classy while chasing 40 elementary schoolers in 100 degree weather.
I also have an insane amount of work to do for next week. I'm scared to even begin. Yikes.
I love you all!
Suzmeister.
I have also decided that I like my messy room. I always say I will clean it, but I never really want to. It's sloppy and cluttered and very lived-in. I keep the rest of the house quite clean, but I enjoy my small space of personal disorder.
I found out that Indiana University is ranked #1 in the nation for their Nonprofit Management master's degree program and is half the cost of Case Western. I told Mom, she freaked out, and now she's over it. I swear, that woman would handle me being an unwed mother with a raging meth addiction a lot better than me choosing to improve my life unexpectedly (my grad school decision wasn't unexpected in the slightest, she just never really expected me to follow through. Note to Momma: I will eventually get my PhD...start to prepare now so that you don't have a heart attack later when I remind you, haha). I have a visit to Case during the first part of spring break and a visit to IU the second part. I'm so exciteddddd! Luckily, a couple of the wonderful men in my life support my codependency and are accompanying me on both visits. Ivani will go with me to Case (and even attending a 2 hour Nonprofit Finance class on his spring break - what a trooper!), and Michael will go with me to IU (he needs to attend a class - all this co-op every other semester in school crap is so unfair!). I love them sooooo much! They're the absolute best. Those 2 guys, along with Mr. Andrew Cooke, are the 3 greatest men I've ever known. Good folks.
Miss Donna, my old boss from Freedom Schools, called me the other day. She wants me to return this summer! WOO HOOOOO! If you haven't had the pleasure (or misfortune, perhaps lol) of listening to me go on and on and on about how amazing FS is, let me enlighten you on my feelings: FS is the absolute best program in the entire world. I suggest everyone research it. Click here to see the site. You'll love it. I also got my FS swimsuit (must be a one-piece). It is fantastic! It's navy blue and is cut exactly like a 1950s bombshell pinup girl suit. H-O-T! It also has the added benefit of serious fat-sucker-inners, big-booby-boosters, and chubby-hip-slimmers. Excellent. I'll be looking hot and classy while chasing 40 elementary schoolers in 100 degree weather.
I also have an insane amount of work to do for next week. I'm scared to even begin. Yikes.
I love you all!
Suzmeister.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Growth Through Courage
I attended Take Back the Night last night. It is a worldwide event that began in the 1800s as a way for women (and men) to stand up and say that they will not tolerate violence and that they will not live in a world that forces them to be afraid at night, especially of sexual violence. It's amazing, really.
An open mic night was held after the march across campus. One young woman read a piece of prose she wrote about the realness and strength of women. Considering the V-day movement is mostly about sexual violence, I decided to read a piece of prose I wrote about my past that really encapsulated my feelings. It was called "I Am a Healthy, Well-Adjusted Adult," and it was about my survival and not letting my past define me or hold me back. I introduced myself and told my story; it was the first time I had told it publicly. I said that my talking about it was important because victims of insect often feel ashamed, just as I still do many times, but it is so common that it needs to be discussed.
I began crying as soon as I looked at the audience, but I kept going. I was terrified, but I kept talking. I thought I was going to throw up and die, but I kept reading. It was probably the scariest thing I've ever done in my life...but I kept going. I looked out at the audience when I gathered enough courage to see the horrified faces, but I didn't see that at all. I saw strangers and friends crying with me. I saw my professors crying; that was strange. I cried and they cried. We were all getting through it together, and I had a line of hugs when I finished. It was a healing experience I never thought I needed. I am so proud of myself, and so many other people told me they were proud of me, too. A man gave the V-Day girls an extra $5 for a donation to the Family Crisis Resource Center (the center to which all the proceeds of V-Day and the Vagina Monologues went) because he could finally put a real face to a real problem. It was a phenomenal experience, and I will remember it for the rest of my life. I thank God for giving me that strength I didn't think I had in me. I wish you could have been there.
Love,
Suz
An open mic night was held after the march across campus. One young woman read a piece of prose she wrote about the realness and strength of women. Considering the V-day movement is mostly about sexual violence, I decided to read a piece of prose I wrote about my past that really encapsulated my feelings. It was called "I Am a Healthy, Well-Adjusted Adult," and it was about my survival and not letting my past define me or hold me back. I introduced myself and told my story; it was the first time I had told it publicly. I said that my talking about it was important because victims of insect often feel ashamed, just as I still do many times, but it is so common that it needs to be discussed.
I began crying as soon as I looked at the audience, but I kept going. I was terrified, but I kept talking. I thought I was going to throw up and die, but I kept reading. It was probably the scariest thing I've ever done in my life...but I kept going. I looked out at the audience when I gathered enough courage to see the horrified faces, but I didn't see that at all. I saw strangers and friends crying with me. I saw my professors crying; that was strange. I cried and they cried. We were all getting through it together, and I had a line of hugs when I finished. It was a healing experience I never thought I needed. I am so proud of myself, and so many other people told me they were proud of me, too. A man gave the V-Day girls an extra $5 for a donation to the Family Crisis Resource Center (the center to which all the proceeds of V-Day and the Vagina Monologues went) because he could finally put a real face to a real problem. It was a phenomenal experience, and I will remember it for the rest of my life. I thank God for giving me that strength I didn't think I had in me. I wish you could have been there.
Love,
Suz
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Triumph!
I am on a save-the-world high. I must brag.
There was an awful, slanderous blog that took Frostburg by storm. Titled "Frostburg Dirt," it posted all sorts of untrue and personal things about various FSU students. That hideous pink blog was on every computer screen all day in the SGA office, and it drove me nuts. Some of the things that it said was just cruel. Not only was it the worst display of 7th grade lunch table gossipy BULLcrap, it was all written by an anonymous author.
In a recent post, the author said "Ok, people, let me know if you don't want the site - I'll take it down!"
Well, people were talknig about how dumb it was, but no one has the bollocks to post a comment and say so. I did. I wrote a very polite, but to-the-point, comment telling the author how cowardly and immature he/she was being, nd that I did not want the site to exist any longer.
HOOOOOOOLY COW, it WORKED! Less than 5 minutes later, the blog was taken down. I feel fantastic that I was the only person to stand up and voice my opinion, without a curtain of anonymity, and I was listened to!
I just had to brag that I stood up for something that I believed in and action was taken to better the Frostburg community. It might be back up tomorrow with even worse postings (and probably about me), but for now...I feel triumphant!
There was an awful, slanderous blog that took Frostburg by storm. Titled "Frostburg Dirt," it posted all sorts of untrue and personal things about various FSU students. That hideous pink blog was on every computer screen all day in the SGA office, and it drove me nuts. Some of the things that it said was just cruel. Not only was it the worst display of 7th grade lunch table gossipy BULLcrap, it was all written by an anonymous author.
In a recent post, the author said "Ok, people, let me know if you don't want the site - I'll take it down!"
Well, people were talknig about how dumb it was, but no one has the bollocks to post a comment and say so. I did. I wrote a very polite, but to-the-point, comment telling the author how cowardly and immature he/she was being, nd that I did not want the site to exist any longer.
HOOOOOOOLY COW, it WORKED! Less than 5 minutes later, the blog was taken down. I feel fantastic that I was the only person to stand up and voice my opinion, without a curtain of anonymity, and I was listened to!
I just had to brag that I stood up for something that I believed in and action was taken to better the Frostburg community. It might be back up tomorrow with even worse postings (and probably about me), but for now...I feel triumphant!
Sunday, January 27, 2008
The Crocodile, er...Job Hunter
Crikey!
Resumes, cover letters and writing samples, oh my! I am applying my little (at least considerably smaller, thanks to the gym) tushy off. I am exhausted! I spend my evenings searching through the internet jungle of job postings. I thought this would be easier. When I found my internship, I opened the yellow pages, found a place I wanted to work, called them up, and POOF! I had an internship (which was pretty amazing, I must say). When an organization is going to pay me for my services, they aren't quite as enthusiastic. If everyone wants at least 3-5 years of experience, what are recent grads supposed to do? Does Best Buy count as nonprofit development experience? Psh. At this point, I might have to suck it up and work there for a while after graduation. I only get a 6-month grace period on these student loans. I think it's silly that the only places willing to hire recent graduates are the predatory employers who are looking to farm out bitchwork. They don't want intelligent, educated, qualified people to make a difference, they want bodies to hand out flyers or shove petitions in people's faces on the street corners - NOT for me, thanks. I'm not putting bitchwork down. I understand that I will certainly do my fair share of copying and coffee-fetching for the first year or so. But I also expect to do important work and build my knowledge and experience. The worst job ad for "adventurous recent graduates!!!!" that I saw was for a fellowship promoting social justice in India. I almost applied, until I decided to look at their website. It didn't exist. I'm sure it was some awful ploys to get young, naive college girls to fly out to India, preparing to save the world, only to be shoved into a crate upon arrival and farmed out as sex slaves to Russian businessmen. It's scary to think how many people didn't look at the website first. I, for one, will not be trafficked, thank you very much. Plus, I hate Indian food.
On another note, my roomies are home, and it's a nice change from the silence. We had a bajillion people over last night and they all got trashed and we played poker. I drank my Horizon organic milk, for your information. I'm not drinking until I have enough money to buy it for myself. I've been mooching beer from too many people for too long now. Until I have a sufficient bank account again (10 cents, what?! haha), I will be sticking to good ol' H2O.
Classes start tomorrow, and I am not happy. I thought I would be, after being in school for the past 17 years, but I am certainly not. I LOVE school. It comes very easily to me, and I love that I can learn so many new and exciting things every single day. I love SGA and the other activities I'm involved in. I love being able to stop by a former professor's office just to sit and chat for a few minutes. I love spotting Freshmen (around campus, they constantly scan the area for anyone they know and walk too fast - at parties, they're sloppy-drunk with shirts that show everything God gave them. Freshman spotting really is a sport.). I love circling all the mistakes in the school paper with the other senators and talking about it loudly enough that they can hear me in school paper office across the hall. I love being able to go to class in my pajamas at noon. I love sitting around at 3am on a Tuesday, laughing hysterically with friends, knowing I have a 9:00am class that will be hell to walk through the 2 feet of snow to. I love sitting in the SGA office, laughing way too loud and having way-too-heated discussions about pretty much anything. I just...love this place. I hope I'm ready to leave in the next 3 1/2 months. :o[
Until next time, loyal readers,
Suzalicious
Resumes, cover letters and writing samples, oh my! I am applying my little (at least considerably smaller, thanks to the gym) tushy off. I am exhausted! I spend my evenings searching through the internet jungle of job postings. I thought this would be easier. When I found my internship, I opened the yellow pages, found a place I wanted to work, called them up, and POOF! I had an internship (which was pretty amazing, I must say). When an organization is going to pay me for my services, they aren't quite as enthusiastic. If everyone wants at least 3-5 years of experience, what are recent grads supposed to do? Does Best Buy count as nonprofit development experience? Psh. At this point, I might have to suck it up and work there for a while after graduation. I only get a 6-month grace period on these student loans. I think it's silly that the only places willing to hire recent graduates are the predatory employers who are looking to farm out bitchwork. They don't want intelligent, educated, qualified people to make a difference, they want bodies to hand out flyers or shove petitions in people's faces on the street corners - NOT for me, thanks. I'm not putting bitchwork down. I understand that I will certainly do my fair share of copying and coffee-fetching for the first year or so. But I also expect to do important work and build my knowledge and experience. The worst job ad for "adventurous recent graduates!!!!" that I saw was for a fellowship promoting social justice in India. I almost applied, until I decided to look at their website. It didn't exist. I'm sure it was some awful ploys to get young, naive college girls to fly out to India, preparing to save the world, only to be shoved into a crate upon arrival and farmed out as sex slaves to Russian businessmen. It's scary to think how many people didn't look at the website first. I, for one, will not be trafficked, thank you very much. Plus, I hate Indian food.
On another note, my roomies are home, and it's a nice change from the silence. We had a bajillion people over last night and they all got trashed and we played poker. I drank my Horizon organic milk, for your information. I'm not drinking until I have enough money to buy it for myself. I've been mooching beer from too many people for too long now. Until I have a sufficient bank account again (10 cents, what?! haha), I will be sticking to good ol' H2O.
Classes start tomorrow, and I am not happy. I thought I would be, after being in school for the past 17 years, but I am certainly not. I LOVE school. It comes very easily to me, and I love that I can learn so many new and exciting things every single day. I love SGA and the other activities I'm involved in. I love being able to stop by a former professor's office just to sit and chat for a few minutes. I love spotting Freshmen (around campus, they constantly scan the area for anyone they know and walk too fast - at parties, they're sloppy-drunk with shirts that show everything God gave them. Freshman spotting really is a sport.). I love circling all the mistakes in the school paper with the other senators and talking about it loudly enough that they can hear me in school paper office across the hall. I love being able to go to class in my pajamas at noon. I love sitting around at 3am on a Tuesday, laughing hysterically with friends, knowing I have a 9:00am class that will be hell to walk through the 2 feet of snow to. I love sitting in the SGA office, laughing way too loud and having way-too-heated discussions about pretty much anything. I just...love this place. I hope I'm ready to leave in the next 3 1/2 months. :o[
Until next time, loyal readers,
Suzalicious
Friday, January 18, 2008
The Big Girl World is Lame
I have been alone in this house for weeks now. I dread the day when I have my very own place and this being alone thing becomes permanent. It is really no fun to cook for just one and to pace around with nothing to do! What the hell will life be like when I'm not surrounded by friends all day long? I spend various parts of my day in classes, and the rest is spent hanging out with a raucous group of amazing people in the SGA office. In the evenings, I hang out with the Cookes (dear God, let's not get started on what I will do when I can't just walk over to their place whenever I'm bored) or enjoy some quiet Suz time in my room at home. My goodness, I can't wait for school to start again so I can restart my routine! I just don't know what people do when they're "real" adults. They work and go home. Maybe they go out on weekends, but sheesh, who do they watch American Idol with? What do they do with all the leftovers inevitably created by cooking for one? Gosh, this is scary; especially since I've been job searching and finding next to nothing in the Dayton area. What will I do if I have to move to some location where I know no one, and work in a place with mostly older people (like 60% of nonprofit employees are Baby Boomers)? Ugh, it's a frightening thought. I've never had to find friends before. Through school, I've always been surrounded by hundreds of people my age. Oh well, it's silly to whine about it now.
I wonder how many of you readers received my Barack Obama rebuttal email? I was sick of that total made up crap about a presidential candidate, so I made my own thruthful email about him. I don't want to be misunderstood here: I am a Barack Obama supporter; however, had I gotten a similar email about presidential candidate, Democrat, Republican or Independent, I would have done the same research and sent out a very similar email. Let's face it: Americans are L-A-Z-Y folks. I shudder to think of how many people read that email and took it for truth without doing any research. I'm not going to get too preachy, but hey...it is my blog, haha! Just please research your candidates. If you're a registered member of a party, please research candidates of both parties. Although voting straight-ticket is a reliable way to vote if you're just concerned with basic principles and ideas, it's a good idea to check out who is running, what they stand for, what they have done and will do, and who they support. Remember that you're voting for many more people that just the president - think of how many people are appointed after a new president is in office! Try to watch news reports from at least 3 different news channels. They're all biased in some way. Although I am madly in love with Keith Olbermann, he is VERY liberal, and I understand that his spin on the news is not entirely reliable. Consequentially, I suffer through Jim Lehrer's boring ass and Lou Dobbs, who is possibly the whiniest man on television, haha.
Ok, I'm beginning to annoy myself with all this preaching.
Love and respect,
Political Reverend Suz
I wonder how many of you readers received my Barack Obama rebuttal email? I was sick of that total made up crap about a presidential candidate, so I made my own thruthful email about him. I don't want to be misunderstood here: I am a Barack Obama supporter; however, had I gotten a similar email about presidential candidate, Democrat, Republican or Independent, I would have done the same research and sent out a very similar email. Let's face it: Americans are L-A-Z-Y folks. I shudder to think of how many people read that email and took it for truth without doing any research. I'm not going to get too preachy, but hey...it is my blog, haha! Just please research your candidates. If you're a registered member of a party, please research candidates of both parties. Although voting straight-ticket is a reliable way to vote if you're just concerned with basic principles and ideas, it's a good idea to check out who is running, what they stand for, what they have done and will do, and who they support. Remember that you're voting for many more people that just the president - think of how many people are appointed after a new president is in office! Try to watch news reports from at least 3 different news channels. They're all biased in some way. Although I am madly in love with Keith Olbermann, he is VERY liberal, and I understand that his spin on the news is not entirely reliable. Consequentially, I suffer through Jim Lehrer's boring ass and Lou Dobbs, who is possibly the whiniest man on television, haha.
Ok, I'm beginning to annoy myself with all this preaching.
Love and respect,
Political Reverend Suz
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Intersession
Intersession might just be the most boring time of my life. NO ONE is in Frostburg. I have NO money. I am running very low on every food item (except Ramen, which doesn't even count as food), and have no way to get to the grocery store. I have cleaned the entire house, and now I'm so bored that I'm cleaning it all again. I've watched every episode of America's Next Top Model. I've started to watch Doogie Howser reruns online. I went to bed at 7pm the other day because I had NOTHING else to do. My brain is MELTINGGGG.
The Cookes come back Monday (sheesh, not soon enough! I miss them!), and Nate should get here Wednesday-ish. I'm just trying to keep myself as occupied as possible until then. Laura's Christmas gift has STILL not come in the mail, and I'm beginning to think I got ebay scammed. If so, I will be livid. The lady said 10-20 days (it's coming from China), and it's only been a week, haha. I'm just impatient. My cousin, Michael, is moving into my house (Dayton, not Frostburg) in a week or so, and I'm very upset. I think he should give up his fancy-pants co-op job (future shmuture) and come hang out with me in the Burg. He'd hate it, but I miss him, and it's not fair that my parents get to hang out with him and I don't!
I'm so crabby this morning, I'm sorry. I just really need some money and some transportation. I need human contact (not in the touchy touchy way, guttermind, I just need someone to talk to face-to-face)!
*sigh*
Oh, fun news! Due to financial and romantic hardships, my very good friend, Abby, and I have decided to become lesbians, move to Massachusetts (yay for legal gay marriage!), get married, and raise Isabelle (her daughter) together. We will have a very nice pride flag displayed on our front porch. I'll let you know when the housewarming party is. Bring snacks; wine will be provided. Lol...we are so frustrated with being poor and being surrounded by idiotic men.
I'm going to make lunch...ravioli...MMMMM...ugh. :o(
Gus (for Andrew)
The Cookes come back Monday (sheesh, not soon enough! I miss them!), and Nate should get here Wednesday-ish. I'm just trying to keep myself as occupied as possible until then. Laura's Christmas gift has STILL not come in the mail, and I'm beginning to think I got ebay scammed. If so, I will be livid. The lady said 10-20 days (it's coming from China), and it's only been a week, haha. I'm just impatient. My cousin, Michael, is moving into my house (Dayton, not Frostburg) in a week or so, and I'm very upset. I think he should give up his fancy-pants co-op job (future shmuture) and come hang out with me in the Burg. He'd hate it, but I miss him, and it's not fair that my parents get to hang out with him and I don't!
I'm so crabby this morning, I'm sorry. I just really need some money and some transportation. I need human contact (not in the touchy touchy way, guttermind, I just need someone to talk to face-to-face)!
*sigh*
Oh, fun news! Due to financial and romantic hardships, my very good friend, Abby, and I have decided to become lesbians, move to Massachusetts (yay for legal gay marriage!), get married, and raise Isabelle (her daughter) together. We will have a very nice pride flag displayed on our front porch. I'll let you know when the housewarming party is. Bring snacks; wine will be provided. Lol...we are so frustrated with being poor and being surrounded by idiotic men.
I'm going to make lunch...ravioli...MMMMM...ugh. :o(
Gus (for Andrew)
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